People's Choice - Let Me Do My Thing

While it seems it's open season for HATERS on reissues, let me divulge a retort. And, at the same time also file a grievance against said hatred. For starters, news flash.. EVERYBODY, and I mean everybody wants originals if possible. duh! Even folks that are just starting out in collecting..they want the original release. They might have not yet paid all the dues that lifetime collectors have, but still they want the original article. But, let's look at how quintessential RE-ISSUES are. They have in fact numerous times throughout several genres, and decades of music paved the way for what we know now..and brought to light hoards of quality music to the top. So much music would be lost without reissues.. from 60's dutch garage punk, to countless poor condition and almost impossible rocksteady from Jamaica, it's stunning when you look at the scope of all that is out there BECAUSE of the reissue market. I personally take offense to people downplaying, hating, and dismissing reissues especially now that I myself am behind some of that action with Sound Boutique Records.

The most critical part of reissues (in my eyes) is that it creates a situation where the artist can regain some of the income surrounding the popularity of a record. After all it's THEIR music, and originals trading hands amongst collectors for anything from $25 to $200 still yields absolutely $0 to the artist. That equation does not sit right with me. So, even though royalties are pennies compared to what a true deep collector 7 inch might trade hands for, it's still better than nothing.
Not to mention reissues help folks discover music, and define peoples interests. Like they have done for me time after time.

Here's the situation way back when for me personally. I was a young mod kid, must of been about 14-15 years old. I was trying to find more soul that I liked, and all I had was what I found.. Jr. Walker, Chuck Berry, Mary Wells, and Mose Allison 45's here and there. There was an incredible mostly 45 store, legendary in fact... that was huge for me.. called BAYTOWN records in Albany..but that's another story. A very important story to share, but another time.
We were learning about mod style and mod music, that is... American R&B, blues and Soul as mod kids. I had some vintage stripped 4 button shirts and Hush Puppy shoes and often taking my pants to the tailor to get them pegged.

Cover art on all the volumes looked like original works of art,
all creating incredible scenes of Soul music scenarios.

We were also sorting out and finding the music we wanted to identify with. While I was fresh to the culture of digging, and green to the ways of all the music I would eventually discover... Compilations aka Reissues were key in the development of my tastes. When you look back now, over all the years of collections, compilations, and reissues, the amount of releases back then pales against whats come out since. With all the years gone by, and folks like PPU, Numero, Now and Again, Stones Throw, Ace/Big Beat, Luv N' Haight etc.. its mind blowing. Just an endless sea or cool stuff to explore.
Back during this adolescent time for me it was 4 main groups of comps that shaped things for me.. Bam Caruso lead the way into psych, Funky People lead the way into JB's funk, Charley opened the door to rare groove, and these soul comps SOULIN' were likely the first comps I ever bought. There's also the Ultimate Breaks and Beats, but that is also deserved of an entire other post. So, yeah, maybe 5 comps.. 5 reissue groups.
I took a chance on the first one, the first SOULIN' compilation... based on the incredible cover art, and obscure track listing on the back. Strangely enough I bought all of them at tower records of all places. Once I dropped that needle on the grooves I was sprung, the heavy and rough soul that I really quested for did exist. It was southern soul, it was northern soul, it was instrumentals and funky tracks. It was dance music at it's finest to me. At the time I had an inkling about Kent Soul record comps and the immense amount of Northern Soul on those releases, but this was more dear to me. The stuff on SOULIN' was funkier, grittier, tough, soulful, and so irresistibly danceable.
After hearing this first SOULIN' and instantly being hooked (and enlightened I might add) I rushed back the very next day to get the rest of the volumes they had. I bought all of them, which at the time was the remaining two.. volume 4 was to come a bit later.

Soulin' comps were put out by Moonshine Records
and features a woman takin a taste from a bottle. 

