Does Anybody Know?

In general I am not a very politically minded person. Don't get myself all worked up over something I can do little or nothing about has always been my philosophy. But lately, probably spurred on by my own state of unemployment and by seeing what's been going on in this country over the last few years, politics has started to feel a lot more personal. When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008 I felt that here was the possibility for a new beginning, a chance to set things right again. I still like and support President Obama today as much as I did when I pulled the lever to cast my vote for him two Novembers ago. What I (probably very naively) never counted on however was the fact that for most of the politicians in Washington, it was still business as usual. The Republicans have been fighting him every step of the way since day one. The good of the country be damned - as long as they can make him look bad that is all they want. Even many of President Obama's fellow Democrats have been reluctant to give him their full support, being fearful of a conservative backlash.

This past week two things happened that will have a potentially devastating effect on the future of this country. The first was the election of Republican Scott Brown as Massachusetts senator, replacing Ted Kennedy. Whereas prior to this the Democrats had a 60-40 majority in the Senate, now that majority is reduced to 59-41 which gives the Republicans a lot more filibuster power, making it much harder for President Obama to push through legislation on things like health care and restrictions on the financial services and banking industries. Even more ominous, especially over the long-term, is the Supreme Court decision which loosen the laws governing political contribution spending by industries and unions. What this does, in effect is to give Big Business even more control over the political process and more influence over the candidates who will surely be lining up and kissing ass for all this new corporate money. Just what this country needs - let's give the big corporations even more power than they already have.

So, forgive me if I sound more angry and cynical than usual. I'm certainly feeling that way and the playlist I've posted definitely reflects my state of mind. A few days ago I posted the song "Everybody Knows" on Facebook and a friend of mine commented that the big problem was that most people DON'T know. So many people just believe what they're told without question. Year after year the Republicans manage to bamboozle the people that they're screwing the most - the lower and middle-class working people.

I'll get down off my soapbox now.

Concrete Blonde - Everybody Knows

I first heard this song in the movie "Pump Up The Volume". Luckily I am not often in the mood to hear this song but when I am, this is the ultimate paean to resignation and cynicism.
Koko Taylor - Trying to Make a Living

Although for many of us it gets harder and harder, we're all out there just trying to make a living. Unfortunately, for many of our CEO's and corporate bigwigs making a living means obscenely large bonuses on top of seven or eight-figure salaries, which doesn't leave much left for the rest of us. Oh yeah, I forgot - it's all part of the trickle down theory. Silly me.
Randy Newman - Roll With The Punches

In anyone else's hands this song could be rather offensive but Randy sings it so tongue in cheek that it's real meaning is obvious. Yes, I still think the U.S. is a great place to live and I try never to lose sight of the fact that despite whatever problems I am facing I am still one of the privileged. But it does scare me to see where we could be going.

The Swamp Rats - Louie Louie

And now for something completely different. I realize I posted this back when this blog just started but what the hell. The ultimate mindless and loud version of the ultimate mindless and loud garage song. Sounds pretty good to me just about now.
Frank Evans & The Top Notchers - Gotta Get Some Money

Everybody's short of cash these days. If you want the honey you've got to have the money. Ain't that the way of the world?
The Electric Pop Group - Not By Another

These guys are my favorite new band - at least for this week. Think Jesus & Mary Chain meets Gene Clark and you're definitely on the right track. Check out their myspace page to hear more.
Etta James - Seven Day Fool

Etta James has never been anybody's fool so this guy must be something pretty special. "..Fool" has been reissued a number of times and for some reason they always use the stereo mix which lacks a lot of the punch of the mono version.
Phillip Roebuck - Jackass Blues

This is another song I am posting a second time (my bad - sorry about that) but just by its title alone it somehow seemed to fit my current mood. Taken from a wonderful 2-disc compilation "Attack of the One-Man Bands" which is available at Amazon.

Husker Du - Makes No Sense At All

I've always liked this song and have been meaning to post it for awhile. This seemed like an opportune time.
Jackie Wilson & Lavern Baker - Think Twice

Two of the best voices in Soul (or any other genre for that matter) combine forces here. I'm not sure if this was ever released as a single (although it's inclusion on a few different best-of compilations suggests that it probably was) but I'm thinking that once again, it sounds like the stereo mix dilutes a good deal of its punchiness.
The Montells - You Can't Make Me

As far as I know "YCMM" was the only release by this Florida combo but it's inclusion on one of the "Back From the Grave" comps insures them a place in garage band lover's hearts forever.
Los Valendas - The Clock Is Ticking

I know almost nothing about these guys besides what my 3 years of high-school Spanish all those years ago enables me to glean from their myspace page. They have a few albums that all seem to be out of print although you can probably track them down with a little internet detective work. Their lead singer sounds somewhat like George Harrison.
The Lovin’ Spoonful - Do You Believe In Magic

And now for the happy smiley part of our program. A friend of mine once described "...Magic" as a love song to Rock & Roll and that's exactly what it is.
The Factory - Try a Little Sunshine

I love the music from this brief period of British psychedelia. That time when bands were beginning to experiment and expand their musical ideas (often with the help of a few herbs or chemicals) but before they started taking themselves way too seriously and became "progressive".

