That sweet soul music...
November 1, 2005 10:52 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for some soul music suggestions...along the lines of classic Motown stuff as opposed to that Boyz 2 Men type sound (it's not that I mind newer material...I just hate that cheeseball, harmony driven crap). More specifically, I would love to find some music that falls somewhere between early Al Green ("Call Me", "Love and Happiness", etc.) and Sly and the Family Stone's "If You Want Me To Stay".
When I tried Pandora, their best suggestion, based on my specifications, was Jason Mraz...I think I need to look elsewhere for help.
When I tried Pandora, their best suggestion, based on my specifications, was Jason Mraz...I think I need to look elsewhere for help.
Best answer: Shuggie Otis -- Inspiration Information
posted by samh23 at 10:58 AM on November 1, 2005
posted by samh23 at 10:58 AM on November 1, 2005
It sounds like you want some 70's era Stevie Wonder.
Also, what Pollomacho said.
posted by jgee at 11:03 AM on November 1, 2005
Also, what Pollomacho said.
posted by jgee at 11:03 AM on November 1, 2005
Ricky Fante and Van Hunt sound like they'd both be right up your alley.
posted by scody at 11:05 AM on November 1, 2005
posted by scody at 11:05 AM on November 1, 2005
Step (in the name of love) by R Kelly. It is new(er), and is a fantastic slice of modern soul.
posted by Quartermass at 11:21 AM on November 1, 2005
posted by Quartermass at 11:21 AM on November 1, 2005
I second the Stevie Wonder recommendation and add late period Jackie Wilson.
posted by turbodog at 11:23 AM on November 1, 2005
posted by turbodog at 11:23 AM on November 1, 2005
Toni, Tony, Tone and Mint Condition are both good R&B groups.
posted by electroboy at 12:14 PM on November 1, 2005
posted by electroboy at 12:14 PM on November 1, 2005
Best answer: 70's era Stevie Wonder.
Specifically: Inner Visions, Songs in the Key of Life, Fulfillingness First Finale, and Talking Book.
Get Rejuvenation by The Meters. Now. Run.
"Tell Mama" by Etta James is a great soul record, but it'll be in the blues section of the store when you go to buy it. Might rock a little hard, given the references in your op.
Someone mentioned Sam & Dave, I second and add that any of the Stax rock stars will please you. Otis Redding, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Booker T & the MG's, the Bar Kays, blah blah...
Marvin Gaye & Curtis mayfield?
posted by Eothele at 12:29 PM on November 1, 2005
Specifically: Inner Visions, Songs in the Key of Life, Fulfillingness First Finale, and Talking Book.
Get Rejuvenation by The Meters. Now. Run.
"Tell Mama" by Etta James is a great soul record, but it'll be in the blues section of the store when you go to buy it. Might rock a little hard, given the references in your op.
Someone mentioned Sam & Dave, I second and add that any of the Stax rock stars will please you. Otis Redding, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Booker T & the MG's, the Bar Kays, blah blah...
Marvin Gaye & Curtis mayfield?
posted by Eothele at 12:29 PM on November 1, 2005
Older stuff:
Curtis Mayfield is essential. Grab "A Man Called Curtis" and "Superfly", at least.
Marvin Gaye, natch
The "James Brown's Funky People" compilations have some great vocal tracks--maybe a little uptempo & hard for the sound you're looking for, but should give you some singers to look out for. They're about 50% drum-heavy JB-style funk, though, which suits me fine but might not be your bag.
I don't know if you're looking for pre-'70s material, but you can't go wrong with the '60s Stax guys: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, etc. (paging timeistight...)
Aretha Franklin
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
A lot of the newer artists going after that "classic" '70s sound seem a little too reverential for my tastes, but Alicia Keys nails everything that makes that era's music good without sounding like a copycat. Macy Grey, Lauryn Hill's solo stuff, D'Angelo and Remy Shand are probably worth checking for, too.
posted by arto at 12:35 PM on November 1, 2005
Curtis Mayfield is essential. Grab "A Man Called Curtis" and "Superfly", at least.
Marvin Gaye, natch
The "James Brown's Funky People" compilations have some great vocal tracks--maybe a little uptempo & hard for the sound you're looking for, but should give you some singers to look out for. They're about 50% drum-heavy JB-style funk, though, which suits me fine but might not be your bag.
I don't know if you're looking for pre-'70s material, but you can't go wrong with the '60s Stax guys: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, etc. (paging timeistight...)
