When Pete and I were about 16, we went to see a documentary about Lynyrd Skynyrd at the University of Delaware movie theater. If you’ve ever met either of us, you might wonder, “Why on earth did you go see a documentary about Lynyrd Skynyrd?” I have no idea, either.
Month: July 2015
Southern African
My original idea for this list was to focus on Ladysmith Black Mambazo and township jive. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized how widespread the music of southern Africa really is. That is because I am a dumb white American.
Sonny Rollins
Miles Davis called Sonny Rollins the greatest tenor ever. I guess there isn’t too much to add to that.
SoCal Rap
When Larry (Lawrence) and I were roommates, we used to call “Next Episode” the drive-by song. Or maybe it was “That Was a Good Day.” Actually, you could call pretty much any song on this list the drive-by song.
Smokey Robinson/ Miracles
The day I met Max, the first thing he said to me was, “Don’t you think Smokey Robinson was the greatest singer of the 60s?” I knew right away I was going to like this kid. Smokey Robinson and I also have the same birthday, so clearly I am awesome by association.
Smiths/Morrissey
I KNOW. The gay police confiscated my ID card years ago. Sorry, if this is what we get as a spokesperson—mopey AND mean—well, blecch.
Sly & the Family Stone
Everybody Is a Star! You Can Make It If You Try! I – I – I AM EVERYDAY PEOPLE!
I love this group.
Ska
I will admit that it was only after I heard English Beat’s version of “Tears of a Clown” that I understood the line, “Just like Pagliacci did.” Now I need to figure out who Pagliacci is. (Jokes like this were a lot funnier before Google.)
Sixties Soul Music
This is another catch-all category, but there was so much amazing soul music in the 60s that I couldn’t let these songs go unpresented. Any music blog that doesn’t include “Sweet Soul Music” or “Higher and Higher” is a blog I don’t want any part of.
Sixties British Female Singers
This one is probably right up there with Girl Groups as my favorite list. Why are women so much better than men musically, as well as in general? As a boy who likes boys, this explains a lot about my dating life.
Dusty Springfield AllMusic page
Playlist of the Day 