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Scroll down for 2013: Daddy B. Nice's 2013 MONTHLY SINGLES CHARTS.
Daddy B. Nice Announces The Winners of the 2013 (7th Annual) Southern Soul Music Awards. The winners are posted at the end of each list of finalists.
THE CATEGORIES:
Best Mid-Tempo Song
Best Club Song
Best Ballad
Best Song by Longtime Veteran
Best Female Vocalist
Best Male Vocalist
Best Debut
Best Collaboration
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song
Best Cover Song
Best Arranger/Producer
Best Songwriter
Best CD
Hardest-Touring Crowd Pleaser.
Best Mid-Tempo Song:
Top Contenders:
When I Step In The Club---
Stephanie McDee
One Stop Lover---
Jaye Hammer
Dance Floor---
Klass Band Brotherhood
Sweet Shop---
Tucka
Mr. Right Now---
Mr. David
Rocket Ship---
T-Baby
Want Ad---
Equanya
Sexy---
Ricky White
Old Skool---
Stevie J
You Got The Love---
Willie White
Can You Hang?---
Wilson Meadows
Are You Ready?--
Mose Stovall
Woman You Are---
Simone De
Still Strokin'---
Ms. Jody
Best Mid-Tempo Song: "When I Step In The Club" by Stephanie McDee
Listen to Stephanie McDee singing "When I Step In The Club" on YouTube.
Best Club (Fast/Dance) Song:
Top Contenders:
Mr. Sexy Man---
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Just Let Me Ride---
Ms. Jody
Trail Ride---
Lebrado
Lion Of Judah---
Stephanie McDee
Booty Pop---
Bigg Robb
Do Tha Hokey Pokey---
Pokey feat.
Stephanie McDee
Groove Party---
Donnie Ray
Can't Touch This---
Jonathan Burton
Carolina Shuffle---
KCO
Creole Shuffle---
Avail Hollywood
Fill It Up---
Bigg Robb
The Swag---
T-Baby
Best Club (Uptempo Dance) Song: "Mr. Sexy Man" by Nellie "Tiger Travis
Listen to Nellie "Tiger" Travis singing "Mr. Sexy Man" on YouTube
Best Ballad:
Top Contenders:
I Got This Record---
J-Wonn
My Baby's Phone---
Vick Allen
Baby's Love---
Klass Band Brotherhood
Starting All Over---
O.B. Buchana
Married To One Man (Remix)---
Stephanie McDee
Cheating On Me---
Ms. Tabatha
If It's Love You Want--
Certified Slim
How Do You Keep (The Fire Burning)?---
Mr. Sam
I Done Lost My Good Thang---
Terry Wright
Best Ballad: "I Got This Record" by JWonn
Listen to J-Wonn singing "I Got This Record" on YouTube.
Best Song By Longtime Veteran:
Top Contenders:
Shut The Puck Up---
Theodis Ealey
Hit The Road Jack---
Latimore
Hottest Thing---
Mel Waiters
Starting All Over---
O.B. Buchana
I Can Still Roll It---
The Love Doctor
Party Time---
Jeff Floyd
I Done Lost My Good Thang---
Terry Wright
Get Her With My Twitter---
Billy "Soul" Bonds
Poor Side Of Town---
Mel Waiters
Hard Feeling With Me---
Bobby Rush
I'm Rowdy Rowdy---
O.B. Buchana
Love Of My Life---
Rue Davis
Can I Spend Some Money On You?--
Chuck Strong
Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "Get Her With My Twitter" by Billy "Soul" Bonds
Best Female Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
Ms. Jody---Let Me Ride
Nellie "Tiger" Travis---Mr. Sexy Man
Stephanie McDee---When I Step In The Club
Krishunda Echols---Mad Dog 2020
Equanya---Want Ad
T-Baby---Rocket Ship
Karen Wolfe---Yo Ass & Yo Clothes
Jureesa (The Duchess) McBride---Let Me Be Your Super Mistress
Ms. Tabatha---Cheating On Me
Stephanie Pickett---Don't Need No Man
Best Female Vocalist: Stephanie McDee, "When I Step In The Club"
Listen to Stephanie McDee singing "When I Step In The Club" on YouTube.
Best Male Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
Jaye Hammer---One Stop Lover
J-Wonn---I Got This Record
Lebrado---Trail Ride
Nelson Curry (Klass Band Brotherhood)---Dance Floor
Vick Allen---My Baby's Phone
Wilson Meadows
---Can You Hang?
