The Best Music You've Never Heard: Isaac Hayes

Things that really tick me off about the lack of knowledge about great musicians include:

• People thinking that Herbie Hancock first hit was “Rocket”
• People referring to Quincy Jones’ “Soul Bossa Nova” as “The Austin Powers Theme (like Mike Myers should get credit for it)
• People thinking Isaac Hayes greatest hit is Chef’s “Chocolate Salty Balls”

The last point is significant as Isaac Hayes - Oscar winning, Grammy winning, multi-talented composer, musician and actor - passed away last weekend. Others can better wax poetic on Hayes’ legacy; all I can say is that Hayes’ music is deceptively complicated. “Theme from Shaft” is a great example of this. Between the strings, wah wah guitar, staccato horns riffs, and switch to and from 5/4 time, “Theme From Shaft” is a pop musical masterpiece.

Fellow bloggers have looked outside of “Theme from Shaft” to post some of Hayes lesser known hits: Harlem from Soulbounce gives us the grown and sexy “Never Can Say Goodbye” and the long version of “Walk On By”; Oliver Wang from Soul-Sides gives us a trunkload of hits, including “Ellie’s Love Theme” (also from Shaft score).

My contributions to the blogosphere include two of my favorites. The first, “Café’ Regio”, is another standout track from the Shaft Original Score. Let me sum the track up in two words – bad sass (especially starting at the 3:30 mark).

The second track is Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love”. More soulful than other versions, Ike’s take on the classic includes a two minute intro before the first words are sung. A true masterpiece. (You’ll have to forgive me for only including the shorter version - the long version can be found here).

Rest In Peace.

Isaac Hayes - "Cafe Regio's" [Download]


Isaac Hayes - "The Look of Love (radio edit)" [Download]

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Al Jarreau's "After All"

Man, I used to love this video (now paging Donnie Simpson)

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New Raphael Saadiq!!!

Raphael Saadiq's new album drops next month. Of the tracks that have been released, my favorite so far is "Like It" featuring some cat that sounds like Ray Parker Jr (h/t Soulbounce) and Stevie Wonder. Enjoy!

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #1: Night And Day

"Night and Day” isn’t number of on my list because it’s Cole Porter’s best work (though make no mistake: its Porter’s best work by far).

Nor is it number one because of my long history with the song (I first heard this song in 2002, well after first hearing most of the other songs on my countdown).

Quite simply, “Night and Day” is my number one song from the Great American Songbook because it’s the song my wife and I danced to at our wedding. It’s a beautiful song and for the rest of my life I will always think of her when I hear it. I chose the song for the wedding because I thought it perfectly summed up my affection for my wife. Check out these lyrics:

Night and day, you are the one
Only you ‘neath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
No matter darling where you are
I think of you, night and day

Day and night, why is it so
That this longing for you follows wherever I go
In the roaring traffic's boom
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you, night and day

Of it's many recordings, I believe Frank Sinatra’s version from Sinatra and Strings (arranged by Don Costa) is the most elegant (as it is a ballad instead of the upbeat version usually heard).

I hope you enjoyed the countdown as much as I enjoyed blogging about these songs.

Frank Sinatra - "Night And Day" [Download]

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The Great American Songbook Countdown: #2 - Summertime

I’ve blogged about my love of Porgy and Bess before, so it should come as no surprise that one of George and Ira Gershwin’s tunes from the opera would make the countdown. I read somewhere that “Summertime” is the most covered song ever; artists from Janis Joplin to John Coltrane to Al Green to Ella Fitzgerald to The Roots have recorded this aria. The appeal of the song is evident on it’s first listen – it’s just a great song to sing and play.

Of the many versions in my collection, Miles Davis’ recording will always stand as my favorite. This version, arranged by Gil Evans, has become the de facto standard. (Note: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong also have a nice recording, but this is one time where I think the classy Fitzgerald sounds out of place -though Satchmo fits right it).

Miles Davis - Summertime [Download]

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Note to Gnarls: It's not a literal phrase

Great song, creepy video.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

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Beam Me Up, Robin

Robin Thicke's new video for "Magic" is a cross between a James Bond theme song, Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", Star Wars, and the end credits for Clash Of The Titans. Still... it works.

Robin Thicke - Magic
by Robin-Thicke

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #3: My Funny Valentine

I first heard Rogers & Hart’s “My Funny Valentine” on Rachelle Ferrell’s First Instrument. Right away, I fell in love with song. The words are so elegant: My funny valentine, Sweet comic valentine, You make me smile with my heart.

