Monday, October 1, 2012

Percy Sledge "Dark End of the Street"


A great soul tune performed by Percy Sledge and written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman in 1967.  James Carr was the first artist to record it.  This is a classic example of the "Muscle Shoals sound", recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, as highlighted on NPR's American Routes program.

http://americanroutes.wwno.org/

The Muscle Shoals sound was recently featured on the latest episode of that radio program.  So many other artists have covered this song.  The list includes:

The Glories
Deacon Blue
Oscar Toney Jr.
Dolly Parton
Joe Tex
Bruce Springsteen
Aretha Franklin
Ry Cooder
Eva Cassidy
Elvis Costello
Clarence Carter
The Allman Brothers Band
Ryan Adams & Courtney Love
Diamanda Galas
The Afghan Wigs
Widespread Panic
Eels
Cat Power
Adam Duritz
The New Standards
Rock City Angels
Graham Parsons
Peter Green

A legendary song, written by well known songwriters, and performed by many artists.  "Dark End of the Street" is a timeless piece of music to be sure.

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