Drug Abuse
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Drug Abuse
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Given that Soul Musicians love to get on their soapboxes and lecture us with songs of social consciousness, songs which deal with drug abuse are few and far between. This is surprising given that black American Ghettos are supposed to be riddled with the stuff. It is also a great pity because given the quality of soul music which has been produced about narcotics we can only gnash our teeth at the fact that there isn't more. Here are just a few drugs tracks which come highly recommended. 1. Pusherman - Curtis Mayfield Taken from the Soundtrack of the Blaxploitation Film "Superfly" this has to rate amongst the best pieces of work from a very talented Artist/Composer. A very atmospheric slice of funk, which is both threatening and predatory. Curtis Mayfield sings the seductive song of a malevolent pusher trying to tempt victims into buying his goods. A master of psychology he preys on the weak with a gentle but evil seduction. He promises to be a friend, mother, father and doctor, in fact he promises anything to find another customer for his addictive wares. An absolute masterpiece of soul music. 2. Home is Where The Hatred Is - Esther Phillips Esther Phillips was well known to have suffered from narcotics addiction. Although originally written and performed by Gill Scott Heron Esther brings a personal experience to this song which you know is heartfelt. A funky trumpet precedes her opening line, "Junkie walking through the twilight". She's been gone three days, she doesn't know where she's been and nobody has missed her. She sings about the emptiness of her life without drugs, but how it gets filled by strange dreams once she is high. The advice to kick the habit she knows is good, but she is too addicted and is conscious that the struggle will be too much for her. She asks her advisors if they have ever tried to kick the habit. A stark and disturbing song which is convincingly delivered. 3. Signed Miss Heroine - Sam Dees There can be no question that pain and suffering create conditions for the really great soul music, and this is why those artists who have tried to deal with this theme have created some masterpieces. Like the two songs listed above this really is a fabulous, heartfelt piece of work. In this allegory Heroine takes the form of a very expensive and seductive woman who will eventually take the lives of all who she seduces. The strategy is described, start smoking Heroine and pretty soon you'll want to inject. All strong men think they will be able to turn away if they feel they are too deeply involved, but none ever do. Besides considering the physical and psychological damage of drug addiction it also considers the moral degradation. Everything I've ever heard by Dees has been excellent, but even by his high standards this has to go to the top of the pile. 4. Cloud Nine - The Temptations Probably the most famous drugs record of them all, maybe because it was the Temptations who sang it. Good, but in my view weaker than the three above. This song is more concerned with highlighting the social conditions which cause people to turn to narcotics abuse, poverty, bad upbringing etc. Surprisingly the Temptations tried to deny the song was about drugs at all. An unbelievable stance given the clarity of the lyrics. 5. Junkie Chase - Curtis Mayfield A frantic instrumental also taken from the "Superfly" film. Musically excellent, but the only relationship with narcotics is the title and any context gained from the film.
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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