Infomaniac Highlights the Chi-Lites

Turn on the radio in the early 1970s and you heard the sweet soul sound of The Chi-Lites (pronounced SHY-lights)...



More than 30 years later, they would inspire Beyoncé's debut solo smash hit, "Crazy in Love." But more about that later.



These four friends from Chicago were Eugene Record (lead singer), Marshall Thompson, Robert "Squirrel" Lester, and Creadel Jones.

They had 11 Top 20 R&B hits between 1969 and 1974.

It was a pair of romantic ballads, "Have You Seen Her (1971)" and "Oh Girl (1972)," that put them at the top of the charts.

The group also took on social issues with songs like, "(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People"  and  "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated at the Conference Table)." How's that for a title?

The Chi-Lites are also remembered for their costumes, which they designed themselves.

Bright, eye-popping colours!...


Big, bold bow ties!...


Behold the "dog ear collar" of the 1970s...


The Chi-Lites were all about the dog ear collar...




Now, back to Beyoncé.

I'm sure you Bitches recognize the horn hook from Beyoncé's hit single, "Crazy in Love."



That blast of brass is sampled from The Chi-Lites' 1970 song,"Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)."

It's that Chi-Lites hook that makes Beyoncé's song. When asked what makes "Crazy in Love" so infectious, Beyoncé admitted, "It’s the horn hook. It has this go-go feel to it, this old-school feel."

Listen to the first 14 seconds of Are You My Woman (especially from 0:09-0:14) and you'll understand the "Crazy in Love" connection.

Unfortunately, financial scandals, drug addictions and violent tragedies took their toll on the group. Creadel Jones died homeless after his record label, Brunswick Records refused to send him royalties. Only one of the original four members (Marshall Thompson) survives.

There isn't a lot of in-depth material about them online, at this point. The Mistress isn't saying they were the best group on the soul circuit but they certainly deserve to be more than a footnote in music history.

If you're so inclined, you might enjoying listening to the hearfelt "Oh Girl."
Warning: Dog ear collar alert! (and puffy sleeves)


Which of The Chi-Lites' looks could you wear with confidence?

Let it Snow

Phoebe Snow, that is...



Released as a single in late 1974, "Poetry Man" became Snow's first charting hit.

Why are we playing this now, here on Infomaniac? Because we could use a break from Christmas carols. And we could all use a gentle time-out from all the madness of 2016, if only for these next few minutes...

The Last Waltz

40 years ago today...


[source]

On November 25th, 1976, THE BAND gave a spectacular farewell performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.

The Band were four Canadians and an American who developed their own unique sound.


Left to right: Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel.

The Band invited a few of their friends to perform along with them at their final farewell. Friends such as:

Bob Dylan
Eric Clapton
Van Morrison
Neil Young
Joni Mitchell
Muddy Waters
Ronnie Hawkins
Dr. John
... and more.



Captured on film by Martin Scorsese and released in 1978, The Last Waltz is The Mistress's favourite concert film.

Trailer...



What's your fave concert film, Bitches?

Raphael

From time to time, Mistress MJ spins her favourite tunes from her own personal jukebox, here on Radio Infomaniac. This is one of those songs, for reasons just between you, me and the bedpost.

Raphael a l'air d'un ange, mais c'est un diable de l'amour



Et pour toujours
Hmm
♥

Anouk Aïata

We here at Infomaniac enjoy listening to the songs of Parisienne chanteuse, Anouk Aïata.



Anouk cites a few of her influences as Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Dalida.

Combining jazz, folk, and gypsy rhythms, her music is the perfect tonic after a long day of all work and no play.

Listen for yourself as she sings, accompanied by cellist Amos Mâh, “Pourquoi regardes-tu la lune?” (Why Are You Looking At The Moon?); a song about a woman who catches her lover staring wistfully at the moon…

JJ Cale

Singer/songwriter JJ Cale has died.


[photo by Jane Richey]

Cale was the soundtrack to many of Mistress MJ's most memorable moments. "Magnolia" was one of them...

Hitch Hike

Radio Infomaniac presents the fabulous Marvin Gaye...



"Hitch Hike" plays whenever Mistress MJ takes a road trip to the United States. Although you can be sure I don't stop to pick up hitchhikers nor do I hitchhike myself.

