We're turning the time capsule way back to 1981 with Earth, Wind and Fire's "Let's Groove." I feel a bit conflicted about this one, because it was written in 1981, but it sounds as if it could have been written sometime in the mid to later '70s. No problem there -- it's all good as they say. The video for the song seems pretty standard for the day with it's kind of "space aged" feel and visual effects, but the costumes are still feeling pretty '70s to me. I'm not complaining, though. The '70s were a terrific decade -- at least from what I remember from being quite young back then.
Anyway, I am not sure how this groove could not get you to move, because it is kind of infectious in a good way -- like the groove bug or something. So stand up! You're looking good, you're out of sight. How come we don't say that anymore? Kind of reminds me of J.J. Evans from "Good Times" -- dynomite! If this tune does not get you up off your feet with a spontaneous urge to boogie down, then I am not sure anything would! And the horn section on this tune really is outta site! I'd write more, but I think I'll just let this groove get me to move :)
I can't believe I haven't written about this tune yet, because it is one of my absolute favorites. It was also released in 1980 -- which means it just sneaks in as an "80s" tune. You may argue this point since it doesn't really sound very "80s," but 1980 was just the turning point of the new decade. So, there may have been some residual disco and funk in the early songs of the decade, and this is probably a good example. But you know, whenever there is a good tune, it really doesn't matter when it was written or how it is classified. I would certainly agree that this S.O.S. band tune qualifies as a classic for any decade.
There are just so many elements that make this song a hit. There are also many different layers going on at the same time from an instrumental standpoint. It's truly amazing. I must say, the glockenspiel really does it for me. I mean, how cool is it to have a glockenspiel in a pop/disco/funk/dance song? It really works! Then, there is this awesome guitar riff that is like a '70s funk motor, and it just cranks along all the way through -- keeping your body moving to the beat. If you zone in on that riff, it could leave you in the most excellent funky daze. There's also a terrific horn section with trumpet and sax -- very typical of the 70s. They don't make wind sections like that in bands anymore. I tell you -- those were some great gigs for brass and sax players, and those guys knew how to play. I'm still jealous! Anyway, the video is a classic, and I guess I didn't really hear the hand clapping until I watched the video. The band is really happening, and they do so many things -- clap, play glockenspiel and sax, and just generally keep the groove going. Mary Davis's voice is pure and smooth with depth and a wonderful soulful sound. She sings about taking time when you get home to relax and, well, you know, have some couple's time -- "take the time to be alone...lock the door, pull out the phone." Couldn't agree more. I always thought in the chorus that she was singing, "Baby we can do it, take your time, do it right...we can do it baby...do it tonight." In actuality, it's "Baby we can do it, take the time, do it right..." Yeah, I guess I got confused from the title or just took it for granted. Makes just a slight shade of difference between "take your time" and "take the time." Whatever the case, this tune is the best! I still have that guitar riff in my head...
I'm still a bit in shock over the news of Donna Summer's death today. I can say with 100 percent truth and certainty, that she was the first woman I recall hearing on the radio in the late '70s. I was just a little girl, but I was in love with her music. Used to dance around in my room and sing all her songs in front of the mirror. As I got older, I listened to more of her music. I was completely obsessed for a while, actually. There are so many great songs that she sang --through the 70s and 80s...and beyond. I remember hearing her version of "O Holy Night" just this past December when I was shopping, and it was breathtaking. As for her disco tunes, well, they were all amazing. Anyone remember "Thank God It's Friday?" Donna Summer sang, "Last Dance" in that movie. She certainly raised some eyebrows with "Love to Love You Baby," but I give her props for that. This was long before Madonna and Lady Gaga. Donna Summer had a voice that was truly like gold. We will miss you, Donna. Rest in peace and fill the heavens with your glorious voice.
This afternoon, I heard "Got to Be Real" by Cheryl Lynn while I was out shopping. I always find the variety of music in some stores fascinating, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear this tune. Don't think I've heard it since, well, maybe sometime in the late '70s when I was very young. Nah, I probably heard it on some television show or movie about the '70s -- maybe even "Boogie Nights" or something. Anyway, I did a search on YouTube and found a clip of Mariah Carey and Patti LaBelle performing this song on a Patti LaBelle tribute. I've included the clip just because -- and Patti is truly infused with the groove vibe. It seems so much more inspiring than Mariah's performance. No offense to Mariah, because she does have a great voice, but...when you put Mariah next to Patti LaBelle and her contemporaries, it's just really clear who is real!!!!
