Friday evening music mix 30/9

by Rick Johansen

Who wants an evening music mix too? Not you, of course not, but I do. I’m watching us get stuffed in the Ryder Cup and listening to things that are making me feel better.

The sun goes down but the music keeps on coming…

1. Twosome by Deep Forest. Those two French chaps, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet, certainly know how to make the best world music, or ethnic electronica as some call it, using voices and noises from the African jungle.

2. This Train I’m on by the Doobie Brothers. From the wonderful Brotherhood long player, here we get those soaring harmonies with the voice of Patrick Simmons up top. Lovely.

3. After Midnight by JJ Cale. Turn out the lights, light that spli…er…fine cigar, pour out a brandy and chill out.

4. Ball of Confusion (that’s what the world is today) by the Temptations. In the late sixties/early seventies, the Temptations made some of the finest music ever made of which this politically charged classic was a great example. References to racism and drug use way ahead of their time. Genius.

5. King of Pain by the Police. One of my very favourite songs from Sting’s impressive back catalogue. Stewart Copeland’s drumming is particularly awesome on this one.

6. Comin’ Down by Joe Walsh. From the epic Barnstorm album, Walsh’s very best record, this is two minutes of musical heaven. Just Joe’s voice, his guitar and some harmonica.

7. My Reflection by Osunlade ft. Divine Essence. From a brilliant album called Balearic Beach Sessions, take me to Ibiza. According to Wikipedia, so it must be true, Osunlade used to compose music for Sesame Street.

8. Sing for the Asking by Simon and Garfunkel. Simon takes the lead on the beauty, taken from the Bridge Over Trouble Water album where every song is a beauty.

9. It’s Only Rock and Roll by the Rolling Stones. Classic Stones here, with David Bowie apparently on backing vocals but I’ll take your word for it on this one.

10. Black Friday by Steely Dan. From the magnificent Katy Lied album, this upbeat rocker features Walter Becker on lead. The album itself featured a stellar list of players including guitarists Elliot Randall, Denny Dias, Rick Derringer, Dean Parks as well as drummers Jeff Porcaro and, from the Wrecking Crew, the great Hal Blaine.

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