The latest edition of the Platterpuss Rock & Roll Records party aired on Thursday, June 14 on Top Shelf Oldies. As you can see, there are some repeats from my recent posts from my TOMH but there are a number of songs I haven't posted here just yet. Unlike my TOMH posts this is one big hour-long file. There's not that much more to say about it and especially since I am dealing with a really bad toothache and I am waiting for the pain killers to kick in, I'm just going to say here it is. Enjoy.
BRUCE & TERRY - SUMMER MEANS FUN
B.B. KING - SUMMER IN THE CITY
JIMMY JONES - EE-I-EE-I-O
KENNY & THE KASUALS - NOTHING BETTER TO DO
CURTIS LEE - I NEVER KNEW WHAT LOVE COULD DO
JUANITA WILLIAMS - YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WAS GETTIN'
THE 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS - YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME
LARRY DALE - LET THE DOORBELL RING
THE RELYEAS - COUNTRY BOY
ERNIE MARESCA - PLEASE BE FAIR
JODY REYNOLDS - FIRE OF LOVE
CAT STEVENS - TROUBLE
SUN RA - DADDY'S GONNA TELL YOU NO LIES
THE POETS - THAT'S THE WAY IT'S GOT TO BE
RONNIE BIRD - OU VA T'ELLE
CURT BOETTCHER - I LOVE YOU MORE EACH DAY
FRANK GORSHIN - THAT'S THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE
DOROTHY PARKER - SHINDIG CITY
THE REDWOODS - PLEASE MR. SCIENTIST
SUGAR BOY WILLIAMS - LITTLE GIRL
THE BARBARIANS - YOU'VE GOT TO UNDERSTAND
JONI MITCHELL - RAISED ON ROBBERY
NAT KENDRICK - SLOW DOWN
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Back on the Chain Gang Again
For the last 3 few weeks I have been enjoying some much-needed down time. Miracle of miracles, despite company policy against such practices, I got a renewal of my contract at the ol' pickle factory. So, for the first time since October of 2008, I had time to myself with the luxury of knowing that I had a job waiting for me on the other end. It's a nice feeling. I'm not much of a traveler so I didn't go anywhere but living in NYC there is never a shortage of things to do. Being the procrastinator that I am I only accomplished about half of the things on my to-do list but that's OK - I can always take care of some of those things tomorrow hahaha.But since I have decided to keep Time On My Hands active and I don't know when I will have the time to do another post after this week, I decided to put up a new playlist. Once again you long-term visitors to TOMH will find some repeats from earlier (and presumably dead) posts, but I've thrown in some new goodies to make it interesting for everyone.But before I get to the music, if you are up and about tonight, from 11 - midnite EST, you might want to check out the 4th edition of my "Platterpuss Rock & Roll Record Party" on Top Shelf Oldies radio.
Artful Dodger - You Know It's Alright
Back in the mid pre-punk 70's when I was starting to tire of the usual radio fare, I read a review of Artful Dodger's first album in Rolling Stone and sure enough, they were like a breath of fresh air. Of course, once punk happened they sounded kind of tame but 30-something years later they still sound pretty damn fine to me.
Carla Thomas - Same Thing
I'm not sure if this was ever a hit single for Ms. Thomas but if not it surely wasn't for a lack of quality. Upbeat and danceable with an almost Motownish feel to it I wish I would have known about this one in my DJing days.
The Gentlemen - It's A Cryin' Shame
Many long-time garageniks remember this song as being one of the highlights of Pebbles 5. Here it is in primo sound quality taken from a privately pressed CD-R .
The Relyea's - Country Boy
What a wonderful cover of Billy LaMont's "Country Boy". I must admit to being a sucker for that kiddie vocal sound.
The Groove Farm - Red Dress
I was first turned on to these guys by my friend Matthew who, at the time, went by the name Twee Kid and was totally into that whole C-86 thing. But these guys always seemed to have a bit more bite to them than many of their indie-pop cohorts. I'm pretty sure "Red Dress" is a cover but I can't place where I might have heard the original.
The Redwoods - Please Mr Scientist
I heard this record online and went straight to Gemm Music and purchased an original copy of the 45 for $40. Money well spent in my opinion. Brill Building mainstay Jeff Barry was a co-writer and may have even sung on this little gem.
Curt Boettcher - I Love You More Each Day
Before his untimely death at age 43 in 1987, Curt had been the brains and inspiration behind a whole slew of incredible singles and artists, mostly of the soft-rock and light psych variety in the late 60's and early 70's. "I Love You More Each Day" was the single from his "There's An Innocent face" album which was released by Elektra Records in 1973.
The Outasts - Long Tall Sally
This has always been a favorite of mine. While many of the records that came out in mid and late 60's Japan and lumped in under the "Group Sounds" banner are hardly worth a second listen, there are definitely some diamonds among the dreck and this demented version of Little Richard's classic is certainly one of them.
Dean Kohler - Gooseberry Pie
According to Google there actually IS something called gooseberry pie although from the pictures, it doesn't look like anything I want to try anytime soon. But that didn't stop Dean Kohler from recording this ode to his favorite confection in 1968.
