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.

baby don't you do it: battle royale

TWO OF MY ULTIMATE FAVORITES. ONE TIGHT SOUL SONG. ONE EPIC BATTLE.

This battle isn't even fair. It really doesn't get any better than Marvin Gaye or The Band. I mean, come on.

In 1964, the ultimate baller of all time known as Marvin Gaye recorded "Baby Don't You Do It" for Tamla (Motown). This is a classic HDH (Holland-Dozier-Holland) sound. This song wasn't a huge charter (I mean, it was #27 but it will be #1 in my heart always) but it has been covered several times.

Obvi, Marvin is the most amazing man and perhaps one of the best soul singers EVER. He just had it. He had an amazing vocal range. He had tons of hits and is in my top 5 performers/artists. I love everything about Marvin. "Sexual Healing" is a choice karaoke song. What's Going On is my favorite album ever and is probably the best album of all time. I'm just being real. ANYWAY, enough gushing. Check out Marvin's great tune.

Marvin Gaye - Baby Don't You Do It

Then this happened. The Band recorded their own version of "Baby Don't You Do It" called simply "Don't Do It." It's featured on their album Rock of Ages, and also in that movie some guy with crazy eyebrows directed called The Last Waltz.

The Band started as the backing band, the Hawks, for fantastic person/total nutjob Ronnie Hawkins in the late fifties/early sixties. Levon was at the HELM (HAW HAW HAW) for most of the ride after they left Ronnie, and for a while they played as Levon and the Hawks. They were totally well-rounded with super tight musicianship. Bob Dylan recruited the ballers for his tour in 1965 and soon they were playing with him constantly and making the recordings that became The Basement Tapes. They released their first album as THE BAND in 1968, followed by many more and some fantastic songs. They performed their final concert, which was made into a movie, in 1976.

The Band's sound is really difficult for me to pin down. Also, if I talk about them too much I will literally start weeping. They are very important to me. They had country elements but also a super soulful rhythm section. I can't even handle it. All the dudes could play different instruments and they had that amazing vocal layering with Rick, Richard, and Levon all taking on the singing role. NOTE: You should definitely read Levon's book This Wheel's on Fire for amazing insight into the band. I'm re-reading it right now and it's been bad because I can't put it down and I end up going to bed at midnight.

The Band played "Don't Do It" as the encore of their final show during the taping of The Last Waltz. Check out their version.

The Band - Don't Do It



So, needless to say, both versions are awesome. This is what I always end up doing with these Battle Royale posts. I start out with a good idea and then I can't choose because both artists own my world.

happy birthday, marvin gaye!

Marvin Gaye aka Life Changer of the Century was born on April 2. Today Marvin would have been 70. Still a youngster. I hope somewhere he is having a wonderful celebration. Here's to a pure and gentle soul who makes me love music more every day!

Love you, Marv.

marvin gaye - what's going on/what's happening brother

I'm still in the Motown birthday spirit right now, so I want to share this video. I know I blog about Marvin all the time and it's probably super annoying, BUT I DON'T REALLY GIVE AN F. Marvin is the most amazing artist of all time. There, I said it. I wouldn't be complete without What's Going On, which I would argue is probably the best album of all time. I also cannot even handle that picture of Marvin in his glasses. That could be from 2007, y'allz. Love you, Marv. Isn't it weird how these songs still mean something important today? I mean, he could've just made this album. I'm in love.

This video is bringing some tears for me. I love Marv sitting behind the piano just singing and smiling away. Man! I should not have had all that wine. Now I'm going to curl in a ball and rock myself to sleep while slowing whispering the lyrics to "Sexual Healing."

marvin gaye + national anthem = my dream come true

Question: Does NBC air all the best commercials during the Olympics because they know asses all across the nation are planted on couches waiting for the good stuff?

Answer: Yes. (Hello, I watched gymnastics in Las Vegas! I'm reppin' hard, son!)

Anyway, Chaps has been telling me about this Marvin Gaye commercial for a while. It's really a commercial for Nike and the USA Basketball Team, but it showcases Marv singing the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. This is probably the best rendition I've ever heard/seen a singer do. I mean, I am a little biased since I loves me some Marvin. I have a little picture of Marvin that I can stare at in the kitchen while I'm at the sink. Off-topic but who cares? Here's the point: this is the most badass thing I have ever seen and I want to thank Nike and NBC for choosing this clip and this man to make my life better. From the sunglasses to the beat in the background to the suit to EVERYTHING. I'm in love.

marvin gaye - live at montreux

I know we post a lot of videos on here and maybe sometimes you don't watch all of them. Well, if you are going to watch one, please watch this one. Marvin Gaye singing "Let's Get It On" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1980. You know how I feel about Marvin. He was a former tight person of the day. And he's a total badass. This video is so tight, I don't even know what else to say about it. He's sweating his ass off and here are three words that make my life complete about this clip: back-up singers. Just watch.