Friday Night Jukebox, Vol. CLXXII--The Spinners: Games People Play

For the umpteenth time here in 2018, FNJ will be featuring another tune from the 70's--while I'll never be one of those people who claims they don't make music like they used to (sure they do--you just don't have the time you once did to hunt it all down), there was certainly something special about the music of the 70's (which, not coincidentally, could also have a lot to do with the 70's being the time of my coming of age).

The Spinners formed in 1954 in my adopted home of Detroit, Michigan and began their careers on Gordon Berry's dream, Motown.  They wouldn't have their first hit until 1961, their second until 1965, and shortly after their third ("It's a Shame"--another great cut, penned by one Stevland Morris) they would move on to Atlantic Records and under the guidance of producer Thom Bell would shoot into the stratosphere of seventies soul groups.  Between 1972 and 1980, the Spinners would have 7 top ten singles (including a #1 with Dionne Warwick, "Then Came You"--again, another great cut), and 16 singles total in the Billboard Hot 100.  Unfortunately, after 1980 the Spinners commercial success fizzled out, and they released the last of their 18 albums in 1989, and their last single to chart was in 1995.  Though only one original member is still with us, the Spinners remain a huge draw on the oldies circuit and continue performing to this day.  In one of pop music's greatest travesties, the Spinners, though nominated in 2015, have yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--seriously, Bon Jovi and Kiss are in, but not the Spinners?  WTF?

Released in 1975 on their Pick of the Litter LP, "Games People Play" (also referenced as "They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)" though God only knows why since it's considerably longer and not what the song was originally called upon its release) would go on to reach #5 (with a bullet!) on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fun Fact:  "Games People Play" was also a #1 hit on the Billboard R & B chart--and it immediately followed FNJ  #170, Natalie Cole's "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)."  A good couple of weeks for a child of the 70's....

I could tell you that "Games People Play" features some rock solid piano and horn playing, as well as a hint of electric guitar.  I could also tell you it's a song about being a little blue about the nature of your fellow beings, and finding a face in the crowd that gives just a little hope.  And I could tell you about the wonderful interplay of the vocals of Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, and backup band singer Evette Benton.  But the piece de la resistance, the part that makes it a classic instead of just a great song, is the interlude that begins with Jackson's magical bass vocals that begins "12:45...."  This is how great it is:  Jackson earned the nickname "Mr. 12:45" for his role in the interlude and he only sings four lines.  My words don't do it justice, but trust me "Games People Play" is a wondrous soul single from a wondrous decade for soul singles.

Rap Sheet:  "12:45/Headed for the subway home/I took my time/'Cause I felt so all alone/Not far away/I heard a funny sound took a look around, and I/Could see her face/Smiling as she came, calling out my name..."

Enjoy:

Fuck Donald Trump,
emaycee