Charles Pitts was on the wah-ed guitar, and I doubt his track would have been looped or dropped in, in 1971, so you've got a guy holding the groove and playing pretty much the same thing for four and a half minutes.
@@sigil5772 yes! It's Your Thing, etc. - must have been quite an influence on Nile Rodgers and many others. Astounding what can be done without a click track.
@@sigil5772 There were no digital samplers in 1971. If there was any looping it would have had to have been analog tape loops but that's pretty unlikely. In those days rhythm sections usually played together live. If you listen closely there is a lot of variation in that wah and it is locked in with the bass and drummer. Might have done a few punch-ins or second takes but in those days any irregularities would have probably been left in. That's why seventies music is so organic and soulful. No computers just real human emotions.
My dad had this album & I can still remember dancing to this all the time as a little kid, in the mid 70’s. I remember being so excited when I saw him pop up randomly as The Duke in Escape From New York that I almost started shouting, “It’s Isaac Hayes, it’s Isaac Hayes!!” in the theater.🤣
Soul music was changed forever when the “Theme from Shaft” was released. It had never before sounded so textured and complex. Also, I’m ecstatic to see a Stax artist on the channel! There’s a whole universe of music you’ve barely touched so far - Stax, Volt, and Hi Records - all being Memphis recording studios who collectively released some of the most iconic music ever made. Another Stax cut to check out is “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers. And you already know how badly I’m wanting to see you react to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” which was a humongous hit for Hi Records.
Yes! Everything Allison said!!! Memphis Music ... There's a reason why Memphis is the Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock-and-Roll. There's sooo much more than Elvis, Jerry Lee, et al. Yes, the blues and rock influenced so many artists and genres that came after. But you seriously need to check out the Stax catalog. You can start with Green Onions.
Allison Reed You nailed some serious sh**! I was 26 when this was released in '71, and was teaching in a very diverse high school with 2,000 students. You should have seen lunchtime. For the most part everyone was pretty cool, and the kids were permitted to spin some vinyl while they had lunch break. I'll never forget the first time I heard the Theme From Shaft echoing through the crowded cafeteria. Kids were up dancing in pairs, singly or in little groups - white and black. I immediately went out and bought the 45 rpm - think it cost a $.
Agree with everything except that “soul music wasn’t textured” until then… 60’s soul was just as multi layered - obviously Hayes is an icon for his flavor and civil rights personae after MLK was murdered but soul music has always drawn from so many genres…
The Shaft Soundtrack was nominated for the album of the year Grammy award in 1972, but the Recording Academy tried to have it disqualified because they claimed Isaac Hayes couldn't have composed the music since he didn't read or write music. The Academy eventually acquiesced under pressure from various musicians and producers, including Quincy Jones, and the nomination stood.
why do you have to know how to read and write music when you can FEEL the music and then EXPRESS that music to others? .... the "check the box" mentality does not play well in the music world ....
@@fredjones7675 Agreed with all said!! It's called prejudice. 2 other Soundtracks on equal par 1) Curtis Mayfield- Superfly 2) James Brown - Down & Out in NYC Both title tracks 🔥
Has anyone seen the comedy film " The Hebrew Hammer" with the hilarious remake of the Shaft theme? Starring Adam Goldberg ( Dazed Confused, producer of the Goldbergs etc) whom in one scene pulls out guns blazing on Nazi skinheads shouting "Shabbat Shalom Mother F%$#@ rs" !!! Look up " Hebrew Hammer theme" !!
@@niles006 That is a style that really needed to be explored by a lot more bands, but wasn't. It's such a great way to build a song and showcase the artists' talents.
I haven't seen Alex stomp his foot so much since they reacted to "War"! Great reaction to an even greater soundtrack, guys! Next... "Superfly" from Curtis Mayfield.
I have been suggesting Superfly consistently for 6 months or more. When I do suggest crickets, so if in the future you see it suggested please like and comment ! Thanks!
So good makes me want to watch the movie again, the movie is also so good. Also as well as being an Oscar winner, Isaac Hayes was also Chef from South Park, so his career went from Shaft to Salty Balls, not many can make that claim.
Isaac Hayes originally wrote this as an instrumental because he thought that was what the studio called for. When they expected lyrics, he wrote them on the spot and recorded this because it was needed now for mixing.
He was a private detective, hence the line private dick, 😏 minds out of gutter !! Slang term for a private detective. New York is safer than London now btw!!
I'd say that of the artists that you've never reacted to, Al Green is the one most worthy of a reaction. Start with "Let's Stay Together" if you haven't heard it. If you have, probably start with "Tired of Being Alone" or "Take Me to the River". But then there's also "Love and Happiness", "I'm Still in Love With You", "Look What You Done for Me", "Call Me", and "Here I Am".
Fellas in 1971 there was no media other than TV, radio and movies. There was no other context for music. This song EXPLODED from your speakers and grabbed you. Back in the good old days,lol, you heard a song and made your own “video” in your mind. Alex’s “video” was spot on!
Isaac Hayes was a musical genius. Before he did this and his album Black Moses, he was primarily known for his behind-the-scenes work for Stax. He's a fantastic pianist, producer, and arranger.
That, my friends, is called arranging. It's ultimately a journey to nowhere, but oh my, what a ride. Certainly, for the time it came out, it was unlike almost anything else you heard on the radio, and set the template for much that followed. For that it is an S.
The “Theme from Shaft” included a full symphony. The main character John Shaft was James Bond type hero in the city streets. It is an intricate, phenomenal piece of music that astounded everyone in 1971.
As fun as the Shaft theme is - Superfly is the ultimate early 70’s soundtrack. “Little Child Running Wild and “No Thing On Me” are two totally underrated songs, but most will listen to “Freddie’s Dead” and “Pusherman” as they were the singles. Curtis Mayfield in his prime and genius.
100% agreed tackling social issues as well!@ Though I would suggest starting with the title track " Suoerfly" 🔥 I can't imagine after hear that A&A would not then be inspired to check the ones you mentioned!! Worthy of full album reaction Also check James Brown - "Down & Out in NYC" (73) From the film " Black Caesar" 🔥
Alex's explanation on how he understood the plot of the movie, amazed me, because his vision of the movie was right on point down to the T. I don't know how he formed it in his mind, but it astounded me how correct and on point he was. Just amazing!👏
There was a pretty good (to me it was great) TV series in the 70's called The Rockford Files, starring James Garner. About a private investigator, a little drama, a little more comedy. Isaac Hayes was a fairly regular actor on the show, playing an ex-con named Gandolph Fitch. He was really, really good as an actor, added to all the rest he excelled at.
I think why it has no"normal" song progression is because it is like a ouverture of an opera that introduces a couple of themes to come. But for filmmusic very special and influential especially on pop/soul genre.
Gentlemen, if you like this (and you should and you do!) you MUST check out the soundtrack to "Superfly" by Curtis Mayfeild. Check out the tracks, "Superfly," "Pusherman," and/or "Freddie's Dead." It's all groovy, man.
