In the superb documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, the talented back-up singers for Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Rolling Stones, Sting and Tina Turner finally get their time in center stage. Here, multiple singers dating from the early ’60s reflect on paying their dues with hopes of crossing over into the mainstream and priceless memories from their storied careers.
Director Morgan Neville skillfully draws emotions ranging from frustrations with show business to humor as Darlene Love recalls her work on the classic “Monster Mash” as well as the irony of how the British offered more artistic freedom to U.S. soul singers.
The footage and interviews used in 20 Feet from Stardom are absolutely extraordinary. Coming from somebody who was drawn to the vocal powerhouses such as Culture Club’s Helen Terry, Pet Shop Boys’ Sylvia Mason-James and Sylvester’s Two Tons o’ Fun, this film is much overdue for these underappreciated heroes of the industry.
The companion soundtrack to 20 Feet from Stardom is out now via Columbia Records. Solo efforts as well as the popular hits with divas on support vocals are featured here, including the favorites “Wild Side” by Lou Reed, “Slippery People” by Talking Heads, “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals and “Young Americans” by David Bowie. Love’s “A Fine, Fine Boy” includes the producer’s direction on how to adjust her vocals. The sequence as Lisa Fischer sings “Sure on This Shining Light” silenced the theater in awe. The newly recorded material spotlights the talented songbirds, especially Judith Hill’s “Desperation.”
Sylvester shattered many barriers as an out, Black disco star in the ’70s. Fantasy Records just issued the new compilation Mighty Real: Greatest Dance Hits. This captures the decadence of the hey-day of disco with “Dance (Disco Heat),” “Can’t Stop Dancing” and “Body Strong.” His biggest hit, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” appears here twice—first with the Ralphi Rosario Dub Mix, which modernizes the best traits of the original and then as the vintage 12″ Mix. Sylvester’s gospel roots are shown on “Sell My Soul” and “Changes.” Sylvester’s sound and stunning falsetto are saluted and sampled to this day.
READ MORE: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Pop-Making-Sense/43771.html
Source: windycitymediagroup / MJ-Upbeat.com
Recent Comments