There are hundreds of versions of this song; notable covers include Chaka Khan's take(her smoky voice really works), Melinda Doolittle American Idol performance, and Cyrus Chestnut’s version (with Anita Baker on vocals). Still, I don’t think anyone sings this as well as Ella Fitzgerald; the lyrics sound so regal coming from her. I guess there’s a reason she’s called the First Lady of Song.

Ella Fitzgerald - "My Funny Valentine" [Download]

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #4: My Favorite Things

Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote “My Favorite Things” for the Sound of Music; while Julie Andrews’ version is well known, I would argue that Coltrane’s 1961 cut is just as, if not more, well-known and significant. Released on Coltrane’s same-named album, “My Favorite Things” continues the modal exploration from Coltrane’s work on Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. In addition to the modal rendition, “My Favorite Things” is also notable for introducing us to Coltrane’s work on the soprano saxophone. His solo, along with McCoy Tyner’s piano work, is a work of art.

John Coltrane - "My Favorite Things" [Download]

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Great Diss Records

A few weeks ago, I posted Shaq’s infamous Kobe-diss rap. That got me thinking… what are the best rap diss records out there? Off the top of my head, here are my top six:

6/5 – Kool Mo Dee’s “How Ya Like Me Now”/ LL Cool J’s ”Jack The Ripper”
I’m combining these together because LL Cool J’s “Jack The Ripper” was in response to Kool Moe Dee’s “How You Like Me Now”. KMD diss was alright, but he loses style points for the silly dancing in the video (though I do have to give him props for the red Kangol under the wheel on the jeep on the How Ya Like Me Now album cover).

Still, at the end of the day, LL’s verses burn a hole straight through Kool Moe Dee.
4 – BDP’s “The Bridge Is Over”
Of all the songs in the so-called “Bridge Wars”, “The Bridge is Over” best summarizes the feud between Boogie Down Productions (specifically KRS-One) and the Juice Crew (specifically MC Shan). You think 50 Cent killed JA Rule’s career; when’s the last time you heard something by MC Shan? Now that’s a career-killing diss record.

3 – Dr. Dre’s “Dre Day”
I have more memories of this diss record over the others on this list because “Dre Day” came out just as I was getting into hip-hop. (Sl)Easy-E gets slammed in this track – mostly due to the superior skills of Snoop (Doggy) Dog.

2 – Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline”
When Cube left NWA, he came out swinging. “No Vaseline” is ruthless is its attack. The name says it all. (Note: The language is too extreme for me to include the youtube link).

1 – Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up”
‘Pac doesn’t pull any punches. He take’s Junior Mafia’s “Get Money” beat and proceeds to carve up Mase, Biggie, Puffy, Faith Evans, and anyone else associated with Bad Boy. Unfortunately, this song is largely seen as the tipping point in the East Coast/West Coast feud. (Note: The language is too extreme for me to include the youtube link).

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #6: Lush Life

I was browsing Barnes and Nobles sometime during the summer of 1997 when I came across the simply-titled John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman album. I knew this was an LP that I had to own after hearing the duo cover Bill Strayhorn’s “Lush Life”. I still get goosebumps listening to it. No other version (not even Trane’s solo take) can compare to this recording.

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman - "Lush Life" [Download]

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Mixtape Offshoots: Great Albums To Use On A Date

Look, I’ll be the first to admit that making a mixtape is hard work. It takes thought, time, and energy. Given the current nature of dating, you may not have a week to put together a mixtape; heck, you may not even have a few hours.

Given that, it’s always nice to have some fallback albums to use in the stead of a mixtape. It won’t have the personal touch you’re looking for; however, in a pinch it’ll do. Here are my suggestions:

• Jill Scott’s Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol 1- It’s not as overtly sexual as Volumes 2 and 3. Plus, I believe the overall flow is better. Tracks 5 (“A Long Walk”) through 13 (“Slowly Surely”) sound custom-made for a date.


• Sade's Love Deluxe – Truthfully, you could probably go with any of Sade’s albums; I’m suggesting Love Deluxe as it’s my personal favorite. “Feel No Pain” and “Pearls” are the only sore spots on an otherwise perfect album. A bonus is the instrumental “Mermaids”; a high-school classmate said he put it on his mixtape as he and his date were driving to the beach. Could you get a better endorsement that that?

