Michael Dixon & J.O.Y. – You’re All I Need
Here at the beginning of the year I’m often making up for records that I didn’t play nearly enough in 2013. Sometimes that’s because I just slept on something, more often than not it’s simply because it took me time to get the release. Most of the new music I get is from labels or promo people and since KPFK doesn’t really have a working library, I have to hustle for everything. Though I’m always proud of the “Best Of” shows I do, as soon as I’ve broadcast the show, I know there’s going to be something that I wish I’d put in there (I do make amends during the “Best So Far” show in July, but it’s not quite the same). The thoroughly enjoyable Purple Snow collection from Numero is the first of many echoes of 2013 you’re likely to hear and see on this blog. The collection shines a light on music recorded in Minneapolis before Prince broke out and put that sound on the map. Here (as with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) Prince is still a teenager and only a bit player on a few of the tracks, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty of quality, interesting and distinctive sounds on this collection. “You’re All I Need” is maybe my favorite of the bunch, one of the most slyly funky Gospel songs you’re ever likely to hear, with some spacy organ, hand claps and a chorus of kids. Without a doubt I’ll be making amends most of this year and playing selection after selection from this collection on the radio show.