Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Platterpuss R&R Record Party
Tune into my radio show unfer my alter-ego of Platterpuss tomorrow (Wed. Aug. 15) at 8 PM EST on Top Shelf Oldies.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Giving It Another Go
Since I definitely seem to find myself with a lot of time on my hands these days, I have decided to give this blog another go. Receiving some nice comments over the last few months has also made this decision easier. I don't have to tell you how difficult the blogging world has become over the last 9 months since the demise of Megaupload. The fact that I had a number of files taken down and a sharp decrease in visitors since Totally Fuzzy changed their format made it seem like more work than fun. But here's hoping that the few of you who find your way here will hear something new or in a different context that will pique your interest. If that happens I would love it if you would take the time to post a comment. And I am especially interested to know if I actually inspire anyone to go out and buy something. That is after all, the point of all this.
Jewel Akens - Tic Tac Toe
This was the flip side of Jewel's big hit "The Birds and The Bees" but I actually like this song better.
This was the flip side of Jewel's big hit "The Birds and The Bees" but I actually like this song better.
Jalla Jalla - Minnesota Plates
Back in the early 90's when I was writing record reviews under the name The Platterpuss, I read an article in the fanzine "Noise For Heroes" about the music scene in Finland. I wrote a letter to one of the labels featured in the article, Hiljaiset Levyt Records, and received a nice package of CDs, LPs and 45s. There was a ton of terrific stuff in that package but this 45 was definitely the standout.
Back in the early 90's when I was writing record reviews under the name The Platterpuss, I read an article in the fanzine "Noise For Heroes" about the music scene in Finland. I wrote a letter to one of the labels featured in the article, Hiljaiset Levyt Records, and received a nice package of CDs, LPs and 45s. There was a ton of terrific stuff in that package but this 45 was definitely the standout.
Head & The Hares - One Against The World
Back in the 80's and early 90's the garage punk revival scene was in full swing and many of the bands of that era were making music that was as vital as that of their original 60's inspirations. Head & The Hares' music was a bit more introspective and not quite as wild as that of their contemporaries like The Chesterfield Kings and The Lyres but it still holds up really well today.
Glen Campbell - About The Ocean
By now most of you readers know that Glen Campbell is sadly nearing the end of his career, having been diagnosed with Alzheimers last year. In his prime, there was no one who could evoke that feeling of gentle wistfullness the way he did. Like many of his best songs, "About the Ocean" was written by Jimmy Webb and can be found on his "Reunion" album.
Back in the 80's and early 90's the garage punk revival scene was in full swing and many of the bands of that era were making music that was as vital as that of their original 60's inspirations. Head & The Hares' music was a bit more introspective and not quite as wild as that of their contemporaries like The Chesterfield Kings and The Lyres but it still holds up really well today.
Glen Campbell - About The Ocean
By now most of you readers know that Glen Campbell is sadly nearing the end of his career, having been diagnosed with Alzheimers last year. In his prime, there was no one who could evoke that feeling of gentle wistfullness the way he did. Like many of his best songs, "About the Ocean" was written by Jimmy Webb and can be found on his "Reunion" album.
Jackie Moore - Precious, Precious
Back in late 1970 Jackie hit the Billboard charts with this slow burner, eventually cracking the Top 30. I never get tired of this song.
Back in late 1970 Jackie hit the Billboard charts with this slow burner, eventually cracking the Top 30. I never get tired of this song.
The Menace - You Don't Even Wink Your Eye
This is perhaps my favorite record of this post. I tend to think of this track as the best song the Hollies never recorded. The Menace were a Hong Kong band back in the mid 60's. To the best of my knowledge they recorded a few singles and an album for the HK based Diamond label. Unfortunately, original copies of this 45 are pretty scarce and this low-quality mp3 is all that exists - for now anyway. These guys are apparently still friends and get together every so often to make music. And they still sound damn good. Check out this video from 2007.
This is perhaps my favorite record of this post. I tend to think of this track as the best song the Hollies never recorded. The Menace were a Hong Kong band back in the mid 60's. To the best of my knowledge they recorded a few singles and an album for the HK based Diamond label. Unfortunately, original copies of this 45 are pretty scarce and this low-quality mp3 is all that exists - for now anyway. These guys are apparently still friends and get together every so often to make music. And they still sound damn good. Check out this video from 2007.
