The calendar reads bottom-to-top, which may be confusing, but it's easiest to view newest at the top.
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THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
6:
Mable John
"Wait You Dog"
Off 7" Single
Stax
(1967)
More info
DAY/SONG 362.
3 days left!
I do love that Mable! For more on her, please see my July 5th entry. Her brother was Little Willie John ( see his entry November 18th). He died in prison in my home state, Washington (in Walla Walla), supposedly of a heart attack, but he was in there after a big post rock n' roll show stabbing incident. Sad. But at least Mable's still kicking it at 80. She does mostly gospel now. Something I didn't mention before is that before her contract ended (dissolved) with Tamla/Motown, The Supremes sang back up for her. Only they wouldn't become the Supremes until a few years later. Tough. A-side to this is I'm A Big Girl Now, which is also really great. |
7:
Ada Ray
"I No Longer Believe In Miracles"
Off 7" Single
Zell's
(1962)
More info
DAY/SONG 363.
2 days left!
Man she's adorable. That little crying bit... Sadly, I have no time to write anything today. And there are only two days left of this site! Alas. |
8:
Frank Sinatra
"A Day In The Life of A Fool"
Off My Way Promo
Reprise
(1969)
More info
DAY/SONG 364. ONLY
1 day left!
An old Frank Sinatra promo, from 1969. It's actually the album "My Way," but it's one of the original original promos from the label. This was given to me by someone quite lovely. You know who you are, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart! This is of course the American version of Manhã De Carnaval from Black Orpheus (1959), written by Luiz Bonfá. Here's the original trailer. It makes sense that Sinatra did this on "My Way," as he'd just done (1967) a whole bossa nova record with Jobim, who wrote the rest of the songs in Black Orpheus. It's really wonderful. What I love especially about my version in particular, of Frank's stylings, is that the record is completely warped. I should have taken a photo of it on my turntable from the side; unbelievable looking. It's by far the most warped record in my collection, so I was a bit worried even playing it. But it's fine and gives it this eerie feel that's just a bit off, reminscent of Jimmy Scott. I adore it. Even more than the oh-so-smooth original. |
DAY/SONG 365. DONE!!!!!!!
9: TODAY!
Paul Carr (MY COUSIN!) & Connie Francis
"Who Are We To Say"
Off Jamboree! Soundtrack Album
Warner Brothers
(1957)
More info
ONE FULL YEAR, TOTALLING 20 HOURS, 32 MINUTES and 58 SECONDS' worth of digitized vinyl! You can listen straight for almost an entire day, if you use the player at the upper right. I feel a great sense of relief, and of course accomplishment, for doing anything (aside from the obvious) every day for one full year. Special thanks goes out to my Mumsy and Brother who FTP-d for me a few days when I was away for a weekend here or there. Speaking of, it feels quite fitting to end on this record, as I'm about to go spend the weekend at a Bat Mitzvah in Texas with my Mother's side of the family. AND, this is my Mom's first cousin singing here! My second cousin? My grandfather's brother's son. And it's also quite fitting that it's Mardi Gras week, and my Mom and her cousins are all from New Orleans. Anyway, Paul was amazing and fantastic and I miss him. He was an actor and he starred in this movie in 1957. It's really quite sad; he sings 3 of the numerous songs on here (others by Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Frankie Avalon, Carl Perkins, Buddy Knox, Slim Whitman, among many), but his photo doesn't even appear on the front cover. He wasn't a big star, but he starred in this film. They wanted him to become the next big teen hearthrob singer after this, so Chancellor records even pressed a single of Paul singing (which he gave me before he died), but he wanted to be a stage actor and declined any future musical requests. Also odd here is the fact that on the single I have of " Who Are We To Say" b/w " If Not For You," (photo below), Fran Lori accompanies him, and on this full soundtrack album from '57, Connie Francis accompanies him, but they're all singing a part that was actually played by Freda Holloway, who probably couldn't sing but was otherwise perfect for the role. Connie Francis sings Freda's parts in the film itself. Go watch the movie -- highly recommended, not just because Paul and a bunch of really great musicians are in it. And Paul, if you're listening with my grandparents, as I'm sure you are, we miss you down here on earth! Paul was also famous for playing Lt. Lee Kelso in Star Trek's "Where No Man Has Gone Before," thus making him the first man to ever be killed off of Star Trek! Jamboree also marked Frankie Avalon's first performance in a film. Obviously, what with my extreme Anette Funicello obsession, this thrills me. So anyway, it's been a fun year of vinyl. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to all of the loyal fans / listeners. Good day!
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1:
Bratmobile (With Slim Moon)
"Where Eagles Dare"
Off The Real Janelle
Kill Rock Stars (1994)
More info
DAY/SONG 357.
8 days left!
I promised Jess long ago that I'd put more of this stuff up here (her request), and then I didn't. Sorry Jess. But here it is for you now, as I still have eight days left. This selection was fitting today, after yesterday's song, for obvious reasons. I'll put up one more lovely lady for you tomorrow. So that's two days dedicated to you, dear Jess, as you've been a loyal listener (and friend, all these years)! |
2:
Heavenly
"P.U.N.K. Girl"
Off P.U.N.K. Girl EP
K (1993)
More info
DAY/SONG 358.
1 week left!
Last one for you Jess. I know you'll like it. xx |
3:
Bill Ding
"Just a Nick in the Car Door"
7" Single
Hefty Records
(1995)
More info
DAY/SONG 359.
6 days left!
As this has become a bit of a 90s week, (for some of you, sadly, that will change tomorrow), I thought this was appropriate to put up. I found it at the bottom of my stack a long time ago, and I just keep forgetting to put it on here. Listening to it brought up some hilarious memories. (Sorry, John, if this story embarrasses you). SO one night I was doing my radio show at WCNI, and I had just played this record, and I got a request from a gentleman asking me to play the same record. So I said to him, "um, sure, I'll play the other side, but I just played it." He seemed a bit shocked. "Really?" "Um yes. Are you listening to my show?" Turns out he wasn't. Or they weren't. We started talking and it turned out it was Bill Ding, calling from Chicago, trying to get more stations to play their record, and rightly so as it was really good. They often called into my show, and I played quite a lot of Bill Ding that year, and John and I developed a lovely 1990s friendship (and I also got a sweet Bill Ding sweatband out of the deal). Later, Bill Ding wrote a song called WCNI that you can find on this release. And you should check out all of John's music as " Slicker," as well as his wonderful label and all of its bands, " Hefty Records." Good day. |
4:
Jimmy Lewis
"Stop Half Loving These Women"
7" Single
Volt
(1973)
More info
DAY/SONG 360.
5 days left!
Such wise words from Jimmy. This one too ("It Ain't What's On The Woman"). God it's so good. More eloquent than Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, more soulful than Leon Phelps. Most people (which isn't actually a lot of people, unfortunately) know him because he did a duet with Ray Charles (" If It Wasn't For Bad Luck"), and then wrote and arranged all the songs on " Doing His Thing," Ray Charles' 1969 soul record. Shit, I just realized I never put any Ray Charles on here. I have several of his records; he's one of my favorites. Oops. And sorry to Jared who gave me two a while back. Please know that I'm enjoying them. His later years brought less good music but much funnier music. Please for to enjoy " That Baby Ain't Black enough." Ooh that's brutal to listen to though. Here's one more. |
5:
Ike And Tina Turner
"The Argument"
Off 7" Single
Sue
(1962)
More info
DAY/SONG 361.
4 days left!
B-Side is " Mind in A Whirl," which is also great. Little did they know just how much arguing they'd be doing a decade later. The last line of this is Ike telling her that he might give her a black eye. So prophetic. Such a sad story. But goddamn were they an amazing musical team. This is by far my favorite from that period. Love that the promo is called an "audition copy" too. A bunch of labels did that but I see it less often and I always love it. Alas, that's all I have time for today. Enjoy. |
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27:
Fat Boys
"Stick 'Em"
Off Fat Boys
Sutra Records (1984)
More info
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!
DAY/SONG 355.
10 days left!
I couldn't resist; it was calling out to me. Mostly because Dean has called me a few times this week and I'd forgotten that I made a custom ringtone of " Human Beatbox" that plays whenever he calls. Plus as of today there are only 10 days left of this site and I'm shocked that I never put this up. Or Crushin' for that matter. That has my favorite Fat Boys song on it, " My Nuts." I remember listening to that on repeat nonstop with Dan Abelson when we were twelve. Oh the memories. But I thought I'd go back to their first record today. Plus it was produced by Kurtis Blow (he's on it too). |
28:
Misfits
"Bullet"
Off Misfits
Caroline/Plan 9 (1986)
More info
DAY/SONG 356.
9 days left!
I expect there to be a fairly odd mix these last few days. Doing this every day is exhausting, so I must keep myself amused. Can't say I'm not thrilled for it to be ending. Here's an old favorite. I have this EP/Single but someone stole the record out of it in College and I was left with nothing but the sleeve. But at least that sleeve is signed by my early heartthrob Jerry Only. I used to be utterly obsessed with this band. In fact I was trying to find a business card the other day that I'd lost and I found my old Misfits Fiend Club card -- actually a number of them -- instead. I even have adorable little Jerry Only and Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein action figures. Such hot siblings. Anyway, enjoy. |
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20:
Robin Ward
"Dream Boy"
Off 7" Single
Dot (1963)
More info
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21:
The Shirelles
"I Want You to Be My Boyfriend"
Off 7" Single
Decca (1958)
More info
No time...grant writing. |
22:
Carol Hayes & The Casuals
"You Turn Me On"
Off 7" Single
Gloria (???)
Shit. Just under the gun. Only 15 days left and I'm relying on old things I recorded long ago. Oops. Sorry to those of you who are fans of this site for doing a half-assed job this week! I promise to do better tomorrow onward until the end. I'm working on a grant right now, so time is tight. I promise this is the last of the girl group singles that I'll put on here. This is a good one to end on... |
23:
Daniel Johnston
"Tell Me Now"
Off Artistic Vice
Shimmy Disc (1991)
More info
An old favorite (though not my favorite of his records). It was his first release with a full backing band ("The Eye Band"). My other favorite on here is " I Killed The Monster." Cub did a super cute version of this song once too, long ago. Wish I had that on vinyl. Man they were an adorable band. |
24:
Tomi Fujiyama
"Lonely Together"
Off 7" Single
Nugget (1964)
More info
So I had a big post up here for my brother's birthday today, but it turns out I put the wrong dates above, and in fact, it's the 24th. Who knew? I jumped from 22 to 24. So that's not until tomorrow, but man is it a good one! Until then, here's Japan's very own queen of country. Her real name, Tomoko, was shortened as it was too tough for Americans soldiers to say (she played at a lot of army bases in Japan). The same year this song was released, she played at the Grand Ole Opry, right after Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash (first Japanese woman to perform there). Bill Anderson played on this too (he had also announced her at the Grand Ole Opry). Here she is doing " Your Cheatin' Heart." Someone just made a documentary about her that may be out now (wait, friend who worked on it just said it will be done hopefully by December). Anyway, B-Side to this is " In The Beginning." |
25:
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
"Feast of the Mau Mau"
Off Feast of the Mau Mau
Edsel (1988)
More info
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENJI! I know this is one of your very favorites, so it's going out to you today. It was, of course, between this and " Constipation Blues" (and yes, that's him doing it live, with Serge Gainsbourg. A truly breathtaking piece of musical history, if you will, though the album version est beaucoup plus degoutant). Anyway, your real gift is this, here. So that's from me to you; no need to pay me back. I hope that you and sissy-in-law love having a giant, pink, ceramic construction worker greeting you in your entry way. Secondly, did Screamin' Jay ever have any sisters? Probably. I also hope to one day become Auntie to as many nieces and nephews as she is. I realize this may be an insurmountable task at this point. First stop: human cloning legalization and a gazillionare. Thanks, in advance. |
26:
Abner Jay
"I'm Georgia Bound"
Off Folk Song Stylist
Mississippi (2011)
More info
For Lisa today, as I know she's an Abner fan. Thanks again Adam! Best birthday gift ever! No time to write anything today, but look down below at my other Abner entries for more on him. Here's what Mississippi records says about the record: "Culled from a mix of Abner’s 45s & LPs spanning the period 1964-1973, including Abner’s first long lost LP, which we reproduced the cover image for this LP from. We hope that this release will help to further the current wave of understanding that Abner Jay is an important artist who deserves a wider audience than he ever received during his lifetime. Comes with a self-promotional pamphlet penned by Abner & a color photo of Abner. Housed in an old school tip on sleeve. We are very proud to get this incredibly hard to find material out into the world." You can buy the record here. And you should. |
13:
Barnes & Barnes
"Boogie Woogie Amputee"
Off The Rhino Brothers Present The World's Worst Records!