Dr. John - Accentuate The Positive

When it comes down to it at the end of the day, the best anyone can do is to try and take the good Doctor's advice. Otherwise the bastards win.

I don't know why you want to tell me when I'm right and when I'm wrong.

Love Is A Mix Tape

"Love Is A Mix Tape" by Rob Sheffield is one of the best books about Rock and Roll and its omnipresent effect on the lives of the people who love it that I have ever read. Although the art of the mix tape is slowly dying, for many of us who've been fans since before the digital age, it was a major part of our musical appreciation. Just like doing this blog is a means of expression for me, making a mix tape was a way to bare one's soul. We made tapes to woo, to console, to celebrate, to wallow or just to party. They were never merely a haphazard collection of songs. Each song had to be the perfect continuation of the last one, comprising a 45 minute suite that somehow said in music what we could not express verbally. And then we got to do it all over again on the other side. "Love Is A Mix Tape" is about one man's life, both with and without the love of his life as expressed through Rock and Roll. The fact that his musical tastes and mine were sometimes quite different made little difference to me the more I read. Most important to me was the reaffirmation of the power of music we love to not only chronicle our lives but to actually transform them.

Alex Chilton - Bangkok

I can't imagine what Alex was thinking of when he recorded this sometime in the late 70s (if my memory serves me right) but nonetheless it's a great song. New wave before there was any new wave.
The Bedlam 4 - No One Left to Love

I know absolutely nothing at all about this record. As far as I know it's only available as a reissue single. Copies might still be available through Bomp or Norton.
Clarence 'Frogman' Henry - Troubles, Troubles

Clarence Henry always struck me as a slightly more raucous version of Fats Domino which, come to think of it, is not a bad thing at all. This song was the flip side of his first hit "Ain't Got No Home".
Kate & Anna McGarrigle - Complainte Pour Ste. Catherine

I just heard the sad news that Kate McGarrigle lost her battle with cancer today. Back in the early 70s I was heavily into singer-songwriters and I remember buying the first Kate & Anna McGarrigle album mainly because they had written "Heart Like A Wheel" for Linda Ronstadt. At that point I was already starting to be bored with all of the samey-soundingness of much of what I was listening to. The McGarrigles were a real breath of fresh air and their album became a favorite that remains so until this day. My condolences go out to the McGarrigle and Wainwright families. Your loss is ours as well.

Pavement - Elevate Me Later

In his book, Rob Sheffield talks a lot about Pavement. He was and is a big fan. Having not paid them much attention up to this point, I got curious and decided to check them out. Much of their music demands more attention than I have had the time to devote so far, but there were a handful of songs that grabbed me on first listen. This was one of them.

Herman's Hermits - Hold On

Just this afternoon they showed "Hold On" on IFC. Unemployment does have its little benefits I guess. For much of my life Herman's Hermits were a guilty pleasure as they were considered way too teenybopper to really be taken seriously. The truth of the matter is that they had lots of great songs like this movie title song. And the movie itself was kind of cool as well - lightweight but fun.
Gary U.S. Bonds - This Little Girl

Produced by Bruce Springsteen, "This Little Girl" made it to number 11 on the Billboard chart in 1981 and gave Gary's career a well-deserved boost.
The Pretenders - Boots Of Chinese Plastic

Although they have been recording pretty steadily since the 80's, I had pretty much lost track of The Pretenders over the years. But a few months ago I read a really good review of their latest album "Break Up The Concrete" from which this is taken and I decided to hear what they were up to. What a pleasant surprise to find that either this was a return to their former greatness or perhaps they never lost any of their old fire to begin with.
Roger Collins - Promised Land

Roger is best known for "She's Looking Good" on Galaxy and from the sound of it, this funkified version of the old Chuck Berry classic was recorded a few years later, perhaps around 1970 or so for the Pompei label.
The Missing Links - You're Drivin' Me Insane

What can I say about this record? It's an absolute stone garage/freakbeat classic. So many incredible records came out of Australia in the mid-60's and this one was definitely one of the best.

