Jingle Jams Playlist

Friday, April 29, 2011

Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good

Since I promised you both, here is "Tell Me Something Good." Don't forget to check out "Sweet Thing" as well though. Both tracks are cuts to say the least!

Listen Now: Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good
Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good Download
Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good Lyrics

Rufus & Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing

While Rufus & Chaka Khan had their respective careers apart, their biggest success came together. Rufus was already an established group prior to introducing Chaka Khan into the lineup, but the addition took them to the next level. Chaka Khan delivers some of the greatest female vocals in history to a funk-filled band.

When they banded together, they were able to produce some classics. Surely, you have heard "Tell Me Something Good" and you might be familiar with "Sweet Thing." These two tracks are definitely among my favorite of Rufus & Chaka Khan. That is why we are going to feature both of them today for you guys!

Listen Now: Rufus & Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing
Rufus & Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing Download
Rufus & Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing Lyrics

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Four Tops - Bernadette

Everybody and their mother knows the song "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey bunch)." Little do they know that it was recorded by The Four Tops and not The Temptations. In fact, The Four Tops and The Temptations shared a healthy rivalry as they battled for the top spot on all the major charts for years.

The Four Tops burst onto the scene after serving as backup vocals on a number of tracks by Diana Ross & The Supremes. I suppose that even the legends need to start somewhere. This is not to say that playing backup to Diana Ross would be such a bad thing.

So, since I am putting "I Can't Help Myself" on hold, you might be wondering what is in store for you today. No worries, "Bernadette" is the story of a love-stricken man with no care for anything but his lady Bernadette. Let's face it, who doesn't want to love a woman named Bernadette?

Listen Now: The Four Tops - Bernadette 
The Four Tops - Bernadette Download
The Four Tops - Bernadette Lyrics

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia

Gladys Knight & the Pips join the likes of the Jackson 5 and the Isley Brothers as one of the best family soul music acts in history. They also feature one of the strongest female lead vocalists to date. With Curtis Mayfield playing producer for Gladys & the Pips, they were destined for success. They were the masterminds behind what came to be known as one of Marvin Gaye's big hits in "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

They were even more widely known for their number one hit "Midnight Train to Georgia." This is the song that is most commonly associated with Gladys Knight & the Pips and is definitely among my personal favorites. Along with Sharon Stone & the Dap Kings, Gladys & the Pips make up my favorite female led bands with male backup vocals.

Listen Now: Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia Download Request for removal by server host.
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia Lyrics

Monday, April 25, 2011

Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets

Last time I featured the Isley Brothers, you got a taste of "Footsteps in the Dark" which is among my favorite Isley songs. Up there also are "Who's That Lady" (originally recorded by Curtis Mayfield), "Summer Breeze" which features some sweet guitar riffs and last but definitely not least "Between the Sheets."

"Between the Sheets" has its own place in history, but it has been sampled countless times and you might remember it from Dr. Dre's 2001 album: The Chronic. In its own right, the song was probably the most famous of all the Isley's songs. The album, titled after the song, ended up going platinum and becoming one of the biggest hits for the Isley's.

Listen Now: Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets
Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets Download
Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets Lyrics

Friday, April 22, 2011

Bill Withers - I Wish You Well

I think we are all familiar with Bill Withers. Not only did I open up the blog with "Lovely Day", but I then came back with "Use Me" a little bit later. Be sure to go back to those and read up on the man of the hour.

Today, I am happy bring to you, "I Wish You Well." Lately this has been my favorite Bill Withers song. Nothing like driving around town and blasting this song with the windows down in the Caddy . . . ok, jingling to it might be a bit better. Anyways, not much more to say about Bill, enjoy and don't overplay it, if that is possible.

Listen Now: Bill Withers - I Wish You Well
Bill Withers - I Wish You Well Download
Bill Withers - I Wish You Well Lyrics

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Sam & Dave - Soul Man

For some reason, I thought that I already gave you a taste of Sam & Dave with "Hold on I'm Comin" but I guess not. You might recognize that track from Obama's presidential campaign. It is so good that it has been covered by over 20 other artists. To say the least, they are a soulful group with a little bit of gospel and pop to their sound.

While "Hold on I'm Comin" is Sam & Dave's most popular song, I have had a hard time getting away from one of their other hits. "Soul Man" has managed to find its way through my speakers time and time again this week. The opening guitar alone makes the song and then they thrown down some sweet horns to top it off.