Rhino Records (1983)
More info
I thought it was appropriate to put Barnes & Barnes on here after yesterday's Wild Man Fischer. On the liner notes on the back, Dr. Demento writes, "...along the way they've given us two Rhino LPs, Voobaha and Spazchow. Never, however, have they stooped quite so low as on "Boogie Woogie Amputee," dedicated to the handicapped parking spaces of America. One of my other favorites on here is "I Like" by Heathen Dan (there are so many list songs and I think Heathen Dan is up there with Ric Gary, Ken Nordine, Charlie Mackenzie and Cole Porter). Anyway, "I Like" was voted "favorite song" on Dr. Demento's show in 1982. Produced by the Sleazola Brothers. My other favorite, " Fluffy" will hopefully at some point be used in my documentary. At least in the version in my head. (I would actually like for people to watch it after all. Apologies to Gloria Balsam). Also if anyone can figure out what "I Like" is based on, please let me know. Everytime I sing it in my head I hear maybe Cookie Monster or something? Or a country song? "I Love" maybe? Thoughts? |
14:
Shelley Fabares
"Roses Are Red"
Off The Things We Did Last Summer
Colpix (1962)
More info
This was of course a big hit for Bobby Vinton, and it's always been a favorite of mine. It was written by Paul Evans, though, who was also responsible for this masterpiece and this non masterpiece. Anyway, here's Shelley's adorable version of the song. Pretty cute. She was 18 when this came out. It was between this today and a song by Annette (who may have made the most appearances on this page next to Bob Dylan). Fitting, as Shelley and Annette are very close friends. I wish Shelley had stayed with Lou Adler forever. What a cute freaking couple. You like that Lou? HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! |
15:
Annette Funicello
"He's My Ideal"
Off 7" Single
Vista (1962)
More info
I shall be playing songs about boys this week that are as cute as can be (the boys and the songs)! That's what I'm in the mood for. The B-Side to this is also great, " Mr. Piano Man." Annette will probably make a couple more appearances on here, even though there are only nineteen days left (!!!). What can I say? She's one of my very favorites; one of my teen idols. |
16:
Dee Gillespie and the Porcupines
"Porcupine"
Off 7" Single
Vista (1958)
More info
I know nothing about this woman, nor can I find anything about her. I think it's pretty adorable though, and it's on Vista, like the wonderful Annette. A-Side was a song called " Loddy Doddy Do." Enjoy! |
17:
The Shangri-Las
"Sophisticated Boom Boom"
Off Golden Hits of The Shangri-Las
Mercury (1966)
More info
No time to write today... |
18:
The Shirelles
"Boys"
Off 7" Single
Scepter (1960)
More info
I assume you're noticing a theme this week. A-Side is " Will You Love Me Tomorrow," (which was written by Carole King, by the way)! Wonderful song. Sadly, no time to write today either... Sorry! |
19:
The Angels
"Wow Wow Wee (He's The Boy For Me)"
Off 7" Single
Smash (1964)
More info
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6:
James And Bobby Purify
"Goodness Gracious"
Off 7" Single
Bell (1967)
More info
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7:
The Bad Habits
"If The Whole World Stopped Loving"
Off 7" Single
Paula (1971)
More info
No time today, I'm afraid. Read this for more info... |
8:
Alberta Hunter with Thomas ("Fats") Waller on organ!
"Beale Street Blues"
Off 10" 78 RPM Single
Victor (1927)
More info
One of my oldest records. If you're a fan of this site, you probably know that I adore Alberta Hunter. And Fats Waller too, for that matter. What a great song! Too much to write about both of them, and I'm posting at 9:52pm, so I'll leave it at that tonight. |
9:
Tom Lehrer
"The Wiener Schnitzel Waltz"
Off Songs by Tom Lehrer
Lehrer Records (1953)
More info
There's too much to write about Tom Lehrer. I was surprised to see this on his website. Even the kids know him. Well done Danielle Radcliffe. Here's a little something written in 1953 for the back of his record: "This recording of the imitable songs of Tom Lehrer has been issued, in spite of widespread popular demand for its suppression, primarily for the benefit of a small but diminishing group of admirers of his dubious talents, talents which have been on display for several years at functions, orgies, and diverse festive occasions around Harvard University, where he was in attendance until June 1953, as an undergraduate, graduate student, and teacher of mathematics. ..Now at least some of the songs with which he has been revolting local audiences for years are available to all, and it is no wonder that a great deal of public apathy has been stirred up at the prospect." Here's another favorite, " I Hold Your Hand in Mine." And we mustn't forget one of the better songs I've heard about mathmetician Nikolai "Lobachevsky." |
10:
Nervous Norvus
"Dig"
Off 7" "Transfusion" Single
Dot (1956)
More info
I forgot to mention a few days ago that I hit day 335; which means only 30 days left of this. Technically, now, the countdown begins: 27 days left. Insane. I just looked and we're up to 19 hours, 21 minutes of music (if you were to listen to it straight on the little player on the top right). It would be pretty awesome if I could hit 24 hours of music by day 365, but it'll be under that.
Anyway, I've put a lot of Nervous Norvus (otherwise known as Jimmy Drake) up here, but Dig hasn't made an appearance yet. It's actually the B-side to "Transfusion," which you can hear by going down to
April 9, 2010's selection. "Transfusion" is a better song (though you'll find listening to his whole repetoire that they all sound fairly similar), but as I found this recently in a super cheapo 25 cent record bin (the originals on Dot can be expensive and tough to find), thought I'd add this after yesterday's novelty pick. It's pretty great too. |
11:
Jad Fair And Daniel Johnston
"Chords Of Fame"
Off Daniel Johnston And Jad Fair
50 Skidillion Watts (1989)
More info here and also here
This is actually a Phil Ochs song. There's a new documentary out about Phil Ochs that was playing at IFC Center in NY until yesterday. Alas. Anyway, Daniel and Jad also break into " Act Naturally" at one point in this (actually, probably more Beatles for Daniel than Buck). My other favorites on here: " Hands of Love," " Happy Talk" (yes, from South Pacific), and " I Did Acid With Caroline." I actually have a video of Jad and Daniel doing that song at Jad's house (or maybe it was at David Fair's house) on the lawn way back when. It's on an old vhs that Maximum Rock and Roll put out in the early 90s. This record is, of course, long out of print (and this one was given to me by my awesome brother), but they reissued it on CD with a whole bunch of other songs at one point: " It's Spooky." Go watch my cousin's documentary about Daniel, " The Devil and Daniel Johnston." He also, not so coincidentally did a film before that about Half Japanese. Oh also, by the by, please go help Daniel with his comic book. |
12:
Wild Man Fischer
"My Sweet Little Cathy"
Off Prounounced Normal
Rhino Records (1981)
More info
I'm sorry. I know it's wrong to go from Daniel Johnston to Wild Man Fischer. And we both know why. But it's an obvious association. AND Wild Man Fischer (Larry) loves the Beatles too, just like Daniel. And Daniel accidentally almost killed his Father while Larry almost killed his Mother. Anyway, this was produced by Barnes & Barnes, who you all probably know from " Fish Heads" fame. Maybe you don't know, however, that their video marked the first second appearance of a rather punk rock Bill Paxton on screen. He also directed that video. Wild Man does his own version of Fish Heads on this record. Here's his version of " Yesterday," and here's his song for Frank Zappa, who discovered him, appropriately titled " Frank." At least I assume it's about Frank Zappa. He also does a version of my least favorite Beach Boys song, "In My Room." I should see this. Oh also, WMF was the first artist/album Rhino Records ever released. |
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1:
Mind Garage
"The Electric Liturgy: The Processional/Kyrie/Gloria"
Off Again!
RCA (1970)
More info
More christian psych! You know I love it! These guys were from West Virginia and were one of the very first Chrystian rock bands. They all met up at West Virginia University and, led/encouraged by Reverend Michael Paine, decided to write rock music with Christian content for use in his church. So they recorded The Electric Liturgy in Reverend Paine's attic. After that, they played it at a church service in 1968 and got in big trouble. And because they were so controversial, they ended up getting a lot of exposure in the news. Much later, in 1969 they played in St. Mark's Church in NY to a nationally televised audience, and this is their second record. If mass were like this, I'd go every week (Jewishness and all). You'll have to read through this (and click to see articles) to get the full story. And here too. |
2:
The Sky Saxon Blues Band
"I'll Help You (Carry Your Money To The Bank)"
Off A Full Spoon of Seedy Blues
GNP Cresendo (1967)
More info
The Seeds' fourth album; a spinoff they did with members of Muddy Waters' band. The liner notes on the back were written by Muddy Waters: "As I didn't get words at school, I don't like to speak too much, but what I say I feel is the truth. Seeing, hearing and observing many groups over the last few years, I sincerely believe that at last America has produced a group to be another Rolling Stones. As a Blues Band there will be no stopping these four forceful young men from going all the way in the record business. When you hear this new blues album, you, the listener, will understand why I am so strong in my belief in the future success of these artists. Enthusiasm, desire, understanding, and above all ability, made this session for me one of the greatest ever. They're great boys; they present a great sound. blues belongs to the soul, and they've got it!" Here's my other favorite from this record ("Creepin' About"). Neither of these are characteristic of what's on the record. Far more psych/garage driven than the newer blues of the rest of the album (of which I'm not a big fan). Here's an adorable little clip from Psych Out featuring The Seeds. Rest in peace Sky Saxon! |
3:
Arthur Lee
"You I'll Be Following"
Off Unnissued 1965 Demos
Norton (2006)
More info
Last day of gift fair -- no time to write. Thought I'd prepared record writings for a full week....oh well. Go buy something here! |
4:
The Smiths
"Frankly, Mr. Shankly"
Off The Queen Is Dead
Rough Trade(1986)
More info
It was calling out to me today. For Jessica, wherever she may be. This was one of our 8th grade favorites... |
5:
The Clash
"Straight To Hell"
Off Combat Rock
Epic(1982)
More info
Wiped out from gift fair. No writing for a bit. Barely posting... |
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30:
H.P. Lovecraft
"Wayfaring Stranger"
Off s/t first album
Philips (1967)
More info
Good pscychedelic/folk from Chicago. Their music was said to be inspired by the horror writer of the same name. Gorgeous harmonies, nice instrumentation (harpsichord, clarinet, recorder, organ, etc...).
There are a couple of Fred Neil covers on here (I prefer his versions), a Randy Newman song, and a few odd originals. My other favorite is " The Time Machine." " The White Ship" was their most well-known song; lovely and inspired by the H.P. Lovecraft story " The White Ship." This song is of course an old traditional (here's a version by Bill Monroe and one by Dolly), but I love George Edwards' arrangement. |
31:
Lulu
"Marley Purt Drive"
Off New Routes
ATCO (1970)
More info
Totally weird record. She recorded this at Muscle Shoals, with Duane Allman on guitar. It was produced by Jerry Wexler. This is pretty mediocre overall, but I'm putting it up because she recorded it during the time she was married to Maurice Gibb from The Bee Gees. If you've followed this blog, you know what a big Bee Gees fan I am. So here's her version of one of my very favorite Bee Gees songs from "Odessa." You can find the original, below, from my April, 8th 2010 entry. Their version is much better, but I like this because Maurice was obviously totally into it. Which is hilarious. It's not bad at all, don't get me wrong. I love the New Orleans-inspired instrumentation on it. It's louder and jazzier than the original. " Oh Me Oh My" is also on here (made popular by Lulu in 1969 before Aretha). This is, of course, the same Lulu. |
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23:
Spike Jones & His City Slickers
"Pass The Biscuits, Mirandy"
Off 10" 78rpm Single
Bluebird (1943)
More info
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24:
Rusty Draper
"Texarkana Baby"
Off 7" Single
Mercury (1953)
More info
Can't write much but here's something that is currently confusing me. The A-side to this is " No Help Wanted," which is a really great song, and Rusty does it well too, but it's really by The Carlisles ( Bill, specifically). The original is much better; I originally heard it on an old western swing compilation. Here's what doesn't make sense: both records (the original as well as the cover) came out on Mercury records, both in 1953. I bet the Carlisles were angry. Rusty would have been 88 tomorrow (I liked the transition out of Spike Jones, so he appears today)! And for my Seattle friends...he used to live in Bellevue (and then died there). |
25:
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton with Bill Harvey's Orchestra
"They Call Me Big Mama"
Off 10" 78rpm Single
Peacock (1952)
More info
One of my very favorites. Look around here for more info as this is the third Big Mama song I've posted. This was originally the B-Side to her " Hound Dog" single, which Elvis made far more popular; she did the first recording but it's a Leiber & Stoller song. "They Call Me Big Mama" and "Hound Dog" were both in the same recording session, along with the flip side to this, " Cotton Picking Blues." Here's a little bit more on the records Bill Harvey played on for Peacock. And you can see some great video of Big Mama here, including her last performance. |
26:
Abner Jay
"My Middle Name Is The Blues"
Off Last Ole Minstrel Man 10" EP
Mississippi (2011)
More info
First, THANK YOU ADAM! You are so awesome! Such a great birthday! These are Abner's final recordings (he died the same year I think). They were done in Atlanta in 1993 by Jack Teague, who also wrote some really amazing liner notes. Here's a little something from the back of the record (explaining the front of the record): "Abner has been singing and playing these same songs since 1926. He plays and sings these songs in the original style. A one man band, hambone and bone player, his banjo dates back to 1748. He plays banjo, drums, sings and plays harmonica, all at the same time. ...Abner loves the Ole Swanee river water. He feels he is too ole now to lay down on his belly and drink from the ole swanee like he used to. So now he drinks the water from a half gallon fruit jar. He drinks about a gallon of swanee water per day. He claims this is why his voice is so deep and low, also the secret of him being the father of 16 young'uns." Enjoy.
