I've Been Listing to Neko Case, The 8th Day, and Sam Cooke
Neko Case, Middle Cyclone: Usually when I drive across the state — an activity I look forward to — I put Ryan Adams on high rotation. His Jacksonville City Nights and Cold Roses albums always seem appropriate against the backdrop of chair lifts without skiers and the hills of the Palouse. Last weekend I picked up a copy of Neko Case's new one — a seemingly appropriate replacement — at the Ellensburg Starbucks. I was disappointed all weekend. Nothing struck me the way "Margaret Vs. Pauline" and "John Saw That Number" did on Fox Confessor. But I'm starting to come around. On Wednesday, I decided the bottom third of the record is great. "The Pharaohs" is a quick classic in which Case tactfully shows off her range and strength. "Don't Forget Me" is a slow burn that I can't get enough of, and is where she rolls out all those pianos she's been collecting and that the writers of this record's story are obsessed with. I'm starting to come around to the rest. Following up Fox is no easy feat, and I must admit to initially discarding a number of my favorite records. See her at The Paramount on June 4.
The 8th Day, "She's Not Just Another Woman." I've listened to this track at least once a day since I heard Greg Vandy spin it on The Roadhouse a couple weeks ago. Holy crap. The first thing I thought of was that I wish that Ray LaMontagne sounded more like this. He's pretty puffy. But I dig his voice, and I think I could be sold if he threw in a little more soul.
Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers. Discovering The 8th Day in 2009 brought home to me how insufficient my appreciation of soul/R&B is. I'm now chipping away at Cooke's catalog via eMusic, and enjoying cuts like "Peace in the Valley," "Wonderful," and "Be With Me Jesus" very much. Looking forward to the rest of the master's works.
9 comment(s)
Julian says:
Chris,
Check out Night Beat by Sam Cooke..it's one of the best records ever.
Julian.
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 1:44PM
James Early says:
I've been listing to port, recently...
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 2:29PM
david stoesz says:
Sam Cooke=the best singer ever.
I agree that Night Beat is essential. Also, Live at the Harlem Club. Did you know that he was also the founder of a record label? Check out the boxed set "The SAR Records Story." You can get it from the library. So good it fucking hurts.
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 2:46PM
Chris K says:
Sweet. Night Beat and SAR it is. Nothing I like better than check out music from the library.
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 2:55PM
Sam's Neph says:
All of the above-mentioned albums, along with "Sam Cooke at the Copa" and "Portrait of a Legend," make a great introduction to the genius that was Sam Cooke.
Erik Greene
Author, “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story From His Family's Perspective”
www.OurUncleSam.com
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 8:56PM
Sam's Neph says:
All of the above-mentioned albums, along with "Sam Cooke at the Copa" and "Portrait of a Legend," make a great introduction to the genius that was Sam Cooke.
That being said, Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers will always be the sweetest, purest listening of them all.
Erik Greene
Author, “Our Uncle Sam: The Sam Cooke Story From His Family's Perspective”
www.OurUncleSam.com
Posted On: Friday, Apr. 3 2009 @ 9:01PM
E says:
Night Beat is great.
Posted On: Monday, Apr. 6 2009 @ 4:39PM
Alvin says:
As far as I'm concerned, Night Beat is the greatest record ever recorded. Listening to Sam Cooke makes me happy - always. The greatest singer ever!
Posted On: Monday, Apr. 13 2009 @ 5:05PM
derek says:
Way after the fact so may never see it, but if you're getting into Sam Cooke don't forget to check out some Otis Redding. Live in London and Paris is great. Redding and Booker T and the MGs at the top of their game.
Posted On: Saturday, Jun. 6 2009 @ 9:38AM