Events

[DANCE PARTY] The history of soul music is deep and too seldom plumbed. It’s equally full of huge household hits and obscure cuts too often buried in record store basements or grandparents’ attics—cuts that deserve to be dug up every once in a while. In anticipation of Sugar City’s Soul Night dance party at Milkie’s this Friday, February 13, DJs Handsome Dan, Katastrophe, and The Good Reverend Johnny Drama have chosen some of their all-time favorite soul classics.

Handsome Dan: Curtis by Curtis Mayfield

At the end of his run with the Impressions, Curtis Mayfield unleashed his solo debut Curtis. “Move On Up” and “(Don’t Worry) If There’s Hell Below We’re All Gonna Go” are socially conscious dance floor fillers (the former being one of the best pop songs of all time), while the rest of the album is buoyed by spiritually-propelled sweet soul ballads. Curtis is a truly empowering work and should essential listening for everyone.

The Good Reverend Johnny Drama: James Brown Live at The Apollo and Sam Cooke Live at The Harlem Square Club, 1963

I absolutely love live recordings of great soul singers. Funny, because I can think of few more torturous experiences than having to listen to most rock bands go off on a live extended jam. From that first spine-tingling “I Feel Alllll-Riiight!” to the blistering take on “Think” and straight through every crowd frenzied shriek in that brilliant medley, “Live at The Apollo 1963” is a wild journey with the Godfather (James Brown) at the helm. That record is maybe only paralleled by my other pick here Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square Club, 1963. Cooke is playful, impeccable, charming, heartfelt, and just so fucking cool. When he just starts shredding his vocals while screaming “Oh Operator! I want my baby!” at the beginning of “Bring it on Home to Me,” man, it kills me.

Katastrophe: Little Ann “Deep Shadows”

My first choice would probably have to be Little Ann’s “Deep Shadows.” It might even be my favorite record that I own. She was one of the many talented, yet unknown soul singers from the 1960s Detroit Motown scene. Her music at the time never got the chance to be pressed into an album but it was rediscovered decades later as part of producer/musician Dave Hamilton’s “Detroit Dancers” compilations. If you like the Ronnettes, Aretha Frankin and Martha and the Vandel’s you should check her out.