I felt kind of silly trying to tack on music to that last post. So here you go.
Shelia E.
Holly Rock (Extended Version)
Holly Rock (7″ Single Edit)
This is one of Shelia E’s lesser known tunes, but one of her best. It’s a fan favorite according to an uncited claim on Wikipedia! Assuming that’s true I can totally see why, it’s an amazing jam of funk and drums, featuring some pretty good rap-style vocals by the legendary Shelia. The seven-minute extended version is nuts crazy insane awesome, with more breakdowns than a tumblr blog dedicated to self-diagnosed mental illness. I’m fairly certain that this version was exclusive to the 12″ single. The 7″ version was on the Krush Groove soundtrack, but that’s been out of print forever (which is a damn shame, by the way).
Debbie Harry
I Want That Man (12″ Remix)
I Want That Man (Instrumental)
Question: Are any of Debbie Harry’s solo albums any good at all? I own Koo Koo and…ugh that thing is a mess. This song is decent enough, with the 12″ remix adding some much needed energy to the tune, but I can’t imagine an album of similar tunes holding any water at all.
Sinead O’Connor
Mandinka (Jake’s Remix)
According to Discogs, this remix is by Paul “Groucho” Smykle, and not by someone named Jake. I feel abused and lied to.
On the plus side, Paul “Groucho” Smykle did the 12″ remixes for Big Audio Dynamites “Medicine Show” and “E=MC2” so I think I can find it in my heart to forgive him. Furthermore, this is a pretty great mix, and very reminiscent of early BAD, with its semi-random vocal samples and obvious dub influences. Â Great stuff all around and worth the download.
I think that the Jake in “Jake’s Remix” refers to Sinead’s (at the time) infant son.
Awesome stuff here….I love your description on the insane, awesomeness of Sheila E’s remix!
That Sinead O’Connor remix typifies its era in the best way possible. Thank you.
Thanks for the fun Shelia E. mixes, and also for that huge trove of Peter Gabriel a bit back.
So when are you going to lay your huge news on us, you big tease?
I’m getting there! Sorry.
I’ve never heard 2nd or the most recent, but of Debbie’s solo stuff – Def, Dumb, and Blonde & Debravation are quite decent ‘n respectable…
Aww, I like Koo Koo!
Koo Koo was a mixed bag. Rock Bird was one of my favorites of the mid-80s. Def Dumb and Blond was another mixed bag (4 or 5 killer tracks, the rest forgettable). I kinda trailed off after that one. Still love my Debbie though.