The Replacements - Nowhere Is My Home

This was recorded during some sessions the boys did with Alex Chilton in the mid-80's but for some reason it only came out on the UK-only release "Boink". I think it is now a bonus track on one of their recent album reissues which is a lucky thing for us as I personally think it's one of the best songs they ever recorded. I love that little lead guitar riff.
Willie Hutch - Lucky To Be Loved By You

Although Willie is best known for his blacksploitation soundtracks "The Mack" and "Foxy Brown" his career dates back to the mid-60's when this northern soul classic was recorded for the RCA label.

Richard Berry - Have Love Will Travel

"Have Love..." has been recorded and played live by countless garage bands over the years but here is the original by the same man who not only wrote this but also "Louie Louie" as well. So why isn't he in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Flat Duo Jets - Needles And Pins

I'm so used to hearing this song with The Searcher's sugar-sweet vocals that I had to play this version a few times before it began to grow on me. Although it's definitely a little rough around the edges, Dexter Romwebber has a really fine voice.
Clifford Brown & Max Roach - The Blues Walk

Clifford Brown and Max Roach are two names that will always be associated with 50's bebop. I'm not sure who else is playing on this session. This is what I love about the best jazz. A bunch of guys (almost always) getting together and spurring each other on to greater heights of virtuosity, expanding on but never abandoning the original framework of the tune.

Illusion fills my head like an empty can

What's In A Download?

As almost everyone is no doubt aware, since day one record companies have been waging war against downloaders, arguing that the practice not only cuts into their profits but hurts the artist as well. And every so often they succeed in shutting down a blog or a posting board. The latest casualty is the Rockhall Forum which specialized in 50s R&R. It was shut down after numerous complaints and threats by a certain German record label who are well known for their high quality and extensive reissues. Looking at it from the point of view of the record company, I can understand why they would be so up in arms. They go to great effort and expense to put out a quality product and they deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. Seeing their CDs offered for free is not only demoralizing, it also cuts into their bottom line. If people can download a 5 or 6-disc boxset for free with just a few clicks of the mouse, why would they shell out $100-plus dollars for the CDs.

Or would they? Speaking for myself, if I like something, owning it on an mp3 is not enough. I want the real thing. MP3s are fine for the ipod but when I'm at home listening to my stereo, they just don't cut it. I read somewhere that many downloaders actually spend more money on music than their non-downloading counterparts. That doesn't surprise me all that much. I can't begin to count how many albums I've bought that I first heard as mp3s. Albums or songs that I would have otherwise never heard of. And that includes some of the reissues by this particular label.

I am a music collector and I admit that I am totally obsessive about it. More so than 99.999 ad infinitum percent of the music loving population. For me, the worst thing that could happen would be if labels like the one in question here decide that it's just not worth their time and effort and decide to pack it in. In that scenario, everybody loses. And as long as the record companies see downloading as this big evil thing that is sucking them dry, they are going to either make it more and more difficult or just stop altogether. Every so often I get a comment from a reader who has actually gone out and bought something after hearing a song I've included. I'd like to see more of that. A comment or two might not mean all that much but it would be nice to show that downloading does not necessarily mean freeloading.

Big Walter - Pack Fair & Square

Although I love a good Robert Johnson or Charlie Patton record as much as the next guy, my love of the blues is mainly at that point where it starts to cross over into Rock & Roll. While Big Walter had a more old-school bluesy sound than Little Richard or Bo Diddley, there was no doubt that when he wanted to he could rock just as hard.
The Lurkers - Ain't Got A Clue

After I put together and uploaded this latest playlist I realized that I had posted this track a few months ago. That's probably because this song is such a favorite of mine. Play it again, Sam.

The Phinx - My Baby Don't Care

Hailing from Boonseville, Mississippi these guys cut this one terrific folk-rocker and were most likely never heard from again. As always, anyone with a little more info is welcome to enlighten us with a comment.

Mark & The Spies - Another Chance

Mark & The Spies are perfect examples of what I was talking about in my intro. I forget which of their two albums I "stole" online first, but once I got wind of them I knew that they needed to be in my collection. Check out their myspace page to hear more.
Bob Dylan - Dusty Old Fairgrounds

There's something about this song that makes me feel a yearning for something I can't exactly put my finger on. Maybe it's all of those carnival images conjuring up a vision of an older more exciting America I always vaguely sensed but never actually knew growing up in my nice little Queens, NY suburb.