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27:
The Lonesome Organist
"Fly On My Plate"
Off Cavalcade
Thrill Jockey (1999)
More info
I love a good one man band, and as I put Abner on here yesterday, thought perhaps maybe I should add one of my other favorites, The Lonesome Organist. It's kind of a weird thing to love on vinyl, for obvious reasons. But I've seen The L.O. (Jeremy Jacobson) live before and he's amazing. Granted, that was about 15 years ago, but still. This whole album was recorded live on two-track. No mixing. Drums, guitar, chime piano, saxophone, harmonica, vocals, organ, steel drums, saw, tape delay, tap shoes, steel pan...at times. Hope you like it. Also, not sure if he's still around but he still has a website that says he's been "asserting his kuluckishness from 1996 to the present. The L.O. is the inventor of the Mitten Drumstick™ and perpetrator of the Solo simultaneous genre." Here's some video of him performing live. Oh and I decided to put one of his more accessible/dare-I-say-pretty songs on here. Most of the record is far more circus-y. |
28:
Harvey Matusow's Jew's Harp Band
"War Between Fats and Thins"
Off War Between Fats and Thins
Head (1969)
More info
First, I should probably mention that I like to collect Jew's Harps ( here's my little collection; there are even some civil war era jew's harps there). I'm also a mean jew's harp player, if I may be so bold. That said, I can't say I love the sound of jew's harp-only compositions. But an exception should be made for this record. And while there are a number of full-on jew's harp compositions here, it's not the only reason why I have the record. First, this is actually Harvey Matusow. That one. What a prick. Pete Seeger ended up forgiving him, which is pretty unbelievable. Not sure about any of the other Weavers. He recorded this while in exile in England. Not surprisingly, they were supposedly on LSD while they made it, and that female voice you hear? Oh just Stan Kenton's daughter! There's way too much to write about him. I have only added the spoken-ish songs on here, as I'm pretty sure none of you want to hear the all jew's harp numbers. Here are a few others: " Eighteen Nuns" and " The Officials, Motherhood is No Accident & Margie Swiss Cheese." Matusow ended up becoming a mormon. He died in 2002. You may read excerpts of Job's (his post-Mormon name) unfinished autobiography here. And I just found a really good write-up on him/the record on WFMU's Beware of The Blog. |
29:
Enoch Light
"A Little Fugue For You And Me"
Off Spaced out
(Technically: "Enoch Light presents Spaced Out, exploratory trips through the music of Bach, Bacharach, and The Beatles, integrating the Moog, the Guitar Scene, Electric Harpsichords, Flugelhorns, Etc...")
Project 3 Total Sound (1969)
More info
Enoch Light Presents SPACED OUT, innovations in stereo sound, the first new concept since the percussion era. I think the back of the record says it best: "In this new album, Enoch Light explores the new age of Supersound. You will hear all of today's musical and electro-musical discoveries that have sky-rocketed stereo into a new, exciting dynamic direction: Far out and Light years away. This "Spaced Out" record spearheads the entire sound spectrum. With side trips into some turned-on tonal zones. Like the mind-bending Moog, electric harpsichords and flipped out flugelhorns. The songs we recorded are all established hits, covering a period of more than 250 years: From Bach to Bacharach and The Beatles. We believe you'll enjoy the hip harmonics we adapted for these familiar melodies; then recorded with the most advanced electronic instruments. The result, we think, is a total in-put of spectacular stereo reproduction. Lift off!" |
16:
Lesley Gore
"Sometimes I Wish I Were A Boy"
Off 7" Single
Mercury (1964)
More info
Started 1964 girl groups week with Lesley Gore / finishing with her. Again, no time to write, but read below for more on this (Monday, Jan 10). Happy Birthday Jeff Batra, wherever you may be. |
17:
Annette Funicello
"First Name Initial"
Off 7" Single
Vista (1959)
More info
An old favorite for my last day being 34. Tomorrow I shall be in my mid-thirties. Way too tired and hungover to write anything. It's all I can do to post today. But goddamn do I worship you Annette Funicello. |
18:
The Blue-Belles
"I Sold My Heart To The Junkman"
Off 7" Single
Newtown (1962)
More info
HAPPY MID-THIRTIES TO ME! Also, more importantly, HAPPY ONLY 50 DAYS LEFT ON HERE. We're at song 315 today. And for some reason I'm in a girl groups loop. I just can't seem to break away. Here's early Patti LaBelle (and her Blue-Belles). Very controversial little number! Read the whole story here. And you really should. Insane. Here's the 1948 Basin Street Boys' original. |
19:
Chér
"Where Do You Go"
Off 7" Single
Imperial (1965)
More info
Looks like Chér originally had an accent aigu in her name! This is her second solo single; written by Sonny. The B-side is her version of See See Rider. Pretty cute. And it's a touching little number. |
20:
The Byrds
"Christian Life"
Off Sweetheart of The Rodeo
Columbia (1968)
More info
I was pretty thrilled to find my old copy of this as I was going through my parents records last month. Assumed I'd lost it over the years. Found this and an old favorite Cat Stevens record (that I'd since replaced), Bonnie Raitt's first release, some old Dylan, and Harry Nillson's "The Point." I suppose I should also mention "Mickey Mouse Disco." That was one of my favorites when I was a little kid..." Macho Duck" anyone? Left that one at home. Anyway, my Dad and I used to sing this one a lot, though we sang the Louvin Brothers' original version. It's slower and far more holy. It's fitting cause we're Jews, see? Then we'd sing Kinky Friedman's "They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus No More." I'll play that tomorrow maybe. |
21:
Kinky Friedman (and the Texas Jewboys)
"They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore"
Off s/t album
ABC (1974)
More info
As promised, yesterday. This one was given to me recently by my brother ( the back is signed to him) and holds a special place in my heart. This is my mom's camp boyfriend from when she was a kid! Kinky's parents owned camp "Echo Hills." My mom no longer lives in Texas, so she couldn't vote for him, but I'm sure her vote is still with him. Anyway, there's really far too much to say about this man. He's pretty fascinating. You can buy a cigar from him here. If you're in New York I think they also sell them at Hill Country. Oh and guess who sings backup on this? Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, among many others. Willie produced it. |
22:
The New York Banjo Ensemble
"Jasbo Brown Blues"
Off NYBE Plays Gershwin
Kicking Mule (1982)
More info
Seemed fitting today. I went to see Cynthia play last night, which is always a thrill. She was playing with the Ghost Train Orchestra, a really great band that you should go see live if you can. They play all sorts of fantastic 1920s jazz by composers who may not otherwise get heard from much ( Tiny Parham!); last night was primarily late 20s Harlem and Chicago material. I didn't get to see their second set but they were apparently doing cartoon music (Carl Stalling and the like). I'm sure it was amazing. Anyway, The New York Banjo Ensemble was Cynthia and Eddy's band back in the day (along with either Joel Eckhaus or Nancy Chernoff on piccolo banjo and either Bill Keller or Lawrence Schutz on cello banjo). Cynthia plays plectrum, Eddy plays tenor. If you get a chance, do go see both Cynthia and Eddy play. I should be promoting jazz banjo on here more often! Anyway, enjoy the Porgy and Bess done by four incredible banjo players. |
9:
The Bermudas
"Chu Sen Ling"
Off 7" Single
ERA (1964)
More info
Ricky Page for brother. Hope this doesn't offend anyone. It mixes both Chinese and Japanese stereotypes; ridiculous song all around, but worth putting on here I think. And it's a good song; sweet and adorable, in spite of the slurs. I just discovered that Ricky was one of Boris Pickett's Crypt Kickers! She was also married to George Motola and had numerous singing pseudonyms: The Georgettes, (named after George), Joanne and The Triangles, The Majorettes, Beverly and the Motorscooters, and Becky and the Lollipops. Pretty awesome. |
10:
Lesley Gore
"I Don't Wanna Be A Loser"
Off Boys, Boys, Boys
Mercury (1964)
More info
This album ended up being a bit ironic (and a bit sad), what with her coming out of the closet years later. The diary entry on the back says, "Whenever I'm making a record, I try to picture a boy who'll be listening to me. What is he like? I honestly can't say because he's not just one particular boy, but a combination of all the boys I've ever seen - and you are all pretty wonderful! If I had to think, talk, or sing about any one boy, I couldn't do it because there are so many wonderful boys, boys, boys...so let's just say that I like them all -- and that's the way girls are!" This was produced by Quincy Jones. And look at that, Lesley didn't end up being a loser at all, as the song implies. She's still around and still super awesome and used to host this PBS talk show about LGBT issues. My other favorite on here: " That's The Way Boys Are." |
11:
Banny Price
"There Goes The Girl"
Off 7" Single
Jewel (1964)
More info
Figured I may as well go with 1964 this whole week. B-side is " Monkey See Monkey Do." If you're into horns, you'll like it. One of his other singles, " You Love Me Pretty Baby," is much rarer and much tougher to find (and very expensive). I had been looking for this one for a while and somehow lucked out in a bargain bin one day. Very rarely do I get that lucky. This seems to be the only info I can find about Banny Price. |
12:
Diane Renay
"Kiss Me, Sailor"
Off 7" Single
20th Century Fox (1964)
More info
Super late posting today; no time to write anything, I'm afraid. But you can read more about Diane Renay here. B-side to this is " Soft Spoken Guy." " Navy Blue" was her big hit, also from 1964. Oh also, I decided to be a bit more specific this week than simply "1964." This week is all 1964 girl groups, I've decided... Enjoy. |
13:
The Paris Sisters
"Lonely Girl"
Off 7" Single
MGM (1964)
More info
These ladies were from San Francisco. And they really were sissies. Here's a great Paris Sisters interview from several years ago. Their mom was an opera singer for the SF Opera, their father falsified their birth certificates to make them seem older, and they were first discovered by The Andrews Sisters! Most of their stuff was produced by Phil Spector, but this one wasn't (and Phil and Priscilla had a relationship for a bit -- he even proposed to her but she was pregnant with her lighting man's baby at the time....named Edan, if you're reading this other Edan). " I Love How You Love Me" was their big hit. A-side to this is an adorable version of " Dream Lover." RIP Priscilla. |
14:
The Dixie Cups
"Ain't That Nice"
Off 7" Single
Lana (1964)
More info
1964 girl groups week continues. Can't write much today, but this is the B-Side to " Chapel of Love," their biggest hit. They were first called The Meltones, and once considered the name "Little Miss and The Muffets," but ultimately decided on The Dixie Cups. They were discovered by Leiber & Stoller (and signed to their then new label, Red Bird). So this was their first single; originally released on Red Bird, but also Lana in '64. "Chapel of Love" was originally recorded by both The Ronettes and The Crystals. Here's an ok radio interview with them. And here's another good one from 1964. Here's " Iko Iko." And this is pretty cute. |
15:
Connie Francis
"Tommy"
Off 7" Single
MGM (1964)
More info
Just barely getting this up tonight. No time to write anything... Still 1964 girl groups week... |
2:
Effie Smith
"Harper Valley P.T.A. Gossip"
Off 7" Single
Eee Cee (1968)
More info
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3:
Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters
"Be Careful of the Stones You Throw"
Off FAMILY BIBLE
Scripture Records (1965)
More info
DAY/SONG 300!!! Let the 65-day countdown begin (thank the sweet sweet heavens)! Here's a cautionary tale today, coming to you from Scripture Records of New Jersey. Brings me back to my roots. Being a Jewish girl from Seattle, this is the type of stuff my family and I used to sing around the campfire together. While it's certainly not the best song on this record, I thought it was especially appropriate after yesterday's selection. What a lovely album cover. |
4:
Lovecraft
"Lady Come Softly"
Off Valley of the Moon
Reprise (1970)
More info
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! Here's some pseudo post-psychedelic hippie shit for you. For the non-mikes, this is after H.P. Lovecraft and before Love Craft. And it's not CSNY, contrary to what you may think (not as good, sadly). |
5:
Big Joe Williams
"Big Fat Mama"
Off Legacy of the Blues V.6
Crescendo (1976 / Orig. 1930s)
More info
I have to go back to my old middle school favorites every so often. I realize this doesn't make all that much sense here. Odd week of music. It's day 302, what do you expect? Adam and Nick will like this. If you're unfamiliar, Big Joe was the first to record Baby Please Don't Go in 1935. Nine-string guitar. One string for every 2 siblings (there were 19 total). |
6:
Bo Diddley
"Road Runner"
Off His Greatest Sides V. 1
Chess (1985)
More info
|
7:
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
"All Night"
Off Screamin' The Blues
Red Lightnin' (1979)
More info
For Benji, who just gave me a bunch of records. Not this one, but I know he'll like it. Thank you, thank you. Screamin' Jay recorded this in New York in 1967. Other favorites on this one: " Talk About Me" and " Not Anymore." He has basically three different versions of " The Whammy" on here too, which pleases me. I wish I were one of his 75 children. Alas... |
8:
Barbara & The Boys
"Hooty Sapperticker"
Off Louie's Limbo Lounge
Crypt (1990s)
More info
This was done in 1958 and the record sold so fast that it had to be released twice; the second time on the wonderful "Dot Records." It was written by Bob and Dick Sherman who later wrote Mary Poppins, It's A Small World After All, and the score for The Parent Trap, among many others... They also wrote one of my all time favorite's: Annette's " Tall Paul." There are two other gems on this compilation: Frank Motley's " Honkin' At Midnight" ("It's about to hit me too!") and this ridiculousness. |
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1:
The Beach Boys
"Auld Lang Syne + The Man With All the Toys"
Off The Beach Boys Christmas Album
Capitol (1964)
More info
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Thought it best to add more than the very short but adorable Auld Lang Syne (complete with a little merry christmas and happy new year message from the boys). So I added one of my favorites from this record. One of my favorites that I think people hear less at the holidays (" Santa's Beard" and " Little Saint Nick" always overshadow. Great songs; don't get me wrong). Only 2 more days until my exciting 65-day 2011 countdown (song 298 today). |
| SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
26:
Gene Autry
"Poppy The Puppy"
Off 10" 78rpm single
Columbia (1951)
More info
Gene Autry with Carl Cotner's Orchestra and Chorus. I'm going to just keep going with the holiday music. I have a lot of it and I like it (despite being Jewish) so there you go. And I especially love Gene Autry. I used to (and sometimes still) collect singing cowboy stuff. I love cowboys in general, but there's something about those who sing. Gene has always been my very favorite of all the singing cowboys, second to Roy and Dale, of course. I shall play a couple of his holiday songs; he recorded a shocking number of them. |
27:
Gene Autry
"Santa's Coming in a Whirlybird"
Off 7" single
Republic (1959)
More info
More Gene... |
28:
The Pretenders
"2000 Miles"
Off 7" single
Sire (1983)
More info
Somehow this felt very appropriate today. Love this song.. |
29:
Bobby Vinton
"Trouble is My Middle Name"
Off Bobby Vinton's Greatest Hits
Epic (1964)
More info
It just doesn't feel like I have the right to play Christmas songs anymore. I promised my Mumsy a little Bobby Vinton, so here it is. She would have preferred Johnny Mathis, as it turns out (we discussed this at length), but Bobby's up there too. And I just don't feel the same way about Heavenly as she does. Maybe I'll go back to the good Christmas songs in February or March (it was just getting good: "Happy Birthday Jesus," "Christmas in Vietnam," "Jesus is My Santa," "Be-Bop Santa Claus," etc... It'll have to wait for President's day. |
30:
Tic & Toc
"Jibba Jabb"
Off Las Vegas Grind V.1
Crypt (1992)
More info
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31:
Duane Eddy
"Ramrod"
Off Have "Twangy" Guitar Will Travel
Jamie (1958)
More info
This was his first album. Liner notes on back are great: "This is a recording session and these are the men and machines that make up the nucleus of a thriving industry. But men and machines are not enough. There is something needed to add that all important spark... That someone, in this case, is a handsome, twenty year old, six footer named Duane Eddy and that something is his "twangy" guitar." Lester Sill and Lee Hazlewood produced this, and Lee and Duane wrote most of it. "Ramrod" was actually written by Al Casey (not to be confused with the awesome jazz guitarist who played with Fats Waller a lot, among many others). Casey also wrote " Forty Miles of Bad Road" for Eddy. My other favorite on here is " Movin' and Groovin'." |
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19:
Low
"If You Were Born Today (Song For Little Baby Jesus)"
Off 7" Single
Wurlitzer Jukebox (1997)
More info
Thought I should put something pretty up for one day as it's about to go way downhill. Way, way downhill. Here's my other favorite Low Christmas song. I have a great memory of seeing this band play many years ago at the Cooler in NYC, which is no longer there. That was a damn good venue. All the good ones are gone. |
20:
Rudy Ray Moore
"Night Before Christmas,
Part 1"
Off This Ain't No White Christmas!