The Skunks - Dance With the Fuhrer
Back in the early daze of Punk it seemed that there were no rules at all and anything was possible. I'm not sure what, if any, kind of a statement these guys were trying to make or whether they just had a weird sense of humor but "Dance..." is a pretty catchy and cool tune if you don't have to hear it too many times.
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Twisted
I first heard this song on a Joni Mitchell album and while our lady of the canyon did a pretty good job of it, nothing beats the original as sung by Annie Ross.
The Rayders - I Feel Fine
I'm willing to bet that even in their homeland of New Zealand these guys never saw anything approaching that mystical 15 minutes of fame. Listening to this record objectively there is almost no justification for its existence except as a cheap Fab Four cash-in. Nonetheless I find myself really enjoying this slavish imitation of one of 1964's biggest hits.
Thea Gilmore - Ever Fallen In Love
"...Love' is one of my all-time favorite songs and while this arrangement is not something I would want to hear more than occasionally, it still works somehow. Listen and judge for yourselves.
Freddie Cannon - June July & August
Ever since I bought the 45 of "Palisades Park" on Swan Records and turned it over to find this rocker gracing the b-side, it's been a summer favorite.
The Booze - Ain't It the Truth
Ah, the power of the Internet. Had I not heard these guys on some blog or other I would never even know of their existence, which would be a damn shame. If the Greenhornes' or The Woggles' brand of loud, fast and snotty garage appeals to you then you definitely want to check these guys out. Their Myspace page is a good place to start.
Z.Z. Hill - Baby I'm Sorry
For whatever reason, despite being a first-rate soul singer, mainstream crossover success has always eluded Z.Z. Hill. This upbeat mid-60's dancer seemingly has got it all.
Ronnie Bird - Elle m'attend
For my French visitors, in honor of Bastille Day, here is Ronnie Bird's version of the Stones' classic "The Last Time". As much as I've always loved this record by The Stones, I also like Ronnie's version. He also does a nice version of The Hollies' "Come On Back" which I will be playing on my show tonight.
No more ifs or ands or buts
Artful Dodger - You Know It's Alright
Back in the mid pre-punk 70's when I was starting to tire of the usual radio fare, I read a review of Artful Dodger's first album in Rolling Stone and sure enough, they were like a breath of fresh air. Of course, once punk happened they sounded kind of tame but 30-something years later they still sound pretty damn fine to me.
Carla Thomas - Same Thing
I'm not sure if this was ever a hit single for Ms. Thomas but if not it surely wasn't for a lack of quality. Upbeat and danceable with an almost Motownish feel to it I wish I would have known about this one in my DJing days.
The Gentlemen - It's A Cryin' Shame
Many long-time garageniks remember this song as being one of the highlights of Pebbles 5. Here it is in primo sound quality taken from a privately pressed CD-R .
The Relyea's - Country Boy
What a wonderful cover of Billy LaMont's "Country Boy". I must admit to being a sucker for that kiddie vocal sound.
The Groove Farm - Red Dress
I was first turned on to these guys by my friend Matthew who, at the time, went by the name Twee Kid and was totally into that whole C-86 thing. But these guys always seemed to have a bit more bite to them than many of their indie-pop cohorts. I'm pretty sure "Red Dress" is a cover but I can't place where I might have heard the original.
The Redwoods - Please Mr Scientist
I heard this record online and went straight to Gemm Music and purchased an original copy of the 45 for $40. Money well spent in my opinion. Brill Building mainstay Jeff Barry was a co-writer and may have even sung on this little gem.
Curt Boettcher - I Love You More Each Day
Before his untimely death at age 43 in 1987, Curt had been the brains and inspiration behind a whole slew of incredible singles and artists, mostly of the soft-rock and light psych variety in the late 60's and early 70's. "I Love You More Each Day" was the single from his "There's An Innocent face" album which was released by Elektra Records in 1973.
The Outasts - Long Tall Sally
This has always been a favorite of mine. While many of the records that came out in mid and late 60's Japan and lumped in under the "Group Sounds" banner are hardly worth a second listen, there are definitely some diamonds among the dreck and this demented version of Little Richard's classic is certainly one of them.
Dean Kohler - Gooseberry Pie
According to Google there actually IS something called gooseberry pie although from the pictures, it doesn't look like anything I want to try anytime soon. But that didn't stop Dean Kohler from recording this ode to his favorite confection in 1968.
The Skunks - Dance With the Fuhrer
Back in the early daze of Punk it seemed that there were no rules at all and anything was possible. I'm not sure what, if any, kind of a statement these guys were trying to make or whether they just had a weird sense of humor but "Dance..." is a pretty catchy and cool tune if you don't have to hear it too many times.
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Twisted
I first heard this song on a Joni Mitchell album and while our lady of the canyon did a pretty good job of it, nothing beats the original as sung by Annie Ross.
The Rayders - I Feel Fine
I'm willing to bet that even in their homeland of New Zealand these guys never saw anything approaching that mystical 15 minutes of fame. Listening to this record objectively there is almost no justification for its existence except as a cheap Fab Four cash-in. Nonetheless I find myself really enjoying this slavish imitation of one of 1964's biggest hits.