They were all so incredible. I've lived by the depths of what was on here.. brought tapes of all of them to parties and people cut loose and spun about on the dance floor. So. In my experience compilations and reissues are pinnacle in harvesting tastes.. developing the ever growing 'map' of music, and also equally important in developing a scene to surround the love of the music.
So, for folks who shun on 'reissues'... please.. go get a life. Without them, most of us wouldn't know shit. I've said this a million times and its been proven to me a million times over... no one person knows EVERYTHING. Comps and reissues of the past are all the doors that have been opened  by others before you. For those in the hip hop community that claim to know everything, you're only fooling yourself.. Ultimate Breaks and Beats taught you a TON. And, without them you probably wouldn't know HALF the shit you do. And, they also were some of the first reissues AND comps I knew about.  So, don't get it twisted, they too were COMPS.
So, onto sharing this excellent, and very common People's Choice 45.. just ONE of the many varied treats on the SOULIN' series.
Maybe I'll share more of them in the future too.. I'd really like to know who these folks were.. who put them together and how they came about. They must have been 1984 or 1985 when they came out? I'm not sure. Very early tho. Also would like to know more about these amazing covers.. the painted scenes of clubs and bars with musicians pouring out of the windows or patrons hanging around. Just incredible.


People's Choice - Let Me Do My Thing

Movie Special - 20 Feet From Stardom

On the surface its a music documentary. But, once you get past the first layer of this onion its completely something different. In fact, its more like a surgical slice right through everything you know as music today. It dissects pop and soul music and examines the back bone of super star performers and countless recordings by looking at back up singers and their incredible stories, contributions, and roles they played. Yet, the layers run even deeper still... it offers a look into the political side of music, the roles of women in music and the personal stories of some contemporary artists. It truly is so much more than your average music documentary. It's just damn excellent.
Hearing the vocals isolated on multi tracks is the glass bottom on the fishing boat. I was floored to hear the backing vocals in ways I've never had the chance, yet heart broken to hear some of these stories. Some stories tragic and some incredibly inspirational.

The movie features Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Gloria Jones, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, The Waters Family, Tata Vega, Mable John, Janice Pendarvis, Lynn Mabry, David Lasley, Patty Austin, Edna Wright and fucking countless others. Now for us, more educated soul afficianadoes we know that technically these aren't all 'back ground' or 'back up' singers. And, some were parts of incredible groups like Parliament/Funkadelic or Honey Cone. But, it doesn't really matter, this story is about more than just that, it's about soul singers in general. That appears to be the 'backbone' of this story. It is more about the stories and paths of a handful of soul singers and some of them have been back up singers. Like I said before, more importantly its a look into the window of soul and rock and pop music.

Yes, that's Luther Vandross singing for David Bowie.

Luther honoring Lisa Fischer

The amazing Merry Clayton

The always bad-assiest Ikettes.

It's really about those folks that are just behind the limelight, have walked right beside it, and even been in it, but now still aren't household names. In a lot of ways it's a look at fame. It's a documentary about unsung singers, or lesser know heroes of music.
For that exact reason this movie gets the highest praise from us. Discovering singers or musicians on a big screen is a welcome thing, and why this movie completely won my heart. Plus I absolutely love these women soul singers that are speckled throughout the movie. They are indeed some of my favorites, worthy of worship, and damn deserving of some credit and shine!

Merry at an amazing moment listening to her isolated
backing vocals on 'Gimme Shelter'

Luther has always loved and valued backing vocals.

R&B's first action figures. 

For those of us that have 45's by Gloria Jones and Able Mable, and LP's by everyone from The Waters to Merry Clayton..they are ALREADY heroes in our world. We already know about these vocal beauties. We're already fans. But, this movie opens the door to a wider audience and folks that maybe don't know. Plus the artists get some much deserved respect and wider appreciation! You can't be mad at that. It does drift into a 'We Are The World' kinda vibe, and of course has the stereotypical 'oldies concert' feeling at the end. But, even though a bit mainstream, it's still a heart felt journey and a beautiful movie. It's few movies that get rated this high on Rotten Tomatoes and for good reason. Definitely gets the stamp of approval from Sound Boutique.
Go see this.

These backing singers got to fuel the 'sounds' of a revolution.

Bold Soul Sisters.

Phil Spector and Darlene Love - A complex relationship: Phil helped make
Darlene a legend, yet he also stole stardom from just outside her reach. 

YOU HAVE BEEN PROPERLY WARNED. DON'T MISS.

