Tag Archives: Recommendations
Donny Hathaway – “Lord Help Me”
I was going to post “Love, Love, Love” this morning, which is also amazing, but then I kept listening to Extension of a Man, and I got to this song, which I had forgotten about, and it blew me away. … Continue reading
Filed under My favorite stuff ever
Jackie Wilson – “Danny Boy”
I’m pretty sure I posted this last year in anticipation of our St. Patrick’s Day show, but it deserves another post. Hey, kids…you know how you used the word, “Epic” to describe the line at the dorm room showers this … Continue reading
Filed under Putting the Caruso in Robinson Caruso
Mavis Staples – “You Are Not Alone”
Here’s a live acoustic recording of the title track of Mavis Staples’s 2010 album You Are Not Alone. It’s a beautiful song, written for her by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
Filed under Pops Tweedy
Blue Notes/David Brent – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”
Here’s one of the most beautiful songs ever (with a nipple-exposing jumpsuit and impressive hand-choreography): And here’s one of the funniest things ever (courtesy of Juxtaposition Records):
Filed under Expert wine selection
Sam Cooke/Soul Stirrers – “Jesus Gave Me Water”
This is Sam Cooke’s first ever recording, and it’s transcendent. It’s so rare for an artist to emerge this fully-formed. How can he be so emotional, but so technically precise? He hits all the marks, then occasionally he’ll let loose … Continue reading
Filed under Water Water Water Water
Van Morrison – Saint Dominic’s Preview
Personally, I think of Van Morrison as a soul singer. That’s how he thinks of himself as well (he’ll tell you the same if you make the mistake of requesting “Brown-Eyed Girl” at a concert). Even if you disagree, you’ll … Continue reading
Filed under Oh...we're going to the chorus now?
Bill Withers – Grandma’s Hands
Bill Withers was a great performer – he really settled into a moment with the audience, and I don’t usually need performers to spell out what their songs are about, but I don’t mind when he does it. We’ll overlook … Continue reading
Filed under Intros that are longer than songs
James Carr – At The Dark End Of The Street
This song and the accompanying album, You Got My Mind Messed Up ruled my world for a few weeks last year. Even when the tunes have kind of a generic Southern arrangement, Carr redeems them with his superb timing and … Continue reading
Filed under Wide swing tremelo
Charles Bradley – The World
Young ‘uns, this is how it’s done. This one was scouted by Gary Miller, our bassist, but Robinson co-signs. A great band, an absolutely heart-breaking performance.
Filed under Dope jump suits
The RCO Improvises!
As you may know, a few of us in the Robinson Caruso Organization perform as improvisers in the Twin Cities. Not familiar with Twin Cities Improv, or improv in general? Come see Andrew Crowley and James Rone improvise at ComedySportz … Continue reading
Filed under Shameless plugging
