Thursday, November 26, 2009

"I'm Still Waiting" Bob Marley and the Wailers-Various


When writing a blog about songs that aren't well know it is somewhat difficult to do something on Bob Marley, the man who brought Reggae to everyone's attention. However his work went far beyond the pot-smoking-pseudo-rasta-college loser's collection. Bob laid down some slow grooves that are just too perfect for words, including this three minute track which would fit seamlessly into Sinatra's or The Beach Boys's repertoire.

Marvin Gaye has become the defacto, go to guy when people think of intimate music to come together to...but come on, maybe for your first time. In such a circumstance I really don't need lyrics to tell me EXACTLY what and how I am supposed to engage myself. Marvin Gaye is the hardcore porn of music, this song is a Playboy spread done by Helmut Newton; it is what is not said that makes it sexy.

And from two overplayed men with overplayed ideas this song comes as a fresh lover, one who doesn't dress as suggestively but nonetheless when the clothes come off is sexier than you have ever imagined. The reverb on the vocals sound as though Bob is singing during a humid rain, the tight trumpets barely audible in the background provide the pulse of a heart gearing up in anticipation for something special while the background harmonies carry you off to a bed of clouds and roses. This song is the little black dress of sensuality.

It encapsulates the simple beauty and sexual tension which comprised many songs of the 50's and 60's when we were too shy to come out and say exactly what we were speaking about or the language of the blues which when translated could make 2 Live Crew blush. In this song Bob breaks the mold of himself and produces something (thankfully) that few have grabbed onto and made popular. Excuse me, but after listening to this song while writing I'm lighting the candles and making a phone call...