Mary Wells - Dig The Way I Feel

This is a tune brought in the shop by our friend Jesse. There's so much good stuff coming through the VAMP shop. If you're in the Oakland Area you gotta come through. Hit me up here for details or read other posts here that mention it.
I was kind of bred into soul music by the Chicanos and Mexicanos in my hood as a kid. They showed me how to crease my dickies and how to stand with my feet forming a V. I always hated converse, they were uncomfortable as hell. But, a derby jacket and a little pomade and I was good to go. The original San Francisco Miklo. This was a remarkable period for San Francisco. There were still bombs rolling the streets of the city blasting sweet soul music, beige creased dickies and black suspenders. Lowrider and Chicano culture was at an all time high in the Mission district of SF. I also remember once after relocating to the East Bay hearing an incredible Friday Night Oldies DJ on KPFA. The passionate and stylistic voice of the radio announcer speaking both English and Spanish and always embellishing in street slang. That was really a wicked show and that DJ should be a national treasure. Ah, those times I miss.

What really touched me about growing up in the hood and changed my life was the music. The Vato friend of mine from down the street left me with a handful of 45's that forever change my view. Oldies, funk, doo-wop and disco. Some of the most soulful music I had ever heard. Those nuggets left imprints that shaped my tastes to this very day. Parliament's 'Flash Light', The 'Theme From S.W.A.T.' and the hit oldies sound of Mary Wells and many others.

Mary's 'Two Lovers' and 'Don't Beat Me To The Punch' were in that beginning stack of 45's and were constantly played on my fisher price turntable. Still to this day I love that sound. As much as soul music and oldies are embedded in my soul, so was my love and respect for Chicano and Lowrider culture. It's no wonder that the two interests are so infused with each other. The devotion in the Lowrider and Oldies scene isn't any less intense than the manic and obsessive Northern, Deep Funk or Disco Scenes. We're still basically talking about records here. So, as you can imagine it's just as fathoms deep as any other record collecting circle, maybe even deeper.

When the wifey and I went out recently we stopped by the Casanova for an Oldies Night and release party for the Souleros Crew's piece in Wax Poetics and we had a fantastic time. Some of the nicest and friendliest folks I've met and a night of killer tunes. Some even I had to shout across the dance floor to any willing ear to tell me what was playing on the turntable. Great unknown oldies, Lowrider classics, Chicano Rock, and Latin Boogaloo groovers were being played.
The Souleros family host parties and dance nights with events featuring 'The Baddest Chola Contest' and performances from groups like Myron & E. These folks are doing it big and keeping the harmonies and sweet soulful sounds alive and well.

Not a good pic by any standards, but a terrific night of soul

The always visually pleasing art at Casanova

 Here's another fine tune by Mary Wells. It's from the same period as her 'Serving Up Some Soul' album for the Jubilee label. She had a hit on that LP with the tune 'The Doctor'. This was in 1968 long after she had left the Motown and Atco labels. In fact she had jumped aboard 20th Century as well for a short period, I think one album. This was her last volume of work before she completely abandoned the recording business. Mary had an incredible career of legendary soul tunes. 'My Guy', 'You Beat Me To The Punch', 'Two Lovers', 'The Doctor', an album dedicated to the Beatles, and a duet with Marvin Gaye...this gal has an impressive catalog to say the least.

Mary Wells - Dig The Way I Feel

Howard Tate - Stop

Damn. I can't believe it. Another one of my true soul hero's has gone. I just about cried when I heard the news. I couldn't believe it. I met Howard back some time ago. The timing was strange and I was visiting some family on the East Coast. It just so happened that he was playing a fair or festival near by and even more amazing my Brother, Andy Hess, was playing bass with Tate's band. We chatted about what songs he had to practice for the gig, and thanks to my brother, I was a shoe-in to hang and meet the great Howard Tate. Stoked that even my daughter got to see this massive soul legend.

He was never a legend in the sense that he got his fair shake. His masterpiece of a soul album never got the appropriate push, and Howard, quite possible one the greatest souls singers on the planet, fell into obscurity. Not with true soul heads mind you. Both Soul enthusiasts, musicians, and record nerds alike knew about Tate's music. Then AND now. But, we are in the minority.

In 1967 the Verve label released Howard's "Get It While You Can" album and gave it a luke warm backing. It was a thunderous masterpiece of astonishing soul power. But, Verve dropped the ball. Perhaps the label was busy with other projects.

Nevertheless, without a big push record sales were weak. And, Howard Tate was NOT a household name. Two subsequent albums didn't fair any better and Howard eventually quit the biz.
Trouble tightly traced Howard's life after that including the tragic loss of his daughter to house fire. He suffered an additcion to drugs and was homeless for a stretch. Eventually Howard pulled through on his own, became a minister, and sought to counseling those who were afflicted with the same condition.

