Episode 012: Hour Hands at Twelve O'Clock
Episode 012: Hour Hands at Twelve O'Clock01 Stevie Wonder - Look Around (US 1971) Covered in what sounds like an electric harpsichord, this beautiful and contemplative tune by Stevie from his often overlooked 1971 album Where I'm From simultaneously addresses the ills of the world while reminding us that the world itself is an illusion. Wonder would continued to pepper his 70's classic albums with psychedelic touches here and there, but one may argue that he came the closest to a true psych-out with this one.02 Allen Touissant - Southern Nights (US 1975) Ultra-classic tune from a New Orleans legend that would eventually be covered by Glen Campbell into a massive chart topper. Touissant's original features the infamous Leslie cabinet speaker effect on this voice, at once giving it a psychedelic edge not too often heard on soul songs from the era. This combined with the languid nature of the track and lyrics filled with vivid southern imagery make it a bonafide psych-soul staple.03 Cymande - Changes (UK 1974) This UK band created some of the most unique and celebrated funk music of the time. Combining elements from their rastafarian faith along with a distinct socially conscious soul sound, they would go on to release three albums during their prime, all of which are stellar. This gorgeous mellow number is a bit somber, but nonetheless shows their power at creating a deep and contemplative ballad that grooves.04 Manu Dibango - Hibiscus (Camaroon 1972) Taken from his breakthrough album Soul Makossa that features many a dancefloor scorcher, saxophonist Manu Dibango also shows a deeper side to his sound filled with wah-wah guitars and a bass propelled groove. Something in Manu's playing and the overall syrupy vibe of the track makes me wonder if they were drinking from the same THC filled stew Fela concocted. Nonetheless, Manu and co are able to communicate a heady space without a single word. 05 William S. Fischer - Patience is a Virtue (US 1970) Fischer wastes no time getting this one going with a list of women whom he'd like to communicate his simple yet effective chorus to. This wonderful riff based groover is taken from his 1970 debut Circles which is filled with electronic and psychedelic soul experiments. Fischer went on to release three obscure albums in 1972 that are all worth seeking out.06 Ike White - I Remember George (US 1976) We end this episode with a true journey. Singer Ike White released his sole album in 1976 while in the midst of serving a murder sentence at San Quentin. The album is a stunning long lost classic - and while that is an accolade often thrown around, it is never more fitting that in the case of this LP. This track goes through multiple movements - beginning with the sounds of inner space before launching into a mellow introduction that culminates with an uplifting middle section that nods to Stevie Wonder. Wonder would also provide the liner notes to the album, lending even more folklore of the origins of the album. After a campaign to overturn his case, White was eventually was released from prison in 1979.