Tag Archives: Rhode Island Oldies DJ

Al Green Let’s Stay Together

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Al Green Let’s Stay Together “People are born to do certain things, and Al was born to make us smile.” These are the words of Justin Timberlake about Al Green for Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Al was number 65. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Green in 1995, referring to him as “one of the most gifted purveyors of Soul music.”

 

For me, he is an amazing and a powerful songwriter and singer. He has the unique ability to inspire and soften pretty much anybody. You do not have to like his music or Soul to enjoy and appreciate especially, Al Green Let’s Stay Together.  I remember having the cassette, yes cassette, of the Al Green Let’s Stay Together album. The tape broke from overuse and by that time I had a record player and got the record to play it on vinyl. This is the kind of song that as a professional DJ when you want to slow the crowd down on the dance floor before they get burned-out you can play this song and it even fills the dance floor more than with the party stuff.  You will always get a few couples and future-couples making their way to the dance floor with a sparkle in their eyes for the first time of the night.

 

When Tina Turner’s cover of Al Green Let’s Stay Together first came out, I was a bit bothered by her rendition, not that I didn’t like it, I do. I just felt it did not touch Al Green Let’s Stay Together.  I eventually appreciated the fact that a whole new generation was getting to learn and enjoy Al Green Let’s Stay Together.  Many of them have been turned-on to the original since then too! Professional DJs now have two versions to choose from.

Al Green Let’s Stay Together Music Video

http://youtu.be/COiIC3A0ROM

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Marvin Gaye What’s Going On

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Marvin is and always has been one of my heroes. He has inpisred me to cry, laugh, want to be a better person and get off my butt and dance!  When I was a kid I had this ’45’ and wore it out. I am sure my family was sick of Marvin but not me. When I first became a professional DJ and was aked to do performances at Oldies DJ Parties, I knew I would have a chance to break out my Marvin Gaye What’s Going On and Stevie Wonder records, and did as often as possible.

 

Marvin Gaye What’s Going On in particular has a message that still resonates today. Hate and violence are still a significant current in our culture and globally. At some point we have to chose peace and respect. I think that is part of what he was trying to say in Marvin Gaye What’s Going On. I am amazed at how he could produce songs like this and “Mercy Mercy Me” and then balance them with “Sexual Healing” and “Got To Give It Up”. That sweet voice and passion rang through whatever he touched, Marvin Gaye What’s Going On, and he will be remembered by me and many others.

 

Thanks for Marvin Gaye What’s Going On!

As one of the pioneers of Motown, singer-songwriter and producer Marvin Gaye helped shape the sound of R & B music and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. ‘I think I’ve got a real thing going. I love people. I love life and I love nature, and I can’t see why other people can’t be like that.’ –Marvin Gaye

 

Marvin Gaye What’s Going On and What’s Happening Brother Music Video

http://youtu.be/RE7-2XWGNk4

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

The B-52s Love Shack

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The B-52s Love Shack is one of the great party songs of all time for all professional DJs!

I remember when The B-52s Love Shack first came out and all the professional DJs I knew kept adding the newest remix of this as they came out in 12″ form. I think I ended up with three of four versions of The B-52s Love Shack plus the original album version. Today I only have three versions on my MacBook but I like all of them. Both back then and now, The B-52s Love Shack is one of those songs that works with most audiences when a professional DJ needs something to really push the event to the next level and bring out the playful side of all involved.

 

I had the opportunity to see the B-52s at what was fomrerly known as The Gsdrden State Arts Center many years ago with The Violent Femmes as the opening act. It was a great night and a lot of fun and The B-52s Love Shack was one of the highlights of the show.

 

“The B-52s (originally formatted with an apostrophe as The B-52’s) are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. From 1976, the group consisted of Fred Schneider (percussion, vocals), Cindy Wilson (vocals), Kate Pierson (keyboards, vocals), Ricky Wilson(guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Rooted in New Wave and 1960s rock and roll, the group later worked in many genres ranging frompost-punk to pop rock. The “guy vs. gals” vocals of Schneider, Pierson, and Wilson, sometimes used in call and response style (as in “Strobe Light,” “Private Idaho,” and “Good Stuff“), are a trademark. Presenting themselves as a positive, enthusiastic, slightly oddball party band, the B-52s tell tall tales, glorify wild youth, and celebrate wild romance.”

 

I thought it would be neat to take a quick look at who was part of that Athens music scene. This is what Wikipedia had to say,

 

“The success of Athens’ local bands is apocryphally attributed to “something in the water.” The contributions of Athens to rock, country music, and bluegrass have earned it the nickname “the Liverpool of the South”, and the city is known as a birthplace for both modern alternative rock and New Wave music. Athens was home to the first and most famous college music scene in the country, beginning in the 1970s. The formation of local bands like the B-52s, Ravenstone, Pylon, Widespread Panic, Indigo Girls, Love Tractor, the Georgia Satellites, and R.E.M. had brought Athens rock to national attention by 1980.”