Norton (Orig. 1971)
More info
Dolemite's version is unlike any you've likely ever heard. It puts the XXX in Xmas. This is for Rob today, on his birthday, as I think he'll enjoy it. There's a whole routine on this record called "Eatin' Pussy," so you can imagine what this is all about. Back in the early 70s when this came out originally (Norton did release a few newer ones on here that weren't on the first), most stores had to sell it under the counter. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED TODAY. I'm not kidding. If you have delicate sensibilities, do not listen. It's filthy. |
21:
The Supremes
"Little Bright Star"
Off Merry Christmas
Motown (1965)
More info
No time, but this one's for Sara today!! xx |
22:
Gene Martin w/ the Arthur Carrie Orchestra
"Ring Out The Bells"
Off Christmas Songs For Young Hearts
Caroleer (1968)
More info
I don't know why I have this record. I'm sure I got it for the cover many years ago. Regardless, this one's for you MUMSY & PAPPY on this here your 42nd wedding anniversary!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! This record came out the same year you got married (and, knowing how much you like christmas music, am quite sure this was not part of your collection). The best thing about this record is that its vocals are by "Gene Martin." You know him, right? Oh wait...that's Dean. Gene also recorded under the name Berry Como and Flank Sinatra. Ok that may not be true, but he did apparently record this same exact record with a different lineup and different cover/name so as to sell more. Science fact. More on that here. |
23:
AKIM & Teddy Van Production Company
"Santa Claus is A Black Man"
Off 7" Single
Simtone (1973)
More info
By far my favorite christmas song ever. Teddy died this time last year. Sounds like he was a pretty great guy.. You may know this number, also written by Teddy. Several years ago, Teddy sued John Waters for using this song on one of his complilations. He sings it with his daughter, Akim. The B-Side is also fantastic: " I Want A Natural Santa Claus." |
24:
The Kinks
"Father Christmas"
Off 7" Single
Arista (1977)
More info
At home sick today, in Seattle. Here's one of my holiday favorites. B-Side is " Prince Of The Punks." Happy Christmas eve. |
25:
The Sonics
"Santa Claus"
Off Here Are The Sonics!!!
Norton (1998 / Orig 1965)
More info
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! |
12:
Ruth Brown
"I Burned Your Letter"
Off 7" Single
Atlantic (1960)
More info
What a great song and a great lady. She died a few years ago. Her backup singers break into " CC Rider" for a brief second in this, which I think is totally awesome and very strange. Sorry, took a photo of the wrong side and too lazy to re-take. A-Side is " Don't Deceive Me," which is also great. Sorry I'm so swamped this week and can't write much. |
13:
Ketty Lester
"I'm A Fool To Want You"
Off 7" Single
ERA (1962)
More info
This is the b-side to "Love Letters," which is such a gorgeous song. Here she is performing it. This one ( Sinatra; he wrote it about Ava Gardner) is a bit disturbing and hauntingly beautiful. Reminds me of Jimmy Scott. And "Love Letters" makes me think of Blue Velvet, as I had the soundtrack on tape to that when I was a little kid and it was on there. Great soundtrack. Speaking of, I should put some of my Bobby Vinton on here. My Mom used to have a huge crush on him. Like mother like daughter. Anyway, Ketty was an actress too. You may remember her from her fine performances in "House Party 3" (if you're younger) or "Blacula" (if you're older). OR, more importantly, on Little House on the Prairie. Check this out and then this. And here's one of her odder recordings (also 1962). |
14:
Laura Lee
"Wanted: Lover, No Experience Necessary"
Off 7" Single
Chess (1964)
More info
This is maybe the best song title I've ever seen. The A-side is glorious too ( Up Tight, Good Man; and it has a great message). This one was actually written by Leonard Caston Jr. Lady Laura recorded for Chess and Cotillion back then. Later she dated Al Green. I think she sums herself up best: "Some sounds stir emotions of love, peace, joy and happiness. While others stir emotions of sadness and loneliness. In fact, in all areas of human endeavor, sound plays a major part in the accomplishment of a desired end.
...Such a unique sound is Laura Lee. For with uncanny range, ease and smoothness, she has, for years captured the emotions and feelings of millions. During some of the ballads she sings, one hears sounds which are so soulful, so mournful that religious feelings tend to surface.... Laura's repertoire is vast, and her artistry shines through. Her talents are many and they are polished. Her records, both singles and albums, have sold in their millions. She is a dancer. She is an actress. She is elegant and sensuous. She is sassy and spirited.
She is a lady." |
15:
Dave "Baby" Cortez
"Organ Shout"
Off 7" Single
Chess (1963)
More info
Ok so I photographed the B-Side, as I thought I'd put that up, but then decided against it. I prefer this one. But I'm too lazy to go and photograph the other side, so if you're dying to see it, here's someone else's photo of it. I've put so few instrumentals up here as they're rarely my favorites (there was last week's late 60s German porn music), but I made an exception for Dave and his organ. Dave's first hit, " The Happy Organ," came out in 1959. I think I prefer Dave's Happy Organ to Roy Smeck's Happy Banjo. Yeah, I said it. (I do love Roy and will put some of that record up sometime). Dave's other big hit was " Rinky Dink" (1962 / very reminiscent of " Love Is Strange" and September 8th's selection). This means absolutely nothing to me but maybe some of you will care that he's N.F.L. Wide Receiver David Clowney's Grandpa? Wow, so many singles lately. I'll do some non-singles starting tomorrow. |
16:
The Spiders
"Don't Blow Your Mind"
Off 7" Single
Sundazed (1998 / Orig. 1966)
More info
Alice Cooper's been in the news a lot the past few days as he's being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame this year (along with Tom Waits), so I thought I'd play a song by his first band, "The Spiders." Back then he was Vincent Furnier and their original name was "The Earwigs," but that only lasted about 2 weeks. They started playing together in '65 (in Arizona) -- this one's from '66. They pressed a few hundred of these originally. This song, however, was previously unissued (this version of this song, that is) before Sundazed put it on here. Pretty awesome. Really pleased that they reissued these as I fucking love Alice Cooper and there's no way I'm ever going to be able to afford, much less find, an original spiders record. Very rare/crazy expensive. |
17:
The Bachs
"I'm A Little Boy"
Off Out Of The Bachs
Void (2008 / Orig. 1968)
More info
This record was cut in one day by some kids in the suburbs of Chicago, for $400. And then they only privately pressed 150 copies, making it a super rare garage/psych record (though it's been reissued several times). They once performed in a Battle of The Bands competition and beat Ted Nugent/The Amboy Dukes. Here's another good one (taken from an original copy): Tables Of Grass Fields. |
18:
The Showcase Showdown
"Merry Christmas I Fucked Your Snowman"
Off 7" Ho Ho Ho Chi Minh! Single
Tario (1995)
More info
Time to start the holiday numbers. Probably should have started this before but I've been swamped. I'm sure you'll forgive a few after-christmas christmas songs. It's all kosher until the New Year, right, so to speak? This one's going out to Mahmood today. It reminds me of him. Not his snowman. I never fucked any of his snowmen. I don't know if he even likes to make snowmen. |
5:
Exene Cervenka
"Leave Heaven Alone"
Off Old Wives Tales
Rhino (1989)
More info
One of Exene's old solo projects. Such a pretty song with a lovely message. I got to meet X at Cellophane Square in Seattle when I was 17 and Exene and Tony Gilkyson (who wrote some of the record with her/played guitar on it) signed this one. |
6:
Nina Simone
"Please Read Me"
Off 'Nuff Said
RCA Victor (1968)
More info
Recorded live at the Westbury Music Fair, Long Island NY, April 5, 1968. Cover of the Bee Gees song from 1967 (Bee Gees' 1st, see July 8th entry). No time for much writing today... |
7:
Tattle Tale
"Girls Go To Heaven"
Off Periscope
YoYo (1994)
More info
Back to the more traditional Jess request playlist (taking longer than one week, but it's been all female vocals, at the very least, so there's that). I thought this transitioned nicely. Such a heartbreaking little song. I will keep doing more riot grrrl this week for you. But man oh man, this 90s nostalgia is, uh, something! |
8:
Jimmie Rodgers
"What's It?"
Off Listen To The Banned
ASV Living Era (1993)
More info
I lied. I can't do it Jess. Too many lady voices in a row. I love them but I'm getting bored. And on Day 274 that's no good. Plus I'm boy crazy right now and needed to hear one for at least one day. But I promise I'll get back to that soon. This record is from the same era though (not the song). Picked this one up in Seattle a few trips ago. What a great one. It was quite controversial in its day, which is why it appears on this compilation (banned from BBC broadcast). It'll be obvious why. It's from 1931 and I've never heard Jimmie do anything this risqué. This whole record is great. You can buy it here on cd. |
9:
The Byrds
"Just A Season"
Off Untitled
Columbia (1970)
More info
Happy Birthday Jessica Prince, wherever you are these days. No time to write anything today I'm afraid. Enjoy.
PS: Song 275 and we're up to just over 16 hours of music (using the player at your upper right).
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10:
Gert Wilden & Orchestra
"Girl Faces"
Off Schoolgirl Report
Crippled Dick Hot Wax! (1996)
More info
It's Friday night already and I've been painting our studio all day, so now I'm late to post. Here's some German porn music from the late 60s. This one was taken from the movie ‘Schulmädchen Report 1." Tyler finally gave this back to me last year, after holding it hostage since College. What a motherfucker. |
11:
Brenda & The Tabulations
"Just Once In A Lifetime"
Off 7" Single
Dionn (1967)
More info
B-Side was "Hey Boy." I'm late to post and have no time to write tonight... |
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1:
7 Year Bitch
"Dead Men Don't Rape"
Off There's A Dyke In The Pit 7" EP
Outpunk
(1992)
More info
Is it really at all surprising that people thought I was into girls in College? Click here to learn more about this record label; they were pretty awesome. I always thought this title alone was sort of amusing, song-title-wise, but they wrote this just before Mia Zapata, their close friend from The Gits, got raped and murdered in Seattle (my hometown) in 1993. Not so funny. What a terrible story. There are some other great bands on this 7": Bikini Kill (doing " Suck My Left One"), Tribe 8 and Lucy Stoners. |
2:
Catpower
"Johnny's Got A Gun"
Off Undercover 7" Single
Undercover
(1996)
More info
Catpower back in the day. She does all covers on here. This is her version of the Dead Moon song. Also on here: her versions of Thurston's " Psychic Hearts" and Pavement's " We Dance." Haven't listened to this in a long, long time. Forgot how gorgeous it is. Also, pressed on cherry red vinyl, which is nice. Jess, you will I'm sure be happy about this...and, as this week is dedicated to you, that's good. |
3:
Freakwater
"My Old Drunk Friend"
Off 7" Single
Thrill Jockey
(1993)
More info
If you've seen anything on here before, or your name is Jess Haglund, you know that this is one of my favorite bands of all time. I'm not sure how I managed not to put this single up yet. One of their best. I think I thought I put the song up from the half-cocked soundtrack the very first week, but in fact it was the alternate version of " Crazy Man," which is also on Feels Like the Third Time. B-side is their version of The Louvin Brothers' "Kentucky" recorded in Janet's living room (which is where they're from). The person on the cover is Jenny Cattlett, a Freakwater friend. PS: There's a man playing on this I think, but you know...you wanted my favorite ladies singing + riot grrrl stuff, so it'll be a mix, but certainly all lady vocals. |
4:
Joan Baez
"Diamonds And Rust"
Off Diamonds And Rust
A&M
(1975)
More info
I know, I know but I have such fond 12 year old memories of this song and I know you'll be a fan of the selection, Jess. Jessica P. and I used to dance around and around to this record in 7th grade with her Mom, twirling about in our nightgowns in Kingston, Washington, looking out at the ferries coming and going. It's one of my very favorite memories. I was probably too young to understand this song back then, but now it resonates. And especially so at this point, what with the Dylan references. Here's a good interview with her that tells about it. |
| SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
28:
Dead Kennedys
"Holiday In Cambodia"
Off Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables
I.R.S.
