What are you listening to? August 2018

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Green Day - Dookie (1994)

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Going back to that era myself.

The Presidents Of The United States Of America - S/T (1995)
 
Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul (1968)

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I guess it's kind of sad that the best we can do when a great musical artist dies is play some of their music, but, really, it's a great testament to their art and contributions to our lives. Aretha was both an important artist and a great artist. When the greats in soul are mentioned, Sam Cooke, Al Green, Otis, and Stevie among other names come up. That list is sadly sparse on women's name, but Aretha's there along with the guys at the top.

I've never done a chronological survey of Aretha as I have done with so many artists perhaps because by the time she hit it big in 1967 with I Never Loved A Man (which hit #2 but was her first Top 40 album) she had already released 10 prior albums, all lesser known and not really successful. But then BANG! there she was with a #2 album and she remained hot for the next 10 years dipping down in popularity only to have a bump in the 80s.

Gonna play some random albums from her peak today starting with my fave of hers.
R.I.P. Lady Soul
 
Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul (1968)

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I guess it's kind of sad that the best we can do when a great musical artist dies is play some of their music, but, really, it's a great testament to their art and contributions to our lives. Aretha was both an important artist and a great artist. When the greats in soul are mentioned, Sam Cooke, Al Green, Otis, and Stevie among other names come up. That list is sadly sparse on women's name, but Aretha's there along with the guys at the top.

I've never done a chronological survey of Aretha as I have done with so many artists perhaps because by the time she hit it big in 1967 with I Never Loved A Man (which hit #2 but was her first Top 40 album) she had already released 10 prior albums, all lesser known and not really successful. But then BANG! there she was with a #2 album and she remained hot for the next 10 years dipping down in popularity only to have a bump in the 80s.

Gonna play some random albums from her peak today starting with my fave of hers.
R.I.P. Lady Soul

What else do you think you should do? Her family and close friends will take care of honoring her as a loved one. We the public don't have any attachment to her except for her music. So that's where we should put our tribute.

She spent her life building this legacy of music. Wouldn't you like to know that whatever you did all your life would be enjoyed by the masses for years and years after you left the earth? So I think enjoying that music is the best gift we can give her and the best way to honor her passing.
 
What else do you think you should do? Her family and close friends will take care of honoring her as a loved one. We the public don't have any attachment to her except for her music. So that's where we should put our tribute.

She spent her life building this legacy of music. Wouldn't you like to know that whatever you did all your life would be enjoyed by the masses for years and years after you left the earth? So I think enjoying that music is the best gift we can give her and the best way to honor her passing.

I entirely agree. I meant initially, it seems like an superficial gesture but in reality, I think it's really the best thing an entertainer would want.
 
Aretha Franklin - This Girl's In Love With You (1970)

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After 4 top 10 albums in 1967 and 1968, Aretha would never again have a Top 10 album on the main U.S. album charts (on the R&B charts, she would consistently rule the roost throughout her lives). Her two albums from 1970 (both of which I'll play today) are wonderful though. Spirit in the Night is the better (and better known album), but This Girl's In Love With You has such an interesting group of songs including two Beatles covers, "Eleanor Rigby" (which hit #11) and "Let It Be".
Interestingly, per Wiki, "Her version of The Beatles' "Let It Be" was the first recording of the song to be commercially issued (The Beatles did not release "Let It Be" as a single until March 1970). Franklin had been sent a demo of the song as a guide"
In addition there's a cover of The Band's "The Weight" as well as one of "The Dark End of the Street" (such a tremendous song, love every version I've ever heard - James Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Flying Burrito Bros.). And hey Al Green's "Call Me" and the title track from Bacharach/David).
An album not to be forgotten :thumbsup:
 
Aretha Franklin - This Girl's In Love With You (1970)

MI0001701165.jpg


After 4 top 10 albums in 1967 and 1968, Aretha would never again have a Top 10 album on the main U.S. album charts (on the R&B charts, she would consistently rule the roost throughout her lives). Her two albums from 1970 (both of which I'll play today) are wonderful though. Spirit in the Night is the better (and better known album), but This Girl's In Love With You has such an interesting group of songs including two Beatles covers, "Eleanor Rigby" (which hit #11) and "Let It Be".
Interestingly, per Wiki, "Her version of The Beatles' "Let It Be" was the first recording of the song to be commercially issued (The Beatles did not release "Let It Be" as a single until March 1970). Franklin had been sent a demo of the song as a guide"
In addition there's a cover of The Band's "The Weight" as well as one of "The Dark End of the Street" (such a tremendous song, love every version I've ever heard - James Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Flying Burrito Bros.). And hey Al Green's "Call Me" and the title track from Bacharach/David).
An album not to be forgotten :thumbsup:

After I clicked "Post" on my previous reply, I felt really preachy. Sorry about that.

My favorite of Aretha's era is about 1968 - 72. Aretha Now & Lady Soul are two that get a lot of plays. I haven't listened to this album in a very long time. Going to spin it now. Thanks for the point in the right direction.
 
Aretha Franklin - Live at the Fillmore West (1971)

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Tremendous live soul albums from the 60s-70s are few and far between. Leading the list would be Otis Redding's two live albums (Europe, Whisky-a-Go-Go), JB at Apollo, and Sam Cooke's Harlem Square Club (which wasn't released until the 80s). Curtis Mayfield's Live, Bill Withers, and Donny Hathaway are right below these. But Aretha's Fillmore West is tremendous - I'd put it in that Top 5. Aretha BRINGS IT - great energy. Interesting cover of Bread's "Make It With You". Great covers of "Bridge Over Trouble Water" and "Love the One You're With" as well as more classic Aretha songs. Good stuff!
 
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