Friday Flashback :: Marlena Shaw's "California Soul"
It hit me today, as I was listening to an eclectic mix of goodies, that there are some songs that I am very intimately familiar with, but that others are completely oblivious to. One of those cuts that I count among my favorites, but are little-known by others includes Marlena Shaw's "California Soul."
I came across today's Flashback (way back) while digging through some crates at a Goodwill, and I just took a shot on the LP containing it -- for a buck, why not, right? That LP: Spice of Life by Marlena Shaw, her sophomore effort, on long-lost Cadet Records.
This is a definite "head-nodder," with a funky 60's vibe, but with a completely contemporary feel, especially with the syncopated drums, and the neo-hip-hop beat. Courtesy of Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, this song features some freshly "summertime-ish" lyrics, and a beat heavy composition, with a sprinkling of soaring violins. The combination makes for easy listening, and a fresh, engaging track.
Listening to this song will prove to some of you that there is nothing new under the sun, as you might think this song is more recent than it actually is. Many of today's hottest tracks borrow liberally from the style and feel of this, and other tracks from that late 60's time-frame. Those artists that don't borrow from that time could certainly learn a thing or two from the composition of this classic.
"California Soul" is a certain classic, heavily favored by the crate-digging set, and a nice joint to usher out Old Man Winter and make one dream of warm sun, beaches and surf.
Marlena Shaw's "California Soul"
Album: Spice of Life
Released: 1969
Billboard peak: N/A
Play the Track: California Soul (to download, Mac users, Control-click, and choose 'Save Link As...' Windows users right-click the link and choose 'Save Target As...').
I came across today's Flashback (way back) while digging through some crates at a Goodwill, and I just took a shot on the LP containing it -- for a buck, why not, right? That LP: Spice of Life by Marlena Shaw, her sophomore effort, on long-lost Cadet Records.
This is a definite "head-nodder," with a funky 60's vibe, but with a completely contemporary feel, especially with the syncopated drums, and the neo-hip-hop beat. Courtesy of Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, this song features some freshly "summertime-ish" lyrics, and a beat heavy composition, with a sprinkling of soaring violins. The combination makes for easy listening, and a fresh, engaging track.
Listening to this song will prove to some of you that there is nothing new under the sun, as you might think this song is more recent than it actually is. Many of today's hottest tracks borrow liberally from the style and feel of this, and other tracks from that late 60's time-frame. Those artists that don't borrow from that time could certainly learn a thing or two from the composition of this classic.
"California Soul" is a certain classic, heavily favored by the crate-digging set, and a nice joint to usher out Old Man Winter and make one dream of warm sun, beaches and surf.
Marlena Shaw's "California Soul"Album: Spice of Life
Released: 1969
Billboard peak: N/A
Play the Track: California Soul (to download, Mac users, Control-click, and choose 'Save Link As...' Windows users right-click the link and choose 'Save Target As...').
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That's a fun little ditty on a cold, still holding on, winter day. Funky intro. Marlena always bring something special, something honest to a tune...
Keep trolling the crates!!!