Thea Gilmore - Ever Fallen In Love
"...Love' is one of my all-time favorite songs and while this arrangement is not something I would want to hear more than occasionally, it still works somehow. Listen and judge for yourselves.
Freddie Cannon - June July & August
Ever since I bought the 45 of "Palisades Park" on Swan Records and turned it over to find this rocker gracing the b-side, it's been a summer favorite.
The Booze - Ain't It the Truth
Ah, the power of the Internet. Had I not heard these guys on some blog or other I would never even know of their existence, which would be a damn shame. If the Greenhornes' or The Woggles' brand of loud, fast and snotty garage appeals to you then you definitely want to check these guys out. Their Myspace page is a good place to start.
Z.Z. Hill - Baby I'm Sorry
For whatever reason, despite being a first-rate soul singer, mainstream crossover success has always eluded Z.Z. Hill. This upbeat mid-60's dancer seemingly has got it all.
Ronnie Bird - Elle m'attend
For my French visitors, in honor of Bastille Day, here is Ronnie Bird's version of the Stones' classic "The Last Time". As much as I've always loved this record by The Stones, I also like Ronnie's version. He also does a nice version of The Hollies' "Come On Back" which I will be playing on my show tonight.
No more ifs or ands or buts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Here's to all us aging Rock & Rollers
A few weeks ago I turned 60 years old. Me. 60!! When I was a kid my grandparents - quaint, lovable, white-haired folk with these funny old-world Jewish ideas and accents were in their 60's. They were old and I was young and hip and cool and 'with it'. Now I'm 60! Last night I went to see the Baxx CC's, an 'in-their-twenties' Japanese-American garage band. I've seen them twice before already and as always, they were great. But unlike the last few times I saw them, for much of the time I was there last night I didn't see anyone else I knew. All around me were these younger people, just about all of whom were young enough to be my sons or daughters. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt so old and out of place. Ironically before the band started they were playing one of the "Nuggets" discs, filled with songs I remember hearing on my AM transistor radio when they were new. I am glad that the next generation of rock and rollers are still into all of the cool stuff that came out in the 60s. And I am also glad that there are lots of new bands out there (many of whom I've heard in my travels throughout blogland) that are just as good as the bands I used to go see every week or so back in "the day". But as my friend Jeff, who showed up a bit later said: "It's just not our scene anymore - it belongs to them now."
I hope he's wrong and that yesterday I was merely feeling a bit out of sorts. While I don't go out nearly as often as I used to, while I'd probably die if I tried to party like it was 1999 and while those nights of sex, drugs and Rock & Roll are decades old, I don't feel quite ready to trade in these Rock and Roll shoes for some sensible orthopedic footwear just yet.
A word or two about the music. First, I would like to thank my cyberpal and fellow blogger Glenn who despite his own troubles on his Born In Tyme blog is still going strong and is not letting the bastards win. Glenn, you, and all of the people who wrote such nice comments when I first decided to stop posting, have inspired me to keep going. Because of my work schedule and the fact that I am also now doing my once-monthly show on Top Shelf Oldies, (my next show will be at 11 PM EST on Thursday July 14 - Happy Bastille Day!) I don't know how often I will be posting. But Time On My Hands is definitely up and running - just a wee big slower than before - kinda like its 60 year old master of ceremonies.
Finally, some of you long-term visitors will notice a few repeats in this latest playlist. Since so much of what was out there has been taken down and many of my older posts are no longer available I have decided to start from scratch. So with all of that being said, it's time to strike up the band.
The BaxxCC's - Rock N' Roll Guitar
I first saw these guys about 3 or 4 months ago at a benefit for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Along with the A-Bones they were the highlight of the evening. This is from their already out-of-print mini-LP "Two Seconds To Mars!!!" which I am still trying to find on actual vinyl or CD. Hey guys, if you're reading this - got an extra copy?
The A-Cads - Watch Your Step
As I've written so many times before, back in the 60's, long before the internet made it so easy, all over the world guys (mostly) heard the Beatles, Stones, Kinks etc. etc. and decided to pick up some instruments and give it a go themselves. The A-Cads from South Africa were 4(?) more who heard the news that there was good rockin' tonight and heeded the call.
Barbara Lewis - I'm So Thankful
Barbara had a Top 10 hit with "Hello Stranger" back in 1963 but this song, which sounds as if it was recorded anywhere between 1968 and 1972 never cracked Billboard's Top 100.
DM3 - Caroline No
Generally I have mixed feelings about tribute albums and covers but I do enjoy this rather faithful re-creation of the "Pet Sounds" classic. Dom Mariani is a tribute-worthy artist in his own right and his love for the song is obvious in every note the band sings and plays.
The Overlanders - Summer Skies & Golden Sands
I think I probably heard this song for the first time on Dave the Rave's show on TSO (Sat. nights 10 PM - 3 AM EST) and it's definitely become a favorite. I'm not sure if it was released in the U.S. as a single back in 1963 or whenever but I can't help but think that it would have sounded incredible blasting out of my dad's 1963 Plymouth's tinny little radio speakers.
Paul Kelley - Chills And Fever
I'm pretty sure I included this song on one of my very first TOMH playlists and it's still one of my favorites. Definitely one for my monthly Platterpuss R&R Record Party show.
