Songs in the Key of Soul

Seattlest can't claim to understand the obsession in hipster fashion with the eighties. At last week's edition of Rag$ to Riche$, it seemed every other female was sporting something inspired by the Reagan era. That fit with some of the tunes being thrown in the mix, but in the case of both apparel and music, age is not enough to denote quality. Many of the songs and clothing choices from that evening need to regain their forgotten status.

Jump back a decade and you'll find a treasure-trove in stark contrast to the forgettable Eighties. The Seventies had a comfortable confidence, a swagger that makes the Eighties shiny excess look like a chronological short man's complex. Afros were picked to new heights of greatness, and clothing had an abundance of personality and style. And the music. Oh the music! It was groundbreaking, ass-shaking, soothing and exciting at the same time. The Seventies is when the groove was nurtured into maturity, a fact still celebrated today, whether directly or through a musical descendant.

At the Lo-fi tonight there will be some direct reverence paid to one pillar of the Seventies' greatness. Sum Mo' Records is hosting the evening to pay tribute to Curtis Mayfield and his opus, the Superfly soundtrack. More than a mere listening party, tonight will feature a live performance by a 12-piece band consisting of Hep and the Little Bitches and soul singer Wuddha. Reviews from the Feb. 7 performance have been overwhelmingly positive, so Seattlest has high expectations for this event, although it does make us lament the afro we recently decided to shave off. We suppose we'll be paying tribute to that tonight as well.

Curtis Mayfield's Superfly
Lo-fi Performance Gallery
429 Eastlake Ave. E
Friday, Feb. 10, 9pm-2am
21+