Thursday, December 29, 2016

The UnCola 12-27-16 Playlist

A Tribute To George Michael 

 Wham! UK-Wham Rap!
George Michael-Do You Really Want To Know?
Boogie Box High-Jive Talkin'
Wham!-Battlestations
George Michael-Let Her Down Easy
Whitney Houston w/ George Michael-If I Told You That
Deon Estus-Me Or The Rumours
Pepsi & Shirlie-Heartache
George Michael feat. Paul McCartney-Heal The Pain
The Nylons-Monkey
Wham! UK-Bad Boys
David Austin-Turn To Gold
George Michael-December Song (I Dreamt Of Christmas)
George Michael & Lisa Stansfield-These are The Days Of Our Lives
Joan Baez-Hand To Mouth
Wham!-Blue (Armed With Love)
Jody Watley-Learn To Say No
George Michael-An Easier Affair
George Michael-The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
George Michael-John & Elvis Are Dead
Wham!-Where Did Your Heart Go?
George Michael-White Light
George Michael-The Strangest Thing 97
George Michael-Love's In Need Of Love Today

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The UnCola 12-13-16 Playlist

Shocking Blue-Beggin'
Papooz-Ann Wants To Dance
Darling Buds-Crystal Clear
Strange Advance-We Run
Blondfire-My Someday
Greg Lake-It Hurts
Browning Bryant-This Is My Day
Jonatha Brooke-Hashtag Lullaby
Jaki Whitren-But Which Way Do I Go?
David Bowie-What's Really Happening?
Yes-It Can Happen
Lava-Wendy's Painting Pictures
Judee Sill-The Vigilante
The Lemonheads-It's A Shame About Ray
Con Funk Shun-Too Tight
Ryle feat Seest-Never Gonna Let You Go
Enigma-Out Of The Deep
Matter Of Taste-Count On Me
Fortune-Stacy
Gerry Beckley-Nature's Way
Overland Stage-It's Just Life
Ween-The Shot Heard 'Round The World
The Swell Season-Low Rising
Prince & The Revolution-Girls & Boys
Jackson Browne-The Fuse
Don Palos-Lady Of The Westway
Greg Lake-Famous Last Words

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The UnCola 12-6-16 Playlist

Kiki Kyte-Disco Chick
Zebra-Closer To The Feeling
Hue & Cry-Strength To Strength
Lightning Seeds-Change
Caviar-Tangerine Speedo
Utopia-Lysistrata
Lera Lynn-Shape Shifter
Barnaby Bye-Blonde
Pink Umbrellas-Raspberry Rainbow
David Bowie-Candidate
Young Disciples-As We Come (To Be)
Tim Treffers-Making Love Is Good For You
Spin-Beautiful Queenie
Diane Tell-Tes Yeux
Nada Surf-Inside Of Love
Jigsaw-Love Fire
The Heart Throbs-Dreamtime
Bryan Ferry-The Right Stuff
Justice-Fire
Gino Soccio-Turn It Around
Moir Sisters-Stop The Music
Device-Who's On The Line
Prince-The Morning Papers
Morgan James-Hunter
Norwegian Fords-I'll Be Dining Here Again
Genesis-Your Own Special Way
The Jayhawks-Blue
The Cure-Where The Birds Always Sing

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The UnCola 11-29-16 Playlist

Eliza Doolittle-Pack Up
Jesus Jones-The Devil You Know
Matt Bianco-Whose Side Are You On?
Judy Roberts-Fantasy
St. Paul & The Broken Bones-Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like)
Pet Shop Boys-Paninaro
Alicia Bridges-Rex The Robot
Paul Bliss-Heartache To Heartache
Tim Cashion-None Of A Kind
XTC-I Remember The Sun
French Kiss-A Little Bit More
Polaris-Dancing Dancing
Scott English-People To People
Bobby Caldwell-I Need Your Love
Mike & the Mechanics-Taken In
Art Garfunkel-Turn, Don't Turn Away
Thompson Twins-Strange Jane
Elliot Lurie-Just Another Music Man
Shakatak-Time And Place
B.W. Stevenson-Shambala
Unicorn-Ferry Boat
Prince-Uptown
Manic Street Preachers-A Design For Life
Rumer-Walk On By
The Clean-In The Dream Life You Need A Rubber Soul
Yipes!!-Come See About Me
Azoto-Rainfall

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

The UnCola 11-22-16 Playlist

Morrissey-November Spawned A Monster
5000 Volts-The Late Late Show
Smoove & Turrell-No Point In Trying
Snowball-I Can't See The Light
Aztec Two-Step-Dancers All
Howard Jones-Hide And Seek
Sing Street-Drive It Like You Stole It
Duran Duran-Perfect Day
Howard Jones-Joy
Stevie Wonder-Ordinary Pain
Terry Hall-For The Girl
Quincy Jones-Ai No Corrida
Mayer Hawthorne-Someone Like You
Howard Jones-Specialty
Emerson, Lake & Palmer-The Gambler
AC Newman-Encyclopedia Of Classic Takedowns
Howard Jones-Back In Your Life
Gordon Henderson-The Highest Bidder
David Bowie-Who Can I Be Now
INXS-Just Keep Walking
Drakkar Nowhere-How Could That Be Why
The Charlatans-The Only One I Know
St Lucia-Elevate
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings-You're Gonna Get It

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The UnCola 11-15-16 Playlist

Forgotten Pop from the 90s, Vol. 2 

Cornershop-Brimful Of Asha
The Chills-Heavenly Pop Hit
Juliana Hatfield Three-My Sister
Matthew Sweet-Beware My Love
Annie Lennox-Little Bird
Leonard Cohen-Anthem
Rebecka Törnqvist-Molly Says
Ten Sharp-Who Needs Women
Catherine Wheel-Black Metallic
Leon Russell-No Mans Land
Stan Ridgeway-I Wanna Be A Boss
The Verve-Lucky Man
David Bowie-I'm Afraid Of Americans
Thomas Dolby-I Live In A Suitcase
Lilac Time-All For Love And Love For All
Daryl Hall-Wildfire
Chantal Kreviazuk-Wayne
Material Issue-Valerie Loves Me
Meryn Cadell-The Sweater
Weezer-Undone - The Sweater Song
Fury In The Slaughterhouse-Every Generation Got Its Own Disease
Kula Shaker-Tattva
Prince-Don't Play Me
Cocteau Twins-Iceblink Luck
Slapp Happy-Moon Lovers
Daft Punk-Da Funk

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The UnCola 11-8-16 Playlist

Fitz & the Tantrums-Dear Mr. President
Utopia-Trapped
Cerrone-Move Me
Kid Creole & the Coconuts-Stool Pigeon
Odyssey-Single Again / What Time Does The Balloon Go Up
Fountains Of Wayne-Sink To the Bottom
Fine Young Cannibals-I'm Not Satisfied
Tears For Fears-Call Me Mellow
Rumer-Balance Of Nature
Ultravox-Reap The Wild Wind
Mildred-Rise Above
Puzzle-Lady
China Crisis-St. Savior Square
Orgone-Don't Say Stop
Naked Eyes-(What) In The Name Of Love
George Michael-Star People
Roxy Music-She Sells
Andreas Aleman-Everybody Join The Party
Talk Talk-Life's What You Make It
Squeeze-Woman's World
Hal Bradbury-You Win, I Lose
Icebird-Charmed Life
Lemuria-The Lady And The Dude
Living In A Box-So The Story Goes
A-ha-Train Of Thought
Roosevelt-Colours
Yes-Rejoice
Clark-What If

