By Jacob Clavijo – Staff Writer
After a long and stressful week, I love to sit back in my recliner and stare up at the ceiling while the wax is spinning. I did not purchase new vinyl this week, but I did pre-order a couple that I can’t wait to share with you all. For now, here are five records that I enjoyed listening to this week.
It took four weeks, but a Bee Gees record finally made it to the Hi-Fi Five. Undoubtedly my favorite band of all time, the Bee Gees will always hold a special place in my soul. Though they are most famous for leading the disco movement in the 1970s, I am a fan of their music before and after the disco era. This song comes off the album that first debuted their famous disco sound, courtesy of Barry Gibb.
Clarence Carter, “Slip Away” (1968)
I woke up in a great mood the other day, probably due to the amazing weather we have been experiencing here lately. When I wake up in a particularly great mood, I try to find a record with a killer guitar riff. The first 15 seconds of this song have such a gritty yet upbeat feel that I just can’t help but play an air guitar myself. I know this song encourages having an affair, but there comes a time when the funk outweighs the message.
The Altons, “Tangled Up In You” (2021)
The Altons are one of my favorite groups keeping soul and R&B music alive today. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group’s soulful tunes, which typically revolve around love, have always kept me listening. I was lucky enough to see them live last year in D.C., (of course I had them sign a couple of my records) and they will be releasing another album next Valentine’s Day, which I am anxiously awaiting.
Willie Nelson, “Funny How Time Slips Away” (1962)
When the seasonal blues hit, or when I find myself in a state of introspection, this song always finds itself on the turntable. It’s true, as Willie points out, that time finds itself slipping past us before we can even acknowledge its presence. As I reflect on my time here in Lynchburg, my 21 years growing up in Dallas suddenly feel so distant to me. I suppose all we can do is enjoy the ride while we’re on it.
Brenda & The Tabulations, “Dry Your Eyes” (1967)
I found this record last year after many years of crate digging. Led by singer Brenda Payton and her soulful sound, this group knows how to tug at my heart at the right time. As you can tell from many of my selections, I am fascinated with the idea of love. How can I not be, though? It’s all around us, pushing us forward, even after it sets us back. After listening to this song, you will find that even when heartache pulls you back, you only need to dry your eyes.