Grace Jones
Jimster
Cruffiton.etsy.com 6,954 Posts
Am I digging some of it just because I like Sly and Robbie or does she have any real talent other than shock value? I mean, she is photogenic, but does she bring anything musical to the table? Were the songs her ideas or not? Please to drop Knowledge.
Comments
Grace Jones is great. I grew up with her records thru my parents. I like the Sly'n'Robbie produced records the best. Haven't heard the early Tom Moulton-related LPs in a loooong time, and I honestly can't remember them.
"Private Life" 12" is up next on the platter.
I didn't know until recently that this was a cover of the Chrissy Hynde/Pretenders og. All my reggae drumming "efforts" are based on this. Just so right. I have other Sly/Robbie stuff, "Language Barrier" and the like, but the songs aren't as strong.
IIRC she has been around since the Warhol/Blondie/Studio54 days were at their peak. No knowledge of her music from this time though. I am guessing it was kind of Emperor's New Clothes syndrome?
Well I think you can be pretty sure that she was not a "puppet" in the hands of producers and stylists. I think she is one of those artists that are talented and visionary, but needs top-notch partners to make the best of the talent and to bring the visions to life. Throughout her career she collaborated with the top dogs in the music biz (Tom Moulton, Sly'n'Robbie, Trevor Horn, Nile Rodgers) and fashion/art world ( Jean-Paul Goude, Andy Warhol, Richard Bernstein, Keith Haring a.o.). If she hadn't worked with the best, I'm not sure she would have had as big an impact, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a unique musical talent. For instance, all conceptual hooplah aside, I love her singing voice.
I tend to think of artists like Missy in the same way. In fact I think it's safe to assume that Grace Jones has been an influence on Missy, Peaches and the likes.
Tom Moulton mix of 'La'Vi En Rose' is SO great....I love that song, and I bump 'Pull Up To The Bumper' whenever I have the chance. That song grooves straight through the floor.
I think Jones has more charisma and star power than musical genius, butthat's actually saying a lot since I think her musical abilities are pretty formidable. Grace Jones is a true talent in my book.
Grace Jones is pure ATTITUDE.
I play a lot of Grace in my DJ sets too. My Jamaican Guy, Private Life, Pull Up To My Bumper are all staples for me.
BTW Anyone ever hear the unreleased dub of "Warm Leatherette" by Larry Levan and Francois K? DEADLY!!! I heard FK play it at his night at Cielo once, and that shit was SERIOUS!!! OMG pure Paradise Garage bliss.
Feel Up for that dancefloor shit.
My homie got dome from Grace Jones
"I WAS THERE"
great thread...let's bump that one.
"Do any of you sissy-boys even party?"[/b]
Also, "Nipple To the Bottle."
i could ('specially after seeing her in the movie Boomerang)
i have a huge soft spot for Slave to the Rhythm too