Clyde McPhatter’s Greatest Hits (1963)
Song for the Here and Now: “I Played the Fool”—Michael Stipe (2026)
Unlike his former bandmates Pete and Mike, who are constantly on the road with one band or another (sometimes together), Michael Stipe has kept a low musical profile since R.E.M. called it a day in 2011. He has appeared as a featured guest on a handful songs in a variety of genres but by my count Stipe has released just four solo songs: “Your Capricious Soul,” “Drive to the Ocean,” “No Time for Love Like Now,” and his new one, “I Played the Fool.”
All four of these songs have been enjoyable but listening to them in succession on a playlist, it seems like Stipe was intentionally trying to not sound like R.E.M. on the first three. At least not like “typical” R.E.M. Put it this way: “Your Capricious Soul,” “Drive to the Ocean,” and “No Time for Love Like Now” feel more like Up than they do Out of Time or Reckoning.
In any case, “I Played the Fool” is the theme song to a TV show called Rooster. Co-written and produced by Andrew Watt (and credited to both Stipe and Watt), “I Played the Fool” feels like a enthusiastic take on what many people would consider the “classic” R.E.M. sound. If the band was still around, chances are they’d sound like “I Played the Fool,” and I mean that in the best way possible. “I Played the Fool” is a concise, catchy song, with typically thoughtful Stipe lyrics.
Stipe has recently expressed concern that he’s taking so long with his solo album because he’s uncertain he can do something that will live up to his previous band’s reputation. He needn’t be worried about that.
Andrew Watt appears to be an expert at helping veteran artists reconnect with their classic vibes in a fresh way. He’s done this with The Rolling Stones and Elton John, and now he’s done it with Michael Stipe as well.
Daily Record: Clyde McPhatter’s Greatest Hits — Clyde McPhatter (1963)
It might seem like Clyde McPhatter’s name is gradually fading from pop culture consciousness and that’s a shame. As a member of both the Drifters and the Dominoes, and as a solo artist, McPhatter’s voice was an integral part of some of the most beautiful rhythm & blues pop songs of the 1950’s and early ‘60s. His life ended sadly in 1972, but his musical legacy deserves to be remembered.
I’m not certain how this copy of Clyde McPhatter’s Greatest Hits made its way into my collection, but it appears to be an original mono copy from 1963. The album contains the highlights from his solo career, including “Lover Please,” which might be my favorite track on the album.
Ultimately though, the crown jewel in McPhatter’s crown might be his stunning lead vocal on the Drifters’ version of “White Christmas.”
While McPhatter’s name isn’t as familiar as it used to be, he does have the unique distinction of being the first artist to be inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a solo artist and later as a member of the Drifters.
This particular album does not appear to be streaming, but there are other compilations available that can help introduce/re-introduce you to the great Clyde McPhatter.