Friday, May 13, 2011

Bobby, Bill, and William


Just as it was hard finding an image for this week's mixtape, it's equally difficult coming up with something meaningful to say about Bobby Womack, Bill Withers, and William Bell collectively. They're different kinds of performers with different career trajectories. But, like the compilation subheading says, they all seem to be under-appreciated in contemporary discussions of 60s and 70s soul. So here's a little reminder of their greatness.


Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday William Bell
The Same Love That Made Me Laugh Bill Withers
When Love Begins Friendship Ends Bobby Womack
Love Ain't Something You Can Get for Free Bobby Womack
Boy Meets Girl William Bell and Mavis Staples
I Can't Write Left-Handed Bill Withers
Nothing Takes The Place Of You William Bell
If You Don't Want My Love Bobby Womack And J.J. Johnson
Heartbreak Road Bill Withers
I Wish You Well Bill Withers
American Dream Bobby Womack
Lovin' On Borrowed Time William Bell
Liza Bill Withers
Baby! You Oughta Think It Over Bobby Womack
Let Me In Your Life Bill Withers
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye William Bell
Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need) William Bell
California Dreamin' Bobby Womack

4 comments:

Duncanmusic said...

Thanks so much for a compilation I didn't wait 2 seconds to click on. Three of the Soul Giants. I can never have enough of these three in my collection. My own personal faves...(not here) are Wither's 'You Got The Stuff", Womack's "Midnight Mover" and Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water". It's all good.

Ishkabibliophile said...

@duncanmusic,

I love the last two as well (the Bell cut is on a different mixtape), but I'm not familiar with the Withers cut. Which album is it on?

kenthekid said...

I too am a big fan of all three, Withers especially. Such an underrated songwriter.

Ishkabibliophile said...

@Kenthekid,

Did you see the documentary about Withers (Still Bill). Nothing earth shattering, but Withers comes off very well.