You’re correct in your analysis. Historically, spring of 1971 at the time the film was recorded, still men fragging of military personnel increased to n Vietnam; Black militants started to wane via FBI COINTELLPRO. So book writer of the Shaft character, Earnest Tidyman, and music composer Issac Hayes captured the spirt of the time and transplanted into the music.
I played bari sax back then, and this song was in the rotation of pretty much every HS and college stage and athletic band in the US. Also early, brassy Chicago (especially 25 or 6 to 4), Theme from Peter Gunn, the Pink Panther theme, "Vehicle" by Ides of March, etc.
Shaft in the movie was like that, a good guy swimming upstream in an evil city. Correct in that he was a light against the backdrop of a difficult place. Thanks for this.
Going to the cinema as a teenager in the 70's and the movie begins with this music was like ... Wow ! Omg ! ........and the movie was brilliant. I have the movie on dvd today still, as well as the record of Isaac Hayes. After all these decades the music still stands proud through the test of time.
Lucky me. I saw this performed live by Isaac Hayes and his stellar band in 1972 or 73 at O'Keefe Centre a quite intimate but at the time noted theater in Toronto. If I must choose one word to describe the show and specifically this tune production the word is awesome. Hayes was in full regalia complete with gawdy neck chains and clothing which projected the star's aura as exactly the icon he is/was. I so wish I could turn back time and relive that event as well as a couple of others in the same era.
I went backwards... I first heard Freddie's Dead from the Nightmare on Elm Street movie that used that as the closing credits song, then found Superfly!
At the time, I only knew NYC through movies. Movies like The French Connection and Midnight Cowboy. Dirty, gritty and full of chaos. Shaft falls into this category, and the music compliments the decay on NYC. Times Square was different back then.
One of, if not the best scores in movie history. As soon as you here this song, you can't help but think of the movie. Isaac Hayes was the first African American to win the academy award for best song! Well deserved.
I just now realized how influential this song was for the disco genre...I did not remember it being 1971 which is a few years prior to disco...I have a greater appreciation for it more than before knowing that fact. Disco: wah wah guitar, fast steady beat, great horn section, great string section all play to the disco. Now I know it was the biggest influence of the great music Disco brought us.
Isaac Hayes! HOT BUTTERED SOUL! this whole album is superior! Only Hayes could take a country western song and funk it out! By the time I get to Phoenix! Then make you fall in love, The Shadow of your smile....... Fire... S tier. Pure sauce...
Issac Hayes was one of my moms favs. As was Barry White. This song, if I remember correctly, was bigger than the movie itself! 😎☮️❤️and rocking birthday wishes!
Issac Hayes, David Porter and Steve Cropper wrote and produced so many great tunes during their tenor at the legendary STAX records, playing a major role being in the popularity of soul and R&B in the 1960's- early1970's, and "Shaft" was a great musical sound track
Isaac Hayes composed so much music for this film that they couldn't fit it all in the movie. But it was all included in the soundtrack album, a DOUBLE DISC set. Every note of it is brilliant!!! Check out the song "Soulsville" too.
this song got tons of radio airplay,so it could be considered as a stand alone song. i hadn't seen the movie until years after it came out,so it was just a song to me,and i loved it.
My experience with it as well. I moved to Memphis in ‘85 and was so excited to find out that my new home was the home to not only Sun Studio and Graceland, but to Stax Records as well. Love,love, love me some Stax!
Movie soundtracks would never be the same after this song!!! And how you both described what was going on in the song, that's the first five minutes of the film!!! Outstanding guys!!
The song is played right at the beginning of the movie and Alex's description was almost perfect. Pretty sure that opening sequence is on UA-cam and it's worth watching. It's a brilliant example of music matching images to introduce a character without exposition. Definitely a different experience than a song written to stand alone work, since the theme from Shaft is there to get you hooked to watch the rest of the movie.
I got this 45 and a record player from Santa and Lost My Shit as a kid. Had I seen Isaac Hayes on the street as a 7-year-old this little white boy would have run up and jumped-hugged him like a grandma! Edwin Starr of "War" fame, Friends Of Distinction Grazing In The Grass, Curtis Mayfield, Flip Wilson... Curtis Mayfield and his tune Superfly must be heard!
Yes, I remember Isaac Hayes and "Shaft".. cool soundtrack and movie! And to think, years later, Isaac would appear as "Asneeze" in the Mel Brooks film "Robin Hood, Men In Tights"! 😂 Just a little Mel Brooks movie trivia! ❤️✌️
Hey Andy and Alex, I've been watching so many of your reaction videos and I think you're both very musically smart, and you do a great job. The way you go back a generation or more is terrific, especially that you appreciate the older stuff, which we consider classic rock. When I was growing up in the 1960s and '70s, they didn't play oldies on the radio, just current tracks, yet one way or another, I was able to listen to so many '50s classics from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so on, and it's nice to see SOME young people today willing to go back in time as you do, because I don't think so many young people today really care much about what happened before they were alive. Whereas when I was growing up, we found history, including in music, fascinating. I think you might be underestimating the "Theme from Shaft" here. In those days (1971), the current music was phenomenal wherever you turned-- unlike the past 20 years+. And yet this track won the Academy Award for Best Song or whatever they call it. The "Shaft" movie was actually really good and holds up well today, but what would interest you fellows for sure is the brief documentary about the making of the movie, which is available as an extra on the DVD and the Blu-ray, where the movie's famous director, Gordon Parks, is shown not only directing the actors, but standing with Isaac Hayes and explaining to him in detail the kind of theme he wants composed. He explains to him how at the opening of the movie, Shaft is going to come up the stairs out of a subway entrance onto the street in NYC, and then starts walking between cars in order to get to his destination. And Parks wants a constant patter (and I forget some of the other instructions he gave Hayes), but it was after that conversation that Isaac Hayes composed this theme to match the movements of the star of the film, Richard Roundtree, who played John Shaft. Yes, he was a private detective. A lover who was nonetheless firm with his women, while certainly treating old people, kids, and other women quite respectfully. But he was the boss in his own life. He didn't want to break the law, but might break it a little in order to accomplish overall lawful things, exactly as Alex described the impression he got from the music. Clearly, the music did its job for Alex. So, this theme is what opens the movie and plays during the opening credits, and again much later, in a very exciting, climactic scene at the end of the movie, this theme comes on again. In fact, I think at the end, they start in the middle of this theme where the music is quite a bit more dramatic to match the action of the scene. Respectfully, I think Andy may be a little too critical in feeling as if this song didn't stand on its own or something merely because it was written and performed for a film. There are way too many great songs that have come out of movies over the past 90 years or so to act as if that's a disqualifier for being an all-time classic tune. I can think of many going back into the mid-to-late 1930s that are all time American classics. For example, "Over the Rainbow," from The Wizard of Oz in 1939 and sung by Judy Garland, and then a theme that actually was made for a TV crime show in the late 1950s, "The Theme from Peter Gunn"-- a classic by Henry Mancini, who had many. Had you been around in those days and seen how the world reacted to this song (Theme from Shaft), I think you would consider it an AUTOMATIC "S." Literally automatic, even if it doesn't tickle your musical funny bone in all the right