Welcome to the Working Week

After 1 year and 8 months of unemployment I finally found a job which I started last Thursday. Ironically enough it is for my old employer, though as a consultant and not as a direct employee. In the financial data processing field contracting is the norm these days. But I am really happy to be back at work, no matter what the circumstances. This time around there will be no programming involved in my job at all. I am strictly a Business Analyst, which in a nutshell means I get to come up with the big ideas and then leave them for others to actually execute. Not quite but in a roundabout way as, depending on the level of programming expertise, I may also be asked to write specifications for and work with the programmers who are likely in India. Business as usual all over America these days.

I spent most of Thursday and Friday on the job going over documentation about the project I will be working on and was pleasantly surprised at how much of my prior business and processing knowledge I still retained. I think I am really going to like and do well at this job and as yesterday was my 59th birthday, I can't think of a better birthday present. I'm sure the local record and CD sellers are happy as well. In my heart I always knew I was doing the right thing by going for a BA position but I must admit that there were lots of times over the last 20 months when the rest of me was seriously in doubt. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now I need to work on the weight that grew around my belly during that time but that's a another story for another time.

Los ShaIns - El Monstruo
Back in 1965 when "The Crusher" by The Novas spent 3 weeks on the Billboard Top 100, peaking at number 88, I doubt if anyone involved thought it would be heard by fans thousands of miles away in Peru. Not only was it heard but it actually even inspired a Spanish cover version.
Groovie Ghoulies - Hello Hello
The Groovie Ghoulies of Sacramento California have a huge discography but of everything, this Partridge Family cover is easily my favorite.
Muddy Waters - Let's Spend The Night Together
I remember reading an interview with Muddy Waters when "Electric Mud" came out and he talked about how much he hated it. But to my 18 year old, stoned-out ears this song in particular was one of the best things I had ever heard. It still sounds pretty damn good to me today.
The Kinks - Days
If we're lucky we get to have that one incredible love affair that comes on like a comet and fades away just as quickly. But those few days or weeks are nothing short of pure ecstatic joy and they change us forever.
The Diplomats - Don't Bug Me
I wish I had known about this record back in my DJing days as I'm sure this would have been a surefire dancefloor filler.
Norman Greenbaum - Spirit In The Sky
This was a big AM radio hit back when I was in college for the first time and most cars were not yet equipped with FM or tape players. I can't even begin to describe how good that fuzz guitar sounded coming out of those tinny little speakers at full blast.
The Dentists - You Make Me Say It Somehow
At this point I want to publicly thank my friends Bruce P. and Scott C. who, when they were working at Venus Records on 8th Street in NYC, turned me on to these guys. They play an energizing mix of psych, pop and garage and this song is but one example of what they can conjure up. If you're interested you can read more about them and listen to some tunes on their Myspace page.
Jimmy Crockett & The Shanes - Lovin' Touch
As most 60s garage music lovers know, back in the day Australia had more than it's share of bands who, inspired by The Beatles, Stones etc. were ready willing and (sometimes) able to try for the brass ring. According to the Garage Comp Database this was their only record but it's definitely a keeper.
Sugar Pie Desanto - Go Go Power
This is a very popular and (unfortunately) quite collectible record with soul aficionados these days. Although it's been reissued a few times over the years, it's always been the stereo version. This mono rip comes from an MP3 singles compilation that I found posted somewhere in Cyberland within the last year or two.
Suzi Quatro - 48 Crash
Most people know SQ as the actress who played Leather Tuscadero on "Happy Days" but before that she recorded some of the best Glam R&R singles known to mankind. Sometime later, after she toned down her style quite a bit she had a Top 5 hit with "Stumblin' In" but it pales in comparison with this.
The Twilighters - Spellbound
From Kirksville, MO comes this organ-fueled snappy little frat rocker. After their 1:45 of greatness I'm guessing they were never heard from again outside of their immediate area where I bet they must have rocked the house come Saturday night.
Little Moose & the Hunters - Granny Rock
I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Upbeat novelty doo wop with a touch of falsetto. I have no idea whatsoever who these guys were but with a name like Little Moose & The Hunters I'm thinking that they weren't taking their music career all that seriously. Granny does the Rock & Roll indeed!
The Raves - Billy The Kid
Speaking of novelty doo wop, back in the late 50's records celebrating the exploits of Western heroes and outlaws were prevalent enough to almost be a sub-genre in and of themselves.
James Hunter - The Hard Way
A little blue-eyed soul in the tradition of Van Morrison and Mink DeVille. Check out his web site here.
The Pooh Sticks - On Tape
Although I never considered cassette tapes a viable substitute for owning the actual record or CD, I love this song for it's catchy hummability and indie pop name dropping.
Miles Davis - It Ain't Necessarily So
"It Ain't Necessarily So" has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years. Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues, Ella Fitzgerald and countless others have interpreted this American classic. In 4 1/2 minutes Miles Davis takes this song to some interesting places.

