Friday, April 19, 2013

Song of the Day: 'Ain't That Peculiar' by Mari Wilson


I remember how excited I was back in high school when I found Mari Wilson's new 12-inch single at Zia Records, back when it was on Mill Avenue in Tempe, Arizona. I was still in high school, but my friend Greg and I would head over to the campus of Arizona State -- where all the cool kids were -- every chance we got, always looking for the latest imports from our favorite acts, from Bananarama and Marilyn to the Style Council and Mari. I already owned Japan's cover of "Ain't That Peculiar," which I knew from the radio as old Marvin Gaye song. But Mari's version instantly became my favorite, and the two b-sides -- "Use Him" and "The Maximum Damage" -- quickly became faves as well. Greg and I were heartbroken, though, when the album from which we expected them to come never materialized. (Never knew where she went.) Fortunately, Mari resurfaced in 1991, and finally released her follow-up to her classic "Showpeople" -- and she's been busy recording and touring ever since. These days, Mari even has a Facebook page, which you can like right HERE!


2 comments:

dishy said...

Never heard this!!! How the hell did I miss this?? Of course I love Mari! Wow!

Anonymous said...

You better get ready for the return of the original beehive. An anthology box set is due to be released in 2010.