O.B. Buchana---I'm Rowdy Rowdy
Mr. Sam---How Do You Keep (The Fire Burning)
Donnie Ray---Groove Party
Fredrick (King Fred) Hicks---When I Think Of You
Mr. David---Mr. Right Now
Tucka---Sweet Shop
Adrian Bagher---Around The Corner
Mel Waiters---Hottest Thing
Best Male Vocalist: JWonn, "I Got This Record"
Listen to J-Wonn singing "I Got This Record."
Best Debut:
Top Contenders:
J-Wonn---I Got This Record
Krishunda Echols---Mad Dog 2020
DeCarlos Bonds---I Miss My Ex
Pokey---They Call Me Pokey
Adrian Bagher---Around The Corner
T-Baby---Rocket Ship
Big "Ro" Williams---Good Love Muscle
Fredrick (King Fred) Hicks---When I Think Of You
Miss Lady Blues---You Don't Hold Me Like You Used To
Kimea---Sloppy Drunk
Best Debut: JWonn, "I Got This Record"
Listen to J-Wonn singing "I Got This Record" on YouTube.
Best Collaboration:
Top Contenders:
Another Woman's Man---
Adrena w/
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
I'm Gonna Keep My Love At Home---
Ms. Jody w/
Donnie Ray
They Call Me Pokey (Remix)---
Pokey w/
Tucka and
Tyree Neal
Do The Hokey Pokey---
Pokey w/
Stephanie McDee
Can't Stand A Lying Man---
Alonzo Reid w/
LaKeisha
You And I Together---
Theodis Ealey w/
Lacee
Move Something (Remix)---
Tucka w/
Lacee
Poor Side Of Town---
Mel Waiters w/
Bigg Robb
Can't Get Her Off My Mind---
O.B. Buchana w/
Sir Charles Jones
Dance Floor---
Klass Band Brotherhood w/
Mel Waiters
Think It Over---
Theodis Ealey w/
Lacee
Best Collaboration: "I'm Gonna Keep My Love At Home," Ms. Jody w/ Donnie Ray
Best Outa-Left-Field Song:
Top Contenders:
Can I Spend Some Money On You?---
Chuck Strong
I'm Tired Of Being Grown---
Vick Allen
When I Think Of You---
Fredrick Hicks (King Fred)
Lion Of Judah---
Stephanie McDee
Creepin'---
Lola
Good Love Muscle---
Big "Ro" Williams
Around The Corner---
Adrian Bagher
Get Her With My Twitter---
Billy "Soul" Bonds
Married To One Man (Remix)---
Stephanie McDee
Best Outa-Left-Field Song: "I'm Tired Of Being Grown" by Vick Allen
Listen to Vick Allen singing "I'm Tired Of Being Grown" on YouTube.
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song:
Top Contenders:
Mad Dog 2020---
Krishunda Echols
Every Woman For Herself--
Ms. Jody
Get Her With My Twitter--
Billy "Soul" Bonds
Booty Pop---
Bigg Robb
Yo Ass & Yo Clothes---
Karen Wolfe
Fill It Up---
Bigg Robb
What's Up/Shut The Puck Up---Theodis Ealey
Sloppy Drunk---
Kimea
Can't Stand A Lying Man---
Alonzo Reid w/
LaKeisha
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: "Mad Dog 2020" by Krishunda Echols
Listen to Krishunda Echols singing "Mad Dog 2020" on YouTube.
Best Cover Song:
Top Contenders:
I'm Gonna Keep My Love At Home---
Ms. Jody feat.
Donnie Ray
I Can Still Roll It (covering Slow Roll It)---The Love Doctor
On The Way Home (covering Impala)---LaMorris Williams
You Can't Raise Him---
Krishunda Echols
Precious, Precious---
Lina
Do The Hokey Pokey---
Pokey feat.
Stephanie McDee
Hit The Road Jack---
Latimore
I'm Having A Party (covering Sam Cooke's Having A Party)---
Alonzo Reid
Best Cover Song: "I'm Gonna Keep My Love At Home" by Ms. Jody feat. Donnie Ray
Best Songwriter:
Top Contenders:
John Cummings &
John Ward---One Stop Lover (Jaye Hammer), Another Blues Man From Clarksdale (O. B. Buchana)
Floyd Hamberlin---Mr. Sexy Man (Nellie "Tiger" Travis)
Joanne Delapaz &
John Ward---Just Let Me Ride (Ms. Jody)
Stephanie McDee---When I Step In The Club, Lion Of Judah, Married To One Man (Stephanie McDee)
Nelson Curry---Baby's Love, Dance Floor (Klass Band Brotherhood
Vick Allen---I'm Tired Of Being Grown (and with Omar Cunningham) My Baby's Phone (Vick Allen)
Best Songwriter: A tie between Floyd Hamberlin for Nellie "Tiger" Travis' "Mr. Sexy Man" and Delapaz/Ward for Ms. Jody's "Just Let Me Ride."
