What is it about summer? One minute you are easing into the sunshine, and the next thing you know..it’s Labor Day, you're spiraling about winter and wondering where the time went. Summer always flies by, probably because it’s just…the best.
This summer feels extra special for me though… I got engaged (!!). So today’s newsletter is dedicated to my new fiancée, with a lineup of love songs that set the mood. Play these for someone you like, love, or want to hook up. I promise it will give you guaranteed results 😉
Sweetest Thing on This Side of Heaven - Papa Bear and His Cubs
This song came from a family band led by Eddie Disnute Sr., aka Papa Bear, alongside his actual kids, the “cubs.” They cut this track in one take, in a tiny home studio in Arkansas back in 1975. They only ever released two songs. This was one of them.
At one point, original pressings were selling for over $3,000 on eBay. Eventually, it was reissued in 2019, giving the rest of us a chance to hear what might be one of the most beautiful family recordings ever put on wax.
The record feels like the kind of song you’d slow dance to in your kitchen with your lover. It's raw, it’s tender, and it’s timeless in the way only soul music can be.
If you’re looking for something that’ll make you stop what you’re doing and just feel, this is the one.
Forever - The Little Dippers
When I first started dating my now fiancée, I used to play this song for her in the mornings and sing it to her while I was in the shower. It’s a really sweet song.
The Little Dippers were a made-up name for a bunch of Nashville session singers, better known as the Anita Kerr Singers, who usually stayed in the background making everyone else sound good.
But for this one moment, they stepped out into the spotlight and randomly dropped a Top 10 hit. “Forever” hit #9 on the charts with its dreamy harmonies and warm, syrupy production. It’s gentle. It’s nostalgic. It’s just a great soul classic.
The Little Dippers never followed it up. One hit, then gone. But that just makes this record more rare and better, in my opinion.
The song has recently been having a moment on social media so you might have heard this one but, if not then you’re welcome. Enjoy it.
True Love Will Never Die - Apples & The Three Oranges
Edward “Apple” Nelson was a drummer, singer, and all-around hustler from Los Angeles who cut a handful of gritty funk and soul records in the early ‘70s. No major label, no budget, just pure heart and DIY energy. The “Three Oranges” referred to his backing musicians, but they weren’t fixed members.
This track dropped in 1972, pressed on Apple’s own Sagittarius label, and pretty much disappeared…For decades, it was one of those “if you know, you know” records. Apparently, he was super prominent in L.A. low rider culture. the Even influential hip-hop producers like Madlib have sampled the track which is a testament to its raw, emotive resonance .
The song is a slow, hypnotic groove that feels like cruising through L.A. with your lover at sunset with nowhere to be.
Quote of the Day
"There are more love songs than anything else. If songs could make you do something we'd all love one another."
Video of the Day
I’m not sure what this song is about but it has a love song feel. I particularly love the guitar sound in this video. As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters this is my favorite live performance series on the internet. Enjoy!
Photo of the Day
Today’s photo is taking a little detour from music. I’m sharing a photo of me and brother and our two ladies since today is dedicated to my lady. I’m on the left and my brother on the right. Cheers. For those that don’t know what I look like, now you do 😃 .
Happy Sunday! One Love.