Love Lockdown: The Go Nicole Yourself Edition

Hello Disciples of Scholar – Welcome to Go Nicole Yourself’s V-Day Post. A couple of years ago, Scholar and I bonded over a Roberta Flack song and now I’m lucky enough to call Scholar my friend. I might even say that my friendship with Scholar has been a journey – only he can truly know what that means, right bro? (Hahahahah) Anyway, Scholar asked me to participate in the V-Day posts and I was honored to be able to do so. I’m not a crazy crate digger like Mr X but I am a music fan, not unlike the rest of you. I chose songs that meant something to me. And in keeping with Souled On tradition of posting cover songs, here we go:

I grew up in a house where Otis Redding, Smokey Robinson, Doo Wop and Salsa were played often. My dad could only listen to music LOUDLY, so it was inevitable that I’d learn to enjoy music, but particularly soul music.


My parents were married for 40 years on February 2nd of this year. Their wedding song was Stevie Wonder’s version of “For Once in My Life” The original was done by a woman named Jean DuShon but didn’t reach its full popularity until they gave it to Stevie. Here is the original, plus a few good covers of the song.

For Once In My Life: Jean DuShon (YSI)
For Once In My Life: Jean DuShon (Limelinx)

For Once In My Life: Stevie Wonder (YSI)
For Once In My Life: Stevie Wonder (Limelinx)

For Once In My Life: Michael Buble (YSI)
For Once In My Life: Michael Buble (Limelinx)


If I ever get married, my wedding song will DEFINITELY be a Stevie Wonder song. My song? “As”. I can’t hear that song and NOT be happy, nor stay still. The only people to do a cover that I sort of like are George Michael and Mary J Blige. Don’t hate on me for loving Georgie. He’s scandalous but Wham was the SHIT.

As: Stevie Wonder (YSI)
As: Stevie Wonder (Limelinx)

As: George Michael w/Mary J Blige (YSI)
As: George Michael w/Mary J Blige (Limelinx)


Gladys Knight was another staple in my house. I love too many of her songs to pick just one, but this track was nicely covered by Alicia Keys and Bettye LaVette. No one can do unrequited love quite like Gladys…

If I Were Your Woman: Gladys Knight & The Pips (YSI)
If I Were Your Woman: Gladys Knight & The Pips (Limelinx)

If I Were Your Woman/Walk On By: Alicia Keys (YSI)
If I Were Your Woman/Walk On By: Alicia Keys (Limelinx)

If I Were Your Woman: Bettye LaVette (YSI)
If I Were Your Woman: Bettye LaVette (Limelinx)



Another one of my favorite love songs is “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” Originally written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl for his wife Peggy Seeger who recorded it as a folk tune. It was then covered most notably by Roberta Flack. My personal favorite cover is by The Stereophonics. The singer's voice does the song justice imho.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Peggy Seeger (YSI)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Peggy Seeger (Limelinx)

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Roberta Flack (YSI)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Roberta Flack (Limelinx)

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: The Stereophonics (YSI)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: The Stereophonics (Limelinx)

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Johnny Cash (YSI)
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face: Johnny Cash (Limelinx)



Last – but hardly least – is a cover song by someone who isn’t considered a soul artist, but anyone who knows his stuff, knows that soul music doesn’t necessarily have to sound like everything else. My favorite artist ever - Peter Gabriel covered “The Book of Love” for the ‘Shall We Dance’ soundtrack, originally done by the Magnetic Fields on their 1999 triple album - 69 Love Songs.

The Book of Love: The Magnetic Fields (YSI)
The Book of Love: The Magnetic Fields (Limelinx)

The Book of Love: Peter Gabriel (YSI)
The Book of Love: Peter Gabriel (Limelinx)

The Book of Love: Mike Doughty (YSI)
The Book of Love: Mike Doughty (Limelinx)


Fundamental Supplementals:

Secret World - Peter Gabriel (YSI)

Whole Thing - Peter Gabriel & Friends (YSI)

Sky Blue - Peter Gabriel (YSI)

Washing of the Water - Peter Gabriel (YSI)

Summertime - Peter Gabriel (YSI)

A Note From Scholar: We obviously needed some estrogen in here, so I hope that you enjoyed Nicole's post. I have to say that without her, this V Day celebration wouldn't have been possible. She's been helping me organize, edit, upload, etc. Thanks to her, I'm still marginally maintaining my sanity. When you get done reading this, Go Nicole Yourself.

Word From Your Moms:

"We're looking at the same moon, though we're miles apart. We're wishing on the same star when you're deep in my heart. I don't know if you know, but when we miss each other so, look up. I'll meet you at the moon." - Imelda May

"You know how I know? Because I still love him and want to be with him, even when he's so stupid that I want to shove an umbrella up his ass and open it" - Go Mom Yourself (when asked how she knew she still loved Go Dad Yourself)