Aretha Franklin
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
A lot of the newer artists going after that "classic" '70s sound seem a little too reverential for my tastes, but Alicia Keys nails everything that makes that era's music good without sounding like a copycat. Macy Grey, Lauryn Hill's solo stuff, D'Angelo and Remy Shand are probably worth checking for, too.
posted by arto at 12:35 PM on November 1, 2005
These two box sets are great:
Wikipedia has a nice overview of soul music.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:06 PM on November 1, 2005
- Motown: Hitsville USA (Volume 1, 1959-1971; there's a second volume that's not as good)
- Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974
Wikipedia has a nice overview of soul music.
posted by kirkaracha at 1:06 PM on November 1, 2005
"A Man Called Curtis" and "Superfly"
And "Roots". Definitely "Roots".
If you don't already have a copy of Isaac Hayes' "Hot Buttered Soul"--walk away from the computer and do not return until you own it.
Sam Cooke's "Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is an amazing album. Very raw, very gritty.
Isley Brothers, Isley Brothers, Isley Brothers.
Mavis Staples' solo work is solid, and I think she just released a new album.
And it might be blasphemy, but Bowie's "Young Americans" album is really pretty decent, for plastic soul. Hell, he got a shout-out from Parliament in "P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)", which is all the cred I need.
You might also want to check out Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. It shocked me to learn that her first album was released in 2002, instead of thirty years earlier.
posted by Vervain at 1:06 PM on November 1, 2005
And "Roots". Definitely "Roots".
If you don't already have a copy of Isaac Hayes' "Hot Buttered Soul"--walk away from the computer and do not return until you own it.
Sam Cooke's "Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is an amazing album. Very raw, very gritty.
Isley Brothers, Isley Brothers, Isley Brothers.
Mavis Staples' solo work is solid, and I think she just released a new album.
And it might be blasphemy, but Bowie's "Young Americans" album is really pretty decent, for plastic soul. Hell, he got a shout-out from Parliament in "P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)", which is all the cred I need.
You might also want to check out Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. It shocked me to learn that her first album was released in 2002, instead of thirty years earlier.
posted by Vervain at 1:06 PM on November 1, 2005
Jamie Lidell - Multiply.
it's new, and bleepy, but still good.
posted by heeeraldo at 1:44 PM on November 1, 2005
it's new, and bleepy, but still good.
posted by heeeraldo at 1:44 PM on November 1, 2005
Best answer: Based on your examples, you're looking for funky soul that's both soft and hard.
Grab anything that has the "Hi Records" label. Writer/producer Willie Mitchell was responsible for most of Al Green's hits, and Mr. Green used the same rhythm sections and production techniques for his own records and Ann Peeble's. Fine funky stuff.
Also grab anything from the soul music sweet spot (1968-1972) performed by a black woman named Betty or Bettye. Betty Wright has some amazing jams that would be right up your alley--get her "Best Of" CD and turn down the lights. Bettye Swann had some great hits. Betty Davis' (self-titled) first album is an all-star effort featuring members of Sly Stone's band and some the Tower of Power horns.
I definitely second the Sharon Jones recommendation. Catch her live if you can--her May performance at Portland's Doug Fir Lounge was easily the best show I've seen all year. (Looks like she'll be back soon!
David Bowie also got a (backhanded) shout out from the Godfather of Soul when James Brown lifted the funky vamp from "Fame" and used it in a tired jam called "Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)".
posted by danblaker at 2:24 PM on November 1, 2005
Grab anything that has the "Hi Records" label. Writer/producer Willie Mitchell was responsible for most of Al Green's hits, and Mr. Green used the same rhythm sections and production techniques for his own records and Ann Peeble's. Fine funky stuff.
Also grab anything from the soul music sweet spot (1968-1972) performed by a black woman named Betty or Bettye. Betty Wright has some amazing jams that would be right up your alley--get her "Best Of" CD and turn down the lights. Bettye Swann had some great hits. Betty Davis' (self-titled) first album is an all-star effort featuring members of Sly Stone's band and some the Tower of Power horns.
I definitely second the Sharon Jones recommendation. Catch her live if you can--her May performance at Portland's Doug Fir Lounge was easily the best show I've seen all year. (Looks like she'll be back soon!
