This is the song that ushered me from junior high and straight into high school. Again, much of the music that kids my of my age in 1986 just fell in love with The Jets’ ballad “You Got It All”.
There was something very earnest about this song even for a kid. There’s nothing cynical about the message in the lyrics and it helps that the group’s lead vocalist, Elizabeth Wolfgramm, just killed it. Here’s the kicker….Elizabeth was just 12-years old when she sang this song with the rest of the group (literally her brothers and sisters). Even 28 years since having first heard of this song it still resonates in this cynical man’s heart.
“You Got It All” definitely brings back fond memories of being a kid and just entering those teenage years when anything was possible. I don’t want to be that cliched old man who rails against the music of today’s youth, but one must admit that this song from The Jets has more heart and soul than most of what kids these days are listening to.
Now, you kids get off my porch while I listen to my stories!
Anyone who grew up during the 80’s knows this song. The moment they first heard the song it burrowed it’s way deep inside. Then the music video arrived and we saw the awesomeness of Cameo’s Larry Blackmon. His unique vocal stylings matched only by his personal look. The over-the-top hi-top fade hairstyle right up to the bright red codpiece became as much a part of the group’s identity as their funkadelic sound.
1986’s “Word Up!” became the group’s biggest hit and whether one was a fan of R&B and funk didn’t matter. This was a cool jam for all listeners and some heavy rotation of the video on MTV (yes, Virginia, MTV actually showed music videos back in the day) made sure everyone knew what’s the word.
Cameo definitely helped define what was good about the 80’s.
Lisa Marie has been doing such a great job with her featured theme sets that I think it’s time I tried my hand in doing one.
I’ve been doing themed features but never one that would go day-to-day towards a set goal. I think the easiest one for me to start on would be 27 Days of Old School. When I say “old school” I mean as in jams. These were songs from my youth right up to the mid-90’s. Most on this list tend to be from the 80’s with a few bleeding into the 90’s, but in the end they were songs I grew up listening to. Some will range from straight up R&B to pop to dance and right up to heavy metal.
To start things off what better way to begin and have the number 1 label than what I consider Michael Jackson’s greatest song (and my favorite of his many tracks): 1982’s “Billie Jean” from his second solo album Thriller.
“Billie Jean” is such a great song. Even if one didn’t understand what he was singing about there’s no denying the fact that this song had one of the greatest bass lines running from start to finish. David Williams’ bass line that’s became recognizable to fans of this song both new and old. Whether one was a fan of Michael Jackson or not they know this bass line.
My review of one of my favorite films of 2014 has been late in arriving, but it shall arrive soon. Soon, I says!
Until then here’s one of Lisa’s favorite songs from Guardians of the Galaxy. It plays pretty much early on in the film and, according to her, was the moment she fell in love with the film.
Alien lizard mic!
Come And Get Your Love
Hey (hey) What’s the matter with your head? yeah… Hey (hey) What’s the matter with your mind and your sign? And-a ooh-ohh Hey (hey) Nothin’s a matter with your head, baby, find it Come on and find it Hell, with it, baby, ’cause you’re fine and you’re mine And you look so divine
Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love
Hey (hey) What’s the matter with your feel right? Don’t you feel right, baby? Hey, oh, yeah, get it from the main line, alright I said-a find it, find it, darling, love it If you like it, yeah-eh Hey (hey) It’s your business if you want some Take some, get it together, baby
Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love
Come and get your love, come and get your love Come and get your love, now Come and get your love, come and get your love Come and get your love, now Come and get your love, come and get your love Come and get your love, now Come and get your love, come and get your love Come and get your love, now
Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love Come and get your love
Hey (hey) What’s the matter with your feel right? Don’t you feel right, baby? Hey, oh, yeah, get it from the main vine, alright
La,la,la,la,la,la, (come and get your love) La,la,la,la,la,la, (come and get your love) La,la,la,la,la,la, (come and get your love) La,la,la,la,la,la, (come and get your love) La,la.la,la,la,la,la,la,la (come and get your love) La,la.la,la,la,la,la,la,la (come and get your love) La,la.la,la,la,la, (come and get
One of the great classic R&B songs also happens to be today’s late “Song of the Day.”
