Protect your neck! 4 volumes of Wu-Tang Soul.

Like most smart-minded people with good taste in music, I have enjoyed The Wu-Tang Clan since the beginning and have continued to listen to their many solo and side projects. Personally, I love Ghostface, but I think it's all good. The Rza created a sound all his own, and Wu-Tang blended hip hop with martial arts with awesome results.

Heck, I even remember the Wu-Tang Collection of VHS tapes that were hard-to-find Kung-Fu movies that were introduced by The Wu-Tang Clan, and might have had a music video as well.

But that's not why we're here today. Today we're talking about soul, and Wu-Tang is full of soul. I found this 4 disc collection called Shaolin Soul that features many of the songs sampled in Wu-Tang related songs. Lots of classics by Syl Johnson, Al Green, The Dramatics and more. These are awesome soul CD's and totally necessary for anyone who likes soul or Wu-Tang!

 

 

Go, download and enjoy.

-JZ

Koko Taylor has a whole lotta soul!

If you aren't familiar with Koko Taylor, then you are in for a treat. Taylor is best known for being a fiesty blues vocalist with a certain gravely raw power to her voice, and is also frequently referred to as "The Queen of the Blues."

 

Most people have heard Koko's biggest hit, "Wang Dang Doodle," a song orignally performed by Howlin' Wolf. However, many folks should also be familiar with one of her lesser-known hits, Insane Asylum, which was later made popular by The Detroit Cobras.

This stirring blues tune was the B side to the more upbeat "Fire," and was a duet with Willie Dixon. Dixon was already a popular blues vocalist, musician and song writer by this time, and he is credited with both discovering Taylor and writing many of her songs.

Koko's first Chess album was the self-titled Koko Taylor from 1969. It's a beautiful mix of rhythm, blues, soul and rock. Taylor's vocals can only be described as powerful and this power translates lyrically as well with such songs as "Whatever I Am, You Made Me" and "Love You Like A Woman." This was my first introduction to Koko, and I think it's a solid album through and through. Dark, soulful, rough, raw, hopeful and bluesy, this album is awesome.

Whether this is the first time you've heard of Koko Taylor, or maybe just a friendly reminder of her awesomeness, take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with some great blues and soul from "The Queen of the Blues!"

-JZ