TVD On Your (AM) Radio

Around the time MJ passed away, someone commented on one of the many TV and radio broadcasts that he felt lucky to have had ‘Thriller’ as a kid because, at a very early age one doesn’t ‘choose’ music, your environment and surroundings dictate what's consumed more or less.

Now, in the ‘70’s when I still counted my age in single digits, AM radio out of New York City (WNBC and WABC respectively) was omnipresent in my home. If you were to ask me then, I would have convinced you with the utmost sincerity that my two favorite bands were The Beatles and KISS—but I was absorbing so much more without even knowing it.

So, if you haven’t detected it already, we’re bringing some of that background music to the fore this week.

Oh—and you parents out there? I’d consider just tossing the radio out the window. Just pitch it. Y’know, for ‘the kids sake.’

Donna Summer - MacArthur Park (Original Promo 7'' Version) (Mp3)
The Emotions - Best Of My Love (Mp3)
The Floaters - Float On (Mp3)
Jigsaw - Sky High (Mp3)
Paul Nicholas - Heaven On The 7th Floor (Mp3)

TVD Class of '75 | "Kickin'" by The Mighty Clouds of Joy

On which gospel meets Philly soul and makes it all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard dance chart.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy came out of Los Angeles in 1960 as a traditional gospel group. By the early '70s, they started developing a more secular sound even as they kept the faith. This joyous, upbeat record, from 1975, is proof.


"Mighty High" is that dance hit. "Leanin'" clearly is inspired by the O'Jays' "Love Train." Then there's a funky, mashed-up cover of Kiki Dee's "I Got The Music In Me" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Still not sure what to make of that.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Mighty High (Mp3)
The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Leanin' (Mp3)
The Mighty Clouds of Joy - I Got The Music In Me/Superstition (Mp3)