The 500 - #178 - The Anthology (1961 - 1977) - Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone Magazine's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

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Album: #178
Album Title: The Anthology (1961 - 1977)
Artist: Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions

Genre: Soul, Funk

Recorded: 1967 - 1977

Released: December, 1992

My age at release: 27
How familiar was I with it before this week: A few songs

Is it on the 2020 list? No, but two other Mayfield albums are on that list.
Song I am putting on my Spotify Playlist: People Get Ready

Ranked at #24 on Rolling Stone's list of The Greatest Songs of All Time, People Get Ready is, at first blush, a simple and beautiful gospel song rich with harmonies. However, the 1965 single from The Impressions, the vocal doo-wop and Chicago soul quintet, had a massive impact on the Civil Rights Movement that decade. In fact, political activist Gordon Sellers told Rolling Stone Magazine: "It was warrior music. It was the music you listened to before going into battle."

Album cover for People Get Ready by The Impressions (196).

My first recollection of the song was in the early ‘80s. At the time, I was going through an obsessive phase, listening to and collecting records from the band Genesis as well as from the members’ solo projects. The group's drummer and vocalist, Phil Collins, released a concert film on video cassette in June, 1983, that was recorded in Pasadena, California, entitled Live At Perkins Palace. The video cassette took up residency in our family Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) for much of the next year. In fact, it was one of the videos I chose to watch on the evening prior to my 20th birthday. Melancholy and pensive, I sat up well past midnight to bid farewell to my teens.

Video Cassette cover for  Live At Perkins Palace.

The final song on that Collins tour was his rendition of People Get Ready, performed along with his nine-piece band. Most performers like to end their concerts with a bang, typically playing one of their biggest hits or an up-tempo number that will keep people bopping as they leave. Collins opted to end the show with this slow, quiet, soulful gospel selection -- which, he has said, was one of his favourites as a teen.

Collns, left, on stage with his band in 1982.

It is a powerful piece, despite its simplicity and melodic beauty. Comprising four verses and no chorus, it is an allegory that leverages the metaphor of a train travelling the world to find people of faith and provide them passage to heaven.

"People get ready, there's a train a-comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord."

More agnostic than religious, there is a lot to appreciate about the Christian faith my mother enjoys. Over the Christmas holidays, we attended a service at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral in London, Ontario together. It was easy to respect the community she shares with her congregation and the choir is exceptional. The Gothic Revival architecture of the 150-year old building is stunning and I love to belt out a song, especially those familiar Christmas bangers. Plus, there is usually coffee, cookies and kind conversation at the end.

The chancel, at the front of St. Paul's Cathedral (London, Ontario).

People Get Ready was written by Curtis Mayfield, often dubbed the Gentle Genius, who was the lead tenor and guitarist for The Impressions from 1958 until departing for a solo career in 1970. Shortly after the song's release, it was included in hymn books in Chicago. Ironically, church renditions made the lyrics seem less Christian and more socially conscious, changing Mayfield's "You don't need no ticket/You just thank the Lord" to "Everybody wants freedom/This I know."

Single for People Get Ready, The Impressions

A few years after hearing Phil Collins’ rendition, another version hit the airwaves. In 1985, guitarist Jeff Beck released his rendition with Rod Stewart taking vocals on his fifth studio record Flash. Their version hit the Top 40 on the U.S. Billboard chart and got plenty of play on local radio. Beck's soulful guitar work and Stewart's raspy vocals cemented my love for the song, even though I still hadn't heard the original.

Album cover for Flash, Jeff Beck

After leaving The Impressions in 1970, Mayfield went on to a fascinating and successful solo career. His sound moved from soul toward funk, but his passion for social justice and positive change for the black community shone throughout. Prior to hearing this anthology in preparation for this post, I was only familiar with two tracks, Superfly and Pusherman, both from the 1972 blaxploitation film Superfly.

Album cover for the soundtrack to Superfly.

Both songs and, to some extent the film, addressed the prevalence and pitfalls of drugs, violence and poverty in African American urban communities. Mayfield brilliantly walked a fine social line with his lyrics. He captured the essence of life in these impoverished neighbourhoods, while criticizing the tendency for people (especially black youths) to glamourize the lifestyles of drug dealers and pimps. Truly a Gentle Genius.

On August 13, 1990, tragedy struck when Mayfield was hit by a falling metal truss that was holding up stage lighting equipment at a concert in Flatbush, New York. He was paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his paralysis, Mayfield continued to compose and sing for another nine years, before succumbing to complications from diabetes. He was 57. I like to think his faith helped him "board that train".

 

The 500 - #245 - All Killer, No Filler, The Anthology - Jerry Lee Lewis

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone Magazine's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

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Album: #245
Album Title: All Killer, No Filler, The Anthology
Artist: Jerry Lee Lewis
Genre: Rock, Country, Rockabilly
Recorded: Multiple studios from 1958 - 1990
Released: May, 1993
My age at release: 27
How familiar was I with it before this week: A little

Is it on the 2020 list? Yes, at #325, dropping 80 spots since 2012
Song I am putting on my Spotify Playlist: Great Balls Of Fire

I have an idea for a podcast whose title would share the name of this record – All Killer, No Filler. Each week, I would invite a guest to discuss their favourite record on which every track is, in their opinion, top calibre without any inferior songs.

