let it be
Last summer, I bought Bill Wither’s Just as I am with the idea that I would somewhat systematically make sure I’d heard every late, great album I’d missed on the first pass. The big hit of this album was Ain’t No Sunshine, but it’s also the source of Hope She’ll Be Happier. I never got around to really digging in to the album. But the other day, while cleaning some things out, I re-listened to the cut of Let it Be.
Having spent sometime this year with the terrific gospel version of this song in Across the Universe, Wither’s version, also a gospel vibe, really struck me. While the film version is steely strength to confront grief and injustice, Wither’s version is a more a joyous call to live the life that matters. We’ve discussed the film version here before, but I’m posting it again to hear these bookends back to back. Or choose the one that meets you where you’re at.
from Across the Universe
Bill Withers
Happy Sunday, everyone.
categories: music
tags: Across the Universe, Bill Withers, Just as I am, Let it Be
posted by boolz at 03:00 am
Hey! I thought you’d closed up this blog! I’ve been off the radar for awhile, obviously. Welcome back, albeit a little belatedly…
First I voted against the blog, then I voted for it.
Actually, here’s what’s going on:
http://c2what.com/2008/06/08/state-of-the-blog/
What a beautiful song.
That scene from Across the Universe was my favorite of the entire movie. I really liked ATU and did a post on it a while back.
However, as for Withers’ Just As I Am, I consider it one of the 10 best albums ever recorded. Bill Withers is a very unique and talented artist.
I addition to ANS, Happier and Let it Be, this album also includes the fantastic Grandma’s Hands and Harlem.
Perhaps some of the better songs, although much lesser known are, but favorites of mine are Sweet Wynomi and Do It Good.
There’s even a funky version of Harry Nilsson’s Everybody’s Talkin’.
It should be noted that the great Stephen Stills provided guitar while the legend, Booker T. Washington (of Booker T. & The MGs), played organ on this watershed album.
BTW, Still Bill ain’t bad either.
I totally agree about ATU: I actually was surprised to like it as much as I did. The “Let it Be” scene was the most effecting, but Cocker’s “Come Together” was my fave. It’s on his lastest album, which I keep meaning to check out.
And you’re right, Just As I Am is right up there. My favorite tracks “I’m Her Daddy” and, especially “Moanin’ and Groanin”. The latter is on my short list of best bass grooves ever. I’ve been in a real bass mood lately, so I’m wanting to dig into some of that soon.
Boolz: I think you might like “Bass Player” by My Brightest Diamond. You can sample it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Sharks-Teeth-Brightest-Diamond/dp/B0017TZ8Y6