Showing posts with label Stevie Wonder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stevie Wonder. Show all posts

Saturday 16 September 2023

I ain't gonna stand for it - Stevie Wonder

Through the years I've bought some Stevie Wonder singles, sometimes even without knowing the song. You can't really go wrong with acts like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Bee Gees; they always deliver.

This single was completely unknown to me, Still, 'I ain't gonna stand for it' reached number 31 in the Dutch Top 40 in early 1981. It was even more successful in the UK, where it reached number 10 in the singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 7023
Found: Record fair, Den Haag, 10 September 2023
Tracks: 'I ain't gonna stand for it' / 'Knocks me off my feet'

Friday 29 May 2020

He's misstra know it all - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has a lot of big hits on his name, but sometimes even Stevie Wonder released unsuccessful singles. 'He's misstra know it all' was one of them. It was taken from his album 'Innervisions' as the fifth single, but only managed to chart in New Zealand and the UK, peaking at number 18 and number 10 respectively.

While scouring through a list of singles sold by an online dealer I came across this title and heard the song for the very first time. It was immediately catchy to my ears, which made me wonder why the single wasn't more successful in other territories. But it's nice to discover something new sometimes - even if it's almost 50 years old.

My collection: 7" single no. 6291
Found: Discogs.com, received May 29, 2020
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'He's misstra know it all' / 'You can't judge a book by its cover'

Thursday 28 April 2016

Superstition - Stevie Wonder

Some songs are classics that everyone should own. This blog is littered with them, of course, but there are some tracks that defy criticism. Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' is one such tracks.

Released on October 24, 1972, it was the lead single for Wonder's 'Talking book' album and topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the USA, peaking at number 10 and 11 in the Netherlands and the UK respectively. I've owned this song on CD for years already, but it's nice to finally add a 7" single to my collection.

My collection: 7" single no. 5837
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 17, 2016
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Superstition' / 'You've got it bad girl'

Listen to the song



Monday 30 January 2012

Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

'Sir Duke' was written and recorded by Stevie Wonder in tribute to Duke Ellington, the influential jazz legend who had died in 1974. The lyrics also refer to Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Wonder had already experienced the passing of two of his idols (Dinah Washington and Wes Montgomery) after attempting to collaborate with them. After Ellington died in 1974, Wonder wanted to write a song acknowledging musicians he felt were important. He later said, 'I knew the title from the beginning but wanted it to be about the musicians who did something for us. So soon they are forgotten. I wanted to show my appreciation.'

Released as a single from Stevie Wonder's 1976 album 'Songs in the key of life' in 1977, it reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5281
Found: Velvet Vinyl Outlet, Leiden, January 27, 2012
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Sir Duke' / 'He's misstra know it all'

Monday 21 November 2011

Ribbon in the sky - Stevie Wonder

Shortly after Stevie Wonder had a big hit with the slightly dodgy 'Ebony and ivory' together with Paul McCartney, he released 'Ribbon in the sky' as a new single from his greatest hits compilation 'Original Musiquarium'. It is a beautiful ballad that shows off his craftsmanship better than most of his singles at the time.

Astonishingly, the single wasn't a big hit although it did reach number 9 in the American R&B charts. The song was later covered by Intro, Ivete Sangelo and Boys II Men.

My collection: 7" single no. 5234
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, November 19, 2011
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Ribbon in the sky' / 'The secret life of plants'

Sunday 19 June 2011

Get it - Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson

'Get it' is one of Michael Jackson's lesser known duets. The track was taken from Stevie Wonder's album 'Characters' and released as its second single. Jackson worked with Wonder eight years earlier for the song 'I can't help it' for his album 'Off the wall', which was written by Wonder and former Supremes member Susaye Greene, while Wonder worked with Jackson on his top-selling 'Bad' album for the song 'Just good friends'.

The song features Wonder and Jackson talking about how to treat a lady, alongside what does a woman wants, needs, and respect from her lover. The single reached number 80 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 5161
Found: Chelsea Records, Antwerpen, June 9, 2011
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Get it' / 'Get it (instrumental)'

Friday 12 February 2010

State of independence - Donna Summer

Donna Summer has been around for such a long time, that many of her singles are still wellknown. From her output in the Eighties, 'State of independence' is quite probably her best known song. The track was originally written and recorded by Jon Anderson & Vangelis on their 1981 album 'The friends of Mr. Cairo'.