(1981)
More info
I couldn't resist. An old favorite and a nice transition from yesterday's selection. I used to have this single but I seem to have misplaced it. It's a different version on here ( single version on Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death)... Here they are doing it live back when Jello was especially dashing and less preachy (don't get me wrong, I've collected a fair amount of his spoken word over the years). For some reason I used to have his home phone number in college and I would call him every month or so to listen to his answering machine message; he changed it periodically and it was always pretty entertaining. I wonder if he still has the same number. Sorry Jello. |
29:
Free Kitten
"Oh Bondage, Up Yours!"
Off 7" Single
Sympathy for the Record Industry
(1993)
More info
I recently received an email from my old housemate jess with the following request: "I just downloaded & listened to 3 cds you burned for me a long time ago - all girl bands... Have anything on vinyl that fits this? The only band name I remember from the cds are The Headcoatees." So this weekend I pulled a ton of my old riot grrl (or just girl in general) stuff for you, Jess. This week is for you! Enjoy! Figured starting with one of my favorite old picture discs would be appropriate. Free Kitten's version of the X-Ray Spex song, " Oh Bondage Up Yours!" (1977). Free Kitten is Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Julie Caffritz (Pussy Galore) and Yosimi P-We (The Boredoms, and also I think of " Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" fame, as she played on that record). Mark Ibold from Pavement joined Free Kitten but not until later; all ladies for this one!
B-Side is also super cute:
Oh also, it's freaking DAY 265, which means I finally have a 100 day countdown. I'm not going to lie; I'm pretty thrilled about this. |
30:
Bikini Kill
"White Boy"
Off Split 12" with Huggy Bear
Kill Rock Stars
(1992)
More info
Again, lady week for Jess. There's a lovely little message carved into this record. B-side: "A real freak can not be made, a real freak must be born." A-side: "CORPORATE CORE POSER WAR." I used to love this band. Can't play the Huggy Bear because even though they were a riot grrrl band, there were dudes in the band ( "boy / girl revolutionaries"). Anyway, this is one of my old favorites. I'll put something up from Pussy Whipped too this week. My big favorite was always " Feels Blind" though.
Listener discretion advised today...
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANJALI! |
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21:
Ricky Dickens
"If I Had A Hammer"
Off 7" Single
Hit
(1963)
More info
Hit Records was a super weird 1960s record label in Nashville. They were basically budget cover versions, or sound-alike versions, of hit songs that people could buy for .39 cents (real hit records were usually over twice as much at that time). Some of the guys covering the hits became pretty big soul or country singers years later, though many of them used pseudonyms, so we'll never know who some of them were. I have no idea who Ricky Dickens is but here he is doing a lovely cover of one of my favorite songs... Hit Records folded in the late 60s after being sued by some other record labels for licensing issues. |
22:
Bob Dylan
"Hard Times in New York Town"
Off Bootleg Vol 1-3
Columbia
(1991)
More info
I thought this was especially fitting today as I'm going to see him play tonight! Very excited. The last time I saw him play was back in Highschool when this record came out. I went with my amazing friend Lee, who just launched Altruette (go check it out). Somehow, Lee and I both ended up in Brooklyn, living a few blocks from one another. Bob originally recorded this 30 years earlier (November 1961) in the Minnesota Hotel in Minneapolis. He wrote it but it's based on this song and this song. Dylan first came to NY in January of '61. He recorded this on a trip back to MN. |
23:
The Shangri-Las
"Train From Kansas City"
Off 7" Single
Red Bird
(1965)
More info
Picked this up at the WFMU record fair this year. This is the B-side to "Right Now and Not Later" and it's going out to Heather today because I know she likes this song. Here's a great Mary Weiss interview. |
24:
Ruby Andrews
"You Made A Believer Out Of Me"
Off 7" Single
Zodiac
(1969)
More info
Love that zodiac logo! Ruby has a great name and she's from Chicago. Here's another one of her hits. She's still around -- now Ruby Andrews-Lester. If you click here you can learn more about her and download Black Ruby from 1972. |
25:
Arlo Guthrie
"Alice's Restaurant Massacree"
Off Alice's Restaurant
Reprise
(1967)
More info
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I listen to this every year; sorry if it's an obvious selection. I just love Arlo. This was his first record and the song may take a while to load (18+ minutes)! Oh and I just read on his site that he'll be in the Macy's Thankgsgiving Day Parade this year! I also just read on his site that Arthur Penn (who directed " Alice's Restaurant" two years after this song) passed away and I never saw the news (late sept). Read Arlo's story on there. I worked with Arthur Penn right after college. He was a cantankerous man, but was quite sweet from time to time. I was doing a website for the actor's studio and somehow was asked to read lines with the actors doing Arthur Penn's Studio production of "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf." (Penn had directed then actor's studio artistic director Estelle Parsons in Bonnie & Clyde, for which she won an oscar). I obviously jumped at the chance. Good bye Arthur, you will be missed. Oh also, this song's Alice is actually a woman named Alice Brock who now runs an art gallery in Provincetown. Read about her here. |
26:
James Brown And The Famous Flames
"Mashed Potatoes U.S.A."
Off 7" Single
King
(1962)
More info
I ate too many mashed potatoes yesterday to be able to write anything today. I am in a food coma. Not even the 5-mile Turkey Trot that I ran in the morning was able to prevent it. |
27:
Throbbing Gristle
"Whistling Song" + "High Note"
Off Special Treatment: Live At The Cryptic One London 1978
Mental Decay
(1984)
More info
AND
Lydia Lunch
"Untitled"
Off Oral Fixation
Widowspeak
(1988)
More info
So yesterday I read the news that Peter "Sleazy" Christopherson died on Thanksviving. I realize this is a serious departure from most of what I play on here —even the heavier stuff— but I used to love Throbbing Gristle and I felt that I should pay tribute. Because it may be a bit too much of a departure, I've decided to pair today's TG with an old Lydia Lunch spoken word favorite, Oral Fixation. Haven't pulled these out in YEARS! I used to mix the two a lot in college on my radio show (or LL with Psychic TV or SPK or whatever moved me at the time). She'd probably hate it. Oh well. Goodbye Sleazy... Oh also: LISTENER / DOWNLOADER DISCRETION IS ADVISED TODAY!!!
And here's "Discilpline" (the entire A-Side) off Once Upon A Time: A Lyceum Days Industrial Event,
Casual Abandon, 1984 ( More Info Here). Enjoy. These will likely take forever to play -- both are around 18 mins.
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14:
Neil Young
"Birds"
Off After The Goldrush
Reprise
(1970)
More info
DAY/SONG 250!
Dear Diary... Felt like a good one to put up for the 250th song. I'm surprised I've not done so already. |
15:
Alberta Hunter
"Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out"
Off Amtrak Blues
Columbia
(1980)
More info
The wonderful Alberta Hunter. Look at how adorable she is. She was 83 when she made this. Most people associate this song with the amazing Bessie Smith (and really, I prefer her version), but it was actually written by Jimmy Cox in 1923. As far as I know, there's no relation to Ida Cox (though there are a few totally unfounded rumours on the interweb that Jimmy was her husband and she actually wrote it but he took the credit for it). Maybe you know Eric Clapton's version. Ugh. I like Clapton but man does his version make me cringe. Quite appropriate today after last night's Boardwalk Empire. |
16:
Tom Waits
"In The Neighborhood"
Off Swordfishtrombones
Island
(1983)
More info
I've always loved this song and recently I realized that maybe I love this other song " Take Care of All of My Children" because it reminds me so much of this one. That song was in the brilliant and very depressing documentary Streetwise. Of course many of his songs sound similar, but there's something particularly parallel for me about these two. The trombone? The organ? The similar percussion? I don't know. Doesn't matter; both are beautiful. Tom Waits was my very favorite in highschool (actually, one of my top three: The Cure, Tom Waits and Tom Petty...odd combo). Here's another great one from this record. Of course there's also " 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six"... |
17:
Justine Washington
"Who's Going To Take Care Of Me?"
Off 7" Single
Sue
(1963)
More info
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18:
Little Willie John
"I've Been Around"
Off 7" Single
King
(1956)
More info
B-side is "Suffering With The Blues." You're probably most familiar with Little Willie John's biggest hit, " Fever," made popular two years later by Miss Peggy Lee. This was recorded the same year that he did Fever, and on the same label. Here's another good one (1960). Little Willie's sister is the amazing Mable John (see July 5th entry, below). John actually died in my hometown of Seattle, inside the Washington State Penitentiary after stabbing and killing someone with a knife after a show. Oh and he was called "Little Willie" because he was apparently very tiny. His height, that is... |
19:
LaVern Baker
"Saved"
Off Her Greatest Recordings
ATCO
(1971)
More info
Leiber and Stoller. No time to write today. Love LaVern. " Soul On Fire" is another favorite. This too. Pretty cute. |
20:
Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford
"I'm Coming Home To Stay"
Off 7" Single
Fire
(1962)
More info
No time today... |
7:
Johnny Cash With June Carter
"It Ain't Me Babe"
Off Give My Love To Rose
Columbia (1972)
More info
There are far better songs on this record by Johnny and June, but you understand... It's pretty cute when they do this.
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8:
Bob Dylan
"You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go"
Off Blood On The Tracks
Columbia (1975)
More info
Jumping to 1975. My very favorite is " Shelter From The Storm" on here (one of my favorites of all time), but it skips on my version. I'll replace it at some point, but for now here's my second favorite. There's way too much to write about this record and not enough time or space. So that's that. |
9:
Bob Dylan & The Band
"Goin' To Acapulco"
Off The Basement Tapes
Columbia (1975)
Recorded in 1967...
More info
I will hopefully start writing some long interesting things again soon. For now I'm pleased that I'm even getting anything up here on a daily basis. Busy busy times...
Speaking of, please go buy things here. |
10:
Bob Dylan
"Let Me Die In My Footsteps"
Off Let Me Die In My Footsteps
Popo (1971)
Recorded in 1962...
More info
I think just two more days of dylan. This was supposed to be on The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (see June 19th entry) but was replaced with "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." And I meant to put this after the Nina Simone from 1969 but forgot about it, so here we are, chronologically out of order. That's ok, it's how I feel this week anyway. |
11:
Big Mama Thornton
"My Heavy Load"
7" Single
Arhoolie
(1965)
More info
A little bored; will have to start the dylan thing up again later. Here's a total downer for today. ...not the way people often think of Big Mama. Thought it worked nicely after yesterday's sad selection (about fallout shelters/cuban missile crisis). |
12:
Billy Preston
"Nothing From Nothing"
7" Single
A&M
(1974)
More info
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLITA! I think I have three copies of this record. Figured I may as well put one on. Obviously, this was a big hit and it's not at all hard to find. Great song; always makes me want to shake a tail feather. Billy Preston performed it on Saturday Night Live; the first musical performance ever on the show.... Here's a good article for the day that has nothing to do with Billy except for the fact that he played keyboards for the Rolling Stones for a while (it does, in fact, mention him briefly). |
13:
Freakwater
"My One Desire"
Off Old Paint
Thrill Jockey
(1995)
More info
A good choice for day 249 I think. This is an old favorite. I was very pleasantly surprised that Tyler and Maya's friend played this live at their wedding recently. It's actually also, among other things, an old Stray Cats song (my very favorite band in 3rd grade), though I much prefer Janet and Catherine's version. Now I'm reminiscing about the Brian Setzer cutout from Bop magazine that I used to stare at for hours...he was supposed to be my husband. Here's Ricky Nelson's version. I'm pretty sure the originator here was Dorsey Burnette (Johnny's brother). |
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1:
Rodriguez
"Sugar Man"
Off Cold Fact
Light In The Attic (2008 / Orig 1970)
More info
May not be too many stories this week; swamped. This guy's story is pretty crazy, though, so you should read more about him here. I got to see him play a couple of years ago and it was pretty neat.. |
2:
Buffalo Springfield
"Broken Arrow"
Off s/t comp
Atco (1973)
More info
It's always between this and " Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" (both written by Neil Young) and " Sit Down I Think I Love You" and " Bluebird" (both written by Stephen Stills). "Nowadays" is considered their first song. Oh and then there's " Mr. Soul," which we get a little bit of in the beginning of "Broken Arrow." What a great record. Love this band. Obviously I never got to see them play but I have had the pleasure of seeing CSNY. Did you know Stephen Stills auditioned to be in The Monkees before B.S.? Also, they were named after a sign painted on a steamroller ("The Buffalo-Springfield Roller Company"). Let's also take a moment to celebrate what Jim Messina would go on to do (Kenny wrote it / "lite AC" stations love it): perhaps my favorite song when I was 12. |
3:
The Cure
"Charlotte Sometimes"
Off 12" 45rpm Single
Fiction (1981)
More info
Picked this up at the WFMU record fair last weekend from John (thanks John! Go buy lots of records from him at Rockit Scientist because he and his store are awesome)! Anyway, I couldn't resist; I've always wanted this single. It's my very favorite Cure song ever. They were my favorite band from 7th grade through Highschool, so it's more of a nostalgic purchase than anything else, but that doesn't mean I'll enjoy it any less. |
4:
Borealis
"In The End"
Off 12" 45rpm Single
Void (2001 / Orig 1972)
More info
Early 70s psych/prog from Newfoundland... Most of the stuff on here isn't as pretty. Here's another song I like that's more representative: Sons of The Sea. |
5:
Bob Dylan
"I Threw It All Away"
Off Nashville Skyline
Columbia (1969)
More info
Perhaps it's time to go back to Bob Dylan week/month/whatever it has become every so often. The last week (back in July) I ended with a Fairport Convention song of a poem Bob wrote, recorded in 1968. So here we are in 1969. I'm obviously not putting all of his records on here. I don't have all of his records. Unfortunately. I'm just putting my favorites from what I have, and a few favorites that other people have done. It's fun to read about Johnny Cash stopping by the studio during the Nashville Skyline recording sessions (he was recording with his band next door), doing tons and tons of duets with Dylan, most of which were rejected. I like their version of " Girl From The North Country" but I prefer the original. Don't get me wrong, I love Johnny Cash.... --> (please hold) |
6:
Nina Simone
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues"
Off To Love Somebody
RCA (1969)
More info
No time to write today. Please enjoy Nina's gorgeous version of Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues... |
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MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
31:
Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs
"Li'l Red Riding Hood"
Best of Sam The Sham..
