Daily Suggestion
This is a brand new category I’ve created to share my personal daily recommendations of songs to you. Perhaps once a week I will write my articles.
Song: Bam-Bam
Artist: Toots & The Maytals, Byron Lee & The Dragons
Album: From Bam-Bam To Cherry Oh! Baby (c. 1970s)
Genre: Sweet Reggae
This may sound very arrogant…. But…. In this day and age, the only people who can probably appreciate an album like this, are Jamaicans and West-Indians in my age group. Very few Americans would know anything about this album; unless perhaps you’ve dated someone for many years who happened to be from the island. One of the things I miss most from my childhood growing up was, in my neighborhood, we had one of the only record shops dedicated to 100% reggae! Both full albums and 12 inch reggae; many if not all were imported. All in a very short walking distance. I remembered this album being one of many my mom purchased there. I think this was when I fell in love with Toots and The Maytels’s music for the first time.
The first song I heard was “Bam-Bam” by Toots & The Maytels. I loved this song so much. I don’t know what was it that I loved it so much. Maybe it was his unique voice? Maybe it was his soul that came through his music? Or maybe it was his passion for political change I heard in his music? I played that song so many times. The second song I fell in love with was “Pomps & Pride.” Very catchy tune, and you can’t help but to move your hips just a little bit when you hear it. I was really surprised to find out that Spotify has the entire entire album. The album has various artists, which includes Desmond Dekker (which is another talented favorite of mine.
Save $10 On Any Purchase & Get Free Shipping On All Orders At MaddaFella.com! Use Code: MADDA10!
Song: Never Gonna Let You Go
Artist: Michael Miglio
Album: Seafaring Strangers: Private Yacht (2017)
Genre: R&B/Easy Listening
I found what I think to be a really, really nice song. Yes, I recommend this one for your playlist. I don’t recall ever hearing Michael Miglio’s music before, yet according to discogs, he has been around since the early 1980s. It’s possible that his music just hasn’t been digitally released until recently. I really love Miglio’s smooth voice. His music kind of reminds me of the band Toto. Do you remember Toto’s old classic Georgy Porgy? It’s a totally different song, however, Miglio has captured that same smooth classic style. This song is a very catchy tune. The album itself has various artists on it, but so far “Never Gonna Let You Go” is my favorite.
Song: Will You Still Love Me
Artist: Slim Smith
Album: Sound Box Essentials: Platinum Edition (2012)
Genre: Sweet Reggae
This is a very nice reggae cover of an old 1960s song, originally first recorded by a girl group called “The Shirelles.” The very popular group Shirelles took this song to #1, and has been covered by many people after that. But very few are aware of this reggae gem. Born in Jamaica, Slim Smith has done a wonderful job with this legendary classic. Unfortunately, early in Smith’s reggae career, he accidentally killed himself. He died in 1973 from subsequent injuries. I cannot find the year he actually released this recording. I’m going to make an assumption it was a couple of years before his death.
AU: Gifts at Bally!
Song: Push, Push In The Bush
Artist: Musique
Album: Keep On Jumpin’ (1978)
Genre: Disco
WOW!! ? Guys, talk about old!! If it were not for digital technology, this gem would be extinct! The interesting this about this is, I remember this song burning up the turntables when I was growing up. However, I was surprised to find out that the song only peaked at #58 on the Top 100 Charts! No way this song ranked so low, I thought to myself. It is examples like these that make you realize, the type of community you live in, where you live, and the stations you listen too all make a difference. Now, their song “Keep On Jumpin’” shot up to #1 on the dance category, and I barely remember hearing it on the radio. Another example of one hit legends that fell in to obscurity. We can still dance to this music! Come on ya..
Song: Everyone Wants To Rule The World
Artist: Tears For Fears
Album: Songs From The Big Chair (1985)
Genre: Pop
This song is a really nice oldie. I don’t think I’ve heard music from them in quite a long time. Now, I wouldn’t go as far as saying they’re the greatest music duo of all times; however, certainly they’ve made some really nice music. On this album, you’ll find several of their greatest hits, one of them being “Everyone Wants To Rule The World,” which peaked #1. Another major hit was “Shout,” which also hit #1. Another favorite of mine is “Head Over Heals,” these are all on the same album. Tears For Fears hasn’t produced anymore hits since the end of the 80s. Shame. Very talented guys in my opinion.
Song: Come On Eileen
Artist: Dexy’s Midnight Runners
Album: Come On Eileen (2009)
Genre: Modern Pop
O.K. I’m just going to come out and say it. The group “Dexy’s Midnight Runners” makes some weird music ?. Actually, maybe weird is the wrong word to use. They make music that a very, very small group of people listen to. They’ve been categorized as a pop and soul band; however, when you listen to most of their music, they almost sound like a marching band. The song “Come On Eileen (1983),” is not only the one song I liked from them, it was also their one and only #1 hit. No other music of theirs EVER registered on the charts.
Song: How Am I Supposed To Live Without You?
Artist: Laura Branigan
Album: Branigan 2 (1983)
Genre: Easy Listening/Ballads
Laura Branigan was one of my most favorite singers of the 80s. Her voice was incredibly powerful. Every time I heard her perform I was always left with wanting more. This particular song only hit #12 on the Top 100 Charts. However, it hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary. I remember this being one of quite a few songs I’ve purchased on 45 RPM as a child. You may also remember her for her massive hit song “Gloria (1982).”
Featuring 24 variety condoms including VANISH®
Song: What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)
Artist: Peter White
Album: Playin’ Favorites (2006)
Genre: Smooth Jazz
This is a beautiful instrumental cover originally performed by a band called Jr. Walker & The All Stars, one of their biggest hits. Peter White’s version is a modern take of an old classic. It almost feels like an extension of Walker’s music. I highly recommend jazz lovers take a listen to this piece, I think you’ll enjoy it. Actually, I just finished listening to the whole album, and it’s pretty good!
Song: Smarty Pants
Artist: First Choice
Album: Philly Groove Records Presents: The Early Years, Vol. 3 (2014)
Genre: Disco/Dance
Now, this is old! You can definitely put this in the obscure category. This song was not a big hit. It made its highest peak @ #56 on the Billboard Charts. However, I think it was a very nice song though. Interesting the phrase “Smarty Pants” had a different meaning growing up. The phrase was more associated with people who were arrogant. Never expected to hear this in a disco love song.
Song: Operator [That’s Not The Way It Feels]
Artist: Jim Croce
Album: Photographs & Memories: His Greatest Hits (1975)
Genre: Easy Listening/Folk
Long after Croce’s tragic accident that caused his death, his music remains to be one of my most favorite. Play his music when you’re in a relaxing mood. Great for studying or low impact exorcises. I Got A Name (1973) is another great recommendation for you.
Song: Sincerely
Artist: The Moonglows
Album: Greatest Hits: The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection (1997)
Genre: Doo-Wop/Harmony
One of the most popular songs of the 50s. The song was written by Harvey Fuqua and Alan Freed; and originally sung by The Moonglows. These talented gentlemen formed in Cleveland OH, and developed a unique sound of their own. Sincerely hit #1 on the charts and remained their biggest hit. Their second popular song was “In The Middle Of The Night (1958).”