Donna Summer recorded her version a year later on her 1982 self-titled album, with Quincy Jones producing. Her version of the song features an all-star choir including among others Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. Upon its original release, it became a number 1 hit in the Dutch Top 40, peaking at number 14 in the UK singles chart and number 41 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Remixes were released in 1990 and 1996.

My collection: 7" single no. 293
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'State of independence' / 'Love is just a breath away'

Saturday 9 January 2010

I wish - Stevie Wonder

Some singles are just classic tracks and it can be quite surprising to come across them in the bargain bin. But that's just what happened with 'I wish' by Stevie Wonder, one of the most recognisable tunes from 1977.

The track was written by Wonder himself. The lyric is about looking back on his childhood. Taken from his classic album 'Songs in the key of life', it reached number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4419
Found: Kringloop, Den Haag, January 9, 2010
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'I wish' / 'You and I'

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder

One chorus and one verse, that's about it. Plus some amazing music, it has to be said. 'Ebony and Ivory' is a somewhat meagre Paul McCartney composition, but adding Stevie Wonder into the track was a stroke of genius. You would almost forget that the lyric is full of platitudes and the ultimate piece of cornyness. The song was performed live in the studio by both McCartney and Wonder, although due to conflicting work schedules, both recorded their parts for the song's music video separately.

The track was featured on McCartney's 1982 album 'Tug of war', and when released as a single it shot to number 1 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK singles chart, and number 3 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 4020
Found: Vinylfabriek, Haaksbergen, September 14, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Ebony and ivory' / 'Rainclouds'

Saturday 12 September 2009

Part-time lover - Stevie Wonder

'Part-time lover' was released as a single in 1985 and was taken from Stevie Wonder's album 'In square circle'. The song reached number 1 in America, number 3 in the UK and number 11 in the Netherlands. The song featured R&B singer Luther Vandross humming at the end of Stevie's verses.

Sounds familiar? Well that's because I wrote about the 12" single of 'Part-time lover' on this blog a few months ago...

My collection: 7" single no. 2261
Found: April 8, 1995
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Part-time lover' / 'Part-time lover (instrumental)'

Monday 7 September 2009

Don't drive drunk - Stevie Wonder

'Don't drive drunk' contains all the hallmarks of dodgy Eighties production. Repetitive samples, funny sounds and, frankly, a rather sub-par sound overall. And still it's a catchy song, the kind that Stevie Wonder has a knack of.

The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'The woman in red' and released as a single in December 1984. It reached number 62 in the UK singles chart and number 30 in the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 3349
Found: Record fair, 2002
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Don't drive drunk' / 'Don't drive drunk (instrumental)'

Monday 31 August 2009

Happy Birthday - Stevie Wonder

Today I'm celebrating my birthday. So I thought I'd better pick one song that would be sort of appropriate. The title certainly is. 'Happy Birthday' was released by Stevie Wonder in 1981 as part of his campaign to have the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. become a national holiday in the USA. The single bizzarrely didn't reach the US Billboard Hot 100, but reached number 2 in the UK singles chart and number 10 in the Dutch Top 40.

Wonder used the song to popularize the campaign, and continued his fight for the holiday. President Ronald Reagan approved the creation of the holiday, signing it into existence on November 2, 1983. The first official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was held on January 20, 1986, and was commemorated with a large-scale concert, where Stevie Wonder was the headlining performer.

My collection: 7" single no. 2818
Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, February 1, 1997
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'Happy Birthday' / 'Happy Birthday (instrumental)'

Monday 10 August 2009

Lately - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder has this uncanny knack of creating timeless melodies. 'Lately' is a title that may not seem familiar to you but I bet when you hear the track, you will think 'O right! I remember that!'. The single was taken from Wonder's 1980 album 'Hotter than July', and reached number 3 in the UK singles chart.

