We at Infinite Jones do not really believe that 10cc is the worst band in the world – even if they claim to be. In fact we think they are quite clever. Perhaps they can be a bit too clever at times. This song (from their fine 1974 album Sheet Music) being an example of that but, on the other hand, it is pretty funny. The details are what make it. The “tune up” guitar solo is an especially nice touch. Clever lads indeed.
“For the People, By the People, Yeah!” In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday which is still sorta celebrated in Infinite Jones’ home state of Illinois, here is a cheeky little rocker from semi-legendary Ohio band The Great Pains. This is originally from their 1984 album Born in a Barn but, more readily available on the CD reissue of their work called Length of Growth.
(Note: it’s probably hard to see but, all the faces on the album cover above are Honest Abe.)
Spike Jones (no relation) was a Musical Mad Man of the Highest order as you can see by this vintage clip! It includes a pithy little History of Music. Enjoy.
A quiet, understated, heart-breakingly beautiful, lost classic from Ms. Jones‘ 1985 album Unsophisticated Time. Produced by her husband, Don Dixon. Perfect for a Sunday morning.
(Cornelius Grant, Eddie Holland, Brian Holland and Norman Whitfield)
The first 3 versions are all produced by Legendary Motown Producer and co-writer of the song, Norman Whitfield.
The original Temptations version from their 1967 With a Lot O’ Soul album is pretty damn near perfect.
But, that didn’t stop Whitfield from redoing it.
Rare Earth was Motown’s Rock Band. Their first big hit was another Temptations cover, Get Ready, This one from the 1970 Ecology album is Whitfield at his most psychedelic.
The weird video below contains the shorter, single version of the song performed “live” on ice (!) for some sort of Ed Sullivan production, apparently.
The Undisputed Truth were Norman Whitfield’s outlet for many of his more experimental tendencies. As a result some of their albums are a little uneven but, still fascinating to Whitfield aficionados like all of us here at Infinite Jones. This version of (I Know) I’m Losing You from the 1975 Cosmic Truth album is a bit looser than most Whitfield productions but, still pretty awesome.
From the Classic 1971 Every Picture Tells a Story album, Rod Stewart turns in another damn near perfect version of this song.
Below, Stewart and Faces rock a remarkable live version.
Uptown‘s 1983 version is a Club Classic and another inventive remake of this versatile song.
The Feelies are masters of dynamics and control. This song, from their 1986 album The Good Earth, builds from dead calm to full blown rave-up while making it seem easy. It is both soothing and thrilling. A neat trick. Enjoy.
The Infinite Jones Archives contain a large collection of Friday Songs. Beginning today, we will post one each Friday until we run out (of good ones). To start things off, this favorite by Pittsburgh’s legendary Iron City Housrockers from their 1981 album Blood on the Bricks. A great fist-pumping anthem to the end of the work week.
Kostas Bezos and the White Birds – Let’s Go to Honolulu
It’s snowing here at Infinite Jones HQ so, here is a sunny little song to warm things up. This is an example of “Havagies”, a style of Greek music influenced by Hawaiian music and popular there in the 1930’s. Yodeling, ukuleles and steel guitars played with a wild abandon: what’s not to like?
