Music You Should Already Own: Archive

I Just Dropped By To Say Hello by Johnny Hartman...

Johnny Hartman has the smoothest voice you’ve never heard. It’s a slow burner, but worth the investment. Well don’t let me bore you anymore I’m not quite as lonely as I was before I didn’t want a thing, you know I just dropped by to say hello Johnny Hartman on Wikipedia | I Just Dropped By… on Amazon mp3

Jul 23rd

1 tag

Distant Lover by Marvin Gaye (Slow Jam of the...

I’m not entirely sure why this song is so awesome, besides the fact that Marvin kills it. I dig that somehow it’s urgent yet low key. Distant lover, lover (lover, lover, lover) Distant Lover on Wikipedia | Distant Lover Amazon mp3

Jul 18th

Pretty Girl at the Airport by The Avett Brothers...

This song reminds me of “Woman of Heart and Mind” by Joni Mitchell; in both songs the sonic landscape is this solid, constant thing that the vocals float on top of. Weirdly enough, this song feels like being in a car that’s driving away from somewhere and watching trees blur by the car window. Or something. The vocals and the music work well to amplify the mood of the...

May 31st

2 tags

You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)...

Continuing my current Burt/Hal geekery is this jam by the Stylistics. A friend once noted there’s something nice about a group of guys sweetly singing a love song. A lot of people try to write complicated music really well; more people should try writing non-complicated music really well. This song doesn’t jump out at you as overly complex - it’s just kinda pretty. While I...

Apr 10th

Travelin' Soldier by Dixie Chicks

Because I’m obsessive, I will mention yet again that Home, the album from which “Travelin Soldier” hails, should have won the Album of the Year Grammy in 2003, not Norah Jones’ vastly blander album, which shall remain nameless because I can’t remember the name, I’m too lazy to look it up, and, most importantly, because I’m a hater. “Travelin’...

Mar 19th

1 tag

Prayer for Passive Resistance (from Mingus at...

Charles Mingus (bassist, composer) is my favorite jazz dude ever. Dig that bass line and that soulful, soulful jazz music. Love the band chatter in the background (Talk about it, talk about it, talk about it). Mingus on Wikipedia | Mingus at Antibes on Wikipedia “Prayer for Passive Resistance” from Mingus at Antibes on Amazon mp3

Mar 16th

Music You Should Already Own on Facebook

FYI: Music You Should Already Own on Facebook. Not exactly sure what shape it will take, but it seemed like a good idea.

Mar 12th

Can't We Be Friends by Frank Sinatra; Ella...

Wikipedia info: Written in 1929. Music by Kay Swift, first woman to score a complete musical Lyrics by Paul James, financial advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt In The Wee Small Hours is one of Sinatra’s best albums and this is one of my favorite songs from it. Slowly paced with a simple and rich bassline Classic Sinatra sound The Ella and Louis version is easy to fall in like...

Mar 8th

Album School: Knuckle Down by Ani DiFranco

One of my favorite albums since its 2005 release. It’s worth noting that I generally don’t like listening to Ani. I recognize that she’s talented; her music is usually too frenetic for me to settle in to it. Knuckle Down feels like it has more room to breathe. There’s a similar sonic quality to all the songs that keeps the album tight and feeling like an album, and not...

Mar 1st

My Bad: "The 5th Dimension"

The Fifth Element is a movie starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Chris Tucker. It’s one of my favorite movies, despite the fact that it might not be objectively good. My like for the movie may have more to do with the time in my life that I saw it than the movie itself. I encourage you to check it out, if you haven’t. That said, I find it to be no large surprise that I...

Feb 24th

2 tags

One Less Bell To Answer - Burt Bacharach and Hal...

This version, performed by The 5th Dimension, is a stone cold jam. A little bit of a slow burner, but once it gets goin? Hooboy. Marilyn McCoo, the song’s lead singer, smashes. Originally written for Keely Smith, many have covered this song, including Barbra Streisand, Sheryl Crow, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Dionne Warwick; there’s a reason The 5th Dimension’s version is the...

Feb 23rd

2 tags

You Wish You Were This Fly Day: Close To You by...

I fell in love when I watched this video. Babs! Seriously though - Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote some stone cold jams and this is one of them. I love that this song has a ridiculously simple structure and is still gorgeous. It serves as a good reminder that simplicity doesn’t preclude beauty.

