I’ve decided to just make this music week around the offices at Jackson G. Tickle Enterprises. But before I get into that…
…check out We The Voices, updated with new content including an analysis of which show was better: The Jeffersons or Good Times; and also an analysis of which HBO show is better, The Wire or The Sopranos. Those articles amongst the other articles about life, music, and a discussion about Fantasia’s “Baby Mama” song. Come thru today!!!
Back to the music week at JGT. I spend a lot of time listening to music. Though this isn’t really news to anybody, I also put together compilation CD’s left and right, like Slow Jams Deluxe: 16 Tracks For Dat Azz or my own Down South Crunk Mixx, guaranteed to get you grizzly (and no, I have no idea what that means). Not for sale, I mean I don’t have the copyrights on any of the songs so if I sold them I’d technically be committing some type of federal offense. Not saying I haven’t taken donations or anything for the time spent creating the compilation. I’m just saying…I ain’t getting paid for the songs.
*looking around for guys in black suits and cheap sunglasses to bust through the door…wait, I work with those guys…never mind*
Either way, one of these compilations I created is entitled, Music To Move You. Actually, becuase I’m a tad (I’ve noticed that I keep using the word tad lately…not sure what this means, but its bothering me, yet I can’t delete it…help. me.)self-aggrandizing the full title is:
Panama Jackson Presents…my mama’s music, volume 1: Music To Move You
[***SIDENOTE: Quick story behind the title, my mama's music. That was the working title of the album I was planning on putting together. Yes, Panama singing, rapping, and doing Panama things. The purpose was to make an album my mama could listen to as opposed to most of the albums I own nowadays. Okay that wasn't much of a story...but the album is back on. Yes, PDJakes is putting together an album. Yes bitches, Panama is about to change the game. EARLY!!!***]
Being as the title is Music To Move You, it’s filled with, you guessed it, songs intended to move and inspire emotion of some sort. They also happen to be some of my favorite songs. Well, today, I’m going to share with you the tracks and tell you why these songs are songs that you need to know. In fact, if you put this compilation together (or email me so I can send it to you), you will be happy in life, not to say that you aren’t already happy because I don’t really know you so how could I say you aren’t happy because that would imply that I know more than I do when in fact I really don’t which is why I’m saying that you’ll be happier after its all said and done because its true.
*ahem*
Without further ado…
Panama Jackson Presents…my mama’s music, Volume 1: Music To Move You
1. Barry White-I’ve Got So Much To Give
You know, people don’t bring up Barry White enough. This man singlehandedly made love music. I mean that REAL love music. That babymakin’ music that has stood the test of time, and this song is proof of that. Fellas, play this song for your ladies and sing the words like you mean them…she ain’t going NOWHERE. Make sure to emphasize this part:
“I’ve got so much to give, to you my dear…it’s gonna take a lifetime, gonna take years…”
Good. As. Got.
2. Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross-Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)
Now you might recognize this song from the sample used in Smilez and Southstar’s single…umm…dammit…well I can’t remember the name of it. But this song right here is that truth. Marvin and Diana just letting you know that the heart will tell you the truth.
Unless your significant other is an ass in which case, fuck him/her. Cuz you’re heart is a LIAR!!! It’s a LIAR YOU HEAR ME!!!!!!!!!!!
*looking at scared faces of 6-year old R. Kelly fans*
It’s a good song.
3. ConFunkShun-Straight From The Heart
My goodness. This is one of my favorite songs EVER. In fact, this might have to be my wedding song. And I want to sing it. In fact, I’m unable to listen to this song without singing along because I feel it so much. Hell, I’m singing it right now in my office. This is from that era when love songs were just that…love songs.
“It must be love, for there’s nothing that I won’t do, for the love of you…this is straight from the heart no one, could ever doubt, my love will last til the end of time…”
I mean for God’s sake…he says, “I’m gonna love til a day past forever!!!!!!”
You know what?? This is a deal breaker. Any woman who doesn’t like this song cannot be a woman of any significance in my life.
It was written.
4. Creative Source-I’d Find You Anywhere
You know how when you really love somebody, you remember everything and you are just in utter bliss?? If so, well this is that song for you. Of course, it could also be a theme song for stalkers…but that’s neither here nor there. It’s just about always being there no matter what…if you need me, I’ll find my way to you, no matter where you are.
Of course lyrics like, “I’d track you down, like a bloodhound” do seem a tad (see again with the tad!) crazy…but hey, love makes you do crazy things!!
5. Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross-Just Say, Just Say
The music on this song is schizophrenic like love. It sounds both tortured and happy at the exact same time. Trust me, this song manages to gather both the love and pain of love all at the same time…and with Marvin’s life and Diana’s hair, they know torture well.
