By ParaMhor
Soul Food
“I haven’t understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.” – Igor Stravinsky
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm. Everything dances.” – Maya Angelou
First off, let’s get real, real gone with the King. The Sun Collection is pretty much holy writ in my house. Thanks to Marco for this one. Elvis Presley – Milkcow Blues Boogie
Moving on a notch, Junior Senior made this song twenty years ago (!!!). A big hit in their native Denmark and the UK, used in popular videogames and an absolute cracker to start your day. Thanks to Isabelle Forshaw. Junior Senior – Move Your Feet
Back to the golden age of rock and roll. Originally recorded by Sonny West, Buddy Holly knew a good song when he heard it, especially when part written by long time producer, Norman Petty. With added hiccups, it became another great hit for the unstoppable Buddy. ShivSidecar for this one. Buddy Holly – Rave On
Lilizela Mlilizeli by Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens is just wondrous. As Tarquin Spodd explains:
“Here's a little song by a band I was lucky enough to see back in the 1980s. Now, I never dance, apart from the odd pogo back in ‘77 I remain steadfastly still no matter what is playing. Except with this lot, the made a sound so utterly joyful that I danced from start to finish of what was one of the finest performances I ever did see.” Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens - Lilizela Mlilizeli
Next up, a song from the mighty Sunflower. Recently revisited on the remarkable Feel Flows box set, I think we are way past the time when late 60s Beach Boys were an unacknowledged source of great music. Rather than a Brian Wilson opus, this was the sound of the whole group spreading their wings. Including Mike Love. Many thanks to SweetHomeAlabama for nominating this. Beach Boys – Add Some Music To Your Day.
This next was a bit of a deal breaker in Para Mansions. One of my wife’s favourite songs (and one of mine…), I was threatened with dire consequences should this not be picked. Never in any doubt. Mike Nesmith and the boys nailed a fabulous late 60’s hymn to music. Thanks again to Tarquin Spodd. The Monkees – Listen To The Band.
Thanks to Nicko for nominating this sublime Heptones song. An absolute beauty. Here’s why:
Music, it's so divine
It's yours and it's mine
Come on and sing with me
It makes your soul happy. The Heptones – Get In The Groove
I was so excited by the idea of the Red Shoes. KB and the Archers! What could go wrong? Well, a mess of a promo film and some ordinary music - should qualify by saying KB did not make ordinary music – but I grew to love it fiercely. though it hasn’t been on the turntable much recently. Many thanks to severin for reminding me of this one. Probably the most on point this week. Kate Bush – Eat The Music.
Cornershop are one of those bands who seem to have been around for ages. Handcream for a Generation is a brilliant album that does not fade. Here, from a previous record, is a wonderful piece of soul food. Hope that makes at least one happyclapper.
Some sounds, some burdens can release. Cornershop – Sleep On The Left Side.
So, Toots and the Maytals. A huge influence on 2 Tone Records and my own musical awakening; the idea that this is yours, not your parents’ or friends’. Another joyous track from this remarkable musician. Much missed. Thanks George. Toots and the Maytals – Pomp and Pride
From Billy’s ‘difficult’ third album. Was taken aback this had not yet been zedded. An immensely moving song about solace in music, even in the most awful circumstances. Cheers megadom.
Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong
Are here to make everything right that's wrong
Holland and Holland and Lamont Dozier too
Are here to make it all okay with you – Billy Bragg – Levi Stubb’s Tears
I think this is the song I’ve revisited most this week. Mary Chapin Carpenter writes and sings a song that gets into your very soul. Huge thanks to tincanman.
When someone you've sung songs with around the kitchen table dies, you have to go pay your respects no matter how long it's been or how far you've travelled since. This is about Ben Bullington, who touched many with his music and his gentle ways. Mary Chapin Carpenter - Livingston
[Barry Norman impression] And finally, a longstanding personal favourite and perhaps the only time these folk will get into the Marconium.
The Passage were a short lived band in the early 80s. Did a few Peel sessions and never bothered the charts. I have all their albums. ‘Nuff said. Thanks to megadom. The Passage - XOYO
Enough, no more,
’Tis not so sweet now as it was before.
I do not include zedded songs in playlists. But, but, have made an exception for the divine Samantha Crain. One of those songs that brings tears to the eyes….. oh wait, topic?
The Appetising A–List Playlist:
Elvis Presley – Milkcow Blues Boogie (Marconius)
Junior Senior – Move Your Feet (IsabelleForshaw)
Buddy Holly – Rave On (ShivSidecar)
Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens – Lilizela Mlilizeli (Tarquin Spodd)
The Beach Boys – Add Some Music To Your Day (SweetHomeAlabama)
The Monkees – Listen To The Band (Tarquin Spodd)
The Heptones – Get In The Groove (Nicko)
Kate Bush – Eat The Music (severin)
Cornershop – Sleep On The Left Side (happyclapper)
Toots and the Maytals – Pomp and Pride (Sonofwebcore - George Boyland)
Billy Bragg – Levi Stubb’s Tears (megadom)
Mary Chapin Carpenter – Livingston (tincanman)
The Passage – XOYO (megadom)
The Balanced Diet B-List Playlist:
Samantha Crain – Bloomsday (tincanman)
The Beach Boys – I Can Hear Music (magicman)
Billy Joel – Uptown Girl (Loud Atlas)
Cannonball Adderley – The Song Is You (magicman)
The Controllers – People Want Music (Fred Erickson)
Sly and the Family Stone – I Want To Take You Higher (Nicko)
The Chameleons – Music In The Womb (Vanwolf2)
Mr Scruff – Music Takes Me Up (Nicko)
Steel Pulse – Handsworth Revolution (Maki)
John Lee Hooker – Boogie Chillen (Isabelle Forshaw)
Stanley Brinks & The Wave Pictures – Orange Juice (megadom)
Alasdair Roberts – The Whole House Is Singing (Uncleben)
The Doobie Brothers – Listen To The Music (BanazirGalbasi)
Guru’s Wildcard Picks:
Sault – Free
Gillian Welch – Tennessee
Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five with May Alix – Big Butter and Egg Man from the West
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations from last week's topic: Food for the soul: songs about music as nutrition. The next topic will launch on Thursday at 1pm UK time.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Fancy a turn behind the pumps at The Song Bar? Care to choose a playlist from songs nominated and write something about it? Then feel free to contact The Song Bar here, or try the usual email address. Also please follow us social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: