Can I get an AMEN?

Posted over 4 years ago

Artist:
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The Staple Singers

I have just recently been turned onto the Staple Singers. You most likely are familiar with the song "Respect Yourself". While that is a great song from a great erea that is the Staple Singers. It is the Staple Singers earlier guitar and gospel sound that really is the honest beauty that connects to my soul. I have always loved gospel music but the pure gospel singing with Pops Staples blues licks are pretty much perfect in my book. I listened to "Uncloudy Day" on the way into work today. Something about this wonderful gospel music and the sun coming up as I drove east really touched me this morning. It was one of those times where the moment met the music and it was a perfect sync. The other perfect thing this morning was that the length of the cd was perfect for my morning commute. I started the disc as I pulled out of my driveway and it ended as I got to hell...um, er... I mean work. :)

Please check out Stephen from Young Galaxy's post on them. This was my first exposure to the Staple Singers. The song he posted is wonderful as well. http://mog.com/Young_Galaxy/blog_post/69774

Comments (15)

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Rawkkiddoh says

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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brainofj says AMEN brudda!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he's got the holy spirit!

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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soulrocket says there must be something of a religious fanatic in me (i am spaniard after all) but i always see myself waving arms & praising the lord on these gospel posts hallelujah, praise the Lord!.

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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Marigold says Rawk and Brainofj, Thanks for checking in and singing some praises. Soulrocket, I hear you. For me I am sure it was my church upbringing that helps connect for me. However, you do not need any churching to find the beauty in these songs. Wonderful music for sure.

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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Cody B says The early Staples material is awesome..I think you hit it on the head, Marigold, when you said gospel/guitar sound. Pop's guitar is so cool on those tracks. The secular material also has some incredible moments with the focus shifting to Mavis' voice, which is also a beautiful thing..Her solo material, away from the family, also is worth a look. Glad you found the Staples..Nice one

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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Marigold says Cody B, thanks for stopping by. I am still taking it all in as far as the Staples go. I have a newer "best of" disc and this "un-cloudy day" disc. Any specific reccomendations?

Permalink posted 07/03/2007
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Jonh Ingham says Cody turned me on to the very early Staples and as he said, you hit the description of them right on the head. Pops guitar is a sound of wonder. For me, the expression of their belief and joy sounds more personal and direct than most gospel music. I even find myself murmuring 'amen'.

Permalink posted 07/04/2007
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Marigold says John Ingham, As a person who grew up in church and has had a lot of exposure to gospel music in many forms. I have to aggree that their expression of their beliefs and joy does seem very passionate and sincere. I feel it even transcends the term gospel.

Permalink posted 07/04/2007
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Jonh Ingham says Yeah, my dad was a minister, but my exposure was Anglican hymns and as I think about it now in relation to gospel, the English were never going to express their joy and belief through music. Which maybe says a lot about the Victorians when you consider what amazing works of passion Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and those other dead guys (to use Nigel Kennedy's term) created. But 'transcends the term gospel'...that is exactly how I feel about the Staples.

Permalink posted 07/04/2007
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goodmusiconly says I was not raised in a religious household but I second that the music can be appreciated regardless. This is my first time hearing the Staple Singers - good stuff! If you're not familiar already, you should give the Blind Boys of Alabama a listen - another case of gospel music that is toe tappin' goodness even for the non-religious soul. ~MeEzAXDSyHa.mp3~

Permalink posted 07/05/2007
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Jonh Ingham says Well ain't that somethin'. The Stones do a version of this on 'Exiles', almost note for note bar the soulful singing. :-D I never knew it was a cover version, let alone something as stirring as this. The Blind Boys have just been here in England. Now I'm really regretting I didn't see them.

Permalink posted 07/05/2007
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goodmusiconly says Actually, you _are_ in the know because the Blind Boys covered the Stones! They also cover Tom Waits' "Way Down in the Hole" and Ben Harper's "Give a Man a Home" on Spirit of the Century. Great album, highly recommended!

Permalink posted 07/05/2007
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Jonh Ingham says [Blush!] Thinks: I'll blame my laziness, not my stupidity. I will definately be looking for this album.

Permalink posted 07/05/2007
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Girlcrawl says Amen even though I was unable to play video clips - have heard early Staple Singers material, and it is wonderful. Agree with Cody B that Mavis' solo work is worth exploring. Really great post Marigold (you are becoming quite the eclectic reviewer), but Rawk's Graham picture 'scared the devil' out me...almost. Cheers!

Permalink posted 07/06/2007
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Marigold says Girlcrawl, Whew! I am glad rawk posted the Graham picture then, or am I? If the devil is out of you now, does that mean you have lost your music hussyness? If so, that would stink. I love that your posts are all over the musical map. :P Goodmusiconly, Glad you liked the Staples Singers older stuff. IF you get around to checking out their newer stuff you will be surprised at how much stuff you are familiar with and may not have ever know was the Staple Singers. Thanks for posting that song by The Blind Boys of Alabama. I have heard of them, but was not aware of their music. Thanks...I will be checking into them more in the near future.

Permalink posted 07/07/2007