In typical old school fashion, I belong to a cd music club. No ipod, mp3 player, pesky downloading issues and premature deafness for me, mon . . . not yet anyway.
Most times, after I've flipped through the music club's booklet a couple of times, one selection will stand out from the rest. Sometimes it's something from the Jazz bin. Sometimes it's something from the wonderful world of R &B. And every once in a while, it's a soft Rock classic or else some of them down-home Blues. Generally though, my attention is seized by only ONE cd.
But after scanning this past week's offerings, I found myself being pulled back to not ONE, but (gasp!) THREE different cd titles. I'm sure, in time, I'll add all of these title to my collection, but practical (frugal . . . okay, cheap) gal that I am, at the moment, I'm only looking to add one.
My choices are: (1) The Police: Hits and Highlights Why? Oh, come on! This is the '80s at its best. "Every Breath You Take" , "Don't Stand So Close To Me." I know I'm not the only one who gets goose gumps and hears something primal in Sting's voice when he screams, "Roxanne!"
(2) Lou Rawls: Live! Hey, don't laugh. Okay, well after you stop laughing, check this out. This is Brother Lou in his prime, before all of that "Groovy People" business. If I'm not mistaken, this is the only Lou Rawls album my parents own . . . which is also the reason why, I never stole it ( See last year's "Holiday Pat Down" post for a list of music I did steal from the folks). Lou Rawls: Live! has classics on it like, "Stormy Monday", "Tobacco Road", "St. James Infirmary" and "The Girl From Ipanema." So, if you don't know, now you know. And last, but not least,
(3) The Very Best Of Chicago: Only The Beginning. Whenever I hear songs by the group Chicago, I think about two things, being a kid and living in Idaho. Thanks to my Dad's ties to the US Air Force, I spent part of the 3rd grade and all of the 4th and 5th grades in Mountain Home, Idaho. Seems like I heard songs like, "Saturday In The Park", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? and "If You Leave Me Now" on the radio when my Mom would be ushering me off to school in the morning. That period in my life is one of my favorites.
If you'd like to weigh-in on my decision, you're welcome to post your suggestions or thoughts on the matter. Which cd would be your pick? Of, in what order would you purchase the three selections? Like I said, at some point, I'm sure I'll own all three. So, there really are no right or wrong answers.
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8 comments:
My choice out of the 3 would be The Police CD. I have never really cared much for the late Lou Rawls, his Easter Seals work notwithstanding.
Malcolm,
No love for Lou?! I know about his work with the United Negro College Fund ("a mind is a terrible thing to waste"), but not the Easter Seals.
Anyway, the hubby isn't a big fan of Lou either . . . though I think because I think one of his sisters kind of played and sang the heck out of "Groovy People" when they were growing up (LOL). His pick is Chicago.
I'm leaning toward The Police. But we'll see. Thanks for sharing.
Lou Rawls, The Police, Chicago. In that order. My mother loves the heck out of Lou Rawls - I think she saw him in concert 3x in the 6 or so months before he died. And so I, through osmosis, like Lou Rawls. (including Groovy People!)
Now I think I'm leaning more toward Lou, Chicago, The Police. Sting's voice grates my nerves after a while.
My fault Lori. I meant to say UNCF instead of Easter Seals. Whichever CD you decide to go with, I hope that you give us a review if time permits.
Nerd Girl,
Thanks for stepping up and giving Brother Lou some love (smile). Your Mom sounds like a serious fan! He did have a special quality to his voice.
I think you and my hubby feel the same way about Sting. Obviously, there is something in Sting's voice that either rubs you one way or the other.
Malcolm,
One more thing. Before you give up Lou, do give his Live! Album a listen. Had I not heard it, I probably wouldn't be a big fan of his either.
I would choose number 2 Lori. I happen to be a fan of Lou Rawls and I remember my father playing an album with the track called "It Was a Very Good Year". I also remember my paternal grandmother playing "Tobacco Road" until my ears bled (I hated that song until I was 40). I have the potential to find something salvagable in most music no matter the genre; however to "Groovy People" I have to give a resounding NO, but to other Lou Rawls classics such as, "Your Good Thing is About to Come to an End", "Love is a Hurtin Thing", Dead End Street", and the beautifully poignant theme from the film "The Sandpiper" entitled "The Shadow of Your Smile" I would have to give two thumbs up.
Pjazzy,
Well, all right then, another vote for Mr. Lou Rawls! Sorry Malcolm, as much as I love the Police, I may just have to listen to the ladies (smile). They've been very persuasive and the clocking is ticking . . .
Hey Lori: As long as you have love for The Police, it's OK to go with Lou Rawls. He just never moved me like Otis, Wilson, or Jackie (just to name a few). Some of his songs I like, so I might give the live album a try.
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