Fever Tree - I Can Beat Your Drum
Way before Fever Tree went all hippie on us with "San Francisco Girls" they cut this unknown (at the time) garage classic. Personally, I like this a whole lot better than their later material.
Mort Shuman - I'm A Man
Mort Shuman had a long and many-faceted career as an artist, writer, arranger and producer. Somewhere along the line he recorded this nifty little toe-tapper. I've got it loud and proud on a number of various artist compilations but I am still looking for an original 45.
The Flatmates - When I'm With You
One of the things I will always be grateful to my friend Matthew (Twee Kid) for is for turning me on to the Flatmates. A little Shangri-Las, a little C-86 and songs with hooks that grab you when and where you least expect them to. If you like this song, check out their best-of CD on Amazon.
Tyrone Schmidling - Honey Don't
I know I posted this song once before and I'll say the same thing now as I did then: With a name like Schmidling it's GOT to be good. I wonder what Carl Perkins thought of this over-the-top version of his hit.
The Painted Ship - Frustration
The Painted Ship recorded one of the nastiest songs ever with "Little White Lies" and while this one doesn't register quite as high on the Evil-O-Meter, it still has that same eerie and ominous vibe. A thousand times better than anything that spoiled bad boy wannabe Jim Morrison ever did.
The Resonars - If He's So Great
Even though TSO wants it's jocks to stick with 50's, 60's and early 70's sounds, every so often I like to throw in something a little newer. So far I've played tracks by The Lyres and Untamed Youth and they've both gone over quite well - at least in the chat room. I'm thinking of playing this song sometime and then following it up with a Hollies or Beau Brummels record.
Bo Diddley - Hong Kong, Mississippi
Hail Thee Mighty Bo! One of my favorite songs by one of my all-time favorite artists. She may say she's from Hong Kong but nobody fools Bo.
Gene Clark - Is Yours Is Mine
This is from Gene's very first solo album which he recorded with the Gosdin Brothers. Sadly, he left us way too young, never even reaching his 47th birthday, in 1991.
Willy DeVille - Every Dog Has Its Day
Willy "Mink" DeVille is another artist who died at way too young an age of 59. Unfortunately, while he was alive I never appreciated him all that much. I liked his first few albums on Capitol Records but I pretty much lost track of him after that. It wasn't until after his death that I started hearing some of his later recordings. He had a feel for classic soul music that few modern singers possess without having to imitate anyone in particular. "Every Dog..." is from his sadly out-of-print (and rather expensive) "Victory Mixture" CD. So enjoy it here folks.
The Channels - Now You Know
I've always been a sucker for some good upbeat doo wop and while The Channels are better known for their ballads such "The Closer You Are" and "The Gleam in Your Eyes", this song has always been a favorite.
Mose Allison - I Don't Worry About A Thing
I want to be Mose Alison when I grow up. While I actually know very little about him, I love that good-natured, twinkle-in-his-eye coolness that he projects. Even when he is singing a blues song he always sounds like he is in on some huge cosmic joke and never takes himself too seriously. And he is also one helluva piano player.
Can't wait another day I gotta move on
I hope he's wrong and that yesterday I was merely feeling a bit out of sorts. While I don't go out nearly as often as I used to, while I'd probably die if I tried to party like it was 1999 and while those nights of sex, drugs and Rock & Roll are decades old, I don't feel quite ready to trade in these Rock and Roll shoes for some sensible orthopedic footwear just yet.
A word or two about the music. First, I would like to thank my cyberpal and fellow blogger Glenn who despite his own troubles on his Born In Tyme blog is still going strong and is not letting the bastards win. Glenn, you, and all of the people who wrote such nice comments when I first decided to stop posting, have inspired me to keep going. Because of my work schedule and the fact that I am also now doing my once-monthly show on Top Shelf Oldies, (my next show will be at 11 PM EST on Thursday July 14 - Happy Bastille Day!) I don't know how often I will be posting. But Time On My Hands is definitely up and running - just a wee big slower than before - kinda like its 60 year old master of ceremonies.
Finally, some of you long-term visitors will notice a few repeats in this latest playlist. Since so much of what was out there has been taken down and many of my older posts are no longer available I have decided to start from scratch. So with all of that being said, it's time to strike up the band.
The BaxxCC's - Rock N' Roll Guitar
I first saw these guys about 3 or 4 months ago at a benefit for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Along with the A-Bones they were the highlight of the evening. This is from their already out-of-print mini-LP "Two Seconds To Mars!!!" which I am still trying to find on actual vinyl or CD. Hey guys, if you're reading this - got an extra copy?
The A-Cads - Watch Your Step
As I've written so many times before, back in the 60's, long before the internet made it so easy, all over the world guys (mostly) heard the Beatles, Stones, Kinks etc. etc. and decided to pick up some instruments and give it a go themselves. The A-Cads from South Africa were 4(?) more who heard the news that there was good rockin' tonight and heeded the call.
Barbara Lewis - I'm So Thankful
Barbara had a Top 10 hit with "Hello Stranger" back in 1963 but this song, which sounds as if it was recorded anywhere between 1968 and 1972 never cracked Billboard's Top 100.
