Despite only knowing my mother’s side, I come from a pretty big family. I’m one of four, my mother’s one of six, and I have more cousins than I can shake a stick at. Not only that, but my parents are immigrants. My mom came to this country with her parents in the early ’70s,… Read More “Family Reunion” by Jill Scott (2004)
“Enjoy Yourself” was the first song the Jackson brothers released following their departure from Motown, the label that vaulted them to success. Motown-known for its punitive rtists who left them-was not fucking around. Not only did the brothers eventually have to pay Berry Gordy a few coins for the privilege of leaving; Motown took the… Read More “Enjoy Yourself” by The Jacksons (1976)
First Choice came out of Philly, deftly straddling the line between Gamble & Huff’s lush production and the four-on-the-floor thump that signified New York City disco. “Doctor Love” was their biggest hit (although I’m not sure that it’s their best known song now), and it’s a joyful celebration of finding that person who…uh, knows how… Read More “Doctor Love” by First Choice (1977)
“Crazy Eyes” is kind of a weird addition for two reasons: it’s a Hall & Oates album track, and it’s an Oates-led song. Although Daryl & John are the most successful duo of the rock era, the brunt of their success was on the singles chart. I don’t know that they have a definitive album-length… Read More “Crazy Eyes” by Daryl Hall & John Oates (1976)
In which we find our hero, once again, doing his best beg-and-plead to get some lady to do the nasty with him. I read T.P’s autobiography two or three years ago, and there’s no denying the man had a libido as healthy as his notorious ego. By the time the Teddy album (the one with… Read More “Come Go With Me” by Teddy Pendergrass (1979)
Teddy Pendergrass was the sex god of the late ‘70s, or so the legend goes. When T.P. was at his peak, I was a toddler and had no idea what a “sex god” was, so I can’t say I have first-hand knowledge. One listen to “Close The Door”, though, and I think you’ll believe the… Read More “Close The Door” by Teddy Pendergrass (1978)
I can confirm that people did, in fact, use the word “golly” back in the ‘70s. And it wasn’t just people on Happy Days or Sesame Street, either! I’m pretty sure I heard my Mom use that word on several occasions. Retroactive silliness of the song title notwithstanding, “Betcha By…” remains a highlight of the catalog of The… Read More “Betcha By Golly, Wow!” by The Stylistics (1972)
The O’Jays’ classic “Back Stabbers” was the first Gamble & Huff production to become a major national hit, and kicked off a musical template that served as the sound of Black music for the first half of the Seventies. It’s a fucking mind-blower; a dark* masterpiece. The piano intro builds tension and leads into that… Read More “Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays (1972)
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” was the perfect song to end a decade in which the thought of upward mobility gave promise to an entire generation of Blacks. Topping the R&B charts as spring gave way to summer 1979, that and Chic’s “Good Times” pointed the way towards a glittering new decade (although folks listening to the… Read More “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead (1979)
Five Star Jamz 