Soul Fixin'

and then there was soul.
While cruising the net I ran into the video below. The video, titled 'A Brief History of Soul Music,' takes a visually compelling look at a handful of men that have provided their artistry to the genre of soul music.Take a quick thirty three seconds out of your busy Wednesday and press play.

Soul Tracks

1973's The Payback stands as one of James Brown's greatest albums. It was also quite ambitious, James Brown & crew made an 8 track album that extends to nearly 73 minutes, unearthing new possibilities within the James Brown sound. Included on the '73 release is one of my favorite Brown tracks, 'Doing The Best I Can.' The aforementioned track & 'Forever Suffering' included far less of James' trademark funk and a lot more soul, straight-up gut-bucket soul. 'Doing The Best I Can' is so revealing that it comes across as autobiographical. James begs, pleads, and attempts to make amends, "just a man doing the best he can." It's hard not to sympathize with Mr. Brown and it's nearly impossible not to think back on failed relationships. Pure brilliance.

Soul Tracks

The Godfather of Soul will always be remembered for upbeat and funky tracks such as 'I Got You (I Feel Good),' 'The Big Payback,' and 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag.' There was another side to James Brown and it was evident in the ballads he sang. He was emotional, vulnerable and painfully honest. 1973's 'Mama's Dead' is a clear example of James' other side.

Video Soul

"take your fine self home
it looks much better than time
my fever keeps growin'
girl you're blowin' my mind..."