DM3 - Caroline No
Generally I have mixed feelings about tribute albums and covers but I do enjoy this rather faithful re-creation of the "Pet Sounds" classic. Dom Mariani is a tribute-worthy artist in his own right and his love for the song is obvious in every note the band sings and plays.
The Overlanders - Summer Skies & Golden Sands
I think I probably heard this song for the first time on Dave the Rave's show on TSO (Sat. nights 10 PM - 3 AM EST) and it's definitely become a favorite. I'm not sure if it was released in the U.S. as a single back in 1963 or whenever but I can't help but think that it would have sounded incredible blasting out of my dad's 1963 Plymouth's tinny little radio speakers.
Paul Kelley - Chills And Fever
I'm pretty sure I included this song on one of my very first TOMH playlists and it's still one of my favorites. Definitely one for my monthly Platterpuss R&R Record Party show.
Fever Tree - I Can Beat Your Drum
Way before Fever Tree went all hippie on us with "San Francisco Girls" they cut this unknown (at the time) garage classic. Personally, I like this a whole lot better than their later material.
Mort Shuman - I'm A Man
Mort Shuman had a long and many-faceted career as an artist, writer, arranger and producer. Somewhere along the line he recorded this nifty little toe-tapper. I've got it loud and proud on a number of various artist compilations but I am still looking for an original 45.
The Flatmates - When I'm With You
One of the things I will always be grateful to my friend Matthew (Twee Kid) for is for turning me on to the Flatmates. A little Shangri-Las, a little C-86 and songs with hooks that grab you when and where you least expect them to. If you like this song, check out their best-of CD on Amazon.
Tyrone Schmidling - Honey Don't
I know I posted this song once before and I'll say the same thing now as I did then: With a name like Schmidling it's GOT to be good. I wonder what Carl Perkins thought of this over-the-top version of his hit.
The Painted Ship - Frustration
The Painted Ship recorded one of the nastiest songs ever with "Little White Lies" and while this one doesn't register quite as high on the Evil-O-Meter, it still has that same eerie and ominous vibe. A thousand times better than anything that spoiled bad boy wannabe Jim Morrison ever did.
The Resonars - If He's So Great
Even though TSO wants it's jocks to stick with 50's, 60's and early 70's sounds, every so often I like to throw in something a little newer. So far I've played tracks by The Lyres and Untamed Youth and they've both gone over quite well - at least in the chat room. I'm thinking of playing this song sometime and then following it up with a Hollies or Beau Brummels record.
Bo Diddley - Hong Kong, Mississippi
Hail Thee Mighty Bo! One of my favorite songs by one of my all-time favorite artists. She may say she's from Hong Kong but nobody fools Bo.
Gene Clark - Is Yours Is Mine
This is from Gene's very first solo album which he recorded with the Gosdin Brothers. Sadly, he left us way too young, never even reaching his 47th birthday, in 1991.
Willy DeVille - Every Dog Has Its Day
Willy "Mink" DeVille is another artist who died at way too young an age of 59. Unfortunately, while he was alive I never appreciated him all that much. I liked his first few albums on Capitol Records but I pretty much lost track of him after that. It wasn't until after his death that I started hearing some of his later recordings. He had a feel for classic soul music that few modern singers possess without having to imitate anyone in particular. "Every Dog..." is from his sadly out-of-print (and rather expensive) "Victory Mixture" CD. So enjoy it here folks.
The Channels - Now You Know
I've always been a sucker for some good upbeat doo wop and while The Channels are better known for their ballads such "The Closer You Are" and "The Gleam in Your Eyes", this song has always been a favorite.
Mose Allison - I Don't Worry About A Thing
I want to be Mose Alison when I grow up. While I actually know very little about him, I love that good-natured, twinkle-in-his-eye coolness that he projects. Even when he is singing a blues song he always sounds like he is in on some huge cosmic joke and never takes himself too seriously. And he is also one helluva piano player.
Can't wait another day I gotta move on
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Platterpuss on the Radio 05/11
For all of you who might have missed it, my radio show is available for downloading. It was a fun show and, as one good friend of mine so kindly pointed out, I definitely have the face for radio. Since I am now on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11 - midnight, if you missed me last week you can catch me 'pre-recorded live' next month.
Otis Redding - Shout Bamalama
The Blues Magoos - (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet (stereo)
Jimmy McCracklin - The Wobble
The Beach Boys - In My Room
Vaughan Thomas - Need You Girl
Bill Cosby - Little Ole Man
Maurice & Mac - Lean On Me
The Little Boy Blues - I Can Only Give You Everything
The Jury - Who Dat
Sugar Pie DeSanto - Go Go Power (mono)
Tommy Todd - Tag Along
David Gates - Okie Surfer (Mystery Oldie)
Dorothy Williams - Watchdog
Baby Huey & The Babysitters - Messin With The Kid
The Cufflinks - Guided Missles
The Roulettes - Bad Time
The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23
The Bobby Fuller Four - Baby, My Heart
Si Cranstoun - Chocoholic
Brenda Holloway - Just Look What You've Done
The Blue Jeans - Cool Martini
In other news, the job I started last June is due to end in 3 weeks - just in time for my 60th birthday ("Happy birthday, you're fired") so once again I will actually have some time on my hands - at least until I find another job. I've given some thought to reviving TOMH but I don't want to deal with the same crap I had last time. Taking the blog private isn't really an option as it defeats the whole purpose of trying to get the music out there for folks to hear. It seems kind of like preaching to the choir. So if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.