Best Arranger/Producer:
Top Contenders:
Shonta---Stephanie McDee ("Lion Of Judah," "Married To One Man" Remix)
Vick Allen---Vick Allen ("My Baby's Phone" and--with
Robert Burrell Harris, Jr.--"I'm Tired Of Being Grown")
John Ward---Ms. Jody ("Just Let Me Ride"), O.B. Buchana ("I'm Rowdy Rowdy"), Jaye Hammer ("One Stop Lover"), Donnie Ray ("Groove Party")
Tyree Neal---Stephanie McDee ("When I Step In The Club"), Big Cynthia ("That Nookie Thing," "Big Leg Woman")
Big Yayo---J-Wonn ("I Got This Record"), T-Baby ("The Swag"), Dave Mack ("Booty Talking")
Floyd Hamberlin---Nellie "Tiger" Travis ("Mr. Sexy Man")
L.J. Echols---Krishunda Echols ("Mad Dog 2020," "You Can't Raise Him")
Avail Hollywood---Avail Hollywood ("Country Road," "Trying Not To Break Up")
Best Arranger/Producer: Chris (Big Yayo) Mabry
Best CD's:
Top Contenders:
Theodis Ealey---You And I, Together
Ms. Jody---Still Strokin'
Stephanie McDee---Return Of The Southern Soul Queen
Vick Allen---Soul Music (2nd year)
Donnie Ray---Drowning In My Own Tears
Mel Waiters---Poor Side Of Town
Tucka---Love Rehab 2
Klass Band Brotherhood---We Call The Shots In Soul
Lomax---Life's Lessons
Avail Hollywood---Country Road
Starting All Over---O.B. Buchana
I Can Lay The Hammer Down---Jaye Hammer
Best CD: Stephanie McDee's RETURN OF THE SOUTHERN SOUL QUEEN
Sample Stephanie McDee's Return Of The Southern Soul Queen.
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser
Top Contenders:
Willie Clayton
Mel Waiters
T.K. Soul
Avail Hollywood
Ms. Jody
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser: T.K. Soul
Daddy B. Nice notes: Hardest-touring artists can be broken down by generations--1st gen
(B.B. King), 2nd gen (Mel Waiters), 3rd gen (T.K. Soul).
Congratulations to all from Daddy B. Nice!
And remember: Automatic links to mp3's, CD's, song samples and other citations and references to the artists above are available by going to the artist's name in either Daddy B. Nice's
CD Store or Daddy B. Nice's
Comprehensive Index.
--Daddy B. Nice
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See Daddy B. Nice's SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
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CONTINUED FROM RIGHT-HAND COLUMN OF THIS PAGE: DADDY B NICE'S TOP TEN "BREAKING" SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES CHARTS:
Daddy B. Nice's Top Ten "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles Review for. . .
JULY 2013
1.
"My Baby's Love"------------
Klass Band Brotherhood
Uncommonly deep and majestic, this is a brave new sound for Nelson Curry and the Klass Brotherhood, more like one might expect from the other great all-live-instruments band to arrive with Klass on the scene a couple of years ago,
The Revelations featuring
Tre' Williams (the latter unfortunately disbanded). When I asked
Nelson Curry if it was really him singing the lead vocal, he said, "On 'Baby's Love' I was trying to imagine if
Otis Redding and
Jackie Wilson sang together on a track."
Outa-sight keyboards.
Sample/Pre-Order Klass Band Brotherhood singing "My Baby's Love" from their new WE CALL THE SHOTS IN SOUL CD.
2.
"Carolina Shuffle"------
KCO
(Ken Knox & Company)
This song—or blues chant--by
Chairman Of The Board-member Ken Knox is amazing--with all the qualities of a line-dance hit single. Original, aggressive, specific, simple. And for the grown folks experiencing a little deja' vu, the layered, bass-dominated vocal track (which rightfully gobbles up more than half the song) recalls the druggy (but funky and eminently dance-able) club anthem "(Ride The) White Horse."
Listen to KCO's official video of "Carolina Shuffle" on YouTube.
Listen to KCO singing "Carolina Shuffle" Live Onstage (and in the crowd) on YouTube. (Poor Sound.)
Blast from the past: Listen to the group Laid Back singing "White Horse" on YouTube.
Buy KCO singing "Carolina Shuffle" on the CDS sampler SOUTHERN SOUL FROM THE BEACH TO THE CLUB.
Buy "Carolina Shuffle" mp3 on iTunes.
3.