It was miraculously the same soul devotees that found out what had happened to Howard that brought him back deservedly into the limelight. A mixture of several soul enthusiasts and radio deejays found out that Howard Tate was alive and well and sought to bring him back. Conversations about the extent of how much he was missed, loved and appreciated for his music convinced him to return to the stage.

He enjoyed close to the entire last decade performing and recording again. Walking out onto stages filled with appreciative crowds and standing ovations. Even his partner in the "Get It..." album, Jerry Ragovoy reunited with him and recorded 'Rediscovered' in 2003. Howard had a good run before his passing this past December 2nd, and was well loved by the soul community. We will forever love you and your music. Rest in Peace.

This song is NOT on the original 'Get It While You Can' album, and was only released as a single. It's a rarer song by Howard and doesn't make good sense to be excluded from the original album. But, included here for you, of course, as the rarer gem that you must hear. Both 'Stop' and 'Shoot 'em All Down' are nothing short of wicked powerhouses. Just as the entire LP is a solid stellar and amazing work of soul genius. Both Howard's incredible talent and Ragovoy's amazing writing contributed to one of the most important and incredible missing pieces of soul music vinyl grails.

Howard Tate signed my copy of this picture sleeve 45 back in 2004

Howard Tate - Stop

The Sylvers - Fool's Paradise

Back to basics here...a little more back down the road of organic and less synthesized tunes. I had to start back with the blog for bunch of boogie and modern soul posts, but changing gears yet again. As always I try my best to keep it fresh and interesting bouncing all across the spectrum's of music.


One of my all time fave groups is also another classic example of undiscovered talent and lost and forgotten groups. Another example of a group only slightly registering on the radar, but deserving of still an even deeper and more proper exposure. Wholeheartedly the Sylvers could have been a super pop group to easily content with the like of the Jacksons. In fact, they did. By most accounts the Sylvers existed right alongside them and had a long history of doing so. It's just one of those cases where every-fucking-body knows about the Jackson Five, and yet...almost nobody 'seems' to remember the Sylvers. In fact, when deejays play the Foster Sylvers track "Misdemeanor' most will think it's Michael Jackson rocking with the Jackson Five. I guess on the upside that's a great compliment. But, for me it may have stifled a groups potential to always be over shadowed by another super group. And, sadly may have lead the Sylvers in a more pop direction, instead of a more 'artistic' one. This LP is a prime example.
 
The Sylvers had immense talent too. And, in fact their eldest member Leon Sylvers wrote and arranged a multitude of stunning soul songs in his early years. Possible only 18 or 19 years of age, he penned hit tunes like "Wish I Could Talk To You" and laid down incredibly deep textures and phenomenal arrangements in song like "Fools Paradise" and "I Know Myself". These are deep both in message and psychedelic atmosphere.True favorites among break beat and head nodding funkateers.
The youngest member Foster, had two solo LP's and the group changed members throughout the years. They started with 6 members, outnumbering the Jackson's by one, and eventually out did them with being nine members strong at one time. Sylvers family members were popping up outta nowhere. But, thank goodness for them. They also struck another piece of gold with a later 70's hit 'Hotline' in the middle of their disco era.

Leon Sylvers grew to become one of those most important and influential writers and producers in soul music. His mark on soul and R&B in the 70's and 80's is enormous. This is one of the great unknown soul albums and is relatively available. The production is genius, the song writing staggering, the talent endless. Just about every song on this LP is fantastic. You should seek it out, if you don't know it already, and blast it on a Saturday morning and chill with your sweetheart. This is that kind of soul record. Not enough of them as far as I'm concerned.

The Sylvers - Fool's Paradise

Freedom - Sunshine

In hope of continuing the celebration of our 2 year anniversary I come bearing gifts. Just so happens to be a track that Cool Chris has blessed us here locally with for some time now. Well, I've finally got my hands on one and now I'm giving it to you.

On the surface, its a great funk track, almost a bit typical sounding in it's formula. Definitely a monster of a funk tune. But, once it reaches the crescendo and the backing vocals take those 'sunshine' harmonies you'll realize there's more to it.  Sweet horns and some jazzy almost fretless sounding guitar riffs contribute to making this more than your average funk 45. It's a bit jazzy and just the right touch of sweetness.

