By Jacob Clavijo ~ Editor-in-Chief
It’s been quite some time since my last Hi-Fi Five, but I hope everyone has had a great first week back on campus. The Hi-Fi Five will have plenty to pick from this year, especially after my 47-record haul that I found at a local thrift store a few weeks back.
Glen Campbell, “Gentle On My Mind” (1967)
When I first moved to Lynchburg, I recall listening to this record on repeat during my 17-hour drive from Texas to Virginia. I was leaving behind my home, friends, family, and all I’ve ever known, for a new adventure. As I was entering this new chapter in my life, this song made me remember that Texas would always be gentle on my mind.
This record was part of a massive haul I stumbled across a few weeks ago. I found 47 records for a whopping $32, and they were all great songs, such as this one. It has been on repeat a lot lately, and Alpert’s distinct trumpet sound gives me the chills in the way Miles Davis does when I hear his records.
Lee Fields, “Let’s Talk It Over” (1979)
Perhaps one of the most underrated soul singers of his time, Lee Fields, has such an impactful and soulful voice that I believe sets him apart from the rest. Though he did not achieve much commercial success early in his career, he has blossomed into a superstar in the soul community in the past decade. If not for the return of soul, we may have never rediscovered this great track from decades ago.
While I may not be much of a dancer by any means, this sound has a unique ability to get a little groove out of me. It has a very sexualized message, which can be inferred from the title of the record, but the song is driven by an instrumental funk that I have not heard out of too many songs.
Michelle Phillips, “Lady Of Fantasy” (1977)
Most known for her work in The Mamas and The Papas, Michelle Phillips released this song as a part of her 1977 album Victim of Romance. It was considered a commercial failure, and Phillips ended up trading her solo music career for one in acting. I first listened to this record around eight years ago, and for so long, I hoped I would discover it in some record or antique shop. My wish came true at an antique mall in Roanoke last year.
This concluded this week’s Hi-Fi Five. To see past record choices, visit The Hi-Fi Five playlist.
