Friday, October 15, 2010: The Fifth Dimension - California Soul

When you think of California, a lot of things jump to mind. Soul music, unfortunately, is not near the top of that list.

And that's a shame, because California has made some tremendous contributions to Soul Music; Tower of Power, Santana, Sly and The Family Stone and Shuggie Otis, just to name a few.  It's about time that inequality is addressed, and CSOTD is right on doing it!

Originally written by Ashford & Simpson, covered by Marlena Shaw, and later as a duet by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, California Soul is one of those rare songs from the late 60's that successfully combines elements of soul, pop, and hippy-dippy peace and love without watering down the message or pumping up the cheese factor. The relatively understated mix between the vocals, strings and that outstanding horn section helps a lot.

The 2008 remix of Marlena Shaw's California Soul by Philadelphia-based Producer and DJ Diplo, was a hit in Fashion Week this year, and I was very tempted to make that the official CSOTD selection.

In the end, however, I just can't get over those angelic 5th Dimension harmonies.  When they kick in singing the "California Soul" chorus, it just feels like the sky will rip open and peace, love, joy and good grooves will rain from the sky.

I dig California Soul, this truly is a great, great record.