Otis Redding - Shout Bamalama
The Blues Magoos - (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet (stereo)
Jimmy McCracklin - The Wobble
The Beach Boys - In My Room
Vaughan Thomas - Need You Girl
Bill Cosby - Little Ole Man
Maurice & Mac - Lean On Me
The Little Boy Blues - I Can Only Give You Everything
The Jury - Who Dat
Sugar Pie DeSanto - Go Go Power (mono)
Tommy Todd - Tag Along
David Gates - Okie Surfer (Mystery Oldie)
Dorothy Williams - Watchdog
Baby Huey & The Babysitters - Messin With The Kid
The Cufflinks - Guided Missles
The Roulettes - Bad Time
The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23
The Bobby Fuller Four - Baby, My Heart
Si Cranstoun - Chocoholic
Brenda Holloway - Just Look What You've Done
The Blue Jeans - Cool Martini
In other news, the job I started last June is due to end in 3 weeks - just in time for my 60th birthday ("Happy birthday, you're fired") so once again I will actually have some time on my hands - at least until I find another job. I've given some thought to reviving TOMH but I don't want to deal with the same crap I had last time. Taking the blog private isn't really an option as it defeats the whole purpose of trying to get the music out there for folks to hear. It seems kind of like preaching to the choir. So if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I'm Back (sorta)
The good news (I hope) is that I am back but not in quite the way folks might expect. I am now doing a 1-hour pre-recorded radio show on internet radio station Top Shelf Oldies under my alter ego The Platterpuss, a name I used when I was writing record reviews back in the 90's. I will be on this Thursday (5/19) from 11 PM to midnite EST. It's a cool station with some really great and knowledgable DJ's, of which I am honored to be one. There is also a chat room that is open to all and really easy to join that is also filled with some really astute collectors and people who are really passionately into the music. Being that this is an oldies station you won't hear much new stuff but if you have liked my garage, soul, R&B and rockabilly selections in the past, I don't think you will be disappointed. So please join me if you can.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the folks who've left such nice comments over the last month or so. While I didn't get to post as often as I would have liked, coming up with my playlists and writing about the music was the perfect means of self-expression for me - especially as I do not play an instrument, paint or engage in any other type of artistic endeavor. It is gratifying to know that there are others of you out there who are on the same wavelength. Perhaps at some point I will decide to give it another try. But in the meantime I hope you will enjoy my show on Thursday.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the folks who've left such nice comments over the last month or so. While I didn't get to post as often as I would have liked, coming up with my playlists and writing about the music was the perfect means of self-expression for me - especially as I do not play an instrument, paint or engage in any other type of artistic endeavor. It is gratifying to know that there are others of you out there who are on the same wavelength. Perhaps at some point I will decide to give it another try. But in the meantime I hope you will enjoy my show on Thursday.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Bye Bye So Long Farewell
It has come to my attention that Multiupload has deleted all of my files from the last year. I'm not sure but I believe this action could have been triggered by a commenter in my last post. I really don't know. What I do know is that since I have to keep worrying about crap like this, TOMH has ceased to be fun for me. At some point I will probably dismantle the whole thing but for now I am saying that this is my last post.
Up until recently it's been a lot of fun and I like to think I've done some good by turning people on to some music they may not have heard before. Maybe I'm flattering myself but I also like to think that, despite the claims of the RIAA, blogs like mine actually help increase record and CD sales. But whoever or whatever has caused the removal of so many of my files has spoiled it for me. I'd like to thank the many nice people who took the time to post a comment or two. You made me feel like someone out there actually cared.
Perhaps I'll be be back with another blog at some point in the future but it will probably not be under my current nom de plume of Yankeeboy. For now though, this is goodbye.
Up until recently it's been a lot of fun and I like to think I've done some good by turning people on to some music they may not have heard before. Maybe I'm flattering myself but I also like to think that, despite the claims of the RIAA, blogs like mine actually help increase record and CD sales. But whoever or whatever has caused the removal of so many of my files has spoiled it for me. I'd like to thank the many nice people who took the time to post a comment or two. You made me feel like someone out there actually cared.
Perhaps I'll be be back with another blog at some point in the future but it will probably not be under my current nom de plume of Yankeeboy. For now though, this is goodbye.
Monday, February 21, 2011
There But For Fortune
While I've always liked much of Phil Och's music, I've never been a really big fan so when a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go see "There But For Fortune", a documentary about the life and music of Phil Ochs I went more because it seemed a pleasant way to spend an afternoon than out of any real curiosity. It turned out to be much more interesting than I had expected. Phil Och's music was so completely tied to the politics and events of the 1960's and as such "...Fortune" is about the times he lived in almost as much as about the man himself. Like many great artists (and indeed like many of us) he was also deeply flawed and towards the late 60's, when he realized that his music was not enough to change the world, alcohol and depression started to take their toll. As the 1960's turned into the 70's, despite the fact that he created what I think was some of the best music of his career, he felt more and more marginalized and in 1976 committed suicide.
