Stop reading this and download this song

Do you want a song that will kick you down the stairs? And then, at the bottom of the stairs (you still can't believe you went down like a ton of bricks -- like a rag doll -- like a bag of donuts), when you finally get yourself together and stagger to your feet, it walks up to you (you're almost whimpering at this point) and it hits you with a bat. And you're thinking: "Whoa, where'd you get a bat?"

That kind of a song.

Here it is: TIME IS ON MY SIDE

By Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint

This classic, contained on the killer soundtrack of the killer HBO series "Treme," is a playground -- a canvas -- for an American original, the great Ms. Thomas and her incredible instrument of a voice. It was overshadowed by the Rolling Stones version of the song, but Irma Thomas's vocal performance is incredible. While you're at it, download other songs from the "Treme" soundtrack.

We're originating from our NBC News Washington Bureau tonight, as I came here to participate in a forum. We hope you can join us tonight. Download that song.

Discuss this post

Thanks for the tip, and for the very colorful description of a classic tune.

    Reply#1 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:32 PM EDT

    Good Evening Mr.Williams, Thank You for sharing this song, "Time is on my Side" will definitely listen to it. A fine broadcast tonight from the Washington Bureau. I am so sorry for the terrible weather. I hope it passes quickly.

    Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Costello about the terrible weather all along the Eastcoast with heavy rains and high winds. Cetainly causing much damage and problems for people on roadways. So much flooding on roads and numerous accidents it is awful to see. One hopes the waters recede soon on the cresting rivers in the affected areas.

    The report by Mr.Yang from Kabul showed how the killing of three Pakistani troops by a Nato helicopter causes tensions to grow between the United States and Pakistan. The relations are vital to the war in Afghanistan and learning the supply route which brings 80% of supplies to US Troops was blocked is disturbing. One hopes the route will be cleared soon.

    The piece by Kristan Welker in the Education Nation series of reports was most inspiring is showing how parents raised funds to keep teachers from losing their jobs. A campaign for the children's bright future! It is wonderful their success!

    Sad to learn the passing of Tony Curtis at the age of 88yrs old. The piece by Mr.Lewis showed what great roles he did in his career. He will be missed.

    I thought your comment about the new planet discovered by scientists that is mosy like earth was very funny. To the effect that it is nice to have a place to go if we screw things up here! You have a great sense of humour!

    Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Peace to You and to All!

    Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!

    Be Well Always!

    Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Hope you are enjoying being back home!

    Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

    XOXO

    Lisa

      Reply#2 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:53 PM EDT

      Great taste Brian is their a hint of soul within my favorite News Anchor man? Sounds song from the heart and in many ways it expressed the times. When I read your comment Rag Doll you know it took me right to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I'll have Peaches down load the song I still seem to mess up.

      I will leave the insane politics to Obama today, it's really getting silly and childess. Adults and leaders should grow up and realize the hateful comments and that are being said today effect the young people.

      have a great evening all

        Reply#3 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:57 PM EDT

        That is a great song Brian, as some of us of a certain age would put it, " I remember Irma Thomas from back in the day"!

        And if I'm not mistaken, I do believe my neice purchased the entire soundtrack from Treme, so . . . free music for me . . . !!

          Reply#4 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:14 PM EDT

          Good evening, Brian.

          Your description of Irma Thomas' recording of "Time Is On My Side" not only made me laugh out loud in front of a few strangers, but totally motivated me to listen to the song immediately...not that I wouldn't have otherwise. I've listened to it a few times now since, and it is indeed brilliant! Right now as I run around cleaning the house in preparation for visits from two friends (one from out of state, one out of country) I listened to it again. (I would download it and the entire soundtrack, but I have no credit card or iTunes card to do so.) I don't know about you, but I can listen to just about anything while cleaning. Some people say there's only one type of music you can clean to, but heck, I just listened to a Jimmy Durante recording of "I'll Be Seeing You" (love that song, and Jimmy's voice!) Once again, thanks for sharing the music! It always makes for a wonderful weekend. Hey, that's an idea! How about one "new" (in quotations because new could also be old, like today's) song at every end of the week? Just a silly suggestion. I love music.

          While I had company over last night, I meant to comment on your post last night about finding a family link in history: Very, very cool! That's what I love about history. There's so much we don't know yet. And it's so much more fulfilling when you find something special your family is connected to.

          I visited The New York Times website while in my computer class this afternoon, and my jaw dropped when I read about Tony Curtis. I'm so sorry to hear his passing. I am a huge fan of the classics--adore them and think they were the best movies ever made--(being raised on so many of them because of my dad) and hate to see any great actor from the golden age pass away, and Tony is certainly one of those actors. I only just a few weeks ago watched the great one, "Some Like It Hot". Love that movie, and still wonder why he used an obvious Cary Grant accent in the scenes as a rich man. Just like I did when the great Paul Newman passed away already two years ago, I'll be honoring him with a marathon of his movies. He'll be remembered and missed.

          Have a good night in Washington. I wish I were there tonight. Recently took my first train trip for the day to Washington to visit family. Loved it, but did not have as much time as I'd hoped, and always miss it when I leave.

          Good night!

          -Cary

            Reply#5 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:45 PM EDT

            Hm, I didn't think it was that great a song, honestly. Then again, I prefer orchestral rock/metal music, and don't have $1.29 to spend on just any song. But great metaphor about it, quite amusing. Keep up that nice way with words.

              Reply#6 - Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:31 PM EDT

              Good Evening Mr. Williams,
              Thank you very much for sharing your suggestion for "Time Is On My Side" from Treme. I really enjoyed listening to it and then recommending it to friends and family.
              Is there music on any other shows that you would recommend?
              Thanks,
              Rachel

                Reply#7 - Fri Oct 1, 2010 1:30 AM EDT

                Music is love in search of a word, quote from a bookmark, but I like it. I really do.

                  Reply#8 - Sun Oct 3, 2010 12:58 PM EDT

                  Thanks for your great sharing Mr. Williams. Hadnd thouht that ıt was that much great song but now accept it that it is.

                  greetings from

                  <a href="">Tercume</a>

                  

                    Reply#9 - Tue May 22, 2012 11:22 AM EDT

                      Reply#10 - Tue May 22, 2012 11:25 AM EDT

                      how great is this slow flow in to the silence of night by the power of words... ıts great

                      regards..

                        Reply#11 - Sat May 26, 2012 10:48 AM EDT
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