places. To most people from back then, this song is simply at a higher level than most that we all ran across. Some of my all-time favorite songs that can bring tears to my eyes, that I think are so beautiful, may not be musically nearly as good as this one. They just have some great, meaningful lyrics and perhaps a wonderful voice for the artist. An example would be one from about the same time exactly, James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." I could listen to that every day for the rest of my life. But I can't call it a greater song than this. Even though the THREE true stories behind that song-- what made James Taylor write it-- really got a lot of people right in the heart, and added to its popularity for the last 54 years. This movie theme from "Shaft" is considered a masterpiece by many. If you saw it performed (there are several live videos on UA-cam), it's always a huge, huge group of musicians. Somebody actually had posted on UA-cam when it was recorded in the studio for the movie, and that's pretty phenomenal to watch. But they took it down. Yet there are a couple of other versions where it's shown being recorded in the studio the same day, just not quite the exact take used in the film but it sounds almost exactly the same. I'd rather they re-post the making of this original version. I seem to recall that it starts out with Isaac Hayes telling the great drummer, Willie Hall, to start off the track thusly: "Just keep giving me 'eighth notes' on the hi-hat." It's an excellent movie, I think most people would agree it's the best of the "blaxploitation" movies, and Isaac Hayes is a living legend in terms of all the great soul music (lots of hits) that he composed and occasionally performed at Stax Records in the 1960s and '70s. However, the blaxploitation film soundtrack that's considered the absolute best of all came out the next year, 1972, and that was the soundtrack to "Superfly," by Curtis Mayfield. He was a music legend by that time anyway, and that entire movie soundtrack is like listening to an amazing concept album. Whereas on the "Shaft" soundtrack, the "Theme from Shaft" here is obviously gold, and there are some other very good songs, unquestionably, but the entire soundtrack to "Superfly" is considered a masterpiece and is in Rolling Stone's top 500 all-time albums-- amazing for a movie soundtrack. I hope you found this information useful. It is quite accurate, even if it doesn't tell you everything you might want to know. I grew up in those days and saw both movies when they happened, also bought the albums on vinyl as well as on cassette tapes, and then many years later, got them both on CD when those became available.
The theme from SHAFT is in my top 10. The structure of the tune is spot on with the movie and the movie is in my top ten also. After seeing the movie my wife and me could not wait till Isaac Hayes tour came to town. The tour came to Milwaukee some months after the movie was released. Wife and I were nearly the only white people at the concert but our counter man at work went with us with his wife and let everyone know we were cool. Fantastic concert, packed house, sound system was prefect and the band played on. Isaac Hayes brought down the house . After the show we went to a party at a warehouse and met Isaac personally and all the band members. We got home about 7 am after a George Webb breakfast. I think it was November of 1971. I could party back in the day. Not so much anymore. LOL
Dennis Kippa What an awesome story! I was a teacher in a very large, very diverse high school back in '71. Many of my colleagues were Black, and I had quite a few Black friends. My taste in music was very broad - loved CSN, Joni Mitchell, Dylan...but was also into Al Greene, Barry White, Marvin, Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire. We didn't have cell phones, computers and a whole lot more technology back then, but we still managed to connect with each other just fine. A week from this Sunday I'll turn 77, and though I don't necessarily like getting older, I wouldn't trade the memories of those days for love nor money!
When this movie came out, I was only 7. I begged my mom to take me to see it but obviously she said “NO”! I got the 45 of this song and played it over and over on the console stereo we had in our living room. Drove her crazy!
This is such an Early Classic with Isaac Hayes being way ahead of his time and setting set and example for many movies of that time, no wonder so many scores were copied in his style for you have to remember that the theme musical score to any movie or show is long based and represented by its "musicality"... Like Baretta's Theme "keep your eye on the sparrow", or movies like 007 or shows that their song themes turned iconic like "Mission Impossible... Imagine what they would be without an iconic musical theme.? And you were 100% correct on your "mental description" of the song... You basically used your mind to turn what you were listening to into a live movie show and described it to a 'T' in detail. Wow.!! Amazing.!!
RIP - he died not too long after A&A posted this. I had not seen him for a long time - decades - but I have seen two movies he did in the past few years playing of all things - an old guy; in both, it was a major/starring role. I just hope he did it because he wanted to work and not because he was needy.
My first time to Mardi Gras one of the local high school brass marching bands marched and performed to this song. It was perfectly arranged and executed and when it came to the vocal section and the energy was ramped up, everyone started dancing AND playing. It was the coolest performance I've ever seen and I fell in love with the song and the city.
It was completely standalone. We danced our tails off at every party to this song! Everybody knew John Shaft whether we had seen the movie or not. It was the sound of a mini era.
Not sure one needs to understand the context of this music to the film. Not sure most of us saw 'Shaft' but all of us at the time certainly knew the theme music... and that's all we judged it on. It stood alone.
This was the song our high school band would play as we took to the basketball court for pre game warm up. My adrenaline was always thru the roof when I heard that high hat!
Takes me back to the Fall of 1971 - Thanksgiving Day, gathered with family, watching the Oklahoma/Nebraska Shootout. Back in a day when - if a game was televised, it was special.
Shaft was "a complicated man, but no one understands him like his woman." Cannot believe you all hit this. Very popular film score, was played all over radio and everywhere. Really popularized that wawa sound of the guitar throughout the '70s. Lots and lots of copycats. There's another great sexy instrumental love song on this album called "Ellie's Love Theme" that will definitely get you in the mood. Isaac Hayes was known for the production value in his albums. His album "Hot Buttered Soul" 1969 is one of my favorite albums of all time. Soul music backed by full orchestration with a production quality that was just off the charts... Rivaled or exceeded just about anything else out during that era. One of my all-time favorite concerts was seeing Isaac Hayes live, backed by the full Quincy Jones orchestra (Quincy Jones also noted for famous film scores), as he performed Hot Buttered Soul from beginning to end late into the night. Right up there for Pink Floyd for memorable concert experiences for me. You just have to hear it to appreciate it. Isaac Hayes was groundbreaking. Smooth elegant soulful baritone voice. One of the best. RIP "Walk On By" Isaac Hayes, is a 12 minute masterpiece.
Staxx Records was its own civilization, as complicated as ancient Rome. Johnny Baylor used to threaten djs at gunpoint to play Isaac Hayes on the radio.
The South Park Team released an album: "Chef Aid" Amazingly good music. 70's funk homage! Isaac Hayes had four tracks. The tracks also included Elton John, Ike Turner, and Rick James on a few other tracks. I'm stunned that this album was released in 1998!
In case you haven't made the connection, Hayes voiced Chef in South Park and all of the songs he sang were funny because it's THE king of those songs singing parodies.
I love this song. I have no idea if the movie was good or not. Never saw it or Superfly, but I *love* the music. (The clamoring for Superfly and Pusherman, from Curtis Mayfield grows 😁)
The movie shaft (the original with Richard Roundtree was very good). He made a couple of sequels which were not as good. Isacc also did some acting; he had a recurring role on the 70's TV show "Rockford Files" as Gandi.
