The Gibb Brothers were many things over the course of their forty years as a musical unit-Beatle clones, disco savants, disco pariahs, resurgent veterans. One thing that remained consistent, regardless of their public perception, was their ability to write a hell of a song. Proof of that talent lies in the mile-long list of Gibb… Read More “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees (1971)/Al Green (1972)
The timing of these last two posts is purely coincidental. How was I to know that in the month since I wrote about New Edition’s “Home Again” that I’d be laid up in the apartment for four weeks and that Bill Withers would pass away? Alas, here we are, and my first two posts of… Read More “Hope She’ll Be Happier” by Bill Withers (1971)
One of many things I love about Bill Withers is his descriptive lyricism. One listen to 1971’s “Harlem” and you are transported to pre-gentrification Uptown. This might be easier for someone like me to picture because I actually lived in a shitty apartment in pre-gentrification Uptown (137 W. 137th Street, to be exact). Even if… Read More “Harlem” by Bill Withers (1971)
“Got To Be There” announced the arrival of Michael Jackson, solo artist. While it certainly set a precedent, MJ and J5 records would remain virtually interchangeable for another eight years. So there’s nothing here that portended Michael’s mastery of pop music with one big exception: that voice. Michael hadn’t hit puberty yet, so “Got To… Read More “Got To Be There” by Michael Jackson (1971)
I used to need music to fall asleep. From the time I was 15 or so through my early thirties, I wasn’t hitting the sack without the radio (thanks, Delilah), a tape in the cassette deck, a disc in the CD player, or a specially made playlist in the background. At least for the first… Read More “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” by James Taylor (1971)
“Day Dreaming” finds Aretha taking it down a notch, toning down the trademark intensity of her initial run of Atlantic classics in favor of a smooth groove. She’s ably assisted by a crack band, including newcomer Donny Hathaway accompanying her on electric piano. Aretha herself provides the song with the tasty and memorable opening acoustic… Read More “Day Dreaming” by Aretha Franklin (1971)
I believe I’ve established in my two previous Joni Mitchell entries how much I am here for the Queen of Canadian singer-songwriters. Come to think of it, why should I limit her to Canada? Joni is the greatest female singer-songwriter in existence. Her lyrics are poetic without being self-consciously obtuse, and her early singing set… Read More “A Case Of You” by Joni Mitchell (1971)
“Better Off Dead” is a stunning (still! 47 years later!) document of a guy who feels he has nothing to offer his partner. He’s a drunk, can’t pay his bills, doesn’t treat his lady right. She’s taken off with the kids, and now he’s staring down the barrel of a gun, ready to take his own… Read More “Better Off Dead” by Bill Withers (1971)
In Bill Withers’ hands, “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a sober lament. Bill knows his “young thing” is gone, and he knows damn well she ain’t coming back. The song’s acoustic guitar intro calls to mind a guy in his backyard, making up stream of consciousness lyrics, a shot (or bottle) of whiskey at his side. When Bill goes… Read More “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (1971); Michael Jackson (1971)
Five Star Jamz 