'Sunshine' is the flip side to 'Can't You See' by Freedom on what seems to be their own label. Don't think this group had any other releases and never got a chance to record a full LP.
Just a great little tune. Big thanks to Cool Chris for banging this one out whenever he plays records.


Freedom - Sunshine

Jackson Southernaires - Give It To Me Jesus

I'm often a dollar short and a day late. Just so the case because I'm busy yet again. Well, the first thing I thought about this last Sunday morning was posting some tasty gospel music. Of course, I was too busy and couldn't do it. Man, making my goal for this blog this year is gonna be hard. I'd like to double the amount of posts that I put up last year. So, eventually I pulled out about 10-20 gospel records from the collection and decided on this power stomper by The Jackson Southernaires. They actually just played this last weekend. How crazy is that shit! Perhaps, I felt their spirit! I don't actually know if it was that Sunday or the previous, but I did speak to a Gospel authority and it's confirmed they just played Oakland this last Sunday or the previous Sunday.


Let me say that picking one tasty tune from so many good ones was difficult. Especially when you start opening your ears to the gospel soul and funk sound. But, I'm digging and searching for more and more gospel these days. The good news is that now I've dug a few things up, you'll see (Or, hear rather) more posts on this genre. Perhaps I'll do a gospel Sunday regular thing.
Not only did I want to post a gospel tune when I woke up on Sunday, but I've been meaning to check out a church right here in a local neighborhood. The plan is for the family to check it out this upcoming Sunday.

I also wanted to pay respects and acknowledge Martin Luther King Day. It was a pleasure to do homework with my daughter this week. It was a huge project about MLK and it was a joy to see her open that door to an important page in history. She's really lights years from that experience and how important it has been for many of us. But, to chip away the ice and make it fresh and relevant to her was a pleasure and important challenge. So, how does it sound for Soundboutique to pay respects to Dr. King?
For me, what better way than to take it back to the old school, to where it all started for MLK himself, to the church. The good word, the gospel. And, if you will....part one of a soundtrack to MLK Day by yours truly and Soundboutique.

So, enjoy this gospel burner from The Southernaires from their 1979 'Legendary Gentlemen' on the Malaco label and let these words from The Rev. Martin Luther King ring true...

"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love."  Martin Luther King Jr. from 'Where Do We Go from Here'


Jackson Southernaires - Give It To Me Jesus

Three Ounces Of Love - Give Me Some Feeling

On this third day of the year, I give you the Three Ounces Of Love. I have been bumping this since Thanksgiving last year. I had never heard this LP before that. I was really surprised. I suppose I slept on this one thinking it was another mediocre or run-of-the-mill disco joint. Little did I know what I was missing. These three sisters are incredible. As soon as I heard 'Give Me Some Feeling' I was in heaven. The backing vocals, the soloist, all freakin incredible. And, some sweet arrangements to boot. Known as the Alexander sisters from Detroit, this was the only LP released by Ann, Elaine and Regina. They had two singles released from this LP and both basically bombed and they weren't heard from for ages. This LP was also produced by Brian Holland, of Motown fame, and the 'Ounces' only significant resurfacing was during a Motown tribute.

Ferocious vocal talent here folks. These sisters seriously set this shit on fire. This has been a long awaited and welcomed treat in my stacks lately. For true soul connoisseurs, its a royal treat. This LP is well rounded with excellent production and sultry arrangements for a big label sound. A few folks have had to endure me ranting about these gals everywhere I go lately. Now, you'll see what I'm talking about. This ones gonna be in the DJ bag for a bit.

The real kicker here is, is that this LP has The Suttons all over it. Mike and Brenda Sutton wrote and produced several of these tunes. Including the incredible ballad 'Today Will Soon Be Yesterday' which is nothing short of genius. I can't place who may have re-done this tune and possibly had some major success with it. If you can help on this, it would be much appreciated. I know I've heard it somewhere else...

The main tune here that melts my wig is 'Give Me Some Feeling', also written and produced by my fave Mike and Brenda. But, the LP is overall well rounded and pretty darned tasty. I'm glad I've stumbled across it again and given it a sec to warm up on me. I'm including this song along with a few other stand out cuts on the LP. Fans of more disco-y sounds will want to check this out. I've focused on the slower and funkier tracks, but it'll make disco kids smile too. Fortunately for the Three Ounces they picked more mid-tempo tunes and steered away from a full on disco LP, a trend that was dying in '78 when this was released. That may have given them more life in the biz at the time. That may be why I had originally not noticed it, thinking it was just that..another formula disco outing. Either way, these chicks were not short on talent. It's a shame they didn't record further into the 80's like the Jones Girls for example. They had A LOT or potential and I would have loved to hear what they would have sounded like in 1982.

