Before I get into the compilation–here’s last week’s if you need to know the premise–I’d like to congratulate India.Arie for having the #1 album in the country. Way to go!
And for those of you that would like to hear what India would be like if she actually made good music–rather than stuff people feel compelled to enjoy because it falls in line with their political dispositions–go check out Tracy Chapman’s amazing, eponymous debut album. In fact, I wonder how many of these India.Arie fans have heard that record. The way I see it, it might take hearing Tracy kill it for an entire album to understand just how lacking Arie is.
But lemme stop dumping on that poor lady. Making money without sellin dope is okay with me.
Artist–Barry White
Song–I’m Gonna Love You A Little More
Lemme guess…the bassline just ran through your head. If it didn’t, you’ve just never heard the song.
Artist–Beach Boys
Song–Good Vibrations
But let’s be real. If the police pass by your door and hear this song blaring through the door, walls or windows, I’m pretty sure they’ll have probable cause to search your pad. Call it a hunch.
Artist–Big Pun
Song–I actually have no idea
Just wanted to illustrate that Pun’s best moments were absolutely incredible to the point that they’re almost indistinguishable in quality.
Artist–Bootsy Collins
Song–I’d Rather Be With You
This is near the top of any list I can think of.
Artist–Bubba Sparxxx
Song–Back in the Mud
You gotta give Bubba this…the ability to keep up with that beat and say consistently incredible shit deserves whatever praise you have to give.
Artist–Cee-Lo Green
Song–Spend the Night In Your Mind
Cee-Lo’s begun to wear on me, and he’s a weird lil nigga. But this song is remarkably convincing considering who it’s coming from.
Artist–DMB
Song–Gray Street
But only the Lilly White Sessions version. The live ones are good, too, come to think of it.
Artist–De La Soul
Song–Stakes is High
This is a really, really tough call. But putting Dilla on the boards and some inspired verses from Pos and Whateverhteotherdude’scallinghimselfthesedays was so ridiculous that it overcome putting Dilla on the mic. No small feat, pimpin.
Artist–Field Mob
Song–It’s Hell
I extoll the virtues of this one regularly. Bobo, tell em what I’m talkin bout.
Artist–Funkadelic
Song–Maggot Brain
His name is Eddie Hazel. He played one of the greatest guitar solos ever on this song. Find out about him.
Artist–Gangstarr
Song–The Militia
Ummm, let’s just say that I think a rugged chap that raps under many aliases would appreciate this choice. It really is incredible, though.
Artist–Goodie Mob
Song–Thought Process
You’ll have a hard time finding three harder consecutive verses harder than Gipp, Cee-Lo, and Andre on this one.
Artist–Isaac Hayes
Song–The Look of Love
“I can hardly wait to hold you/feel my arms around you/how long I have waited/waited just to love you/now that I have found you/don’t ever go.”
I know this is a cover, so I don’t give Isaac credit for the words. I give him credit for the obvious passion–but still smooth–and that spectacular arrangement.
Artist–Isley Brothers
Song–Voyage to Atlantis
This is a really tough choice. So tough that I had to go to the statistics to figure it out. The verdict–“Atlantis” is more, ummm, productive than even “Between the Sheets.”
Artist–Jackson(s) (5)
Song–Can You Feel It
I’ll take it over any non-Mike-solo project. That bass and the way Mike hits the track are perfect.
Artist–Janis Joplin
Song–Little Girl Blue
I’m not that well-versed in her catalog, bu tI just wanted to bring a lil attention to an underappreciated record.
Artist–Jill Scott
Song–He Loves Me
But I have to admit that I wonder if he’s really the most loving man on earth or he’s got the most incredible game on Earth.
Artist–Johnny Guitar Watson
Song–Tarzan
Just because the chorus is absolutely absurd.
Artist–Kanye West
Song–Never Let Me Down
Like it or not, Kanye’s a bad, bad man. It does help to put two Jigga verses on here, if you’re Kanye.
Artist–Lou Rawls
Song–Dead End Street
If you ever wanted to know what the city of Chicago sounds like, put this one on. How can you not love Lou’s voice?
Artist–Luther Vandross
Song–Bad Boy/Having a Party
I don’t adore Luther like a lot of people, but I can damn sure tell you he was a bad, bad man. This one bangs for the same reason almost all of this joints bang–the bass line is where it’s at.
Artist–O’Jays
Song–You Got Your Hooks In Me
This song is really pathetic, actually, but you’re lying if you say you ain’t been there.
Artist–Paul Simon
Song–Still Crazy After All These Years
I have to admit I can identify with the last verse very well. Not sure what to make of that.
Artist–Pearl Jam
Song–Black
I really wonder what life’s like for you when you realize your most marketable skill is conveying pain and dismay. Gotta be kinda like being a dentist or something.
Artist–The Police
Song–So Lonely
People tend to forget Andy in guitar discussions. This solo is incredible.
Artist–UGK
Song–Take It Off
Potentially the greatest strip club song since “Moments in Love.”
And I still missed a grip. Til another day.