The Sweeping the nation Muxtape Challenge: Dial 1-9-7-2

We’ll be handling this one en inglés as opposed to Dutch to make sure no one feels left out. Well, “no one” would refer to the billion people with at least a basic understanding of the language.

So apologies to my Mongolian homies & Brazilian buddies, my Polish pals, Kazakhstani comrades and Guatemalan geezers. I’m afraid I don’t speak-a your language. The powers that be at Oxford University wouldn’t let me add them to the curriculum.

The premise of this thing is fairly simple. As Sweeping The Nation put it:

We want every year of the last four decades, 1967-2007, represented by a full twelve track Muxtape of songs from that year, each compiled by a different person.

Simple yet brilliant, so I jumped in at once and picked 1972. A few notes though before we get to the songs. First of all: I was minus fourteen (-14) years old in ‘72, which by all standards is fairly young. The good thing is I won’t be bugging you with nostalgia, hooray! It was also refreshing to think of a time when hip hop, ragga and bleeps and bytes weren’t around yet.

Secondly: if my picks seem Anglo-centric, it’s because they are. I did want to balance it with some stuff from great compilations like Ethiopiques or Afro-Cuba / Afro-Rock. Unfortunately it’s hard to retrieve exact dates from those.

And lastly: you might notice some notable omissions. No tracks from Exile on Main St. ? It’s an outrage! Sorry folks, I’ve never cared about the Stones. None from Lou Reed’s Transformer? Too obvious. No Roxy Music? Leave me alone already, it’s my muxtape.

Without further ado: 1972 in a dozen songs = [rakibuzzaman.muxtape.com]. Enjoy!

I. Stevie Wonder – Superstition

There’s so much going on in this song and it all fits so well. Truly ingenious. I’d write more but it’d lead to a fawning essay on his unbridled creativity and this isn’t the place nor the time.

II. Ann Peebles – Trouble, Heartaches And Sadness

Too often Ann Peebles has gotten overlooked. I know Aretha F. & Tina T. are great and all but it’s a shame other singers don’t get their due because of it. What about Betty Davis, Gloria Scott, Madeline Bell, Lynn Collins and the others? Share the pie is all I’m saying.

III. Timmy Thomas – Why Can’t We Live Together

Succeeded “Superstition” on the Billboard R&B singles charts. Similar to “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye and “Choice Of Colors” by Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions in its message during a time of political, racial and social turmoil: let’s get along. I’m afraid his point isn’t outdated yet.

IV. David Bowie – Starman

Weird costumes, drug abuse, visitors from outer space… yet somehow George Clinton wasn’t involved?

V. Neil Young – Old Man

No, it isn’t about his dad. Really.

VI. Bill Withers – Use Me

Sometimes Withers is a little too smooth for my liking but he’s on point with this one.

VII. Joe Cocker – Woman to Woman

Sampled by Dr. Dre for 2Pac’s California Love. Marks the only time Joe Cocker was associated with anything remotely hip. Harsh.

VIII. Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – Clear Spot

Discovered this through the highly recommended cover by Mark Lanegan on his Here Comes That Weird Chill EP.

IX. Paul Simon – Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard

Revived by its appearance on the “The Royal Tenenbaums” soundtrack. Same thing happened to the late Nico’s music.

X. Curtis Mayfield – Pusherman

On the soundtrack he made for “Superfly”. Much like the best movie directors from that decade, Mayfield had the uncanny ability to create palbable tension in a work.

XI. Wishbone Ash – The King Will Come

The King will come, and as in most prog-rock, he’ll take his time to get there. I had to shorten this one to get under the 10 mb file limit but you’ll get the picture.

XII. Nick Drake – Parasite

Sadly, one of the last songs he’d ever record.

Done. Head over to Sweeping The Nation to see what the other ladies & gents put up. Koen Fillet came up with a very nice list for ‘79. Maybe by now you’re inspired to fill in one of the holes. There’s the annoying issue of getting Muxtape to accept all of your songs, which can be a hassle. Don’t let that stop you however, it’s all worth it.