Tuesday, February 9, 2010

the Supremes



The Supremes were one of Motown's biggest acts in the 1960's and still hold the title of America's most succesful vocal group with 12 #1 singles. Many of the hits featured on this collection and most of their #1 hits were written and produced by Motown's famous songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland. The Supremes began as the Primettes in 1959 while the girls were still in highschool. They were signed to Motown in 1961, tough had no hits until 1964 when Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Where Did Our Love Go" went #1. The Supremes became international stars over the next year but by 1967 personal problems within the group and the Motown record label itself began to tear them apart. In 1968 the miracle writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland left Motown. Without them only 6 of the Supremes 11 singles reached top 20 and only one made it to #1. In November '69 Diana Ross' solo career was announced essentially sealing the group's fate. The last track on this collection "Someday We'll Be Together", was actually recorded as Diana Ross's first solo single but was released as Diana Ross and the Supremes because Barry Gordy wanted the group to have another hit. It was their last #1, though sadly, featured neither of the group's other 2 members. The group made their last appearance with the original line-up on January 14, 1970. They continued with frequent line-up changes, limited success, and few hits until 1977 when they officially disbanded for good.


Diana Ross and the Supremes- The Definitive Collection

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Lesley Gore



Lesley Gore was one of the best known teen pop singers of the 1960's. Her recording career began at 16 when her song "It's My Party" went #1 and lasted until about 1969 when Mercury Records dropped her. Lesley Gore is just about the epitome of 60's bubblegum pop. It's almost embarrassing how much I love her music because it's so girly but it's just so catchy and fun you can't help but love it. Here's her greatest hits.

Lesley Gore- Golden Hits

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Patsy Cline


Been busy lately, Happy New Year and shit. Here's Patsy Cline. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful female vocalists of the 20th century, this sad, sweet country crooner's career lasted only until 1963, when she died in a plane crash at just 30 years old. She was the first female vocalist in country to headline her own show and receive top billing above the male stars she toured with, as well as the first to perform at Carnegie Hall. Here's one of her Greatest Hits compilations.

Patsy Clines- 12 Greatest Hits




Wednesday, December 9, 2009

the Four Tops



I'm sure everyone's heard the Four Tops even if they don't realize it. The Four Tops are, of course, classic Motown. They are one of the lable's best recognized acts and helped to define its sound during its early days. I found this collection on vinyl in Rochester when miischa was on tour this summer. To be honest, when I first picked it up I only recognized a couple songs, but it was in the 4 for $1 discount bin so fuck it right? Well, once I started listening to it I realized I knew almost every song on it. My point is- you probably know and love these songs already and you don't know it. If you like oldies like I do then you'll love this album. Features notable tracks such as: I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) and Baby I Need Your Loving.

The Four Tops- Greatest Hits (1967)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Empire! Empire! (i was a lonely estate)



Empire! Empire! (i was a lonely estate) is Fenton, MI's contribution to modern emo. Clean, pretty melodic, and often down tempo. The vocals are sort of high but it works. To be honest, I've never been a HUGE Empire Empire fan. They've always been good but its not something that ever really stuck with me. Well, my band played with them this summer and it was really cool and I picked up their summer tour EP. I hadnt really listened to it until last night but I finally did and I really got into it, maybe you will too.

Myspace

Summer Tour EP '09

Monday, November 23, 2009

Further Seems Forever



Excuse the lack of posts, again. I had the flu last week and didn't do much of anything. I want to say this is sort of a novelty post, but I kinda feel guilty saying that as I shamelessly enjoy this album and feel that sort of demeans it. whatever. Anyhow, I always forget about this album but the other day Justin mentioned it and I thought why not share it. So this is FSF's 2001 debut album, with original singer CHRIS CARRABBA lol. Seriously though, don't let that throw you off. This was what he was doing before he left to start Dashboard and its way better. I guess you'd call this indie/emo. Whatever, just give it a listen and don't be afraid to like it, it's a classic.

The Moon Is Down

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Des Ark



Des Ark is from Durham, NC. They were originally a two peice fronted by singer/guitarist Aimee Argote. This is their first album Loose Lips Sink Ships. They have a lot of other sort of different stuff, Aimee does alot of solo acoutic songs but this album is my favorite. Im not exactly sure how to describe this album's sound but here's an attempt- gritty, heavy, emotional, darkly melodic southern blues influenced garage punk. Well anyways, you need this shit so here it is.


Myspace

Loose Lips Sink Ships