The track was later covered by acts like S Club 7 and Jodeci. Not that those versions could compete with the original, of course...

My collection: 7" single no. 3957
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 10p
Tracks: 'Lately' / 'If it's magic'

Friday 7 August 2009

There must be an angel (playing with my heart) - Eurythmics

The Eurythmics released 'There must be an angel (playing with my heart)' as the second single from their 1985 album 'Be yourself tonight'. The song features a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. It reached number 1 in the UK singles chart (the band's only number one hit in the UK to date) and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40.

The song's music video was one in a long line of innovative clips from the Eurythmics. In the clip, Stewart portrays Louis XIV of France in the Court of the Sun King, while Lennox appears as a singer brought forth to perform and entertain the King. Bored at first, Stewart eventually becomes enthralled with Lennox's performance as the song reaches its conclusion. The video clip was rotated endlessly on television at the time, causing me getting totally bored with the song. Fortunately that effect has worn off now.

My collection: 7" single no. 3941
Found: Record Exchange, London, August 5, 2009
Cost: 30p
Tracks: 'There must be an angel (playing with my heart)' / 'Grown up girls'

Sunday 2 August 2009

That girl - Stevie Wonder

I depend on my photographic memory when it comes to buying records for my collection. This doesn't always work, as is demonstrated with this single. I bought the German pressing of 'That girl' (pictured above) back in 1989. A decade later, I found the UK version of that same title (pictured below), but because the sleeve was so different, I didn't recognise it and bought it again (I didn't register where and when, so that data is missing below). The French version has a different sleeve, so I'll have to watch out that I won't buy that one too in the future.

The 1982 release 'That girl' was the lead single from Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits compilation, 'Original Musiquarium' as one of four new songs from the collection. The single reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 39 on the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 797
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, April 15, 1989
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'That girl' / 'All I do'

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Master Blaster (Jammin') - Stevie Wonder

'Master Blaster (Jammin')' was released by Stevie Wonder in 1980, taken from his album 'Hotter than July'. The song, built on a heavy reggae rhythm, was an ode to reggae legend Bob Marley. Wonder had been performing with Marley a few times in concerts (and actually billed him as an opening act) on his US tour in the fall of the year.

'Master Blaster' became a major hit, reaching number 2 on the UK singles chart and the Dutch Top 40.

My collection: 7" single no. 1065
Found: London, October 18, 1989
Cost: 1 pound
Tracks: 'Master Blaster (Jammin')' / 'Master Blaster (dub)'

Friday 13 March 2009

We are the world - USA for Africa

After Band Aid had sold millions of copies worldwide with 'Do they know it's Christmas?', it was almost inevitable that American popstars would rise to the challenge and come up with their own charity single. 'We are the world' was the result: a single of an epic 6'22 minutes length which is fine for the first three minutes but then turns into a long, protracted death rattle of a song, with far too many artists claiming a few lines of their own to sing.

The lyric 'There's a choice we're making / we're saving our own lives' was originally written as 'There's a chance we're taking / we're taking our own lives'. It was rewritten when it was feared the original phrasing's first part might look like the artists are patting themselves on the back while the last part might suggest collective suicide.

The single became a worldwide number 1 hit, raising more money for emergency needs in Africa, where several countries were suffering from an unprecedented famine. Not much has changed in over thirty years though: Africa is still in need.

My collection: 7" single no. 3541
Found: La La Land, Den Haag, January 9, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'We are the world' (USA for Africa) / 'Grace' (Quincy Jones)

Wednesday 7 January 2009

Part-time lover - Stevie Wonder

'Part-time lover' was released as a single in 1985 and was taken from Stevie Wonder's album 'In square circle'. The song reached number one in America, number three in the UK and number 11 in the Netherlands. The song featured R&B singer Luther Vandross humming at the end of Stevie's verses.

I bought the 12" single mostly out of curiosity how the eight minute extended version would sound. The single was infectious enough, but the 12" single is a decent effort.

My collection: 12" single no. 482
Found: Record fair, Utrecht, 2002
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Part-time lover [extended]' / 'Part-time lover (instrumental)'
Download: here (password: Flash in Flash)
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