A Snowy Winters Day in...October?

Mother Nature definitely woke up on the wrong side of bed here in the Northeast U.S. this morning. Normally this time of year we expect temperatures peaking at between 55 and 60 degrees but today it is not going to get out of the 30's. And when I look outside my window the ground is covered in ugly snowy slush. Looks more like December or January out there.

It's been awhile since my last regular post and a lot has been happening out in the world. By now the Occupy Wall Street movement has been written about and discussed in depth so I don't really have a whole lot to add except for this. The one knock against them that I have been hearing repeatedly is that they have no focus and they "haven't accomplished anything". For me, this is not OWS's purpose. For awhile now people have been disgusted with our government and the system in general which has been failing more and more of us. OWS is giving that discontent a voice and (in my opinion) it will continue to grow in some form or other. The movement which started out as a bunch of punky looking kids with signs is attracting more and more "legitimate" and well-known names and faces. The powers that be, both in government and business are just beginning to get the message that more and more of us are fed up and demand a change. OWS in itself may or may not last the winter but the ripples of discontent that they are generating will continue to grow in some form. And even in this short time there are some definite results. Just today Bank of America announced that it is rethinking its plans to charge a $5 fee to use their debit cards and some other banks such as Wells Fargo and Chase that were also planning to start charging fees have changed their minds, due to "customer feedback".

Anyway, let's get to what you came here for - gimme the downbeat maestro!

Al Urban - Gonna Be Better Times
Back in the mid-50s, in the wake of Elvis it seemed that every country boy (and girl too) with a guitar caught the rockin' bug and was going to be a star just like their hero. Al Urban waxed this tune for the Sarg label in 1958 looking for his share of fame and glory.
Bob Dylan - Boogie Woogie Country Girl
This comes from a long out-of-print Doc Pomus tribute CD. I love Dylan's laid back vocal and arrangement which doesn't stray too far from the original.
The Stoics - Enough of What I Need
Back in 1967 this San Antonio fivesome recorded this garage classic for the Brams label. Over the years this song has appeared on a number of comps, if not always with the best sound quality. But it sounds fine here.
Heavenly - Cool Guitar Boy
This is one of those songs I included in one of my earliest posts which is probably long gone by now. This has always been a favorite of mine since the moment I first heard it and Amelia Fletcher has never sounded sweeter.
Dion - Will Love Ever Come my Way
Recorded for Columbia in the mid-60s I'm not sure if this ever came out on a 45. If it did, it never cracked Billboard's Top 100. But that certainly wasn't due to a lack of musical merit as this has "hit" written all over it. Dion recorded a number of fine 45s for Columbia which went nowhere due to, in part I'm sure, lack of promotion by the label. There is one in particular I am looking for, "Two-Ton Feather" by Dion and the Wanderers. It was included on a few Dion compilations over the years but it's the 45 mono mix that I crave so if anyone out there has an extra copy for sale or trade, please get in touch via the comments section.
Mickey Murray - Shout Bamalama
Mickey's remake of this old Otis Redding rocker made it to number 54 on the Billboard charts in the fall of 1967. It's a bit more restrained than the original but it's a great dancefloor filler nonetheless.
The Nashville Teens - Find My Way Back Home
This is another perennial favorite I know I posted back in the early days of TOMH. After almost 50 years, this song still gets my adrenaline pumping.
Dave Edmunds - Dear Dad
Dave Edmunds turns in a pretty faithful to the original rendition of one of Chuck Berry's lesser known gems.
The Chants - I Don't Care
Like The Newbeats and Tim Tam & The Turn-Ons, The Chants seamlessly meld doo wop and garage into something totally fun and infectious. Despite the "you'll be sorry" nature of the lyrics, this is one of those songs that immediately brings a smile to my face every time it comes on the Ipod.
The Cordells - Annie Get Your Yo-Yo
Ritchie Cordell is the master behind this two-minute plus slab of bubblegum magic. As a look at his discography will show, he was involved with a whole slew of AM radio hits in the late 60's and early 70's. Sadly he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61 in 2004.
Huey "Piano" Smith & The Clowns - High Blood Pressure
If these guys ever made a bad record I have yet to hear it. Not only is lead vocalist Bobby Marchan one of my favorite singers ever, HPS&tC's 45s all have that infectious, good-time vibe that makes it virtually impossible to remain in a bad mood whenever I hear them, no matter how awful a day I've had.
Junk Monkeys - All In a Day
Junk Monkeys were one of many combos that were influenced by earlier bands like The Real Kids and Radio Birdman that seemed to come and go in a flash back in the 90's. As so often happens, in this case their anonymity is not deserved as there are a lot more terrific tunes where this came from, which in this case is their "Bliss" CD which is available for cheap on Amazon.
The Lynx - You Lie
Another Texas garage band, this appearss to be The Lynx's brightest shining moment, appearing on a number of compilations over the years.
Prentice Moreland - Holy Mack'rel
While Elvis may have convinced the white youth of 1950's America that stardom was only a few hip swivels away, it would also appear that Little Richard may have had the same effect on their African-American contemporaries. If you like your R&R loud and wild, here it is.
The Tams - Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy
The last chart entry for this Atlanta, GA quintet (#66 in June 1968), this seems like some pretty good advice.
Rob Hoeke R&B Group - Margio
While Bob Hoeke was primarily known as a boogie woogie pianist, he still managed to cut some R&B fueled garage records in his native Holland that are now regarded as classics. To me, this is the best of them.
The Kwyet Kings - You Say
If there were any justice in this world, Arne Thelin would be a name more people would recognize (along with Jeff Conolly of the Lyres and Dom Mariani of the Stems/DM3) but unfortunately his supreme talent is known only to a select few. Hopefully he is more appreciated in his home country of Norway. The Kwyet Kings is the latest (as far as I know) of his 3 bands and if you like what you hear here, you can find some of their CDs on Amazon. If the man isn't making much money from his music, he at least deserves a bit more respect.

