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Hey there everyone. We obviously come to you this week with heavy hearts as we join good people the world over mourning the passing of our beloved Dolly Parton. This one really hurts. Waking up in a world without Dolly is brutal. However, so bright was her light whilst on this earth that we’ll be feeling her power and grace for decades to come. What a legend, what a beautiful person, what an entertainer. Thank you, Dolly, for all the wonderful songs, the films, the laughs and for the kindness that you put out into the world. A true example of using one’s celebrity and wealth for good over selfish enrichment. A lesson that our current crop of wealthy wasters could do with learning. I’ll leave those more eloquent than I to say more on how great Dolly is, but suffice to say, Dolly, we will always love you.
I played a couple of Dolly records last night and this morning watched some of my favorite TV clips with her. I love her in the Irish pub and her London concert and any chat show appearances she made. Always so funny and charming and warm and kind, with that beautiful accent and adorable laugh. So wholesome. She could also stand head to toe with any man or woman and kick their asses if needed. I recently just watched her again in the great films 9 To 5 and Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, where she is incredible. Dolly Parton has been someone I have loved and admired all my life. An experience shared by millions but all personal to us. She’ll never leave us. Dolly forever.
When I got to the store today, I arrived early to do some work before we opened and needed a record to jam to and to get me going but also one that would be somehow comforting under the circumstances. I needed something very familiar that would hit that spot deep inside. You know what I mean? I flicked through the boxes of new used arrivals awaiting to be put on the floor and pulled out a copy of What Is Beat? The best of The Beat. Perfect. I love The Beat. Who doesn’t? They were brilliant. Along with The Specials and Selecter, they were easily my favorites from that period. This best of pulls from their three albums, which as you all know are all great, especially the first, I Just Can’t Stop It. Banger after banger. What’s cool about this best of is that it comes with a bonus disc containing extended mixes of singles and album tracks that originally appeared on 12-inch singles and the like. I’m not sure whether any of the mixes were unreleased and exclusive to this compilation but regardless, it’s a nifty way to get them all in one place. I love how good they sound here. The mastering of the record is really good. When I was out spinning records as a DJ, this was always a good one to have in the bag. Twist And Crawl is such a great song that never fails to make me feel good. There’s also the tune March Of The Swivel Heads where they sound like a mix of Yello and Cymande. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off fans will recognize that one. There’s lots more. Great versions of Drowning and I Confess, plus another of my personal favorites, Psychedelic Rockers.
I blasted this bad boy from beginning to end and it did just what I needed it to do. Took me to a happy place and time and filled my soul with good emotions and sentiment and fired me up for the day. Music is fucking ace, isn’t it? The best medicine for what ails you. I hope you were able to blast one of your favorite records today.
Cheers friends - Dom