None more funky
Randomly casting round the blogosphere, I came across this in the consistently excellent 'Dust on the Stylus' blog and had to share it with the Massive.
It's Stevie Wonder. Playing Superstition. On Sesame Street.
And it is sheer, unadulterated, genius.
In the words of the blogger:
"It's the song as we know it but with - is it possible? - even more funk. Then it goes into an uber-funky jam for two minutes, then a false ending. Then - you fucking what? - a minute of Stevie singing 'Sesame Street'! Over Superstition! Bear in mind that, ten years into a career of classics, the guy was only 22 or 23 here; he has the kudos, the track record, the long-term immersion in music that make it seem to be something he breathes. Set free from the bonds of this earth, he's adrift in funk heaven. At the same age 'young' pop stars like Noel Gallagher and Morten Harket were still years away from making their first records."
Fantastic.
- More from Paul Waring.
- Login or register to post comments
Wow!
I make no apologies for saying this again : why was there nothing like this available when I was learning to read and count? (The trials of being British and fifty....) And I think it's about time we had this again, too (similarly apology-free):
I quite agree.
One of the best things I've seen on here all year. I must admit I'd never heard of her before. Checked out the 'real' version but found that I much prefer the version with the chickens. Can't wait for Radiohead's appearance.
See if you can find her performance on Later's 200 Show
She was on with Radiohead and Cat Power,Robyn Hitchcock, Mary J Blige and Dionne Warwick one of the best "Laters" that has been shown and still sitting on my Sky +.
Later with Puppets
Best Later of the lot. However a cocktail of Later and Sesame Street would be intoxicating.
Eclectic Mayhem
More classic Sesame Street/Muppet guest appearances here:
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/content/tickle-elmo
Superstitious Superfunky Superfantastic
That was outstanding, thanks for posting it here.
When he trims his beard, Stevie Wonder shaves off more musical talent than it took to fuel the entire "Britpop" shenanigans.
That is one of the best performances I've ever seen...
and always gets me thinking about what it would have been like to see Stevie Wonder supporting The Rolling Stones on their 1972 tour... that's some bill.
The Stones have always been very brave when it comes to booking support bands, as they often chose performers who could potentially blow them offstage. There was Stevie Wonder, The Meters and even Van Halen.
Fantastic
Thanks for posting Paul. What a band.And what a great thing Seasame Street is.
And the clothes...
are magnificently funky as well. Britpop-era bands take note: a pair of jeans and an anorak just isn't good enough.
That was fantastic!!
Was in Spain a couple of years ago, and was constantly bemused how I was constantly coming across Spanish words and phrases I could remember, and then realised it was actually from watching Sesame St as a kid.
We keep hearing how Neil Young and Van were 'practically pissing genius' in the early 70's, but I reckon Stevie might have had the edge on both
Altogether
Aqua!
I believe it is a self-evident truth....
...that the following sequence of albums released between 1972 and 1976:
- Music of my Mind
- Talking Book
- Innervisions
- Fulfillingness' First Finale
- Songs in the Key of Life
Is the most sustained period of brilliance produced by any artist, ever.
And I include The Beatles in that.
Totally agree....
Totally agree - that's a fine run of albums. Worth mentioning Bob Dylan (63-66) and Prince (82-87) as well who both had consistant runs of quality releases. In Dylan's case that was six albums (one of which was a double) between May 63 and May 66.
Bowie?
What about Bowie (71-83)?
Hunky Dory (1971)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
Aladdin Sane (1973)
Pin Ups (1973)
Diamond Dogs (1974)
Young Americans (1975)
Station to Station (1976)
Low (1977)
"Heroes" (1977)
Lodger (1979)
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980)
Let's Dance (1983)
With the possible exception of Pin Ups, that's a 12 year / 12 album run of genius...
Yes.
Good Call.
I always liked Stevie Wonder
But really bought into him after reading Giles Smith "Lost in Music".
What I really want though is live footage from this time. There was a DVD put out a few years back that I missed called Live in 72 or something like that.
Anyone know if its available. I can't find it for sale anywhere.
http://www.play.com/Music/MusicDVD/4-/705847/-/Product.html
And is it any good. Tracklisting is superb anyway.
Wonderful!
If any of you have small children it's a safe bet you'll have seen the animated movie 'Happy Feet' about a penguin called Mumbles who loves to dance rather than sing.
Obviously.
Anyway, I'm sure you'll agree the best bit of this frankly very good movie is the moment Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish' segue's in and Mumbles begins to dance. My daughter adores that moment and jumps up and down to Stevie in ecstasy.
That's my girl.