Listen Now: Sam & Dave - Soul Man
Sam & Dave - Soul Man Download
Sam & Dave - Soul Man Lyrics

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Sade - The Moon & The Sky Remix (Featuring Jay-Z)

My man over at "Get Lifted Music" posted a pretty sweet Sade & Jay-Z track. I gotta say, it is definitely fitting for Jingle Jams.

Be sure to make your way over there and check it out: http://www.getliftedmusic.com/2011/04/sade-moon-and-sky-remix-feat-jay-z.html

Common - So Far to Go (Featuring D'Angelo)

I have been on a little hip-hop binge lately and generally Common comes up somewhere in the lineup. Yesterday, I was listening to one of Common's many successes: Finding Forever - a tribute to J. Dilla. Dilla was arguably the best producer of all time. He is most certainly one of my favorites. In the words of Common on  "Forever Begins" the closing track to Finding Forever:

"It was in the van when she said Dilla was gone//
That's when I knew we'd live forever through song"

"Forever Begins" also features a very impressive spoken word exit from Common's father, much like the end of Like Water for Chocolate among other Common albums. Dilla's production will surely be felt and remembered for a very long time. Common's tribute to him is well deserved.

Today we lay down "So Far to Go" which features D'Angelo. It is a smooth track, also produced by J. Dilla and eventually finished by Kanye West in an effort to honor his style and efforts in the industry.

I also encourage you all to check out "Misunderstood" in which they sample Nina Simone's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" to kick the song off. Great sample and a great track in and of  itself, definitely worth a listen.

P.S. You will most certainly get a chance to hear Nina Simone on here in the near future.

Listen Now: Common - So Far to Go (Featuring D'Angelo)
Common - So Far to Go (Featuring D'Angelo) Download
Common - So Far to Go (Featuring D'Angelo) Lyrics

Monday, April 18, 2011

Miguel - All I Want is You (featuring J. Cole)

Miguel has not done too much in his short career, but what he has is pure gold. Most of his success comes from behind the scenes as the producer of a number of Usher tracks. In his young solo career, he has only 2 hit singles and has yet to release a second album. He made it big on the scene last year when he released "All I Want is You" which features rapper J. Cole. With a contemporary R&B sound, similar to the likes of Usher and D'Angelo, he is sure to keep it coming. Hopefully he will be releasing a new album soon - all signs point to it happening.

His only other hit single "Sure Thing" is currently one of my personal favorites. I have been listening to it religiously, but I am going to have to make you wait until later to get it from me. Until then, enjoy "All I Want is You."

Listen Now: Miguel - All I Want is You
Miguel - All I Want is You Download Request for removal by server host.
Miguel - All I Want is You Lyrics

Friday, April 15, 2011

Ben E. King - This Magic Moment

I went to Rasputin the other day and picked up a bunch of CDs for about $30. Digging through their soul and R&B collection, I stumbled upon some gems. In the end, I came away with some Kool & The Gang, Isley Brothers, Sam & Dave and of course Ben E. King. You all know about Ben E. King from when I posted his biggest hit "Stand By Me" and probably long before I even did that. Today, we are going to get down with yet another classic.

This Magic Moment came from a short stint that Ben E. King shared with The Drifters. It was one of ten songs that they recorded together and one of six singles to soar up the charts. Sadly, they drifted apart and Ben E. King resumed his wildly successful solo career, which featured "Stand By Me" among other hits.

Listen Now: Ben E. King - This Magic Moment
Ben E. King - This Magic Moment Download
Ben E. King - This Magic Moment Lyrics

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Floaters - Float On

With the big change in astrological signs, you might find a new meaning to who you are in this song. The Floaters come through with a classic here. Sadly, they did not make it much further than this song. I have got to say that this song is pure genius though. I love the introduction to of each member and their sign at the beginning of each verse. I really wish that they had more success, but I suppose we will have to take it for what it is.

Listen Now: The Floaters - Float On
The Floaters - Float On Download
The Floaters - Float On Lyrics

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Smokey Robinson - Tracks of my Tears

Since I gave you A, I figure I might as well give you B. Here is Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of my Tears" - the other half of the medley. One of my favorite Smokey Robinson songs. Be sure to check out the other Smokey I got as well: "Virgin Man" and "Cruisin."