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The UnCola 11-1-16 Playlist

St. Paul & the Broken Bones-Brain Matter
June Pointer-My Blues Have Gone
Hudson-Afraid To Love
Collage-When You Smile
Minnie Riperton-Perfect Angel
Embrace-Gravity
Jamiroquai-Emergency On Planet Earth
Prince-Moonbeam Levels
The Stepkids-Sweet Salvation
Barry Gibb-Blowin' A Fuse
Billy Joel-James
Dream Academy-This World
Henry Gross-Springtime Mama
Fictionist-Free Spirit
Gene Loves Jezebel-Gorgeous
Paul Davis-Today
Jonatha Brooke-Put The Gun Down
Peter Gabriel-Digging In The Dirt
Dean Friedman-Lydia
David Bowie-No Plan
Grace Jones-Scary But Fun
Dynamo Bliss-And Forever
Baby Grand-Right Here Right Now
Keith Marshall-Only Crying
Bill Champlin-Just To Be Loved

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The UnCola 10-25-16 Playlist

Haircut 100-October Is Orange (Day 1 & 2)
Dave Matthews Band-Halloween
Babe Ruth-Jack O'Lantern
Islands-Pumpkin
Dead Or Alive-Something In My House
New Birth-Easy Evil
Bohnes-Witchcraft
Prince-In This Bed I Scream
The Bar-Kays-Holy Ghost
Erasure-Hallowed Ground
The Devil Makes Three-Graveyard
Marillion-A Scary Sky
XTC-The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead
Prefab Sprout-Ghost Town Blues
Iggy Pop-Candy
The Damned-Grimly Fiendish
Earth, Wind & Fire-Evil
The Zummos-Nightmare
Eli "Paperboy" Reed-Your Sins Will Find You Out
Dan Fogelberg-Crow
The Bluetones-Heard You Were Dead
Level 42-Weave Your Spell
Andrew Gold-Spooky Scary Skeletons
David Bowie-Scream Like A Baby
Lone Justice-Ways To Be Wicked
Sisters Of Mercy-This Corrosion
R.E.M.-I Walked With A Zombie
Parker McCollum-Lucy

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

The UnCola 10-18-16 Playlist

Röyksopp (featuring Susanne Sundfør)-Never Ever
David Byrne & Brian Eno-Strange Overtones
The Cars-Heartbeat City
Electronic-Disappointed
John Martyn-Certain Surprise
UB40-Rat In The Kitchen
Mic Gillette-How Was I To Know
Remy Shand-Take A Message
Prince-Glam Slam
Goldheart Assembly-King of Rome
The Smiths-Ask
Geyster feat. Ethel Lindsey-Easy
Robert Lamm-A Lifetime We
The Art of Noise feat. Max Headroom-Paranoimia
Cat Stevens-Nascimento
Vulfpeck-Back Pocket
Marvin Gaye-Soon I'll Be Loving You Again
Lindsey Buckingham-Soul Drifter
Squeeze-Squabs On Forty Fab
Zwol-New York City
The Communards-Never Can Say Goodbye
Garden City Movement-She's So Untouchable
Dana-Something's Cooking In The Kitchen
Electric Light Orchestra Part 2-Thousand Eyes
Phil Everly & Cliff Richard-She Means Nothing To Me
David Bowie-Cracked Actor
Cactus World News-Years Later

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The UnCola 10-11-16 Playlist

A Tribute to Rod Temperton

Heatwave-Too Hot To Handle
Quincy Jones-Razzamatazz
Zo! feat. Yahzarah-Something Special
D'Influence-Rock With You
Rufus & Chaka Khan-Live In Me
Michael Jackson-Burn This Disco Out
Herbie HancockMotormouith
Thierry Condor-Lite Me Up
Rod Temperton Beatwagon-Never Too Late To Start
Bob James-Sign Of The Times
Brothers Johnson-Light Up The Night
Heatwave-Lettin' It Loose
George Benson-Love X Love
Zhane-Vibe
Patti Austin-Do You Love Me?
Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal-Baby Come To Me
Aretha Franklin-Living In The Streets
Karen Carpenter-Lovelines
Michael Jackson-Baby Be Mine
Tata Vega-Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)
Quincy Jones-Oprah's Theme
Manhattan Transfer-Mystery
Jeffrey Osborne-We Belong To Love
James Ingram-One More Rhythm
Javaroo-Change It Up
Blockster-Grooveline
Michael Jackson-Someone In The Dark

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The UnCola 10-4-16 Playlist

The UnCola Gets Under The Covers, Vol. 4

Mayer Hawthorne-Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Brand New Heavies-Midnight At The Oasis
Frank Sinatra-Bad Bad Leroy Brown
Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin-It's My Party
Richie Havens-Band On The Run
Bing Ji Ling-Every 1s A Winner
Danielle Brisbois-Gimme Little Sign
Andy Pratt-Under Pressure
John Edwards-Tin Man
Nikki Wills-Some Guys Have All The Luck
Joan Osborne-Love's In Need Of Love Today
George Michael & Mary J. Blige-As
Luther Vandross-Knocks Me Off My Feet
Marina-Pé Na Tábua (Ordinary Pain)
Livingston Taylor-Isn't She Lovely
Kate Bush-Sexual Healing
Carmen McCrae-Only Women Bleed
The Philistines Jr.-The Logical Song
Al Kooper-Making Plans For Nigel
Rumer-(They Long To Be) Close To You
The Unherd-No Reply
Odds & Ends-Love Makes The World Go Round
Simple Minds-Sign O The Times
Gonzalez-Crystal Blue Persuasion
Diane Birch-Kiss Them For Me
The Braids-Bohemian Rhapsody
D-Licious Vocals-Human Nature
Tracy Hamlin-Never Too Much

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The UnCola 9-27-16 Playlist

Barry Gibb-In The Now
Ridin' Thumb-Make It Right
The Tubes-Sushi Girl
Argent-It's Only Money
The Boo Radleys-Lazarus
Evelyn King-Betcha She Don't Love You
Wondergap-Give Me One Last Chance
Super db-I Wanna Score
Be Bop Deluxe-Life In The Air-Age
Broken Bells-The High Road
Beautiful South-We Are Each Other
Blondfire-Domino
Dickie Betts & Great Southern-Atlanta's Burning Down
Robbie Patton-Don't Give It Up
Leah Kunkel-Step Out
Don Ciccone-Mr. Dyingly Sad
Bernie Chiaravalle-Will And A Way
Lisa Bade-Suspicion
Quadron-LFT
Mel & Kim-Showing Out (Get fresh At The Weekend)
Ayers Rock-A Place To Go
Julia Fordham-(Love Moves In) Mysterious Ways
Prince-Musicology
The Album Leaf-There Is A Wind
Big Star-When My Baby's Beside Me
Lake Street Dive-Call Off Your Dogs

