On a Plain

Even well-written TV shows like True Blood have their faltering moments. Quite a creative episode yesterday, particularly the way it draws you in by disgust. I bring up the show because it reminded me that I can always do a post about music. Anyone recognize the old blues tune playing in the bar towards the end? It’s a variant of one of the covers below. Each of these songs come from soul or blues artists (or gospel, whatever you want to call it) – recordings I was introduced to at an early age. Tunes like these never lose their potency. The music gets passed on from generation to generation, one cover after another, and rarely do people know about the originals.

In the spirit of passing things on, I must thank my brother for sharing In the Jungle Groove with me this week. Also, I have to share a thought that the well-versed Michael Paul has pointed out many a time: “black” music has unquestionably impacted our culture in some of the best ways possible. But enough of my own jazzin. Let the music speak for itself…

1. Nina Simone – Feeling Good
2. Arrested Development – Tennessee
3. Missy Elliot – Work It
4. James Brown – Funky Drummer (Bonus Beat Reprise)
5. Robert Johnson – Cross Road Blues
6. Led Zeppelin – Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
7. Cream – Spoonful (live)
8. Johnny Cash – I Got a Woman
9. Stevie Ray Vaughan – Lenny
10. Stevie Wonder – Pastime Paradise
11. Fleetwood Mac – Jigsaw Puzzle Blues
12. Etta James – The Man I Love
13. Dusty Springfield – Son of a Preacher Man

Bonus: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge (live acoustic)