Listen Now: Smokey Robinson - Tracks of my Tears
Smokey Robinson - Tracks of my Tears Download
Smokey Robinson - Tracks of my Tears Lyrics

Sam Cooke - Cupid

Back again with Sam Cooke. Last time we gave you "Wonderful World", but this time we are going to shift gears a bit. Today we feature "Cupid" - another Sam Cooke classic that has been covered time and time again. Some of my favorite covers include that of Otis Redding and Gavin Degraw. Degraw combines two of my favorite songs: Same Cooke's "Cupid" and Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of my Tears" for an awesome medley. Check it out: Gavin Degraw - Tracks of my Tears & Cupid Medley.

While I love Degraw's medley, I have got to say that the original cannot be matched. So without further ado, here it is.

Listen Now: Sam Cooke - Cupid
Sam Cooke - Cupid Download
Sam Cooke - Cupid Lyrics

Monday, April 11, 2011

Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl

Most of you are probably under the impression that this song was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder. Think again, Gene Chandler recorded "Duke of Earl" long before Stevie got a hold of it. Stevie was not the only person to cover this song. The Four Tops, who you will be hearing from shortly, also have a pretty sweet cover of the song. For now, enjoy their cover of Chandler's classic.

Gene Chandler started out doing quite a bit of work with Curtis Mayfield, one of my personal favorites. Mayfield has a style all his own and Chandler is no different. He helped shape Mayfield's early career and went on to influence a number of artists with his style.

For all the Gunn High School alumni, here is a great version from last years choir show: Braveheart & Soul as performed by members of the Gunn faculty. Gunn Choir - Duke of Earl.
Listen Now: Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl
Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl Download
Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl Lyrics

Friday, April 8, 2011

Marvin Gaye - Just Like Music (Ft. Eric Sermon)

Whenever I go to Marvin Gaye for a Jingle Jam, I have a hard time picking the right song. I figured that, since I got a request for this song a while back, my choice would be made a little bit easier. In the end, you cannot go wrong with any Marvin Gaye when it comes to jingling. We started things off with a classic Gaye track "Let's Get It On", but this time we are going to dig a little bit deeper.

In a collaboration with Eric Sermon, Marvin Gaye produced "Just Like Music", which if you have not heard the original, you have certainly heard it sampled plenty of times. So do not let me keep you from it, get down and start jingling to the latest Jingle Jam.

Listen Now: Marvin Gaye - Just Like Music
Marvin Gaye - Just Like Music Download
Marvin Gaye - Just Like Music Lyrics

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Otis Redding - Hard to Handle

I do not know how I have made it this far and not included Otis Redding on Jingle Jams. I feel like he should have been one of the very first posts. If not for a freak accident, he would probably left behind an even more legendary career. One of my all time favorites from Otis is definitely "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay." Nothing like a great soul song about San Francisco and Otis does it as good as anybody. However, I do not know if that song is fit to be a Jingle Jam.

Instead, we will shift our focus to one of his lesser known, but more appropriate songs. "Hard to Handle" is a perfect depiction of Otis Redding's style. Sadly, he died before it was ever released, so it never really gained much popularity. No download today either, sorry about that, but my computer at home is broken and I can't get the song online.

Listen Now: Otis Redding - Hard to Handle
Otis Redding - Hard to Handle Lyrics

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Brenton Wood - Gimme a Little Sign

Back with some Brenton Wood, like I promised. "Gimme a Little Sign" is one of the first songs I heard and it got me right away. Cannot go wrong with this one. It also makes for a pretty good karaoke song, if you ever feel so moved. I wont say much, since you heard all about Brenton Wood back when I put up "Oogum Boogum."

So, without further ado, here is some more Brenton Wood for you.

Listen Now: Brenton Wood - Gimme a Little Sign
Brenton Wood - Gimme a Little Sign Download
Brenton Wood - Gimme a Little Sign Lyrics

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love

We are back with Mayer Hawthorne, once again. Last time we brough you "I Wish it Would Rain" which was a rendition of the Temptations original recording, also titled "I Wish it Would Rain." However, this time we are going to go with what got me into Mayer Hawthorne. Just make sure that when you play "Green Eyed Love" that  the lady you are with actually has green eyes.

While I thoroughly enjoy the original version of the song, I cannot help but listen to the Classixx remix every now and again. Take a listen to the "Green Eyed Love - Classixx Remix", it is definitely worth a listen. Another great Classixx and Hawthorne collaboration is "No Strings." If you are not familiar with the Classixx, then you had better acquaint yourself. I heard about them over @ Fine Young Casuals. If you do not follow FYC, then you are a moron. Not everything there is a jingle jam, but it definitely features some of the freshest electronic music out there.

Listen Now: Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love
Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love Download
Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love Lyrics