MGM (1966)
More info
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24:
Spike Jones
"Teenage Brain Surgeon"
Off Spike Jones In Stereo (or "In Hi-Fi")
Warner Brothers (1959)
More info
The Halloween list wouldn't be complete without Spike Jones. This whole record is hilarious and great, but this is by far my favorite. I just learned from Gary Panter's blog that Jack Davis did the cover artwork, which I love. I'll have to ask my comic book friends about him. Speaking of, GO TO THIS IF YOU'RE IN NEW YORK! It will be fantastic! You can go read more about/see some of the mashups on Jen Ferguson's blog and then salivate over all of her amazing artwork. Me want. |
25:
The Ran-Dells
"Martian Hop"
Off 7"45rpm Single
Chairman (1963)
More info
This is going out to Benji today. I highly recommend reading this page here. It's written by one of the Ran-Dells and tells all about how this song came about; pretty hilarious. Also, it's interesting to hear about Steve's early interest in electronic music. He writes, "this was 10 years before Bob Moog invented the voltage-controlled synthesizer, and anyone who wanted to make unusual sounds used primitive sine wave generators and cut and spliced recording tape a great deal." Essentially, those sounds in the beginning were not for public consumption but rather DJs and Program Directors at radio stations; to get their attention. Clearly it worked. Listening to it makes me miss my "Synthesis of Electronic Music" class in college; all tape splicing and sine wave generators. Alas... |
26:
Dead Kennedys
"Halloween"
Off 12" Single
Alternative Tentacles (1982)
More info
B-side is " Saturday Night Holocaust." Originally, this song was on Plastic Surgery Disasters (also 1982). Love this band and this is one of my halloween favorites (though the lyrics are pretty silly). That's all for today. |
27:
Black Sabbath
"Children of The Grave"
Off Master Of Reality
Warner Brothers (1971)
More info
I mean come on... I debated about this one but fuck it. I love it. It's not really a halloween song, but it certainly deals with morbid themes. It's a protest song (just like yesterday's selection...of sorts)! In other news, we played this on our very first WCNI show; the one to test to get us in Freshman year. If I remember correctly, this was not well received.
Vincent Price, Witchcraft ~ Magic:
An Adventure in Demonology
Capitol (1969)
Oh and here's a little something extra for Halloween as we're running out of time and I don't think this will make it on here before Sunday. And it really should. Click here for some sinister schooling... I'll try to upload this whole record at some point for you to download; it's so great and creepy and weird.
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28:
The Sonics
"Strychnine"
Off Here Are The Sonics!!!
Norton (1998 / Orig 1965)
More info
For Katherine and David today (who live in Tacoma, where the Sonics are from). Makes me miss my beautiful hometown (Seattle). No time to write today, but it was between this and " The Witch." And of course "Psycho." Here's something fun to watch. Thanks to Norton for reissuing this (in fact I got it at the record fair last weekend)!
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29:
Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt Kickers
"The Sinister Stomp"
Off Monster Mash
London (1973)
More info
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30:
The Misfits
"Halloween"
Off Legacy of Brutality
Caroline/Plan 9 (1986)
More info
Back in the day my tradition consisted of going to see the Misfits play in NY every Halloween. One year I even went alone as I couldn't get anyone to come with me. If I remember correctly, I was decked out in a homemade 'Love it To Death"-era Alice Cooper costume surrounded by numerous 18 year old new-era misfits fans; pretty humiliating. Alas. Halloween still just isn't complete for me without them.
Here's my huge halloween show (non vinyl) to play at all of your halloween parties this weekend.
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17:
Baron Daemon & The Vampires
"The Transylvania Twist"
Off The Big Itch Vol Five
Mr. Manicotti Records (1996 / Orig Early 60s)
More info
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18:
Ted Cassidy
"The Lurch"
Off 7" Single
Capitol (1965)
More info (You want it today...)
It's Lurch from The Addams Family! He stood 6' 9" tall! Originally Lurch wasn't supposed to speak at all, much less sing (of course this song never appeared on The Addams Family). Ted came up with the line "you rang?".
He seemed to be a pretty cool guy; some interesting stories about him here. My favorites: 1. His voice was used for The Incredible Hulk's scream/ growl! 2. He drove his red valiant from the back seat because he was so tall! Also interesting on there: I had no idea Morticia was married to Aaron Spelling for 13 years! And why didn't I ever realize that Sean Astin's dad is Gomez (biologically speaking, it was some other guy Patty Duke was married to briefly before Gomez)!? I would like to try to do The Lurch this Halloween. Fortunately, the video above exists. Trying to do it solely from the song would be tough..
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19:
Black Velvet Flag
"Code Blue"
Off Come Recline With Black Velvet Flag
Go-Kart (1994)
More info
While I love novelty records, I'm generally not a fan of novelty covers records. Like space age nirvana or steppenwolf with strings. That sort of thing just doesn't appeal to me. This here is the exception. It's all lounge covers of old punk songs. From their upcoming documentary: "As the band ascended into the professional middle-class, they used lounge music to cover class punk to describe how some ex-punks like themselves grew up, and how they reconciled the contradictions of their lives." Hilarious. Recorded live at CBGBs in 1994. Obviously the album cover is a copy of " The Decline of Western Civilization. (sans Darby/tuxedo added)" I'm not saying I wouldn't prefer to listen to TSOL doing Code Blue, but their lyrics become especially hysterical in this context. BVF's version of Institutionalized is also brilliant. I always liked Manic Hispanic too -- another exception. Check them out if you like this sort of thing.
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20:
Whodini
"The Haunted House Of Rock"
Off Grand Masters of Rap
Dominion (1985)
More info
My brother gave me this record in highschool. It's pretty amazing; like a greatest hits of early 80s rap. I suppose this Whodini number from Escape would also be appropriate here, but obviously this is more fitting and is one of my very favorites. I'll post something from Escape later. This was the first single off Whodini's first record (1983). Oh and by the by, I just very much enjoyed this video. Now I understand what a rap attack is.
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMSY! This would have been on here for you today but as it's soon to be Halloween, I put the above on here instead. xx |
21:
The One Way Streets
"Jack The Ripper"
Off Back From The Grave
Crypt (1966)
More info
No time to write today. Enjoy! This one's for Peter... |
22:
Hugh Barrett & The Victors
"There Was Fungus Among Us"
Off 7" 45rpm Single
Madison (1961)
More info
The A-Side is also great, " Got The Bull By The Horns." These guys were from Chicago. The "Victors" got their name from a slogan on the back of a Viceroy cigarette box. You can learn all about them by reading this. And click here to listen to a nice interview with Richard Mayer (one of the Victors). He tells some fun stories. Apparently there was a "Return of The Fungus" but they only ever made a demo. Richard claims it was terrible. Also to check out (and also appropriate this time of year): " Devil's Love." It was also done in 1961. |
23:
Daniel Johnston
"Casper The Friendly Ghost"
Off Yip/Jump Music
Eternal Yip Eye (Re. 2007)
More info
1983. Surprised I haven't put any Daniel Johnston on here yet. Though I don't have much on vinyl; all of mine is on cassette. Thought this was needed for Halloween times, though it wouldn't be my favorite from this record. I love this guy. If you haven't yet seen it, you should go watch The Devil & Daniel Johnston. Directed, oddly enough, by my cousin Jeff. |
10:
Freakwater
"Twisted Wire"
Off Springtime
Thrill Jockey
(1998)
More info
By now you're probably well aware that this is one of my favorite bands. I've seen them play numerous times (many years ago) and I'm always surprised by how truly talented and amazing they are. Just learned this from the Freakwater site (a fan's): "This album's title was inspired by a matchbook advertisement for an Athens, Georgia bail bonding company with the tagline "Where It's Always Springtime!" So this "Springtime", perhaps, means more than just the season of the year - it may also mean release from what contains you." And actually this is the only song on the record not written by FW. Sean Garrison wrote it.
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11:
Abner Jay
"Cocaine"
Off True Story of Abner Jay
Mississippi
(2009)
More info
This has become one of my absolute favorite records. Thanks Adam! Maybe my now favorite one-man band? From the back cover:
"Abner Jay, the first of the original black musicians. The only electric six string banjo you'll ever hear. Abner says the originals are dead, and he is half dead. For forty two years Abner has been playing banjo, drums, harmonica and singing all at the same time. Born in South Georgia. When he was born his pa kept the birth records on the side of the house. The house burned down, the birth records were destroyed, and Abner hasn't been able to find out just how old he is. Abner is now enjoying his seventh wife and he claims she is just about wore out too. His worst tragedy was the first time he got married. NOW IT'S BUCK DANCING TIME."
Other favorites on here: " The Reason Young People Do Drugs," " My Mule," and one of the oddest versions of " St. James Infirmary Blues" that you'll ever hear (wait for it...). I plan to buy the latest compilation of Abner's recordings (also on Mississippi) from Adam soon. |
12:
Man...or Astro-Man?
"Transmission From Venus"
Off Project Infinity
Estrus
(1995)
More info
So Halloween is my very favorite holiday and, as a result, I've collected a huge collection of music to accompany it over the years. I got up early today to look at my collection, as I realized it's already October 12th, and now I've actually waited too long to play it all. So I've picked my favorite favorites and will be putting them up here until October 31st. So to start it off, here's Man....or Astro-Man? |
13:
Nervous Norvus
"The Fang"
Off Transfusion EP
Big Beat (1985) - Taken from his Dot Records Singles (1956)
More info
It's the Man With The Malroonie Mouth! I suppose that I really should be playing " Transfusion" today, as it's a bit more fitting, but this will do and I already played that on April 9th. " Ape Call" is also wonderful (thanks B). So read below for more on Jimmy Drake (aka Nervous Norvus). Also: this was his last single for Dot records. It did not do well so they dropped him. This was in 1956. BEWARE OF THE FANG, LADIES! He's got a be-bop cat, man, a real stingaree, a solid gold key chain down to his knees AND real nervous pegs with a crazy crease!
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14:
Total Coelo (aka Toto Coelo)
"I Eat Cannibals"
Off 7" Single
Chrysalis (1982)
More info
I actually remember hearing this song for the first time at age 6. I woke up to it playing on KYYX (R.I.P.) at 5am before having to go skiing one weekend. And it made a big impression, soon becoming one of my favorites. I suspect it was the all-girl punk band thing; something to which I've always gravitated. This is going out to my brother today who I know also remembers loving this. Total Coelo's name was actually "Toto Coelo" in the UK (where they were from) and everywhere else, but the name was changed for the stupid americans because their label thought we'd confuse them with Toto (of " Africa" and " Rosanna" fame). Though it really didn't matter anyway as this was their only hit. The next single was actually about Dracula (and his tango) but it didn't do well (not surprisingly, as it was pretty bad). Apparently few radio stations would play this but KYYX was freaking cool (at least at 6 years old I thought so) so it doesn't surprise me. Though to be fair, they were playing it at 5 am...
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15:
Roky Erickson And The Explosives
"Bloody Hammer"
Off Halloween, Recorded Live: 1979-81
Norton (2008)
More info
Too many great songs to pick just one on here. My other Halloween-inspired favorites (there are some other great non-Halloween numbers on here): " Stand for The Fire Demon," (reminiscent of Sabbath), " Creature With The Atom Brain," " Two-Headed Dog," and " Don't Shake Me Lucifer." " Night of The Vampire," however, is not on here and should be. If you've not seen "You're Gonna Miss Me", you should. And Roky is playing here next month at The Bell House, if you're in NY. Supposedly he'll play some old 13th Floor Elevators songs so that's exciting.
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16:
The Cramps
"The Goo Goo Muck"
Off Off The Bone
Illegal (1983)
More info
It was a tossup between this and my other favorite, " The Human Fly." But I went with this because I'm pretty sure this is my brother's favorite, so this is for him today. Two things you may not know about The Cramps: 1. Lux Interior and Poison Ivy fell in love after discovering that they were both enrolled in the same "Art & Shamanism" course a couple weeks after they first met. 2. Miriam from Norton records was their drummer for a bit early on (just after I was born). RIP Lux.