• Love Jones: The Music (soundtrack) – Great movie – even better soundtrack (and that’s saying a lot). The weakest track is the Refugee Camp Allstars “Love Jones”; besides that, this album is goodness in digital form. The opening “Brother To The Night” might be too much for an intro, but I think most can pull it off.


• Al Green's Greatest Hits - I think it’s a crime for any serious music fan to not own a copy of Al Green’s Call Me album; still, even that album won’t do here. Call Me is too personal and too powerful; the Greatest Hits album takes the more palatable components from Call Me (the title track and “You Ought To Be With Me”) and mixes it with The Revs’ other hits. Truth me told, this is even good for a night out with you and the fellas.


• Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Let me be clear; this is playing with fire – not backyard barbeque variety – rather, Mount Vesuvius flames. If you’re brave enough to use this album, go with disc one of the deluxe edition (you get more bang for the buck). Be forewarned, this CD may make even the most extraverted date blush.

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World's Finest and Grayson

Last week, I blogged about fan-film Baman: Dead End. With The Dark Knight coming out in theatres tomorrow, I wanted to post two addition fan films about the Batman. The first is Greyson. This film tells the story of a grown up and retired Robin. The second, World's Finest, details an adventure between Superman and Batman (the world's finest heroes).

A quick side note: as I've told my wife many times before, Superman and Batman are BY FAR the greatest comic book characters ever created. When paired together, the dynamics are always interesting. One is a super-strong, near-invulnerable alien, loved by humanity, raised by loving parents. Clark Kent is the true man, Superman is the alias.

The Batman, on the other hand, was orphaned at a young age and grew to distrust humanity (seeing what their violence was capable of). Where Superman was born with unimaginable strength, Bruce Wayne is a normal human. He can bleed and he can die. He makes up for these inequities by developing his intellect (he’s known as “The World’s Greatest Detective”) and his body (he is skilled in multiple forms of martial arts and is one of the greatest athletes in the DCU). He is feared by both the criminals and the general public. In this case, “the Batman” persona is the real man, while “Bruce Wayne” is the public alias.

Another side note: Imagine if Bruce Wayne grew up with loving parents and a somewhat stable household; that’s basically the Robin character.

Anyway, enjoy the movies (after the jump)!

World's Finest (directed by Sandy Collora)


Grayson (directed by John Fiorella)

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The Art Of The Mixtape: The Closer

Note: This is the final post in a series on MixTapes.

So, you’ve made it this far. How you do wrap everything up? My belief is that you have to end with a closer. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but given the opportunity, a final “this is how thing would be if you were mine” song might be the difference between a second date and watching reruns of Stargate SG-1 in the basement of your parent’s house.

Like the message song, this is also in a voice – this time your voice. As a result, closer songs should be sung by a male. Michael Jackson’s “Lady In My Life” is the ultimate closer. Here are some other suggestions:

I’ve written about the Tony Toni Tone’s “Anniversary” multiple times; it still stands out as a great track to end a date (especially paired with “Castleers”). If you’re really technically astute, try to record the song with only the left speaker; it makes the track (after the 5:15 minute mark) really haunting.

Tony Toni Tone - "Anniversary" [Download]


Bill Wither’s stuff is can be depressing, but “Make A Smile For Me” is actually kind pretty upbeat (by his standards). By the way, “Can We Pretend” is another great option here.

Bill Withers - "Make A Smile For Me" [Download]


Before Eric Benet was known as the guy that cheated on Halle Berry, he was known as a pretty decent singer. If you can erase his stupidity from your mind, then you might want to try “Love Of My Own”. If you’re looking to hammer home a point, then this’ll do it.

Eric Benet - "Love Of My Own" [Download]


Hope these suggestions help! Good luck! And remember: use your powers for good, and not for evil.

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #7: Good Morning Heartache

I first heard “Good Morning Heartache” in 1993 (on Terence Blanchard’s previously mentioned Billie Holiday Songbook); I didn’t fall for the song until 1995, when I purchased Billie Holiday’s Complete Decca Recordings. The song is mesmerizing. Billie sings each verse as if she’s lived the lyrics.

Jill Scott does a decent turn on the song, but nothing beats Billie. Enjoy!

Billie Holiday - "Good Morning Heartache" [Download]

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Mixtape Offshoots:Harmonizing With Yourself

I was taking another listen to Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" album and just had to share this. You know you're a bad man when you can harmonize with yourself.

