Paul Kelly’s song “The Upset” popped up on my iTunes a couple days ago. I had never heard it before nor did I initially know how it got to be on my computer. As it turns out, it was released as part of a compilation called Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label as put out by the Numero Group label. This particular collection, which focuses on Miami’s Deep City label, came out in 2005 and somehow found its place along with three other similar collections on my iPod.
If you’re not familiar with Numero Group, essentially they are a new-ish independent record label that specializes in re-releasing and curating stellar collections of out-of-print soul, r&b, afro-cuban, funk, kiddie soul and SO much more great music that has fallen through the cracks over the years.
Like many imprints that dig for curiosities and obscure music, many of the artists and long-since-gone labels they mine for aren’t the names most people know at all. In fact while much of the music feels familiar to the Motown and blues and funk sounds of groups we know, there is very little in the way of top name talent. But that does not really diminish the countless great artists and songs collected on these albums.
“The Upset” by Paul Kelly is one such song that mines the Motown sounds somewhere between Otis Redding, The Temptations and perhaps bits of Sam Cooke or Nina Simone. But it still sounds sorta modern at times. Hell, the first time I heard this, I was convinced it was Gnarls Barkley covering an old Motown standard.
[audio:https://hellocomein.com/soundbox/PaulKelly_TheUpset.mp3]With big powerful horn arrangements open the song, and the slinky upstroke of the guitar, it feels like a lamenting dirge. But when coupled with Kelly’s soaring vocal melodies that slide into the notes with the ease of Otis or Nina, the choruses elevate the song to a level of overcoming the adversity he sings about. Truly a great song.
Another song by Kelly is featured on this collection: “It’s My Baby.” This song sounds like a near rip of “My Girl” by the Temptations. From the chord progression and the horn arrangements, to the rhythm section and vibe of the song and certainly the vocal melody that borrows liberally from the song, it’s amazing there was no lawsuit involved.
[audio:https://hellocomein.com/soundbox/PaulKelly_ItsMyBaby.mp3]And yet, it still sounds great, even if it does put you more in the mood to listen to “My Girl” instead. For comparison’s sake, here is the Temptations:
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