Sunday, February 18, 2007

Stupidity

Song: Stupidity
Artist: Solomon Burke
Written:
Solomon Burke
Year : 1963
Album/Single: Atlantic # 2196


Cobra's Version
Song: Stupidity
Released: May 1st, 2001
Album: Life, Love and Leaving


HEY ! EVERYBODY !


Today's selection is a dance number by the King.
No, not that King
, the real King.
King Solomon.
Solomon Burke
.

"Stupidity" was the flip side to "Can't Nobody Love You" (a classic country soul ballad) in 1963. It followed a couple of Burke's biggest hits - "Just Out of Reach" and "Cry To Me". Solomon was signed to Atlantic Records to replace Ray Charles, who had just left the label. Big shoes to fill. But then again, Solomon is a big man. Solomon's success was credited for keeping Atlantic afloat in this period.

Solomon was originally a preacher in Philadelphia, which no doubt influenced and assisted in the shouted introduction to today's selection. Apparently, the Stupidity was intended to be a dance, something along the links of "The Swim", "The Duck", etc. I don't suspect it was very successful.

Lyrics:
Hey! (Hey!)
Everybody! (Everybody!)
All around the world
Every boy and girl
Taking lessons from me
Do The Stupidity

My Momma she says it's silly
My Poppa says "you look like a fool"
But, baby, I don't mind the criticism
Because were doing it every day in school

Come along with me

See how much fun it can be
While watching me, baby
Do The Stupidity


My Momma she says it's silly
My Poppa says I look like a fool
But, I don't mind the criticism
Because were doing it every day in school

Come along with me

See how much fun it can be
Watch it on TV
Oh, baby, thats The Stupidity

Solomon's version is a full fleshed out R&B dandy, complete with rolling keyboards a wailing horn arrangement. The Cobra's version, of course, replaces all that with with their classic garage guitar crunch.

Solomon is still recording these days. I have yet to hear his last album - "Nashville
" - but can highly recommend his 2002 album - "Don't Give Up On Me".

Download it now:
Solomon Burke - Stupidity - 1963 - Atlantic # 2196
Available on "Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke"
Buy "Live, Love & Leaving" by the Detroit Cobras

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