It's always gratifying when a radio station with an unpredictable playlist airs a great song you never expected to hear. I was listening to WSIE Saturday night when I thought, "No, it can't be...Is that what I think it is? Wow...It is...No radio station ever plays this."
The tune was "Back Home" by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. It has great synergy between the vocals and the piano and sounds of its time--1974--in the best way. Most importantly, however, the lyrics are a great reminder of why it's important to go home and be among the people who know and appreciate you the most.
The first time I heard "Back Home" in the '90s, I thought, "These lyrics are ideal for Thanksgiving." A few seconds later, I thought, "Actually, they're appropriate for any family-centered holiday or any day one wants to switch to or prolong a feeling of gratitude."
All these years later, my first impression of "Back Home" hasn't changed. It won't change. How could it?
