2. "They played "When I Give My Love To You" on the Quiet Storm" In response to Reply # 1
type show here maybe a year and a half ago and I was like "damn, this is great!" I thought it was a new song. I still haven't dug into the rest of his discography, but I can listen to that song over and over.
5. "im here for this: Janet Jackson always speaks of him" In response to Reply # 0
school me
NO! LIST Tom Petty M J Zeppelin Springsteen Neil Young Eagles Ray Charles Madonna Chuck Berry South Park TV Songs Justin Timberlake "Food Glorious Food" "Twilight Zone" theme "A Boy Named Sue" "Night Moves" "The Situation" "Superbowl Shuffle"
11. "i've been light weight stalking him" In response to Reply # 5
I finally got to see him perform live at sony music hall last month. Not really they type to actually research or call an agent type to give gift but this dude here? Mr. Franks? I'm over here illustrating his dogs and donating the money to his favorite animal rescue shelters just for him to notice me.
This was my introduction to Michael Franks. I'm not sure if it was Laiya or hearing Kindred sing "St. Elmo's Fire" at the Five Spot back in the Black Lily days, I have had the CD for ages.
As far as musically, I Don't know why i'm so happy im sad and nighmoves are my favorites. the musicianship is incredible he has joe sample on keys.
i'm not musically articulate, but i can appreciate his wordplay.
15. "please dont have me talking to myself in this post" In response to Reply # 0
Ahmir, please pick up The Best of Michael Franks A Backward Glance. its 20 years old but its a start. Michael Franks music consoled me when Prince died.
22. "grew up listenin to his music. the man is a legend." In response to Reply # 0
i will re-iterate what others have already said: The Art Of Tea. y'all need that. his work in general is pretty damn amazing. i think i initially fell more in love with his songwriting and lyricism before anything else (who else is singin about "your papayas get thrownnnn at meeee and miiiine get throoownn at you"? lol).
his music is also a bedroom producers dream. SO many sampleables that i'm kinda surprised that i never see/hear his shit getting used in hip hop. i've only done it once myself for "Robinsong", but man.
the musicians he played with were top notch too. probly the smoothest white dude to do it.
all of this while looking like a high school mathematics teacher lol.
i'm just mad i never got to see him live at any point. i own majority of his catalogue and i still pick up random Franks records at the 2nd hand shops n flea markets (i ended up getting so many $2 copies of The Art Of Tea i started handing em out to friends as bday gifts).
32. "RE: grew up listenin to his music. the man is a legend." In response to Reply # 22
i think i initially fell more in love with his >songwriting and lyricism before anything else (who else is >singin about "your papayas get thrownnnn at meeee and miiiine >get throoownn at you"? lol). >
no doubt. reminds me of Steely Dan. wittyness, double entendres, all that good shxt that makes the song more than just words and music.
"every niiiight/we fuss & fiiiight/like Arabs & like Jeeewwwws". the line that makes ppl sit up n go "whaaaaaaa?" lol. the whole thing is a songwriters wet dream.
credits below (which i think apply for most of the Art Of Tea LP):
Alto Saxophone: Dave Sanborn Congas: Jerry Steinholtz Keyboards: Joe Sample Drums, Percussion: John Guerin Vibes: Larry Bunker Guitar: Larry Carlton Producer: Tommy Lipuma Bass: Wilton Felder Writer: Michael Franks.
good lord does this take me back. from when i was a kid, to my teens, to my weed-soaked 20s and 30s. was on the excellent Burchfield Nines LP (1978).
Co-ordinator Production: Noel Newbolt Mixer, Recorded by: Al Schmitt Musicians: Bud Shank Musicians: Ernie Watts Musicians: John Tropea Musicians: Leon Pendarvis Musicians: Oscar Brashear Musicians: Ralph Macdonald Musicians: Steve Gadd Musicians: Will Lee Orchestra Arranged & Conducted by: Eumir Deodato Producer: Tommy Lipuma Recorded by: Jeffrey Kawalek Vocals: Michael Franks Writer: Michael Franks.
"my spirit had/a broken wing/until u taught/my heart to sing".
this is a perfect song.
Co-ordinator Production: Noel Newbolt Mixer, Recorded by: Al Schmitt Musicians: Bud Shank Musicians: Ernie Watts Musicians: John Tropea Musicians: Leon Pendarvis Musicians: Oscar Brashear Musicians: Ralph Macdonald Musicians: Steve Gadd Musicians: Will Lee Orchestra Arranged & Conducted by: Eumir Deodato Producer: Tommy Lipuma Recorded by: Jeffrey Kawalek Vocals: Michael Franks Writer: Michael Franks.
"i can't pronounce her name/but eggplant/is her game".
i'm pretty sure if anyone else attempted these lyrics it would be laughably cheesy. but Franks tho? he sounded so smooth and so damn dirty at the same time lol.
Acoustic Guitar: Michael Franks Bass: Wilton Felder Co-ordinator Production: Ilene Mark Drums, Percussion: John Guerin Electric Guitar: Larry Carlton Engineer: Tom Mark Masterer: Greg Calbi Mixer: Al Schmitt Piano: Joe Sample Producer: Tommy Lipuma Recorded by: Bruce Botnick Recorded by: Lee Herschberg Vibes: Larry Bunker Vocals: Michael Franks Writer: Michael Franks.
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
The Lesson