The song “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 is not just a great song but also reminds us that, through all the scandal and absurdity which that became Michael Jackson’s adulthood, he was a great singer and performer and none more so than when he was fronting his band of brothers.
I also picked this song for another reason that seems so out of left field (which it is), but also fit in so perfectly to end two hours of an enjoyable time at the cinemas. James Gunn had personally picked the classic 70’s songs that would be part of mixtape for Guardians of the Galaxy. One such song is The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and it’s use and timely appearance in the film also marks one of it’s most adoring sequences.
I know for a fact that site co-founder Lisa Marie Bowman will love not just this song but the scene it gets attached too.
I Want You Back
Let me tell you now
When I had you to myself I didn’t want you around Those pretty faces always made you Stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch One glance was all it took Now it’s much too late for me To take a second look
Oh baby, give me one more chance (To show you that I love you) Won’t you please let me Back in your heart
Oh darling, I was blind to let you go (Let you go, baby) But now since I see you in his arms (I want you back)
Yes I do now (I want you back) Ooh, ooh baby (I want you back) Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (I want you back) Na na na na
Trying to live without your love Is one long sleepless night Let me show you, girl That I know wrong from right
Every street you walk on I leave tear stains on the ground Following the girl I didn’t even want around Let me tell you now
Oh baby, all I need is one more chance (To show you that I love you) Won’t you please let me Back in your heart
Oh darlin’, I was blind to let you go (Let you go baby) But now since I see you in his arms, uh huh
A buh buh buh buh A buh buh buh buh All I want A buh buh buh buh All I need A buh buh buh buh All I want A buh buh buh buh All I need
Oh, just one more chance To show you that I love you Baby (baby), baby (baby), baby (baby)
(I want you back) Forget what happened then And let me live again
Oh baby, I was blind to let you go But now since I see you in his arms (I want you back) Spare me of this cause Gimme back what I lost
Oh baby, I need one more chance, ha I tell ya that I love you Baby, ow, baby, baby I want you back I want you back
I just got back from watching an early screening of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Now, what does this have to do with the latest “Song of the Day” featuring musical legend Marvin Gaye. Well, I’m glad you asked. The song gets mentioned by a major character in the film and gets some airplay towards the end. The lyrics of the song itself could almost be synonymous with the storyline for this follow-up to Captain America: The First Avenger.
The song is also the theme song to the 1972 Soul Cinema Classic film production Trouble Man.
While the song remains a classic R&B song that does consistent radioplay I’m sure it won;’t hurt for new listeners coming to listen to it even more after experiencing it for the very first time watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Trouble Man
I come up hard, baby, and that ain’t cool! I didn’t make it sugah, playin’ by the rules! I come up hard, babe, but now I’m fine. I’m shakin’ trouble sugah, & movin’ down the line. I come up hard, but that’s OK. ‘Cause
Trouble Man don’t get in my way!!
I come up hard, baby!
I mean fo’ real, baby, cuz I’m a Troubled Man! Gonna keep movin’, gonna go to town. I come up hard, and now I’m gettin’ down! There’s only 3 things that’s fa sho*: Taxes, death and trouble
This I know, baby. this I know. Yeah, you never let it sweat you baby,
Whooooo
Got me singin’, yeah, yeah, hooo
I come up hard, baby, I had to fight! To keep my dignity with all my might! I come up hard, I had to win! Then start all over. And WIN AGAIN!! I come up hard, but that’s OK! ‘Cause Trouble Man don’t get in my way
Hey,Hey!