Tico & The Triumphs - Noise
This is just one of many teen pop records written and recorded by Paul Simon in his pre-S&G days.
This is just one of many teen pop records written and recorded by Paul Simon in his pre-S&G days.
The Lazy Cowgirls - Loretta
While there is nothing that original going on here, when it comes to Stooges/Dolls influenced 3-chord Punk 'n' Roll, few do it better than these guys.
Little Jimmy Rivers & The Tops - Puppy Love
I've always been a total sucker for that kiddie lead vocal doo wop sound and this is definitely one of the best examples.
While there is nothing that original going on here, when it comes to Stooges/Dolls influenced 3-chord Punk 'n' Roll, few do it better than these guys.
Little Jimmy Rivers & The Tops - Puppy Love
I've always been a total sucker for that kiddie lead vocal doo wop sound and this is definitely one of the best examples.
The Rolling Stones - Twenty Flight Rock
There are some folks who say that the Stones exemplify everything that is so cool and wonderful about Rock & Roll and I am definitely one of those people. I saw them back in 2005 and the energy and fire was still there in spades. This was recorded on their US tour in 1981.
There are some folks who say that the Stones exemplify everything that is so cool and wonderful about Rock & Roll and I am definitely one of those people. I saw them back in 2005 and the energy and fire was still there in spades. This was recorded on their US tour in 1981.
Blue Ash - Abracadabra (Have You Seen Her)
Back in 1973, when disco and singer-songwriters reigned supreme, Blue Ash released their first album " No More No Less" on Mercury Records. Needless to say, at the time it went nowhere but today it is regarded as a powerpop classic.
Back in 1973, when disco and singer-songwriters reigned supreme, Blue Ash released their first album " No More No Less" on Mercury Records. Needless to say, at the time it went nowhere but today it is regarded as a powerpop classic.
The Thomas Group - Autumn
Back in the mid 60's it seemed like PF Sloan could do no wrong, cranking out hit records for The Grass Roots, Herman's Hermits, The Turtles, and a host of others. This is one of his lesser known gems although to these ears there is no reason why it couldn't have been a hit. Anyone looking to investigate PF Sloan's music a little further might want to start here.
Back in the mid 60's it seemed like PF Sloan could do no wrong, cranking out hit records for The Grass Roots, Herman's Hermits, The Turtles, and a host of others. This is one of his lesser known gems although to these ears there is no reason why it couldn't have been a hit. Anyone looking to investigate PF Sloan's music a little further might want to start here.
Bonnie Raitt - I Ain't Blue
From her very first album, simply titled "Bonnie Raitt", this has always been one of my favorites. Those of you who are mostly familiar with her later recordings might be pleasantly surprised with the somewhat rougher and more organic vibe of her earlier music.
Larry Donn - Honey Bun
While not a household name by any means, Larry Donn is quite well known among fans and collectors of 50's Rockabilly. "Honey Bun" came out on the Vaden label in 1959 and I shudder to think how much original copies of this must be changing hands for at this point in time.
Jefferson Airplane - She Has Funny Cars
Back in Feb. or March of 1967 when I was a little tyke of 15, I went to EJ Korvettes with the intention of purchasing the latest album by The Young Rascals. Instead I came home with Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" and the first 13th Floor Elevators album. Life hasn't been the same since.
Everybody's gonna be there, yeah yeah yeah.
From her very first album, simply titled "Bonnie Raitt", this has always been one of my favorites. Those of you who are mostly familiar with her later recordings might be pleasantly surprised with the somewhat rougher and more organic vibe of her earlier music.
Larry Donn - Honey Bun
While not a household name by any means, Larry Donn is quite well known among fans and collectors of 50's Rockabilly. "Honey Bun" came out on the Vaden label in 1959 and I shudder to think how much original copies of this must be changing hands for at this point in time.
Jefferson Airplane - She Has Funny Cars
Back in Feb. or March of 1967 when I was a little tyke of 15, I went to EJ Korvettes with the intention of purchasing the latest album by The Young Rascals. Instead I came home with Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" and the first 13th Floor Elevators album. Life hasn't been the same since.
