Hey Music Heads....Thanks for joining me for yet another edition of "Tanya's Picks." Here's what's been spinning on my iPod this week...(Well iPods don't spin a damn thing, but you get the point...)
Truly one of the more underrated artists of his generation. Johnnie Taylor came from a class of soul singers such as the likes of Bobby WO-Mack (you gotta say his name just like that!), Tyrone Davis, and Betty Wright. While having a successful career, he never truly got the recognition he deserved...This cut is from his 1982 Album, "Just Ain't Good Enough"
Did you know that Oleta Adams was discovered by Tears for Fears? This was actually her first hit, and it was on Tears For Fears' 1989 Album, "The Seeds of Love." This also has Phil Collins playing drums on the actual track...not in the video
This is another underrated artist for her time. Can you say "Musical Genius?" She is not just the lady who sang the original version of the "Men In Black" Song If you don't know, Patrice Rushen has not only enjoyed a successful solo career in her own right, but has also been the Composer and Musical Director for a variety of Televised Events, Awards Shows, etc. This is from her 1979 album, "Pizzazz."
Who knew that Manhattan Transfer had soul? They had always had a reputation for being very upbeat pop/jazz, with crazy harmonies to boot. This album had Rod Temperton written all over it. In case, you didn't know, Rod Temperton, formally of the group "Heatwave", is the man who made Thriller come through your speakers, and not sound half as old as it is. You can hear the same presence in this track, and another off this album called, "Mystery." This is from their 1983 album, "Bodies and Souls."
Ok yeah, so what if this song dates itself......Yes, yes, I know...Mandela has been free for the last 24 years...but it's Frankie Beverly and Maze....Now matter what they do, it will always be cool....I was a kid then, so I had never heard of Mandela UNTIL he was released....but I digress....This track is from their 1989 album, "Silky Soul."
So that's all I've got for this week...Join me back here next Monday....same bat time....same bat channel....(yes, I took it there...)
Until Next Time.....