The first track on the seminal 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse' LP McDaniels cut in 1971 is the most furious and energetic of the album. Spiritual afro-soul-rock with a politically aware attitude. A very 'dirty' psychedelic electric bass guitar with a top-class drummer (Alphonse Mouzon) comprise a hard-hitting rhythm section to remember. I prefer this very bluesy track over the more obvious selections from this top-notch release, e.g. the haunting Jagger the Dagger, and Freedom Death Dance.
09 Feb 03 ·konsu: Nice choice!I always liked this song too but could'nt get anyone to pay much attention to his work.One of the more social/politically charged soul jazz records.Cherished by hip-hoppers for years,and sampled quite a bit.Needs to stand again on it's own merits!
I intensely adore this song. It's delicately executed, yet the lyrics are so bold that it's somewhat jarring.
Also, I think Jill Sobule is tragically underrated. She's astonishingly talented, intelligent and humorous. I say, listen to her work, you won't regret it.
from Jill Sobule (Atlantic) available on CD - I Never Learned to Swim: Jill Sobule 1990-2000 (Beyond Records)
The slightly gospel-inflected interpretation by Hathaway on his eponymously titled recording with Roberta Flack in 1972 (Atlantic Records) is simply transcendent. The string arrangements by Arif Mardin wondrous, flute accompaniment by Hubert Laws, as usual, fluid and moving. And the closing moments by Roberta Flack, angelic.
from Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (Atlantic 82794-2) available on CD - same as album (same as album)
25 Apr 04 ·olli: edson have a pretty odd acoustic cover of this. 10 Jul 05 ·spinner303: cool song, fun, the video makes the song: http://www.thedarknessrock.com/media/video/