Aquarium Drunkard Presents: The Mighty Hannibal
The Mighty Hannibal died last week at the age of 74. Born James Timothy Shaw, in 1939, Hannibal's "Hymn No. 5" is both a highlight and stylistic outlier in the oft-turbanned soul man’s lengthy career. Inspired by a newscast of Walter Cronkite discussing the growing amount of United States soldiers that were returning from Vietnam addicted to opium, “Hymn No. 5” excels in being an anti-war song that taps into the innate horror of war rather than delve into obvious punditry. Slowly chugging along like a jazz funeral dirge, accented by longing and pulsating organ, the track is an account of harrowing desperation. It is also incredibly moving and Hannibal’s finest hour.
This week's playlist digs into the first 15 years of Hannibal's career.
ABOUT AQUARIUM DRUNKARD
Based in Los Angeles, Justin Gage is the founder of the long-running, eclectic music blog Aquarium Drunkard. In addition to the blog you can catch his weekly radio show, Fridays, on SIRIUS XMU satellite radio -- noon-2pm EST.
Gage is also the founder of Autumn Tone Records and works as a music consultant and supervisor.