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U-Luv
The man was a treasure to soul music. And I love his recurring theme of presenting select lyrics on the covers of his albums from Never Say You Can't Survive, dating back to Sweet Exorcist. Big dog died the day after Christmas, he'd really seen enough of this fucked up world. "To Be Invisible" and "Here But Gone" sums it up. The man was clearly suffering from depression.
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DickBigems
"To Be Invisible" is really a commentary on how it feels to be black in America, it refers to Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man. It relates to a lot of the higher paying/more esteemed jobs black people had available to them at that time like porters who carried bags on trains, butlers, doormen, etc. where they were expected to be silent indistinguishable fixtures in white people's lives. Black people were free, but not free in spirit, many felt they had to confine themselves to what the predominant culture's idea of them was just in order to fit in and survive. That's why Curtis wrote those lyrics "Inconspicuous, I must behave myself, for somebody else, who may have little fortune, fame or wealth." Kudos for pointing out his lyrics, they're quite enlightening, the amount of thought and knowledge in his music makes his catalog a treasure trove like you said, worth digging in repeatedly, never gets old. Remember too, this guy was Bob Marley's primary lyrical influence, that says a lot
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DickBigems
And it should be noted, this feeling of being "invisible" has not gone away, many people still feel this. I recommend this documentary "Is That Black Enough for You?" about the way black representation in culture gradually changed and evolved, very informative and interesting, especially if you like movies.
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Spicyeggroll
I totally understand the blush part. The Makings of You, was on while i was driving my car years ago with windows down and people on sidewalk were turning their heads. i blushed and sank into my chair haha
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Nagsworth
Listening to it right now and have to concur, it's absolutely astonishing. One of those "feels like you're in the room watching it" sets like Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square Club (one of the all time great love albums). Actual title is Curtis Live! if anyone wants to check it - go and do it now!!
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werevotingyes
Right on comparison, so true. I absolutely feel like I’m there watching those shows. Recordings that are not just live but alive.
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RussellJones
the story behind the recording of New World Order and the actual sound of the album always breaks me to pieces. fuckin' transcendent music over here...
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RussellJones
yeah mate, it's fuckin' unbelievable how that ended up being so friggin' good at the end. he is a total hall of fame angel. rest in glory brother.
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zica_do_baile
HQ PICTURES, VOTE UP https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/74fb50e0d06630c378bc29a74785d2af https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/ed41da26a6d8d8ee3ed03a22fe3e6df8 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/17ec31ecb3e583265bc68cd0a017e3f8 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/b1a42ad099378bd1025adcf6ad78e917 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/5a2f992cb8483ccd7153efc544a7c44f https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/636b1204d4bcefdc3f916d8eee80674d https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/6c03a8978a526a84ebb8a51e4784cb7b https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/581143420c3d8756e298bdadf001e786 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/7f4bb6d0ac777a4aab199effe8c0d2b0 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/c4efecdbde15118a8970ad6de9994782 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/9906a9c5e1fa7ba285de638fc499a8c3
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zica_do_baile
https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/21a5027843a9b37f32360455037b1b58 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/fafe628f85a1cd12d3b57069edcdb546 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/0b97097261a1110b7d275aac1e10655a https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/5c96d3c179596da5784af6a8a1bb7743 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/f963205f66384f0e837888fc93ed1fb1 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/c506271f600ccb7c833d6873e5afaea8 https://www.last.fm/pt/music/Curtis+Mayfield/+images/c506271f600ccb7c833d6873e5afaea8
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duartemartinho
Superfly is fucking amazing, good lord. And songs like Pusherman are almost like the predecessors to modern conscious hip hop
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annadmakeeva
One of my all time favorite musicians, a true visionary. Track of the week is Homeless.
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Akayz7
fank19, you're really mistaken... Curtis has always been praised as the forthcoming soul/funk artist of the times. And his worth with The Impressions is also just as well praised. Unless all you look at is "Rolling Stones" magazines, you'll be blind to see all the praise he has been given.
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