6. Bobby Womack-Woman’s Gotta Have It
I’ve never met a woman who didn’t love this song. This is a guide for men to do for their woman and realize that just because you think you’re making your woman happy, doesn’t mean she really is happy. It’s saying to pay attention and find out how to make your woman happy because she might be dying on the inside. Give her love…cuz today, she just might kill you or pull your feeding tube early. (OUCH..LOOOOOOOOOOOW BLOW!)
“Do the things that keep a smile on her face
Say the things that make her feel better every day
Man you gotta stay on your p’s & q’s
If you don’t the woman you could easily lose”
“Don’t take for granted the smile on her face
Check a little bit closer you might find a tear trace
Maybe the girl might never say a mumblin’ word
But you’ve got to make sure that her voice is heard”
The man speaks knowledge.
7. Debra Laws-Very Special
This song doesn’t even need a discussion. If you’ve heard it, you love it. If you haven’t, you need this song in your life.
8. Patrice Rushen-When I Found You
How many people, by a show of hands, have said this at one point in their lives?
Baby, I found love when I found you???
*looking at all the raised hands*
That’s what this song is all about…it says exactly what you’re thinking. In essence, it’s just perfect.
Quick Break In The Program: Two things, the things that make these songs so great is not only the words, but the music matches the moods and sentiments of these songs perfectly. There isn’t one questionablye note on any of these songs. Music is life. Secondly, a lot of these songs have been sampled in today’s hiphop or covered by R&B artists. If they sound familiar…it’s because they ARE familiar.
9. The Flamingos-I Only Have Eyes For You
“the moon may be out tonight, it doesnt matter if its sunny or bright…cuz I only have eyes for you”
Nothing can get in the way of his view of this woman!
My boy Johnny Kwest made a list of the 10 Greatest Love Songs of all time. Well I might need to make my own list, because this song to me is the Best Love Song EVER. It’s simple doo-wop but man oh man, there is no other song that conveys love like this. It just makes me want to go find some random chick on the street and fall in love with JUST so I can sing this to her…
…then dump her.
10. Love Unlimited Orchestra-Walking In The Rain (With The One I Love)
The first time I heard this song was in November 2001 on the way to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic while sitting in a rented Oldsmobile driving behind a rented maroon Ford Excusion between Atlanta and LaGrange, GA. That’s how much my life changed that day. Something about this song is so right I can’t even describe it. In fact, the best part of the song to me is the end, where the music is just playing for about a minute. The piano, violins, and bass guitar just takes you…there.
It’s just about thinking about the one you love while you’re walking in the rain. But it ain’t just subtle thoughts. Nope.
It’s…love. Set to music. Barry White was a genius.
11. Force MD’s-Tender Love
With one of the most memorable piano sections in a love song ever, this is just THAT song. Who doesn’t love this?? Really?? If you don’t. Go die.
12. Jermaine Jackson-Castles of Sand
I know right?? Who knew Jermaine could make music that actually touched anybody. And I don’t mean that in the Michael Jackson touches kids way either. This song speaks truth though…why do we keep building castles of sand?? The water will just wash them away. This is a song that everybody can relate too…staying around too long, trying to look at one good time over the 1,000 bad times, etc.
Too bad his other music sucked ass.
13. Earth, Wind, and Fire-Reasons
Possibly one of the most famous songs ever. There isn’t a single person who doesn’t like this song. Hell, T-Mobile even made it a ringtone. It’s that huge for a reason. If you don’t know this song, never speak to me about music…ever. In fact, I’m going to pretend you don’t even exist.
14. The Gap Band-Yearning For Your Love
“my heart is yearning for your love won’t you let me inside your love…”
The words “you can’t keep running in and out of my life…” are some of the truest words every spoken. Why?? Because the shit hurts…a lot. I just feeeeel this song because its so REAL. Damn you women who keep on running in and out of my life!!!!!
Quit breaaaaaaaaaaaaking my heart!!!!
15. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway-Be Real Black For Me
You know, to this day, the words aren’t what stands out to me. It’s the blend of their voices. I’ve never heard something so perfect in my life. Damn you Donny for trying to fly…without wings…or a plane!! Their voices just inspire that feeling deep in your souls…that feeling of hope and belief in somebody. Belief that there is somebody out there that you won’t have to kill for cheating on you. Somebody that will look you square in the eye and say…I need you and mean it.
Not…I need you to give me more time, space, money, etc. Basically…this song is about that real…and mean they don’t give a shit about you.
Man…its great.
16. Chaka Khan-Love Me Still
I just love this song. I can’t say anything more about it than that. Well, except that I’m a sucker for pianos. If my woman plays the piano (assuming everything else is in tact) I’m a goner. The piano in this song gets me everytime.
And finally…the song that puts it all on the line in its rawest form…for 7 minutes…
17. Lenny Williams-Because I Love You
This song is seven minutes of pleading for his woman to understand that he loves her. I’ve never heard a man beg a woman like this…just to understand. It’s that amazing. He ain’t begging for her love…he’s begging for her understanding of his love. No comparing love to water or trees. Just straight up how he feels. That is what loves all about.