My plan was to take a three-day course this past summer tentatively offered by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in London, Ontario. The presenters, Chey Cheney and Pawan Wander (who go by Chey and Pav), are middle school teachers from Toronto who have been the hosts of an education podcast for several years. Initially called The Staffroom Podcast, it was recently rebranded as The Chey and Pav Show. Their latest episode, #129, is here.

Teachers & Podcasters Chey Cheney (l) and Pawan (Pav) Wander.

Their early-July session promised participants the opportunity to learn about podcasting, the equipment required and how to integrate it into a middle school classroom. In anticipation of the workshop, I approached my principal about acquiring the necessary digital tools and equipment. Alas, my good intentions were scuttled when, despite my best efforts to promote it to London-based educators, lack of interest resulted in the event being cancelled. (I could understand why - the session was the first week of July, scant days after the previous school year ended and teachers needed some time to recharge).

Promotional photo for last summer's ETFO 3-Day workshops.

Regardless, I am steadfast in my plan to obtain some podcasting equipment and initiate a new opportunity to students at our school. Eventually, perhaps in retirement, I will launch my All Killer, No Filler podcast and start recruiting friends as guests to discuss their favourite perfect records.

Speaking of All Killer, this week's record was actually released in non-digital format as a boxset anthology spanning rockabilly pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis' (nicknamed The Killer) expansive career. It features 42 tracks, with 27 of them hit songs that include his manic Great Balls Of Fire, plus Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Breathless.

Prior to my research this week, everything I knew about Jerry Lee I learned watching the 1989 biopic, Great Balls Of Fire, starring Dennis Quaid.

The film documents Lee's meteoric rise to superstardom and his equally rapid decline when the media learned that, at 22, he had married his 13-year-old cousin -- the daughter of his bass player, no less. It was his third marriage of an eventual seven...and his child bride, Myra Gale Lewis (nee Brown) later penned a book on which the film was based.

It is impractical, in a format like this, to do justice to the importance of Lewis as an architect of Rock and Roll and his wild, fascinating life. Last year, director Ethan Coen (Fargo, Miller's Crossing) released a documentary called Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble In Mind, which I have yet to see, but I am sure will more vividly highlight the singer/pianist's tumultuous existence.

Seemingly indestructible, (unlike his torched pianos -- although that may be a bit of fiction), Lewis survived alcoholism, multiple bouts of cancer and a stroke before passing away in October, 2022. He was the last surviving member of the inaugural class entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which included Elvis Presley, James Brown, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Despite his many flaws, his impact on the genre is undeniable.

My favourite bit of trivia, however, is that professional wrestler Ric Flair developed his famous catchphrase, “Woooo”! in 1974 after he heard Lewis roar, “Goodness gracious, great balls of fire… Woo!”

The 500 - #400 - Anthology - The Temptations

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

(On September 14, 2020, Rolling Stone released an updated version of The 500 List. I am sticking with the 2012 edition. When I get through it, I may circle back and discuss the new additions.)

Album # 400

Album Title: Anthology
Artist: The Temptations
Genre: R&B, Soul, Disco, Funk, Psychedelic Soul
Recorded: Motown Records
Released: Three Releases (1973, 1986, 1995) 
My age at release: 8
How familiar was I with it before this week: Somewhat
Song I am putting on my Spotify Mix: Papa Was A Rolling Stone

Usually, I am not a fan of "Greatest Hits" or "Compilation Anthologies" being put on The 500 list. I suppose it is because I see a conventional record as a piece of art, crafted by creators who have invested time and passion into everything from the order of the songs to the art on the front and back covers. Compilations often feel as if they have been assembled by the record company with the purpose of cashing-in on previously released material.

The original Temptations line-up (1965)

However, when it comes to The Temptations, an Anthology on this list makes perfect sense. It is an ideal way to encapsulate a 60-year career of a group that is the most successful R&B act of all time.

• 15 Number One Singles
• Three Grammy Awards
• Two American Music Awards
• A Soul Train Music Award
• The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• Inducted into 
• The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1989)
• The NAACP Hall of Fame (1982)
• The R&B Hall of Fame (2013)

20 musicians have rotated through the band over the group's history. The Temptations have moved with the times by branching away from their Motown R&B roots to experiment with other musical genres such soul, funk, disco, rock and psychedelic fusion. Despite their longevity, the band continued to perform until the Coronavirus pandemic shuttered live venues. Otis "Big Daddy" Williams, the group's baritone, is the only surviving original member. He was also the guest on last week's episode of The 500 Podcast with Josh Adam Meyers. 

The story shared on the podcast that struck was the tragic tale of Motown Record Label's staff writer, Roger Penzabene. Penzabene wrote three hits for The Temptations, including I Wish It Would Rain and I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You). The songs, two of the most melancholy in The Temptations' expansive catalogue, were released in 1967. Penzabene crafted both from his own personal heartache. He had recently learned that his wife had been unfaithful and was leaving him. On January 31, 1967, a week after the release of I Wish It Would Rain, Penzabene took his own life. He was only 23.

Roger Penzabene (High School)

I've included that story because it is an opportunity to remind the reader that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. (The Crisis Services Canada helpline is always available at 1-833-456-4566 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255).

One can only despair at the talent that was lost to the world considering, at 23, he had already penned five hit songs for Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.

Although the Penzabene songs are beautiful, I selected Papa Was A Rolling Stone on my The 500 Spotify Playlist. In part, it was because I would always be reminded of the tragic death of a remarkably talented young man if I picked Penzabene's songs. Additionally, the "psychedelic period" for The Temptations is my fascinating and "Papa" is without question, my favourite Temptations' song.