I'm gonna go to the place that's the best

Back From the Ipod Pt. 5

After a cooler than usual month of May, Spring is finally in full bloom here in the Big Apple. It's time to put away the sweaters and the hoodies and break out the short-sleeve shirts. And there's nothing I like to do more in weather like this than walk around the city with my Ipod cranked up to 11. If I say so myself I think this is one of my better playlists that is just about guaranteed to add a little bit of bounce to your step and chase away the blues.

Jo Armstead - I Feel An Urge Coming On

I don't remember where I first came upon this song - probably on one of the alt-binaries newsgroups a few years ago. A quick check around the net tells me that this was released on the Giant label out of Chicago sometime around 1966 or thereabouts. I'm guessing this must have been a favorite with the Northern Soul crowd.
The Chanters - You Can't Fool Me

These are not the same Chanters who had a minor hit with "No No No" on the Deluxe label back in 1961. These Chanters came from the UK and this song can be found on the "Mod Meeting Vol. 4" compilation, copies of which can be found on Ebay.
Mando Diao - Moonshine Fever

A few months ago I posted a song by these Swedish pop-rockers and here is another one. Apparently these guys have a rather extensive discography and it's a shame that they seem to remain relatively unknown outside of their home country.
Lazy Lester - Sugar Coated Love

It sounds as if Lester has it really good and knows it. I could sure go for some sugar.
The Tempests - Lemon Lime

I'm not sure if these are the same Tempests who recorded the garage classic "Look Away" but this is just as loud and insane in its own right.
Eddie Cash - Doing All Right

Unlike some other forms of Rock & Roll (such as garage) I'm not the worlds biggest Rockabilly fan. I only like the top say 20 percent and the rest just leaves me flat. "Doing All Right" easily falls into that top fifth. He's got an interesting story for anyone who feels like reading a bit more about him.
Groovie Goolies - We Go So Good Together

These Goolies are not to be confused with the Sacramento punk band Groovie Ghoulies. I'm guessing that these are the same Groovie Goolies from the Saturday morning cartoon show of the same name that ran in the early 70's. Which means that at the time I wouldn't have given this a second (or even a first) listen but now I can't get enough.
Herman's Hermits - It's Alright Now

Speaking of music I thought I was much too cool to listen to at the time, I've already written about how Herman's Hermits were a guilty pleasure of mine, one which I kept in the closet during my hippie years. Now, with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, it really amazes me just how many truly wonderful records these guys made.
Ray Charles - I Won't Leave

A few weeks ago one of the blogs I frequent (sorry I can't remember which one - but I'll keep trying) posted a collection of Ray's lesser known 45s and album tracks from his tenure with ABC-Paramount. Needless to say there were a bunch of incredible songs I'd not heard before that I couldn't believe were still so unknown. And I'm not just talking about second rate filler material. They were all of shoulda/coulda been a hit calibre. I'm not sure if this particular song was ever a single but this stereo mix comes from the long-out-of-print LP "A Portrait of Ray". A plea to the powers that be who own the rights to this material: Please PLEASE reissue these songs legitimately. I can guarantee you at least one sale right here. This is Ray f*&^ing Charles we're talking about! His legacy (not to mention his fans) deserve no less.

The Stones - All Down The Line (withdrawn single)

This week The Rolling Stones released their much-heralded remastered version of "Exile on Main Street". For me the jury's still out. So far I've only heard it on my computer speakers but I definitely hear things I have never heard before and the whole album sounds so much clearer than ever. On the other hand, the original muddy mix was always part of "Exile's" charm. So even though I got the CD the first day it was out, I'm not sure how often I'll actually listen to it. However, the second disc of outtakes definitely gets the thumbs down from me. I'm not going to go into a whole long spiel here but suffice it to say that there was so much other better material that they could have included. Like this withdrawn single mix of "All Down the Line". It's not all that different than the version that was released (maybe on some of the background vocals) but it sure sounds punchy as hell.

The Magic Lanterns - I Stumbled

These are the same Magic Lanterns that later had a hit in the U.S. with "Shame Shame". Legend has it that included in their lineup were future members of 10CC and Ozzie Osborne of Black Sabbath. Be that as it may, this 1966 single is a memorable piece of freakbeat-pop that stands out well enough on its own.

Jesse Allen - Love My Baby

This song is typical of hundreds, if not thousands, of black R&B sides that were cut in the mid-50's. The song itself is nothing special, the band is good though not outstanding and Jesse's vocals are in that basic blues shouting style that was so popular back then. But somehow, they all come together here in such a way that makes this record simply irresistible.