Feb 5th

1 tag

You Wish You Were This Fly Day: 777-9311 by The...

The video and audio quality are sub-optimal, but The Time’s flyness still comes shining through. Notes: The drummer is doing some serious hi-hat damage. You will never look that dope in a pink suit. I’m working on that synchronized leg work they’re rockin’ and will break it out at some point in the future. American Bandstand was a victory for America.

Jan 15th

1 tag

Make Me Wanna Holler by Meshell Ndegeocello (Slow...

Meshell Ndegeocello is talented, I love her work, go buy something. That said, Meshell is a damn cover hero. On her new album Devil’s Halo she covers “Love You Down” by Ready For The World (and crushes it). On the tour supporting Devil’s Halo she covered “Dirty Mind” by Prince (and crushes it - the video doesn’t do it justice). On her album Bitter she...

Jan 3rd

Let's Straighten It Out by O. V. Wright

O. V. Wright covers a song by Latimore and works it better than the original. This song comes to you by way of Swza who says, “I dig the near 1 minute piano intro.” Me too, man. Me too. For the last five nights, honey, when we went to bed, Oh, I could tell somethin’ just wasn’t right. When you turned your back to me and you covered your head, Then you...

Dec 25th

Juicy by Emily Wells

This song comes to me by way of a new friend who, based on our brief conversation, loves her some Biggie. A classic we all know and love, broken down.

Dec 25th

How Can You Mend A Broken Heart by Al Green

This is a tune that’s included on ?uestlove’s compilation Babies Makin’ Babies 2: Misery Strikes Back….. No More Babies. ?uesto is awesome, and so is Al Green. Al kills it on this song. It’s one you gotta give some time to simmer, though. How can you mend a this broken man? How can a loser ever win? Please help me mend my broken heart and...

Dec 25th

Woman Of Heart And Mind by Joni Mitchell

Comparing the composition of this song to the catalog of Rufus Wainwright, another artist I look to for engaging harmonies and composition, I’m struck by how efficient Joni is in her work. There’s a lush and delicate quality about this song. It isn’t aggressively loud or overbearing. It’s stripped down but not simple harmonically. There’s a subtlety and attention...

Dec 1st

Speak Low by Sarah Vaughan

This song is originally on the album After Hours At The London House. I’m not familiar with the album (downloading it right now), but this song has a pretty melody and it’s paced at a slow burn. Also… Sarah Vaughan crushes it, as usual. Speak low, darling speak low Love is a spark, lost in the dark, too soon, too soon I feel wherever I go That tomorrow is near, tomorrow is...

Oct 23rd

For Lovers Only by Maxwell

Maxwell’s latest album spurred me to go back and explore his previous four discs (three studio, one Unplugged) and in that process I found this gem from his album Now. Somehow, I completely slept on this track until a couple of months ago. (Now was released in 2001 and I’ve owned it as long.) There are certain types of slow songs that make me conscious that my heart is beating at a...

Sep 20th

Watch

Here we are in this big old empty room, staring each other down U want me just as much as I want u, let’s stop fooling around

Sep 1st

Aug 28th

Sumthin' Sumthin':Mellosmoothe by Maxwell

Don’t quite know what to say about Maxwell besides “Maxwell is awesome.” He dropped an album this month, after an 8 year sabbatical, and sounds as good as ever. Better, even. Here are some songs - we’ll let them speak for themselves. Know These Things: Shouldn’t You This is from Maxwell’s aurally aquatic album Embrya. Just fall into the slow, sad groove....

Aug 1st

Just Like This Train by Joni Mitchell

At the suggestion of a friend I picked up Joni’s album Court and Spark. It’s my first Joni album and I am not disappointed - it’s a great album and a nice, easy introduction to Joni. Easy-going pace and rich, open composition gives you a lot of space to get lost in the song (in a good way) Lyrically/vocally engaging I used to count lovers like railroad cars I counted them...

Jul 1st

1 tag

Hard Times Music: Park Bench People by José James

Park Bench People is a beautiful song about homeless people in the city. Rich, soulful sound I think of all the people in the park sleepin’ in the street, livin’ from the heart sleepin’ in the street, livin’s kinda hard sleepin’ in the street, people fall apart José James Online | Amazon mp3 Hard Times Music posts

May 31st

1 tag

Hard Times Music: Suicidal Thoughts by The...