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The UnCola 9-20-16 Playlist

Andreas Aleman-Living With A Stranger
Jaki Whitren & John Cartwright-Put Away Your Gun
Kokomo-Use Your Imagination
Bobby Caldwell-Words
Orleans-Mountain
Boffalongo-Dancing In The Moonlight
Bobby McFerrin-Dance With Me
Orleans-Spring Fever
John Hall-Power
England Dan & John Ford Coley-What Can I Do With This Broken Heart?
Explorers Club-Quietly
Robbie Dupree-Free Fallin'
Keni Burke-Risin' To The Top
Lisa Stansfield-Baby Come Back
Paladin-Any Way
Skyband-Cold Light Of Day
Think Out Loud-Way Beyond My Reach
Player-Who Do You Think You Are
Ambrosia-Livin On My Own
Peter Beckett-Brother Louie
John Hall-Plutonium Is Forever

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The UnCola 9-13-16 Playlist

Steve Porcaro-Swing Street
Cheese-City Love
Chris Sutton-Don't Get Me Wrong
El DeBarge-You Know What I Like
Jill Scott-Golden
Slade-Cum On Feel The Noize
Jellyfish-Joining A Fan Club
INXS-This Time
Rooney-Why
Nantucket-Girl I've Got Your Number
The Stranglers-(Don't Bring) Harry
Go West-What You Won't Do For Love
Prince-In Love
Maxwell-Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
Sheena Easton-Ice Out In The Rain
Glass Animals-Life Itself
Zo! featuring Eric Roberson & Phonte-Marzipan
Gayle McCormick-Take Me Back
Hunters & Collectors-Do You See What I See?
Sting-Englishman In New York
Adrian Gurvitz-Put A Little Love (In Life's Heart)
David Bowie-Survive
ABC-The Flames Of Desire
Wet Willie-Stop And Take A Look
Nile-Tokyo


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The UnCola 9-6-16 Playlist

Crystal Mansion-Somebody Oughta Turn Your Head Around
Pink Mink-Try
Mark J. & Freeway-Coming From The Heart
Tres Chicas-Drop Me Down
Wham!-A Ray Of Sunshine
David Cassidy-Cruise To Harlem
Allan Clarke-Slipstream
Soweco-Yesterday
Ned Doheny-Never Too Far Too Fall
Prefab Sprout-Moving The River
Kylie Auldist-Sensational
Nona Hendryx-Keep It Confidential
David Bowie-Starman
Cleveland Crandall-Please Don't Touch My Body
Stacy Lattisaw-Love On A Two Way Street
Paul Weller-You Do Something To Me
Joe Jackson-Good Bad Boy
The Heaters-Put On The Heat
Stephen Bishop-I'll Sleep On The Plane
Mental As Anything-You're So Strong
Geils-You're the Only One
Prince-She Spoke 2 Me
Mayer Hawthorne-Book Of Broken Hearts
Naked Eyes-I Could Show You How
Buckacre-Empty Nights
Chic-When You Love Someone
The Connells-'74-'75
Toto-The Little Things

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The UnCola 8-30-16 Playlist

Goldswagger feat Lisala Beatty-Stay
The Night Trains-Love Sick
Scamboozie-Candle's Fire
The Kings-Don't Let Me Know
Mandoo-Half A Hundred Miles
Whiskeytown-Waiting To Derail
New Order-Thieves Like Us
Goldie-Making Up Again
The Monkees-Our Own World
XTC-Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me)
William Sikström-I Need You
Kenny Loggins-Easy Driver
David Bowie-Loving The Alien
Hefner-I Took Her Love For Granted
The Trammps-Hold Back The Night
Brickhouse-Here I Am
Sutcliffe Brothers-Firelight
Marilyn Martin-Love Takes No Prisoners
Semisonic-Secret Smile
Radio City-Little Runaway
The Bible-Honey Be Good
Prince-Race
Hummingbird-You Can't Hide Love
Eli "Paperboy" Reed-Tomorrow's Not Promised
Big Country-Chance
Jann Arden-Could I Be Your Girl?
Larry Jon Wilson-Things Ain't What They Used To Be (And Probably Never Was)
Incarnations-Sunset On Punta Paloma

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

The UnCola 8-23-16 Playlist

The UnCola Tribute to North Carolina

Let's Active-Every Word Means No
Alternative Champs-Cherie Berry
Alicia Bridges-We Are One
Anthony Hamilton-Nobody Else
The Spongetones-(My Girl) Maryanne
Ben Folds Five-Underground
Y Can't Tori Read-The Big Picture
Arrogance-Cost Of Money
Metal Flake Mother-Tongue Long
Brett Harris-Summer Night
Roberta Flack-I Wanted It Too
Yo Mommas Big Fat Booty Band-Lovin'
The Cheeksters-Thrill Of A Lifetime
Chris Rosser-Brilliant In The Dark
stephaniesid-Cold Cold
Johnny Bristol-Morganton, North Carolina
Hipbone-Living Without Living
Glass Moon-(I Like) The Way You Play
Link Wray-Fever
Dag-Girl Had It Good
Nina Simone-Rich Girl
Southern Culture On The Skids-It's The Music That Makes Me
Millard Powers-Gone
Sex Police-Elevator
The Pressure Boys-Around The World
Betty Davis-Is It Love Or Desire
The dB's-Love Is For Lovers
Squirrel Nut Zippers-Hell
The Connells-Over There
Don Schlitz-The Gambler
Maceo & The Macks-Soul Power 74

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The UnCola 8-2-16 Playlist

Highway-Another Night On The Road
Terence Trent D'Arby-Neon Messiah
Kate Bush-Never Be Mine
D.D. Dumbo-Satan
Chromeo & Daryl Hall-Lowdown
Boz Scaggs-Do You Like You Do In New York
Soul Children-Summer In The Streets
Thierry Condor-Deeper Than The Night
Brand New Heavies-Spend Some Time
Doobie Brothers-You Belong To Me
Boz Scaggs-Georgia
The Maytags-Cassius
Dan Hartman-Second Nature
Jamiroquai-Stillness In Time
Phyrework-Make It Last
Nightshift-Blame It On the Music
Tracy Nelson-I'll Be Long Gone
Boz Scaggs-Sierra
Russ Ballard-The Fire Still Burns
Bob James-We're All Alone
Nite-Funk-Don't Play Games
Tim Moore-Strengthen My Love
Keiko Project-Midnight Shuffle

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The UnCola 7-26-16 Playlist

The High Llamas-Put Yourself Down
Mark Barrott-Baby Come Home
Naked Eyes-Emotion In Motion
Sly & The Family Stone-Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
Mingo Fishtrap-A Little Love
Wanda Walden-Holdin' On
Jim Capaldi-Wild Dogs
Boz Scaggs-Payday
Michael McDonald-No Love To Be Found
Utopia-Love In Action
Max Webster-Diamonds Diamonds
Mark Radice-Love Is Free
Eddy Grant-Romancing The Stone
The Commodores-High On Sunshine
Young Gun Silver Fox-Lolita
James Ingram-Party Animal
David Bowie-Win
Bruce Hornsby & the Range-A Night On the Town
Papa-Ain't It So
Edgar Winter-Tell Me In A Whisper
M.A. Bakker-This Amazing Hat
Ronnie Foster-The Racer
Jorge Santana-Sandy
The Lanterns-Maybe I Do
Prince-Chelsea Rodgers