The Checkerlads - Shake Yourself Down

These lads hailed from Saskatchewan, Canada and this tune has appeared on a number of various garage comps over the years. At one time original RCA pressings of the 45 were available for a reasonable price. I love the little organ break in the middle.

The Brogues - Don't Shoot Me Down

"Don't Shoot..." is also fairly well known in Garage circles and has appeared on a number of comps, most recently "Allergic to Flowers". Over the years I must have heard at least 5 bands cover this song. It's almost impossible to do a bad version.
The Del-Vikings - Cool Shake

After having two Top 10 records earlier in the year, this cool rocker made it to number 12 in July of 1957.
The Scholars - I Need Your Lovin'

On the YankeeBoy scale of wonderfullness, it doesn't get a whole lot better than this. Two-minutes and twenty-two seconds of total garage-stompin' craziness and a wild sax solo to boot. I bet you can't listen to this just once.
Roky Erickson - Bo Diddley's A Headhunter

Saving the best for last, here is Roky Erickson paying homage to one of his own Rock & Roll heroes. There are a few recordings of this song floating around but this 8-minute plus live version, recorded with The Aliens back in 1977 is definitely the best. Sadly, the CD that this particular version comes from, "Mad Dog" is out of print and being sold for big bucks. So enjoy it here.

When we get together then we oogly-oogly-oo.

Less Talk More Music Pt. 5

There hasn't been a whole lot going on in Yankee Boy Land since my last post. I had one job interview in April but since then there's not been much action employment-wise. Ideally my best career choice at this point is to be a business analyst - that is a liaison between the business and IT areas of a company. The problem is that every ex-programmer who is out of work is also looking to do the same thing. So I need to try and figure out what else I may be qualified to do that would pay me a decent salary. At this point I am still living off of the pension I cashed in last year so money is not the immediate problem (at least not yet) but the total lack of structure in my life is definitely getting to me. But for now all I can do is my best to accept life on life's terms and go on living. Music has always been a source of strength for me and it's also the reason why you're here. So let's get to it.

Brendan Benson - Tiny Spark

I'm not sure where I first heard of Brendan Benson - probably from either the Power Pop Criminals or Power Pop Overdose blogs. (see sidebar) Although these days he is probably best known for being part of The Raconteurs I really like the dreamy pop of his solo albums, all of which are available on Amazon.
Don Willis - Boppin High School Baby

Along with "Warrior Sam", "Boppin..." is Don Willis's best known record, recorded for the Satellite label in early 1958. With a frantic vocal and searing guitar solo, it's no wonder this is considered a classic.

Golden Earring - The Words I Need

Most Americans, if they have heard of Golden Earring at all, know them for their early 70's FM radio staple "Radar Love". While that's a fine record in its own right, their career actually started a decade earlier and extended long after. "The Words I Need" was the B-side of their second single from January, 1966.

Inez & Charlie Foxx - Baby Drop A Dime

Until I discovered this song online I had never heard it before. From the sound of it I'm guessing it was recorded a year or two after their big hit "Mockingbird".
The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love

One of my favorite songs by one of my all-time favorite bands. What more can I say?
The Louvin Brothers - When I Stop Dreaming

If bands like The Beatles and The Hollies learned harmony from listening to The Everly Brothers, the Everly's in turn learned their craft growing up listening to The Louvin Brothers.
The Shanes - I Don't Want Your Love

According to the Garage Database Sweden's Shanes cut a slew of records back in the day but this is probably their most frantic - at least of the ones I've heard.
Tommy Roe - Sheila

Back in the Summer of 1962 when I was a wee lad of 11, "Sheila" was the number one record in the country. It was a favorite of mine then and remains so to this day. Check out the rhythm guitar playing in the left speaker.

GBV - Teenage FBI

At their best, Guided by Voices have a way of drawing the listener into their own peculiar world where reality is whatever they say it is. Coupled with their knack for conjuring up some of the catchiest Revolver-era pop sounds around, they can be pretty hard to resist.
Joe Tex - I Gotcha

While Joe Tex made a name for himself with his preachy styled ballads like "Hold What You Got", as"I Gotcha" shows, he could get down and funky with the best of them.
The Bondsmen - I've Tried And Tried

As far as I know, this record has only been comped on the "Let 'Em Have It" CD that came out about 10 years ago. Sadly, "LEHI"'s sound quality is bad enough to rival even the worst of the Moxie comps. This rip comes from a private CD-R and sounds a whole lot better.

