James Brown
December 25, 2006 12:11 AM Subscribe
.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:14 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 12:14 AM on December 25, 2006
I guess I've gotta cry, cry, cry.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:29 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Pollomacho at 12:29 AM on December 25, 2006
Man, this isn't a very funky Christmas at all.
.
posted by allen.spaulding at 12:35 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by allen.spaulding at 12:35 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by forallmankind at 12:35 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by forallmankind at 12:35 AM on December 25, 2006
.
Man could The Godfather sing and dance.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:40 AM on December 25, 2006
Man could The Godfather sing and dance.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:40 AM on December 25, 2006
damn..on christmas? I was listening to "Santa Clause Go Straight To The Ghetto" only an hour or so ago...the guy had some problems...but, he is a legend.
.
posted by sleavestherabbit at 1:05 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by sleavestherabbit at 1:05 AM on December 25, 2006
For a couple of years now I've said to my wife that the one artist I REALLY want to see live is JB. It looks like I've lost my chance. :-(
posted by milnak at 1:13 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by milnak at 1:13 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by tresbizzare at 1:21 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by tresbizzare at 1:21 AM on December 25, 2006
What an amazing musical talent. This album opened the way to a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, gospel, African beats and social comment that's still bearing fruit 33 years later. If you don't know it, you really don't know James Brown.
One of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, flaws and all.
.
posted by mediareport at 1:24 AM on December 25, 2006
One of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, flaws and all.
.
posted by mediareport at 1:24 AM on December 25, 2006
Man could The Godfather sing and dance.
I'm going to have to go with this one over Living In America.
posted by sparkletone at 1:27 AM on December 25, 2006
I'm going to have to go with this one over Living In America.
posted by sparkletone at 1:27 AM on December 25, 2006
Damn it, he was supposed to be playing in the LA area and I wanted to go see him...
.
posted by mullingitover at 1:28 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by mullingitover at 1:28 AM on December 25, 2006
I... I kinda thought he was already dead.
posted by Target Practice at 1:36 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Target Practice at 1:36 AM on December 25, 2006
Fuck. I don't feel good. I don't feel good at all.
.
posted by nooneyouknow at 1:36 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by nooneyouknow at 1:36 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by dihutenosa at 2:03 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by dihutenosa at 2:03 AM on December 25, 2006
The passing of one of the great, great giants of music. Heaven just got a lot funkier.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 2:08 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by flapjax at midnite at 2:08 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by RokkitNite at 2:09 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by RokkitNite at 2:09 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by about_time at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by about_time at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2006
Here, this is another keeper of an album, including a bunch of unusually brilliant songs that lots of casual James Brown fans have probably never heard before. All of the early 70s Polydor stuff is worth hearing, but "There It Is" and "The Payback" are just outstanding albums from start to finish; they'll knock you out if all you know are his big hits.
posted by mediareport at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by mediareport at 2:12 AM on December 25, 2006
wow RIP..I feel so bad for his family.
posted by willlangford at 2:15 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by willlangford at 2:15 AM on December 25, 2006
Some friends and I were watching Rocky IV - in which James Brown has a brief scene - before heading off to Midnight Mass earlier tonight... if the time of death stated by the AP is correct, he died while we were watching that very scene.
posted by jal0021 at 2:23 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by jal0021 at 2:23 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
He didn't feel so good then?
posted by salmacis at 2:46 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by salmacis at 2:46 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
I can't believe it. That's the one guy who isn't mortal. I didn't even bother with the earlier hospital news because I am so used to whatever they try to stick on James, meaningless. I am slap shocked.
posted by toma at 2:57 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by toma at 2:57 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by disillusioned at 3:08 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by disillusioned at 3:08 AM on December 25, 2006
Somebody better tell B. B. King. I was lucky to see him at Bonnaroo a couple of years back and he was still bringing it. Instead of Christmas carols, I'll be getting down to Love Power Peace: Live at the Olympia, Paris, 1971 today.
Anybody remember the scene The Commitments where the Irish kids watch once of his performances? Very cute.
.
posted by muckster at 3:10 AM on December 25, 2006
Anybody remember the scene The Commitments where the Irish kids watch once of his performances? Very cute.
.
posted by muckster at 3:10 AM on December 25, 2006
. That means I am the new Sex Machine ?
posted by elpapacito at 3:18 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by elpapacito at 3:18 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by armoured-ant at 3:33 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by armoured-ant at 3:33 AM on December 25, 2006
One of the better YouTube clips: Qu’est-ce qu’on veut dire, quand on dit “leve-toi”?
posted by muckster at 3:36 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by muckster at 3:36 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
I guess he's spending Christmas in Heaven (see track 16 here).
posted by klausness at 3:42 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by klausness at 3:42 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Critical_Beatdown at 3:47 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Critical_Beatdown at 3:47 AM on December 25, 2006
Sigh... My wife and I had tickets to see him this coming Saturday....
.
posted by geneablogy at 3:56 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by geneablogy at 3:56 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Mister Bijou at 3:58 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Mister Bijou at 3:58 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by trip and a half at 4:08 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by trip and a half at 4:08 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by ZenMasterThis at 4:23 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by ZenMasterThis at 4:23 AM on December 25, 2006
Never saw him live. Thought there was still time. Have most of his great records. Gave so much with his music. What is especially sad is that as a culture we don't seem to be making (or at least celebrating) that kind of original greatness anymore.
Depressing....
posted by The Salaryman at 4:36 AM on December 25, 2006
Depressing....
posted by The Salaryman at 4:36 AM on December 25, 2006
Christmas Day? Wow. Him and W.C. Fields (60 years ago today).
posted by RavinDave at 4:40 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by RavinDave at 4:40 AM on December 25, 2006
Not his best from the old days, but a free James Brown Concert from NPR with some nice moments.
posted by crispynubbins at 4:41 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by crispynubbins at 4:41 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by pyramid termite at 4:42 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by pyramid termite at 4:42 AM on December 25, 2006
See, this is just stage theater. You all think he's dead, but when they guy comes out and lays the cape on his body, James is going to jump up, refreshed. Right? Right? Damn.
And I'll be the first to admit that I first learned about James Brown from Eddie Murphy's impression of him on Saturday Night Live. ("Hot tub! Wanna get..In the water!") Either that or that fantastic scene in "The Blues Brothers" with him as the Reverend Cleophus James.