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3:
Maddox Bros & Rose
"I've Got Four Big Brothers (To Look After Me)"
Off Rockin' & Rollin'
Bear Family Records
(1981)
More info
Documentary week. No time to write. From 1955. This one is going out to Gillian today! |
4:
Wanda Jackson
"Don't Touch Me"
Off Cream of The Crop
Capitol
(1968)
More info
One of my favorites. Done a bunch of times. Written by Hank Cochran (who was a country songwriting genius).... Another great one on here: "A Girl Don't Have to Drink to Have Fun." |
5:
Flipper
"Life"
Off Rat Music For Rat People Vol. I
Go! Records
(1982)
More info
Haven't pulled this out in years but this is for my friend today. xx
Always preferred the back cover:
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6:
Giles Giles & Fripp
"Under The Sky"
Off The Brondesbury Road Tapes
Vinyl Lovers
(Orig. 1968)
More info
Before there was King Crimson.... Man I love this record. This song features Judy Dyble whose voice is so beautiful. She also sang with Fairport Convention on their first record, that same year. Look at how gorgeous she was there. Read the entry from July 17th, below, for more on her. This was co-written by Ian McDonald (King Crimson and also Foreigner) and Peter Sinfield (King Crimson, Roxy Music, etc...go read about him). I have another demo version of this song in MP3 form which is also nice, but doesn't come on this record. Also check out: " Digging My Lawn," " I Talk to The Wind," & " Why Dont You Just Drop In."
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7:
Bob Wills
"Roly Poly"
Off 10" 78 rpm Single
Columbia
(1945)
More info
(Adorable story/delectable accent)
Arguably my favorite Bob Wills song. Technically it was written by Fred Rose though, who wrote so many incredibly amazing songs. Side two is " Miss Molly," which is also wonderful. Tommy Duncan sings on this (though Bob shouts throughout in his adorable way that's reminiscent of a cowboy reigning dogies in on a cattle ride). Tommy was also in the Light Crust Doughboys with Bob ( see July 6th entry for more info). Actually Bob fired Tommy Duncan a couple of years after this recording because Tommy voiced annoyance and concern that Bob kept missing shows due to his drinking problem. Here's the roly poly sheet music which I think I may have in my old sheet music collection... Bob was a fascinating man; read about him here and here.
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8:
Strawberry Alarm Clock
"Birdman of Alcatrash"
Off 7" Single
UNI
(1967)
More info
This is the B-side to " Incense & Peppermints." It's only available on the single; not on the debut album. It was actually originally by Thee Sixpence, a raucous garage band who would go on to change their name to Strawberry Alarm Clock around 1967. Before that they did a few singles, including this one (and a couple Arthur Lee/Love covers).
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9:
The Business
"Welcome To The Real World"
Off Welcome To The Real World
Link
(1988)
More info
Too tired to write much today. Used to love these guys, though I saw them once with Stephen Von Stephen in Philadelphia way back when at the Trocadero (?) and a bunch of motherfuckers got into a big nazi formation and the band had to chastise them. This is no " Suburban Rebels" or " Drinking And Driving," but it's a good one. Oh and then there's " Smash The Discos" and " Harry May." So many hits.
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1:
Beat Happening
"Red Head Walking"
Off 7" Single
Sub Pop
(1990)
More info
Documentary week. No time to write. |
2:
Billie Holiday
"Gimme A Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer"
Off The Billie Holiday Story
MCA
(1972)
More info
Documentary week. No time to write. But please enjoy this here video of Diana Ross as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, one of my favorites (that everyone else seems to think is garbage). Richard Pryor, Diana Ross, Billie Dee Williams...there's really nothing better. Here are two of my very favorite Billie songs: My Sweet Hunk O' Trash (with Louis Armstrong) and My Man. |
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FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
26:
Jim Backus
"Cave Man"
Off 45 rpm single
Jubilee (1958)
More info
One of my favorite record store finds. I love to collect novelty records and this is a great one. Jim Backus, who you may know from "Delicious," another novelty song (which he did with Phyllis Diller). Jim also played the millionaire, Thurston Howell, on Gilligan's Island, and was the voice of Mr. Magoo, in addition to doing a number of films in his early days (Rebel Without a Cause, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World...). He even had his own show at one point. Sadly, Jim died in 1989. |
27:
The Louvin Brothers
"Knoxville Girl"
Off Tragic Songs of Life
Golden Country (Orig 1956 / repress late 50s)
More info
They didn't write this; it's a traditional Appalacian murder ballad (that came from traditional Irish and English murder ballads dating back to the 18th century). To me it's the most tragic of their many "Tragic Songs of Life." It's about a man named Willie who falls in love with a girl from Knoxville but then beats her to death with a stick one night, for no reason. Then he drags her body to the river.
Later when his mom asks why he's all bloody he tells her he had a bloody nose. This song has been done a million times, but I love their version. There's something especially disturbing about it with the gorgeous harmonies, earnestness and mandolin. This version by Jim & Jesse is also nice. This became a hit single for the Louvin Brothers three years later. I also adore their version of Bill Monroe's " In The Pines" and The Carter Family's " I'll Be All Smiles Tonight" on this record. |
28:
Refect Refect
"Imaginary Friend"
Off What's Your Defect 7" KRS/Moon Music
(1996)
More info
Won't have time to write much of anything this week, I'm afraid. Was thinking about this 7" recently; an old favorite from back when I was really into spoken word. This is a recording done by Sue Fox and Slim Moon. |
29:
Lee Hazlewood
"Houston"
Off Friday's Child
Reprise
(1966)
More info
For Mumsy and Auntie Pat... |
30:
The Cure
"Six Different Ways"
Off The Head On The Door
Elektra
(1985)
More info
My absolute favorite band in middle school and highschool. This is one of my oldest records. I saw them play when they toured for their next record, "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me." The memories... |
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19:
Edip Akbayram
"Gam Üstüne Gam Yapilir"
Off 7" Kolum Nerden Aldin Zinciri Single
Burç Plakçilik (1975)
More info
70s Turkish rock/psych. Accompanied by Dostlar (the band) here. My friend gave me some of his songs a while back and I wasn't into it at first. Then it kept coming up on my itunes and I found myself getting pretty excited about it and now I can't stop listening. This is not my favorite song but it's pretty good. Less fuzz and distortion and weird instrumentation than what I like; some of his other material is insane. This one is really great. And the B-side is even better. Makes me feel like I'm on a Turkish acid trip. Here's one more. Really good. And if you're into this stuff, check out the following Turkish musicians/bands from around that era: Bunalim (and another great one), Cem Karaca (he was rather dashing), Baris Manco, Erkin Koray ( and this too; so good), and Selda ( Or this, which Edip also does, above). It's a shame I can't understand what's being said because a lot of these are political protest songs... |
20:
Tom Petty
"Don't Come Around Here No More"
Off Southern Accents
MCA (1985)
More info
Odd choice I'm sure but I was thinking about this song this weekend. I think maybe I bought this when it came out; I found it in one of my childhood record stacks many years ago. What a great song. This is for Lee today. We went to see him together when we were 15. Maybe 14? Lee? Oh and Tom co-wrote this one with Dave Stewart. |
21:
Lil Johnson
"Sam the Hot Dog Man"
Off 10" 78rpm Single
Vocallion (1936)
More info
The R. Kelly of the 1920s and 30s. Specialized in Hokum. Most of her sexual metephors, however, were about food (granted, Kells does do " Sex In The Kitchen," though there's less subtle innuendo there). She started out with hotdogs and nuts and jelly rolls but then ended up using the far more healthful cabbage. She first recorded in Chicago in 1929. The A-Side to this is " Get 'Em From The Peanut Man (Hot Nuts)" but I prefer this one. No one seems to know what happened to her after her recording career ended in 1937. |
22:
Donovan
"The Ballad of Geraldine"
Off Fairytale
Hickory (1965)
More info
This whole record is pretty much, dare-I-say-it, perfect. It's his second record, done in 1965. I found this at a flea market a while ago. I have a million favorites on here. " Universal Soldier" is, of course, one of the best protest songs ever written. There are a few protest songs on here. " To Try For The Sun" is also on here, and incredible. " Colours" too, though I much prefer the version he did with Joan Baez (with whom he was madly in love at the time. Who wasn't?). God he was dreamy. My friend dated him for a few months way back when and I couldn't be more painfully jealous. |
23:
Pavement
"Range Life"
Off Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
Matador (1994)
More info
...An old favorite. No time to write today but I thought I should pull out one of my old Pavement records today as I get to go see them tonight in Central Park! Exciting! |
24:
Jim And The Lords
"Little (L'il) Olive"
Off Then Came The Electric Prunes
HB65 (2000 / Orig 1965)
More info
Before they became the Electric Prunes...they were The Sanctions (March 1965) and then Jim And The Lords (September 1965)! A true garage band; not particularly good, but not bad! Lots of old blues and r&b covers. This song, however, is a slowed down and not as awesome version of the song that would later become The Electric Prunes' first single in 1967 (it didn't do very well). It was the B-side to " Ain't It Hard." They were discovered when they were practicing in Mark Tulin's garage one day...and were signed as The Electric Prunes shortly thereafter (in 1966).
Song/Day 199 today! Hot damn.... |
25:
SONG/DAY 200!!
Hank Williams
"Jesus Is Calling"
Off Let's Turn Back The Years
Polydor (1987)
More info
It's freaking Song/Day 200 today! That's right, I've been posting every day for 200 days straight! And what better day to celebrate day 200 than Pappy's birthday! Pappy, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY PAPPY BIRTHDAY! For your birthday I'm posting one of your favorites. I thought about maybe doing " Thank God", which is a wonderful song and probably more appropriate for your special day ("Get on your knees and pray. Thank god for every flower and each tree, thank god for all the mountains and the seas, thank god for giving life to you and me, wherever you may be, thank god"), but I also thought that it would be nice to know that Jesus is calling out to you today to wish you a happy birthday. I mean I know you know that, but I thought I'd, and more importantly Hank, would reinforce it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And happy day 200 of the records blog! |
12:
Victoria Spivey
"Any Kind-A-Man"
Off Any Kind A Man Comp
Travellin' Man (1989)
More info
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13:
Freakwater
"Your Goddamn Mouth"
Off 7" Single
1 1/4 York Records (1991)
More info
Today calls for Freakwater (I could use some Moonshine too, in addition to Janet and Catherine). B-side is a cover of " War Pigs" but this one better represents how I'm feeling today. This is one of my favorite bands of all time. I've seen them numerous times and I worship the ground these ladies walk on. And Dave. His ground too. |
14:
Nick Garrie
"Deeper Tones of Blue"
Off The Nightmare of JB Stanislas
Get Back Re. (Orig 1969)
More info
Gorgeous late 60s pop psych. Pretty happy that Get Back reissued this. It first came out in France in 1969 (Nick was from the UK, lived in Paris in '69, and is of Russian and Scottish descent). When this first came out it fell into obscurity because the head of the record label committed suicide. It was never promoted or distributed. As a result, original copies are obviously very rare. His first single ("Queen of Spades") was actually produced by Mickey Baker (see below on the 8th, of Mickey & Sylvia fame), and both sides of the single come as bonus tracks on the reissue. The rest of this was produced by Eddie Vartan (who happens to be the brother of Sylvie Vartan, the father of Michael Vartan and also Johnny Hallyday's uncle). Beautiful record... |
15:
The Stingers
"Do The Cissy"
Off 7" Single
Stax (1969)
More info
They were from Philladelphia. Not to be confused with "Sophisticated Sissy" by The Meters. This is definitely not an instrumental. And this dance is so much better than the Peanut Duck and the Huckle Buck even! |
16:
The Holy Mackerel
"Wildflowers"
Off s/t Record
Reprise (1968)
More info
Paul Williams before " Rainy Days & Mondays" and " We've Only Just Begun"! I just learned that he auditioned to be in The Monkees but was turned down. He did write " Someday Man" though. He also co-wrote one of my very favorites, " The Rainbow Connection." I also just learned that his brother wrote " Drift Away." Anyway, this was his first band. Other members: Ex-Turtles drummer Don Murray, ex-Jefferson Airplane bassist Bob Harvey, and a few others, including his brother. Maybe you've heard " Bitter Honey" before? This record is all over the place but I really like all of the places it goes (psychedelic, pop, country, folk)... This one makes me think about Donovan (though, to be fair, he does it much better)... |
17:
Jerry Baker
"Shade Trees"
Off Plants Are Like People
Lion (1972)
More info
I haven't pulled this one out in years, but I thought it quite fitting today what with all of the shade tree devastation in Brooklyn right now. I'm getting very upset looking around the neighborhood and at my friends' photos of their Park Slope blocks. Jerry Baker was known as " America's Master Gardener." He recorded this spoken word record in 1972 about plant and tree care after his book of the same name became a bestseller. Before becoming a gardener, Jerry was an undercover cop who pretended to be a gardener. Seriously. He's from Detroit and he has the adorable accent to prove it. And he's still around! Go read his blog. So please, if you're in Brooklyn, take Jerry's advice* and talk to the trees today. They could use your support. Plants are like people.
