The Grace Jones song that I'll always remember is "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)" which had a crazy video I saw a handful of times on MTV back in the day. And I swear it was included in a compilation album called High Priority that MTV did.which was all female acts and benefited breast cancer, but as it turns out my memory is faulty and it was "Slave to the Rhythm."
Great read! My two Grace Jones moments were 1. When I discovered “Nightclubbing” from the Trainspotting soundtrack, I later learned that it was a Grace Jones cover too - she really makes it her own. 2. She has guest vocals on Gorillaz’s 2017 album Humanz - “Charger.” It’s great! And of course, as you mention, James Bond.
”The groove that underpins the song was recorded by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, during the sessions for Warm Leatherette, but set aside because because Blackwell didn’t care for it, and considered it stylistically out of sync with the album: too close to R&B on a record that was attempting something altogether new and different. Titled ‘Peanut Butter’, it appeared as an instrumental b-side on a Junior Tucker single. On hearing that, Jones blew one of her famously imperiled gaskets, telling Dunbar to call Blackwell and demand its return: … She co-wrote a set of lyrics… ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ became her signature tune and one of her biggest hits.”
Fantastic stuff. Loving this! Grace Jones has been one of my fave artists since I was a kid. Her three LPs from the early 80s are masterpieces, a blend of new wave, R&B, reggae, and rock unlike anything else on the charts, and her visual style was years ahead of everyone. As far as Nightclubbing, (which btw has one of the best LP covers of all time) I would also mention the song “Art Groupie,” which is a synth-pop gem about Grace herself and starts with the line “I’ll never write my memoirs” which of course is what she titled her memoir 30 years later.
And continuing with double entendres — in the chorus where she is supposed to be singing “touch me in a sculpture,” it almost sounds like she’s saying “touch penis sculpture.”
The other noteworthy tracks are the closer, “I’ve Done It Again,” where Grace sounds unexpectedly soulful. Also worth listening to is her version of Gary Numan’s “Me! I Disconnect From You,” which was a bonus track on the deluxe edition. She performs it exactly as it should be performed — cold and emotionless, as if sung by a droid. Genius.
The Grace Jones song that I'll always remember is "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)" which had a crazy video I saw a handful of times on MTV back in the day. And I swear it was included in a compilation album called High Priority that MTV did.which was all female acts and benefited breast cancer, but as it turns out my memory is faulty and it was "Slave to the Rhythm."
That's a great one too! I also like (the follow-up? I think?) "Victor Should Have Been A Jazz Musician".
Great read! My two Grace Jones moments were 1. When I discovered “Nightclubbing” from the Trainspotting soundtrack, I later learned that it was a Grace Jones cover too - she really makes it her own. 2. She has guest vocals on Gorillaz’s 2017 album Humanz - “Charger.” It’s great! And of course, as you mention, James Bond.
She’s more of a vibe / presence on “Charger” but it sure sounds like a Grace Jones song
Ooh will have to check out the Gorillaz track too!
I'll check that Gorillaz song out!
Great song; and I still remain charmed by the story I found researching Grace Jones a while ago (which you'll recognize): https://thequietus.com/opinion-and-essays/anniversary/grace-jones-warm-leatherette-compass-point-trilogy/
”The groove that underpins the song was recorded by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, during the sessions for Warm Leatherette, but set aside because because Blackwell didn’t care for it, and considered it stylistically out of sync with the album: too close to R&B on a record that was attempting something altogether new and different. Titled ‘Peanut Butter’, it appeared as an instrumental b-side on a Junior Tucker single. On hearing that, Jones blew one of her famously imperiled gaskets, telling Dunbar to call Blackwell and demand its return: … She co-wrote a set of lyrics… ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ became her signature tune and one of her biggest hits.”
I was going to mention that and it got left out. Thanks.
Love Grace Jones!
My best friend in high school loved Grace Jones! I’m sure we listened to her stuff back then, but I don’t remember a lot of it.
Fantastic stuff. Loving this! Grace Jones has been one of my fave artists since I was a kid. Her three LPs from the early 80s are masterpieces, a blend of new wave, R&B, reggae, and rock unlike anything else on the charts, and her visual style was years ahead of everyone. As far as Nightclubbing, (which btw has one of the best LP covers of all time) I would also mention the song “Art Groupie,” which is a synth-pop gem about Grace herself and starts with the line “I’ll never write my memoirs” which of course is what she titled her memoir 30 years later.
And continuing with double entendres — in the chorus where she is supposed to be singing “touch me in a sculpture,” it almost sounds like she’s saying “touch penis sculpture.”
The other noteworthy tracks are the closer, “I’ve Done It Again,” where Grace sounds unexpectedly soulful. Also worth listening to is her version of Gary Numan’s “Me! I Disconnect From You,” which was a bonus track on the deluxe edition. She performs it exactly as it should be performed — cold and emotionless, as if sung by a droid. Genius.
Thanks. I'll check it out.