The thing is, I finally saw the light. Peace, James.
posted by ColdChef at 4:55 AM on December 25, 2006
And I'll be the first to admit that I first learned about James Brown from Eddie Murphy's impression of him on Saturday Night Live. ("Hot tub! Wanna get..In the water!") Either that or that fantastic scene in "The Blues Brothers" with him as the Reverend Cleophus James.
The thing is, I finally saw the light. Peace, James.
posted by ColdChef at 4:55 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:57 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:57 AM on December 25, 2006
I saw Papa cry when he
Thought that I would die
Lookie here
I saw papa cry
I saw Papa cry when he
Thought that I would die
He says something was in his eye
I knew it was a lie
Papa loves his son
.
posted by pantufla at 5:00 AM on December 25, 2006
Thought that I would die
Lookie here
I saw papa cry
I saw Papa cry when he
Thought that I would die
He says something was in his eye
I knew it was a lie
Papa loves his son
.
posted by pantufla at 5:00 AM on December 25, 2006
Heaven's horns have just switched to a kick-ass, funky brass section, and James is teaching Jesus that shuffle, followed by the splits.
posted by bwg at 5:03 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by bwg at 5:03 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by slimepuppy at 5:07 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by slimepuppy at 5:07 AM on December 25, 2006
Drapes cloak over James with hope and anticipation.
But this time there is no encore.
.
posted by hal9k at 5:30 AM on December 25, 2006
But this time there is no encore.
.
posted by hal9k at 5:30 AM on December 25, 2006
.
[trying so hard not to get that 90's techno song stuck in my head... can't believe nobody has mentioned it..]
posted by twiggy at 5:36 AM on December 25, 2006
[trying so hard not to get that 90's techno song stuck in my head... can't believe nobody has mentioned it..]
posted by twiggy at 5:36 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by UseyurBrain at 5:46 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by UseyurBrain at 5:46 AM on December 25, 2006
I'm in heaven
With the maven of funk mutation
...
Who needs to think when your feet just go ...
Who needs to think when your feet just go ...
James Brown, James Brown
James Brown, James Brown
If you see him
Please remind him, unhappy boyfriend
Well he's the genius of love
posted by trip and a half at 5:48 AM on December 25, 2006
With the maven of funk mutation
...
Who needs to think when your feet just go ...
Who needs to think when your feet just go ...
James Brown, James Brown
James Brown, James Brown
If you see him
Please remind him, unhappy boyfriend
Well he's the genius of love
posted by trip and a half at 5:48 AM on December 25, 2006
Never Forget.
*****_________
*****_________
*****_________
______________
______________
posted by wigu at 5:57 AM on December 25, 2006
*****_________
*****_________
*****_________
______________
______________
posted by wigu at 5:57 AM on December 25, 2006
Hmmm...
I built our love out of blood
I went to the dentist and told him "take out my heart"
I feel better than James Brown
I feel better now
I feel better than James Brown
- Don Was
posted by hal9k at 5:58 AM on December 25, 2006
I built our love out of blood
I went to the dentist and told him "take out my heart"
I feel better than James Brown
I feel better now
I feel better than James Brown
- Don Was
posted by hal9k at 5:58 AM on December 25, 2006
And I never got to sit in your hot tub - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly_CGin6QS8
posted by brookeb at 6:07 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by brookeb at 6:07 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:10 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:10 AM on December 25, 2006
In addition to WC Fields, Dean Martin also passed away on Christmas day (1995).
RIP, funky funky Godfather.
posted by davidmsc at 6:29 AM on December 25, 2006
RIP, funky funky Godfather.
posted by davidmsc at 6:29 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by lester's sock puppet at 6:32 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by lester's sock puppet at 6:32 AM on December 25, 2006
can't believe nobody has mentioned it..
Comment number four.
posted by asok at 6:33 AM on December 25, 2006
Comment number four.
posted by asok at 6:33 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:51 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:51 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 6:55 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by unrepentanthippie at 6:55 AM on December 25, 2006
Every time I hear James Brown I think of Was (Not Was).
The only time I saw him live was at a free show in Louisville. He was recently out of jail, but that didn't seem to slow him down at all. My friends and I stood up front and center and had a great time. I can see why he was considered such a great showman. If I saw 50% of what he'd been in the 60s then those crowds must have been blown away for weeks after.
Two strong memories are his insistence the audience hear the "opera trained voice" of one of his backup singers. She was very good, but Brown wanted to hear her a little longer than many in the restless crowd did. The other was this teenage guitar player in his band. He called the kid out to do a solo. He sat, legs over the stage edge, and killed. The audience wasn't the least bit restless as he played. But he never acknowledged the crowd, the applause, or even look at anything other than the ground in front of him. Amazing talent.
I'd heard how unfriendly he was to those close to him, but at that show he seemed really happy to showcase those two.
posted by ?! at 7:06 AM on December 25, 2006
The only time I saw him live was at a free show in Louisville. He was recently out of jail, but that didn't seem to slow him down at all. My friends and I stood up front and center and had a great time. I can see why he was considered such a great showman. If I saw 50% of what he'd been in the 60s then those crowds must have been blown away for weeks after.
Two strong memories are his insistence the audience hear the "opera trained voice" of one of his backup singers. She was very good, but Brown wanted to hear her a little longer than many in the restless crowd did. The other was this teenage guitar player in his band. He called the kid out to do a solo. He sat, legs over the stage edge, and killed. The audience wasn't the least bit restless as he played. But he never acknowledged the crowd, the applause, or even look at anything other than the ground in front of him. Amazing talent.
I'd heard how unfriendly he was to those close to him, but at that show he seemed really happy to showcase those two.
posted by ?! at 7:06 AM on December 25, 2006
Ah, the note instead of dot... Nice touch.
I have to say, sadly, besides his music (one would ask, what else is there) This is what sticks in my head about James Brown... *sigh*
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
posted by symbioid at 7:07 AM on December 25, 2006
I have to say, sadly, besides his music (one would ask, what else is there) This is what sticks in my head about James Brown... *sigh*
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
posted by symbioid at 7:07 AM on December 25, 2006
Liosliath : L.A. Style
Yes, that is the first thing that came to mind as well. For everyone else, here is the video for the dance classic, James Brown is Dead.
posted by o0o0o at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
Yes, that is the first thing that came to mind as well. For everyone else, here is the video for the dance classic, James Brown is Dead.
posted by o0o0o at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
like most musical geniuses, a complete fucking psycho. james brown, the world's most sampled artist, i salute you, you crazy motherfucker.
posted by phaedon at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by phaedon at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by darkripper at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by darkripper at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by nola at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by nola at 7:20 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
.
posted by hifiparasol at 7:21 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by hifiparasol at 7:21 AM on December 25, 2006
.