Jesse Malin - Prisoners Of Paradise

Jesse almost had his 15 minutes of fame with D-Generation, a 70s glam inspired band that everyone thought would be the next big thing but somehow never was. Since then he's released a few albums under his own name.
Dossie Terry - I Got A Watch Dog

There's not a whole lot of info out there on Mr. Terry but from what I can tell, he spent a fair amount of his recording career in The Big Apple. Checking my own mp3 database he's got at least a half dozen other songs on various comps. According to the sellers on Gemm Music "...Watch Dog" came out on King.
William Penn & His Pals - Gotta Get Away

This originally came out on the Scorpio label which was also the early home of Creedence Clearwater Revival when they were still known as The Golliwogs.
Dion & The Belmonts - Where Or When

Despite the fact that this this song has been played to death by oldies radio, it's such a classic that I never get tired of it. Those harmonies, Dion's innocent and plaintive vocal and that little sax riff that pops up from time to time makes this a perfect record. For me anyway.

The Outlets - Best Friends

Despite the fact that this was recorded around 1980, Boston's Outlets are still together and actually feature this song on their Myspace page.

The Searchers - Umbrella Man

Recorded in 1968, long after their chart topping days were over, this is a nice slice of late-60s psych-pop. As far as I know the only place to find it now is on their 40th Anniversary Collection unless you score an original Liberty 45.

When I see you walking down my way everything's alright.

Young At Heart

Last night I went to see the Young@Heart Chorus at the St. Ann's Warehouse Theater in Brooklyn, NY and I truthfully haven't had a more moving and stirring musical experience in quite some time. The chorus is composed entirely of elderly people (the youngest member at the moment is 73) but no way is this just an activity for some bored and lonely senior citizens. While they did throw in a few old standards, their repertoire is remarkably varied and rather contemporary with selections ranging from Neil Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sly & The Family Stone to The Replacements, Wilco, Joy Division, Nirvana and The Buzzcocks. I take my hat off to their directors Bob Cilman and Ken Maiuri for the depth of their musical knowledge as well as their arrangements. These remarkable performers don't try to hide their age by trying to look young. In fact, it is their age, along with some incredible vocal chops, that gives the music much of its power. One of the songs they performed was The Buzzcocks' "What Do I Get", a definite favorite of mine. and hearing it performed by a woman who was probably in her 70's instead of a guy in his 20's or 30's gave it a whole different perspective. Same goes for the incredible performance of Jerry Butler's "Only The Strong Survive" sung by a man who reminded me of a retired English teacher. One of the highlights for me was a rendition of Bruce Springsteen's "Missing" which originally appeared as a single in Europe (I told you their musical directors really know their stuff!) and when I got home, found the original online and listened to it, I was disappointed. I liked the Y@H Chorus' version so much better. The same goes for their version of Blondie's "Dreaming" which was sung by a frail looking elderly lady, someone you give up your seat on a crowded subway train to, with one of the most beautiful, crystal clear voices I've heard in quite some time. Although they didn't perform it last night, they have a pretty funny video of "I Wanna Be Sedated" on YouTube which is well worth watching. I went to the show expecting some kind of Sha Na Na for the Geritol Set but what I got was so much more and I was totally blown away. As we of the Rock & Roll generation grow older, it is heartwarming, inspiring, and quite frankly, reassuring to see that the music we love has the power to keep us feeling young even when our backs ache and our knees hurt.

The Lyres - Sick And Tired

Unfortunately, the Lyres (or at least Jeff Connolly) seem to be in retirement these days as I can't remember the last time they played. Jeff was always an incredibly soulful singer and this version of Chris Kenner's classic might be my favorite one of all.
Johnny Soul - Lonely Man

Here's another song I bet Connolly and Co. would do a great job on but even he would have to go some to make me forget Johnny Soul's rockin' original.

Spirit - I Got A Line On You

I've never been a fan of Spirit. To me, most of their music was little more than a whole bunch of noodling with very little real substance. This is the one exception and what an exception it is! Unfortunately, every mix of "...Line" I've ever heard has always sounded kind of weak and watered down, lacking the punch it needs to really send it over the top. I seem to remember The Fleshtones doing a really great version of this at some of their old shows.

Roy Orbison - Land Of 1000 Dances

Back in the 60's many artists would release albums with one or two singles and fill the rest up with some hastily recorded covers of current hits. I don't now if that was Roy's intention here but he really does a terrific job on this song. I especially love the organ playing. Check out this link to see a great live version, probably from around 1968 or so judging by the clothes and hairstyles.
Funkadelic - Hit It And Quit It

Back in the late 60's/early 70's I wasn't quite ready to fully appreciate George Clinton's unique brand of psychedelic, stoned-out funk. Sly & The Family Stone were about as far out as I was willing to go in that particular direction. Better late than never I always say.
The Nerves - When Ya Find Out

More often than not The Nerves are remembered for their original members' subsequent careerts rather than their own output. While that's totally understandable the truth of the matter is that they did record a handful of nice catchy upbeat power-pop tunes, this being one of them.
The Trolls - Don't Come Around

The garage comp database shows at least five bands calling themselves The Trolls back in the mid-60's. The "Don't Come Around" Trolls came from Pueblo, Colorado and had a handful of worthy singles at the time, including a remake of The Stones' "Stupid Girl".
Millie Vernon - Bloodshot Eyes

"'Uh uh! Don't roll them bloodshot eyes at me!" You tell 'em Millie. By the sound of things, she doesn't sound like anyone you'd want to cross. I think this is actually a cover of an Amos Milburn record. According to an undocumented online source, she died of Alzheimers about a year and a half ago. If anyone out there has any more info, please leave an update in the comments section.