@@bigb6046 LOL, I caught one of those on reruns, and I was shocked to hear Isaac Hayes say, as he was roughing someone up to get some information out of them, "You better tell me the truth - you're down to sticks and seeds with me, boy." I said, "Sticks and seeds? How are they able to get away with such an obvious pot reference on network TV in 1976?"
@@joeday4293 maybe the censor was some old fuddyduddy like my mom (who actually rated movies, before there was a rating system), and wouldnt know what was meant by sticks and seeds.
The 1971 movie “Shaft” is a great police action drama. It’s very gritty, like Dirty Harry, but not as violent. The 1972 movie “Superfly” also has a great theme song by Curtis Mayfield that was very popular. The movie is about an inner city cocaine dealer, and his Cadillac is so nuts you have to see it to believe it.
I think Alex nailed it, though missed the ending. The song builds till near the end and the shoot out with the staccato trumpets (ba da da da da, ba da da da da) which repeats and slowly diminishes and the song slows down and fades out as the victim slowly bleeds out. Cue to next scene. I remember playing this in HS jazz band.
While you are in this time and genre, Barry White & The Love Unlimited Orchestra, Curtis Mayfield "Dimond in the Back" Every time I see a 70s Caddie, I think of that song.
Be thankful for what you've got is the correct title and it was originally done by William De Vaughan. They almost sound the same but I prefer Williams a little better
I had someone correct me in a comment, that Be Thankful For What You've Got (Diamond in the Back) is not Curtis Mayfield. Someone posted it on UA-cam with the Superfly album cover, and they really screwed with poor William DeVaughan's legacy.
OMG. The layer upon layer upon layer...we so loved this when it came out...nothing was cooler...driving rainy dark streets in the 1968 Cutlass with this song...so great...that song, nothing IS cooler. What a thoughtful, per usual, reaction. He was painting images and there were so many 'urban paintings' in music at that time. 'Living for the City' by Stevie Wonder and 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' by The Temptations come to mind. Great reaction guys.
loved it. our high school band played this. The crowd would go wild since most bands played traditional music. I was band announcer.....and coming on to the field. .....The South View Tigers Marching Band!!! " Shut yo mouth", so cool. Led to many blaxplotation movies.
As far as 70's soundtracks Curtis Mayfield - "Superfly" (72) 🔥 is Numero Uno! (Check title track!) Most definitely down with Shaft but Superfly (title track & album) is lyrically just more deep and the whole album is overall superior. In fact would warrant a full album reaction. Must react tracks Superfly (Title track, circa 72) James Brown- " Down and Out in NYC" (73) 🔥
@@alrivers2297 Yes, tough choice which track but I think the title track is the best place to start but the 2 you mentioned are equally as powerful !!! The Pusherman scene in the film with Curtis performing alone makes the film.
Gentlemen, start your wah pedals.
Charles Pitts was on the wah-ed guitar, and I doubt his track would have been looped or dropped in, in 1971, so you've got a guy holding the groove and playing pretty much the same thing for four and a half minutes.
Saw what you did there and I like it!!
@@sigil5772 yes! It's Your Thing, etc. - must have been quite an influence on Nile Rodgers and many others. Astounding what can be done without a click track.
…and your hi-hat.
@@sigil5772 There were no digital samplers in 1971. If there was any looping it would have had to have been analog tape loops but that's pretty unlikely. In those days rhythm sections usually played together live. If you listen closely there is a lot of variation in that wah and it is locked in with the bass and drummer. Might have done a few punch-ins or second takes but in those days any irregularities would have probably been left in. That's why seventies music is so organic and soulful. No computers just real human emotions.
A little trivia, the woman that shouted "Shut Your Mouth" at 5:04 was actress Telma Hopkins who was also half of Dawn in Tony Orlando and Dawn.
❤
Over five decades on and this is still one of the coolest movie soundtracks ever! 💙
Amen!
A lot of great instrumentals on this soundtrack.
My dad had this album & I can still remember dancing to this all the time as a little kid, in the mid 70’s. I remember being so excited when I saw him pop up randomly as The Duke in Escape From New York that I almost started shouting, “It’s Isaac Hayes, it’s Isaac Hayes!!” in the theater.🤣
ua-cam.com/video/Ehg2EaYhoJs/v-deo.html
Great sounds of city streets...
Alex...and Isaac nailed it. That was exactly what the song is about, executed perfectly.
Yeah they did!.........can you dig it ✌️
Talking’ ‘bout Shaft…!
He described it to a tee!
John Shaft!
Saunders?
Soul music was changed forever when the “Theme from Shaft” was released. It had never before sounded so textured and complex. Also, I’m ecstatic to see a Stax artist on the channel! There’s a whole universe of music you’ve barely touched so far - Stax, Volt, and Hi Records - all being Memphis recording studios who collectively released some of the most iconic music ever made. Another Stax cut to check out is “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers. And you already know how badly I’m wanting to see you react to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” which was a humongous hit for Hi Records.
Yes!!! “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers is a must listen
Yes! Everything Allison said!!! Memphis Music ... There's a reason why Memphis is the Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock-and-Roll. There's sooo much more than Elvis, Jerry Lee, et al. Yes, the blues and rock influenced so many artists and genres that came after. But you seriously need to check out the Stax catalog. You can start with Green Onions.
@@umbluegray1 well said!
Allison Reed You nailed some serious sh**! I was 26 when this was released in '71, and was teaching in a very diverse high school with 2,000 students. You should have seen lunchtime. For the most part everyone was pretty cool, and the kids were permitted to spin some vinyl while they had lunch break. I'll never forget the first time I heard the Theme From Shaft echoing through the crowded cafeteria. Kids were up dancing in pairs, singly or in little groups - white and black. I immediately went out and bought the 45 rpm - think it cost a $.
Agree with everything except that “soul music wasn’t textured” until then…
60’s soul was just as multi layered - obviously Hayes is an icon for his flavor and civil rights personae after MLK was murdered but soul music has always drawn from so many genres…
The Shaft Soundtrack was nominated for the album of the year Grammy award in 1972, but the Recording Academy tried to have it disqualified because they claimed Isaac Hayes couldn't have composed the music since he didn't read or write music. The Academy eventually acquiesced under pressure from various musicians and producers, including Quincy Jones, and the nomination stood.
why do you have to know how to read and write music when you can FEEL the music and then EXPRESS that music to others? .... the "check the box" mentality does not play well in the music world ....
@@fredjones7675 Exactly.
@@fredjones7675 Agreed with all said!!
It's called prejudice.
2 other Soundtracks on equal par
1) Curtis Mayfield- Superfly
2) James Brown - Down & Out in NYC
Both title tracks 🔥
@@fredjones7675
Amen!!
Has anyone seen the comedy film
" The Hebrew Hammer" with the hilarious remake of the Shaft theme? Starring Adam Goldberg ( Dazed Confused, producer of the Goldbergs etc) whom in one scene pulls out guns blazing on Nazi skinheads shouting
"Shabbat Shalom Mother F%$#@ rs" !!!
