The album succeeds at providing the listener with a survey of R&B styles, they just so happen to be all holiday numbers.
Articles by Mike Elias
A Christmas Gift For You
Posted on December 16, 2010 Mike Elias
The sound is just so big. It’s as big as the spectacle of commercial Christmas
Ronnie Spector, Say Goodbye To Hollywood
Posted on September 29, 2010 Mike Elias
My first Spector record I found was called “Echoes of the 60s.” This was a collection of Phil’s work. I was steered to it through reading articles about Springsteen’s Born To Run.
Songs I Turned Up: Marvin Gaye, Let’s Get It On
Posted on September 26, 2010 Mike EliasAnd giving yourself to me could never be wrong / If the love is true, oh baby ooh
Songs I Turned Up: The Ramones, I Just Want To Have Something To Do
Posted on September 24, 2010 Mike EliasThe song just sounds tough, even with a Chicken Vindaloo reference
Of Montreal, September 23, 2010, First Avenue
Posted on September 24, 2010 Mike Elias
So what’s it all about, Alfie? Strobe lights, feathers, giant puppets…Janelle Monae, Prince, a sell-out crowd….Ninjas, angels, body suits…Maybe it’s best not to ask.
The Doughboys, Act Your Rage
Posted on September 23, 2010 Mike Elias
Three of these band members cut a couple singles in Jersey in the 60s before they split up. Thirty–some odd years later, they regroup with a couple of new members and sound like they’re still in 1965.
Mavis Staples, You Are Not Alone
Posted on September 15, 2010 Mike Elias
One reason I’ve always been a fan of southern soul music is because of the rich gospel tradition for which it is based. I’m not a religious man, but the elements of gospel, the emotional conviction, the voices, the blues that creeps into a guitar lick, resonate with my person.
Songs I Turned Up: Rosie & The Originals – Our Day Will Come
Posted on September 15, 2010 Mike Elias
This was also a time where there was an influx of Brazilian music. It had its affects on pop music. In ’63, Presley covered Tippie & The Clovers’ “Bossa Nova Baby” and Eydie Gorme recorded “Blame It On The Bossa Nova.” “Our Day will Come” had its bossa rhythm happening.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Mean Old Man
Posted on September 14, 2010 Mike Elias
“Got to scrape the shine right off your shoes,” sings Jerry Lee, backed by Keith Richards from the Stones number, “Sweet Virginia.” Jerry Lee, you might as well say “shit,” like it was done in the original version. You ain’t fooling me. You may be too late for the redemption bandwagon.