Kim Fowley - In My Garage

I've always appreciated Kim Fowley more for his outside productions than his own records. But I've always had a soft spot for this Dylan cop that he did around 1979 or so.
Vashti Bunyan - Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind

I think I kinda screwed up in that the file has a different song title - this is the correct one. It's also a Jagger-Richards song that was probably deemed not suitable for The Stones. Listening to this as I write I can hear that this is not exactly the best rip. I'll try to find another one and repost it at some point.
The Toppers - I'm So Lovesick

Until I got this on a German beat group comp I had never heard of the band or the song. Whoever is singing really has quite a voice and the band does an admirable job backing him up. It's good enough that I have to hope this was a hit somewhere in the world. I also have to wonder what it would have sounded like had The Animals gotten their claws into it (bad pun I know, I'm sorry).
Teenage Fanclub - Escher

Long time followers of this blog know how much I love these guys. This is from their "Thirteen" album. Listening to it again as I write, I can't help but think that this might be a good song for the Young@Heart chorus to try. They have a new album coming out later this year and a link to one of their new songs (no download, just for listening) can be found in the comments section of one of my more recent posts.
Willie Ward And The Warblers - I'm A Madman

I love crazy crap like this! For me it's truly one of life's great gifts to be constantly discovering gems like this that fell through the cracks at the time and are finally getting the appreciation they deserve all these years later.
The Roosters – Ain't Gonna Cry Anymore

According to the garage database, although there were a number of bands called The Roosters, none of them had a record called "Ain't Gonna Cry Anymore" or if they did, it was never on any comp. I think I must have gotten it from one of Gyro's garage comps on the old Twilight Zone blog. For those of you who missed it, here it is in primo sound quality.

AC/DC - Big Balls

Only AC/DC could get away with singing a song called "Big Balls". Nobody ever said they didn't have a sense of humor.

John Coltrane - Straight Street

Recorded in May of 1957, not long after leaving Miles Davis' band, this is Coltrane still in his relatively formative years. Nonetheless, he's still developed his style enough to take the melody to some very interesting places.

From the dim and distant future I can hear the screams

Escape From Bellevue

I just finished reading an amazing book that I'm sure will resonate with me for a really long time. The book is "Escape From Bellevue" by Christopher John Campion, who is also the lead singer of indie-rock band Knockout Drops. It's the story of the band's quest for success which went hand-in-glove with his worsening alcoholism and drug addiction. Written from a now clean and sober point of view, he pulls no punches and spares us few details. Over the course of his disease he sank about as low as it is possible to sink yet he tells his story with an honesty and sense of humor that never wallows in self-pity. In fact, at times I had to stop reading because I was laughing so hard. Truth be told, it was fairly easy for me to relate to this book. While I am a moderate drinker at most and haven't gotten high in over 20 years, I am a compulsive overeater. My drug of choice is sugar, usually in the form of chocolate. And while the effects of my particular brand of bingeing may not be as dramatic as with other vices, they are definitely there. I have on too many occasions eaten myself into a sugar stupor and have felt the headache-y effects of the hangover for a few days afterwards. So in a way, Chris' story is also my own, except that he hasn't touched anything in a few years. Powerful reading indeed.

I'm really excited about my latest playlist. Not only do I have a new song by one of my favorite bands, Couple, but I also have some demos by two really good friends of mine that, to the best of my knowledge, are making their downloadable debut here. So enjoy the music and please leave a comment or two. I really enjoy hearing from you.

Barbara Lynn - Oh, Baby (We Got A Good Thing Goin')

For many years the only version of "Oh Baby..." I knew was by The Stones from the "Now" album. And while I still prefer their version over the original, it's not hard to see why Mick & Co. were so taken with this song when they heard it back in 1964.

Christopher & The Souls - Diamonds, Rats, and Gum

This came out originally on the super-collectible Pharoh label out of McAllen, Texas. There's an in-depth write up on these guys on the Garage Hangover blogsite so there's not much more I can add here. Except that looking at their picture, you'd never think that these clean cut kids could ever come up with anything as dark and demented as this.

