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Epitome of Sound: Soul Salvation


By Alex Rodriguez, aka DJ Moustache, Bakotopia.com contributor

In celebration of Black History Month, here are a few incredible albums by some legendary African-American artists. As an avid soul collector with a special appreciation for the ’70s, these are some of my favorites that haven’t slipped into obscurity and are easily obtainable.


Marvin Gaye
“What’s Going On?”
Tamla, 1971

Easily one of the most influential albums of all time, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” still holds up musically and socially, almost 40 years after its original release. The tone is set with dark imagery, scenes of social unrest, racism, war, troubled youth, drug use, and a call for peace among all. The content may be ominous, but Marvin’s calm voice lifts his listeners out of the storm of troubles to make them stop, think, and look for change. Musically, this album is mixed with jazzy, funky undertones and soul, which still stands as an influence for many artists.


Curtis Mayfield
“Curtis”
Curtom, 1970

As far as the ’70s soul spectrum goes, I personally feel all of the artists owe a great deal to Curtis Mayfield’s first solo album, “Curtis.” Mayfield took the genre to a new level with bigger production and a richer, more conscious musical path few soul artists of the day had attempted to walk before.

“Curtis” was built on a theme of the social concerns of the time.

Produced and written by Mayfield himself, he developed a sound that was all his own. I especially like the use of harps in many of his songs, such as the inspiring “Wild and Free.” Who could forget the anthem “Move on Up?” A sort of call to arms for youth to keep going, because as Mayfield stated in the lyrics, “Move on up towards your destination, though you may find from time-to-time complication ...”

Not quite as wrought with pain as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” but just as moving.


Tommie Young
“Do You Still Feel the Same Way?”
Soul Power, 1973

As someone who collects soul records, I think Bakotopia readers might appreciate a more unknown, but accessible piece of soul. Tommie Young’s “Do You Still Feel the Same Way?” is a great crossover soul record and one of my favorites. Like many soul artists, Ms. Young came from a gospel background and made the album against the wishes of her overly religious parents. With a voice comparable to Aretha Franklin, she belts out classics like “Hit and Run Lover” and “You Can Only Do Wrong for So Long.” It’s a really fantastic record and a shame more people haven’t heard it. Even at the time it slipped through the charts, but hopefully this gem will not be lost and without listeners. The album is available on vinyl reissue or CD packed with non-album singles and outtakes! Pick it up!

* Catch DJ Moustache at Beat Surrender DJ Night every second Friday of the month at Sandrini’s downtown!

Originally printed in Bakotopia Magazine, issue 22, 2-21-08