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Can a single be so majestic and yet be so tragic at the same time? Well, DeBarges’ masterwork of “All This Love/I’m In Love with You” is both. This was released as the second single off the similarly titled album. This song took me a while to figure out. I remember listening to it as…
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“Oooooh and I like it.” What a track from the DeBarges, the second single from their All This Love album (second album off their discography), is a genuine classic. Just some easy swinging groove and the trio vocal work of El, Randy, and Bunny DeBarge. Riding Randy’s and El’s latin soul rhythm backing, El delivers…
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The DeBarges’ “What’s Your Name” is a fascinating entry in their discography. Released in 1981 and leading off their first self-titled album, talk about a fake out! This has more in common with sunshine pop, think the Free Design or the Association. For once you see them work on creating glorious intertwining group harmonies that…
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Track of the Day: I’m going to indulge just a bit on this Ned Doheny kick. Chaka Khan’s “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me” written by Ned is a barn burner. Originally slated to be released on one of his own records, he decided to hand it over to Scotland’s funkiest band the Average White…
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My pick for the day is Switch’s “I Call Your Name” from Switch II released in 1979, is really a small ode to the forgotten R&B wunderkinds: the DeBarges. The DeBarges hailed from Detroit, they were mixed race pastor’s kids learning to sing and play through the church. Berry Gordy signed them up near the…
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My friends, this is truly the summer of Ned. Ha, who the hell is Ned Doheny and why am I making this proclamation? Well, because I’m going to clue you guys in on my favorite and perhaps the best west-coast rock/R&B artist ever…that hardly anyone has ever heard. Before that, can I just expound a…
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This is a two-fer. First, if anyone is interested in listening to any of the tracks I’ve shared this month check out this playlist. Then, scroll down to the bottom to find my pick of the day, George Benson’s “Give me the Night” off the same titled album. No one needs me to explain the…
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Man, my urge to rock out lately has been close to nil. As much as I love it, a lot of it just seems so out of place to play right now. I’ve been more into laid-back and dance oriented tunes lately. I guess, the best thing to do is roll with this urge and…
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Track of the Day: I didn’t get to this track during my party track rundown, but that’s ok, this great b-side is in its own way kind of special. From Tulsa, Oklahoma’s greatest band, the Gap Band, comes this wonderfully blooming ballad. Released on The Gap Band IV album, a great album itself full of hits like “Outstanding”,…
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It’s been a long while since I’ve posted a Jamaican track. Well, this one is a truly great track. The Upsetter’s “Zion’s Blood” in many ways is the clarion call for all dub musicians. Lee “Scratch” Perry’s signature style is already in full bloom here, while the Upsetters perfectly marshall their talent into a mystical…
ambient art pop art rock balearic brazilian electro-acoustic england environmental music experimental fourth world Funk fusion japan jazz minimalist mpb neo-folk neoclassical new age walearic