"We Jukin' At The Juke Joint"------------
Klass Band Brotherhood
A Klass Band Brotherhood, mid-tempo Southern Soul classic, complete with a sugary
Nelson Curry vocal, ingratiatingly restrained organ-style keyboards, and--yes--even a casual whistling phrase reminiscent of "Sugar Shack." From the terrific-sounding new CD from Nelson Curry,
Wayne Bowman,
Curtis Knight,
Allen Curry and
Derrick Thomas.
Sample/Pre-Order "We Jukin' At The Juke Joint" on new Klass Band Brotherhood WE CALL THE SHOTS IN SOUL CD.
4.
"Shuckin' & Jivin'" / "Cheatin' Ain't No Fun"-----------
Jaye Hammer
Hammer's like listening to
O. B. Buchana on steroids. I can't decide which of these two new songs I like better, ergo the twin pick. "Shuckin' & Jivin'" is the grown-folks' dance groove. "Cheating Ain't No Fun" is the country classic, complete with a stupendous and seamless, albeit unusual, male background chorus on which, by the way, Buchana generously assists.
Sample/Buy Jaye Hammer's "Shuckin' & Jivin'" and "Cheatin' Ain't No Fun" on his new I CAN LAY THE HAMMER DOWN CD.
Read Daddy B. Nice's new, five-star CD REVIEW of Jaye Hammer's I Can Lay The Hammer Down album.
5.
"My Dear"-------
Jim Bennett
The confession combined with the penance. This doowop/voice-over style went out with pedal-pushers. It's so retro it'd embarrass the retro. Not to mention that on first impression it's excruciatingly slow. But I'm entranced. Hypnotized, musically-speaking.
Listen to Jim Bennett singing "My Dear" on MySpace.
Sample/Buy Jim Bennett singing "My Dear" on his new MORE LOVE, SOUTHERN SOUL AND MORE BLUES CD.
Sample/Buy Jim Bennett singing "My Dear" on the Southern Soul from the Beach, To the Street, To the Club CD.
6.
"Put It All Up In There"--------
Lomax.
A local (Mississippi) promoter pointed your Daddy B. Nice's nose in the direction of this one, where it had been waiting all the time. "Put It All Up In There" marks the third time a song from Lomax's breakthrough CD LIFE'S LESSONS has charted here, following "Swing It" and "Second Hand Man."
Listen to the official "Put It All Up In There" Promo-Video on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Lomax singing "Put It All Up In There" on his new Life's Lessons CD.
7. "Creepin'"-------
Lola
This may be Lola's best shot yet at a hit single. Wilbe Records has released a number of Lola singles since 2007, including "I Can't See Myself Loving Nobody But You," "The Sweetest Thing" and "Wash Your Hands."
No mp3 yet.
8. "Run Run Run"--------
Chocolate Thunder
Chocolate Thunder (aka
Linda Rodney from Greenville, South Carolina) has a new song rising up the Beach Music charts whose production, from a Southern Soul standpoint, sorely misses a strong lead guitar hook upfront in the mix filling the space between the vocal and the brass section. Chocolate Thunder's singing tends to lapse on the verses, only to triumph on the choruses. (Thanks to
Neal "Soul Dog" Furr.)
No mp3 yet.
9. "Too Much Booty Shakin' Fabulous Abracadabulous Remix"---------
Sir Jonathan Burton
With
Lebrado's "Fire" riff and assorted eighties' flashbacks. Good stuff. Great party mix.
Sample/Buy Sir Jonothan Burton singing "Too Much Booty Shakin' Fabulous Abracadabulous Remix" on the Southern Soul from the Beach, To the Street, To the Club CD.
10. "Let's Get The Party Started"---------
Blind Ricky McCants
This
Roy C. knock-off is exasperating but irresistible.
Listen to Blind Ricky McCants singing "Let's Get The Party Started" from the CDS Soul Blues Sampler, Vol. 2.
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
JUNE 2013
1.
"Morning Delight"/"When I Think Of You"------------
King Fred aka
Fredrick Hicks
Greatest undiscovered double-play since
Walter Waiter's "Don't Scratch My Back"/"Careful Woman" a decade ago. King Fred's "When I Think Of You" (with a female background chorus as beautiful as
Jackie Neal's "That's The Way We Roll") and its companion, "Morning Delight," comprise the most karmically-pure new Southern Soul music in years. Or, come to think of it, since the late great
Luther Vandross' similarly-titled "Think Of You." See background story on Daddy B. Nice's Corner "News & Notes," June 8, 2013.
Listen to King Fred's "Morning Delight" and "When I Think Of You" on MySpace.
