One cannot make a definitive funk playlist utilizing only 30 songs with no artist repeated. Think of this as an introduction to the genre.
Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook
Follow me on Bluesky
Follow me on Instagram
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 10-8-24
“The idea (for ‘Celebration’) originated while I was reading the Quran. I came across a passage describing God creating Adam, and the angels were rejoicing and singing praises. That led me to compose the basic chords and the line, ‘Everyone around the world, come on, let’s celebrate.’”
– Ronald Bell (a/k/a Khalis Bayyan) of Kool & the Gang
Robert “Kool” Bell (a/k/a Muhammad Bayyan), the only surviving original member of Kool & the Gang, was born on this date in 1950. Let’s celebrate!
Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook
Follow Tunes Du Jour on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Tunes Du Jour Presents Talking Heads
In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of popular music, few bands have left an indelible mark quite like Talking Heads. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City, this innovative quartet carved out a unique sonic identity that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be.
Led by the charismatic and visionary David Byrne, Talking Heads burst onto the scene with a raw, eclectic sound that seamlessly blended elements of punk, funk, and global music. Their debut album, Talking Heads: 77, introduced listeners to a refreshingly different approach, with tracks like “Psycho Killer” showcasing their penchant for unconventional rhythms and lyrics.
As their popularity grew, Talking Heads continued to evolve, exploring new sonic territories and challenging traditional songwriting structures. Their collaborations with producer Brian Eno yielded groundbreaking albums like Remain in Light and Fear of Music, which incorporated African rhythms, experimental textures, and avant-garde sensibilities into their sound. The 1983 album Speaking in Tongues further cemented their status as musical innovators, with the hit single “Burning Down the House” becoming an instant classic.
But Talking Heads’ influence extended far beyond their musical output. Their live performances were nothing short of captivating, with Byrne’s iconic jerky dance moves and the band’s infectious energy captivating audiences worldwide. Their music videos, directed by acclaimed filmmakers including Jonathan Demme, Jim Jarmusch, and Wim Wenders, plus Toni Basil and David Byrne himself, were visual masterpieces that redefined the art form. Additionally, the band members’ creative pursuits outside of Talking Heads, such as Tom Tom Club’s funky explorations, showcased their versatility and dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
Moreover, Talking Heads’ impact can be felt across genres and generations. Their unique blend of art-rock, funk, and world music paved the way for countless artists who followed, inspiring a new wave of musical experimentation and genre-blending. From alternative rock to electronic music, the band’s influence can be traced in the works of countless contemporary artists.
In a world where trends come and go, Talking Heads’ enduring legacy remains a testament to their artistic vision and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of popular music. Their melodies and rhythms continue to resonate with listeners, serving as a reminder that true art transcends time and never grows old.
Follow Tunes Du Jour on Facebook
Follow Tunes Du Jour on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Tunes Du Jour Presents 1982
Nineteen eighty-two was a musical kaleidoscope. New wave, punk, rap, and pop collided in glorious ways, creating a year of iconic sounds that still resonate today. Synth-pop rose to prominence, rock anthems solidified their place in our hearts, and the pulsating beats of new wave and post-disco ruled dance floors and radio waves alike.
It was the year that brought us iconic songs and sounds that still resonate today, like Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” a synth-pop masterpiece, and The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me,” a song so ingrained in our collective consciousness it practically begs to be sung along to. Both are emblematic of the New Wave movement that dominated the airwaves.
New Wave wasn’t the only game in town, though. Rock received a shot of adrenaline with Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” a fist-pumping reminder of the genre’s enduring power. Queen and David Bowie delivered the masterpiece “Under Pressure” – a testament to the power of collaboration (and maybe a metaphor for the year itself!). Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” offered a poignant look at the working class experience.
The year also marked a significant moment for hip-hop with Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “The Message,” a track that brought social consciousness to the forefront, laying down the reality of urban life with a beat that demanded attention.
Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman” experimented with spoken word and electronic sounds, a heady trip that felt like a message from the future. Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” introduced audiences to the future of electro-funk. On the other end of the spectrum, “I’ve Never Been to Me” by Charlene… well, let’s just say it was a unique contribution to the musical landscape.
The Jam’s “A Town Called Malice” captured the youthful angst of British punk, while Madness’ “House of Fun” and Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough” offered a quirky new wave charm.
Pop had its share of fun too. Who can forget The J. Geils Band’s “Centerfold?” There was also the infectious “Jack & Diane” by John Cougar, a little ditty about young love in a small town. The Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat” declared female empowerment with a pop-rock punch, while Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town” brought rockabilly back into the mainstream. Even bubblegum pop got a look-in with Bow Wow Wow’s sugary sweet “I Want Candy.”
Nineteen eighty-two was a year where music embraced the weird, the wonderful, and everything in between. So crank up the volume, dig out your leg warmers (optional), and let this playlist take you back to a time when music wasn’t afraid to experiment and have a whole lot of fun.
Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook
Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 6-14-23
Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me“ takes me back to Newbury Comics in Cambridge, Massachusetts in late 1982. There was a TV in the shop that showed music videos. That was my first exposure to this song and to Boy George. I was transfixed, partly because the song is so good, and partly because I couldn’t figure out the singer’s gender. We only knew of two genders back then. Though I had not yet been recruited into the homosexual lifestyle, I became fascinated with Boy George. It helped that his band’s music was so good, for a while anyway. His solo catalogue has some worthwhile numbers as well.
Boy George was born on this date in 1961.
Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook
Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 11-21-22
Today’s playlist celebrates the November 21 birthdays of Carly Rae Jepsen, The Sugarcubes’ Björk, Phoenix’s Thomas Mars, Dr. John, WAR’s Lonnie Jordan, Vivian Blaine, and Amanda Lepore; and the November 22 birthdays of Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club’s Tina Weymouth, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O, Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog, Max Romeo, The Trashmen’s Steve Wahrer, The Youngblood’s Jesse Colin Young, Climax’s Sonny Geraci, Jason & the Scorchers’ Jason Ringenberg, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s Steve Van Zandt, Lynda Lyndell, and composer Hoagy Carmichael.
Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook
Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist (11-22-20)
Inspired by the November 22 birthdays of Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club’s Tina Weymouth, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O, Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog, The Youngbloods’ Jesse Colin Young, The Trashmen’s Steve Wahrer, Max Romeo, Jason & the Scorchers’ Jason Ringenberg and Climax’s Sonny Geraci.
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist (5-5-20)
Inspired by Cinco de Mayo and the May 5 birthdays of Adele, Monty Python’s Michael Palin, Tammy Wynette, Johnnie Taylor, Echo & the Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch, Craig David, Chris Brown and Blind Willie McTell.
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist (2-28-20)
Why is there a comma in the title of “Paint It, Black?” Keith Richards replied “Don’t ask me…that’s Decca’s.” So there we have it.
Today’s playlist is inspired by the February 28 birthdays of The Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones, The B-52’s’ Cindy Wilson (why is there a comma in 52’s?), Zero Mostel, Jake Bugg, Joe South, Donnie Iris, The Records’ John Wicks and Barbara Acklin; and the February 27 birthdays of TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Bobby Valentino.
Click here to like Tunes du Jour on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Follow me on Instagram.