Won't be home until half passed 2.

Double Your Pleasure

For any of you out there who might have missed it, here is the link to my special 2-hour edition of my Platterpuss R&R Record Party. One link, 2 separate 1 hour MP3 files. Enjoy.

HOUR 1

BIM BAM - DON & DEWEY
THE STANDELLS - THE PEPPERMINT BEATLE
GWEN OWENS - I LOST A GOOD THING
JOE BENNETT & THE SPARKLETONES - BOYS DON'T CRY
THE POSSUMS - SHE'S LOVING ME
THE ORIOLES - SO LONG
JOHN LEE HOOKER - LET'S GO OUT TONIGHT
RY COODER - DO-RE-MI
STORMY GAYLE - FLIPSVILLE
GLEN CAMPBELL - ABOUT THE OCEAN
THE MARMALADE - BABY, MAKE IT SOON
THE TIDAL WAVES - ACTION (SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS)
THE EMPERORS - LAUGHING LINDA
ELMER PARKER & THE LIGHT LIGHTERS - YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU
JOHNNY NILES (A.K.A. HARRY NILSSON) - WIG JOB
THE STAPLE SINGERS - FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH
NOOKIE BOY - I'LL MAKE A BET
THE HONEYCOMBS - CAN'T GET THROUGH TO YOU
VINCE EVERETT - I AIN'T GONNA BE YOUR LOW DOWN DOG NO MORE
DION & THE WANDERERS - TWO TON FEATHER
THE CHANTERS - NO NO NO
LAURA NYRO - LUCKIE