Look up " Hebrew Hammer theme" !!
The intricacy and layering are very like "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Brilliant.
Absolutely could not agree more, the same thought I had ✌🏼
@@niles006 That is a style that really needed to be explored by a lot more bands, but wasn't. It's such a great way to build a song and showcase the artists' talents.
Bob Another favorite of mine! Makes ya want to get up and dance.
exactly correct
Yes, I thought the same thing!
I haven't seen Alex stomp his foot so much since they reacted to "War"! Great reaction to an even greater soundtrack, guys! Next... "Superfly" from Curtis Mayfield.
Absolutely! Curtis Mayfield fully realized the genre!
Tryin' to get over....tryin' to get over.....Superfly
Freddie's Dead.
Need to put a bucket of grapes under his foot and take advantage of all that stomping! 😜😂
I have been suggesting Superfly consistently for 6 months or more.
When I do suggest crickets, so if in the future you see it suggested please like and comment ! Thanks!
So good makes me want to watch the movie again, the movie is also so good. Also as well as being an Oscar winner, Isaac Hayes was also Chef from South Park, so his career went from Shaft to Salty Balls, not many can make that claim.
Internet comment of the day!
Isaac Hayes originally wrote this as an instrumental because he thought that was what the studio called for. When they expected lyrics, he wrote them on the spot and recorded this because it was needed now for mixing.
The shorter instrumental version was on Side 2.
We loved hearing it on the radio back in the day as a stand alone song. It just grabs you!
For real, man.
It's been on my playlist for 50 years. I can't think of another single from a movie I like more than the theme to Shaft. Soooooo funky, still fresh.
We said the same thing without reading what you wrote. It is a masterpiece no matter what the context is.
My buddy Dave Purple (RIP) won the Best Engineered Song Grammy for this.
Well-deserved. Great work by your friend.
he engineered the shit outa this one.
Now watch the "Shaft" opening scene and see how Alex was 100% correct with his visual and both of you will change your rating to "S".
Exactly! Amazing.
He was a private detective, hence the line private dick, 😏 minds out of gutter !! Slang term for a private detective. New York is safer than London now btw!!
He couldn't have got it MORE exactly. Amazing.
Alex's description was dead on. ua-cam.com/video/pFlsufZj9Fg/v-deo.html
I'd say that of the artists that you've never reacted to, Al Green is the one most worthy of a reaction. Start with "Let's Stay Together" if you haven't heard it. If you have, probably start with "Tired of Being Alone" or "Take Me to the River". But then there's also "Love and Happiness", "I'm Still in Love With You", "Look What You Done for Me", "Call Me", and "Here I Am".
Truth!
Let's not forget he does the second best cover version of all time! With, I Want To Hold Your Hand.
So many great songs by Al. Dive in and enjoy.
Hoos cover of How can you mend a broken heart is awesome. Don't forget Belle.
Yeah, "I'm Still in Love With You" was on another level. Always liked it better than the others.
Fellas in 1971 there was no media other than TV, radio and movies. There was no other context for music. This song EXPLODED from your speakers and grabbed you. Back in the good old days,lol, you heard a song and made your own “video” in your mind. Alex’s “video” was spot on!
💯
Isaac Hayes was a musical genius. Before he did this and his album Black Moses, he was primarily known for his behind-the-scenes work for Stax. He's a fantastic pianist, producer, and arranger.
Don't forget about Chef from South Park 😂
That, my friends, is called arranging. It's ultimately a journey to nowhere, but oh my, what a ride. Certainly, for the time it came out, it was unlike almost anything else you heard on the radio, and set the template for much that followed. For that it is an S.
^^^^ This ^^^^
CORRECT. 100
The composition was simply brilliant and still shines many decades later.
A flute has never been used more perfectly on a track
The “Theme from Shaft” included a full symphony. The main character John Shaft was James Bond type hero in the city streets. It is an intricate, phenomenal piece of music that astounded everyone in 1971.
Memphis Symphony strings and horns.
As fun as the Shaft theme is - Superfly is the ultimate early 70’s soundtrack. “Little Child Running Wild and “No Thing On Me” are two totally underrated songs, but most will listen to “Freddie’s Dead” and “Pusherman” as they were the singles. Curtis Mayfield in his prime and genius.
100% agreed
tackling social issues as well!@
Though I would suggest starting with the title track " Suoerfly" 🔥
I can't imagine after hear that A&A would not then be inspired to check the ones you mentioned!!
Worthy of full album reaction
Also check
James Brown - "Down & Out in NYC" (73)
From the film " Black Caesar" 🔥
For me Curtis is up there with Ellington as a 20th century musical genius
Yes please!
@@avonlave Most definitely!!
Today's Livestream
Curtis Mayfieid - Superfly (72) ❤️ because A&A are 2 Superfly cats!!!
It's like Isaac Hayes invented every soul/funk riff he could think of and slammed them all into one hell of a song.
We had never heard anything like this before....it is magic!!! Revved up a whole generation. good to see it happening again!
Alex's explanation on how he understood the plot of the movie, amazed me, because his vision of the movie was right on point down to the T. I don't know how he formed it in his mind, but it astounded me how correct and on point he was. Just amazing!👏
There was a pretty good (to me it was great) TV series in the 70's called The Rockford Files, starring James Garner. About a private investigator, a little drama, a little more comedy. Isaac Hayes was a fairly regular actor on the show, playing an ex-con named Gandolph Fitch. He was really, really good as an actor, added to all the rest he excelled at.
Gandy! That's right!
Best ep featuring Gandy was with Louis Gosset Jr for a potential spin off that never occurred.
Yup, and Theme from SWAT, Starsky & Hutch, etc
Gandy! And he called Rockford "Rockfish".
And he always called Rockford "Rockfish". Always. Lol
I think why it has no"normal" song progression is because it is like a ouverture of an opera that introduces a couple of themes to come. But for filmmusic very special and influential especially on pop/soul genre.
His live performance of this song absolutely blew me away! WOW!!!!!
agreed
The lyrics were needed because it couldn't be nominated for a Best Song Oscar without them.
If Andy and Alex don't give this a A+ we send Shaft after these two
Brent Lee For real! Just watching them react tells me they dig it big time.
i remember Isaac Hayes being pushed out on stage on his keyboard riser wearing chains.
Bad ass.
Gentlemen, if you like this (and you should and you do!) you MUST check out the soundtrack to "Superfly" by Curtis Mayfeild. Check out the tracks, "Superfly," "Pusherman," and/or "Freddie's Dead." It's all groovy, man.
Today's Livestream
Curtis Mayfieid - Superfly (72) ❤️ because A&A are 2 Superfly cats!!!
Right on!
You’re correct in your analysis. Historically, spring of 1971 at the time the film was recorded, still men fragging of military personnel increased to n Vietnam; Black militants started to wane via FBI COINTELLPRO. So book writer of the Shaft character, Earnest Tidyman, and music composer Issac Hayes captured the spirt of the time and transplanted into the music.