Gene Vincent - Slippin' And Slidin'

I only heard Gene's rendition of Little Richard's classic for the first time fairly recently but it's quickly become an Ipod favorite. I'm not sure who's backing him up but whoever it is, they sound like they're positively on fire.
Chubby Checker - Karate Monkey

From the sound of it I'm guessing that this came out sometime in 1967 or 68. Unfortunately, despite being a big favorite with the Northern Soul crowd, ABKCO Records left it off their Chubby Checker Best-Of a few years ago. There were so many great records on the Cameo-Parkway labels back in the day and the ABKCO reissues pretty much only stick to the hits. I'd love to see them do a rarities box.
Randy Newman - Sail Away

Talk about conjuring up visions of an old long-gone America, this song always makes me feel kind of nostalgic, despite the fact that if you listen a little closer to the lyrics you can hear how tongue-in-cheek they are.
The Electras - Dirty Old Man

This has always been a favorite of the 60s garage crowd and with that pounding beat, soulful vocal and ominous sounding organ riff, it's truly not hard to see why.
Redd Kross - Heaven Only Knows

I saw Redd Kross on their last tour a few years ago and it was really kind of mind boggling just how many great songs they had. Not only in their originals but also their knack for picking great covers like this Shangri-Las B-side.

Jerry Reed - When You're Hot, You're Hot

And when you're not you're not. Truer words have never been spoken - or sung. This was actually a Top 10 hit for Jerry Reed back in the spring of 1971.

Muck & The Mires - Hang All Over Me

I've seen these guys a bunch of times and every time I do they totally blow me away. Nobody writes such great pop songs and makes it look so easy like they do. Visit their website and buy some of their albums. They deserve your support.

Sons Of Robin Stone - Got To Get You Back

Despite the fact that this has the same Philly Soul sound that proved so successful for The Spinners and The O'Jays, this didn't even crack Billboard's Top 100. Such a great record, I never understood why this wasn't a big hit.

Chad & Jeremy - Teenage Failure (Single-Version)

This is probably as rocking as C&J ever got in their career. Despite the fact that it's an obvious novelty song, it still has a kind of endearing charm.
Sandie Shaw - Nothing Less Than Brilliant

Although she had her biggest successes in the mid-60s, Sandie continued recording at least until the 80s. This song is from one of her later albums "Hello Angel". Once again, had I not downloaded the album on a whim from some other blogsite I would never have heard this lovely song and I wouldn't have gone out and bought the album which, incidentally, I wholeheartedly recommend.
Ronnie Bird - Ou va t'elle

I'm not sure how big of a splash Ronnie made outside of his native France, but at home he was a big star. Here he turns in a nice version of the Hollies' "Come On Back".
Robert Parker - Happy Feet

Although Robert is most well known for his hit "Barefootin'", he had a number of other records that were just as good. I scored a pretty nice vinyl copy on Gemm Music for $10.

Oh our clothes they was torn but the colors they was bright.

Happy New Year

Another year done been and gone. I know many people who will be glad to see the last of 2009, hoping for better things in 2010. For me personally, it wasn't all bad by any means. I finally finished school - it took me 40 years but I actually got my BBA. I even managed to get a B+ in Calculus. Hopefully the job market will improve enough so that my diploma will actually help me get a decent job within the next few months. No matter how down I got over this past year, I tried (even if I didn't always succeed) to keep in mind the fact that despite whatever hardships and pressures I was facing, there were millions of people throughout the world who would happily trade places with me. Sometimes a little perspective helps. Tonight I will be celebrating the New Year (and decade as a matter of fact) with The A-Bones and The Detroit Cobras. Happy New Year one and all.

B.B. King - Woke Up This Morning

More often than not, I find B.B.'s music a little too clean for my tastes. But here he adds a little New Orleans styled Rhumba beat to spice up the proceedings.
Ian Dury and the Blockheads - Wake Up And Make Love With Me

What guy I know hasn't felt like this at one point or other? In anyone else's hands this would sound totally sleazy but Ian makes his point in his usual gentlemanly style.
Chad & Jeremy - The Truth Often Hurts The Heart

The first time I ever heard this song was when C&J made a guest appearance on The Patty Duke Show and as far as I know, it never got much radio airplay anywhere. It's a shame because it's one of their best records. Maybe the truth hurt too much.

Drafi - I Wanna Take You Home

Although Drafi was much more popular in his native Germany, he had a minor hit here with "Marble Breaks and Iron Bends" in the Spring of 1966. I like this one just as much.
Bram Tchaikovsky - Lullaby On Broadway

I seem to remember this song being issued as an import 12-inch single (remember those?) sometime around 1979 or 80 and it even got a fair amount of airplay on some "alternative" radio stations. Unlike a lot of music that got lumped in under the "New Wave" banner, this has aged quite nicely and still sounds fresh.
Bob Relf - Blowin' My Mind To Pieces

I first heard this song on a Goldmine Soul Supply compilation about 10 years ago and since then it has been reissued a number of times on a few different collections and even on a 45. Which is lucky for us as an original will set you back at least $100.