Sample/Buy Fredrick Hicks' "Morning Delight"/"When I Think Of You" mp3's or full GOING CRAZY CD at CD Baby.
Sample/Buy King Fred's aka Fredrick Hicks' GOING CRAZY album and mp3's on iTunes.
2.
"Starting All Over"------
O. B. Buchana
The only new song capable of bringing you down to a soft landing after Hicks' intimate and vulnerable style is--who else?--the spiritual maestro of Southern Soul himself, O. B. Buchana, giving it his all on the title song from his new CD.
Sample/Buy O. B. Buchana's "Starting All Over" mp3 or album on Google Play.
Sample/Buy O. B. Buchana's "Starting All Over" mp3 or album on iTunes.
Read Daddy B. Nice's new 21st Century Countdown Artist Guide to O. B. Buchana (#9).
3.
"You Got The Love"---------
Willy White
This is the kind of strong groove and passionate singing that inspired the term "Deep Soul."
Tony Gideon Music is promoting it as a "brand new single" (true for virtually all of us) but like King Fred's music above it's actually been around--in CD Baby limbo--since 2008.
Not to be confused with
Willie West.
Listen to Willie White singing "You Got The Love" on YouTube (Fragment).
Sample/Buy Willie White's Party Hardy mp3's or CD at CD Baby.
Sample/Buy Willie White on iTunes.
4.
"My Baby's Phone"-------
Vick Allen
"She must have slipped
And hit redial."
A gorgeous chorus buoys this stately-tempo-ed ode to cheating over the cell phone. Vick's singular lead vocal is largely in falsetto range. "My Baby's Phone" would easily be a top-forty tune in a perfect musical world--or the late 50's, the sixties and early 70's (if you prefer).
Listen to Vick Allen singing "My Baby's Phone" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Vick Allen's "My Baby's Phone" mp3 or "Soul Music" CD at CD Baby.
Sample/Buy Vick Allen's "My Baby's Phone" mp3 at iTunes.
Read more about Vick Allen in Daddy B. Nice's new CD review of Vick Allen's SOUL MUSIC.
5.
"Like You Used To"---------
Miss Lady Blues
You'd swear this was
Bobbye "Doll" Johnson singing under a pseudonym, so similar is the clear, warm vocal timbre. But when you go to the video....
Listen to Miss Lady Blues singing "(You Don't Do Me) Like You Used To Do" on YouTube.
...you'll know different. The name on the business card accompanying the promo copy is
Kesha Boyd, the producer
Craig Groove (another pseudonym). Good stuff, steeped in Southern Soul technique.
6.
"Second Hand Man" ------
Lomax
If this young performer takes more of his music in the direction of this
Redding-like ballad and his 2012 Southern Soul break-out single, "Swing It," we Southern Soul fans have some great days of listening in store.
Sample/Buy Lomax's Second Hand Man mp3/Life's Lessons CD.
7. "Southern Soul Dip"------
Ghetto Cowboy
Brand new from Ghetto Cowboy, and his best in awhile. Nice, relaxed-but-locomoting rhythm track interrupted occasionally (and thankfully not too often) by a jarring,
Cameo-style bridge.
From his new CD, MR. SOUTHERN SOUL. Produced by Ghetto Cowboy, Phunk Dog, TCP Events and Big Al Productions. By the way, this is not a remake of Ms. Jody's single of the same name.
8.
"BBQ Music"-----
Cupid
The "Cupid Shuffle" phenom is reaching out to Southern Soul fans, and what better place to start than a sequel to his Southern Soul-friendly "At The Barbeque"?
Sample/Buy Cupid singing “BBQ Music” on GooglePlay.
Listen to the Promotional Video for Cupid's new Positopia CD.
9. "Fatal Attraction"-----
Avail Hollywood
Avail ransacks the Johnnie Taylor catalog and the tactic pays off admirably, with the young gun displaying his supple, elasticized tenor to stunning effect. Too new for contact #'s yet.
10.
"The Other Woman"-------------
Sir Jonathan Burton
Yeah, man. Sounds like vintage
Mitch Ryder. Snappy production as always.
Sample/Buy Sir Jonothan Burton's "The Other Woman" mp3 at Amazon.
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
MAY 2013
1.
"Mad Dog 2020"--------------------
Krishunda Echols
Krishunda Echols starts out a little shaky, but once she gets going she sounds like the best thing since
Jackie Neal. "Mad Dog 2020" also has a marvelously-percolating, guitar-plucking background (and last-minute vocal cameo) by brother
L.J.
Listen to Krishunda Echols singing "Mad Dog 2020" on YouTube.
No mp3. From an upcoming CD.
2.