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The UnCola 7-19-16 Playlist

Cheap Trick-When I Wake Up Tomorrow
Bob Welch-Two To Do
Jude Cole-Tell The Truth
Moody Blues-Lost In A Lost World
The One And The Other-Optimistic
Alison Moyet-Where Hides Sleep
Bobbidazzler-Spirits
Cotton Mather-Cross The Rubicon
Albert Hammond-Sweet Defector
Kylie Auldist-Family Tree
Chris Rainbow-Living In The World Today
Phat Phunktion-Never Be The Same
Prince-Shockadelica
Joni Mitchell-Coyote
Queen-Radio Ga Ga
Kirsty MacColl-Walking Down Madison
Super db-Death By Disco
The Ocean Blue-Between Something And Nothing
Supertramp-Hide In Your Shell
The Railway Children-Every Beat Of The Heart
Wall Of Voodoo-Mexican Radio
David Bowie-Kooks
Janey Street-Say Hello To Ronnie
Incognito-Love Born In Flames
Jonatha Brooke-Where Were You?
Mark-Almond-One Way Sunday

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

The UnCola 7-12-16 Playlist

A Trip Back to 1976

Earth Wind & Fire-Singasong
John Valenti-Anything You Want
Doobie Brothers-It Keeps You Runnin'
Silver-Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang)
Heart-Magic Man
Aerosmith-Last Child
Bellamy Brothers-Let Your Love Flow
Eric Carmen-Sunrise
Starland Vocal Band-Afternoon Delight
War-Summer
Lady Flash-Street Singin'
Steve Miller Band-Take The Money And Run
Al Wilson-I've Got A Feeling (We'll Be Seeing Each Other Again)
Wings-Let 'Em In
Eddie Kendricks-He's A Friend
Wing And A Prayer Fife And Drum Corps.-Baby Face
Cate Bros-Union Man
Keith Carradine-I'm Easy
Captain & Tennille-Shop Around
The Supremes-I'm Gonna Let Me Heart Do The Walking
Manhattans-Kiss And Say Goodbye
Paul Simon-50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
Average White Band-Queen Of My Soul
Lou Rawls-You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
Tavares-Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel
Diana Ross-One Love In My Lifetime
Stampeders-Hit The Road Jack
Vicki Sue Robinson-Turn The Beat Around

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

The UnCola 7-5-16 Playlist

A Trip to 1976

Starbuck-Moonlight Feels Right
Helen Reddy-I Can't Hear You No More
Roxy Music-Love Is The Drug
ABBA-Mamma Mia
Bee Gees-Fanny (Be Tender With my Love)
Little River Band-It's A Long Way There
Thin Lizzy-The Boys Are Back In Town
Paul Davis-Superstar
Larry Santos-We Can't Hide Anymore
Cyndi Grecco-Making Our Dreams Come True
Brothers Johnson-Get The Funk Out Ma Face
Ohio Players-Who'd She Coo
Todd Rundgren-Good Vibrations
Wings-Silly Love Songs
Sweet-Action
Road Apples-Let's Live Together
Henry Gross-Shannon
Neil Sedaka-Love In The Shadows
Andrea True Connection-More More More
Johnnie Taylor-Somebody's Gettin' It
Barry White-Let the Music Play
David Bowie-Golden Years
Glen Campbell-Don't Pull Your Love/ Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Barry DeVorzon & Perry Botkin Jr-Nadia's Theme
George Baker Selection-Paloma Blanca
Dorothy Moore-Misty Blue
Salsoul Orchestra-Nice N Naasty
The Spinners-Love Or Leave

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

The UnCola 6-28-16 Playlist

Monkey House-It Works For Me
Dwight Twilley-Sexual
Montrose Avenue-Yesterday's Return
Bonnie Raitt-You're Gonna Get What's Coming
The Pendletones-Work It Out
Parliament-Liquid Sunshine
Talking Heads-Girlfriend Is Better
Brett Harris-End Of The Rope
Jay Gonzalez-Light Side Of The Leaves
Explorers Club-Together
Creative Source-You Can't Hide Love
Lewis Taylor-Lovelight
Pride N Politix-Crying Over Nothing
Prince-Let's Work
8th Day-You've Got To Crawl (Before You Walk)
Robbie Williams-Rock DJ
Joyce Cobb-How Glad I Am
Steve Winwood-Take It As It Comes
Steely Dan-Janie Runaway
Venice-Everybody's Changing
The Silencers-Shiver And Shake
Louie Louie-Get Blue
James Ingram-Party Animal
Dr. Strut-Granite Palace
Wyatt Funderburk-You Know What To Do
Parker McGee-Boy Meets Girl
Dann Rogers-Looks Like Love Again
State Cows-Stealing The Show

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The UnCola 6-21-16 Playlist

A Trip to 1971

The Buoys-Timothy
Bread-Mother Freedom
Little Sister-Somebody's Watching You
The Dramatics-Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get
Paul & Linda McCartney-Uncle Albert/ Admiral Halsey
Mac & Katie Kissoon-Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep
Chase-Get It On
Bobby Russell-Saturday Morning Confusion
5th Dimension-Love's Lines, Angles & Rhymes
Diana Ross-Surrender
The Chi-Lites-(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People
Grass Roots-Temptation Eyes
Five Man Electrical Band-Absolutely Right
Cymarron-Rings
Rare Earth-I Just Want To Celebrate
Guess Who-Rain Dance
Barbra Streisand-Stoney End
Runt-We Gotta Get You A Woman
Moody Blues-The Story In Your Eyes
Bee Gees-Lonely Days
Stampeders-Sweet City Woman
Chairmen Of The Board-Pay To The Piper
Fortunes-Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again
The Stylistics-Stop Look Listen (To You Heart)
Three Dog Night-Liar
Rufus Thomas-The Breakdown
Fanny-Charity Ball
Yes-Your Move
Freddie North-She's All I Got
Lee Michaels-Can I Get A Witness
The Honey Cone-Stick Up
George Harrison-What Is Life
Isaac Hayes-Never Can Say Goodbye

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

The UnCola 6-7-16 Playlist

ABC-Viva Love
Los Amigos Invisibles-La Vecina
Synthesis-City Song
Moody Blues-Meanwhile
Danielle Brisebois-What If God Fell From The Sky
Full Sail-Sailing Along
Love & Money-Jocelyn Square
The Explorers Club-California's Callin' Ya
The Tearaways-Jessica Something
Prince-Groovy Potential
Greg Kihn-Boys Won't
Tears For Fears-Fish Out Of Water
XTC-This World Over
Starz-Cherry Baby
Papas Fritas-Passion Play
Judie Tzuke-Understanding
Kate Bush-Wow
The Monkees-You Bring The Summer
The Jets-Curiosity
Newtone-Self Confidence
Steve Khan-Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)
Lawrence-Wash Away
David Bowie-I'd Rather Be High
Alan Parsons Project-Limelight
Simply Red-A New Flame
The Ruffcats-Odd Stones

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The UnCola 5-31-16 Playlist

The Soul Snatchers-Foolishness
Cast-Love Wants To Be
Danny Kortchmar-Burnt Child
Bamboo Brothers-The Nightfly Album
Liz Phair-Never Said
The Blue Nile-Stay
Wings Of Fire Orchestra-Jockey Gun
Lori Carson-Something's Got Me
Eddie Schwartz-Tonight
David Bowie-Oh! You Pretty Things
Thomas Dolby-Screen Kiss
Marlene-Needle In The Haystack
Thompson Twins-You Take Me Up
Bangles-Hero Takes A Fall
The Jones Girls-You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else
Tristan feat. Heston-Feet Back On The Ground
Hughes/Thrall-The Look In Your Eyes
Menswear-Stardust
Ry Cooder-Don't Mess Up A Good Thing
Baby Grand-Runner In The Rain
Jet-Caribbean Snow
Prince & the New Power Generation-And God Created Woman
Bama-Summer Nights (Are Made For Making Love)
Thierry Condor-Heart To Heart
Quadron-Hey Love
Brenda Russell-New York Bars
Ian Gomm-She'll Never Take The Place Of You
West Of Sunset-West Of Sunset