Once you delve into these sisters and enjoy this fine LP you too will probably want more. I know they started out with some Northern Soul stuff produced by none other than Mr. Popcorn Wylie, but I don't have any of those 45's. I'm not sure anything ever came out on 45 or on the Pameline label, it may be stuff that was unreleased that surfaced later on? Not entirely sure. Again, I would hope those that have more info would share in the comments below. I've heard as well that they had something on IX Chains Records, but again, I don't have it and haven't heard it. Could be fantastic...who knows. But, you'll have to wrestle with me over anything with their name on it at the record swap.

Three Ounces Of Love - Give Me Some Feeling
Three Ounces Of Love - Bet You'll Come Running
Three Ounces Of Love - In The Middle Of The Feeling
Three Ounces Of Love - Today Will Soon Be Yesterday

Bobby Bland - I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)

Aside from being a strong runner for longest song title in the world, it's a tasty bit of bluesy funk from the incomparable Bobby 'Blue' Bland.
When I discovered his original version it knocked me down. You see, I had only heard the Rhythm Heritage's version, which was flip side to 'The Theme From S.W.A.T.'
When I was a kid growing up in San Francisco I had a small group of 45's. No more than a nine year old should have. A few I remember... 'More Bounce To The Ounce', 'Flashlight' and 'SWAT Theme'. I remember as kids popping and locking in the bathrooms at school to these songs. Perhaps only having exposure to a few 45's, I fell in love with 'treat you like a dog' even as an instrumental track. Their version is actually pretty sick too. It was something about the melody and hook. So, you can imagine 15 years later when I heard Bobby's smooth vocals my head just about shattered. Or, perhaps it was my pants that shattered? (thanks JB for the shitty visuals) But, nevertheless this tune is a swooner. Laid back urban funky groove from 'the man' of the blues himself Bobby Bland.



Bobby Bland - I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)

General Johnson - Don't Walk Away

Earlier this month the great General Johnson passed away. It's been a tough year, many of our soul and funk heroes have passed on. Just a reminder I suppose that if we love our 'old school' artists we should show them, honor them and see them perform while they are still around. Just this month alone we've lost the great Gregory Isaacs, Ari Up from the Slits died at the early age of 48, and General Johnson died of Lung Cancer. It's been a bummer to hear about such great artists passing away. Everyone from the wholesome to the exploitative... from Leave It To Beaver's Barbara Billingsley to Penthouse photographer Bob Guiccione...they both passed in October as well. It's a bit much!

Out goes General Johnson as well. General Norman Johnson is probably best known for being in The Chairmen Of the Board. From the well known '(Gimme) Just A Little Time' which charted quite well, to the soul anthem of 'Gone Fishin'' the Chairmen 'brought it' to the soul fans. '(Gimme) Just a little more time' is classic soul by the chairmen, and additionally the General penned 'Want Ads', and 'One Monkey Don't Stop The Show' for Honeycone.

He started out in 1961 performing and writing with The Showmen, known best for 'It Will Stand' on Minit Records. Then with the Chairmen Of The Board cut several records for Invictus. One of which was recorded in a very heavy Funkadelic fashion with Bernie Worrell and Eddie Hazel called 'Skin I'm In'. Mr. Johnson has an impressive catalog and recorded just about every style of soul music possible from 1961 to his death this month. An incredible artist with so many contributions to soul music.
This tune in particular is a classic nice little stepper from his self titled solo LP released in 1976. This is excellent soul music. One of my absolute favorite soul tunes EVER.

I guess why I'm personally affected by these deaths is that I'm heavily entrenched in the eras of the past. It would feel different if we had staples of artists today that were making waves like the ones before. Just a lot happened that was important and vital in musics history. Like, how many pop bands these days perform with any instruments? Probably very few. Certainly fewer compared to those of the 60's, 70's, and even the 80's. And, the same goes for talent. General Johnson had an immense amount of talent and skill. I hope you enjoy this sophisticated soul number done by the man who now chairs the soul council in the sky!




General Johnson - Don't Walk Away