Marvin Gaye - "I Want You" (Vocal and Rhythm) [Download]

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The Great American Songbook Countdown - #9: I Concentrate On You/ #8: Baubles, Bangles And Beads

In 2001, my not-quite-my-girlfriend-not-yet-my-wife let me borrow disc three of Frank Sinatra’s Reprise Collection. The disc, covering recording from 1966-69, included recordings from Sinatra’s sessions with jazz great Antonio Carlos Jobim.

I was already a Jobim fan, yet somehow I had overlooked these recordings. After learning of these sessions, I scoured Napster (back before RIAA started cracking down) and downloaded all of the Sinatra/Jobim recordings. Of those tracks, the Cole Porter-penned “I Concentrate On You” and “Baubles, Bangles And Beads” (written by George Forrest and Robert Wright) are my favorites from the American Songbook (Full disclosure: “Wave” is my favorite recording from the sessions, however, that won’t count in this list since it isn’t part of the GAS). Enjoy!

And for added kicks, check out this Jobim and Sinatra video from ’67. You just don’t get cats smoking cigarettes and wearing tuxedos anymore.

Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim - "I Concentrate On You" [Download]


Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim - "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" [Download]

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The Art of The Mixtape: The Instrumental

Note: This is the sixth post in a series on MixTapes.

After you’ve hit her with the message song, some cats will go for the kill with the closer. I prefer taking a step back with an instrumental. Why? Well, sometimes two “heavy” songs can be overkill. Plus, you want to use the mixtape to display some aspects of your musical tastes that might impress your date.

Incognito’s “Always There” isn’t an instrumental, but with a simple acoustic guitar and backing strings, it can pass for one. In fact, this is a song that could pass as another message song or an interlude.

Incognito - "Always There" [Download]


Lonnie Liston Smith’s “Quiet Moments” was made for mixtapes. Like “Crepuscolo Sul Mare”, this too oozes sophistication.

Lonnie Liston Smith - "Quiet Moments" [Download]


I know I said to leave the Marvin Gaye alone – except that all bets are off when using an instrumental. His “You Are The Way You Are” might be too stuck in the 70s for most, but an enterprising man will be able to place this appropriately on his mixtape. You get an added bonus of the song ending with Gaye’s backing vocals over a soaring saxophone solo.

Marvin Gaye - "You Are The Way You Are" [Download]


Be careful with “Bella”, as it may be too sensual for your mixtape (this was the song used as the love theme in Desperado). Still, if tempered with cooler tracks, this will work for you. I like it because it brings an international flair to your mixtape.

Santana - "Bella" [Download]

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Batman: Dead End

Everyone is hyped (rightly so) about the upcoming Batman: The Dark Knight film. For those interested in seeing the real Batman, check out Batman: Dead End. Director Sandy Collora only takes five minutes to capture the essence of the Batman.

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The Art Of The Mixtape: The Message Song

Note: This is the fifth post in a series on MixTapes.

So you’ve got an intro, an interlude or two, and a few mid-tempo jams. What comes next? The message song.

This is the most important track on your mixtape. This is the one song that you really want your date to listen to. You want the words of the singer to be her words. If you think she’s close to falling for you, then Teena Marie’s “Now That I Have You” might be the song for you. Or if she’s into you, but you need to get over the hump, try Rachelle Ferrell’s “Waiting”. If you’re stuck in the friend-zone, go with Mary J.’s “Seven Days” (be sure to use the George Benson scatting version).

Do you notice a trend here? All the songs are sung by ladies; it’ll be easier for your date to relate to the song if it’s in a female voice.

Some other suggestions:

I was introduced to Sepsenakhi’s “Let It Go” by way of Soulbounce.com. If your date is almost on the edge of committing, then this is your song.

Sepsenakhi - "Let It Go" [Download]

Incognito makes another appearance on the mixtape; this time it’s the classic “Deep Waters”. This is another great song if you’re trying to bust out of the friend-zone.

Incognito - “Deep Waters” [Download]


Chaka Khan’s voice can be overpowering, so you have to me careful if including her on a mixtape. Lucky for us, Rufus’ “Magic In Your Eyes” is just understated enough to be a slam dunk for you.

Rufus - “Magic In Your Eyes” [Download]


The previous three tracks assume that your date has a strong interest in you. Unfortunately, there will be times when your lady friend is actually dating someone else. In that case, you’ve gotta go with something that’ll get her thinking about going from the ex-man to the next man (namely, you). I think Teedra Moses’ “Rescue Me” would work well in this situation.

Teedra Moses- “Rescue Me” [Download]


Enjoy!!!

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