After referencing Biggie in the previous Hard Times post, it seemed appropriate to give Big Poppa his own piece of digital real estate. The machismo and posturing typical in Hip Hop is pushed aside in this song. Behind it, you find some simple emotions and insecurities that are easy to identify with: disappointing your parents, regret, weariness. This is probably my favorite song by The...

May 10th

La La (Means I Love You) by the Delfonics and...

Couldn’t choose - rocking both of the them. The best thing about this song, clearly, is the “I love you” harmony during the chorus. La la la la la la la la la means I love you Amazon mp3: Delfonics | Jackson 5 Wikipedia: Delfonics | Jackson 5

May 3rd

1 tag

Hard Times Music: In Her Music Box by Atmosphere

When doing a series on Hard Times Music, once obviously has to begin with “Hard Times” by Curtis Mayfield. However, this idea initially started while listening to Atmosphere’s latest album, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. This is an album full of beautiful songs about hard times. My three favorite songs from the album: Opening Track, “Like The...

Apr 29th

1 tag

Hard Times Music: That Hump by Erykah Badu

Check here for previous Hard Times Music posts. New Amerykah, Pt 1 (4th World War) is a very strong album. You have to pay a little bit of attention to it, but once you do you may find it to be a knock out. The relentless bass hits pushing this song forward remind me of the way life feels when life isn’t going so well. Each day just keeps coming. And coming. And coming. And coming. ...

Apr 18th

Let Me Prove My Love To You by The Main Ingredient

I first heard this song listening to a radio program called On The Corner. Stream On The Corner via the internets to catch an awesome mix of jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and soulful hip-hop. My homeboy DJ Phizzy has pointed me toward some hot tunes since I’ve known him and I highly recommend you check out his show. If you know Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name”,...

Apr 12th

1 tag

Hard Times Music: Hard Times by Curtis Mayfield

There are lots of hard times in America right now and “Hard Times” is a song about hard times. There are songs about rough relationships, there are songs about overcoming adversity. It’s rare than an artist creates a beautiful song that is simply a description of life being hard. This song was also recorded by Baby Huey and the Baby Sitters on The Baby Huey Story: The Living...

Apr 12th

Outro With Bees, A Widow's Toast, and The Next...

Neko Case has a few songs under 2 minutes that are wonderful. Many artists fall into the trap of thinking making a song longer will make it better. Most of the time, they should try making it shorter. (Notable exception: Disintegration by The Cure.) The next time you say forever, I’ll punch you in your face. Just because you don’t believe it, doesn’t mean I...

Mar 31st

The Panties by Mos Def

Mos Def is an ideal sort of soul singer. He feels the song and rocks the vocals. Mighty Mos has a few tracks like this and I dig them all. I wish there were more music like this in the world. Just fall into the groove. Baby slow down, just take your time You and me gon’ be here for a while Wikipedia | Amazon mp3

Mar 27th

Nine albums that made my life.

Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt Tragic Kingdom is the first album I can remember singing along to at the top of my lungs and really getting into it. I didn’t listen to music until the early 90’s and Aerosmith was the first band that totally did it for me. One of the earliest songs I can remember loving is “Cryin”. It wasn’t until Aerosmith that I started paying attention...

Mar 5th

Your Song by Elton John (acoustic)

Do yourself a favor and grab the acoustic version of this song that appears on To Be Continued (it’s track 4). It’s more intimate than the version that appears on Elton John. I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do My gift is my song and this one’s for you Amazon.com mp3 | Wikipedia Slow Jamz Day

Feb 9th

Inside My Love by Minnie Riperton

A while ago, ?uestlove put together a compilation album of old soul jams called “Babies Makin Babies”. Obviously, it’s rad. The compilation is worth buying if you think a soul jam comp by ?uestlove sounds amazing. One of my favorite songs on that album is Inside My Love by Minnie Riperton. While her version is classic, there’s also a great cover of it on the...

Feb 2nd

Feel Like Makin' Love by Roberta Flack and by...

Roberta Flack and D’Angelo… both ridiculously talented. Feel Like Makin’ Love, as done by Ms. Flack, is a very pretty love song. As done by D’Angelo, it’s a very pretty “Let’s.Do.This.” song. D’Angelo makes the song distinctly his own while still maintaining the beautiful essence of the original. Because he’s awesome. When you...

