Lee Fields and the Expressions "Ladies" My World (Truth & Soul)
Excellent throwback soul with the classic vocalist Lee Fields. This is one of those fun '70s renditions that kills with charming lyrics.
El Michels Affair "Walk On By" Truth & Soul Presents A Tribute to Isaac Hayes (Truth & Soul)
This re-creation of the classic soul cover, performed by Isaac Hayes, is a perfect example of why I love dark soul music. Excellent recording job with some lovely organ percussion.
Ennio Morricone "L’Attico Illuminato" Il Gatto: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Cinevox)
It is well documented that American soul expanded the thresholds of contemporary music and influenced composers around the world. Classically trained European composers, such as Ennio Morricone, loved the sound of soul and synthesized this compositional style with his music. Ennio Morricone is by far one of my favorite composers.
David Axelrod "The Human Abstract" Live at the Royal Festival Hall (Light in the Attic)
The music of Axelrod exhibits the true definition of sophisticated melancholy soul. When you hear Axelrod, you hear a sound that is germane to tracks produced by DJ Shadow and Portishead. This live rendition shows that the old man still has flavor and tons of soul.
Cookin’ On 3 Burners "The Proving Grounds" Soul Messin (Freestyle Records)
There are those times when I hear a song like “The Proving Grounds” and become envious that I didn’t make it first. This is because dark instrumental soul is my niche. This is a great instrumental that tells a story without words. I’m jealous.
East of Underground "(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go" East of Underground (Wax Poetics Records)
David Hollander, good friend and music supervisor for Black Dynamite, provided me with a copy of the East of Underground CD. He explained that this group was a cover band that played during the Vietnam War. I was excited to listen to this album; however, I am a huge Curtis Mayfield fan, and when I discovered that this group covered Mayfield’s “If There’s a Hell Below,” I didn’t even want to hear it. To my surprise, when I heard the track, I was blown away. The drums on this track alone make the song worth hearing; rumor has it that the drummer actually played with James Brown. The live vocal rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s tape echoed voice is insane: “We’re all gonna go, go, go, go, go, go!”
Goblin "Profondo Rosso" Profondo Rosso (Cinevox)
This is a great song for vintage synth nerds like myself. The synth style is that of the latter '70s. If you appreciate hearing organs with hip-hop drums and funky bass, take a listen.
Viguen "Dele Divaneh" Mahtab (Caltex)
Persian breaks with corny flutes and monophonic synth riffs. This is one of those songs where you repeat the intro over and over for ultimate satisfaction
Raw Soul Express "Dedicate All My Love" Raw Soul Express (Henry Stone Music)
I truly believe that some of the best music ever produced are the slow songs of the '70s. These groups were dead serious when they confessed their love. The feeling these songs captured are golden: they exhibit real love and passion. Also, back then, you could be a male R&B group and still have street credibility! What happened to these times?
Deep Throat "La La La" Deep Throat Anthology (Light in the Attic)
I have a great affinity for old porn music. This music oozes soul with salaciousness. Sophisticated sexual composition is not easy to accomplish. Recording style is a must and the White-girl voice could make or break the recording.
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