In my Spousal Equivalent's stocking is a cd with 50 of James Brown's greatest hits. The S.E. is a big Tower of Power fan, and they still be diggin' on James Brown...
The S.E. didn't have any JB in his collection. I am glad I thought to get him this compilation before the sad news. What a timely gift.
RIP, Godfather.
posted by Corky at 7:31 AM on December 25, 2006
In my Spousal Equivalent's stocking is a cd with 50 of James Brown's greatest hits. The S.E. is a big Tower of Power fan, and they still be diggin' on James Brown...
The S.E. didn't have any JB in his collection. I am glad I thought to get him this compilation before the sad news. What a timely gift.
RIP, Godfather.
posted by Corky at 7:31 AM on December 25, 2006
Not a perfect human being — a wife beater among other things — but a great musician.
.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:35 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:35 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2006
A great loss. One of the ones I never thought we'd lose.
.
posted by Meep! Eek! at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Meep! Eek! at 7:36 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by languagehat at 7:46 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by languagehat at 7:46 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by lester the unlikely at 7:47 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by lester the unlikely at 7:47 AM on December 25, 2006
.
Richard Pryor last year and now James Brown? I'm starting to dread next December.
posted by Ugh at 7:47 AM on December 25, 2006
Richard Pryor last year and now James Brown? I'm starting to dread next December.
posted by Ugh at 7:47 AM on December 25, 2006
.
Here is a RealAudio archive of a six-hour James Brown radio shift my husband (a HUGE James Brown fan) did exactly five years ago on WFMU. Some JB Christmas tracks in there too, appropriately.
posted by lisa g at 7:56 AM on December 25, 2006 [3 favorites]
Here is a RealAudio archive of a six-hour James Brown radio shift my husband (a HUGE James Brown fan) did exactly five years ago on WFMU. Some JB Christmas tracks in there too, appropriately.
posted by lisa g at 7:56 AM on December 25, 2006 [3 favorites]
My father was an amateur journalist way, way back in the day, and had a chance to interview his crew (posse?). His pilot related this story: At the time, James Brown, the hardest working man in show biz, had been heavily criticized for not being more involved in the Civil Rights movement. One day, Brown decided it was time for him to give a free show at some rally, even with his already busy schedule.
They used to just ship equipment around, on the ground, or have a second plane for it. His pilot told him that they couldn't fly in one plane with all of the equipment, as it would be over the limit, and he could lose his license for two years. Brown asked him how much he made a year, the pilot told him ... Brown wrote him out a check for two years' salary and said "Let's go."
They didn't get busted, and the pilot kept the check.
posted by adipocere at 8:05 AM on December 25, 2006 [2 favorites]
They used to just ship equipment around, on the ground, or have a second plane for it. His pilot told him that they couldn't fly in one plane with all of the equipment, as it would be over the limit, and he could lose his license for two years. Brown asked him how much he made a year, the pilot told him ... Brown wrote him out a check for two years' salary and said "Let's go."
They didn't get busted, and the pilot kept the check.
posted by adipocere at 8:05 AM on December 25, 2006 [2 favorites]
.
posted by huskerdont at 8:13 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by huskerdont at 8:13 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Joey Michaels at 8:34 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Joey Michaels at 8:34 AM on December 25, 2006
In addition, I would not want to be Sam Moore of Sam & Dave right now. With James Brown now dead, he is the only person specifically mentioned in the lyrics of Arthur Conley's Sweet Soul Music (spotlight on Sam & Dave y'all) that's still alive. I mean, Lou Rawls and Wilson Pickett are both mentioned in the song, and they died within less than two weeks of each other (Lou Rawls on Jan. 6th of this year, Wilson Pickett on Jan. 19th). Is the Man Upstairs looking to complete his collection of Sweet Soul Music for the heavenly choir? When you consider that Billy Preston, Ruth Brown, and Desmond Dekker all died this year, that's going to be one hell of a choir rehearsal.
posted by jonp72 at 8:40 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by jonp72 at 8:40 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
.
posted by Pallas Athena at 8:45 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Pallas Athena at 8:45 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 8:45 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 8:45 AM on December 25, 2006
.
.!
.! !
.! ! !
The hardest working man in show business, Soul Brother #1, ladies and gentlemen: the Godfather of Soul, JAAAAAAAAAAMES BROWNNNNNN!
.
posted by adamgreenfield at 8:46 AM on December 25, 2006
.!
.! !
.! ! !
The hardest working man in show business, Soul Brother #1, ladies and gentlemen: the Godfather of Soul, JAAAAAAAAAAMES BROWNNNNNN!
.
posted by adamgreenfield at 8:46 AM on December 25, 2006
I saw him right out of jail as well. Jazzfest 86 I think. Great show. Get on the good foot.
.
posted by daniel9223 at 8:47 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by daniel9223 at 8:47 AM on December 25, 2006
"If you don't allow a man to have an education, don't lock him up in jail for being dumb."
-- James Brown, July 2, 2006, UK Independent
posted by digaman at 8:55 AM on December 25, 2006
-- James Brown, July 2, 2006, UK Independent
posted by digaman at 8:55 AM on December 25, 2006
For the click lazy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNYSEUOnbPs
posted by IronWolve at 9:01 AM on December 25, 2006
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNYSEUOnbPs
posted by IronWolve at 9:01 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by killy willy at 9:09 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by killy willy at 9:09 AM on December 25, 2006
I saw The Hardest Workin' Man In Show Business live only once, but he was in his prime: 1965, the "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" Tour. I was 14 at the time, I had never seen anything like it.
JB will be leading the Amen Corner up yonder, no doubt.
posted by rdone at 9:13 AM on December 25, 2006
JB will be leading the Amen Corner up yonder, no doubt.
posted by rdone at 9:13 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by AloneOssifer at 9:36 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by AloneOssifer at 9:36 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:38 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 9:38 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by Zero Gravitas at 9:45 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Zero Gravitas at 9:45 AM on December 25, 2006
♪.
posted by The White Hat at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by The White Hat at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006
James Brown is dead.