HOUR 2

CHUCK BERRY - LITTLE QUEENIE
LITTLE ERNEST TUCKER - GONNA GET ME A SATELLITE
BOBBY HEBB - BREAD
THE RESONARS - IF HE'S SO GREAT
THE BEAU BRUMMELS - DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS
LAMBERT, HENDRICKS & ROSS - TWISTED
MIKE FERN & THE DEL ROYALS - BRAKE JAKE
THE WHEELS - MY HEART'S DESIRE
KATE TAYLOR - YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES
NAPPY BROWN - OPEN UP THAT DOOR
THE LITTLE BITS - GIRL GIVE ME LOVE
HUEY PIANO SMITH & THE CLOWNS - FREE, SINGLE AND DISENGAGED
JIM BACHUS - CAVE MAN
TOMMY JAMES - ONE TRACK MIND
JANET & THE JAYS - LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO ME
LOS GATOS SALVAJES - EN TU CORAZON
TYRONE SCHMIDLING - HONEY DON'T
ETTA JAMES - TOUGH LOVER
SHOCKING BLUE - SEND ME A POSTCARD
THE SOUL CHILDREN - BRING IT HERE
THE RED SQUARES - YOU CAN BE MY BABY
THE DEL VIKINGS - COOL SHAKE
BOOKER T & THE MG'S - GIMME SOME LOVIN'

Twice As Much, Same Low Price

It's that time of the month again and The Platterpuss is back on the cyber airwaves with a special 2-hour show this Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 9-11 PM EST on Top Shelf Oldies. Twice the fun, same low, low price! Tune in to hear some cool tunes and, if you're in the mood, come into the chat room and be part of my Mystery Oldies contests.

Just when you thought it was safe to go online.....

...along comes another edition of the Platterpuss Rock & Roll Records Party on Top Shelf Oldies this Wednesday night from 8 - 9 PM EST. If I say so myself it's going to be a terrific show so be sure to tune in.

In Case You Missed It

Last Wednesday was a special edition of my Platterpuss Rock & Roll Records Party on Top Shelf Oldies - it was the Platterpuss Rock & Roll B-Sides Party. And a pretty cool selection of tunes it was if I say so myself. My show is on once a month, the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 8 - 9 PM EST. If you're around at that time, please tune in and feel free to join the chat room. We're a very friendly bunch of music fanatics. For those of you who missed it this time, you can listen to it by just clicking on the link.

SAM & DAVE - WRAP IT UP (I THANK YOU)
THE STANDELLS - RARI (DIRTY WATER)
THE DELLS - JO-JO (OH WHAT A NIGHT)
THE CHIFFONS - OH MY LOVER (HE'S SO FINE)
THE CRITTERS - WALK LIKE A MAN AGAIN (DON'T LET THE RAIN FALL
DOWN ON ME)
ADRIAN LLOYD - GOT A LITTLE WOMAN (LORNA)
J. FRANK WILSON & THE CAVALIERS - THAT'S HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU (LAST KISS)
THE FOUR SEASONS - SILENCE IS GOLDEN (RAG DOLL)
THE SUPREMES - REMOVE THIS DOUBT (YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON)
THE CRESTS - MY JUANITA (SWEETEST ONE)
RON TYSON - I'M NOT TOO YOUNG TO SING THE BLUES (OH WHAT A NIGHT FOR LOVE)
THE KAN-DELLS - CRY GIRL (CLOUDBURST)
THE LEMON PIPERS - NO HELP FROM ME (GREEN TAMBOURINE)
THE BYRDS - SHE DON'T CARE ABOUT TIME (TURN TURN TURN)
TICO & THE TRIUMPHS - NOISE (CARDS OF LOVE)
LITTLE WILLIE JOHN - I'M SHAKIN' (COTTAGE FOR SALE)
THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL - BUTCHIE'S TUNE (SUMMER IN THE CITY)
SLIM HARPO - DON'T START CRYING NOW (RAININ' IN MY HEART)
THE COASTERS - THREE COOL CATS (CHARLIE BROWN)
THE STONES - WHO'S DRIVING YOUR PLANE (HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR
MOTHER BABY)
TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - THUNDERBOLT (HANKY PANKY)

Better Late than Never

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

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