Puffy - I Don't Wanna

For a number of years Puffy were the darlings of the J-Pop crowd. For the most part I found most of their music a little too cutesy for my tastes but somewhere along the line, their producers decided to have them rock out more. Not a bad idea at all.
The Gaggas - Bright Light Big City

Besides the fact that these guys came from Sweden, I have absolutely no information on them. I don't even remember from where I got this mp3, as according to the Soybomb garage database, this song is not on any compilation. There is a video of them on Youtube however. If anyone out there knows anything more, please leave a comment.

Solomon Burke - Maggie's Farm

Another Dylan cover. This is as unlikely a pairing as I could ever have imagined but somehow it works. But then again, I don't think there's anything Solomon Burke couldn't sing.
Primal Sream - Ivy Ivy Ivy

Over the course of their career, Primal Scream have gone though a number of personnel and style changes. I personally like them best when they play straight ahead tuneful Rock & Roll as they do here. "Ivy Ivy Ivy" is from their self-titled album available on Amazon for pretty cheap.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins - You Ain't Foolin' Me

Screamin' Jay has one of the most distinctive voices in R&R. I saw him one time at an oldies show in Central Park and they had to stop the show for about a half hour as the police would not allow him to do his schtick where he would come onstage in a coffin. I don't remember how it was all finally resolved but he was great.
The Youngbloods - Sunlight

This is such a pretty song. Over the years it's always been a favorite, bringing out various emotions depending on my relationship status and state of mind at the time.
The Bush - Feeling Sad and Lonely

Hailing from California in the mid-60s, these guys made it big enough to open for The Stones back in the day. This moody R&B number is from their CD that was issued last year by Ugly Things magazine. You can buy a copy here.
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks

This Undertones classic will need no introduction to many readers of this blog. When I was attempting to learn to play guitar, this song was always a lot of fun to play - the 80s equivalent of "Gloria".
Huey "Piano" Smith & The Clowns - She Got Low Down

This must have been some crazy party until it got totally out of control. HPS & Co. never fail to provide the perfect good-time vibe, be it for a party or just walking around listening to the Ipod.
Alfred Brendel - Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major ('Alla Turca')

This is some of that "longhair music" Huey Smith & his Clowns were singing about. When I was a kid I remember reading an Archie comic, the gist of it being that Archie's father walks into a record store and asks for some "short hair" music. For me growing up, Classical music was one of the things that got caught up in the 'Us VS Them' generation wars. Listening to this now, it seems to me that Mozart was his era's combination of Paul McCartney and Alex Chilton. His music is easy to listen to, incredibly hummable and, the more one listens the more hidden nuances make themselves heard. Alfred Brendel is one of the world's premier pianists and has recorded many albums of Mozart's music but this particular piece comes from this one.

I tried to quiet her down she threw her arms around my neck

Home for the Holidaze

Is it just me or, this year, does it seem that the holiday season has sprung up out of nowhere? Maybe it was due to this years' November baseball - I was watching the World Series and then when I went out to the store, the whole shopping area was filled with Christmas decorations. Or perhaps it's because for the second year in a row, this holiday season finds me (and countless others) still unemployed. Whatever the reason, it just doesn't seem very Christmasy this year. Oh well, c'est la vie. Enjoy the music and leave comments. I really love hearing from people.

Bryan Ferry - The Times They Are A-Changin'

The more things change the more they stay the same. Bob Dylan wrote this song over 45 years ago and it still sounds apropos to our current time. Bryan Ferry's version has always been a favorite,so here it is.

Carl Perkins - Her Love Rubbed Off

Carl might not have been as wild as some of his Sun Records contemporaries but, as this song proves, he could be just as intense in his own somewhat softer, quieter way.
Casey Jones & the Governors - Don't Ha Ha

I've always loved this song by Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns and here, CJ & Co turn in a snappy sped-up version. Back when I used to see The Swingin' Neckbreakers, they always used to do this song and now I know from where they most likely got their arrangement.
Crabby Appleton - Go Back
Stories - I'm Coming Home

And now for the hit portion of our program. Back in May of 1970, Crabby Appleton hit the charts for the first and last time when "Go Back" made it up to number 36 on the Billboard Top 100. Two years later, Stories had their first of a handful of chart entries as "I'm Coming Home" climbed up to number 42. This song was written by Michael Brown who, a few years earlier, wrote "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina" for the Left Banke.

