This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Delbert McClinton's "Givin' It Up for Your Love"

In this space I usually spotlight songs that failed to make the Top 10 on the pop charts and instead suffered a rather complete and unjust obscurity outside the mainstream music world's general consciousness. I make an exception for this excellent butt-shaker for several reasons, primarily that because of its utter greatness and timelessness I had absolutely no idea it was released in 1980, an era during which little good-time roots rock like this dared rear its head. Moreover, that was almost 30 years ago, and I really have to wonder how many people not only remember "Givin' It Up for Your Love" but also recall that it was a major pop hit, of all things. Anyway, regardless of the soundness of your memory, please take a moment to give this tune another listen. If you're anything like me, perhaps you've never given proper due to one of the finest riffs on Van Morrison ever recorded by a Texan.

• Sample or download "Givin' It Up for Your Love" here.
• Compare prices on Delbert McClinton CDs here.

Album Cover Photo Courtesy of Curb Records