Jay Banerjee - Kate
Michael Lynch - Go To Her

Over the last few years the NYC garage band scene has dwindled to almost nothing. One of the last bright spots was The Anything People who could always be counted on to put on a great show with their mix of obscure covers and like-sounding originals. Unfortunately, the Anythings broke up last year but the good news is that their former members are still musically active on some level and two of them now have new projects going. Jay Banerjee recorded a 3-track CD last winter and "Kate" is my favorite song from that disc. He's got a new band together now called Jay Banerjee & The Hearthrobs who made their debut a few weeks ago at Mercury Lounge. They've got a really nice pop sense and a whole set worth of cool tunes, not to mention a few Beatles covers as encores. They've got another show coming up in a few weeks that's definitely worth your time if you're in the NYC area. Michael Lynch has been doing his one-man band recordings for a few years now and "Go To Her" is his latest. Hopefully he'll also be getting back into playing out live before too long.

Leon Russell - Roll Away The Stone

There was a point in my life when I was in my very early 20's that Leon was THE MAN. There was one scene in the "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" movie where he is being interviewed by an over-zealous reporter who stuck the microphone uncomfortably close to his face and Leon, without batting an eye gently pushes his hand away while continuing to answer the question. Maybe you had to be there but at the time it was the epitome of cool. In the almost 40 years since then I've listened to a lot of music but I still find myself going back to those first few Leon Russell albums occasionally.

The Sons of Fred - Baby What You Want Me To Do

I can't for the life of me understand why this wasn't a big hit over here. With that 'Oh..oh.. see ya later" chorus this was a ready-made radio smash just waiting to happen.
The Capris - Morse Code of Love

Despite the fact that this song has been played to death on oldies radio over the last 15 years, it remains a favorite of mine that I'll never get tired of. Luckily for all of you who can't bear to hear it one more time, all these songs are individual files and that's why computers have trash bins.

Inez & Charlie Foxx - Mockingbird

Here's another ditty in the hit portion of our program as "Mockingbird" made it all the way up to number 7 on the Billboard Charts in 1963. Unfortunately many people know this song only by James Taylor and Carly Simon's lame early 70's remake. This is the real deal folks.
Couple - Lagu Cinta Untukmu

A few months ago one of my favorite bands Couple released their third album "Pop Tak Masuk Radio". Unlike their first two, this one is sung entirely in Malaysian, which proves once again that Rock & Roll is its own language. I can't understand a word (although knowing Aidil who writes their songs I'm sure the lyrics are quite poetic) yet it still sounds terrific. Anyone who wants to hear more or score a copy of the CD for yourself can check out their blog.
Joe Ely - Musta Notta Gotta Lotta

It's 9 AM and the party's just ended so forgive me if I don't look my perky best. "Musta Notta Gotta Lotta" is of my favorite odes to the Rock & Roll lifestyle. One of the things I really like about it is that unlike a lot of songs on this subject, there's no hint of that "look at me I'm so cool" vibe. And whoever the band it, they are absolutely smokin'.

The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be

I'm so out of touch with today's mainstream pop and rock audiences that I have no clue anymore what makes a song a hit. With few exceptions, most of the new bands that I like have some degree of retro in their sound. So I hear a song like "Always...." and think how fresh it must sound blasting out of a car radio speaker and how incredibly catchy it is. Therefore it makes no sense to me that it's not a big hit and that these guys aren't huge stars. And for all I know, maybe it is and they are and I'm so out of things that I have no idea. I just know what I like.

The Falcons - I Gotta See Her

According to the Soybomb Garage Database there were at least 7 groups from various points around the globe calling themselves The Falcons back in the day. But these Falcons actually were from my home state of New York. Snotty 3-chord garage punk at its finest.
Richard Berry - Watusi

I'm guessing that this was recorded to cash in on the success of "Stranded in the Jungle" by The Cadets as it is a note-for-note copy. In fact, it might even be the exact same backing track.
The Who - Early Morning Cold Taxi

Ever since I heard "...Taxi" on some crappy sounding bootleg back in the early 80's, it's been a particular favorite of mine. It was originally recorded during the "Sell Out" sessions but for whatever reason, wasn't included on the album.
Jimmy Patton - Let Me Slide

I've already posted Jimmy Patton's two other "hits" and as I promised a few months ago, this is his third. I'm not sure if he recorded anything else but if he did, hopefully somebody like Norton or Ace will see fit to release them all together at some point.
Edgar Winter Group - Round & Round

Edgar Winter playing power pop? A few months ago my favorite DJ on Top Shelf Oldies played this song as a mystery oldie and nobody could guess who it was. Once I figured out the song title I went looking through Gemm Music to try and figure out the artist. I saw Edgar Winter Group listed and thought to myself "No way it could be them". But this is actually from the same album that gave us "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein" way back when - which means I must have heard this song at least a few times back then and forgot about it.

