I stopped by my local record store over the weekend and while shuffling through the F bin and Aretha Franklin records, I saw an album cover that was new to me. I assumed it was an Aretha album but noticed it said Carolyn Franklin instead. Huh? I flipped it over and there was Aretha’s father … Continue reading Carolyn Franklin
Man, this song sounds familiar. That was my first thought after listening to this LP by the Williams Brothers that I found last weekend while record shopping. Wait. I remember now. But wait another minute, where else have I heard that song? Of course… So, here seems to the be timeline that I can piece … Continue reading He Didn’t Have To Do It – Sam & Dave?
I’m still in an Aretha Franklin rabbit hole after watching Amazing Grace. It’s funny how the universe will bring more of what you’re interested in just at the right time. Today, driving into the office, I heard Aretha’s Rock Steady on the radio. I’ve also been in a huge Prince rabbit hole so when I … Continue reading Rock Steady
Last night, while driving home from work, I heard Don Covay’s Mercy Mercy on Sirius’ Underground Garage. The show was hosted by legendary Lenny Kaye who explained that the guitar lick you hear in this song is by none other than Jimi Hendrix! Recorded in 1964, this would have been three years before Hendrix released Are … Continue reading Have Mercy
At the record show this weekend I bought two crates full of 45s from a friend who just wanted to unload them. I paid $20 for over 400 singles and two crates. I figured even if the 45s were junk, the crates were perfect for storing my LPs at home. Who knows, maybe I’ll find … Continue reading Why Can’t We Live Together
While listening to Sam & Dave’s classic hit song, Soul Man, it occurred to me that when they yell, “Play it, Steve!”, they are most likely referring to Steve Cropper. Last year, I picked up Steve Cropper’s album, With A Little Help From My Friends, released by Stax/Volt Records in 1969. It’s a great instrumental … Continue reading Play It, Steve
Most love songs are about the excitement that comes from that first moment of falling in love with someone. Unfortunately, those songs are often followed by songs of heartache when things don’t go right. What about a song for those of us in long term relationships? A song for the two people who have been … Continue reading I’m Not Tired
TGIF. Above is a funky Friday jam for you to play loud today. I discovered Kenny Smith after finding a 45 of him singing Keep On Walkin’ Baby. From there, I had to hear more and found his album, One More Day, which led me to this track, Go For Your Self. The drummer in … Continue reading Go For Your Self
Aaron Hartley 