"The Blues" by Tony! Toni! Tone!

       Hey, friends! We got something real special for you on the Dial tonight. A 1990 R&B single which dropped right before the group who recorded it broke huge into the pop mainstream. We think hearing this one again will bring a smile to your face, as opposed to giving you what its title predicts. So without further ado, let us present Tony! Toni! Tone! with “The Blues”!

“Spending’ all my time trying to show how I feel when there is so much I can do…”

Scoring a much deserved #1 on the US R&B singles chart, “The Blues” just missed the top 40 by a few positions at US #46. This lead single from 1990's “The Revival” LP was followed by three more US R&B chart toppers, which enjoyed varying degrees of success on the Hot 100: “Feels Good” (US #9), “It Never Rains in Southern California” (US #34), and “Whatever You Want” (US #48).

A lament from a fellow who constantly gives his all to his lady yet gets nothing in return, set to a party-ready new jack swing groove, Tony Toni Tone’s ode to romantic frustration reflects strongly of a Parliment/Funkadelic influence, especially with regard to the harmonies during the chorus. You can also hear elements of The Jacksons’ “Dancing Machine” in the cadence of the verses.

“Just because he drives a Porsche and girl, I drive a Nova, what about the man inside?

Oh, if that is what you’re into, why don’t you let me know instead of always giving me the blues.”

Personally, I never really “got” the directions that most r&b and hip hop took in the ‘90s. I never heard the appeal of “booty songs” (too crass and juvenile), and harmonic crooners like Boyz II Men came across as poor imitations of true soul to me… much too whiny, and far too many overdubs.

There was no way I could ever identify with gangsta rap, but I did like some of the alternative hip hoppers like PM Dawn, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. I was about 50/50 on new jack swing, for instance, I liked Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative”, and Bell Biv Devoe “Poison”, but hated Brown’s “Humpin Around”, and BBD’s “Do Me!”

Now, neo-soul artists like Maxwell and Groove Theory impressed me as they were reaching back to “old school” R&B of the 60s and the 70s for their inspiration, and as such, they carried the banner for “true” soul as far as my ears were concerned. That’s why I appreciate Tony Toni Tone’s sophomore LP “The Revival”, as it was designed as a throwback to the artists that influenced them. Not just Parliament and The Jacksons, but also James Brown, Duke Ellington, Kool and The Gang, and many others. Plus I really dig the album cover, which features several old neon signs reworked to display the band’s name, including a Denny’s restaurant sign now updated to show “Tony”.

So go ahead and give Tony Toni Tone’s smash R&B hit a listen. If you’re anything like me, their up-tempo ode to an ungrateful woman will actually get your feet tapping, your head boppin’, and will remove any traces of “The Blues” from your mood.

“Spending all my time pleasing you… all you ever give me is the blues.”

"On My Own" by Peach Union

 

      Hi friends! Tonight, the Dial explores a late ‘90s pop nugget that quickly peeked its head into the top 40, looked around, then darted back into obscurity. ‘Tis a shame too, because it’s a great tune that deserves to be heard by a wider audience, and that’s where the Dial comes in. So without further ado, I present… “On My Own” by Peach Union!

“Baby… No, it’s not that I don’t care. Maybe… It’s a change in atmosphere.”

Drawing inspiration from various 1960s pop styles, such as Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound”, and the influence of female blue-eyed soul singers like Dusty Springfield, “On My Own” is a confident acknowledgment that time to one’s self is necessary at the conclusion of a romantic relationship, in order to heal, reflect, and grow.

Barely squeaking into the Top 40 at a lowly #39 in 1998, “On My Own” was Peach Union’s only “hit” single in America. Quite surprisingly, it charted even lower in their native UK, settling for a disappointing #69.

“And I’ve seen the signs I know, that it’s right for me to go, I’m on my way”

Formed under their original band name of “Peach” in Europe, but marketed as “Peach Union” in the U.S., the group is comprised of Pascal Gabriel, Paul Statham, and Lisa Lamb, all of whom were established songwriters prior to forming the group. However, the name of one of the bandmates caused me some confusion initially.

When I picked up the On My Own CD single, I noticed that a “P. Gabriel” was listed as a co-author. Naturally, I assumed this was PETER Gabriel, as if On My Own was either a remake of, or perhaps, featured a sample of a Peter Gabriel tune, since it was pretty obvious he was not a member of the band. I also theorized that maybe the man behind “Sledgehammer” had supported the band somehow, either as a producer or songwriter, to help them get a start in the music biz.

Eventually I purchased the entire Audiopeach LP, (which was to be their only album release before breaking up), and the liner notes inside made it clear that the “P” in “P. Gabriel” stood for Pascal, not Peter. Boy, did I feel silly! There was no connection at all to the man who used to sing in concert under the guise of “The Slipperman”. (that’s a little 70’s era Genesis shout out for you there…)

“Baby… you could say that it’s unfair. Maybe… I’ve got nothing left to share.”

Featured on the soundtrack to the film “Sliding Doors”, two different videos exist for the song. The UK video is a visual treat, as the setting is a black & white 1950’s styled home, assaulted with wild splashes of Day-Glo colored food, clothes, and household items. It’s also worth mentioning that Lisa herself is quite the treat for the eyes here, as she plays the role of a fed up housewife breaking out of her suburban monotony. The US video is more story driven as Lisa causes a disturbance at a casino, then leads the pursuing casino agents in her red Mercedes, and later, on a little Vespa scooter.

Because I’m feeling generous, I’m offering both videos here. You’re welcome.

“So when you think of yesterday, remember all the things we said.

And through the course of history, I hope you’ll still remember me”.

Give ‘em both a look-see, and send a comment my way as to which video you prefer. I already know you’ll dig the song itself!

“And there can’t be no other way. There’s nothing left for us to say.

I’ve got to see this through alone. I’ve got to do this, on my own.”