Go Go Power - Sugar Pie DeSanto

Go Go Power: The Complete Chess Singles 1961-1966 by Sugar Pie DeSanto (2009)


Today is the 5 year anniversary of my father passing away. (and I'm in NYC to see my friend Christina's play, "Bandage", at FightFest at the Brick Theater. No moping here!) In his honor, I wanted to share an album by an amazing, joyous, soulful lady from the bay area: something he surely would have enjoyed.

Favorites: "In The Basement" (ft. Etta James) - Until I heard this album, I had never realized she sang this - one of my favorite soul songs!
"Use What You Got" "Can't Let You Go" "Soulful Dress"


check her out! She may be an old lady but she is GETTIN' IT!


and a bonus video, because she's that amazing. A tiny lady with a HUGE voice.

I Learned The Hard Way - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

I Learned The Hard Way by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (2010)


I've already mentioned these guys. They still got it!

Favorites: "Money" "She Ain't A Child No More" "If You Call"

Back To Oakland - Tower of Power

Back to Oakland by Tower of Power (1974)

Gotta love the Oakland funk & soul!

Least Favorite: "Below Us All The City Lights"

Favorite: "I Got The Chop" "Man From The Past"

Dap-Dippin' With... - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Dap-Dippin' With... - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (2002)

Debut album from this Brooklyn-based funk group that has since gained a lot of popularity on the festival circuit playing smoking sets at venues like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Langerado and Coachella.

Favorite: "The Dap Dip" "Casella Walk" "Got To Be The Way It Is"

Together - George & Gwen McCrae

Together by George & Gwen McCrae (1976)

Some classic soul from Miami.

Favorite: "The Rub"
sampled by The Coup for "Fat Cats & Bigger Fish" & I think the popular monthly Brooklyn party hosted by DJ Ayres is named after it.

'70s Soul Sessions - Various Artists

'70s Soul Sessions (2004)
Just as the title suggests, a collection of some classic soul from the '70s. As cheesy as the cover may be, there are some real gems here.

A few highlights:
Bobby Womack - "Across 110th Street"
(especially appropriate after watching "American Gangster" last night.)
Gil Scott Heron - "The Bottle"
Billy Paul - "Me & Mrs. Jones"
Curtis Mayfield - "So In Love"
Freda Payne - "Band Of Gold"
(great song made almost unlistenable by "American Idol")
The Skullsnaps - "I'm Your Pimp"
The Staple Singers - "Let's Do It Again"
Isaac Hayes - "Never Can Say Goodbye"
Millie Jackson - "Hurts So Good"
The Meters - "Hand Clappin' Song"
The Impressions - "First Impressions"
The O'Jays - "Backstabbers"

Favorite: Ike & Tina Turner "Come Together"
a cover of The Beatles song, every bit as good as the original.



Ike & Tina Turner - "Come Together"