Yes, we know. Yeesh. How many times are folks going to post that crappy song here?
posted by mediareport at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006
Yes, we know. Yeesh. How many times are folks going to post that crappy song here?
posted by mediareport at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006
The man changed music, spotlighted amazing talent (e.g. Bootsie) and gave the world a much needed injection of funk. From here on we have a great reason to replace all the overedone X-mas music with JB and his proteges... let's introduce the season of funk.
posted by sarcasman at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by sarcasman at 9:46 AM on December 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
♪
posted by StrasbourgSecaucus at 9:48 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by StrasbourgSecaucus at 9:48 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 9:50 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by kuujjuarapik at 9:50 AM on December 25, 2006
He had some fucked up personal beliefs and a questionable past, but the man could funk, ya'll. He's not the first and he wont be the last psychotic artist. He was, however, the one and only Godfather of Soul.
James Brown single-handedly changed the face of music, past, present, and future. You have to temper the good and the bad. He was a real shit in a lot of ways, and in other ways, he was a great, great man.
As a woman and a musician, I can have a real problem with his bad side - and still rise above it to admire all the good things he did.
Respect, Soul Brother #1. That's what it's all about.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Brown.
♪
♪
♪
posted by perilous at 9:57 AM on December 25, 2006
James Brown single-handedly changed the face of music, past, present, and future. You have to temper the good and the bad. He was a real shit in a lot of ways, and in other ways, he was a great, great man.
As a woman and a musician, I can have a real problem with his bad side - and still rise above it to admire all the good things he did.
Respect, Soul Brother #1. That's what it's all about.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Brown.
♪
♪
♪
posted by perilous at 9:57 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 10:08 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 10:08 AM on December 25, 2006
Papa's got a brand new bag, indeed.
RIP Godfather. Jump back and getta look at those wings.
posted by Ynoxas at 10:13 AM on December 25, 2006
RIP Godfather. Jump back and getta look at those wings.
posted by Ynoxas at 10:13 AM on December 25, 2006
BTW everyone should own Live at the Apollo from 1962 (iTunes link):
I lost someone, my love
Someone who's greater
Than the stars above
Someone who I need
Someone who don't
Let my heart bleed
Someone that's the one
That's the someone
That's the someone that I lost
Don't go to strangers
Come on home to me
I love you tomorrow
I love you today
Help me, help me
I'm so weak
Gee whiz, I love you
I'm so weak
I love you tomorrow
I, I lost someone
A million to one
Ten thousand people
Under my false sun
Who need someone
Someone, the only one
That someone who needs someone
I need someone to care for
Care for, just that someone
I love you tomorrow
Like I love you today
I'm so weak, don't
Don't take my heart away
Come on, come on
Gee whiz, I love you
And don't go strangers
Come on home to me
Come on home to me
posted by four panels at 10:22 AM on December 25, 2006
I lost someone, my love
Someone who's greater
Than the stars above
Someone who I need
Someone who don't
Let my heart bleed
Someone that's the one
That's the someone
That's the someone that I lost
Don't go to strangers
Come on home to me
I love you tomorrow
I love you today
Help me, help me
I'm so weak
Gee whiz, I love you
I'm so weak
I love you tomorrow
I, I lost someone
A million to one
Ten thousand people
Under my false sun
Who need someone
Someone, the only one
That someone who needs someone
I need someone to care for
Care for, just that someone
I love you tomorrow
Like I love you today
I'm so weak, don't
Don't take my heart away
Come on, come on
Gee whiz, I love you
And don't go strangers
Come on home to me
Come on home to me
posted by four panels at 10:22 AM on December 25, 2006
.
(The LA Style song was the first thing I thought of too.)
posted by SisterHavana at 10:24 AM on December 25, 2006
(The LA Style song was the first thing I thought of too.)
posted by SisterHavana at 10:24 AM on December 25, 2006
Somewhere in heaven, Jimi is smiling as James steps to the stage.
20+ years with Karen Carpenter on lead vocals has gotta hurt.
posted by hal9k at 10:38 AM on December 25, 2006
20+ years with Karen Carpenter on lead vocals has gotta hurt.
posted by hal9k at 10:38 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by feelinglistless at 10:45 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by feelinglistless at 10:45 AM on December 25, 2006
The All-Star Afterlife Band's looking pretty good now.
Our loss though.
.
posted by lekvar at 10:47 AM on December 25, 2006
Our loss though.
.
posted by lekvar at 10:47 AM on December 25, 2006
James Brown single-handedly changed the face of music, past, present, and future.
It sounds like a cliche, doesn't it? But it's true. For just one thing, no one had played with melody in music - i.e., stripping it away until all that was left was tough, stanky, complex groove - the way he and his band did.
Seriously, if you haven't yet, check out the non-hit songs on that 1973 Payback album. The unfold themselves in more amazing ways the more you listen to them; it's James Brown at one of his highest peaks.
posted by mediareport at 10:56 AM on December 25, 2006
It sounds like a cliche, doesn't it? But it's true. For just one thing, no one had played with melody in music - i.e., stripping it away until all that was left was tough, stanky, complex groove - the way he and his band did.
Seriously, if you haven't yet, check out the non-hit songs on that 1973 Payback album. The unfold themselves in more amazing ways the more you listen to them; it's James Brown at one of his highest peaks.
posted by mediareport at 10:56 AM on December 25, 2006
Saw him twenty years ago...it was like being in the presence of a great Being...
posted by kozad at 11:06 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by kozad at 11:06 AM on December 25, 2006
♪
posted by roll truck roll at 11:10 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by roll truck roll at 11:10 AM on December 25, 2006
Took my money, you got my honey
Don't want me to see what you doing to me
I got to get back I gotta deal with you!!
Hey let me tell ya!!
Get down with my woman, that ain't right!
You hollarin' and cussin', you wanna fight!!
Don't do me no darn favor,
I don't know karate, but I know KA-RAZY!!!!
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:17 AM on December 25, 2006
Don't want me to see what you doing to me
I got to get back I gotta deal with you!!
Hey let me tell ya!!
Get down with my woman, that ain't right!
You hollarin' and cussin', you wanna fight!!
