A thread of non-electronic songs I've enjoyed. For me electronic and non-electronic music are just such different moods this needs a separate thread.
It'll probably feature a lot of reggae and soul, because I like those styles a lot, some disco, that kind of stuff. Occasionally something else too, whatever I'm in the mood for. But it'll mostly be stuff that makes me want to dance because I love that feeling.
1
First up, as I'm in a 'rocking mood' (if you get the reference...), a couple of scorchers from The Viceroys
The Viceroys - Let Him Go (Wrap Up)
Really don't know much about this song. Produced by Derrick Morgan, maybe with Lynn Taitt & The Jets. Not even listed on Discogs except on some 21st century compilations so maybe unreleased back then. But it's fantastic.
2
Second one from The Viceroys
The Viceroys - Give It to Him
From 1968. Also produced by Derrick Morgan. Also fantastic. Literal goosebumps when that bassline kicks in ❤️
3
And in the same mood, this one:
The Consummates - The More They Get
Or was it The Consumates? These guys don't even have a Wikipedia page, which is a shame given how good this is. Seems like it was maybe Frank Brown, with Lynn Taitt & The Jets. No idea the year this was recorded, just somewhere 66-68.
Real message for our times in this one, too.
4
More rocksteady...
The Clarendonians - Baby, Baby
The Clarendonians made a name releasing ska, before moving on to rocksteady and early reggae. This from 1968, Tommy McCook's Band on backing, is kind of bittersweet - lovely, yet melancholy.
5
The late, great Alton Ellis:
Alton Ellis - Never Love Again
The Godfather of Rocksteady. Fantastic song, again on the bittersweet side, but his voice...
6
Another one from The Consummates:
The Consummates - Do It Now
These guys really knew how to make music. No idea why they had so few releases, this (from 1968) is wonderful.
7
Winston & George - Keep the Pressure On (Alternative version)
Such a feel-good sound, lovely stuff! George Agard was Desmond Dekker's (half) brother, later of The Pioneers; seems like this might be the only credit for Winston Weir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlMKG-y18LY
#WinstonAndGeorge #GeorgeAgard #WinstonWeir #Rocksteady #Reggae #Music
8
Oh my:
Noel "Bunny" Brown & The Wildcats - The Rock Steady
Lovely, lovely sound. Great voice. Love it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37_mcTX4Q7g
#NoelBunnyBrown #NoelBrown #TheWildcats #Rocksteady #Reggae #Music
9
Love this sound:
Basil Daley and the Conquerors - So Nice Like Rice
1968. Seems to have also been (mis-)credited to 'Charlie Kelly' at some point.
10
Derrick Morgan - I Mean It
This is just shockingly good. Proper goosebumps listening to this one. Had to rewind twice. Just check out those pianos backing Derrick's voice, the bass, how perfectly they all complement each other, so so good ❤️
11
Derrick Morgan feat George Agard - Me Naw Give Up
Pure dance music ❤️
12
This is stunning:
The Originals Orchestra - Say You
Something really special about that contrast of that bassline with the almost ethereal tone of her voice.
Produced by Sonia Pottinger, Jamaica's first female producer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRWl0sKRASA
#TheOriginalsOrchestra #SoniaPottinger #Rocksteady #Reggae #Music
13
Couple of classic from The Gaylads, first up:
The Gaylads - It's Hard to Confess
Love the sound of these harmony bands, the lovely vocals, the heavy bass, just so uplifting.
15
Over into a disco / funk mood for a bit today:
Positive Force - We Got The Funk
Lovely 1979 vibe. Sunny despite the cloudy weather.
17
Lionel Richie - All Night Long
Ahh, I remember an especially memorable night back in the day, a friend's birthday, private party. DJ finished with this (at her request). Just wonderful ❤️
18
For some reason this old disco classic popped into my head:
The O'Jays - Love Train (Tom Moulton Remix)
19
Oldie to celebrate Jamaican Independence Day:
Derrick Morgan - Forward March
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RYaMH9wB84
#DerrickMorgan #Ska #Reggae #Jamaica #JamaicanIndependenceDay #Independence #Music
20
Saturday morning vibes:
Luther Vandross - Never Too Much
Just came on the radio and too good not to share
Official HD Video "Never Too Much" by Luther VandrossListen to Luther Vandross: https://luthervandross.lnk.to/listenYDSubscribe to the official Luther Vandro...
21
Posted Louie Vega's cover / remix featuring the original band, here's the disco original:
Unlimited Touch - I Hear Music In The Streets
22
Oldie, heard on last week's Glitterbox podcast:
Loleatta Holloway - Love Sensation (Shep Pettibone Remix)
Sampled so many times in so many tracks (Wikipedia lists more than 40). Ride On Time perhaps the famous of which (named from a mis-hearing of the lyrics), for which sadly she did not receive any royalties - or even credit.
23
Wow:
The Womack Sisters - I Just Don't Want You (To Say Goodbye)
Somebody posted this a few weeks ago, just got round to listening. Really classic soul vibe, lovely.
24
Just putting this here, not posted it before:
The Kingstonians - Fun Galore
Love, love this old rocksteady sound, the vocal harmonies, the mellow uplifting vibes
25
And I suppose while I'm at it, this absolute classic from The Techniques:
The Techniques - Queen Majesty
Lovely, lovely cover of The Impressions' Minstrel and Queen.
26
Another oldie:
Alton Ellis - Mad Mad Mad
Alton lovely as always, RIP ❤️
Matthew
Xantastic