Now I been some places and I seen some faces I got my connections they take my directions Don’t care what they say. that’s OK, they don’t bother me I’m ready to make it, don’t care ’bout the weather Don’t care ’bout no trouble, got myself together No laughin’, no cryin’, my protection’s all around me
I come up hard, baby I mean for real, baby With the Trouble Man Movin’, goin’ tight I come up hard, come on, get down There’s only 3 things for sure: Taxes, death and trouble
This I know, baby, baby This I know, baby, baby Hey now, let it sweat, baby
I’ve come up hard, but now I’m cool I didn’t make it, baby, playin’ by the rules I’ve come up hard, baby, but now I’m fine I’m shakin’ trouble, sure movin’ down the line
February is almost over and I’m sure those who celebrated Valentines Day a couple weeks back are either flying high on love or becoming bitter by the day at things not turning out the way either party have imagined.
The latest “Song of the Day” puts into words such a a scenario that those in the latter might be going through right about now. It’s a song by soul and blues singer Bill Withers. He’s better known for classic soul hits such as “Lean On Me”, “Just the Two of Us” and “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” is a song of infidelity and betrayal. I just love the bass line that goes throughout the song. The song’s lyrics also hints at a sense of malice and and built-up rage at the betrayal. One could almost imagine how things will erupt after the final note and lyric has faded in the background.
Who Is He (And What Is He to You)
A man we passed just tried to stare me down And when I looked at you, you looked at the ground I don’t know who he is but I think that you do
Dag gummit Who is he and what is he to you
I have something in my heart and in your eyes Tell me he’s not someone just passin’ by And when you cleared your throat was that your cue
Dag gummit dag Who is he and what is he to you
Now when I add the sum of you and me I get confused and I keep coming up with three You’re too much for one man but not enough for two
Dag gummit Who is he and what is he to you
Hey you tell me man don’t have not much for intuition That what you really think or are you wishin’ Before you wreck your old home be certain of the new
Time for a quick “Song of the Day”. This time the song chosen is courtesy of Kari Kimmel and her country-inspired song “Black”.
The song could be recently heard as part of the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Season 3 trailer for AMC’s The Walking Dead. It begins playing a little past the halfway mark in the trailer as David Morrissey’s character of the governor introduces both Michonne and Andrea to the safe haven that is Woodbury. As fans of the comic book will attest to this town of Woodbury becomes a major player in the original comic book source and should remain as important in the upcoming season.
I’ve never heard of Kari Kimmel until I heard this song played as part of the trailer, but that’s the great thing about music. One never knows when one will discover something great to listen to and the country-blues sound of Kimmel’s song is right up my alley when it comes to what I enjoy listening to.
Black
when everything has turned to black
you don’t know where to go
you need something to justify your soul
silences are broken
confidence is gone
when everything you’re holdin onto falls
(yeah)
every body’s selling truths
on every corner now
they wait until fear has knocked you down
all the rules are changin now
you’re livin in sin
everything around you’s cavin in
and all you hold onto’s slipping
like water through your hands…
BREAK
CHORUS
And you sing- lalala, lalala, lalala
far off in the distance
somewhere you can’t see
allegences have formed your destiny
opposition all around
feedin off your soul
trying hard to swallow up your hope
and demons all around you waiting
for you to sell your soul
Well, finally reach Valentine’s Day and to the finish line of the romance-themed choices for “Song of the Day”. We’ve had quite a list of songs which looks at romance and love from many differing angles. In the end, all of the previous songs were just foreplay and led up to the choices made for today. I couldn’t decide which song from Marvin Gaye to pick so I went with both.
What better way to close out Valentine’s Day and Night but with the two songs which probably led to some exceptional endings to couples’ Valentine’s Day for decades since their release. So, here’s Marvin Gaye with “Let’s Get It On” and “Sexual Healing” and I hope everyone have a safe, exceptional and epic Valentine’s Day.
Let’s Get It On
I’ve been really tryin baby Tryin to hold back this feeling for so long And if you feel like I feel baby Come on, oh come on, ooh
Let’s get it on, ow baby Let’s get it on, let’s love baby Let’s get it on, sugar Let’s get it on, woo
We’re all sensitive people with so much to give Understand me sugar Since we got to be, let’s live, I love you There’s nothin’ wrong with me lovin’ you, baby no no And givin’ yourself to me can never be wrong If the love is true, oh baby ooh
Don’t you know how sweet and wonderful life can be, ooh ooh I’m askin’ you baby to get it on with me, ooh ooh ooh I ain’t goin’ to worry, I ain’t goin’ to push, won’t push you baby So come on come on come on come on come on baby Stop beatin’ round the bush, hey
Let’s get it on, ooh ooh Let’s get it on, you know what I’m talkin’ about Come on baby, hey hey, let your love come out If you believe in love let’s get it on, ooh Let’s get it on baby, this minute, oh yeah Let’s get it on, eeeeeeeeee Please get it on, hey hey
Come on come on come on come on come on darlin’ Stop beatin’ round the bush, oh, gonna get it on Beggin’ you baby I want to get it on You don’t have to worry that it’s wrong If the spirit moves you, let me groove you Good, let your love come down, oh
Get it on, come on baby, do you know I mean it I’ve been sanctified, hey hey Girl you give me good feelings, so good Somethin’ like summertime
Sexual Healing
Ooh baby, now let’s get down tonight
Baby I’m hot just like an oven I need some lovin’ And baby, I can’t hold it much longer It’s getting stronger and stronger
And when I get that feeling I want Sexual Healing Sexual Healing, oh baby Makes me feel so fine Helps to relieve my mind Sexual Healing baby, is good for me Sexual Healing is something that’s good for me
Whenever blue tear drops are falling And my emotional stability is leaving me There is something I can do I can get on the telephone and call you up baby, and Honey I know you’ll be there to heal me The love you give to me will free me If you don’t know the thing you’re dealing Oh I can tell you, darling, that it’s Sexual Healing
Get up, Get up, Get up, Get up – let’s make love tonight Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, Wake up – ‘cos you do it right
Baby I got sick this morning A sea was storming inside of me Baby I think I’m capsizing The waves are rising and rising
And when I get that feeling I want Sexual Healing Sexual Healing is good for me Makes me feel so fine, it’s such a rush Helps to relieve the mind, and it’s good for us Sexual Healing, baby, it’s good for me Sexual Healing is something that’s good for me And it’s good for me and it’s so good to me My baby ohhh
Come take control, just grab a hold Of my body and mind soon we’ll be making it Honey, oh we’re feeling fine You’re my medicine open up and let me in Darling, you’re so great I can’t wait for you to operate
(Heal me my darling) I can’t wait for you to operate
When I get this feeling, I need sexual healing oh when I get this feeling, I need Sexual Healing, I gotta have sexual healing, Darling ‘cos I’m all alone sexual healing, darling, ’till you come back home
We’re now at the penultimate choice leading up to Valentine’s Day. With the previous “Song of the Day” speaking of just how difficult staying in love can be it’s only natural that this pick for the latest song deals with a much more hopeful version of “Love Is”.
“Let’s Stay Together” is one of the most iconic soul tracks one can ever be introduced to. It comes from the same named album by soul artist Rev. Al Green and has been a staple in the playlist for pretty much every fan of R&B, soul and gospel music. Even President Obama has been seen and heard belting out a verse or two from the song of recent. It’s the quintessential song about taking a chance and becoming a couple no matter circumstance.
This is definitely a song which would be on my Valentine’s playlist for the night which would lead up to the song which would end the night. A song I shall save for tomorrow which also happens to be Valentine’s Day and the final song in this week-long romance-themed list.
Let’s Stay Together
I, I’m so in love with you Whatever you want to do Is all right with me ‘Cause you make me feel so brand new And I want to spend my life with you
Since, since we’ve been together Loving you forever Is what I need Let me be the one you come running to I’ll never be untrue
Let’s, let’s stay together Lovin’ you whether, whether Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad
Why, why some people break up Then turn around and make up I just can’t see You’d never do that to me (would you, baby) Staying around you is all I see (Here’s what I want us to do)
[Repeat to fade:] Let’s, we oughta stay together Loving you whether, whether Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Through the Shattered Lens 