Tuesday, November 27, 2012

WOMAN'S WORLD


Guess who tried to quietly leak new music?

On Thanksgiving, Cher put a link on her website to listen to her first new material in twelve years and is now surprised that it is all over the web. Apparently, she wanted to complete the music video before officially releasing the track but now the song, "Woman's World" is being put out earlier than planned. This throbbing dance tune (co-written by Paul Oakenfold) is the title cut from the album due out in January.

Unfortunately, I can't say I'm really feeling Cher's new song as it's much too generic for my taste but I remain optimistic as rumor has it that both Lady Gaga and Pink have contributed songs for the forthcoming album.

Have a listen:

"Woman's World" - Cher

Sunday, November 11, 2012

MAJOR HARRIS (1947 - 2012)


The music world has lost another great talent, as Major Harris, the former vocalist with the r&b band, The Delfonics passed away on November 9th.

Harris joined the soul group, (best known for the hit songs, "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" and "La-La (Means I Love You)") in 1971 to replace singer Randy Cain but the group's glory days were behind them. Major Harris struck out on his own in 1975 and had a smash hit with "Love Won't Let me Wait". The song hit number five on the pop chart and went to number one on the r&b chart with the single selling over a half million copies.

After his solo career waned, Harris returned to The Delfonics and toured with the group for many years.

Let's celebrate the memory of this artist with his classic tune:

"Love Won't Let Me Wait" - Major Harris (1975)

Friday, November 9, 2012

TAKE TWO: ROBERT PALMER




British artist, Robert Palmer never came across much of a rock & roller as he was quite dapper, usually performing wearing a suit and the occasional tie but he was more than capable of tearing the roof off with his rich, powerful voice.

Heavily influenced by the American blues and r&b he heard as a kid, Palmer began his music career performing in several rock and jazz-fusion bands before going solo and achieving his first taste of commercial success with the 1978 song, "Every Kinda People" off of his fourth album, "Double Fun". The single reached number sixteen on the U.S. pop chart while the lead single off his next album, "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)" going slightly higher, peaking at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.

Robert Palmer was invited to join Duran Duran members, John Taylor and Andy Taylor along with Chic drummer, Tony Thompson to form a super-group, The Power Station in 1985. Their self-titled album featured two U.S. top-ten smashes, "Some Like It Hot" and a remake of T. Rex's "Bang A Gong (Get It On)".

Around the time of the recording of The Power Station album, Palmer was working on his next solo album with assistance by his fellow bandmates and the record was produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic. "Riptide" was released later in '85 and featured Palmer's only number one song, "Addicted To Love". The song was also made memorable due to the music video which was inspired by the work of artist, Patrick Nagel. A cover of r&b vocalist, Cherrelle's 1984 hit, "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" also made the top five with the album becoming his biggest seller with over two million copies sold and winning the singer a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

Although the world lost Robert Palmer in 2003, his legacy lives on with a vibrant collection of music that still feels very fresh and exciting.

Enjoy two of my favorite songs by Mr. Palmer:

"Every Kinda People" - Robert Palmer (1978)

"You Are In My System" - Robert Palmer (1983)

 As a bonus, I couldn't resist showing the simple but quite clever sexy video for "Addicted To Love":

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

ELECTION DAY


I think it's safe to say that most people are severely fatigued due to this long Presidential campaign with all of debating, promises, spinning, fact distortions and the endless television commercials trying to sway your opinion.

The day is finally here and a decision will be made. I'm about to get on my soapbox and strongly urge everyone to please get out and VOTE!  This is important and every, single vote counts.

Make your voice heard!

"Election Day" - Arcadia (1985)

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