One of those pieces of music where you hear the first few bars and instantly know its name. A classic!
I played bari sax back then, and this song was in the rotation of pretty much every HS and college stage and athletic band in the US. Also early, brassy Chicago (especially 25 or 6 to 4), Theme from Peter Gunn, the Pink Panther theme, "Vehicle" by Ides of March, etc.
"own code of justice" was a big theme in early 70's movies: Shaft, Billy Jack, Dirty Harry, etc....
Yes! Nice to see you add Billy Jack in there 👍 those movies get overlooked
The Lalo Schifrin theme to Magnum Force rivals this! Superb 70s music.
Shaft in the movie was like that, a good guy swimming upstream in an evil city. Correct in that he was a light against the backdrop of a difficult place. Thanks for this.
Going to the cinema as a teenager in the 70's and the movie begins with this music was like ... Wow ! Omg ! ........and the movie was brilliant. I have the movie on dvd today still, as well as the record of Isaac Hayes. After all these decades the music still stands proud through the test of time.
Lucky me. I saw this performed live by Isaac Hayes and his stellar band in 1972 or 73 at O'Keefe Centre a quite intimate but at the time noted theater in Toronto. If I must choose one word to describe the show and specifically this tune production the word is awesome. Hayes was in full regalia complete with gawdy neck chains and clothing which projected the star's aura as exactly the icon he is/was. I so wish I could turn back time and relive that event as well as a couple of others in the same era.
You really need to get to Al Green already and more Curtis Mayfield.
I loved him as Chef on South Park. He had a hit there as well called "Chocolate Salty Balls".
👉 Isaac Hayes "Walk On By" (1969) - this is the epic you want to add to the list.
Hot Buttered Soul is one of the great albums of all time in my opinion.
Yes please!! 👍👍👍
I so miss the 70's.
What a groove. A time machine to the 70s.
one of the great ones. it's like a bouquet of instruments. and Issac Hayes voice is so smooth.
Time to hit some Curtis Mayfield - check out ' Superfly' and "Freddie's Dead ' - time very well spent
SUPERFLY- numero uno!!!
Also Move On Up
I went backwards... I first heard Freddie's Dead from the Nightmare on Elm Street movie that used that as the closing credits song, then found Superfly!
@@OniNoSweeney Ha,!!
At the time, I only knew NYC through movies. Movies like The French Connection and Midnight Cowboy. Dirty, gritty and full of chaos. Shaft falls into this category, and the music compliments the decay on NYC. Times Square was different back then.
I was 17 when this came out and it was an awesome driving song 🥰
Isaac Hayes was a freakin' genius. "Theme from Shaft" is a soul symphony, in all its glory.
One of, if not the best scores in movie history.
As soon as you here this song, you can't help but think of the movie.
Isaac Hayes was the first African American to win the academy award for best song!
Well deserved.
I just now realized how influential this song was for the disco genre...I did not remember it being 1971 which is a few years prior to disco...I have a greater appreciation for it more than before knowing that fact.
Disco: wah wah guitar, fast steady beat, great horn section, great string section all play to the disco. Now I know it was the biggest influence of the great music Disco brought us.
Disco incorporated a lot of soul music.
Isaac Hayes! HOT BUTTERED SOUL! this whole album is superior! Only Hayes could take a country western song and funk it out! By the time I get to Phoenix! Then make you fall in love, The Shadow of your smile....... Fire... S tier. Pure sauce...
Issac Hayes was one of my moms favs. As was Barry White. This song, if I remember correctly, was bigger than the movie itself! 😎☮️❤️and rocking birthday wishes!
They are a hop, skip and not even a jump from Barry White.
Oh my god Barry White! Some day they need that :D
much bigger, and the movie was pretty big
Issac Hayes, David Porter and Steve Cropper wrote and produced so many great tunes during their tenor at the legendary STAX records, playing a major role being in the popularity of soul and R&B in the 1960's- early1970's, and "Shaft" was a great musical sound track
“Damn right!”
Isaac Hayes composed so much music for this film that they couldn't fit it all in the movie. But it was all included in the soundtrack album, a DOUBLE DISC set. Every note of it is brilliant!!! Check out the song "Soulsville" too.
this song got tons of radio airplay,so it could be considered as a stand alone song. i hadn't seen the movie until years after it came out,so it was just a song to me,and i loved it.
My experience with it as well. I moved to Memphis in ‘85 and was so excited to find out that my new home was the home to not only Sun Studio and Graceland, but to Stax Records as well. Love,love, love me some Stax!
Yes, the shorter radio edit
How they think it became popular if it didn't have any radio play?
Love the sound of those trombones blasting through..
This will never get old, to me it's like a black Bach masterpiece.
Movie soundtracks would never be the same after this song!!! And how you both described what was going on in the song, that's the first five minutes of the film!!! Outstanding guys!!
The song is played right at the beginning of the movie and Alex's description was almost perfect. Pretty sure that opening sequence is on UA-cam and it's worth watching. It's a brilliant example of music matching images to introduce a character without exposition. Definitely a different experience than a song written to stand alone work, since the theme from Shaft is there to get you hooked to watch the rest of the movie.
I got this 45 and a record player from Santa and Lost My Shit as a kid. Had I seen Isaac Hayes on the street as a 7-year-old this little white boy would have run up and jumped-hugged him like a grandma! Edwin Starr of "War" fame, Friends Of Distinction Grazing In The Grass, Curtis Mayfield, Flip Wilson... Curtis Mayfield and his tune Superfly must be heard!
His live performance of the song at the 1971 Oscars is the stuff of legends. Check it out!
Yes, I remember Isaac Hayes and "Shaft".. cool soundtrack and movie! And to think, years later, Isaac would appear as "Asneeze" in the Mel Brooks film "Robin Hood, Men In Tights"! 😂 Just a little Mel Brooks movie trivia! ❤️✌️
Fun fact - Isaac Hayes also voiced "Chef" on South Park.
Hey Andy and Alex,
I've been watching so many of your reaction videos and I think you're both very musically smart, and you do a great job. The way you go back a generation or more is terrific, especially that you appreciate the older stuff, which we consider classic rock. When I was growing up in the 1960s and '70s, they didn't play oldies on the radio, just current tracks, yet one way or another, I was able to listen to so many '50s classics from Elvis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so on, and it's nice to see SOME young people today willing to go back in time as you do, because I don't think so many young people today really care much about what happened before they were alive. Whereas when I was growing up, we found history, including in music, fascinating.
I think you might be underestimating the "Theme from Shaft" here. In those days (1971), the current music was phenomenal wherever you turned-- unlike the past 20 years+. And yet this track won the Academy Award for Best Song or whatever they call it.