"One Stop Lover"---------
Jaye Hammer
Jaye Hammer's muscular vocal trumps even last year's talented debut. Here he sounds like a larger-than-life hero, an effect aided in no small part by the great arrangement, including strings, a stuttering,
Wilson Meadows-like guitar lick and a measured, classic soul-sounding organ-keyboard. Written in outstanding fashion by
John Cummings.
Sample or Buy Jaye Hammer's "One Stop Lover" mp3.
Sample or Buy Ecko Records' Blues Mix 10: Super Soul Music with Jaye Hammer's "One Stop Lover" included.
Read more in Daddy B. Nice's New CD Reviews.
3.
"Can't Touch This"-----
Jonathan Burton
Washing-machine beats. That's what I call these songs from the "Too Much Booty Shaking" phase of Jonathan Burton's career, and yet he buffs these songs to an immaculate sheen with bravado vocals, dizzily-choreographed arrangements and infectious choruses. And presto--they work.
Listen to Jonathan Burton singing "Can't Touch This" on MySpace.
Sample or Buy Jonothan Burton's "Can't Touch This" mp3.
Sample or Buy CDS's Club Southern Soul Vol. 3 CD with Jonathan Burton's "Can't Touch This" as opening track.
Read more in Daddy B. Nice's New CD Reviews.
4.
"Sloppy Drunk"----
Kimea
In which
Kimea Conway, no slouch in the singing department, obliges all the men who want to buy her drinks. Funny, doggy male background vocals. For all the fans, including yours truly, who like it a little rough.
Listen to Kimea singing "Sloppy Drunk" on YouTube.
No mp3 yet.
5.
"You And I Together"-------
Theodis Ealey and
Lacee
After the wrong-side-of-the-tracks excitement of three of the four previous tracks, the crooning of Theodis and Lacee sounds almost like lounge music--beautiful lounge music--but nevertheless, music imbued with the smoothness of longtime performers. Lacee's vocal may be her best ever, with something of
Shirley Brown's figure-skater precision and scope.
Listen to Theodis Ealey's new CD YOU AND I TOGETHER preview on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Theodis Ealey's "You and I Together" mp3 or YOU AND I, TOGETHER CD.
6.
"Cheating On Her, Cheating On Me"--------
Ms. Tabatha
This great underground song--and its arrangement in particular--takes me back to the early, dripping-with-atmosphere,
Sir Charles Jones days in Southern Soul, i. e. "Take Care Of Mama."
Watch the Ms. Tabatha video of "Cheating On Her" on YouTube.
Not for sale, as far as I know.
7. "Come Around This Corner"-------------
Adrian
This is one of those raw young artists I just love to discover--the continuing lifeblood of the genre. The rather startling lyrics include:
"Heard him fussing in the back room
While I was trying to sleep.
Heard you crying in the bathroom
Like you just got beat.
I ain't no nosy neighbor,
But...."
Heard it--where else?--at WMPR, where you'll have to request it for the near future. No release yet.
8.
"Can't Get You Off Of My Mind"--------
O.B. Buchana &
Sir Charles Jones
Same old song O.B.'s been churning out for years, but your Daddy B. Nice is here to tell you O.B. and Charles do sing the hell out of it.
Sample or Buy Ecko Records' Blues Mix 10: Super Soul Music with "Can't Get You Off Of My Mind" included.
9.
"Old Skool"-----
Stevie J.
Another solid single--a "smoothie"--from the upcoming album by Stevie J.
Listen to Stevie J. singing "Old Skool" on YouTube.
10. 3-Way "Imitation" Tie Among:
"Work"-------
Wendell B.
Wendell B's "Work" retains too much of
Marvin Gaye's &
Tammi Terrell's "Your Precious Love," making you wish you were hearing the original, not a watered-down copy.
"'Bout To Lose A Dollar (Trying To Save A Dime)"------
Chris Ivy
Ditto for Chris Ivy's "'Bout To Lose A Dollar," which also covers a classic from yesteryear that's stumping me.
"Make The Bed Rock"----
Avail Hollywood
...And Avail Hollywood's "Make The Bed Rock" is a recycling of his signature song, "Drinking Again."
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
APRIL 2013
1.
"Mr. Right Now"----
Mr. David
All the elements of a break-out hit--great melody, terrific lyrics, a one-of-a-kind sound, soulfulness coursing through every stanza--grace this unexpected treat. Mr. David lays down a vocal that will define him as a Southern Soul star for years to come.
Listen to Mr. David's "Mr. Right Now" on ReverbNation.
Watch this space for upcoming link to buy.
2.
