Category Archives: Record Breakdown

Who: Kam { damnkam.com }
Where: Brooklyn, NY

Bio (in her words)
Kam, the BK transplant by the way of Maryland (the “urea” if you’re familiar). I love who I am, and what I’m not. I know a little about a lot. If talking shit could be a profession, I think I would have been a millionaire ten times over by now. Talking shit is what I do and music is what I love. I like to call myself the most unknown known A&R. I’ve been a student of music since conception and over the years my musical IQ has expanded. Started reading Vibe at 8, the Source + Rolling Stone shortly followed, brief rapping career that never took off, and vinyl collector (my collection is dope considering the time in which I started).

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And now, Kam breaks down 5 of her favorite records…

John Coltrane – Atlantic Jazz Anthology
Nobody does it better than Coltrane, John that is! Usually when it comes to jazz I don’t typically like compilations. I much rather find hidden gems on the full release. But this Best of John Coltrane – Atlantic Jazz Anthology – is one of the best jazz compilations I’ve heard. I’ve also heard that Taz from the group Sa-Ra speaks highly of this record too. After one listen, I knew it was a must add to my always expanding collection. One word to describe this record would be intoxicating. The magic that Coltrane creates with the saxophone can only be compared to the same magic that Disney creates in their fairytales. It’s easy to become enchanted by Coltrane’s usage of lush horns throughout this record. This album opens up with “My Favorite Things” which is one of the best jazz songs ever created and ends with Central Park West another perfectly orchestrated jazz groove. Other highlights on this album are Equinox, Naima, and Giant Steps. The beauty of this album is each song takes you on musical journey- one where you hope the ride never ends.

John Coltrane – My Favorite Things

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The Original Movie Soundtrack – Saturday Night Fever
There was a time when soundtracks were a quintessential part of a good movie. Well at least in my mind there was such a time. If the Gibb Brothers better known as the Bee Gees were looking for notoriety this is the album that did just that. This album was released in 1977 when disco was sweeping the nation. This album ensured that the Bee Gees would be a permanent fixture on every disco floor in the world. Many people don’t mention Barry Gibbs when the discussions of great falsettos come up. However, tracks like the legendary “Stayin’ Alive”, “How Deep Is Your Love”, and “More Than A Woman” prove that perhaps he should be considered as one of the most slept on falsettos. This soundtrack also features a gem performed by Yvonne Elliman in the form of “If I Can’t Have You”. The passion that can be heard in her voice really makes this song convincing. She practically pours her heart into this record. There are other highlights on this record such as “Manhattan Skyline”. An instrumental complete with guitars by Lee Ritenour. This song is sure to take you back to a time when all people wanted to do was dance their worries away. This was a time when disco was king.

The Bee Gee’s – Stayin’ Alive

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Mary Jane Girls – Self Titled
Man do I miss funk music! The self titled debut from the Mary Jane Girls with Rick James at the creative helm is one of the funkiest records I own! Before I go any further, I have to say if Prince won the battle of finding a sexy chanteuse to croon over his tracks i.e. Vanity than Rick James definitely won the battle of finding a bedroom balladeer. Insert JoJo whose voice can be found all over this release. From the contagious baseline of “Candy Man” to the seductive horn of “All Night Long”, JoJo’s vocals shine brighter than the sun rising in the Sahara. This album is split into a party side and a cool out side. Both sides are great at what their intentions were. The party side indeed makes you want to party and dance. It’s almost hard not to move when any of the tracks on this side are played. And the cool out side makes you want to do just that, cool out. “All Night Long” has been sampled by some of today’s favorite artists. It’s a song that never gets old no matter how many times you play it. The cute and fun “Boys” is also another certified banger on this album.

Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long

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Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly – Live In New Orleans
Being a product of the DMV (District Maryland Virginia) area it’s only right that have some Frankie Beverly and Maze in my collection! I can’t think of home without thinking of Frankie Beverly and Maze. This Live in New Orleans is the epitome of their sound which if I had to label it I would call it feel good music! One of my all time favorite songs, “Happy Feelin’s”, is on this record. A dance staple by the name of “Before I Let Go” can also be found on this record. There are far too many good songs on this album to name but Frankie’s voice will surely leave you mesmerized after one listen. Live albums are usually hit or miss for me but this one not only hits but it knocks it out the park. It almost makes me jealous that I was not in attendance. Nevertheless, I encourage anyone to add this to their collection. I’m almost certain that they won’t be disappointed.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly – Happy Feelin’s

• Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - Happy Feelin’s

Loose Ends – Zagora
Many people may not know the band Loose Ends by their name but I’m sure many have heard their major hit songs “Slow Down” and “You Can’t Stop The Rain”. Loose Ends are a successful English band that happened to make some of the best r&b ever! That’s right, ever. And being the sucker for r&b music that I am it goes without saying that Loose Ends “Zagora” album still is in heavy rotation in my life. This album is simply brilliant! It consists of all the staples necessary to make a great r&b album. It has beautiful melodies, harmonious instrumentation, and a strong vocalist. From the sexy “Sweetest Pain” to the soulfully smooth “You Can’t Stop The Rain” to the uber pop “Who Are You?” there is something for everyone on this album. It’s amazing to think that an album released in 1986 still can sound so good.

Loose Ends – Slow Down

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