Monday, August 15, 2011

Robert Palmer: Every Kinda People

It’s Mélange Monday and today’s feature is Robert Palmer’s first US hit – “Every Kinda People.” This tune was written by Andy Fraser who was the original bassist for Free and later went on to form Sharks. While “All Right Now” was Fraser’s best known composition, “Every Kinda People” ranks second.

While “Every Kinda People” didn’t chart in the Top 40 of Palmer’s native UK (it peaked at #53), it was a North American hit that charted at #12 in Canada and peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #22 on the Adult Contemporary charts. It was first of three singles from Palmer’s “Double Fun” LP and the only one to chart.


The original single mix on this tune is as near to perfect as any song ever recorded. Most folks reference the bass styling of Bob Babbitt who has played on countless numbers of hit records. That’s only a part of the mystique of “Every Kinda People.” The funk guitar, clavinet, and steel drums all contribute to the overall sound of this recording. This track was produced by Palmer himself.



1989 Remix


For his compilation LP, “Addictions Volume I,” Palmer remixed the tune and extended its length with the addition of an acoustic guitar and percussion. There are also additional synthesizer parts that he added as well. While this mix is good, I still think the original has more magic .



Lyrics


Said the fight to make ends meet
Keeps a man upon his feet
Holding down his job
Trying to show he can't be bought

It takes every kind of people
To make what life's about
Every kind of people
To make the world go 'round

Someone's looking for a lead
In his duty to a King or creed
Protecting what he feels is right
Fights against wrong with his life

There's no profit in deceit
Honest men know that
Revenge does not taste sweet
Whether yellow, black or white
Each and every man's the same inside

It takes every kind of people
To make what life's about
Every kind of people
To make the world go 'round

You know that love's the only goal
That could bring a peace to any soul
Hey, and every man's the same
He wants the sunshine in his name

It takes every kind of people
To make what life's about
Every kind of people
To make the world go 'round

It takes every kind of people
To make what life's about
Every kind of people
To make the world go 'round.

No comments:

Post a Comment