 

Don’t you love the bee hive hairdos on The B-52s Love Shack?

The B-52s Love Shack Music Video

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low

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Two of my favorite artists – Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill on the same song.  To begin with, what a sweet melody and groove, few songs have the beat to match Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low with its cool rhythms and base line.

 

One of the things that I appreciate most about Lauryn Hill outside of her raw talent and passion is her ability to find songs that she cherishes and cover them with taste, respect and a new fresh sound. Unfortunately, many artists today just see dollar signs and make a remix of anything they think will sell. Lauryn is not like this and it shows in all of her covers with and without The Fugees, especially Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low.

“Nesta Robert Marley OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981), more widely and commonly known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaicansinger-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1963-1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.” Wikipedia

Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low is one of Bob Marley’s smooth, soulful beauties that never get old.

Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low has become one of the songs I play as a professional DJ to end the night in environments that it makes sense. A nice way to close down a gig and leave everybody with a smooth, warm feeling.

Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low Music Video

http://youtu.be/JREcKmXDeAs

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Which version do you prefer, Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill Turn Your Lights Down Low or the original Bob Marley version?

Rolling Stones Angie

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Rolling Stones Angie. I was in 7th grade.  I had crush on a young angelic creature named Licia. We talked on the phone almost every night. Licia was tall, beautiful, nice, genuine and most importantly, fun and smart. We used to talk about everything from music to science to social dynamics.

That night I was getting ready to ask Licia on a date, I was procrastinating waiting for the right moment to go for it. That moment came in the form of her favorite song, Rolling Stones Angie.

The Rolling Stones were near the peak of their popularity at the time. Mick Jagger was the international star that he is still known for today. Rolling Stones Angie is one of their best love songs – slow, simple and textured. The video lacks the creativity and polish we are accustomed to today but the song itself holds up well. If you have never heard it, Tori Amos has a haunting cover on her album Crucify.

“Released as a single in August 1973, “Angie” went straight to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 5 on the UK singles chart. The song was also a No. 1 hit in both Canada and Australia for five weeks each and topped the charts in many countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world.”Wikipedia

Some radio stations made edits because of the length, down to 3 minutes, thereby omitting the longer Coda and the second instrumental sections of the song.

When I hear Rolling Stones Angie, I still think about Licia and that night on the phone sitting at our kitchen table hoping that a girl like her would go out with a boy like me, It never fails to produce a smile. Fortunately I still get requests for Rolling Stones Angie as a professional DJ and wonder if Licia still remembers that moment.

Rolling Stones Angie Music Video

 

Tori Amos Version of Rolling Stones Angie

http://youtu.be/kru916XfPGM

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven

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I was recently doing some searching online for remixes of Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven and other rock classics for a gig as professional DJ. Along the way I found several incredible versions of songs I did not know could be remade with such passion and fire, like Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven. It was a pleasant surprise. I was also impressed with some of the respect that these old classics have garnered by those who are musicians and producers.

 

What struck me the most was the actual original version of Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven. I did not know it was impossible to forget how powerful and creative a song can be. I have heard Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven so many times in my life I forgot what a gem it is. Familiarity breeds contentment, they say. In stepping back and listening to the rhythms, melodies and lyrics I acknowledged what a risk producing a song like Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven must have been for them at the time. Or maybe the inspiration was high enough that they did not even realize what they had come up with. I am grateful either way that Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven made it to my turntables, CD players and now my MacBook after all these years as a professional DJ.

Here is the original Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven:

http://youtu.be/BcL—4xQYA

Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven Remixes and Covers

Here are some of the remixes of Led Zeppelin Stairway To Heaven I found that I thought were interesting, I think they are all legal to listen but maybe not download:

Far Corporation Stairway To Heaven:

Mash-up of Stairway to Heaven and Marvin Gaye Ain’t No Mountain Enough:

And Syko Beats Hip Hop Instrumental Version:

Which do you like the best?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Club Nouveau Lean On Me

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Club Nouveau Lean On Me. It was my one and only summer sleep-away camp experience. I was not a happy camper. I did however enjoy the days we had art. The art shop was nice and full of layers of used paint on the desks and all kinds of fun stuff to play with. My favorite part of art class at summer camp was the radio that sat on the end table next to the door.  It seemed every day that we were in the art room making who knows what kind of awful ‘paintings’, Bill Withers was on the radio. Some days it was “Lean On Me” and the other was “Ain’t No Sunshine” but it was always the bright spot of my day.  It is one of the classic Soul gems from the 70’s that every good professional DJ uses at liberty. Club Nouveau Lean On Me offers a fresh new sound to the old classic.