Everybody's gonna be there, yeah yeah yeah.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Land of the Rich and Privileged
I wish I were rich enough to be a Republican. I like to think I wouldn't be one but it would be nice to have that option. Seeing as how it is very unlikely that I will vote anything but straight Democratic in the next presidential election I haven't been paying too much attention to the Republican debates. But what I have been hearing scares the crap out of me. The ignorance and the smugness. And the thing that scares me the most is that these raving idiots are being taken seriously by people - people who have the power to vote and keep these evil bastards in office. And so many folks are like sheep and they follow them. All it seems to take is a 30-second soundbite calling their opponent a tax-and-spend liberal and referring to universal health care as Obamacare and voters are eating out of the palms of their hands. Not that most Democrats are likely that much better. They must cow tow to the same lobbyists for the big campaign bucks as their counterparts. But in most cases I think they still have some desire to do the right thing. I still believe Obama is a good man trying his best to fix this broken country. And I still think he talks common sense most of the time. His biggest fault is that maybe he is too nice and needs to toughen up. I sincerely hope he can do that and that he gets the chance to for the next 4 years.
Another Sunny Day - I'm In Love With A Girl Who Doesn't Know I Exist
Along with Roky Erickson's "Nothing In Return",this song perfectly captures that desolate lonely feeling that only an unrequited love can bring.
Billy Rainsford - Magnolia
Until I found this song on an old comp of bluesy 50's R&B I hadn't the slightest inkling that Mr. Rainsford even existed let alone have come up with such a gem as this. It just goes to show how much amazing music is still out there waiting to be discovered. It's a beautiful thing!
The Bedlam Four - No One to Love
I believe this is the same Minnesota combo who did "Hydrogen Atom" which has been comped a few times. This song, to the best of my knowledge, has yet to be reissued. Certainly it's not due to unworthiness.
Jimmy Jones - I Want Action
Listening to his vocal I'm quite sure that this is not the "Handy Man" Jimmy Jones, but I really know nothing else about him other than that this record came out on the Twinight label out of Chicago.
The Clovers - Down In The Alley
Changity changity changity changity chang chang. This has always been one of my favorite Clovers records and one that you don't hear all that often these days.
Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Reservations
This was a single for these guys in 1967 on Parlophone Records. In 1969 they split up with a few of their members forming prog rockers Gentle Giant.
Pat Benetar - I Need A Lover
Back in the punk era Pat Benetar was considered to be everything that was prefabricated and corporate and wrong with Rock & Roll music - at least in my circle. These days she doesn't sound bad at all and I've always liked this song - even when it wasn't cool to do so.
The Mods - I Give You an Inch (and You Take a Mile)
According to the Garage database, there were around 15 bands calling themselves The Mods. The Mods who recorded this snarly classic came from Toledo, Ohio.
Thelma Houston - Jumpin' Jack Flash
Of course it goes without saying that the definitive version of this song will always be The Rolling Stones' original, but I like Thelma's as well.
Dean Carter - Mary Sue
Dean is mainly known for his oft-comped totally over the top version of "Jailhouse Rock" but as his "Call of the Wild" CD definitely proved, there was a whole lot more craziness where that came from.
Chuck Brookes - Spinning My Wheels
I first became familiar with this song when The A-Bones started covering it some 20-odd years ago. Their version is pretty similar to Chuck's original.
Richard X. Heyman - Falling Away
Until I looked him up on Wikipedia I had no idea this guy had 7 albums under his belt. I may have heard bits and pieces of a few of them but this song is my favorite of what I have heard so far.
Sir Winston and The Commons - We're Gonna Love
Another 60s Garage favorite that was introduced to the world on Back From The Grave Vol. 3.
Bob Dylan - Can't Help Falling In Love
After Dylan signed with Asylum Records for 2 albums Columbia Records, where he'd been recording since 1962, decided to "punish" him by releasing the "Dylan" album which contained outtakes considered not worthy of release at the time they were recorded. I've always loved his version of "Can't Help..." from that album.
The Rogues - You Better Look Now
Here's a little minor-key jangly folk rock courtesy of our friends who released the "Teenage Shutdown" series. I think this was on Volume 5.
