By Jacob Clavijo ~ Editor-in-Chief
On Saturday night, the sports world received the shocking news that Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. As a Dallas native, the deal struck me to my core, and I am still in a state of disbelief. In my anguish, I used music to cope with the situation, as I have always done. Here are some songs that have helped bring me back down to Earth as I go through the stages of grief.
Sha La Das, “Those Years Are Over” (2018)
Signed to Daptone Records, the Sha La Das are one of my favorite groups at the moment. Comprised of a father and his three sons, who all don the last name Schalda, the group blends old-school doo-wop and R&B with beautiful harmonizations reminiscent of the Beach Boys. This track even gives the same surf rock vibes as all those classic Beach Boys records. It is a beautiful song about overcoming past struggles that all relationships go through. To be on the other side of those struggles and to do it with someone you love is what makes love so powerful.
Little River Band, “Reminiscing” (1978)
The instrumentation throughout this song, characterized by that classic yacht rock style that so many people have grown to love, makes it great. Don’t get me wrong; the lyrics are good but simple. If not for the jazz-like funk, this song would lose its groove in a heartbeat. While I do not encourage the actions depicted on the album cover, I think this song would be best listened to when engaging in those actions. Enjoy the listen.
Tommy James and The Shondells, “Crimson and Clover” (1968)
It is one of the first psychedelic pop songs I have ever heard, and this record has always been a favorite of mine. The song starts as a slow-tempo love song that slowly builds up to this fast-paced psychedelic rock song that uses the tremolo vocal effect. Tommy James and The Shondells were in Hawaii when Woodstock was taking place in upstate New York, so they declined an invitation to perform. I can only imagine how the attendees would have loved to hear this song live while partaking in all the party favors they received.
George Benson, “Nature Boy” (1977)
What I love most about this song is its initial orchestral sound, quickly replaced by a funky bass line that keeps it moving. With this album, Benson elevates his style from a traditional jazz artist to a jazz fusion pioneer. I am particularly fond of the line, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
The Impressions, “I’m Loving Nothing” (1968)
A young Curtis Mayfield, who later became an R&B legend after his time with The Impressions, sang lead vocals in this song and many others for the group. Mayfield’s soulful falsetto sound brings this song a new level of emotion. They say love is a two-way street, but we sometimes find ourselves on a one-way street, loving nothing.
I hope you all enjoyed this week’s Hi-Fi Five. Valentine’s Day is coming soon, so stay tuned for a special edition filled with love. To see past selections, visit The Hi-Fi Five playlist.
