\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: on this date in 1973, soul and R&B icon Marvin Gaye released his 13th album, the steamy and sexually charged masterpiece, Let’s Get It On. Gaye had gained creative license of his work for Motown Records when his topical and socially relevant 1971 classic What’s Going On album was received so well and sold in such great numbers, an unexpected result in the eyes of the record label. Therefore, Gaye decided to take more chances and push the envelope at every possible opportunity and this, his first foray into romantic and sensual songs and interludes, was no exception.
Often cited as being the very first record to inspire several sub-genres of R&B music like quiet storm and smooth soul, the record is loaded with exquisite multi-tracking techniques that layered Marvin’s unmistakable, rich, longing voice and warm, deep production qualities that would be imitated by other artists for years to come. Featuring the overtly sensual title track, the album also featured the singles “Come Get To This” and “You Sure Love To Ball” but the real gem on this record is “Distant Lover,” a song that harkens back to the sounds of the long forgotten genre of doo-wop while still retaining Marvin’s unique modern, passionate spin on it. That song would be a showstopper each and every time Gaye would perform it live for years to come.
Undoubtedly one of Marvin Gaye’s very best and most memorable albums, the record topped Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and just missed the top spot on the Pop Albums chart by making it as high as no. 2. Often cited as one of the most important and vital releases from the Motown catalog, this is one of Marvin Gaye’s many essential, must-own albums.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: on this date in 1978, Ohio-based art rock band Devo released its major label debut album, the landmark Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!. The record served as a beacon for record buyers who had grown tired of and felt no connection with mainstream arena rock and the ordinary sounds that were populating radio station playlists at the time. The start of a new movement, a new way of creating and listening to music had begun and this unlikely quintet that hailed from the Ohio cities of Kent and Akron were the leaders at the forefront of this exciting time. This daring record and the men who created it laughed in the face of convention and in the true sense of punk rock defiance, they did things according to their own concocted plan and scored one of the most important and essential records of the punk rock/ new wave era. Brian Eno, David Bowie and Iggy Pop were handed a demo tape of the band’s music the year prior to this records released and were instantly drawn to it. Bowie went as far as calling them “The band of the future” and ultimately, it was long time musical innovator Brian Eno who got to handle the production duties for the album.
READ MORE
Today in rock history; Devo, The Who and The Beach Boys all release landmark LPs
Critical response to the album was mixed; for every rock journalist who praised the band and its offbeat approach, several others weren’t as kind and lambasted the band and its concepts. The record scraped the lower reaches of Billboard’s Top 100 album charts but scored much better in the U.K. where it reached no. 12 on British sales charts. Regardless, the impact and the relevance this album still carries defies sales charts and the opinions of the press. Its mere presence and its timing were incredibly important to a sect of record buyers who were seeking something other than what was being spoon-fed to them. Featuring the singles and Devo classics “Jocko Homo” and “Come Back Jonee,” the record also features the band’s frantic, unconventional take on the Rolling Stones classic, “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." An incredibly important album that still sounds futuristic and completely original to this date.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: on this date in 1975, Boston, Massachusetts-based hard rock band Aerosmith released one of its most popular and successful singles, “Walk This Way.” The song was lifted from the band’s incredibly successful third studio album, Toys In The Attic, and followed in the footsteps of the record’s leadoff single, “Sweet Emotion." The song title was inspired by a line in the Mel Brooks 1974 comedy Young Frankenstein and wound up being a massive hit for the band twice; upon its original release, it cracked the Top 10 on U.S. singles charts and catapulted the album from which it hails into multi-platinum sales figures. Later, in 1986, at a low point for the band’s popularity, New York City-based hip-hop outfit Run D.M.C. recorded a rap cover of the song and invited Aerosmith members singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry to join them in the recording and in the filming of the song’s accompanying video. That version was a global hit and it’s often cited as the first time rap and rock and roll were successfully paired in music. The success and the attention Tyler and Perry received after the unlikely success of the song helped pave the way for the massive late 1980’s success the veteran would enjoy that consisted of a long string of hit singles and albums.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: on this date in 1964, after playing a show at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in New York City, The Beatles were introduced to and spent some time with singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The band met with Dylan at the Delmonico Hotel within the city and it was then that Dylan introduced the Fab Four to the world of marijuana. The event had a great impact on the band. Paul McCartney has been quoted as saying that he felt that he was “thinking for the first time, really thinking” which allegedly had great influence on the band’s songwriting and approach.
This article appears in Aug 24-31, 2017.