Soul music legend Eddie Floyd has been singing, recording and touring for something like five decades, and the man shows no sign of letting up today. This classic recording of “Ninety-Nine and a Half” is pure molten gold – just puts a lot of more contemporary records flat to shame, I’m afraid.  Probably best known for “Knock On Wood” – a song he co-wrote with Steve Cropper which was a hit in 1966 and subsequently covered by like a hundred major artists, some of whom also charted with it – Eddie Floyd is a real as real gets. Listen to his voice on this, and then tell me how you feel about the auto-tuned piffle that’s so prevalent these days. This is a gr8 record you should have at the ready, to heat up those cold winter nights.

Eddie Floyd
“Ninety-Nine and a Half” (mp3)
from “Sweet Soul”
(LocoBop)

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Boo! Ok, one of the gr8est rhythm sections in the history of recorded music, rockin’ it heavy. Trick or treat? The answer is: both. Bust this and watch your ghouly guests go completely mad.

The Barkays
“Holy Ghost” (mp3)
from “Greatest Hits”
(LocoBop)

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Did I really just find a new track by The Bar-Kays?! I did? Pinch me! I have a special place in my heart for this legendary Memphis band. Starting their run in the mid 60′s backing Otis Redding and other GR8 singers on Stax Records, the Bar-Kays ultimately influenced the evolution of soul, R&B, funk and rock and roll music, while overcoming some unimaginable tragedies along the way. This recent single is true to form, with that easy solid groove, luscious keyboards, and rapturous horn lines and vocals that put them at the top of the charts repeatedly – and as a footnote, won them a spot in the Rock and Roll hall of fame. This song has everything that is missing from the hyper-commercial pap of today. Sincerity and talent, to begin with. What a sweet lyric, and the rap bridge in the middle works perfectly. This music makes me smile.

The Barkays
“You’re My Joy” (mp3)
from “The Real Thing”
(LocoBop)

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The great Jerry Butler revisits his hit song “He Don’t Love You Like I Love You” and takes it higher with the wisdom of a man who has lived it all at least twice. And the lyrics – “he’s had so many rehearsals” – I mean give me a break! This is a top flight old school song by a class performer and a truly great singer. Hats off to Jerry Butler.

Jerry Butler
“He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” (mp3)
from “Brand New Me”
(LocoBop)

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