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Deep Tracks — Radio Misfits 12 — Rhythm & Blues Revival
Radio stations are boxed in by what’s on a list handed down from the mega music conglomerates, high in their ivory towers. A long-standing practice, few songs regardless of their groove, innovative or provocative sounds rarely make it to the promised land, high rotation. A short list of carefully manicured selections are the chosen few. Is there a science to deciding, or has the once shameful “payola” just found a new form?
The next stage, legacy songs, say more than two years old, are plugged into a very small subset of music not so much curated as added to an anointed set of songs played on repeat. Most music lovers know the radio channels play with blinders on. Maybe it’s simpler than being a legit music head and playing great songs no matter whether it’s on a “list” or given the blessing of the big brass in their plush corner offices. Here’s a set of R&B songs once radio darlings who lost their airplay love. No legacy here, yet.
1. One Way — Cutie Pie
An early 80s song that earned a lot of radio respect. Two women, two men. The foursome put out a few hits. A dancefloor jam. The song is equal parts Prince and Earth Wind & Fire. Sampled by Snoop Dogg and Anderson. Paak on their 2018 song “Anywhere”. Boyz II Men covered the song. Pretty good company. Bass, funk, synth and a tight groove, an…
