I like rythm and blues. So do many other people, and you can find heaps of video clips and sound on
YouTube. Here's some of my favourites (yeah, I know, my age is showing, some of these go back to the late 60's)
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"Respect"
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If anyone deserves the title "Queen of Soul" its Aretha Franklin. Her signature song "Respect" reflects
the civil rights protest of black americans during the 60's. But its theme - showing the under-priviliged or
abused dignity and respect - is timeless. Today the song's message still strikes a chord in the hearts
of the downtrodden. Aretha, an accomplished pianist, had a personal connection to the leaders of the civil
rights movement. Her father, a baptist preacher, was a friend of Martin Luther King.
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"Unchain My Heart"
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Now in his mid-sixties, Joe Cocker is still going strong. His musical career has been colourful to say the least, as he battled with alcohol and heroin addiction at various times. During a 1972 tour of Australia, Joe and six members of his entourage were arrested in Adelaide for possession of marijuana. The next day in Melbourne, assault charges were laid after a brawl at the Commodore Chateau hotel. There was a huge public outcry when the Federal Police subsequently gave the band 48 hours to leave the country. These events earned him the nickname 'Mad Dog', which has stuck ever since. His distinctive voice makes him instantly recognizable, and this song is one of his best.
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Sweet Home Alabamba
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This 6 min version comes from a live performance by the orginal Lynyrd Skynyrd band. The song became so popular in 1973 it almost became Alamba's defacto state anthem. Many of
the original band members died in plane crash in 1977 |
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"Living For The City"
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A classic civil rights 'protest' song from Stevie Wonder, released by Motown in 1973. Its themes of oppression and
social breakdown are still relevant today. |
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"Its Alright (Baby's Coming Back)"
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Annie Lennox trained as a classical musician at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. She became an admirer
of Stevie Wonder and switched to the then popular Motown music stream. Her music over the years reflects the battles going on in her
personal life and her search for spirituality, so not all of her songs have wide appeal. This song from her "Eurythmic"
period in the 80's shows her amazing voice and is one you will enjoy. |
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"Would I Lie To You?"
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Another Annie Lennox great from her time in the Eurythmics, which still gets airplay. |
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Putting Out Fire
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I'm not a great fan of David Bowie, but I like this powerful 1980's hit because
of the way the images of predatory cats "waiting their time" (cold green eyes staring for a thousand years, its been
so long), are combined with his poetic lyrics. The lyrics contain subtle apocalyptic or 'end of the world' overtones ... (YOU (someone else) have been so long in
coming, but while I've been waiting, I've been putting out 'fire' with gasoline. NOW, my blood is enraged and my
eyes have become as red as a burning jungle. Don't you (the listener to the song) know MY name?. Those of you who feel me
near, pull the blinds and change their minds - (trying to make out they don't know me)...but 'a judgement made can never
bend' (its too late to do that now, you've made your choice and must bear the consequences). The intro lasts 2
minutes, be patient and listen, its worth waiting for the music. |
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Keep The Faith
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I'm not sure how far back this dates, but its Michael Jackson minus the white glove, so its gotta be a
while. Although the media sometimes depict him as an accident looking for a place to happen, he does have towering musical
talents which should be respected, and I think you will like this one. |
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