Don't do me no darn favor,
I don't know karate, but I know KA-RAZY!!!!
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:17 AM on December 25, 2006
Thanks for the funk education Mr.Brown, the party on the mothership can finally get started now.
!
posted by elphTeq at 11:18 AM on December 25, 2006
!
posted by elphTeq at 11:18 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by ImJustRick at 11:28 AM on December 25, 2006
posted by ImJustRick at 11:28 AM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by ScotchLynx at 12:08 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by ScotchLynx at 12:08 PM on December 25, 2006
I, for one, bet he do feel good. What an amazing life.
.
posted by dhartung at 12:09 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by dhartung at 12:09 PM on December 25, 2006
Awww. He had a dark side, for sure. But his incredible, unique, musical joie de vivre accompanied so much of my life. On stage he was a vitamin pill on legs. When I feel good I sing his I Feel Good and it makes me feel even better.
Artist: James Brown
Song: I Feel Good
Album: Turn It Loose
[" Turn It Loose " CD]
I FEEL GOOD
James Brown
Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won't do you no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love can't do me no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
HEY!!
Sound samples from that sizzling album, Turn It Loose. Oh that red hot sax! I was lucky enough to go to a concert of his, way back in the hippie days of the late 60's. His music was special, indescribably futuristic and in the best sense of that phrase, mind-expanding. Life expanding.
Thank you for having lived James Brown.
posted by nickyskye at 12:20 PM on December 25, 2006
Artist: James Brown
Song: I Feel Good
Album: Turn It Loose
[" Turn It Loose " CD]
I FEEL GOOD
James Brown
Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won't do you no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
{ sax, two licks to bridge }
When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love can't do me no harm
and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
HEY!!
Sound samples from that sizzling album, Turn It Loose. Oh that red hot sax! I was lucky enough to go to a concert of his, way back in the hippie days of the late 60's. His music was special, indescribably futuristic and in the best sense of that phrase, mind-expanding. Life expanding.
Thank you for having lived James Brown.
posted by nickyskye at 12:20 PM on December 25, 2006
.
Man, was I floored when my wife's family came over and told me he had die while we were opening our presents. He is looked at in a different light here in Augusta (GA). Being a poor rural black in the 1950's south was not exactly a steppingstone to any kind of success, much less becoming a legend. Consequently while his legal problems (involving drugs, firearms, marital problems, taxes, among others) were big news here, his generosity was also big news. Every year he gives out a tractor trailer full of turkeys in the poor section of town (the east side); every Christmas he gave out toys. A largely forgotten part of his life was in 1970, when Augusta was threatened by the race riots that were common in the south during the civil rights era and he came back to urge calm; some in the black community regarded him as an Uncle Tom at the time, but the whole incident has been largely forgotten by all involved. He probably spared our city hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage and potentially an unkown number of caualties. To the good ol' boys that run the newspaper here and have a large say in local politics (although they no longer run the show) he was an uppity troublemaker who had enough money to mostly stay out of trouble; they would only pay him respect when they needed something from the black community. To the younger, hipper crowd he was a legend for his music, and to much of the black community he was proof that it is possible to rise above even the most humble beginnings-and also that some whites will never accept you no matter what you accomplish.
His native city has honored him, if sometimes reluctantly. In 1993, 9th street was renamed James Brown Boulevard. In 2005 a life-sized statue was erected downtown; it quickly became a favorite place to get your photo taken with Soul Brother #1. Finally, after much haggling, the local Civic Center was renamed for him in August of this year. Last year there was also an attempt to hold a music festival in his honor here, but it was poorly led and generally regarded as a failure. I hope it can be resurrected next year under more competent management. Despite the fact he was controversial to some in his hometown, it will be a little less merry Christmas for a lot of people here.
posted by TedW at 12:30 PM on December 25, 2006
Man, was I floored when my wife's family came over and told me he had die while we were opening our presents. He is looked at in a different light here in Augusta (GA). Being a poor rural black in the 1950's south was not exactly a steppingstone to any kind of success, much less becoming a legend. Consequently while his legal problems (involving drugs, firearms, marital problems, taxes, among others) were big news here, his generosity was also big news. Every year he gives out a tractor trailer full of turkeys in the poor section of town (the east side); every Christmas he gave out toys. A largely forgotten part of his life was in 1970, when Augusta was threatened by the race riots that were common in the south during the civil rights era and he came back to urge calm; some in the black community regarded him as an Uncle Tom at the time, but the whole incident has been largely forgotten by all involved. He probably spared our city hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage and potentially an unkown number of caualties. To the good ol' boys that run the newspaper here and have a large say in local politics (although they no longer run the show) he was an uppity troublemaker who had enough money to mostly stay out of trouble; they would only pay him respect when they needed something from the black community. To the younger, hipper crowd he was a legend for his music, and to much of the black community he was proof that it is possible to rise above even the most humble beginnings-and also that some whites will never accept you no matter what you accomplish.
His native city has honored him, if sometimes reluctantly. In 1993, 9th street was renamed James Brown Boulevard. In 2005 a life-sized statue was erected downtown; it quickly became a favorite place to get your photo taken with Soul Brother #1. Finally, after much haggling, the local Civic Center was renamed for him in August of this year. Last year there was also an attempt to hold a music festival in his honor here, but it was poorly led and generally regarded as a failure. I hope it can be resurrected next year under more competent management. Despite the fact he was controversial to some in his hometown, it will be a little less merry Christmas for a lot of people here.
posted by TedW at 12:30 PM on December 25, 2006
I was lucky enough to have seen James Brown in concert on Halloween some years back. In honor of one of the more memorable breaks between songs from that show...
< james brown>
"[Metafilter], I'd like ya ta git up offa that thing, turn to the person on your right, and say 'I love you'.
*pause*
And now I'd like you to turn to the person on your left, and say 'I love you too'."
< /james brown>
posted by Vervain at 12:32 PM on December 25, 2006
< james brown>
"[Metafilter], I'd like ya ta git up offa that thing, turn to the person on your right, and say 'I love you'.
*pause*
And now I'd like you to turn to the person on your left, and say 'I love you too'."
< /james brown>
posted by Vervain at 12:32 PM on December 25, 2006
No one, and I mean no one, can touch the genius of James Brown.
