The Five Keys were a vocal group that helped shape what is now considered Rhythm and Blues. Originally formed in 1945 as The Sentimental Four, they added a second tenor and changed their name to The Five Keys, producing the memorable “The Glory of Love”, “Close Your Eyes” and the novelty pop hit “Ling Ting Tong”.
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“Serve Another Round” was released in 1952 as the b side to “I Cried for You” (Aladdin 3158). It’s a moody call and response number that meanders around pointed bass notes, slap back brush work and a sprinkling piano. It also features the floating tenor that the Avalons, the Leaders, and the Chateaus would eventually incorporate. I love this song, it’s history laid to wax, capturing a time when performing live in the studio was the only way to record.

Soundtrack and Film score albums were rare until the 1950’s and the advent of the LP. Eventually the film and record industries would unite and capitalize on the co-promotional opportunities with artists like The Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles. The 1980’s were littered with films that followed this model and 1989’s Lost Angels attempted to cash in. It featured Adam Horovitz from the Beastie Boys attempting his best James Dean and Donald Sutherland collecting a paycheck.
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Hidden among the more prominent artists featured on this soundtrack was a little know singer, and future dancer, voice actor, and stunt woman who called herself Apollo Smile. Her first single “Let’s Rock” was produced by Freddie "Groove Commander" Richmond and contained samples from Led Zeppelin and the cult science fiction film Aliens. It was a refreshing take on pop culture and a track that deserved a little more attention.

Peter King is a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist primarily known for his work with the alto saxophone. While studying music in London, King performed with the African Messengers who backed The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Diana Ross. In 1964 they recorded “Highlife Piccadilly” which gained popularity in the UK and Europe.
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From 1975 to 1977 Peter King worked with the Legendary Jamaican music producer Sonny Roberts, releasing three records for his Orbitone label. Of the three albums, I feel that Omo Lewa is the most innovative, and “Ajo” one of the most interesting songs ever recorded. It’s a combination of Afropop, Highlife, Funk, Jazz, Reggae and classic R&B. It’s soulful, honest, danceable and a treat to my ears.

I heard this song about a month ago and still can’t get it out of my head. I’m a sucker for shimmery guitars, sweetly sung vocals and anything that hints at dream pop. Produced by the talented multi-instrumentalist Blake Straus, Christina Cuesta Loeb’s first EP Dive is an eclectic array of familiar sounds from the 80’s and 90’s. From the opening wash of guitars, to her drifting warm voice, “Grass It Grows” is a slightly rocking chair of reverie.