Walk on By -Isaac Hayes

 

"Foolish pride

That's all that I have left

So let me hide

The tears and the sadness you gave me

When you said goodbye"

Wanted to give a shout out to the late great Burt Bacharach this week. Burt and his music partner Hal David composed some of the greatest love songs performed and covered by artists such as Aretha Franklin, The Carpenters and even Christopher Cross (If you get caught between the moon and New York City! (everybody sing!) Today's song was first performed by Dionne Warwick (one of many) but I'd like to focus on Mr. Hayes' version.

I remember hearing this song on the radio, perhaps when I was in middle school but had no idea what I was listening too. This deep voiced crooner was unlike anything I'd heard before and I just loved the funky-ness of the rhythm section and that crazy cool guitar tone. In middle school I also happened to be a big Slick Rick fan, and he even gives a shout out to the chorus on one of my favs from the Great Adventures of Slick Rick album. (see below video) I finally got a hold of this version when I purchased the Dead Presidents Soundtrack Volumes 1 and II. I thought the movie was interesting but the soundtracks blew my mind. James Brown, Al Green, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes to name a few. These albums led me down the rabbit hole to discovering the catalogues of so many amazing soul singers from the 60's and 70's. 

I never got to see Isaac live, but I did have the opportunity about 20 years ago to see Slick Rick and Doug E Fresh at the Music Farm in Charleston, SC. It was as cool as you would imagine. I remember at one point Slick had a beautiful lady come out mid show with all of his gold chains and rings on a satin pillow and placed then around Rick's neck and fingers. Now that's what I call entertainment.

RIP Burt Bacharach, thanks for the wonderful tunes. As far as the picture goes, I don't believe KISS ever covered any Bacharach songs. KISS is in the news again since they're embarking on their "final" 50 shows. Not sure if I'll make it to these but I've seen the spectacle four times at this point (I'll do a KISS post down the line) Those are actually coffee mugs I purchased back in 2010 or 11 at the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, SC.(They were sold out of Gene that day) Yes, if you were unaware KISS did have a coffeeshop. At the time it was open I wasn't even a coffee drinker but I may've stopped by four or five times during it's run. Sadly it's closed now. In case you were curious, they did sell women's underwear showcasing two of the bands hits. The front of the underwear, Lick it Up and the back, Rock Bottom. Amazing. Shocked they didn't have men's underwear with Love Gun, but I digress. 

Ok so we have Burt Bacharach, Slick Rick, and KISS themed panties. Welcome to my brain everyone. Thanks for reading.

Walk On By (Remastered)

Mona Lisa

Kiss - Lick It Up

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Skeleton Tree

 

"Fallen leaves thrown across the sky

A jittery TV

Glowing white like fire

Nothing is for free

I called out, I called out

Right across the sea"

Hope everyone is having a nice Saturday. Mine's a bit on the lazy side as it's currently cold and raining. Perfect weather for reflection and relaxation. The pic to the left is the current scene in our soggy backyard. Poor Saint Francis is getting soaked! 

I went to a funeral last week and as us humans tend to do, we start contemplating our own mortality. It's something that I don't dwell on much but every once in awhile events like that stop me in my tracks. I start to take inventory thinking about friends, family, current life status, goals, what's it all mean, etc, etc. It was a Catholic funeral which is the religion i was raised in. I remember as a kid learning that the afterword was everlasting. I couldn't comprehend infinity as a child (well I still can't) and I thought going on forever sounded kind of awful and terrifying. Normal anxiety of an elementary school kid? Well I guess it depends on what religion was first introduced to you. To quote the Jeff Tweedy song, Nobody Dies Anymore, "I love how every song ends." 

I would guess other than love, heartbreak and loss is the topic of most recorded music out there. For whatever reason I'm a sucker for those lost love, tear in my beer, heartbreakers. From Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks to Bruce Springsteen's Tunnel of Love to every Blues and Country album ever recorded,  some of the greatest work from creatives comes from a difficult place. Joining the ranks of those masterpieces is Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds 2016 album, Skeleton Tree. 

During the recording of the album one of Cave's sons tragically died in a hiking accident. While most of the album was complete, Cave would alter some lyrics to express his grief and loss. This album was on repeat for me quite a bit at the end of 2016/beginning of 2017. I recommend front to back but for today's pick, lets go with the title track.

Since it's a weekend it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. While the rain can bring on less uplifting feelings it's also a great excuse for jazz. Here's a classic that sounds like a perfect rainstorm accompaniment to me. Mine as well throw in that Tweedy song too as it's relevant to the topic. As always, thanks for reading.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - 'Skeleton Tree' (Official Audio)

In A Sentimental Mood