Damn, will he be missed. Rest in peace.
posted by blucevalo at 12:41 PM on December 25, 2006
Damn, will he be missed. Rest in peace.
posted by blucevalo at 12:41 PM on December 25, 2006
I was lucky enough to see James live twice in my lifetime, and although I have seen all of the greats, his shows were the best. An incredible showman, singer and band leader.
The first time I saw him was at Memphis in May in the early 90's. It is a gigantic outdoor party on the banks of the Mississippi, a grand time was had by all.
The second show was much more intimate, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. I had front row seats and he sang a song right in front of me and when it was over he walked to the edge of the stage, I extended my hand and he shook it.
He fired a guitar player on stage that night and made one of the drummers get up so he could show him how to play it right. As I said, he was the man when it came to his stage show, there was no slacking allowed. And that is why he was what he was, the hardest working man in show business.
Rest In Peace James.
posted by Duncan at 1:07 PM on December 25, 2006
The first time I saw him was at Memphis in May in the early 90's. It is a gigantic outdoor party on the banks of the Mississippi, a grand time was had by all.
The second show was much more intimate, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. I had front row seats and he sang a song right in front of me and when it was over he walked to the edge of the stage, I extended my hand and he shook it.
He fired a guitar player on stage that night and made one of the drummers get up so he could show him how to play it right. As I said, he was the man when it came to his stage show, there was no slacking allowed. And that is why he was what he was, the hardest working man in show business.
Rest In Peace James.
posted by Duncan at 1:07 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by jason's_planet at 1:24 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by jason's_planet at 1:24 PM on December 25, 2006
Here is a RealAudio archive of a six-hour James Brown radio shift my husband (a HUGE James Brown fan) did exactly five years ago on WFMU.
Um, WOW. Thank you so much for posting this; so far, your husband's show has been fantastic, full of great stuff and interesting insights into the twists and turns of Brown's career. Loved finally listening to "Blackenized," a rare single he did with Hank Ballard, at 3:00:21; it's a flutey conscious groove. And then it goes right into "I'm a Greedy Man" ("Good strong men don't grow on trees") and then into an intense jazz trio version (!) of "Cold Sweat"...
Just wonderful radio. Tell him I said thanks.
posted by mediareport at 1:32 PM on December 25, 2006
Um, WOW. Thank you so much for posting this; so far, your husband's show has been fantastic, full of great stuff and interesting insights into the twists and turns of Brown's career. Loved finally listening to "Blackenized," a rare single he did with Hank Ballard, at 3:00:21; it's a flutey conscious groove. And then it goes right into "I'm a Greedy Man" ("Good strong men don't grow on trees") and then into an intense jazz trio version (!) of "Cold Sweat"...
Just wonderful radio. Tell him I said thanks.
posted by mediareport at 1:32 PM on December 25, 2006
So now who's the hardest-working man in show business?
(Thanks for the music, Mr. Brown.)
posted by Bud Dickman at 1:42 PM on December 25, 2006
(Thanks for the music, Mr. Brown.)
posted by Bud Dickman at 1:42 PM on December 25, 2006
when Augusta was threatened by the race riots that were common in the south during the civil rights era and he came back to urge calm; some in the black community regarded him as an Uncle Tom at the time...
He did something similar in Boston:
King was assassinated and cities across America engulfed by riots. Brown may have singlehandedly saved Boston from burning. A day after the April 4 murder, he was scheduled to play a concert there. Nervous city fathers proposed canceling the show until wiser heads pointed out that angry ticket buyers would definitely cause mayhem.
Brown arranged with the local public television station to broadcast the concert live, and he went on the radio to urge fans to stay home and watch it for free. The city's black neighborhoods were eerily quiet as a moist-eyed Brown took to the stage of the Boston Garden and punctuated his funky soul tunes with remembrances of King and appeals for calm.
But Brown's relationship with black political movements was complicated and often difficult. But then the same could be said of just about every soul singer of the time; most steered clear of racial politics for financial reasons. There's a good discussion of this kind of stuff, including lots on Brown, in Brian Ward's great book, Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations. Chapter 10 has a section called, "Saying it loud: James Brown joins the Movement," with the line, "Brown always remained something of a frustrating enigma to many black power activists."
posted by mediareport at 2:46 PM on December 25, 2006
He did something similar in Boston:
King was assassinated and cities across America engulfed by riots. Brown may have singlehandedly saved Boston from burning. A day after the April 4 murder, he was scheduled to play a concert there. Nervous city fathers proposed canceling the show until wiser heads pointed out that angry ticket buyers would definitely cause mayhem.
Brown arranged with the local public television station to broadcast the concert live, and he went on the radio to urge fans to stay home and watch it for free. The city's black neighborhoods were eerily quiet as a moist-eyed Brown took to the stage of the Boston Garden and punctuated his funky soul tunes with remembrances of King and appeals for calm.
But Brown's relationship with black political movements was complicated and often difficult. But then the same could be said of just about every soul singer of the time; most steered clear of racial politics for financial reasons. There's a good discussion of this kind of stuff, including lots on Brown, in Brian Ward's great book, Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations. Chapter 10 has a section called, "Saying it loud: James Brown joins the Movement," with the line, "Brown always remained something of a frustrating enigma to many black power activists."
posted by mediareport at 2:46 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by schyler523 at 2:50 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by schyler523 at 2:50 PM on December 25, 2006
I am thankful that i got to see him live....twice.
once in steamboat springs CO opening for stringcheese....i was there for james
and once at the telluride blues and brews festival
my friends and i were awakened from drunken slumber by his first number(i t was just down the street) and we went on a now legendary beer fueled sprint through telluride
james BROWN james BROWN
say it loud
posted by MNDZ at 4:00 PM on December 25, 2006
once in steamboat springs CO opening for stringcheese....i was there for james
and once at the telluride blues and brews festival
my friends and i were awakened from drunken slumber by his first number(i t was just down the street) and we went on a now legendary beer fueled sprint through telluride
james BROWN james BROWN
say it loud
posted by MNDZ at 4:00 PM on December 25, 2006
It won't be too long until The New Yorker gets Philip Gourevitch's 2002 profile of Mr. Brown online, but in the meantime, anybody with library access can read it.
posted by cgc373 at 4:04 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by cgc373 at 4:04 PM on December 25, 2006
I first saw him in 2000. I was hesitant at first because I thought he was old and the band would carry him through the show. Wow, was I wrong. It was exciting. In 2005, I went again after hearing he had some recent surgery and I thought, ok, this time don't expect too much. He's older and recovering from an operation. AGAIN, I was wrong. That show was better than the first!!! RIP, godfather.
posted by ironisokratic at 4:17 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by ironisokratic at 4:17 PM on December 25, 2006
Saw him at the One World Music Festival in Aspen, CO, 1994. He was amazing. I'll miss him.
posted by krinklyfig at 5:28 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by krinklyfig at 5:28 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by fillsthepews at 5:51 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by fillsthepews at 5:51 PM on December 25, 2006
Raise up
Get yourself together
And Save Your Funky Soul.