Jan 21st

Album School: Voodoo by D'Angelo

I’ve posted a song previously. I’ll probably post more songs later. But unless you commit and throw yourself into the whole album, you’ll never get the full experience. This is sexy dirty funky soul music and you should already own a copy of it. Read about Voodoo in Wikipedia (including some pretty sweet quotes from ?uestlove.) Amazon.com mp3 [Slow Jamz Day 2009...

Jan 15th

Album School: The Dreamer by José James

For the last six months, I’ve been trying to decide on a single song from this album to post. In that time, I’ve come to the conclusion that the collection of songs is more powerful as a unit than any individual track on its own. Soulful, groove filled, introspective, warm, sensual, intelligent. Oh baby I don’t want to lose this feeling Can’t you see I’m...

Jan 1st

JazzInkBlog For Local Shows

If you’re in the MSP and you love live Jazz - and you should - check out JazzInkBlog. The writer has her pulse on the Cities’ jazz scene and every week she lets you know about the hot shows in the area over the next week. Add the RSS Feed by clicking here and always stay in the loop. And go see a show. If you don’t go and watch, they don’t continue to perform, and that...

Dec 27th

Take Your Time by Al Green

Corinne Bailey Rae and Al sound wonderful together. I love that she takes the low part and Al takes high. Nice pacing. Slow enough for you to feel it. Dig the lyrics. Did I mention that Al Green dropped a new album in 2008?!? I want to take a little time Just to fall in love again amazon.com mp3 Watch this MiniDocumentary on Al Green and ?uestlove making the album

Dec 13th

Coming Soon: Worst Hip Hop Songs of 2008

To nominate a song for the Worst Hip Hop Songs of 2008 list, click here. We’ll tell you when the winners have been posted.

Dec 1st

Nov 30th

Poetry Man by Phoebe Snow

The guitar in the background is what really makes this song. It completes the capricious, light feel of the song. Probably the prettiest, most pleasant song about cheating you’ve ever heard. You make me laugh ‘Cause your eyes they light the night, they look right through me You bashful boy You’re hiding something sweet, please give it to me amazon.mp3 | wikipedia | Soul...

Nov 22nd

The Gift of Music

I’ve been thinking of putting together some Mix CDs for the holidays and thought it would be fun to put together a mix for all of the wonderful people who read Music You Should Already Own. If you’d like one, all you have to do is hit me with your info at this link. Thanks for reading!

Nov 10th

Send It On by D'Angelo

This is luscious, sexy, soulful soul music. Also, it’s really hard to pick just one song from Voodoo and single it out as the official sexy music time song, so maybe we’ll have to have us a little D’Angelo sexy music time series. I can’t snap my fingers hard enough to this song. That double drum hit kills me. D’Angelo works the groove long and strong on this one. ...

Nov 8th

Get It Together by Beastie Boys

Q-Tip and the Beastie Boys on the same track? Word. Beat is tight. Energy is frenetic and infectious. Phone is ringing… Oh my god. Amazon mp3 | Wikipedia

Oct 31st

I Can Be Cool by Bob and Gene

One of the things I love about Bob and Gene is that they took the 1960s soul singer thing and stripped it down to its essence - somewhat out of necessity because they were just two broke teenagers who thought soul singers were awesome. The other thing I like about Bob and Gene is their story: they recorded an album, couldn’t release it, boxed it; some guy found out about it 40 years later,...

Oct 21st

Crazy by Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline has a wonderful voice. When I listen to this song, I imagine myself singing it in a smoky VFW, at 2 in the afternoon, to a room that’s spotted with the sort of people who would be drinking at a VFW at 2 in the afternoon. She may have better songs, but none encapsulate her beautiful, warm, and slightly detached melancholy like Crazy. I’m crazy for tryin Crazy for cryin...

Oct 14th

Hand In My Pocket (acoustic) by Alanis Morissette

With the world being as eff-ed up as it is, it’s easy to despair. There are small things that you can keep close to heart to help keep the despair away. They include (for me, at least), John Cusack movies, friends, chocolate, Tazo Orange Passion tea with honey, tealight candles, and, today, Alanis Morissette acoustic. Jagged Little Pill is one of the defining albums of the 90s; it’s...

Oct 8th