this woman’s work

Here are the last four songs on the set. The next CD is Joy, which is why this one ends so jubiliantly. (It’s to get you ready.) I’ll leave these up until next Monday and then take them down to put up the next set.

#16 Braided Hair by 1 Giant Leap
I have this song because I heart Neneh Cherry and will rip and burn any little thing of hers I find. (The guy singing with her is Speech from Arrested Development.) This one is for Jessica, who is growing her hair out napptural.

#17 Ooh Ooh Child by The Five Stair Steps
I was going to give you the Nina Simone version but I got it off iTunes and it won’t let me share it. Still ever since I saw Crooklyn, I’ve had to have this take at the ready for those dreary days when I need cheering up.

#18 The Best is Yet to Come by Nancy Wilson
I discovered Nancy Wilson in my dad’s record collection. The album he had was the one she did with Cannonball Adderly and she’s standing there, arms crossed, in this fabulous yellow dress. My dad had such a crush on her and who can blame her? She’s from Columbus, you know, and Brett’s dad met her (in Seattle) because her brother (or cousin?) was also from Columbus. Brett’s dad, Phil, and Nancy’s brother (cousin?) were in the army together and Phil got invited to go “see my little sister (cousin?) sing.” And lo and behold, the lucky man got to see Nancy singing in person. My dad was so jealous when I told him.

#19 I Got A Lot of Living to Do by Sammy Davis Jr.
A song from Bye Bye Birdie — just try not to swing around like a hep cat while this song is on! (And check out the title to this album: The Wham of Sam! As they say on the gossip blogs, loves it!) These last two tunes could certainly have gone on Joy but I couldn’t resist putting them here; it’s such a nice, rousing finish to the mix tape!!

Possibly related posts

• Two good questions & my answers (9)
• Too young? Naw (0)
• Tomorrow’s my writing group (0)
• This is a true story (9)
• The sun’s coming up, like a big bald head (0)