christmas series #13: ray charles and betty carter

First of all, I still get creeped out by the resemblance between Jamie Foxx and Ray.

Secondly, I am super into how many Bettys there are in music. Betty Carter is another Betty in a long list of ballers. She's an incredibly talented jazz singer.

In conclusion, I know that everyone and their dawg has covered this song but it remains a personal favorite of mine during the holidays. I also think this is one of the best versions. How smooth? These two BAMFs made an album together in 1961 that included this classic duet. I don't know about you, but this album gives me reason to believe that Santa is real. BECAUSE IT'S MAGICAL AND IF IT'S MAGIC THEN SANTA IS REAL BECAUSE SANTA IS MAGIC.

It's safe to say that this album helped out with Betty Carter's popularity, although she is a really gifted vocalist. You should look up her stuff sometime. Ray, of course, never really stopped being popular but I'm still mad that an actor with two Xs in his name won an Oscar for playing him. (PERSONAL JAMIE FOXX RANT PART #322. It's why I couldn't include a picture of Jamie above side by side with the Ray one, even though that makes perfect sense.)

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" really puts me in a winter mood. Even though it's literally 80 degrees in Austin today and I saw a girl wearing a tank top and jean shorts. Hopefully Santa doesn't get confused by the warm weather and the big man still knows we are here waiting. If it's cold where you are, enjoy this slowed down and exciting version of a great song. Listen to the fire place ROAR!

Ray Charles and Betty Carter - Baby It's Cold Outside

saturday santa tribute

I am folding laundry and feeling Christmas-y. But I didn't want that Charlie Brown feeling, so I pumped up the volume. Have fun!

christmas series #12: desmond dekker

I now present to you the return of the Christmas series. Today I saw a woman wearing this shirt:

UGH. Sorry, I just thought it was funnier to show the dog version. ANYWAY, it reminded me that I needed to get started sharing the most delightful holiday soul/all-around baller music I can find.

Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican reggae singer, who also looks like a total baller in a tux. (See Exhibit A.) He also has an album called Double Dekker. PUNNY. You might know him by his hit, "Israelites." It was a smash hit in 1968 and was pretty groundbreaking at the time, considering it was popular and sounded that authentic and tight. "Christmas Day" was also released in 1968, at the height of Desmond's popularity in the USA.

Heat up the Swiss Miss and enjoy the delightful sound of Desmond and his band, The Aces. I LOVE his song talking explaining the birth of Jesus H. and also the amazing back-up singing. Then that incredible "Joy to the World" part comes out of nowhere. How good is Desmond? Desmond passed on in 2006, but listening to this song during the holidays will surely help keep his memory alive.

Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Christmas Day

tight image of the day

daily LOLdog hilarity

something to cure the mondays

Love you, Paul.

look at this zen monkey.

It's impossible to look away.

getting in the winter mood

So, the sun is shining here in Austin. And I wore flippie floppies to run errands earlier. But, I have hope that when the sun sets, a chill will come over the city. The night time is the right time, know what I mean?

Anyway, I'm trying to get into the winter mood regardless of what the actual weather is showing me. So I dug up some stuff that makes me feel ok about having a Christmas tree up and the ceiling fan on.

This song was released in 1964 and written by one of the greats, Berry Gordy. TRIVIA: The Temptations are singing the background vocals on this. Also, this is a lady's anthem for real. MOVE ON UP, GURL.

Dig on some old-school Marvin.

tight image of the day

daily LOLcat hilarity