Say it loud: He gave music some new moves

James Brown: 1933--2006 | AN APPRECIATION

December 26, 2006|Robert Hilburn | Special to The Times

In nominating the 500 greatest singles ever in a 1989 book, rock critic Dave Marsh listed "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" at No. 3, declaring that the only way the single could be "more bone-rattling was if Brown himself leaped from your speakers, grabbed you tight by the shoulders and danced you around the room, all the while screaming straight into your face." He added, "No record before 'Papa's' sounded anything like it. No record since -- certainly no dance record -- has been unmarked by it."

Still, my favorite James Brown record is probably "I Got You (I Feel Good)," which was the follow-up to "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." It was a record of supreme optimism and cheer. I've even got a foot-high James Brown bobblehead in my den, and it screams "I Feel Good" when you push a button.

I've pushed it dozens of times when friends were over, and every time it brought smiles. It's just one sign that Brown's music remains powerful. For another sign, just turn on the radio. Half the music you hear, from Kanye West and Jay Z to Justin Timberlake and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is in part a testimony to that power.

At some point today, I'll just push the button on the bobblehead doll, or put on one of Brown's CDs. There's no way that music won't still make you feel alive. What a wonderful legacy for any artist.

Robert Hilburn, who was The Times' pop music critic for nearly 40 years, left the paper in January to write a cultural history of pop music.

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