Yep. Everyone's heard of the Spinners -- a fabulous sound out of the laboratories of Gamble and Huff. A middle to late 1970's Motown meets soul meets a bit of tasty disco, these guys had the best composing, arranging and production of any of their contemporaries. They got me hooked with "It's A Shame" and "I'll Be Around," a song with only two chords but with dynamics and crescendos to keep your attention. Like the Stylistics, Donna Summer, Al Green, The Intruders ("I'll Always Love My Mama") and so many other funksters who infiltrated the disco world and kept it soulful and real for a good while, they were just amazing. They even had beautiful choreography. They were the ultimate class (and classic) act.
They sang of ghetto life, of the love of a good mother (they sang "Sadie" at the Westbury Theater In The Round, and you couldn't find a dry eye anywhere). The lyrics were soulful, but clear and sincere. They took you to church. They were so holy with harmony that they could bring you to your knees.
The two great songs which follow, are the most beautiful and delicate by far. The first speaks about the fear of letting the one you love go free. The second has a story to it -- listen very closely, and the tears will rain down. It's not about a man and his woman. It's about a father who loses his precious daughter. It is an incredibly sad song, with an electric sitar instrumental that is so simple, yet so emotionally profound that you won't be able to hear anything else in your world. Uncle DAZZ knows some mighty, mighty secrets.
I DON'T WANNA LOSE YOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDoTYZdr2NA
HOW COULD I LET YOU GET AWAY?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I8cWRXe51k
Your Uncle DAZZ loves you. He knows what it's like to have to be two people -- the sensitive one, and the tough, defensive one. I feel for you. You know I do. It's okay to yell, or to cry. Anything's better than no sound at all. It's only silent like that when you've lost everything.
I feel for my friend, Douglas E., who gave it all up because he didn't trust his own feelings.
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