In my own life, as I've written about on these pages, it seems as if I am becoming more politically minded at the ripe old age of 59 than I was back when these songs were recorded. So while the names and places he was singing about were quite time specific, there's a feeling in his songs that still resonates very true in 2011. And even though I never believed that a folk song could ever actually change the world, I think that had he lived he would be creating some very interesting and compelling music today.
Big Martha - You Don’t Love Me Like You Used To
From the sound of it I'm guessing this was recorded anywhere between 1958 and 1962. This is the first and last I've heard of Big Martha but as one-song legacies go, she could do a lot worse.
The Endd - Out Of My Hands
Whenever I hear this song I have this fantasy that during the last Beatles tour of the U.S. in 1966, John Lennon escaped for a few hours and cut this record with a local garage band. That's how much the lead singer sounds like him.
Los Rialaz - Puppet
Despite their Spanish sounding name, these guys appear on the 2d set of the amazing 3-volume "Tsunami Attack!! Of The Japanese Garage Rock'n'Roll" collection which came out last year. When the A-Bones toured Japan in 2009 they came back raving about all of the great Japanese garage bands they heard and many of them are probably on these discs. If you search around you can probably find them out there in blogland or, if you have deep pockets and feel like taking a chance, you can grab your very own CD copies at CD Japan.
Jason Knight - Our Love Is Getting Stronger
Classic Northern Soul. As best I can tell this was originally released in either the UK or Australia and on a search for an original copy of the 45, the cheapest one I could find was $165. Luckily it is also on a number of different NS comps that have come down the pike in the last few years.
Jim Alley & The Alley Cats - The Great Pretender
I doubt that Mr. Alley will ever replace The Platters in the hearts of music listeners all over the world, but nonetheless I quite like his take on their mega hit "The Great Pretender".
Phil Ochs - I Ain't Marching Anymore
Phil Ochs - When Im Gone
Phil Ochs - Boy In Ohio
"....Marching" is from one of Phil's early albums and it's an antiwar anthem for the ages. Unfortunately, since this song was written there have been many more wars to add to the list. Listening to "When I'm Gone" I can't help but be struck by the irony of such life-affirming lyrics with his tragic end 12 or so years later. The autobiographical "Boy In Ohio" from the "Greatest Hits" album has always been one of my favorite songs. That line "the radio was always loud" gets me every time.
Couple -You Don't Have To Be So Nice
I've written about Couple a few times before on this blog and they remain one of my most loved bands. While they are building up quite a following in their home country Malaysia, they remain pretty much unknown in the rest of the world which is a damn shame. Check out their Myspace page to hear more.
Love - Can't Explain [mono]
Since the day I bought it on a whim at EJ Korvettes when I was 15 years old in the summer of 1966, the first Love album has remained on or near the top of my all-time best albums list. And of course, it always sounds just a little bit better in mono.
Bo Diddley - Hey Good Lookin'
This is the great Bo Diddley and there will never be another quite like him. What more do I need to say?
The Beach Boys - She Knows Me Too Well (stereo)
While "Pet Sounds" stands out, for many (myself included) as the Beach Boys finest moment, the second side of "Today" which came out about a year before is as perfect a practice run as you'll ever hear. Up to this point I was never that crazy about their ballads (remember I was only 13 or 14 at the time) but his was the album that showed me that slow could still be cool. And in an about face from my usual practice, I am featuring a rare stereo mix.
Percy Sledge - Baby Help Me
Speaking of ballads, they are what Percy Sledge is best known for - hits like "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "Take Time to Know Her" are staples of oldies radio. "Baby Help Me" takes him into upbeat dance territory and while it was not as successful for him chart wise, making it only up to number 87 on Billboard's Top 100 in Feb. of 1967, it's still a great record.
The Final Four - Hold On To Your Life
Other than the act that I first heard this song on a comp of Australian garage bands I found on another blog whose name I can't remember (sorry), I know absolutely nothing about these guys. Anyone with any info is encouraged to leave a comment.
S.J. & The Crossroads - The Darkest Hour
From Beaumont, Texas this track by SJ & Co. has appeared on a number of comps over the years. Most recently it was featured on a volume of Sundazed's Garage Punk '66 series in perfect sound quality.
Tico & the Triumphs - Noise
Before he was PAUL SIMON, Paul Simon was Jerry Landis and Tico & The Triumphs and he had a real talent for coming up with some of the catchiest teen pop ever that nobody heard at the time and is finally being appreciated all these years later.
Dionne Warwick - Reach Out For Me
Despite the fact that Dionne became something of a laughing stock with those "Psychic Friends" commercials, there is no denying what an incredibly talented singer she was and her involvement with Burt Bacharach and Hal David produced some of the best-loved and most enduring pop of the 60's.
The Shadows of Knight - Three For Love
I first discovered this song on the 2d Shadows of Knight album "Bad Little Woman". On an album filled with snarly garage tracks like the title song and "Gospel Zone", "Three..." always stood out with it's slightly gentler folk rock sound.
