The Night Shift

Shortly after Cupid’s Hunt 2010, I promised some Class of ’75 mixes to celebrate classmates and friends lost and found.  I haven’t forgotten.  Every once in a while, a playlist forms in my head, only to (poof!) vanish like a puff of smoke.  There were so many memorable songs that year (at least, I think so); I wasn’t sure where to start.

So, for Cupid’s Hunt 2012, I’ll focus on some of the love songs that rocked those blue-light-in-the-basement parties brought to mind whenever I hear one played on the radio.  Nothing by Smokey (I’m glad I was able to finish his mix); and nothing by the Tempts (I’m working on their mix, too).  I probably should have paid special attention to Barry White as well.  Working with “Let Me Live My Life Loving You” has given me a few ideas.  Also, there’s a little surprise by Solo from 1995.  Hearing it the first time reminded me of “Let’s Do It Again”.  Their sound it reminiscent of Sam Cooke; and will be featured in a tribute for him later this year.

But for now, pick your spot on the wall.

For Todd Grundy and the Furys, who threw the best basement parties I can remember.

TNS – Cupid’s Hunt – Class of ’75: Blue Lights in the Basement

1. Lovin’  You – Minnie Ripperton – Perfect Angel
2. TGrundy
3. Let Me Live My Life Lovin’ You – Barry White – Just Another Way To Say I Love You
4. I Belong To You – Love Unlimited – Best of Love Unlimited
5. Let Me Make Love To You – The O’Jays – The Essential O’Jays
6. Fave
7. Love Won’t Let Me Wait – Major Harris - My Way
8. Just A Thing That I Do – Major Harris - My Way
9. TGrundy
10. Reasons (Live) – Earth, Wind & Fire – Gratititude
11. Your Smile – Rufus – Rufusized
12. I Can’t Say No – Natalie Cole – Inseperable
13. Inseperable – Natalie Cole – Inseperable
14. Mr. Fresh
15. Remember What I Told You To Forget – Tavares – Anthology
16. Sweet Love – The Commodores – Motown Love
17. For The Love Of You (Part 1 & 2) – The Isley Brothers – Love Songs
18. DarrenKeith
19. Let’s Do It Again - The Staple Singers
20. Where Do U Want Me To Put It – Solo – Solo
21. Hope That We Can Be Together Soon – Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (feat. Sharon Paige) – To Be True

When I ’dipped my toes’ in this year’s Cupid’s Hunt Podcast Collaboration Event, I had in mind one list of tracks to post on Facebook or MySpace.  Each song on the list had a theme; be it first love, great love, love gone wrong, “I want you” or wedding jams (Greg and I married four days before Valentines Day).  The list grew, split and became several lists…all while I was learning the basics of blogging; podcasting; soft-and hardware and whatever else had come down the pike since I bought (and never used) dj software back in the days of Windows 98.

My first mix is some of my favorite songs that say “I want you”, smooth and cool.  Screaming and shouting might wake us up; but it’s smooth and cool that keeps us awake on the night shift.  

Cupid’s Hunt: TNS – I Want You

Playlist - Song – Artist – Album [time]

1. That the Way It’s Got To Be (Body and Soul) – The Soul Generation – Beyond Body and Soul [3:08]
2. I Want You – Marvin  Gaye – The Very Best of Marvin Gaye [3:57]
3. Make Me Want You – Curt Jones - 360 Degrees [5:29]
4. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye – The Very Best of Marvin Gaye [4:53]
5. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye – Slow Jams [4:10]
6. Give It To Me – The Whispers - Greatest Slow Jams [5:24]
7. Lady – The Whispers – Greatest Slow Jams [5:07]
8. Hey Girl (I Like Your Style) – The Temptations – Love Songs [3:29]
9. Reasons - Earth, Wind & Fire – That’s The Way Of The World [4:58]
10. Love Won’t Let Me Wait – Major Harris – My Way [5:34]
11. Turn Your Lights Down Low – Lauren Hill and Bob Marley – The Ultimate Mp3 Zone [4:02]
12. A Little Bit More – Freddie Jackson/Melba Moore – Body and Soul:  Duets [4:55]
13. Practice What You Preach – Barry White - The Icon Is Love [5:58]