Good God Maceo Hit it Hard.
Ahh, goodbye James Brown, thank you so much.
posted by Divine_Wino at 6:00 PM on December 25, 2006
Get yourself together
And Save Your Funky Soul.
Good God Maceo Hit it Hard.
Ahh, goodbye James Brown, thank you so much.
posted by Divine_Wino at 6:00 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by damnthesehumanhands at 6:02 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by damnthesehumanhands at 6:02 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by christopher.taylor at 6:49 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by christopher.taylor at 6:49 PM on December 25, 2006
Saw him in 1986 and dragged along my girlfriend who wasn't too into him. Maceo Parker did his walking through the crowd sax thing and stood up on top of our table. JB was twisting on stage like a mother and making Prince look like he had two left feet. One of the most memorable concerts in my life.
.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 6:56 PM on December 25, 2006
.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 6:56 PM on December 25, 2006
I was watching TV on Saturday night and heard on the news that Brown was in hospital but saying he'd be back on stage by New Year's Eve. Wow. That close to death and still swinging.
I'll miss you, man.
posted by orange swan at 7:01 PM on December 25, 2006
I'll miss you, man.
posted by orange swan at 7:01 PM on December 25, 2006
Saw him at a Montreal hockey rink in the early '90s -- we snuck up to the front near the stage. Un-for-gettable.
One of my v. best friends interviewed Brown for my old newspaper (for a show that'll never happen.) Likely one of his last ever interviews.
.
posted by docgonzo at 7:04 PM on December 25, 2006
One of my v. best friends interviewed Brown for my old newspaper (for a show that'll never happen.) Likely one of his last ever interviews.
.
posted by docgonzo at 7:04 PM on December 25, 2006
More of the history of James and his work at King Records.
posted by mikeinclifton at 8:00 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by mikeinclifton at 8:00 PM on December 25, 2006
To expand on mediareport's comment above:
Godfather of Soul Made His Mark on Hub:posted by ericb at 8:29 PM on December 25, 2006"Summing up James Brown’s career is well-nigh impossible, unless you want to consider small achievements like revolutionizing popular music, practically inventing funk, and creating some of the most soulful records ever made. But on that list you’d also have to include giving what may be the most pivotal concert ever held in Boston Garden.
The occasion was April 5, 1968, one night after Martin Luther King’s assassination. The concert was set to be canceled for fear of rioting, but Mayor Kevin White struck a deal: The city would pay Brown’s fee if the show was also broadcast live on WGBH. The oft-bootlegged show brims with intensity, with Brown pleading for calm as fans rush the stage. Only a few thousand attended the show, but many more watched it at home-thus black and white audiences were more together that night than they probably realized.
Brown’s first explicitly political single, ‘Say It Loud - I’m Black & I’m Proud,’ would follow a few months later.
Not every Brown concert was quite that momentous, but even in later years he could deliver the goods. One of his last major Boston shows happened at the cavernous Channel club in 1987. Not always a great timekeeper, he didn’t hit the stage until well after 1 a.m.; but the show went on a good hour past the usual 2 a.m. curfew.
By the ‘80s his screaming and footwork weren’t quite as supple as they’d been, so he relied more on vocal power. Ballads like ‘Georgia on My Mind’ would be the surprise highlights of his late-period shows.
Another favorite personal memory was an artist panel at the New Music Seminar in 1984, when Brown was surrounded by hitmakers like Hall & Oates and Madonna. After an hour of longwinded music-biz talk, one fan timidly asked, ‘Could James Brown please do one scream?’ He obliged -- with a spin and a split for good measure -- and it was the most eloquent statement anyone made that day.
Like all music greats, Brown did some less-than-peak work in later years, scoring a hit with the borderline-cheesy ‘Living in America’ -- though even the mid-80’s brought an underground classic in ‘Unity,’ with rap pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. But it makes an odd coincidence that his last all-new album was a Christmas disc, ‘The Merry Christmas Album,’ released in 2000. With Brown dispensing funky wisdom against oddly arranged synths and drum machines, it’s a holiday sound you’d never mistake for anybody else’s."
♪
posted by yertledaturtle at 9:13 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by yertledaturtle at 9:13 PM on December 25, 2006
Here is a RealAudio archive of a six-hour James Brown radio shift my husband (a HUGE James Brown fan) did exactly five years ago on WFMU. Some JB Christmas tracks in there too, appropriately.
Let me add a second thanks for this. This is an incredible set.
posted by sparkletone at 9:40 PM on December 25, 2006
Let me add a second thanks for this. This is an incredible set.
posted by sparkletone at 9:40 PM on December 25, 2006
,
posted by mildred-pitt at 10:50 PM on December 25, 2006
posted by mildred-pitt at 10:50 PM on December 25, 2006
.
Sadly, this is probably the third thing that comes to mind for me when I think of James Brown.
posted by Dr-Baa at 6:14 AM on December 26, 2006
Sadly, this is probably the third thing that comes to mind for me when I think of James Brown.
posted by Dr-Baa at 6:14 AM on December 26, 2006
.
posted by schmedeman at 8:49 AM on December 26, 2006
posted by schmedeman at 8:49 AM on December 26, 2006
Ah, poor James -- at least now we're all free of Tomi Rae. Geesh. Thanks for the memories James.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 9:36 AM on December 26, 2006
posted by Ogre Lawless at 9:36 AM on December 26, 2006
.
posted by Soulfather at 12:07 PM on December 26, 2006
posted by Soulfather at 12:07 PM on December 26, 2006
♪
posted by NationalKato at 12:12 PM on December 26, 2006
posted by NationalKato at 12:12 PM on December 26, 2006
I note WFMU is playing JB right now; I don't know if it is a reprise of the show linked above, but a good way to get some quick access to the man's music.
posted by TedW at 5:54 PM on December 26, 2006
posted by TedW at 5:54 PM on December 26, 2006
I caught one of his live show some time in the late 90s. Even in his 60s, he was doing the splits (though he had to be helped back up). He wasn't able to play for long - about 15-20 minutes of a 45 minute set - but he was still an electric performer. Who else uses two simultaneous drummers the whole way through a set (and, unless I was hallucinating, a third during the encore)?
