We are officially two weeks into the books as the semester continues on. I will say, I have really enjoyed the fall weather that has come our way lately. As someone who grew up spending every summer in the Texas heat, it is nice to have the fall season come early. If you’ve never experienced fall in Virginia, prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen; there is also always an event happening in Lynchburg or the surrounding areas during the fall, so be on the lookout. This week’s selection is an eclectic mix of songs that I have been into lately, with most of them having just joined my collection in the last month.
El Michels Affair, “Say Goodbye” (2025)
I ordered this album about three months ago and finally received it just over two weeks ago in the mail. After much anticipation, I can say that this album was well worth the wait. Led by Leon Michels, who is a well-known producer and co-founder of Big Crown Records, El Michels Affair is an instrumental band that takes sounds of the past and blends them with the sounds of the present.
Led by a deep bass line, this song is full of soul and funk, two things that Michels does well. The song also features a memorable singalong chorus, which is performed by Florence Adooni, a Ghanaian artist leading the way for contemporary African music.
“You’re never gonna find a girl like me. Say goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.”
Paul McCartney & Wings, “Band on the Run” (1973)
Quite possibly in the running for best song of all time, McCartney made a gem of a song here. The song blends three unique sounds to tell the story of a band that’s, well you guessed it, on the run. This is one of those no skip songs that you find yourself singing along to when life has you down.
“Well the night was falling as the desert world began to settle down. In the town they’re searching for us everywhere, but we never will be found.”
Johnny Lee, “Lookin’ For Love” (1980)
If you’re one of those people who don’t like country music, please grow up. I’m sorry to sound so harsh, but it’s the truth. There’s plenty of unique sounds and subgenres within the country genre, so there’s something for everyone. This song became a country classic after it was included in the soundtrack for the film “Urban Cowboy,” which starred John Travolta. I don’t know what it is about this song, but every time I listen to it, I’m reminded to relax and enjoy life at a steady pace.
“Playin’ a fools game, hopin’ to win. And tellin’ those sweet lies and losin’ again. I was lookin’ for love in all the wrong places.”
Bob & Gene, “I Can Be Cool” (2007)
For many years now, I’ve been infatuated with the world of lost soul music. Most of these songs were lost to time, mainly because they were recorded under a small town record label by an unknown artist, but the brilliance of these songs could not be ignored. Enter “I Can Be Cool.” This song was recorded by friends Bobby Nunn and Eugene Coplin sometime in the late 1960s under Mo Do Records, a label started by Nunn’s father, when the two were still teenagers. After the label folded, the recordings of these songs were stored away for decades until a record collector stumbled across the 45s in 2001. The music was then presented to Daptone Records, who took the recordings and made them into a full-length album in 2007.
“Truth and trust and love that lasts, must become a thing far far in my past. But if that’s your thing baby, I can be cool.”
Sister Sledge, “Thinking of You” (1979)
Released at the height of the disco movement in the late 70s, this song was one of multiple disco hits by Sister Sledge, an all girl group from Philadelphia. While it’s not their most known song, it’s still sure to bring the groove to any dance floor or party. This song was on repeat for me over the summer, and as the vinyl gods would have it, I found this record over the weekend at an antique mall in Amherst.
“I’m thinking of you and the things you do to me. That makes me love you, now I’m living in ecstasy.”
This concludes this week’s episode of the Hi-Fi Five. I hope you all enjoyed the tunes and found something to add to your playlist. To see previous selections, check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify.
