Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Undisputed Truth - Smiling Faces Sometimes


A few weeks ago the great Norman Whitfield passed away and the word genius is bandied about a bit too much nowadays but this was a man who genuinely fitted the billing. He worked with everyone from The Temptations to Marvin Gaye and had his hand in just about every seminal moment from one of the greatest and most influential labels of all time, Tamla Motown. If you're not aware of the man's work then you should go out immediately and buy whatever you can find on sight as everything he ever produced is absolutely all killer with no filler whatsoever. I'm an old soul boy at heart and I remember reading an article on him when I was in university many years ago that described his sound as 'psychedelic soul' and that was enough for my 18 year old self to run off to the local second hand store and rummage away looking for records by him and it wasn't until I found things like Ain't Too Proud To Beg, Ball of Confusion and this gem that my thirst for the deepest of records was quenched. He's a man whose impact on modern music is absolutely immeasurable, a once in a generation musician who will be sorely missed. RIP Norm.

The Undisputed Truth - Smiling Faces Sometimes

James Yuill - This Love - Prins Thomas sneaky edit


Who is James Yuill? He seems to be a London-based folk artist who cites everyone from Iron & Wine to Midlake as influences and has been given plaudits by The Guardian, NME and the like. This is the first that I have heard of him and I've just put in an order for his album on the back of this. Cosmic denizen Prins Thomas has made this into a lush, early morning groover and this is the sort of record that would sound incredible when the sun comes up after a solid night of partying. I love this.

James Yuill - This Love - Prins Thomas sneaky edit

Demi Roussos - I Dig You


Originally a member of Aphrodite's Child, Demis Roussos has been crafting his musical magic for over four decades now and this track, which is one of my all-time favourites, is at the very summit of all things beardy balearic with its superb use of melodies and great feelgood lyrics delivered with aplomb by our hero. This is one of those records that you stick on and it immediately puts you in a good mood. Great record.

Demi Roussos - I Dig You