Sublime
An inspiration engine for ideas
“Back Stabbers” and “Love Train” for the O’Jays, and “Me and Mrs. Jones” for Billy Paul—all from 1972—and followed by “You Make Me Feel Brand New” (1973) for the Stylistics and “The Love I Lost” (1973) for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, there was no stopping Gamble and Huff until “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” (1979)
John Seabrook • The Song Machine: How to Make a Hit
where I learned that sometimes bad records are just as important as good records. In other words, if I want to get an orgasmic response out of playing the horn intro to Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You,” then maybe it’s wiser if the two records just before it aren’t as familiar or iconic. The mind adjusts to those other records.
... See moreAhmir "Questlove" Thompson • Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove
Chulo Davis,
James McBride • The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel
The Creator of ‘Radiolab,’ a Lapsed Composer, Returns to Music (Published 2017)
Chief Markus
James McBride • The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel
The production was dense and menacing, louder and harsher than any record we had made, and so were the lyrics. The album took on prescription drug addiction, the way the media distorts the news, the risks of technology, and the financial crisis. And that’s just on the title track. There’s another song, “75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction),” where
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