Fred Neil - The Dolphins

Fred Neil was very active in the early 60's folk scene and the list of songs he wrote for himself and others is quite impressive to say the least. "The Dolphins" has always been a personal favorite of mine.
Gino Washington - Out Of This World

I seem to remember playing this a few times in my DJ days and, if memory serves me correctly, it never failed to fill up the dance floor. Listening to it now on my computer, it still sounds damn fine.
John Fred & Playboy Band - Can I Get a Word In

Although JF & Co. are mostly remembered for their rather annoying hit record "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)", they had a handful of other singles, of which this is but one, that were so much better.
Little WIllie John - Talk To Me, Talk To Me

For my money, Little Willie John had one of the best voices in R&B and was second to none in the way he could put over a song. Sadly, he died while in prison in 1968 at the young age of 40.
The Lyres - You Won't Be Sad Anymore

Despite the fact that the vocals are somewhat muffled and it's hard to make out the words, this has alway been one of my favorite Lyres songs. At this point they are not as active as they once were which is a shame because when they were running on all cylinders, their shows were second to none.
Mando Diao - Cinderella

I don't remember exactly when and where I first heard of these guys although now that I have, I am definitely a fan. Hailing from Sweden it's not likely that they'll be playing NYC anytime soon but if and when they do, I will definitely be there to cheer them on. Check out their MySpace page.
Paul Revere & The Raiders - Good Thing

According to my friend and Top Shelf Radio DJ Dave the Rave, he is working with some folks at Collector's Choice Records on a multi-disc Paul Revere & The Raiders singles box. Although many of the single versions have appeared as bonus tracks on some Sundazed PR&TR album reissues, this will be the first time that they are all together in one place. I for one, can't wait.
Doris Troy - Special Care

This song is from the album she recorded for Apple Records which is now out of print and is selling for big bucks on places like Amazon and Gemm Music.
Willie Egans - It's a Shame

"It's a Shame" is pretty standard, straightforward mid-50s R&B. While it may sound like hundreds of other records made back in the day, and despite the rather crude recording, it's definitely got an extra spark of something that makes it sound fresh and exciting 55-plus years later.
The Cobras - I Wanna Be Your Love

While many of you will already know this song from the "Teenage Shutdown" series this version comes from a privately pressed CD-R, made directly from the 45s. And anyway, this is one of those songs you can never hear too many times.
Thelonious Monk - Boo Boo's Birthday

I always feel a little intimidated writing about Jazz. I feel like one of those people who say "I know nothing about art but I know what I like". But the fact is that I do like this song a lot. It's got an upbeat happy sounding melody and I like how the soloists go out on their own but never seem to stray too far from the tune.

When you kiss me tonight you pretend that his lips are mine

Falling Into Fall

I guess it's a testament to my true procrastinating nature that here it is one month away from the start of winter and I'm first falling into fall now. The truth of the matter is that I've been kind of busy with school and dealing with a bit of depression these past weeks. Going back to school was an interesting adventure at first but now I am getting rather tired of it. After working for so many years, taking all these classes that seem so unrelated to the "real" world (whatever THAT is) with kids that are almost young enough to call me grandpa, is starting to get to me. But the good news is that in 6 weeks I'm all done and will be an official college graduate. Hopefully that will make finding a job a bit easier. Also, on the good (if somewhat old by this time) news side of the page is the Yankees winning the World Series. It was a great series and the Phillies were worthy adversaries. It doesn't always work out that way but this year the World Series really did match up the two best U.S. teams in baseball. So enough talk, time to strike up the band.

The Fowls - The Yanks Are Champs

Back in the mid-80s I spotted this record on a back shelf in Stan's Souvenirs Shop, which sits right across the street from the old Yankee Stadium. As soon as I saw the yellow Rotten Rat Records label, I figured it was worth a listen. So I handed over my $4 and hoped for the best. And what a fabulous record it is! Even Billy Miller, co-editor of Kicks Magazine and one of the most vehement Yankee-haters I know has admitted that this is one of the best sports related Rock & Roll records ever.

Bob Dylan - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (7-25-65)

I'm not sure from what album this particular recording originates although I'm guessing it was from one of the numerous bootlegs made from live tapes recorded during that period. Nonetheless, this is a splendid rendition of one of his best songs.

The Flatmates - If Not For You

I've always had a fascination for Dylan covers. His songs are so multi-faceted and open for interpretation. The best known version of "If Not For You" is probably George Harrison's but I've always liked the Flatmates' take on it just as much.

The Hoods - I'm A Dog

The Hoods hailed from Sweden and this 2-minute plus blast of snotty garageified R&B is one of a handful of great records they recorded in 1964-65. A quick Google search didn't reveal much so if anyone out there has any info on these guys, a comment or two would be greatly appreciated.