I realize this song was released in 1978, so it's not an '80s tune by any stretch of the imagination. The Patti/Mairah version was performed in 1998, so the average date between the two would be 1988. That counts, right? It really doesn't matter, because the song is awesome and timeless. If you look at the song, it really is quite simple lyrically, "What you think now? (I think I love you, baby) What you feel now? (I think I need you, baby) What you know now? To be real! Ooh, your love's for real now...You know that your love is my love...My love is your love...Our love is here to stay..." Pretty simple, yet the song has an awesome vibe. I really think the instrumentals add a ton to the groove. Just listen to the bass guitar line---it really sets things up. Drums keep it grooving, and the brass section is out of this world. As much as I love the songs from the '80s, it is always refreshing to hear these masterful horn sections from the '70s. Just ads some kick to a tune that you forget about until these songs resurface. I remember string sections in the songs from this genre, too, and that is always nice, but...the brass sections are for real. Excellent, excellent playing.
This evening Alice Cooper wasn't on, so I listened to some Pandora radio. Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" came on, and I thought it would be a great song to write about. So, I did some research and found out that the bass line was inspired by the bass line to "Good Times" by Chic. Turns out that the bass player from Queen and the bass player from Chic spent some time together in the studio. There was a bit of controversy in the press, too, because the press claimed that Chic "ripped off" the bass line from Queen, when in actuality Chic's song came first. "Good Times" was released in 1979, and "Another One Bites the Dust" was released in 1980. Nevertheless, both are terrific tunes. I may eventually talk about some Queen songs later on, because they are really, really artful and amazing. Freddie Mercury had a voice like none other.
Clams on the halfshell
...and roller skates
So, back to Chic. Nile Rodgers is one of the most recognizable names in music. He went on to have an extremely fruitful career as a record producer, working with Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, and Duran Duran to name a few. He and bassist Bernard Edwards formed the group Chic back in the 70s. Supposedly, this song is about the happier times of the 1970s and its roller disco days. Turns out that the bass line of "Good Times" was sampled in tons of songs. There is a huge list on songfacts.com--check it out. In the meantime, I can't help but groove to this song no matter what the decade. That is what happens when you pair an awesome bass line with lyrics that exclaim, "Good times! These-are-the-good times! Leave-your-cares-behind! These-are-the-good times!" Woo! Yeah! This song has to make you feel like getting up and dancing, or roller skating, or just bustin' whatever kind of move you want. I still have no idea what "clams on the half shell and roller skates" means...
Happy Valentine's Day! I know it is already February 14th in some parts of the globe, so I thought I would get a headstart on the celebration. Valentine's Day is the number 1 holiday in Becky's World. Why? Well, I'm not sure, but it happens right before my birthday, so there must be something in the stars to make this my all-time favorite holiday. There are also so many great love songs out there, and I have written about many of them in some of my previous posts. I am trying to think of my favorite love song, but there are just so many...and not all of them have "love" in the title. But, it is Valentine's Day after all, so I thought I would check out some songs about love. There are over 1072 songs with "love" in the title, so this was a tough one...until I remembered "Love Hangover" by Diana Ross. Now, this was written in 1976, so it is not an 80s song. Again, I am cheating, but I couldn't help it. It was performed by Erykah Badu at the BET tribute to Diana Ross in 2007, so it has definitely spanned the test of time. I actually think this is my favorite performance of the song, so I had to post the video. It is amazing. What a terrific tribute to Ms. Ross! "I don't need no cure...I don't need no cure...I don't need no doctahhhh...I don't need no cure..." Pretty amazing stuff. Ms.Badu's performance was really top notch. Even Diana Ross looked pretty entranced!
On the flip side, I think my first memory of this song was from the Muppet Show. I used to watch that show religiously. Loved Ms. Piggy and wanted to be just as glamorous. Meanwhile, I am not sure why this song was on, because it surely isn't for kids...but it was the 70s, so that's alright. It was a different time altogether. All I know is that the clip from the show scared the daylights out of me. Something about the darkness and those big muppets dancing around frightened me. Well, and maybe the slow tempo in the beginning, too. Then, when the bass guitar came in, I seem to remember identifying the sound with a rubber band. Wow, I am so glad I became a musician, because my take on the clip is so much different now. Still a little creeped out by the muppets, but certainly not by the music. Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day!