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The UnCola 5-24-16 Playlist

Forgotten Pop from the 80s, Vol. 5

The Stompers-Never Tell An Angel (When Your Heart's On Fire)
Novo Combo-Tattoo
Jaki Whitren + John Cartwright-That Will Be That
Iceland-Hold On
Al Stewart-King Of Portugal
Wendy & Lisa-Are You My Baby
America-Special Girl
Meat Loaf-Getting Away With Murder
Nolan Thomas-Yo' Little Brother
Prince-Strange Relationship
Tony Carey-I Won't Be Home Tonight
Suzanne Fellini-Love On The Phone
Roger Waters-5:01 (The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking - Part 10)
Olivia Newton-John-Stranger's Touch
Bobby Hart-Street Angel
Joan Armatrading-Temptation
Swing Out Sister-Waiting Game
Rebecca Hall-Who Says Girls Can't Rock & Roll
Adam Ant-Crackpot History And The Right To Lie
The Romantics-Rock You Up
The Vapors-Daylight Titans
Carl Wilson-What You Do To Me
Graf-Come To My Arms
David Bowie-Time Will Crawl
Luba-How Many
Jon St. James-Oogity Boogity
The Belle Stars-Sweet Memory

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

The UnCola 5-10-16 Playlist

The Posies-Unlikely Places
Crowded House-I Feel Possessed
Remy Shand-Burning Bridges
Dartanyan-Say What You Want
Valerie Carter-Crazy
Splender-I Don't Understand
The Nines-Backseat
Hall & Oates-Beanie G. & The Rose Tattoo
High Llamas-Jackie
Prince & the New Power Generation-Jughead
Wings-The Note You Never Wrote
Gino Vannelli-A New Fix For 76
Andrew Gold-One Of Them Is Me
Denise Lopez-Sayin' Sorry (Don't Make It Right)
Diplomats Of Soul feat Incognito-Brighter Tomorrow
Texas-So In Love With You
Stretch-End Up Crying
The Housemartins-Five Get Over Excited
Explorers Club-Run Run Run
Haircut 100-Favourite Shirt (Boy Meets Girl)
Carly Simon-Tranquilo (Melt My Heart)
The Jack Moves-Doublin' Down
The Time-Donald Trump (Black Version)
Mose Jones-Something's Wrong
David Bowie-Sound And Vision
David Wilcox-Oil Talking To Ya

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

The UnCola 5-3-16 Playlist

Makin' Time-Here Is My Number
Ocean Colour Scene-Giving It All Away
Lyn Christopher-Take Me With You
Niki & the Doves-So Much It Hurts
Tears For Fears-Pale Shelter
New Radicals-Jehovah Made This Whole Joint For You
Asha Puthli-Flying Fish
Super db-The Trader
Nightshift-Cool Wind
XTC-Summer's Cauldron/ Grass
Rupert Holmes-Widescreen
Scott Gagner-Take It Easy On Yourself
Prince & the Revolution-Paisley Park
Elisa Fiorillo-On The Way Up
Santiago-Walking The Voodoo Nights
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen-When You Get Back
Ulla-Wonderlove
Level 42-Turn It On
Dylan Mondegreen-Nothing Lasts Forever
Shakespears Sister-I Don't Care
La Flavour-Mandolay
Lesley Duncan-I Can See Where I'm Going
Billy Paul-Am I Black Enough For You?
Boulevards-Up On Your Love
David Bowie-Tonight
Nazareth-This Flight Tonight

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The UnCola 4-26-16 Playlist

A Prince Tribute 4 U

Prince & The NPG-Love 2 The 9s
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings-Take Me With U
Renee Geyer-Thieves In The Temple
George Clinton-Erotic City
Age Of Chance-Kiss
Sufjan Stevens-Alphabet St
Pointer Sisters-I Feel For You
Chaka Khan-Don't Talk 2 Strangers
Mazarati-100 MPH
Dump-Pop Life
Vanity 6-He's So Dull
Prince-Purple Medley
94 East-If We Don't
Apollonia 6-Sex Shooter
Cyndi Lauper-When You Were Mine
Andre Cymone-The Dance Electric
Rod Stewart-Peach
The Derailers-Raspberry Beret
Madhouse-6
Prince-Rocknroll Love Affair
Robert Randolph & The Family Band-Walk Don't Walk
The Time-The Walk
TLC-If I Was Your Girlfriend
Prince-I Wish U Heaven

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The UnCola 4-19-16 Playlist

Tim Rogers & the Bamboos-Easy
Shawn Escoffery-Space Rider
Tim Finn-Hit The Ground Running
Thierry Condor-Just Call
Chicago-Life Is What It Is
Alec Mansion-Detective
The Pasadenas-I'd Die For You
David Bowie-The Jean Genie
Night Plane-Cheated
Super db-She's Alright
Sunrise HWY-Never Enough
Anggun-Snow On The Sahara
Polly Brown-I'm Saving All My Love
Phoenix-Everything Is Everything
Robert Plant-Little By Little
Baby Rocker-City Song
Jim Guthrie-So Small
3rd Matinee-I Don't Care
Mayer Hawthorne-Get You Back
Central Line-(You Know) You Can Do It
California Transit Authority-Strike (While The Iron Is Hot)
Ramsey Lewis-Spring High
Michael Tomlinson-Asphalt Dream
Orgone-Losin' You
Hollies-Pick Up The Pieces Again
Bros-Madly In Love
Geyster-Do It

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The UnCola 4-5-16 Playlist

A Trip to 1991

Simply Red-Something Got Me Started
Shabba Ranks w/ Maxi Priest-Housecall (Your Body Can't Lie To Me)
Lenny Kravitz-It Ain't Over (Til It's Over)
Urban Dance Squad-Deeper Shade Of Soul
Crystal Waters-Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)
Susanna Hoffs-My Side Of The Bed
Seal-Crazy
Robbie Nevil-Just Like You
Lisa Fischer-How Can I Ease The Pain
Martika-Love...Thy Will Be Done
EMF-Lies
The Fixx-How Much Is Enough
George Michael-Waiting For That Day
Prince & the New Power Generation-Gett Off
Natural Selection-Do Anything
Tara Kemp-Hold You Tight
Stereo MCs-Elevate My Mind
Keedy-Save Some Love
The KLF-3 A.M. Eternal
Curtis Stigers-I Wonder Why
Siouxsie & the Banshees-Kiss Them For Me
The Rembrandts-Just The Way It Is, Baby
David A. Stewart & Candy Dulfer-Lily Was Here
After 7-Nights Like This
Simple Minds-See The Lights

