Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Back From The Ipod 3

Greetings, salutations and Happy 2009. There's not much to say at this point that hasn't already been said so I'm going to keep this intro brief. For this posting I went back to my trusty Ipod and pulled off some of my favorites. As always, comments are more than welcome.   
The Anteeeks - I Don't Want You
Kicking things off in fine fashion are The Anteeeks (that's right - 3 e's) from Kilmarnock, U.K. Like most Garage/Freakbeat music lovers I first heard this song on one of the "Chocolate Soup for Diabetics" comps about 20 years ago and it's certainly aged well.
Bee Arnold - Plant You Now, Dig You Later
While Bee Arnold might be considered an also-ran in the Rockabilly world, I'm sure he must have been something to see back in the Louisiana bayou where he recorded this fiery little rocker for Goldband Records.  
Del Shannon - The Big Hurt
Although "...Hurt" was a huge hit for Miss Toni Fisher, Del turns in an admirable performance in an arrangement similar to the her's. In fact, this is good enough to have been a hit for Del all over again had it been released as a single.
The Knight Riders - I
I first heard this record on a compilation of singles on the Dunwich label (home of the Shadows of Knight) that came out on Sundazed about 10 or so years ago. Recently a DJ friend of mine played it at a club downtown and it was great to discover it all over again.  
Little Jerry Williams - Hum-Baby
This  punchy little gem is available on a few different compilations of 50s black rockers who were influenced by, as Leon Russell once referred to him, the all-time queen of Rock & Roll, Little Richard. Mmmmm Baby!! 
The Nashville Ramblers - The Trains
I've seen The nashville Ramblers play live a few times over the years and they never fail to totally bowl me over with their spot on encapsulation of everything I've ever loved about 60s music. I think if I had the money I'd get rid of my Ipod and hire these guys to follow me around playing music wherever I go. This is their one and only single. They played recently in NYC where a friend of mine shot a few songs on video and posted them on YouTube.  Click on "More from Epstwain" to see the rest of them. 
Nervous Norvus - The Fang
Of course NN is mostly known for "Transfusion" but I've always been much more partial to this tale of space-aged coolness. A few years ago Norton Records put out a compilation of everything he ever recorded which has to be heard to be believed. Zoink Zoink indeed! 
Nils Lofgren - Keith Don't Go
I'm not sure where Nils got the idea for this but nonetheless it's a terrific love song to the man who many believe is the true heart and soul of the best Rock and Roll band that ever was. 
Rockin' Sidney - You Ain't Nothin' But Fine
And this record ain't nothin' but fine fine fine either. What more is there to say? 
The Swingin' Neckbreakers - The Girl Can't Dance/Look Away
For the first few years of their existence The Neckbreakers were second to none, especially when they played live and this song was always the highlight of their set. I still remember the first time I saw them opening up for the Lyres at CBGBs. After they finished anyone else, even Jeff C & Company had to pale by comparison. 
Tommy Blake - Kool It (Baby)
Although he never made it big, Tommy had a number of great records and a rather interesting and colorful career when he wasn't busy being his own worst enemy. Read more about him here.
The Uniques - You Aint Tough
Featuring future Country singing star Joe Stampley, with it's pounding beat and wailing harp, "...Tough" has long been a favorite among 60s garage lovers. And I'm definitely one of them.  
The Valiants - Freida Freida
Featuring another screamer in the Little Richard soundalike sweepstakes, these guys cut a few records back in the day, all of which are worth hearing.
Dwight Pullen - Let's All Go Wild
While Dwight is mostly known for "Sunglasses After Dark" which was covered by The Cramps, he had a handful of other records that were just as collector-worthy. Unfortunately he died way too young at the age of 30. You can read his story here
A Group Called Eve -Within A World Of You
For some reason I was positive that these guys (?) were a British group but, according to Soybomb's Garage Database, AGCE were from Cleveland, Ohio. Either way, this is still a lovely folk-rock lite record that deserved more than the obscurity it found back upon its release in 1967 or so.   
The Jetset - You Should Know By Now
These guys are often lumped in with the whole Mod revival of the 70's but to me they had more in common with pop rockers like The Monkees and The Knickerbockers than they did with the early Mods.
The Myddle Class – Don't Look Back
This is one of my all-time personal favorites, a remake of the Temptations hit done in a more folk-rock garage style. Whoever came up with this idea deserves a pat on the back for this stroke of genius. Unfortunately, it didn't pay off with either radio play or sales. 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Nils got the topic for Keith don't go when there was a rumor that Keith was about to leave Rolling Stones.

Glenn said...

Cool stuff YB... I had no idea Del Shannon covered MISS Toni Fisher's "Big Hurt," one of favorites. I included your blog in my favorites on my blog, http://bornintyme.blogspot.com/.

Keep it up, glenn