The "Shaft" movie was actually really good and holds up well today, but what would interest you fellows for sure is the brief documentary about the making of the movie, which is available as an extra on the DVD and the Blu-ray, where the movie's famous director, Gordon Parks, is shown not only directing the actors, but standing with Isaac Hayes and explaining to him in detail the kind of theme he wants composed. He explains to him how at the opening of the movie, Shaft is going to come up the stairs out of a subway entrance onto the street in NYC, and then starts walking between cars in order to get to his destination. And Parks wants a constant patter (and I forget some of the other instructions he gave Hayes), but it was after that conversation that Isaac Hayes composed this theme to match the movements of the star of the film, Richard Roundtree, who played John Shaft. Yes, he was a private detective. A lover who was nonetheless firm with his women, while certainly treating old people, kids, and other women quite respectfully. But he was the boss in his own life. He didn't want to break the law, but might break it a little in order to accomplish overall lawful things, exactly as Alex described the impression he got from the music. Clearly, the music did its job for Alex.
So, this theme is what opens the movie and plays during the opening credits, and again much later, in a very exciting, climactic scene at the end of the movie, this theme comes on again. In fact, I think at the end, they start in the middle of this theme where the music is quite a bit more dramatic to match the action of the scene.
Respectfully, I think Andy may be a little too critical in feeling as if this song didn't stand on its own or something merely because it was written and performed for a film. There are way too many great songs that have come out of movies over the past 90 years or so to act as if that's a disqualifier for being an all-time classic tune. I can think of many going back into the mid-to-late 1930s that are all time American classics. For example, "Over the Rainbow," from The Wizard of Oz in 1939 and sung by Judy Garland, and then a theme that actually was made for a TV crime show in the late 1950s, "The Theme from Peter Gunn"-- a classic by Henry Mancini, who had many.
Had you been around in those days and seen how the world reacted to this song (Theme from Shaft), I think you would consider it an AUTOMATIC "S." Literally automatic, even if it doesn't tickle your musical funny bone in all the right places. To most people from back then, this song is simply at a higher level than most that we all ran across. Some of my all-time favorite songs that can bring tears to my eyes, that I think are so beautiful, may not be musically nearly as good as this one. They just have some great, meaningful lyrics and perhaps a wonderful voice for the artist. An example would be one from about the same time exactly, James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." I could listen to that every day for the rest of my life. But I can't call it a greater song than this. Even though the THREE true stories behind that song-- what made James Taylor write it-- really got a lot of people right in the heart, and added to its popularity for the last 54 years.
This movie theme from "Shaft" is considered a masterpiece by many. If you saw it performed (there are several live videos on UA-cam), it's always a huge, huge group of musicians. Somebody actually had posted on UA-cam when it was recorded in the studio for the movie, and that's pretty phenomenal to watch. But they took it down. Yet there are a couple of other versions where it's shown being recorded in the studio the same day, just not quite the exact take used in the film but it sounds almost exactly the same. I'd rather they re-post the making of this original version. I seem to recall that it starts out with Isaac Hayes telling the great drummer, Willie Hall, to start off the track thusly: "Just keep giving me 'eighth notes' on the hi-hat."
It's an excellent movie, I think most people would agree it's the best of the "blaxploitation" movies, and Isaac Hayes is a living legend in terms of all the great soul music (lots of hits) that he composed and occasionally performed at Stax Records in the 1960s and '70s. However, the blaxploitation film soundtrack that's considered the absolute best of all came out the next year, 1972, and that was the soundtrack to "Superfly," by Curtis Mayfield. He was a music legend by that time anyway, and that entire movie soundtrack is like listening to an amazing concept album. Whereas on the "Shaft" soundtrack, the "Theme from Shaft" here is obviously gold, and there are some other very good songs, unquestionably, but the entire soundtrack to "Superfly" is considered a masterpiece and is in Rolling Stone's top 500 all-time albums-- amazing for a movie soundtrack.
I hope you found this information useful. It is quite accurate, even if it doesn't tell you everything you might want to know. I grew up in those days and saw both movies when they happened, also bought the albums on vinyl as well as on cassette tapes, and then many years later, got them both on CD when those became available.
The theme from SHAFT is in my top 10. The structure of the tune is spot on with the movie and the movie is in my top ten also. After seeing the movie my wife and me could not wait till Isaac Hayes tour came to town. The tour came to Milwaukee some months after the movie was released. Wife and I were nearly the only white people at the concert but our counter man at work went with us with his wife and let everyone know we were cool. Fantastic concert, packed house, sound system was prefect and the band played on. Isaac Hayes brought down the house . After the show we went to a party at a warehouse and met Isaac personally and all the band members. We got home about 7 am after a George Webb breakfast. I think it was November of 1971. I could party back in the day. Not so much anymore. LOL
Dennis Kippa What an awesome story! I was a teacher in a very large, very diverse high school back in '71. Many of my colleagues were Black, and I had quite a few Black friends. My taste in music was very broad - loved CSN, Joni Mitchell, Dylan...but was also into Al Greene, Barry White, Marvin, Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire. We didn't have cell phones, computers and a whole lot more
technology back then, but we still managed to connect with each other just fine.
A week from this Sunday I'll turn 77, and though I don't necessarily like getting older, I wouldn't trade the memories of those days for love nor money!
this was an EPIC moment in Oscar history... incredible mind-blower of Black power, identity
When this movie came out, I was only 7. I begged my mom to take me to see it but obviously she said “NO”! I got the 45 of this song and played it over and over on the console stereo we had in our living room. Drove her crazy!
This is such an Early Classic with Isaac Hayes being way ahead of his time and setting set and example for many movies of that time, no wonder so many scores were copied in his style for you have to remember that the theme musical score to any movie or show is long based and represented by its "musicality"... Like Baretta's Theme "keep your eye on the sparrow", or movies like 007 or shows that their song themes turned iconic like "Mission Impossible... Imagine what they would be without an iconic musical theme.? And you were 100% correct on your "mental description" of the song... You basically used your mind to turn what you were listening to into a live movie show and described it to a 'T' in detail. Wow.!! Amazing.!!
Great tune! My high school band played it, hahaha! That’s how big a hit it was.
My high school band played it also. I played guitar and didn’t realize the wah-wah pedal needed a battery. Oops!
I could swear we saw at least one marching band play it on TV. A parade. Or a football game.
Our Jr high dance group did a routine to Shaft. Hold Your Head Up by Argent, too. Wow, to be 13 again!
So did mine! It was a hard song to get right but it sounded great with live horns and flutes.
@@evangeline3152 We sounded great! I remember the trombone and baritone part.
Can we talk about the horn arrangements?! Amazing everytime I hear it!
If you see Richard Roundtree as Shaft you'll get it. He was like the Samuel L. Jackson of his era as far as coolness.
Ironically didn't Samuel L Jackson play the more recent Shaft (remake)???
RIP - he died not too long after A&A posted this. I had not seen him for a long time - decades - but I have seen two movies he did in the past few years playing of all things - an old guy; in both, it was a major/starring role. I just hope he did it because he wanted to work and not because he was needy.
My first time to Mardi Gras one of the local high school brass marching bands marched and performed to this song. It was perfectly arranged and executed and when it came to the vocal section and the energy was ramped up, everyone started dancing AND playing. It was the coolest performance I've ever seen and I fell in love with the song and the city.
