CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#150 THEME FROM 'SHAFT' Isaac Hayes
The blaxploitation film 'Shaft' produced 1 of the most important motion picture scores and its title song was a landmark recording. The movie became a box office hit for MGM in 1971. Isaac Hayes composed and produced the soundtrack. 
The album was recorded at Stax Recording Studios in Memphis. Hayes had been associated with the label as a writer/ producer before his solo success; having been involved with acts such as Sam and Dave, The Emotions and Carla Thomas. 
On 'Shaft', Hayes arranged the horns and strings with Johnny Allen. The music was performed by The Memphis Strings & Horns. The Bar-Keys and The Movement contributed as the soundtrack's rhythm section.
Released as a single. the "Theme From 'Shaft'" reached #1 in the USA and 4 in Britain. Hayes was nominated for an Academy Award for both the title song and the film's score. Michel Legrand triumphed in the latter category for his music for 'Summer of '42', but Hayes was victorious in the former. Hayes' win marked the 1st for an African- American in that category. He re-recorded the song when the film was updated for the sequel in 2000.
Hayes continued to record, but failed to match the musical achievement of the "Theme from Shaft". Subsequent R&B chart hits included: "Joy (Part 1)", "Do Your Thing", "Chocolate Chip", "Don't Let Go" and "Ike's Rap". In 1992, he recorded a duet with Barry White (both renowned for their sultry deep voice) entitled "Dark And Lovely (You Over There)". He served as a member of Ghana's royal family before finding a new and younger audience through his role as Chef in the animated TV series "South Park" and its related movies. In 2008, high blood pressure resulted in a stroke. Hayes collapsed in his Memphis residence and died hours later. His talent and groundbreaking influence on disco and rap will live on.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.