"I'm Tired Of Being Grown"---------
Vick Allen
An idiosyncratic but brave, pushing-the-envelope original from the indefatigable Vick Allen, who extends a singles winning streak second only to the Miami Heat's recent NBA run.
Sample/Buy Vick Allen's "I'm Tired Of Being Grown" mp3 or SOUL MUSIC CD at CD Baby.
3.
"Want Ad"------
Equanya
Strong follow-up to Equanya's impressive
2012 "Good Man Of Mine" debut. If you ever loved
Barbara Lewis (
"Hello, Stranger," etc.), you've got to check out Equanya's cafe' au lait vocals.
Listen to Equanya singing "Want Ad" on SoundCloud.
Sample/Buy Equanya's "Want Ad" mp3 at CD Baby.
4.
"Party Time"-------
Jeff Floyd
This sugar-coated anthem from Jeff's new album walks a fine line between mainstream pop and classic Southern Soul, but isn't that the patented Jeff Floyd style? My guess is that its easy-going simplicity will win over the fans and make it a hit.
Sample/Buy "Party Time" mp3 or WATCH ME WORK CD at iTunes.
Read Daddy B. Nice's new 21st Century Countdown Artist Guide to Jeff Floyd.
5.
"Should Have Made You My Wife"-------------
King Fred
King Fred (aka
Fredrick Hicks) sounds like he's singing through a neck brace, like a wizened old man, and it works as both humor and authenticity. The female chorus provides crucial contrast to the contorted kead vocal, and is well sung and arranged.
Listen to King Fred singing "Should Have Made You My Wife" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy King Fred's (Fredrick Hicks') "Should Have Made You My Wife" mp3 or GOING CRAZY CD at CD Baby.
6.
"Still Crazy For You"--------------
Sweet Angel
With its cabaret-jazz atmosphere and finely-enunciated vocal, it's not your typical chitlin' circuit fare, but by the second or third listen you'll be feeling more than comfortable with the depth of its singer's soul.
Sample/Buy Sweet Angel's "Still Crazy For You" mp3 at CD Baby.
7.
"Tastes Like Candy"------------
Koree' Randolph
I didn't "get into" Koree' Randolph's music last year, when he debuted with
Said I'm Looking, but I do "get" the new single from that CD. Recommended if you like
Lebrado or
Willie B.
Sample/Buy Koree' Rudolph's "Tastes Like Candy" mp3 at Amazon.
Sample/Buy Koree Rudolph's SAID I'M LOOKING CD at iTunes.
8. "Good Love"--------
The Klass Band featuring
Nelson Curry
The new single from the "Sugar Shack" guys. Not much of a melody, or even a hook, but what it has is execution--a great live band and lead vocalist at the top of his chops. Nice organ keyboard riff on the chorus.
Watch this space for a link to buy.
Sample/Buy the Klass Band Brotherhood's previous CD, OUT OF THE SHADOWS OF SOUL, at Amazon.
9.
"Big Leg Woman"----
Big Cynthia featuring
Tyree Neal
Have you noticed Big Cynthia's songs sound better with Tyree Neal? Like the late
Jackie Neal's brother came along with some magic pixie dust and spread it all over Big Cynthia and her catalog?
Listen to Big Cynthia singing "Big Leg Woman" on MySpace.
Sample/Buy Big Cynthia's IT'S MY TIME CD at CD Universe.
10.
"Pay Before You Pump (Remix)"---------
Denise LaSalle
The funky remix of Denise's "Pay Before You Pump" is even more seductive than the original. It's from Ecko Records' new sampler,
Blues Mix: Super Soul Music. Watch for more new songs from the compilation in next month's review.
Listen to Denise LaSalle singing "Pay Before You Pump (Remix)" at MySpace. (Scroll down to Selection #16.)
Sample/Buy Denise LaSalle's "Pay Before You Pump (Remix)" mp3 at iTunes.
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
MARCH 2013
1.
"Another Woman's Man"-----------
Adrena &
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Wow. A duet. A ballad with a message. What can I say? Hearing Nellie sing Southern Soul like this again is stirring, to say the least--I am simply purring with Southern Soul contentment--and Adrena holds her own, a more fragile yet courageous counterpart to Travis's steel. When the two voices join together on the chorus--"Lyin', sneakin', cheatin', freakin' / With another woman's man"--they cut a new notch in diva history.
Listen to Nellie "Tiger" Travis and Adrena singing "Another Woman's Man" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Adrena's "Another Woman's Man" featuring Nellie Tiger Travis mp3.
2.