You know you’re in love when you try to capture it in words and can’t. And the only thing that comes out is…girl, I just love you, you HAVE to understand THIS!!!
***
There you have it, the first volume in an ever growing volume of CD compilations. These are songs you NEED in your life.
Trust me on this one…
*ahem* Where did you get that title form, MY MAMA’S MUSIC??? That’s ingenius!
I heart Very Special a lot. I love it when it comes on the radio when I’m at work. Reminds me of my boo from the mid-late 90s.
Be Real Black For Me. I like the song, but I never quite understood what they’re singin about. Maybe its too deep for me. Think about it!
Perhaps I shall harass you on AIM to send me this CD later on. Thanks in advance, buuuuuddy!
I remember Reasons being one of the first love songs I ever heard. It’s my parents’ “song” and everytime their anniversary rolled around I would run and throw the record on and watch them slow-dance. Good times…
Good list…a few I’ve never heard of, so it may be time for me to step my game up.
P, I’m lettin’ you know up front that I skipped everything after “compilation CD” and “donation.”
The ASCAP and the RIAA can come down on yo ass for that, playa, even if you don’t get money for it! If you are distributing to other people, they’ve lost revenue, thus, you’re breaking the law. Shit, they sued dead grandmas and shit, you think they’ll hesitate to sue a brutha, whether he works for the gubmint or not? How will I complete my Hoodology course if your computer has been seized?
That’s all I’m sayin. Maybe, you know, you shouldn’t be puttin’ that info all out in the open.
uhhh yeah well maybe the guys in suits don’t read French so here goes:
Panama s’il vous plait donne moi une copie de cette CD quand je te vois la prochaine fois. D’accord? Je connais pas la plu pard de ces chansons mais si tu dit qu’ils sont maginifique je te crois. Merci et gros bisous.
.
BlackMartha: My bad…I should have mentioned that the idea was conceived by you in a roundabout way.
Sid: Thanks for the legal advice. And if my computer gets seized…that will be come a supplemental class discussion in the Hoodology course, Maintaining Despite The Odds. See: Life.
Edwige: In the famous words of Raphael De La Ghetto, pas de probleme!!!!
ASCAP, as an organization, is concerned with broad publishing rights, not an individual puttin’ together a cd for personal use. Further, he can make recommendations to other folks about said list and not run afoul of the law. It’s only if he actually starts pressing compact discs and selling them will he have issues. it still isn’t that straight forward, however, because ASCAP will only come after you if you start to move substantial units (think billboard not the block) based on the compilations…that’s why dj red alert, clinton sparks, herc, kay slay, clue and all them other fools put out their street tapes, b/c they don’t necessitate sample clearance through ascap or bmi. is it illegal? technically, yes, but is it oft punished? no.
the riaa is an organization founded almost entirely as a response to the peer to peer and sharware programs. so, the only way they coming after you is if your name is randlomly chosen off the big spreadsheet comprising ip addresses from grokster-sponsored software (limewire, kazaa, etc.) or some of the still utilized, but less so p2p networks (mIRC, some icq versions, etc.)
i say all this so you ain’t gotta be scurred that they coming after p muthafuckin’.
I HAVE THAT CD! Thanks homie! *hug*
And I can testify to the happiness it brings. One copy is in the car, and I bootlegged (can I bootleg a bootleg? Is that possible? Anyway) a copy for the house.
So yeah. That CD is the shit. Tracks 5 and 8 are still my favorites, although you left the Flamingos track off the version I have. You may need to, uh, re-issue the new version to me, lol.
Thanks homie!
if you don’t like it..go die.
That’s what’s up…
What about John Mellencamp? What about Elton John or James Taylor? I feel so left out and that is not right.
Great list…but tell me why my son is 14 and LOVEs LOVEs LOVEs Reason?! You are right! Errybody luvs it!
Have a great weekend!
@P: I was just playin about the MMM name.
What is a CD without B. ‘MACK? It just ain’t the same without him. lol.
GREAT list. You’ve inspired me to make a CD of my own…well umm…’legally’. Ok? I’ll try? lol.
good list. Never peeped most of those songs before.
I’m impressed by the old school selections on here… Confunkshun in particular. I’m such an old school slow jams head… *sigh*… now I’mma have to go make a CD myself… compiling CDs that I have purchased of course.=)
Great post!! A friend and I were just talking about Barry White and how he is neglected.
Hmmmm…..Got to make my own…Mamma’s Music CD. lol
so…mine is in the mail, no? Also, can I get a little of Chaka’s “Through the Fire” thrown in? Danke.
i don’t know how i found ur blog but u mentioned The GAP Band and now i’m straight!
This list is hype! Well done. Any compilation that cites Bobby “slick on the git-taw” Wolmack is cool with me. Others I’d add: Stevie’s
“Golden Lady”, L.T.D.’s “Love Ballad” and the O Jays’ “Loving You”