 

It is rare that a remake of such a classic can be even close to the original. In this case, I have read debates about which version is better, Club Nouveau Lean On Me or Bill Withers. The fact that there is even a discussion says how great the Club Nouveau Lean On Me version is.  I appreciate the fact that they made it their own with a different sound without losing the original feeling.  “Lean On Me” is now a classic in two generations and maybe a third someday. Club Nouveau Lean On Me is from The Album Life, Love & Pain in 1986. Club Nouveau Lean On Me made it to number one on The Billboard Hot 100 Charts for two weeks!

Club Nouveau Lean On Me:

http://youtu.be/XhBLfTULccA

Which do you like better, Club Nouveau Lean On Me or Bill Withers Lean On Me?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Third World Try Jah Love

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Third World Try Jah Love is a great, fun, feel-good song with awesome rhythm and melodies. It was partially written by Stevie Wonder and he arranged and produced it. For a short time, this song was popular in the club scene with many professional DJs and among open-minded rock listeners. Reggae had not really made its way like it is today in The States except for Bon Marley and Peter Tosh.

 

In case you are interested, “Jah”, from the title Third World Try Jah Love, is from the Hebrew word that is the unmentionable name of God translated into Rastafarian Culture although taken from Hebrew.

 

This version of Third World Try Jah Love is not as good as some others but at least you get to see the band jam and get a feel for Third World Try Jah Love. I invite you to search and listen to the longer studio version with the piano intro for professional DJs. Crank it up and rock!

Update, I was able to find the longer version!

Third World Try Jah Love:

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds

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I was at a family wedding this weekend. The band played many great songs well but I was left remembering the Elvis songs the most. One of the singers had sideburns like Elvis and some similar style of representing himself. It was fun and the band was good, especially on Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds.

 

I remember when I was kid and the first 7-Elevin opened down the street from us with all their Slurpees and everything else that made being a kid fun. Next to the counter, there was a large album rack stuffed with really only two artists; The Beatles and Elvis Presley. I was still young and did not understand the full scope of the popularity of either of them. I guess no one did really. At the time, I did not know that Elvis made albums, since I knew him as an actor who sang in all his movies. Funny to look back now and realize how small-minded that was. Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds.

 

He was on the radio all the time and if not there, on the television. He was everywhere.

 

About 20 years ago I visited Graceland. It was an uncomfortable experience. I felt like I was spying on a man’s life and legacy without his permission. Seeing his stuff and bedroom before the age of papparazzi, felt intrusive. Truly sounds hysterically funny in a time when not only is seeing a celebrity’s house while they are not in it commonplace, today we can actually see them when they are in it! Even their bedroom and bathroom while present! If this is so out of hand as it is today with the celebrities we have now; what would it be like if Elvis was alive today? He was really the first artist that had cameras following him night and day and no one really since till this decade, not even Michael Jackson or Madonna had a following of media like Elvis Presley.

 

It is sad seeing his photos before and after alcohol took its toll on him.  How many of our great talented performers are we going to lose due to not being able to properly handle fame and fortune? What responsibility do we have in their demise? Jimi, Janis, Keith, Marilyn, Lindsay, Brittany, Paris just to name a few. Of course, not all that are listed qualify as ‘great’ but fame and its trappings have had such a detrimental impact on their lives. When is enough, enough? Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds

I stil get to play Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds as professional Wedding DJ on a regular basis.

Elvis Presley Suspicious Minds:

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

13 Gigs In 16 Days For DJ Mystical Michael

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It occurred to me the other day that I am about to begin a rather intense run as professional Disc Jockey over the next two weeks. I am booked for thirteen gigs over the next two weeks starting tonight! This is very exciting for me and grateful I have the opportunity to share my art as professional DJ with others. There are several Weddings, Trivia Shows and a Festival all mixed together.

Of course, the Weddings always hold top billing due to the nature of the event and the importance to the Bride, Groom, family and friends. I think all of us professional Wedding DJs give our undivided attention to each Wedding, Bride and Groom, at least I know most good professional Wedding DJs do. Wedding DJs also get the opportunity to be involved in the planning and coordinating process with the Bride and Groom, which I thoroughly enjoy.

This should be a fun and interesting two weeks for this professional Disc Jockey. The DJ gigs are all over New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania including The Poconos, Upstate New York, rural Central New Jersey, New Rochelle, Morristown, Hackettstown, Phillipsburg and Newton to name some stops during the 13 Gigs In 16 Days For DJ Mystical Michael.

DJ Dancing & Fun with DJ Mystical Michael

“A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, “disc” (sometimes spelled “disk”, although this is now uncommon) referred to phonograph records, not the later Compact Discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.” Wikipedia

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