Jimmy Patton - Yah I'm Movin'

A few months ago I posted Jimmy' "Okie's in the Pokie" and this track is just as good. He had at least one more 45 "Let Me Slide" which I'll also post sometime. All three are available on a number of different Rockabilly comps that have come out over the years.

Jimmy Reed - Shame, Shame, Shame

Jimmy Reed has always been one of my favorite blues singers. This song is one of his best and has been covered a number of times over the years. Back in January I posted a wild version of this song by Aerosmith from their "Honkin' on Bobo" album.

The Lackloves - In Due Time

These guys embody everything I love about Power Pop - hook-filled songs with intelligent lyrics, lots of chiming guitars and confident yet not overly cocky vocals. They have at least 3 albums out, all of which are available on Amazon.

Lady Dottie & the Diamonds - Why I Sing the Blues

If Etta James ever got together with The Detroit Cobras, they'd probably sound a lot like Lady Dottie and The Diamonds. I can't remember the last time I heard such soulful blues rock so hard. Check out their album. I don't go to nearly as many live shows as I used to but if LD & Co. ever come to town, I'll be front and center.

Beck - I'll Be Your Mirror

I really love this new project of Beck's. He's going back with various friends and re-recording songs by some of his favorite artists. This is his first effort and here he turns in a beautiful version of "I'll Be Your Mirror" from the Velvet Underground's debut album. Best of all, he's posting them online for no charge.

Mike Furber & The Bowery Boys - You Stole My Love

Brisbane, Australia's Mike Furber & Co are fairly well known in 60's garage circles, most notably for their version of "That's When Happiness Begins" but I think I like this one even better.

The Beatles - Baby You're A Rich Man (alt.)

Considering that The Beatles broke up almost 40 years ago, all of the hoopla surrounding their latest box set reissues is truly amazing - and richly deserved. I've been a fan since day one and when I listen to these remasterings I hear things with a clarity I never experienced before. Because they were such perfectionists, for almost every song they recorded there are a number of alternate versions and outakes. I'm sure it's way too much to ask but I'd love to see a similarly mastered box dedicated to some of those. This version of "Baby You're a Rich Man" is not very different from the original single version but I think I detect a few slight changes here and there.

Frantic Johnny Rogers - Sassy

From the fabulous "T-Bird Party" compilation comes this delightful R&B stomper. Anyone with an extra $149. to spend can find a nice NM copy of this on Gemm Music. Or if anyone is looking for a nice graduation present to get me....

The Sting Rays Of Newburgh - Fool

These guys hailed from my home state of New York and as far as I know, this record was their only claim to fame. My apologies for the screw up on the file name. This is how it should read.

The Chaps - Remember To Forget Her

From the sound of this moody folk punker I'm guessing it was recorded in 1965 or 66. This particular recording was taken from the Psychedelic States: Arkansas compilation and if anyone has an original for sale or trade, please get in touch via the comments section.

Vivian Girls - Such A Joke

While this is not at all retro sounding, I can still hear a 60s garage influence in their music. Of course it's all filtered through a punk/post-punk sensibility that many garage purists might not like but personally, I really like both of their albums. Fans of Jesus and Mary Chain or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club take note.

Roger Miller - Dang Me

To many, Roger Miller is primarily remembered as a Country novelty act and this song will do little to change anyone's mind. Truth be told, he was a lot more than that and he was elected to the Nashville Songwriters hall of Fame in 1973. I've always liked his songs for their easy-going warmth and their sense of joie de vivre.

Z.Z. Hill - Baby I'm Sorry

Although Z.Z. never achieved Otis Redding's or Wilson Pickett's level of commercial success, it wasn't for lack of either trying or talent as this stomping soul toe-tapper clearly shows.

Strike one....strike two....strike three.....You're OUT!

What Is The What

Every so often I read a book that really throws me for a loop and gets me to see my life in a whole new perspective. "What Is The What" by Dave Eggers, which I finished a few days ago, is definitely one of them. It's the story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee whose village was invaded when he was 7 years old. It's told in the first person and he tells how he had to trek hundreds of miles on foot to relative safely - not once but a few times over the next decade. He talks about his life traveling in the jungle, in the refugee camps, his struggle to be allowed to come to the US and about his life in Atlanta where he finally settled. What really moved me was how he always maintained his basic humanity - his compassion, morals and even (most of the time) his sense of humor while experiencing horrors I can barely imagine. It gave me pause to reflect, despite my own career woes of the past year, how relatively easy my life has been and how lucky I am. As a friend once reflected about her own life, all my problems are problems of privilege. I was also struck by the similarities of human nature between people who are so culturally different from myself. I saw many of my own character strengths and flaws in the people he lived and traveled with 10,000-plus miles away from me. Despite all of the bad things that happen, in the end I found this book quite uplifting.