David Bowie also got a (backhanded) shout out from the Godfather of Soul when James Brown lifted the funky vamp from "Fame" and used it in a tired jam called "Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)".
posted by danblaker at 2:24 PM on November 1, 2005
Response by poster: Thanks everybody! I think danblaker's analysis of my situation is pretty dead on, but all of this stuff looks pretty awesome. Now, to find the time to listen to it all...
posted by johnsmith415 at 2:33 PM on November 1, 2005
posted by johnsmith415 at 2:33 PM on November 1, 2005
Beg, Scream, and Shout is an extraordinary '60s soul box set, with big hits alternating with obscure gems. (It's out-of-print, unfortunately, so the prices listed here might be a little too rich for your blood -- but if you ever find it used for a decent price, it's worth it.)
posted by scody at 3:18 PM on November 1, 2005
posted by scody at 3:18 PM on November 1, 2005
Some good stuff here.
If you want to get a little further into the Funk, look for Rhino's History of Funk series.
posted by timeistight at 4:04 PM on November 1, 2005
If you want to get a little further into the Funk, look for Rhino's History of Funk series.
posted by timeistight at 4:04 PM on November 1, 2005
Oh, and at the other end of things, Soul Music really began with Ray Charles and Sam Cooke leaving the saloon and the bar (respectively) and meeting somewhere in between.
If you want to find out more about it, I think Peter Guralnick's Sweet Soul Music : Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom is the definitive text. Rob Bowman's Soulsville U.S.A: The Story of Stax Records is also very good, although not as wide ranging.
posted by timeistight at 4:17 PM on November 1, 2005 [1 favorite]
If you want to find out more about it, I think Peter Guralnick's Sweet Soul Music : Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom is the definitive text. Rob Bowman's Soulsville U.S.A: The Story of Stax Records is also very good, although not as wide ranging.
posted by timeistight at 4:17 PM on November 1, 2005 [1 favorite]
Next time you're at a record store with those listen-to-snippets headphone things, go to the compilations area at the end of Soul/R&B, and look for the "Soul Train" collections. It'll help you browse through a bunch of big-time 70s artists at once. Note that after about 76, a lot of artists start drifting towards disco, so set expectations accordingly.
I'll mention the O'Jays, since nobody else has yet. Also, there's a great Curtis Mayfield compilation disc titled "Beautiful Brother" that will meet all your Curtis M. needs.
I bought a Rufus feat. Chaka Khan greatest hits disc recently, and was pleasantly surprised that the songs were better than I had remembered them. Likewise with the Brothers Johnson.
posted by gimonca at 4:20 PM on November 1, 2005
I'll mention the O'Jays, since nobody else has yet. Also, there's a great Curtis Mayfield compilation disc titled "Beautiful Brother" that will meet all your Curtis M. needs.
I bought a Rufus feat. Chaka Khan greatest hits disc recently, and was pleasantly surprised that the songs were better than I had remembered them. Likewise with the Brothers Johnson.
posted by gimonca at 4:20 PM on November 1, 2005
another vote for reading Guralnick on the topic. He's also just written a new bio of Sam Cooke -- I heard an interesting interview with him last night on NPR.
posted by scody at 4:22 PM on November 1, 2005
posted by scody at 4:22 PM on November 1, 2005
You may also want to give Bill Withers a listen.
Allow me to recommend my personal favorite subgenre here, New Orleans R&B / funk. I'd highly recommend two Soul Jazz compilations, entitled
New Orleans Funk
and
Saturday Night Fish Fry
If you are unfamiliar with this genre, and you are, visit a good site like Dusty Groove, not Amazon.
posted by rachelpapers at 5:27 PM on November 1, 2005
Allow me to recommend my personal favorite subgenre here, New Orleans R&B / funk. I'd highly recommend two Soul Jazz compilations, entitled
New Orleans Funk
and
Saturday Night Fish Fry
If you are unfamiliar with this genre, and you are, visit a good site like Dusty Groove, not Amazon.
posted by rachelpapers at 5:27 PM on November 1, 2005
Best answer: Let me de-recommend Alicia Keys. Weak sauce.
Let me re-recommend Dusty Groove. Then, since many of the staples have been covered, lemme tell you a few more that you might like that are a bit harder to find.
Take a look for The Chairmen of the Board, and their Skin I'm In album. You might like the earlier ones as well, but I think they're kinda weak compared to the funk smackdown of Skin I'm In.
And speaking of overlooked Detroiters, everyone knows what happened to Parlaiment, but not a lot of people know that The Parliaments were a fantastic soul group before becoming a Clinton dodge-the-label act.
Then start looking for comps. Since most of the best stuff was on singles, comps are your best friends. I'm gonna list some that I found at Dusty Groove; my tastes veer toward Midwest deep soul, because I think they had the best sound outside of the Motown label. (You should also look for the Stax box). Get Ladies of Detroit vol. 1, Tryin' To Make Ends Meet (Rare Detroit funk&soul), Tornado Alley (Midwest Funk), and The Fabulous Ladies of Soul vol 1. You can also get Creative Musicians vol. 1, which is soul and funk that's a little further out.
posted by klangklangston at 8:08 PM on November 1, 2005
Let me re-recommend Dusty Groove. Then, since many of the staples have been covered, lemme tell you a few more that you might like that are a bit harder to find.