If you want to hear a great live album at the height of his powers, get hold of a copy of his 1962 concert: "Live at the Apollo" - it's fantastic and has been on heavy rotation in our house since I heard the news of his passing.
posted by davehat at 12:32 AM on December 27, 2006
If you want to hear a great live album at the height of his powers, get hold of a copy of his 1962 concert: "Live at the Apollo" - it's fantastic and has been on heavy rotation in our house since I heard the news of his passing.
posted by davehat at 12:32 AM on December 27, 2006
.
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 5:01 AM on December 27, 2006
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 5:01 AM on December 27, 2006
As predicted, The New Yorker profile is up now. Jonathan Lethem's long piece last year in Rolling Stone was good, too.
posted by cgc373 at 10:58 AM on December 27, 2006
posted by cgc373 at 10:58 AM on December 27, 2006
James Brown is still alive!
* puts Star Time in the player *
posted by inpHilltr8r at 8:13 PM on December 27, 2006
* puts Star Time in the player *
posted by inpHilltr8r at 8:13 PM on December 27, 2006
Has anyone said "James Brown is now defunked" yet?
No?
Good. Poor taste, that.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:25 PM on December 27, 2006
No?
Good. Poor taste, that.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:25 PM on December 27, 2006
Damn. I was really happy to play Parts 1 and 2 of his "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year" on my radio show last week.
The first thing I think of with James Brown is am anti-drug PSA that was tacked onto the end of one of his live albums, which never failed to crack up my father:
"Drugs will ruin your life. Drugs are... super bad, super bad, superbaaaaad...."
posted by elr at 3:24 AM on December 28, 2006
The first thing I think of with James Brown is am anti-drug PSA that was tacked onto the end of one of his live albums, which never failed to crack up my father:
"Drugs will ruin your life. Drugs are... super bad, super bad, superbaaaaad...."
posted by elr at 3:24 AM on December 28, 2006
Oh, by the way, his body will be shown publicly from 1pm to 8pm at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York.
posted by suedehead at 4:06 AM on December 28, 2006
posted by suedehead at 4:06 AM on December 28, 2006
A great photo from the apollo today, by Clay Enos.
posted by HuronBob at 6:58 PM on December 30, 2006
posted by HuronBob at 6:58 PM on December 30, 2006
For the rest of my life, December 25 will be a day to mark the remembrance of Mister James Brown, who has meant more to me than Jesus of Nazareth.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 1:35 AM on December 31, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by flapjax at midnite at 1:35 AM on December 31, 2006 [1 favorite]
Trying to work a little resurrection voodoo in here, eh, flapjax at midnite. Contentious comparison between Soul Brother #1 and another Who Shall Not Be Named, eh? Good show, good show.
(And, for the record, me too on the JB vs. JC tip, though JB never meant much to me, either.)
posted by cgc373 at 2:00 AM on December 31, 2006
(And, for the record, me too on the JB vs. JC tip, though JB never meant much to me, either.)
posted by cgc373 at 2:00 AM on December 31, 2006
Giles Peterson did a good show featuring two hours of quality JB related listening, you can listen to it until 11 Jan here.
Tracklist:
James Brown - ‘The Boss’ (Universal)
James Brown - ‘Papa Don’t Take No Mess’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Out Of Sight’ (Live At The Garden) (King)
James Brown - ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (Philips)
James Brown - ‘Go On Now’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Sunny’ (Polydor)
Marva Whitney - ‘A Talk With James Brown- You Got To Have A Job (Part 1)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Talkin’ Loud & Sayin’ Nothing (Remix)’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Don’t Tell It’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Blues & Pants’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Stoned To The Bone’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Get On The Good Foot’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mother Popcorn (Part 1)’ (King)
James Brown and the James Brown Band - ‘Ain’t it Funky (Part 1 and 2)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Blind Man Can See It’ (Polydor)
03.00
James Brown - ‘Popcorn With A Feeling’ (King)
James Brown - ‘King Heroin’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mind Power (Alternate Version)’ (Polydor)
Fred Wesley and the J.B.’s - ‘Blow Your Head’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘The Payback’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Funky President’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Funky Drummer’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag’ (Verve)
James Brown - ‘Say It Loud (I’m Black And I’m Proud)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Super Bad (Parts 1 & 2)’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Buddy-E’ (King)
James Brown - ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mind Power (Full Version)’ (Polydor)
posted by asok at 5:51 AM on January 9, 2007
Tracklist:
James Brown - ‘The Boss’ (Universal)
James Brown - ‘Papa Don’t Take No Mess’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Out Of Sight’ (Live At The Garden) (King)
James Brown - ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (Philips)
James Brown - ‘Go On Now’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Sunny’ (Polydor)
Marva Whitney - ‘A Talk With James Brown- You Got To Have A Job (Part 1)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Talkin’ Loud & Sayin’ Nothing (Remix)’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Don’t Tell It’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Blues & Pants’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Stoned To The Bone’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Get On The Good Foot’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mother Popcorn (Part 1)’ (King)
James Brown and the James Brown Band - ‘Ain’t it Funky (Part 1 and 2)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Blind Man Can See It’ (Polydor)
03.00
James Brown - ‘Popcorn With A Feeling’ (King)
James Brown - ‘King Heroin’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mind Power (Alternate Version)’ (Polydor)
Fred Wesley and the J.B.’s - ‘Blow Your Head’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘The Payback’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Funky President’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Funky Drummer’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag’ (Verve)
James Brown - ‘Say It Loud (I’m Black And I’m Proud)’ (King)
James Brown - ‘Super Bad (Parts 1 & 2)’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Buddy-E’ (King)
James Brown - ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ (Polydor)
James Brown - ‘Mind Power (Full Version)’ (Polydor)
posted by asok at 5:51 AM on January 9, 2007
« Older Radiohead Live - OK Computer Tour | merry festivus Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by mrbill at 12:13 AM on December 25, 2006