Big Boy Pete - London American Boy

Supposedly Big Boy Pete (aka Pete Miller) was a hipster in the 60s London Mod scene but I've also heard it said that he is nothing more than the figment of someone's creative imagination. No matter. He's got 3 CDs chock full of those freaky beat sounds I love so much. And if it's all a scam, so much the better - I take my hat off to whoever it was that pulled the wool over so many eyes.

Big John Greer - Come Back Maybelline

You don't need me to tell you which record's popularity this one attempted to cash in on. Personally, I always thought originality was overrated and this is one fine slab of noise in it's own right.

Dar Wiliams - It's Alright

I've been a fan of Ms. Williams for a few years now. Stylistically I guess she's in the same camp as Lucinda Williams although her sound is generally a bit slicker.
Hank Williams - I'd Still Want You

I'm sure that HW needs no introduction to anyone following my blog. This is taken from the "Hillbilly Hero" box that came out on Proper a few years ago, copies of which are still available on Amazon.
The Litter - A Legal Matter

It's hard to imagine anyone improving on this classic by The Who but Minnesota's Litter give them a run for their money. I'd say it's a toss up.
Mort Shuman - I'm A Man

Mort Shuman had a long and varied musical career before his untimely death at age 54 in 1991. Back in the late 5o's and early 60's he wrote a slew of hit records wit Doc Pomus and somewhere along the line, recorded this rockin' shoulda-been hit.
The Move - I Can Hear The Grass Grow (Session Mono Mix)

The first I'd ever heard of The Move was back when I was a kid and I read in 16 Magazine about how they would blow up cars in their stage show. Needless to say I was quite intrigued. I didn't get to actually hear them until a few years later and I was not disappointed when I did. "....Grass Grow" has always been one of my favorites and I really love this mono mix.
Roy Loney - Hundred Miles an Hour

I recently read something about Raven Records in Australia releasing a CD of Roy's best solo material, also called "Hundred Miles an Hour". As far as I know none of his early material has been released digitally up to now so this will be a welcome addition to his many fan's music collections.
Ry Cooder - Do Re Mi

I've always really loved RC's version of Woody Guthrie's classic "Do Re Mi". This was one of the high points of Ry's debut album and, conveniently, it is also on his recently released 2-disc career anthology "The UFO Has Landed".
Black Tie Revue - Red Everywhere

BTR are, in my opinion anyway, one of the better newer garage-punk-pop bands around. This song is taken from their only (as far as I know) album "Code Fun" which I would definitely recommend to one and all. You can hear more at their myspace page.
Mickey Murray - East Of Nowhere

Mickey Murray is best known for his fantastic version of Otis Redding's "Shout Bamalama" and while "East of Nowhere" is a bit more subdued, it gives him a chance to show just how fabulous a singer he was.
Voodoo Lust - Story Of My Life

Unfortunately for the rest of the world, Voodoo Lust never really made any waves outside of their native Australia, as they released a couple of 45s and a mini-LP all of which are wonderful in a garagey melodic punk style. The good news is that someone took some videos of them performing back in 1987 and has been so kind as to post them on YouTube.

The Gentlemen - It's A Cry'n Shame

This song probably needs no introduction to any fan of 60s garage music. Ever since it appeared on Pebbles Vol. 5 it has been much sought after, with collectors happily paying in the high hundreds for a copy. This is one time when the collector's hype is actually backed up by the music as "...Shame" is a 5-star stompin' classic. This particular recording comes from a privately pressed CD-R made from a pretty clean 45. So crank it up and let it rip!

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Twisted

Now we're getting into the jazz portion of this playlist. I first heard "Twisted" on a Joni Mitchell album back in the 70s and while she did a pretty good job of it, Annie Ross' beatnik jive vocal will always be the definitive version.
Dexter Gordon - The Blues Walk (Loose Walk)

I always feel at a loss when trying to write about jazz. I really like listening and I know a little about it but I am very conscious of the fact that there are so many people out there (probably some reading this blog) who know so much more than me. I just know that I really like this song so I will let a review I saw on Amazon do the talking: "This is a nice example of late-career Dexter, as this was recorded in 1981. Dexter is on top of his game and spurred to action by a great supporting cast: Art Blakey on drums, Percy Heath on bass and Cedar Walton on guitar, with guest appearances by George Benson on guitar and Woody Shaw on trumpet." Couldn't have said it better myself.

When you're a wizard at three, I knew that this was meant to be