Fun fact: in the Tarantino-verse, Django and Broomhilda von Shaft are ancestors of Shaft.
It was completely standalone. We danced our tails off at every party to this song! Everybody knew John Shaft whether we had seen the movie or not. It was the sound of a mini era.
Not sure one needs to understand the context of this music to the film. Not sure most of us saw 'Shaft' but all of us at the time certainly knew the theme music... and that's all we judged it on. It stood alone.
The Four Tops did the theme for the third Shaft movie, Shaft in Africa, called "Are You Man Enough." If you loved this, you'll love that!!!!
This was the song our high school band would play as we took to the basketball court for pre game warm up. My adrenaline was always thru the roof when I heard that high hat!
I was 5 or 6 when my dad brought this home and put that needle on the record. We danced for hours. Hell yes!
Takes me back to the Fall of 1971 - Thanksgiving Day, gathered with family, watching the Oklahoma/Nebraska Shootout. Back in a day when - if a game was televised, it was special.
O.U./N.U. is on tv tomorrow. Not as special now.
Shaft was "a complicated man, but no one understands him like his woman." Cannot believe you all hit this. Very popular film score, was played all over radio and everywhere. Really popularized that wawa sound of the guitar throughout the '70s. Lots and lots of copycats. There's another great sexy instrumental love song on this album called "Ellie's Love Theme" that will definitely get you in the mood.
Isaac Hayes was known for the production value in his albums. His album "Hot Buttered Soul" 1969 is one of my favorite albums of all time. Soul music backed by full orchestration with a production quality that was just off the charts... Rivaled or exceeded just about anything else out during that era. One of my all-time favorite concerts was seeing Isaac Hayes live, backed by the full Quincy Jones orchestra (Quincy Jones also noted for famous film scores), as he performed Hot Buttered Soul from beginning to end late into the night. Right up there for Pink Floyd for memorable concert experiences for me.
You just have to hear it to appreciate it. Isaac Hayes was groundbreaking. Smooth elegant soulful baritone voice. One of the best. RIP
"Walk On By" Isaac Hayes, is a 12 minute masterpiece.
Staxx Records was its own civilization, as complicated as ancient Rome. Johnny Baylor used to threaten djs at gunpoint to play Isaac Hayes on the radio.
I'm thinking Watcha See Is Watcha Get is from Stax. I LOVE that song, too.
Peter Quinones OMG! Is that actually true?
@@jaycorby Check the book Respect Yourself by Robert Gordon for a good midlevel history of Stax Records.
More people heard the song on the radio then seeing the film. Of course it's a stand alone song. It made #1 as a single
Isaac Hayes also provided the voice for "Chef" on South Park for years!
I totally forgot that! 😂
Andy and Alex NEED to know this!
The South Park Team released an album: "Chef Aid" Amazingly good music. 70's funk homage! Isaac Hayes had four tracks. The tracks also included Elton John, Ike Turner, and Rick James on a few other tracks. I'm stunned that this album was released in 1998!
Riding down the street in the seventies listening to this on your eight track player
In case you haven't made the connection, Hayes voiced Chef in South Park and all of the songs he sang were funny because it's THE king of those songs singing parodies.
I always heard the Hayes quit South Park when they poked fun at Scientology which I guess he was a member of.
Glad you got to hear this haha such a classic of the 70s this was played on the radio ALOT
I love this song. I have no idea if the movie was good or not. Never saw it or Superfly, but I *love* the music. (The clamoring for Superfly and Pusherman, from Curtis Mayfield grows 😁)
The movie shaft (the original with Richard Roundtree was very good). He made a couple of sequels which were not as good. Isacc also did some acting; he had a recurring role on the 70's TV show "Rockford Files" as Gandi.
@@bigb6046 LOL, I caught one of those on reruns, and I was shocked to hear Isaac Hayes say, as he was roughing someone up to get some information out of them, "You better tell me the truth - you're down to sticks and seeds with me, boy." I said, "Sticks and seeds? How are they able to get away with such an obvious pot reference on network TV in 1976?"
@@joeday4293 maybe the censor was some old fuddyduddy like my mom (who actually rated movies, before there was a rating system), and wouldnt know what was meant by sticks and seeds.
The 1971 movie “Shaft” is a great police action drama. It’s very gritty, like Dirty Harry, but not as violent.
The 1972 movie “Superfly” also has a great theme song by Curtis Mayfield that was very popular. The movie is about an inner city cocaine dealer, and his Cadillac is so nuts you have to see it to believe it.
I think Alex nailed it, though missed the ending.
The song builds till near the end and the shoot out with the staccato trumpets (ba da da da da, ba da da da da) which repeats and slowly diminishes and the song slows down and fades out as the victim slowly bleeds out.
Cue to next scene.
I remember playing this in HS jazz band.
While you are in this time and genre, Barry White & The Love Unlimited Orchestra, Curtis Mayfield "Dimond in the Back" Every time I see a 70s Caddie, I think of that song.
Be thankful for what you've got is the correct title and it was originally done by William De Vaughan. They almost sound the same but I prefer Williams a little better
I had someone correct me in a comment, that Be Thankful For What You've Got (Diamond in the Back) is not Curtis Mayfield. Someone posted it on UA-cam with the Superfly album cover, and they really screwed with poor William DeVaughan's legacy.
The Duke of New York! A #1!
OMG. The layer upon layer upon layer...we so loved this when it came out...nothing was cooler...driving rainy dark streets in the 1968 Cutlass with this song...so great...that song, nothing IS cooler. What a thoughtful, per usual, reaction. He was painting images and there were so many 'urban paintings' in music at that time. 'Living for the City' by Stevie Wonder and 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' by The Temptations come to mind. Great reaction guys.
loved it. our high school band played this. The crowd would go wild since most bands played traditional music. I was band announcer.....and coming on to the field. .....The South View Tigers Marching Band!!! " Shut yo mouth", so cool. Led to many blaxplotation movies.
Love the keyboards on the Rockford files.
...plain and simple....HERE COMES DISCO..... the morphing of Cinematic Soul.😀🪩💕
As far as 70's soundtracks
Curtis Mayfield - "Superfly" (72) 🔥
is Numero Uno! (Check title track!)
Most definitely down with Shaft but Superfly (title track & album) is lyrically just more deep and the whole album is overall superior. In fact would warrant a full album reaction.
Must react tracks
Superfly (Title track, circa 72)
James Brown- " Down and Out in NYC" (73) 🔥
Superfly, Freddy's Dead and Pusherman
@@alrivers2297
Yes, tough choice which track but I think the title track is the best place to start but the 2 you mentioned are equally as powerful !!! The Pusherman scene in the film with Curtis performing alone makes the film.
@Lucy Bikes NYC For sure!!!
Excellent reaction! You totally got it.
Yeah, you pretty much nailed who Shaft is.
His explanation IS the opening scene from Shaft..lol RIP Richard Roundtree.
It captures urban living in the 70s perfectly
I remember when this came out, great music. After this came out Isaac Hayes was everywhere on TV.