And then you'll realize I'm not a bum

This Too Shall Pass

I've been in somewhat of a funk lately. I'm not going to bore you with all of the details as after all, we've all got our problems and while mine might seem more serious than some, everyone's problems are always the most serious to them. Suffice it to say that unemployment, inactivity, ennui, stress and depression have been getting the better of me these past few weeks. One of my mother's favorite expressions is "This too shall pass" and I have been reminding myself a lot of that lately. Sometimes slowly, occasionally all of a sudden, things have a way of working themselves out. At some point things will turn around - for me and hopefully for all of us who have been whupped upside the head by the events of the past 2 years - be it the economy, natural disasters or whatever else. But right now I am in a more contemplative state of mind and my musical tastes of late have been somewhat reflective of that. So while I hope to be in more of a rockin' & rollin' frame of mind next time around, I hope that some of you will find some gems in this latest playlist of mine.

The Craig - I Must Be Mad

Luckily it hasn't happened too often but there have certainly been a few times over the years when I have been driven to this level of obsession over a love interest I thought I'd die if I had to live without. Now if I could only remember their names....
Felt - My Darkest Light Will Shine

I have trouble making out all of the lyrics but despite that, there is something I find very sad and reassuring about this song at the same time. When he sings "It's just a price we pay for such a lovely day" I'm reminded of how transient life's pleasures can be and how nothing can be taken for granted. "No gain without pain" as I seem to remember hearing somewhere.

Laura Nyro - Lazy Susan

While she is more remembered as a songwriter, having penned a number of hit records for artists like Three Dog Night, Blood Sweat & Tears and The Fifth Dimension in the late 60's, Laura Nyro was also an excellent singer. This song comes from her first album (where all of those aforementioned hits first appeared) and I really can't imagine anyone else singing this.
The Replacements - September Gurls (Customer)
The Box Tops - Neon Rainbow

As most of you readers know only too well by now, Alex Chilton died of a heart attack last week. So much has been written about him that there is really not much left to say. One of the best tributes was written by Paul Westerberg who was more than just a fan. "September Customer" was recorded one drunken night in 1984 at CBGB's . It's The Replacements' "Customer" sung to the tune of "September Gurls". Pure genius which I am sure Mr. Chilton quite appreciated. "Neon Rainbow" is my favorite song by Alex's first band The Box Tops, recorded when he was still a teenager. Thankfully I was able to find this mono mix which is way superior to the stereo which is what appears on all of the Box Tops compilations I've heard.
The Hi Numbers - Heart Of Stone

You try and try to get the love of your life to feel the same way about you but no matter what you do he/she still treats you like shit and it hurts like hell. Nobody said life was fair but on the bright side, if love didn't hurt so much, think of all the great songs that would never have been written. Like this one.
Mose Allison - I Don't Want Much

One of the things I've always loved about Mose Allison is his understated appreciation of the absurdities of life. Listening to him I get the sense that he knows life is unfair, that things are not going to go his way but what the hell, all you can do is laugh. One of my favorite quotes is from author Tom Robbins, "You can't change reality but you can change your perception of it" and Mose's music seems to embody that attitude.

Muddy Waters - I Won't Go On

My appreciation of the Blues is mainly where it turns into Rock & Roll and while I'm not quite sure which side of the fence this falls on, Muddy Waters has always had such a powerful voice that it really doesn't matter.

The Germz - No Easy Way Down

If we're lucky we get to experience a few streaks in our lives where things are going just about as perfectly as they can and we can do no wrong. But unfortunately Mama's maxim "This too shall pass" works in reverse too and nothing good lasts forever. Sometimes that downward spiral can be mighty painful.
The Music Machine - Trouble

"Trouble" is one of a handful of originals on the first Music Machine album and as much as I love the song "The People In Me", I always thought this would have been a better choice for their second single.
Gerry & The Pacemakers - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cying

Permit me my 2-plus minutes of wallowing here. This is as perfect a late night crying-in-your-beer (or in my case, crying in my Hagen Daz) song as anything Dean Martin ever recorded.
Warren Zevon - Looking For The Next Best Thing

There are times when, as the song goes, you just can't get what you want so you have to settle for what you can. Sometimes second best is as good as it gets.
Maxine Brown - One Step At A Time

Although she is revered in Northern Soul circles, Maxine Brown never really got her due as her talent warranted. Despite having 15 records that made Billboard's Top 100, she only cracked the Top 20 one time. "One Step..." made it to number 55 in the summer of 1965.
Roky Erickson - Starry Eyes

Except to state that in my opinion "Starry Eyes" is one of the best 'love from afar' songs ever, there's not a whole lot to say about it as this song pretty much speaks for itself.