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The UnCola 3-29-16 Playlist

Tim Cashion-Find Us On The Dial
Full Moon-Brown Eyes
Couchois-Going To the Races
The Spongetones-Got Nothing Left To Hide
Limited Warranty-Victory Line
Road Apples-Holding On
Laura Branigan-Looking Out For Number One
Big Street mp-Let Love Rule
Boxing Ghandis-Roll
The Suffers-Midtown
The Kingbees-My Mistake
Billy Joel-Sleeping With The Television On
Ayers Rock-So Deep In Love
Jay Black-The Part Of Me That Needs You Most
Mark Lindsay-Silver Bird
Pot Liqour-Cheer
Jane Child-Do Whatcha Do
Frobeck-Pull Our Stuff Together
Godley & Creme-Save A Mountain For Me
Wolf People-Tiny Circle
Frankie Miller-Darlin'
Gray Star-Killin' Time
Happy Mondays-Kinky Afro
Falqo-Across The Sea
Minor Detail-Canvas Of Life
Esperanto-You're The One
Holy Ghost!-Some Children

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

The UnCola 3-22-16 Playlist

Kungfunk-Make My Day
Rah Band-The Crunch
American Noise-Don't Look Back
Bernard Butler-Stay
Res-Sittin' Back
Cook Da Books-Your Eyes
Jackson Heights-It's A Shame
Hotel Lights-Lens Flare
Freda Payne-You Brought The Woman Out Of Me
Cheryl Ladd-Where Is Someone To Love Me
Prefab Sprout-Wild Horses
Mallard-Your Face On Someone Else
Brother Noland-Kawaihue
David Bowie-Breaking Glass
Charlie-It's Envitable
Debbie Harry-Strike Me Pink
Junior Senior-Move Your Feet
Mayer Hawthorne-Cosmic Love
Ginger Ale-Sugar Suzy
Sailor-Runaway
Basia-My Cruel Ways
Jean Carn-Free Love
Aura-Yesterday's Love
Dusty Springfield-Sandra
Laura Nyro-The Brighter Song
Wolfe-Us
The Beauty Room-We Can't Throw You Away
Eurogliders-It's So Amazing

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The UnCola 3-15-16 Playlist

Forgotten Pop from the 70s, Vol. 10

Don Everly-Warming Up The Band
Egg Cream Featuring Andy Adams-Can I Stay
Arrogance-Dying To Know
Kiki Dee-Supercool
Arkade-Sentimental Lisa
Tycoon-Slow Down Boy
Bob Weir-Bombs Away
Schoolhouse Rock-Three Ring Government
King Harvest-A Little Bit Like Magic
The Klowns-Lady Love
Dan Hill-Growing Up
Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids-Hot Summer Girls
Parker McGee-I Just Can't Say No To You
Megan McDonough-Delta Shelter
Roy Orbison-Easy Way Out
Hollywood Stars-All The Kids In the Street
Curved Air-Back Street Luv
Janis Ian-The Man You Are In Me
Dunn & McCashen-Alright In the City
Emerson, Lake & Palmer-Canario
Quantum Jump-The Lone Ranger
BTO-Heartaches
Garland Jeffreys-Reelin'
Cory-Beyond The Hurt
Chunky, Novi & Ernie-Underground
Cheryl Ladd-Mama Don't Be Blue
Stark & McBrien-Isn't It Lonely Together
Mary Kay Place-Baby Boy
Vicki Lawrence-He Did With Me
Plainsong-Yo-Yo Man
Phil Everly-Mystic Line

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The UnCola 3-8-16 Playlist

Forgotten Pop from the 70s, Vol. 9

Don Brown-Welcome Everybody
Lamont Dozier-Take Off Your Make Up
Gayle McCormick-Simon Said
Redbone-I've Got To Find The Right Woman
Automatic Man-My Pearl
Voyager-Total Amnesia
The Mamas & The Papas-Step Out
Albert Hammond-I Don't Wanna Die In An Air Disaster
LeBlanc & Carr-Midnight Light
Seatrain-13 Questions
Zwol-Shaka Shaka
Chee Chee & Peppy-I Know I'm In Love
Lady-Midnight Mover
Carly Simon-Waterfall
Steve Harley-Roll The Dice
Raiders-Song Seller
Malo-Everlasting Night
Dusk-I Hear Those Church Bells Ringing
John Kay-Easy Evil
Champagne-Rock N Roll Star
Babe Ruth-Elusive
April-Wake Up And Love Me
Bobby Goldsboro-Brand New Kind Of Love
Bro Smith-Bigfoot
Tanya Tucker-Not Fade Away
Johnny Rivers-Ashes & Sand
Oak-This Is Love
Arthur, Hurley & Gottlieb-Tubin'
Peter Tosh-(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The UnCola 3-1-16 Playlist

George Michael-Freeek
Steve Winwood-Plenty Lovin'
Jakata-Light At the End Of the Tunnel
Angelo-As I See You Now
Adrian Younge-Step Beyond
Red Rider-Lunatic Fringe
Frank Gambale-Faster Than An Arrow
Lawrence-Do You Wanna Do Nothing With Me
Steps-Sugar
David Bowie-Fantastic Voyage
Graham Parker & the Rumour-Swing State
10cc-Life Is A Minestrone
Jill Jenson-Sunshine Away
Tane Cain-Holdin' On
Jill Sobule-Good Person Inside
Jay Gonzalez-&$%@#!
Alex Call-There Goes Another Fool In Love
High Llamas-Here Come The Rattling Trees
Peter Frampton-Baby (Somethin's Happening)
Owsley-Sentimental Favorite
Joe Dolce-Shaddap You Face
Scritti Politti-The Boom Boom Bap
Rick Springfield-Light This Party Up
Translator-Everywhere That I'm Not
Gerard Kenny-New York, New York
Julia Fordham-I Can't Help Myself
Fra Lippo Lippi-Light & Shade
Peter Gabriel-Courage

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The UnCola 2-23-16 Playlist

Mayer Hawthorne-Love Like That
Jamiroquai-Starchild
Ojiji-Hang On
Jojo-I Can Wait
Boy On A Dolphin-Brother
Falqo-Feel Your Love
Lesley Gore-Sometimes
David Bowie-Jump They Say
The Jack Moves-Make Love
Little John-Lady Friend
Climax Blues Band-Summer Rain
Badfinger-Look Out California
Michael Jackson-I Can't Help It
The Kinks-(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman
Get Wet-Just So Lonely
Dag-Lovely Jane
Ed Motta-Captain's Refusal
Patti Austin-The Heat Of Heat
The Real Thing-Lightning Strikes Again
Brian Culbertson ‎-Funkin' Like My Father
Tony! Toni! Tone!-Tell Me Mama
Avalanche-Feel Like Being Funky?
The Suffers-Stay
The Fools-Dressed In White
Supergrass-Sun Hits The Sky
Porcupine Tree-Time Flies

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

The UnCola 2-9-16 Playlist

A Tribute to Maurice White

Earth Wind & Fire-Kalimba Story
Chaka Khan-Shining Star
Take 6-Sing A Song
Airplay-After The Love Is Gone
The Emotions-Flowers
Maurice White-Switch On Your Radio
Ramsey Lewis-Hot Dawgit
Barry Manilow-Only In Chicago
Pomplamoose-September
Atlantic Starr-Armed & Dangerous
Salsoul Orchestra-Getaway
Earth Wind & Fire-Sunday Morning
The Manhattans-Reasons
Valerie Carter-So So Happy
Deneice Williams-Free
Incognito-That's The Way Of the World
Earth Wind & Fire-Let Me Talk
The Emotions-Smile
The Tubes-Tip Of My Tongue
NoJazz-Nobody Else
Fifth Dimension-Fantasy
Weather Report-And Then
Barbra Streisand-Time Machine
Deodato-Tahiti Hut
Earth Wind & Fire-Be Ever Wonderful


Sunday, February 7, 2016

Earth Wind & Fire - The Columbia Masters (2012) - Review

Maurice White passed away this week at the age of 74 from complications of Parkinson's disease which he had been diagnosed with as far back as the early nineties. As the band leader, producer, songwriter and lead singer of the band Earth Wind and Fire, he created a vision for a band whose uplifting songs entertained millions around the world across the generations, encompassing funk, soul, jazz, rock, pop, disco, African and Brazilian music. For casual listeners or people who aren't familiar with their work, let me walk you through the Columbia Masters, a box set released in 2012 that showcases their catalog from 1973 to 1990.

