September Soul

Tools    





Yes, that's right. We need to soak in it.





I get ambivalent with soul music into the 80s, as the production takes a curdling turn to synths and icy drips. A little too cool for my tastes. There's still a handful of classics to be had, if you listen past the polish.





Of course Prince was the one who could keep it "cool" and carry the soul into the future while balancing the technology and his own innovations. Sorry, Michael. "Prince won!" - Chris Rock. (The "Sir Duke" bow at the end is like the final gavel drop on that feud.)





Speaking of Stevie.





I can do this all month, folks. Y'all crying over spilt towers....














Music of My Mind probably isn't my favorite Stevie album, but sometimes I think it might be.
It isn't Innervisions. What is?



Poor James. I hate when people say that he can't sing. He has a tremendous voice. His squeals are always right on key. Here's an example of him going full Lennon.




And then he decides to use Harrison to run rings around Sinatra.





I appreciate the enthusiasm, SE.


Let's take it a bit old(er) school then.





Shifting to some soulful jazz.





The best Lionel Richie song.





Childhood favorite. It's remarkable how many arguments I've had trying to tell people that this wasn't Hall & Oates





And one for SpelingError.





This is a great discovery. I'm not familiar with Delegation. Thanks! Also, great choices for the others.