Rufus Thomas - Crazy 'Bout You Baby
Way before he recorded "Walkin' the Dog" for Stax, Rufus Thomas recorded a whole slew of jump R&B sides for Sam Phillips' Sun label. This was one of them.
Mose Allison - Your Molecular Structure
Mose Allison has always been a favorite artist of mine. I love that little spark of mischief in his songs. In an article I read once the author said that he sang "with a twinkle in his eye" and nowhere is that more apparent than on this particular song.
Like a river flows, surely to the sea
Another Sunny Day - I'm In Love With A Girl Who Doesn't Know I Exist
Along with Roky Erickson's "Nothing In Return",this song perfectly captures that desolate lonely feeling that only an unrequited love can bring.
Billy Rainsford - Magnolia
Until I found this song on an old comp of bluesy 50's R&B I hadn't the slightest inkling that Mr. Rainsford even existed let alone have come up with such a gem as this. It just goes to show how much amazing music is still out there waiting to be discovered. It's a beautiful thing!
The Bedlam Four - No One to Love
I believe this is the same Minnesota combo who did "Hydrogen Atom" which has been comped a few times. This song, to the best of my knowledge, has yet to be reissued. Certainly it's not due to unworthiness.
Jimmy Jones - I Want Action
Listening to his vocal I'm quite sure that this is not the "Handy Man" Jimmy Jones, but I really know nothing else about him other than that this record came out on the Twinight label out of Chicago.
The Clovers - Down In The Alley
Changity changity changity changity chang chang. This has always been one of my favorite Clovers records and one that you don't hear all that often these days.
Simon Dupree & The Big Sound - Reservations
This was a single for these guys in 1967 on Parlophone Records. In 1969 they split up with a few of their members forming prog rockers Gentle Giant.
Pat Benetar - I Need A Lover
Back in the punk era Pat Benetar was considered to be everything that was prefabricated and corporate and wrong with Rock & Roll music - at least in my circle. These days she doesn't sound bad at all and I've always liked this song - even when it wasn't cool to do so.
The Mods - I Give You an Inch (and You Take a Mile)
According to the Garage database, there were around 15 bands calling themselves The Mods. The Mods who recorded this snarly classic came from Toledo, Ohio.
Thelma Houston - Jumpin' Jack Flash
Of course it goes without saying that the definitive version of this song will always be The Rolling Stones' original, but I like Thelma's as well.
Dean Carter - Mary Sue
Dean is mainly known for his oft-comped totally over the top version of "Jailhouse Rock" but as his "Call of the Wild" CD definitely proved, there was a whole lot more craziness where that came from.
Chuck Brookes - Spinning My Wheels
I first became familiar with this song when The A-Bones started covering it some 20-odd years ago. Their version is pretty similar to Chuck's original.
Richard X. Heyman - Falling Away
Until I looked him up on Wikipedia I had no idea this guy had 7 albums under his belt. I may have heard bits and pieces of a few of them but this song is my favorite of what I have heard so far.
Sir Winston and The Commons - We're Gonna Love
Another 60s Garage favorite that was introduced to the world on Back From The Grave Vol. 3.
Bob Dylan - Can't Help Falling In Love
After Dylan signed with Asylum Records for 2 albums Columbia Records, where he'd been recording since 1962, decided to "punish" him by releasing the "Dylan" album which contained outtakes considered not worthy of release at the time they were recorded. I've always loved his version of "Can't Help..." from that album.
The Rogues - You Better Look Now
Here's a little minor-key jangly folk rock courtesy of our friends who released the "Teenage Shutdown" series. I think this was on Volume 5.
Rufus Thomas - Crazy 'Bout You Baby
Way before he recorded "Walkin' the Dog" for Stax, Rufus Thomas recorded a whole slew of jump R&B sides for Sam Phillips' Sun label. This was one of them.
Mose Allison - Your Molecular Structure
Mose Allison has always been a favorite artist of mine. I love that little spark of mischief in his songs. In an article I read once the author said that he sang "with a twinkle in his eye" and nowhere is that more apparent than on this particular song.
Like a river flows, surely to the sea
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