"Mr. Sexy Man"--------
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Nellie's true, long-awaited sequel to her club anthem, "If I Back It Up," although the hard-edged disco hook won't remind you of the
Floyd Hamberlin original. Well, surprise. Hamberlin wrote this follow-up, as did he Travis's "I'm A Woman," which it more closely resembles. You'll know it's Southern Soul when you hear Nellie on the chorus, singing, "What your name is. what your name is...."
Recommended if you liked
Big Yayo &
Dave Mack's "Booty Talking."
Listen to Nellie "Tiger" Travis singing "Mr. Sexy Man" on Nellie's special website.
Sample/Buy Nellie "Tiger" Travis's "Mr. Sexy Man.".
3.
"No Hard Feelin' With Me"-----
Bobby Rush
When I heard
DJ Handyman playing this autobiographical nugget of pure acoustic blues on WMPR (Jackson, Ms.) afternoon after afternoon the past couple of weeks, I thought it was from Rush's new DOWN IN LOUISIANA album. I wrote it down as, "Bobby Rush, stunning new acoustic blues." It's the most primal Bobby Rush I've ever heard, kind of an "Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own" take-off, but also much more, and although it dates back to the BLIND SNAKE LP, "No Hard Feelin' With Me" is too vivid and full of life not to recommend to others who also missed it.
Sorry. No YouTube, which points to its being overlooked.
Sample/Buy Bobby Rush's "No Hard Feelin' With Me" mp3
4.
"Boody Pop And Lock"------------
Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings
Your Daddy B Nice is impressed. This is a great groove done in a refreshing arrangement, with stand-out horns and background choruses. Also excellent are the musical shifts in keys and harmonies at the ends of verses--like mini-bridges--all made even more unforgettable by Stallings' rolling, burnished tenor.
From Big Daddy's new twenty--count 'em--track CD. No YouTube yet for this one.
Sample/Buy "Boody Pop And Lock" mp3 or new CALL ME BIG DADDY CD.
5.
"Shut The Puck Up"---------
Theodis Ealey
Speaking of stunning guitar.... A message song of a different stripe.
Listen to Theodis Ealey singing "Shut The Puck Up" on YouTube.
Listen to new Theodis Ealey interview regarding "Shut The Puck Up" and other topics.
Sample/Buy Theodis Ealey "Shut The Puck Up" mp3 or YOU AND I, TOGETHER CD.
6.
"Down In Louisiana"---------
Bobby Rush
It's just Bobby Rush, doing his thing, y'all (see above). Your Daddy B. Nice will follow him just about anywhere short of over a cliff, and I certainly won't hesitate to follow him to Louisiana.
Paul Brown partnered with Bobby on the material, arrangement and musical performances on this CD.
Learn more about Paul Brown at Ocean Soul Studios.com.
Listen to Bobby Rush singing "Down In Louisiana" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Bobby Rush's "Down In Lousiana mp3 or CD.
7.
"Hold On Me" ---------
David Brinston
David Brinston's new CD was quietly released on CD Baby in October of 2012. The first singles are just beginning to trickle onto deejay playlists.
Sample/Buy David Brinston's "Hold On Me" mp3 or It's Gonna Be a Showdown CD.
Read more about #15-ranked David Brinston in Daddy B Nice's new Artist Guide: Top 100 21st Century Southern Soul Countdown.
8.
"Get Off My Track"----
James Smith
Wonderful piece of old-school Southern Soul by the Michigan-based Southern Soul notable ("Plumber Man," etc.). If you listen closely, you'll hear the lovely
Karen Wolfe on background vocals.
Recommended if you liked
Jesse Clay's "All I Want Is For My Wife To Come Back Home."
Sample/Buy James Smith's "Get Off My Track" mp3 or CD.
9. "Ain't Nothin' Good Enough"-------
100% Cotton featuring
Da Teddy Bear
With at least two albums under his belt, young Tony Cotton (not to be confused with bluesman
James Cotton, who recorded an album titled 100% Cotton) was mentored by the late
Lee Daniels. He specializes in slow, atmospheric ballads that too often sink under their own weighty expectations. This one rises above the norm, with fine vocals.
Listen to 100% Cotton's 2009 CD, KEEPING SOUTHERN SOUL ALIVE. (Does not include this track.)
10.
"Boody Pop And Lock" #2------------
Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings
Pared-down, instrumental mix of Stallings' "Booty Pop & Lock" profiled above starts out with a loping rap, and lots of chorus experiments and general gaiety. Played immediately after the #1 mix, it makes a more than seven minute jam. Played on its own, it conjures great Black novelty hits of yesteryear such as
The Diamonds' "Little Darlin'."
Sample/Buy "Boody Pop And Lock #2" mp3 or new CALL ME BIG DADDY CD.
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Click here for Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Singles: January & February.