The Syndicate - She Haunts You

These guys definitely got it bad (and that ain't good - but that's another song). I'm willing to bet that whoever wrote this song never got anywhere near first base with his phantom lady love but, as I said before in not so many words, there's nothing like some serious frustration to produce some great Rock & Roll or in this case, some cool moody garage.
Sonny Criss - Early And Later Part 1

It's 3AM and there's no one left in the bar besides the bartender and a trio of drunks with bad hairpieces in the corner singing Jimmy Buffett songs. Sometimes you just got to know when to say when but what the hell, just one more couldn't hurt.

Some people want salvation, paradise and all that stuff

Back In The Loop

Last week my Mac was in the repair shop for a few days. It was amazing how disoriented I felt without it. No emails, no chatting, no blog surfing, no Facebook - I felt so cut off from everything. It's amazing and kind of frightening to think of just how much these little machines have changed our lives and our way of relating to the rest of the world. When they called me last Thursday to let me know that my computer was ready to be picked up, I didn't care how much it was snowing and raining outside, nothing was going to stop me from retrieving my lifeline.

Dave Davies - Picture Book

"Picture Book" originally appeared on the Kinks' "Village Green Preservation Society" but this is a live version by Dave Davies recorded at the Bottom Line in New York City about 10 years ago.

Esquerita - I Need You

Although Little Richard may have held the title of the "all time queen of rock & Roll", as proclaimed by Leon Russell back in 1971, in his prime Esquerita would have surely given him a run for his money.
The Spliffs - You Know What They'll Say

These guys released a few singles back in the early 80's but this one is their most sought after, commanding pries of around $160. Way too rich for my blood but luckily it was included on Volume 6 of the fabulous "Shake Some Action" compilation series.
The Rumblers - I Don't Need You No More

The Rumblers were mainly an instrumental group, best known for their semi-hit "Boss" which was released on Downey Records and then picked up by Dot for national distribution in 1963. "I Don't Need..." was the B-side and is of much more interest to 60s garage fans. Oddly enough, when a Rumblers best-of CD was issued in 1997 this song was not included.

The Icicles - Whirling

With the organ in the background laying a gentle haze over the proceedings and those slightly melancholic vocals, I find this song to be incredibly comforting and relaxing. I can hear it being played in the background of some movie where the heroine wakes up safe and sound from a really scary dream.

Bob Dylan - It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry

I'm guessing this was recorded at the LA Forum in 1965 or 66 by Dylan and his touring group which included most of the members of The Band.
Alvin Robinson - Down Home Girl

Like almost everyone I know, I first heard this song when it was covered by The Stones on their "Now" album, but this was the original that inspired them.
Stiff Little Fingers - Gotta Gettaway

A few weeks ago my friend Naz who runs the Bleedin' Out blogsite did a little write-up on SLF and it reminded me of how much I loved their first few albums. I remember seeing them when they got back together about 20 years ago and while my most vivid memory is of skinheads starting fights with random members of the audience, I also remember that the band positively smoked.
The Smoke - High In a Room

The Smoke are mainly remembered for their single "My Friend Jack" but they actually had a rather extensive discography. This was their second single, the follow up to "...Jack".
Robert Parker - Sneaking Sally Through the Alley

I first heard this song when it was done by Robert Palmer on his first album but I'm sure this was the original version. With all due respect to Mr. Palmer, this one is so much better.

The Fleshtones - Killing By Degrees

This is from "The Angry Years 1984-86" album which for some odd reason was not released until a number of years after. Nonetheless, this is pure Fleshtones - a little soul, a bit of garage/psych and a touch of punk all melted together into a sound that is so familiar yet is uniquely theirs. Amazingly, these guys have been playing together for around 25 years and they're still going strong.

The Scots Of St. James - Tic Toc

I don't know much about these guys except for what I could find on Soybomb's garage database, which is that this Glasgow combo had at least one other single. I just noticed that the rip of this song is messed up so I've reposted it and at a higher bit rate.
The Uptowns - Here She Comes Again

I just ordered an original copy of this on Gemm Music and was surprised to learn that this originally was released by Laurie Records who were not really known for releasing a whole lot of R&B singles.
The Outlets -Not Too Late

I first heard "...Late" back in the late 80's when my friend was given a cassette of the "Let's Breed" compilation that we played over and over again while driving to and from shows in his olive green Oldsmobile. I'm sure this song serenaded us more than once on our numerous 3 AM White Castle runs.

Unknown Cambodian Group - Gloria

It always makes me feel good to realize how widespread the influence of Rock & Roll was back in the mid to late 60's. Probably due no doubt to the U.S. military presence in Southeast Asia. While it's hard to do a 'bad' version of "Gloria" these unknowns add a few exotic touches of their own to this 3-chord standard.

I can't help it if this train gets lost

Life is such a drone