Take a look for The Chairmen of the Board, and their Skin I'm In album. You might like the earlier ones as well, but I think they're kinda weak compared to the funk smackdown of Skin I'm In.
And speaking of overlooked Detroiters, everyone knows what happened to Parlaiment, but not a lot of people know that The Parliaments were a fantastic soul group before becoming a Clinton dodge-the-label act.
Then start looking for comps. Since most of the best stuff was on singles, comps are your best friends. I'm gonna list some that I found at Dusty Groove; my tastes veer toward Midwest deep soul, because I think they had the best sound outside of the Motown label. (You should also look for the Stax box). Get Ladies of Detroit vol. 1, Tryin' To Make Ends Meet (Rare Detroit funk&soul), Tornado Alley (Midwest Funk), and The Fabulous Ladies of Soul vol 1. You can also get Creative Musicians vol. 1, which is soul and funk that's a little further out.
posted by klangklangston at 8:08 PM on November 1, 2005
Don't forget Dusty Springfield. And speaking of white-girl soul, I know this will cost me many cool points, but Joss Stone's Soul Sessions is pretty sweet.
posted by nicwolff at 9:22 PM on November 1, 2005
posted by nicwolff at 9:22 PM on November 1, 2005
any of the Stax rock stars will please you ... There's also a Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 box set (with minor overlap with the Atlantic set) that sounds like it's really good.
I second (third, fourth) this. This box set is absolutely wonderful.
posted by kindall at 10:34 PM on November 1, 2005
I second (third, fourth) this. This box set is absolutely wonderful.
posted by kindall at 10:34 PM on November 1, 2005
Now for the real thing. In general check out the series on Rhino Records "Didn't It Blow Your Mind," a great collection (12 disks) of '70s soul, which is more sophisticated, lushly produced and adult than those tedious '60s crooners and girl groups.
Barry White, "You My First, My Last, My Everything" (1973) ****
The Staples Family, "Respect Yourself" (1971) ***** "Let's Do It Again" (1974) ****
Ohio Players, "Fire" (1974) **** "Love Rollercoaster" (1974) *****
Parliament Funkadelic (see also Bootsy Collins), "Flashlight" (1979) *****
Dazz Band, "Dazz Dazz" (1977) *****
Diana Ross, "Theme from Mahogany" (1975) *****
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr, "You Don't Have to Be a Star" (1976) ****
Roberta Flack, "Killing Me Softly" (1973) *****
"Feel Like Making Love" (1975) ****
Gloria Gaynor, "Casanova Brown" (1975) ****
"Never Can Say Goodbye" (1974) *****
Sylvia, "Pillow Talk" (1973) *****
Donna Summer, "Try Me, I Know We Can Make It" (1976) *****
posted by Toolshed at 6:40 AM on November 3, 2005
Barry White, "You My First, My Last, My Everything" (1973) ****
The Staples Family, "Respect Yourself" (1971) ***** "Let's Do It Again" (1974) ****
Ohio Players, "Fire" (1974) **** "Love Rollercoaster" (1974) *****
Parliament Funkadelic (see also Bootsy Collins), "Flashlight" (1979) *****
Dazz Band, "Dazz Dazz" (1977) *****
Diana Ross, "Theme from Mahogany" (1975) *****
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr, "You Don't Have to Be a Star" (1976) ****
Roberta Flack, "Killing Me Softly" (1973) *****
"Feel Like Making Love" (1975) ****
Gloria Gaynor, "Casanova Brown" (1975) ****
"Never Can Say Goodbye" (1974) *****
Sylvia, "Pillow Talk" (1973) *****
Donna Summer, "Try Me, I Know We Can Make It" (1976) *****
posted by Toolshed at 6:40 AM on November 3, 2005
I second Beg Scream and Shout and suggest The Chambers Brothers. They had a really cool "hard soul" sound with a bit of Psychedelica mixed in for spice.
My mother is big on Johnny Taylor and you should catch Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings for something retro yet oh-so-modern!
posted by black8 at 10:18 PM on November 5, 2005
My mother is big on Johnny Taylor and you should catch Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings for something retro yet oh-so-modern!
posted by black8 at 10:18 PM on November 5, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Pollomacho at 10:55 AM on November 1, 2005