Michael Jackson - Ben 45 (1972)

Genres: Funk, Soul

This Motown 45 features one of my favorite tracks by Michael Jackson, "Ben" (written by Don Black). The song was originally written for Donny Osmond, but landed in Michael's lap when Donny was unavailable to record the song due to being on tour. "Ben" quickly became a success for Michael. The song topped charts, was nominated for an Academy Award, and was Michael's first #1 solo hit. Giving the song to Michael went from being a second choice, to a good decision.

For all that may not know, "Ben" serves as a theme for the 1972 film Ben (a sequel to the film Willard). I was never quite sure how such a beautiful song could represent a killer rat film, but when I referred back to the Jackson 5 film, and remembered the part where Michael had a pet mouse, and it all made sense.

A special Michael Jackson edition!

Vinyl Lovers is a monthly post that premiers the love individuals have for vinyl records. Each month, one special individual will be chosen to share their love with For Ear Sake by giving a glimpse of their collection, certain records they adore, and stories surrounding their love for the forgotten medium. Vinyl Lovers is not only for vinyl collectors with large collections, but for all individuals that own and love records. It's not about the amount of records you own, but the love you have for what you own. Hopefully this monthly post will inspire people on the verge of starting a record collection, and motivate those that collect to keep digging!

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
Genres: Funk, Soul

The end of August will always belong to Michael Jackson, and this fabulous debut album by The Jackson 5 is a perfect way to not only celebrate the life of the late legend, but to also say farewell to Summer. Almost everyone knows of this album, so an in depth review on it's greatness isn't necessary. However, I'd be doing this album an injustice if I didn't slightly elaborate on my love for it, so here we go…

Despite the album's 1969 release, it's rare to find a person that doesn't still enjoy it as much as they did when they first heard it. It's apparent that this debut album is eternal. You know you have a timeless album on your hands when you can hear a track like, "I Want You Back" countless times within your life, and never grow tired of it. This album reminds me of the simplicity of being a child, and the warm feelings I get around the holidays, or a Sunday dinner full of comfort food. This album is an all-around good experience from start to finish. To top it off, the best part of the album is hearing how Soulful the Jacksons were at such a young age. Tracks like "Nobody", "My Cherie Amour", and "Who's Loving You" are all perfect examples of how soulfully funky things get within this release.

Gil Scott-Heron -

Small Talk

At 125th and Lenox (1970)

Genres: Conscious, Soul, Spoken Word

Gil Scott-Heron recently passed away, and we at For Ear Sake wanted to pay tribute to him. Gil Scott-Heron was not only a pioneer, but he was also a great poet, and a great musician. Many people have stated that his passing away was not a shock due to his drug abuse issue and his health problems, but let's not dwell on the negative, but on the positive. Rest in not only peace, but Rest in Poetry Gil.

Small Talk At 125th and Lenox was Gil Scott-Heron's debut album. The album touched on topics such as commercialism, social issues occurring in inner cities, discrimination, hardships minorities face on a daily basis, homosexuality, poverty, drugs, and more. The album was recorded live at a club in New York City. Speaking of the album being recorded live, the audience adds a special element to the album; some individuals in the audience do everything from attempting to finish the poems for Gil Scott-Heron, laugh, clap, and co-sign with the raw subjects. The conga and bongos that backed Gil Scott-Heron also helped add a special touch to the very touchy topics. Furthermore, do not confuse Small Talk At 125th and Lenox solely as a Spoken Word album; Gil Scott-Heron also gave his singing a shot on three tracks. The vocal aspect of the album beautifully tied the material together as a whole.

Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx -

We're New Here (2011)

Genres: Conscious, Dubstep, Electronic

We're New Here is an album by Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx, and it's not only a shocker, but it's incredible! The album features original Gil Scott-material, but backed with an Electronic instrumentals. Jamie xx laces each track lovely; giving an exploding sound behind Gil's voice. This release truly helped Gil on his comeback.

"It's too dangerous to question either the necessity or the motivation behind such a project-- 22-year-old wunderkind cinches cred with resurgent iconoclast, perhaps?-- but it will come up. Do your best to ignore the impulse, because the residue of death that lingers on I'm New Here is wiped clean from We're New Here. It's replaced with brightness, an energy, and a historical milieu. Smith samples older Scott-Heron songs and works them into these newer songs. He takes a rare moment of singing, recorded for but not included on the initial album, and turns it into the Kieran Hebden-indebted "My Cloud", a gorgeous and redolent centerpiece. He turns a broken man into a recombinant diva." - Pitchfork