We here at Infomaniac would like to know your experiences with hitchhiking. Have you ever thumbed a ride? Or picked up a stranger?


[via]

Do tell.

À la claire fontaine

In anticipation of Valentine's Day, we here at Radio Infomaniac offer you a song of love and loss. Because you've all been there, haven't you?



Enjoy the simple beauty of this traditional French/French-Canadian ballad as sung by France's Grégoire Boissenot.

Dozens of versions exist but Grégoire's is my favourite.



“Il y’a longtemps que je t’aime,
Jamais je ne t’oublierai.”

(“Long have I loved you,
Never will I forget you.”)


Background about this song, which dates back centuries and was sung by the Voyageurs, can be found here. And for those who wish to sing along or see a translation, click here.

Lover Undercover

Here's a little something from an album that keeps Mistress MJ warm on those cold winter nights. And let it be said that I love absolutely everything on Melody Gardot's "My One and Only Thrill". It's been on constant rotation here since its release in 2009. And yes, I've mentioned the CD before but it's that good.



We here at Infomaniac recommend listening to it by candlelight, whilst sipping a cocktail, artfully draped across your fainting chaise.

Now over to you, Bitches...

Do you have a CD that begs to be listened to by candlelight?

He Shall Be Levon

May 26, 1940 ~ April 19, 2012

He was the only American in Canada’s greatest band…The Band.

In his memory, I’ll be watching my favourite concert movie tonight, “The Last Waltz.”

Levon Helm on drums and lead vocals performing “Ophelia” in “The Last Waltz”…


A toast to you, Levon: A great musician (and a good kisser.)

Goodnight, Midnight Rambler.

To keep you Bitches amused while I’m off tonight, tell us what concert movie you recommend.

Show and Tell – Al Wilson

While we’re waiting for your Show and Tell Day photos to start pouring in (deadline Saturday!,) let’s listen in on Al Wilson as he sings “Show and Tell” on Soul Train, circa 1973…(with bonus Don Cornelius footage)...


[thanks, Thombeau!]

Musical Interlude

Mistress MJ will return sometime on Tuesday with a proper post.

But for now, Radio Infomaniac is on the air with a catchy instrumental that Mistress MJ enjoys …


Shadows - Juan Trip'

I Say a Little Prayer

This is the version I listen to …



But THIS is the version I watch…



Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart.

BRIGITTE BOISJOLI - Fruits défendus

Radio Infomaniac presents Quebec’s Brigitte Boisjoli singing Fruits défendus (Forbidden Fruit.)

You don’t need to understand French to dance along with this tune!…



NOTE: From time to time, Mistress MJ will be spinning her favourite tunes from her own personal jukebox. I’ll spin the tunes that shake me, make me, break me or take me. We know that you may not have time to spend on a video clip, so feel free to move along during these broadcasts. Furthermore, Mistress MJ’s musical tastes range from Stravinsky to The Supremes; so Radio Infomaniac may not be your cup of tea. These posts are primarily for the entertainment of Mistress MJ and serve as a permanent record of faves (YouTube and Blogger willing, that is…ha!) If you wish to stay and enjoy, that’s icing on the CAKE!

Motown Monday on Radio Infomaniac

Radio Infomaniac is on the air!

As mentioned in yesterday’s post, from time to time, Mistress MJ will be spinning her favourite tunes from her own personal jukebox.

Bob Dylan declared Smokey Robinson "America's greatest living poet."

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940)

Here with Mistress MJ’s favourite Motown tune is Smokey Robinson and the Miracles performing their 1965 hit, "Ooo Baby Baby."

Radio Infomaniac

Starting tomorrow, Monday, March 7th, Radio Infomaniac begins broadcasting.

From time to time, Mistress MJ will be spinning her favourite tunes from her own personal jukebox.

I’ll play the tunes that shake me, make me, break me or take me.

We know that you may not have two minutes and 42 seconds to spend on a video clip, so feel free to move along during these broadcasts.

Furthermore, Mistress MJ’s musical tastes range from Stravinsky to The Supremes; so Radio Infomaniac may not be your cup of tea.

These posts are primarily for the entertainment of Mistress MJ and serve as a permanent record of faves (YouTube and Blogger willing, that is…ha!)

But if you wish to stay and enjoy, that’s icing on the CAKE!