Maurice had the idea for a new band while he was still in Chicago during the late 60's. And after a stint playing drums with the Ramsey Lewis trio, he convinced his brother Verdine to move out to LA with him. Naming the group after his astrological signs, they got signed to Warner Bros Records and released three albums in 1971, including the soundtrack to Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song. But the band splintered and Maurice had to reassemble a new lineup, which eventually would include mainstay Philip Bailey. Their first album with the new lineup, Last Days and Time was released in 1972 and features a sparse version of the group with only Ronnie Laws playing all of the woodwinds and brass. It also included rare EWF covers of Pete Seeger's Where Have All The Flowers Gone and Bread's Make It With You. The two standout tracks for me were originals, Power and Mom.

In 1973 Head To The Sky gave EWF their first burst of success on the soul charts with Evil and Keep Your Head to the Sky. Their Brazilian influence was heard most clearly on the album-ender, Zanzibar written by Brazilian singer, Edu Lobo. They were now being identified as a strong soulful rhythmic group the band, so with 1974's Open Your Eyes they added a deeper horn section and had great success on the pop charts with the funky Mighty Mighty and the ballad, Devotion. This is the album where Maurice started taking over more of the production duties working with mentor Charles Stepney. Mighty Mighty, their first Top 40 hit, really showcased what Philip Bailey could do. Listen to him hit those ridiculous high notes towards the end of that song. Another one of the standout tracks on the album is Kalimba Story, with Maurice explaining in song how he fell in love with the thumb piano as it opened up a new world for him. The Kalimba would be featured on almost every EWF album thereafter.

With the band standing on the edge of superstardom Maurice decided to take on a new project where the band would be the star of a movie featuring Harvey Keitel called That's The Way Of The World in 1975. Although it was a soundtrack it was also one of their crowning achievements and it features the absolute monster, Shining Star, which ended up as their only number one on the pop charts. Thank God I live in a world where people could all decide for at least one week that this was the best song in the land. I don't think there is a better intro in pop music than the first 15 seconds of Shining Star. (Too bad Elaine couldn't dance to it.) And would there be a Lenny Kravitz without the title track's easy groove permeating the airwaves back then?

Maurice had now created an almost a perfect blend of pop and funk, a formula they would use for the next 10 year reign on the charts. With a big crossover success, Maurice wondered what to do next and how better do you showcase a band at the height of their powers than with a live album? Gratitude, which featured three sides live and one side studio, released in late 1975 kept their number one album streak going while also giving listeners a glimpse of what the band was like on stage. One of the best moves Maurice ever made was hiring Philip Bailey to be in the band. If you need further proof listen to his version of reasons on this album he absolutely kills it. Their version of Ramsey Lewis' Sun Goddess also is one of my all time favorites. Between Don Myrick's sax solo and Larry Dunn's chilled out Fender Rhodes, I could listen to this forever. Also listen to the crowd response as the band switches from Keep Your Head To The Sky into Devotion. It still gives me chills.

One of Maurice's strengths is that he could create music with positive messages and optimistic outlooks for the mainstream without coming off corny or trite. Gratitude's studio side has great examples, such as Sunshine and one of my favorite singles of theirs, Sing A Song. It is so damn good it makes me cry with joy especially when they get to the chorus and double up with Moog bass. The studio portion also contained one of their best known ballads, Can't Hide Love, which I'm sure created lots of babies in 1976. It's also one of their most covered songs of all time.

During the recording sessions of Spirit in 1976, Charles Stepney passed away and Maurice fully took over the production reigns. The Phenix horns as the section was now called, took over on big hits, Getaway and Saturday Nite. EWF was now in control of both the pop and soul charts and making lots of headway on the disco charts as well. 1977's All N All tightened up the group's sound as well as expnaded it with a string section. Nine guys totally grooving effortlessly as one complete unit on their next two hits, Serpentine Fire and Fantasy, one of my absolute favorites. The album also includes one of my favorite jazz fusion nuggets, Runnin', which earned the band 2 Grammys. Each album took their sound to the next level and Maurice did this It also contains two of my favorite ballads of theirs, Be Ever Wonderful and I'll Write A Song For You. All N All - an absolute triumph.

In the Mid 70s, Columbia Records gave the busy Maurice the opportunity to produce other artists on the label. He chose The Emotions and gave their flagging a career a boost with the 1976, Flowers, which produced hits out of the title track and I Don't Want To Lose Your Love. But it wasn't until 1977's Rejoice, that Maurice wrote and produced the biggest hit of his career, Best Of My Love, which spent a month on top of the Pop and Soul charts. This often imitated, never duplicated track (See Mariah's Carey's Emotions - oh I get it, good one) was a great gift from Maurice and one his proudest accomplishments. 1978 was the only year in the decade that didn't EWF did not release an album of original material. But they made up for it that Christmas with their first greatest hits collection, The Best Of Earth Wind & Fire, Vol. 1. How many lucky boys and girls got that one from Santa, featuring their megahit, September and Got To Get You Into My Life from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band soundtrack, both Top 10 hits on the pop charts and #1 hits on the soul charts? I like to think that Paul McCartney heard Maurice's version of the Beatles song and beamed at his vision fully realized of mixing pop music with horns.

Their 9th studio album, I Am, released in 1979, was probably their most solid and best produced records of the decade. As a band that had most of its success with up-tempo records, they also knew how to make a slow song simmer and burn. After The Love Is Gone was biggest EWF hit that Maurice didn't write, but it garnered the band another Grammy, reaching #2 pop, unable to unseat the steamrolling My Sharona by the Knack. (As an aside, does anybody remember After... getting played by Venus Flytrap on the episode of WKRP In Cincinnati where Johnny stands up Bailey for a date? And come to think of it, wasn't Tim Reid's Venus, just a riff on Maurice's look?) The band was so polished at this point they could also dip their toe into the Disco world and produce classy singles such as Boogie Wonderland, featuring Maurice's best pals, The Emotions and Can't Let Go.

The under appreciated double LP, Faces is an interesting album in the EWF catalog as it was the first one to not generate any pop hits, since 1973's Head To The Sky. But that doesn't mean it's not solid album. Songs like the swinging You, politically energized Let Me Talk and the proto-disco And Love Goes On are great tunes. The problem was that it didn't have that one giant hit to push it over the top. Maurice made sure that didn't happen with 1981's Raise. Beginning with a vocoder riff and breaking out with slices of bright horn stabs, Let's Groove, was not only of the biggest hits on the pop and soul charts, it was one of their biggest all over the world. The mid-tempo swing ballad, Wanna Be With You was a catchy follow-up but songs like Lady Sun really kept the party going.