They don't believe it could be this way
In my own life, as I've written about on these pages, it seems as if I am becoming more politically minded at the ripe old age of 59 than I was back when these songs were recorded. So while the names and places he was singing about were quite time specific, there's a feeling in his songs that still resonates very true in 2011. And even though I never believed that a folk song could ever actually change the world, I think that had he lived he would be creating some very interesting and compelling music today.
Big Martha - You Don’t Love Me Like You Used To
From the sound of it I'm guessing this was recorded anywhere between 1958 and 1962. This is the first and last I've heard of Big Martha but as one-song legacies go, she could do a lot worse.
The Endd - Out Of My Hands
Whenever I hear this song I have this fantasy that during the last Beatles tour of the U.S. in 1966, John Lennon escaped for a few hours and cut this record with a local garage band. That's how much the lead singer sounds like him.
Los Rialaz - Puppet
Despite their Spanish sounding name, these guys appear on the 2d set of the amazing 3-volume "Tsunami Attack!! Of The Japanese Garage Rock'n'Roll" collection which came out last year. When the A-Bones toured Japan in 2009 they came back raving about all of the great Japanese garage bands they heard and many of them are probably on these discs. If you search around you can probably find them out there in blogland or, if you have deep pockets and feel like taking a chance, you can grab your very own CD copies at CD Japan.
Jason Knight - Our Love Is Getting Stronger
Classic Northern Soul. As best I can tell this was originally released in either the UK or Australia and on a search for an original copy of the 45, the cheapest one I could find was $165. Luckily it is also on a number of different NS comps that have come down the pike in the last few years.
Jim Alley & The Alley Cats - The Great Pretender
I doubt that Mr. Alley will ever replace The Platters in the hearts of music listeners all over the world, but nonetheless I quite like his take on their mega hit "The Great Pretender".
Phil Ochs - I Ain't Marching Anymore
Phil Ochs - When Im Gone
Phil Ochs - Boy In Ohio
"....Marching" is from one of Phil's early albums and it's an antiwar anthem for the ages. Unfortunately, since this song was written there have been many more wars to add to the list. Listening to "When I'm Gone" I can't help but be struck by the irony of such life-affirming lyrics with his tragic end 12 or so years later. The autobiographical "Boy In Ohio" from the "Greatest Hits" album has always been one of my favorite songs. That line "the radio was always loud" gets me every time.
Couple -You Don't Have To Be So Nice
I've written about Couple a few times before on this blog and they remain one of my most loved bands. While they are building up quite a following in their home country Malaysia, they remain pretty much unknown in the rest of the world which is a damn shame. Check out their Myspace page to hear more.
Love - Can't Explain [mono]
Since the day I bought it on a whim at EJ Korvettes when I was 15 years old in the summer of 1966, the first Love album has remained on or near the top of my all-time best albums list. And of course, it always sounds just a little bit better in mono.
Bo Diddley - Hey Good Lookin'
This is the great Bo Diddley and there will never be another quite like him. What more do I need to say?
The Beach Boys - She Knows Me Too Well (stereo)
While "Pet Sounds" stands out, for many (myself included) as the Beach Boys finest moment, the second side of "Today" which came out about a year before is as perfect a practice run as you'll ever hear. Up to this point I was never that crazy about their ballads (remember I was only 13 or 14 at the time) but his was the album that showed me that slow could still be cool. And in an about face from my usual practice, I am featuring a rare stereo mix.
Percy Sledge - Baby Help Me
Speaking of ballads, they are what Percy Sledge is best known for - hits like "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "Take Time to Know Her" are staples of oldies radio. "Baby Help Me" takes him into upbeat dance territory and while it was not as successful for him chart wise, making it only up to number 87 on Billboard's Top 100 in Feb. of 1967, it's still a great record.
The Final Four - Hold On To Your Life
Other than the act that I first heard this song on a comp of Australian garage bands I found on another blog whose name I can't remember (sorry), I know absolutely nothing about these guys. Anyone with any info is encouraged to leave a comment.
S.J. & The Crossroads - The Darkest Hour
From Beaumont, Texas this track by SJ & Co. has appeared on a number of comps over the years. Most recently it was featured on a volume of Sundazed's Garage Punk '66 series in perfect sound quality.
Tico & the Triumphs - Noise
Before he was PAUL SIMON, Paul Simon was Jerry Landis and Tico & The Triumphs and he had a real talent for coming up with some of the catchiest teen pop ever that nobody heard at the time and is finally being appreciated all these years later.
Dionne Warwick - Reach Out For Me
Despite the fact that Dionne became something of a laughing stock with those "Psychic Friends" commercials, there is no denying what an incredibly talented singer she was and her involvement with Burt Bacharach and Hal David produced some of the best-loved and most enduring pop of the 60's.
The Shadows of Knight - Three For Love
I first discovered this song on the 2d Shadows of Knight album "Bad Little Woman". On an album filled with snarly garage tracks like the title song and "Gospel Zone", "Three..." always stood out with it's slightly gentler folk rock sound.
They don't believe it could be this way
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