1983 saw two new releases from EWF - Powerlight, which features their last pop hit, the Top 20, Fall In Love With Me and summer BBQ anthem, Side By Side and Electric Universe, which saw Maurice stripped down to a more New-Wave minded sound with tracks like Magnetic and Spirit of A New World.

EWF went on hiatus for a few years while Philip Bailey carved out a pretty good solo career straddling the secular as well as contemporary Christian music worlds. Maurice released his one and only solo album in 1985 which generated 2 soul hits, I Need You and his cover of Ben E. King's Stand By Me. By 1987, EWF was back with Touch The World, but the band was almost unrecognizable with the most of the instruments programmed or synthesized. They still had two big hits on the soul side, Thinking Of You, which had nighttime vibe that I've always loved and the political anthem System Of Survival which hit #1. By the time 1990's Heritage came out, EWF seemed to be chasing trends rather than setting them, releasing 'duets' with The Boys and MC Hammer, although they could still put out string material like the title track.

After this album, Maurice had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease but he kept it private for a number of years. With a long respectable career, Maurice could have called it quits, but instead he marched on and kept working. And although he stopped touring with band, he still continued to write, produce and sing right up until 2014's Holiday. The 1993 album, Millienium, produced possibly one of Maurice's last best tracks, Sunday Morning, a sequel of sorts to their 1976 hit, Saturday Nite.

Maurice worked with many artists over the years such as Deneice Williams, Weather Report, Barbra Streisand, Atlantic Starr, Neil Diamond, James Ingram, Urban Knights and others. But it will always be his work with Earth, Wind & Fire that will continue to resonate for he was the heart and soul of that group. EWF has been so influential to the generations of artists in hip hop, soul, dance and pop, it's now party of a fabric that can't be separated. The band may continue his vision without him, but Maurice White was and will always be ever wonderful, their shining star.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

The UnCola 2-2-16 Playlist

A Trip to 1981

Alan Parsons Project-Games People Play
Diesel-Sausalito Summernight
Delbert McClinton-Giving It Up For Your Love
Donnie Iris-Ah!Leah!
Styx-Too Much Time On My Hands
Moody Blues-The Voice
Bee Gees-He's A Liar
Climax Blues Band-I Love You
Steely Dan-Time Out Of Mind
Marty Balin-Hearts
Jefferson Starship-Find Your Way Back
Greg Kihn Band-The Breakup Song (They Don't Write Em)
The Commodores-Lady (You Bring Me Up)
Luther Vandross-Never Too Much
Carl Carlton-She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)
Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet-Everlasting Love
The Go-Gos-Our Lips Are Sealed
Stevie Wonder-I Ain't Gonna Stand For It
Rosanne Cash-Seven Year Ache
Stars On-Stars On 45
Joey Scarbury-Theme From Greatest American Hero
Cliff Richard-A Little In Love
David Bowie-Fashion
Genesis-No Reply At All
Hall & Oates-Private Eyes
Alan Parsons Project-Time

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The UnCola 1-26-16 Playlist

Grand Theft-Pushing & Pulling
Katrina & the Waves-Going Down To Liverpool
Paul Young-Half A Step Away
Utopia-Love With A Thinker
Dakota-Tonight Could Last Forever
China Crisis-Joy And the Spark
Del Amitri-Driving With The Breaks On
Annette Peacock-Too Much In The Skies
Orly-This Time
Black-Wonderful Life
Level 42-Running In The Family
Bernie Taupin-Citizen Jane
George Harrison-This Is Love
Carole King-Only Love Is Real
Ed Motta-The Runaways
PS-Saturday Night
David Bowie-Dollar Days
A-ha-I've Been Losing You
Peter Brown-The Singer's Become A Dancer
Rob Galbraith-I'd Hate To Be A Black Man
Stonebolt-You Don't Care
The Pursuit Of Happiness-Cigarette Dangles
Lou Courtney-Somebody New Is Lovin' On You
Morrissey Mullen-All I Want To Do
Rick Manwiller-I've Got To Go

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

The UnCola 1-19-16 Playlist

Frobeck-Music (Can You Feel My Soul)
Deodato-Just This One Night
Fotomaker-All There In Her Eyes
June & the Exit Wounds-Highway Noise
Young Gun Silver Fox-Distance Between Us
Glenn Frey-Strange Weather
Clarence Reid-Living Together Is Keeping Us Apart
Cold Blood-Your Good Thing
Eagles-Ol 55
David Bowie-Criminal World
Loretta-So Alive
Joan Armatrading-Shapes And Sizes
Tower Of Power-You're Still A Young Man
Brooklyn Dreams-I Won't Let Go
Bing Ji Ling-A Little Love
Starbuck-City Of The Future
Go For It-You've Got The Choice
Jacob Hudden-Dark Cloud
Edgar Winter's White Trash-Parallel Love
Eagles-After The Thrill Is Gone
Sun-60-Out Of My Head
Dynamo Bliss-No Sense In It
Adam Ant-Vive Le Rock
Chris Rainbow-Solid State Brain
New Jersey Kings-Stoned On Denmark Street
Glenn Frey-Soul Searchin'

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The UnCola 1-12-16 Playlist

A Tribute to David Bowie

David Bowie-Dancing In Outer Space
Tin Machine-Under the God
Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs-All the Young Dudes
Tears For Fears-Ashes To Ashes
Frida-Liv Pa Mars?
Duran Duran-Fame
Adrian Belew-Pretty Pink Rose
Nirvana-The Man Who Sold The World
The Dandy Warhols-I Am A Scientist
Tina Turner-1984
David Bowie-I Can't Give Everything Away
Dana Gillespie-Andy Warhol
Moog Cookbook-Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie-Never Let Me Down
The Associates-Boys Keep Swinging
Icehouse-Loving The Alien
Seu Jorge-Rebel Rebel
the Everyothers-John I'm Only Dancing
Iggy Pop-China Girl
Sunshiners-Modern Love
Boy George-Funtime
Grace Jones-Nightclubbing
Flight Of the Conchords-Bowie
Oasis-Heroes
The Braids-Young Americans
David Bowie-Someone Up There Likes Me

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

The UnCola 1-5-16 Playlist

The Kane Gang-Looking For Gold
Jango-Why Didn't I Think Of That
Allman & Woman-Move Me
Eli Paperboy Reed-Shock To the System
Ned Doheny-Never Too Far To Fall
Brian & Brenda Russell-Word Called Love
Joe Fagin-Midnight Cruisin'
Curiosity Killed the Cat-Do Your Believin'
Des'Ree-Living In The City
Ben Folds-Yes Man
Swing Out Sister-Heart For Hire
Severin Brown-Stay
XTC-Spiral
The Clocks-She Looks A Lot Like You
Natalie Cole-Sophisticated Lady (She's A Different Lady)
Bill Cantos-Cool Drink Of Water
Incarnations-There Must Be Love
Lani Hall-Sailing Without A Sail
Elvis Costello & the Attractions-The Only Flame In Town
Cotton Mather-Marathon Man
World Party-Vanity Fair
Robbie Nevil-Just A Little Closer
Chicago-Manipulation
George Fischoff-Georgia Porcupine
Johnny Marr-Easy Money
Pop Will Eat Itself-Def Con One
Mac McAnally-Loser Gumbo