*Note: I do not condone his advice on child discipline. |
18:
Nancy Sinatra
"Sugar Town"
Off 7" Single
Reprise (1966)
More info
Arranged by Billy Strange / Written and produced by Lee Hazlewood... B-side is Nancy and Lee doing Summer Wine. |
5:
Irma Thomas
"You Don't Miss A Good Thing (Until It's Gone)"
Off "Some Things You Never Get Used To" 7" Single
Imperial (Orig 1965)
More info
The soul queen of New Orleans! This is actually the B-side to "Some Things You Never Get Used To." It was written by Irma and Jerry Ragovoy, who was an awesome songwriter. He also wrote Irma's (and The Rolling Stones') " Time is On My Side," Garnet Mimms' " Cry Baby," Lorraine Ellison's " Stay With Me," which is one of my very favorites, and " Piece of My Heart" (later covered by Janis, obviously). He wrote tons of amazing soul songs; mostly gospel-inspired. I very much enjoy that he was both white and Jewish. Irma is still around playing. She was just featured on HBO's Tremé, which was awesome, and they did some cool stuff with a couple of her songs: Wish Someone Would Care and " It's Raining. Great song. I'll put that on here sometime soon. |
6:
Nino Ferrer
"Mamadou Mémé"
Off 7" Single
Riviera (1969)
More info
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7:
Clarence Carter
"Slip Away"
Off 7" Single
Atlantic (1968)
More info
An old favorite. Almost makes me cry every time I listen to it. This was one of his biggest hits -- out in 1968 -- a beautiful song all about cheating! He started out doing blues songs with Calvin Scott, who was also blind. They called themselves Clarence and Calvin, and later The C&C Boys. In '67 he ended up splitting up with calvin in favor of a solo career (and after a falling out). He recorded " Tell Daddy" which prompted Etta James to make " Tell Mama" (see May 28, below). Pretty much the same exact song. Love that. Another great fact about Clarence is that he married Candi Staton. Adorable couple. Unfortunately they divorced in 1973 but it looks like they produced one child, Clarence Carter Jr. We'll just assume he's talented too. Twice as talented. Or half as talented as each, however you prefer to look at it. |
8:
Mickey & Sylvia
"Love Will Make You Fail in School"
Off 7" Single
Vik (1957)
More info
This is going out by request to Robbie today. Mickey & Sylvia are most famous for " Love Is Strange", featured in Badlands and Dirty Dancing, among a number of other films and songs. In 1979, after Sylvia had a brief career as a solo disco artist ( "Pillow Talk"), she and her husband started Sugar Hill Records! Yep -- she was the driving force behind getting " The Message" and " Rapper's Delight" out there. Sugar Hill Records closed down in the mid 80s and the studio itself burned down in 2002. Not sure what happened to Sylvia but according to wikipedia, her grandson was on an Episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen recently. Ugh. Mickey also went on to do great things. he was an amazing guitarist and wrote a bunch of guitar training books. His guitar playing is also featured on many of my favorite songs: Ruth Brown's " Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean," Big Maybelle's " Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," and Big Joe Turner's " Shake Rattle & Roll." Man that's a lot of links today. |
9:
Patience & Prudence
"Tonight You Belong To Me"
Off 10" 78rpm Single
Liberty (1956)
More info
From Mickey & Sylvia to Patience & Prudence. This is for beautiful Marlowe today. B-side to this is " A Smile And A Ribbon." I heard this song in The Jerk first. And actually Patience & Prudence did not do it originally. It was written by Billy Rose and Lee David and became a hit in 1927 for Gene Austin. Can't wait to sing this with you MZ, ANMK & AM! |
10:
Tom Waits
"Time"
Off Rain Dogs
Island (1985)
More info
An old favorite. Happy birthday to my beautiful, amazing grandmama who would have been 97 today. And if you've never listened to Rain Dogs...well, you should. My other favorite on here (there are so many) is Tango Till They're Sore. Here he is doing both of these on Letterman, along with a great interview, in 1986. I got to see him play many years ago with Julie; what a great memory. |
11:
Silver Jews
"Tennessee"
Off Tennessee 12" EP
Drag City (2001)
More info
Another old favorite. Feeling sentimental these days. Nostalgic. I've been madly in love with David Berman for too long and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. Alas. |
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1:
Ella Fitzgerald
"I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)"
Off s/t 12"
Metro (1965)
More info
Last night we went to see Jimmy Scott play. He was amazing and he did a whole bunch of Gershwin songs, which for some reason, made me think about this old favorite of mine, even though it isn't Gershwin. Duke Ellington did it first (in 1941), but I just adore Ella's version and I haven't pulled this record out in years. Oddly enough, Lou Reed (coincidentally posted yesterday) sat at a table next to us. |
2:
Tampa Red
"Let Me Play With Your Poodle"
Off 10" 78 rpm
Bluebird (1942)
More info
An old favorite. Love the kazoo break on here. Tampa Red ("Hudson Woodbridge" then "Hudson Whittaker", originally) was from Georgia but later ended up in Chicago (in the 20s). He was known as "The Guitar Wizard" and "The Man With the Golden Guitar" all through the 30s. He was a slide guitar master. Played mostly blues but also pop, jive, r&b and hokum. He was great friends with Big Bill Broonzy and used to play with Ma Rainey and Thomas Dorsey a lot. Maybe you've heard this hokum song, which was a big hit in 1928 (it has a similar melody to the above). He was the first black musician to play a steel-bodied resonator guitar... At one point you could actually see his gold guitar at the Experience Music Project in Seattle. Wish I could have known Tampa; I'm sure he was hilarious. Sadly, he became an acoholic and died at age 77, destitute. |
3:
Mitty Collier
"Sharing You"
Off 7" Single
Chess (1966)
More info
Currently a pastor at a church on the Southside of Chicago. She stopped playing soul music years ago but I think she still sings gospel in church. Which is how she started out; singing in church and touring with gospel groups. She started playing soul/r&b after visiting Chicago during her college years (1959). In order to subsidize her education, she entered a talent contest there and proceeded to win for six straight weeks (and thus got to share a stage with Etta James and B.B. King as a prize). She was spotted by the head of Chess records, who offered her a recording contract. This was her last hit, in 1966. She left Chess shortly thereafter.
Here's her biggest hit, from 1964 ("He took me into his arm and turned on my alarm"). If you'd like to go visit Rev. Collier, just go to the " More Like Christ Christian Fellowship Ministries" located at 8201 South Dobson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
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4:
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
"I Won't Hurt You"
Off Volume One
Sundazed Reissue (Orig 1966)
More info
I was really excited to find this in a record store in Seattle the other day. I'd never heard it; only read things written about the record (good and bad). I couldn't even find any MP3s of it, which is strange as apparently Sundazed reissued this in 1997. You can find all of their other records fairly easily (original issues and certainly MP3s), as they were on Reprise, but the band pressed this privately so it became super rare, even in the late 60s. It was their very first record, though because it was rare and privately pressed, people consider Part One, on Reprise, to be their first record. Also, I have a different version of this song (on "Part One"), which is also beautiful, but this one is a million times better. It has a psychedelic Buddy Holly feel to me; and it's so much more layered and interesting and lovely. Richard (a big W.C.P.A.E.B. fan) sent me this video/interview a while back that's worth checking out. |
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29:
Etta James
"Stop The Wedding"
7" single
Collectables
(Orig. 1962)
More info
And old favorite. Too tired to write anything. Enjoy! |
30:
Lee Hazlewood
"Hey Cowboy"
Off Cowboy In Sweden
LHI
(1970)
More info
No time to write. Go read all about this. And watch the Swedish videos/movie on You Tube (you can get to all of them from that link). |
31: TODAY!
Lou Reed
"Coney Island Baby"
Off Walk on the Wild Side...
RCA (1977)
More info
One of the last records I ever bought just before CDs made their debut (when I got all excited about CDs and bought them almost exclusively from 7th grade through most of highschool). Originally from the album "Coney Island Baby" and before that of course, from the doo wop song; but only the title. Not to be confused with Coney Island Washboard, one of my very favorites. Tom Waits also does a gorgeous Coney Island Baby.
I should really put some Tom Waits up here; haven't yet for some reason. Noted. |
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22:
Holy Ghost Reception Committee: #9
"You Think Differently"
Off The Torchbearers
VOID Reissue
(Orig. 1969)
More info
I posted some Holy Ghost Reception Committe earlier ( on May 25th). I've become a big fan and I'd been looking for this record for a long time; very pleased to have finally found a copy, even if it is a reissue (from 1992). This was their second record. These guys were all attending Regis Jesuit Highschool in New York when they recorded this. It was released on Paulist Press, a Catholic record label that I think was run by the school's administrators. They played this amazing Chrystian psych/folk at mass to combat the boredom. "Torchbearers" is my other favorite on here. If you like The Byrds, you should like this. Dennis Blair, one of the guitarists, ended up becoming a stand up comic, opening up for George Carlin for over a decade.. |
23:
The Barbarians
"Are You A Boy or Are You A Girl?"
Off the LP of the same title
Laurie
(1966)
More info
They were from Cape Cod and they had a one-handed drummer (long before Rick Allen came along). He wore a prosthetic hook on his left arm (which you can see on the album cover above). His name was Victor "Moulty" Moulton and they wrote a great (sad) song about him telling the tale of losing his hand (he lost it at 14 playing with a pipe bomb). He just wants a nice girl to settle down with, that's all. Also interesting is that on "Moulty," the rest of the Barbarians aren't backing up Moulty. Instead, it's session members who were, allegedly, from Levon & The Hawks (later to become The Band). So this song came earlier actually. It was meant to mock the sentiments that many conservatives had about hippie men back then. Hilarious. This was their biggest hit, I think.. |
24:
Jackie Day
"Guilty"
Off the 7" Single
Paula
(1970)
More info
From Arkansas, grew up in Louisiana. Moved to San Francisco to pursue singing in the late 50s. In 1960 she married Big Jay McNeely (" Deacon's Hop"), the famous R&B/jump blues sax player. They moved to LA together and thanks to meeting and working with his producer, was able to cut a few singles. Here are some other great ones: "What Kind of Man Are You?" and "Before It's Too Late" (her first single, 1965). She left music altogether after this record to raise a family and died far too young at age 68. There isn't much info out there about her. She was also insanely gorgeous:
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25:
The Mamas & The Papas
"Midnight Voyage"
Off The Papas & The Mamas
Dunhill
(1968)
More info
1968 again! Last night I saw Edan and Paten Locke perform. Paten rapped about Mama Cass so I decided to play this today. I always forget about them for some reason, even though they were one of my absolute favorites in 7th grade. In fact this record was a big favorite of mine; this song, " Safe In My Garden," " Dream A Little Dream of Me," and " Twelve Thirty." I have such fond memories of dancing around to this in flowy white Victoria's Secret nightgowns in Kingston, Washington with my best friend and her mom. We looked like we were in a cult. We were a little obsessed. Anyway, this was their 4th and last (studio) record. It was recorded at John & Michelle's home. Mama Cass is featured on this and I just adore her voice. Also, there's some hilarious stuff at the end (Michelle gets angry at John) and then there's the most beautiful harmony ever. Just magnificent. You like that Lou?
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26:
The Contents Are
"Dreaming of My Predictions"
Off Through You
Shadoks Reissue
(Orig. 1967)
More info
For Mike today. These guys were from Quad City, Iowa. Another great highschool garage/folk band from the late 60s (1967, to be exact). Why did they make them so much better back then!? They only pressed 100 or so copies originally on their own. Unlike most highschool bands, there are no covers here. Again, surprise surprise that I like it so much, it's very reminiscent of the Byrds and especially CSNY. Such gorgeous harmonies. My other favorite on here is "Recurring Changes." So beautiful. The whole record is good.
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27:
The Yellow Balloon
"Yellow Balloon (or in this case noollaB wolleY")
Off 7" Single
Canterbery Records
(1967)
More info
Maybe the coolest thing about this record is that I had to play it backwards, on reverse. Granted, I wouldn't have had to do so on the A-Side, but still. Napoleon XIV's novelty song "They're coming to take..." (1966, a year before) does this too. The B-Side is "!aaaH-aH ,yawA eM ekaT oT gnimoC er'yehT." Anyway, funny story on this: Dean Torrence from Jan & Dean asked Gary Zekley to record a song for them in '66. Zekley was a talented LA songwriter. He wrote this and he hated the version they ended up recording. So he shopped the song around and ended up singing it himself with some good session musicians for Canterbury Records. His version ended up doing much better than that of Jan & Dean (he had called his band "The Yellow Balloon" as a fuck you, so that it would get more airplay than theirs). There's more story but no room... alas. |
28:
Annette Funicello
"The Maid & The Martian"
Off Annette's Pajama Party
Disney
(1964)
More info
Anyone who knows me knows that my major guilty pleasure is Annette Funicello. I'm a little obsessed with her. She was just as cute as can be and she was adorable in this movie. She falls for a martian in it (Go-Go), so I thought this song would be appropriate. It's not my favorite, but it definitely explores the plot (filmmaking at its finest). Something I just learned, and wish I'd known when I saw this years ago: Terri Garr and Toni Basil are both in it as background actors ("Pajama Girls"). Apparently they both started out as go-go dancers. Here's the title song/scene from the film. Dorothy Lamour also sings on this. |
15:
Traffic Sound
"Those Days Are Gone"
Off s/t / Tibet's Suzettes
Get Back (2007)
Originally Recorded: 1970
More info
No time... |
16:
Psychic TV
Genesis-P-Orridge & The Angels of Light
"Je T'aime" 12" Single
Sub Rosa (1985)
First Pressing / Limited Ed
More info
Still no time. NY International Gift Fair is kicking my motherfucking ass. Yeah, if you're on here and don't know me, here's a good opportunity to tell you about our company, These Creatures. Go check it out and buy stuff please. You can browse the site while listening to Genesis' lady moan and groan to this Serge Gainsbourg cover. Under Paula's credit it's written, "vocals and sexual." Also the cover is a photo of her showing the visual accompaniment.
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17:
Thee Headcoats
"By Hook Or By Crook"
Headcoatitude
Get Hip (1991)
More info
Some Billy Childish for your Tuesday.
No time, Javits calls. |
18:
Sham '69
"If The Kids Are United"
Off The Early Years Live
Receiver Records (1991)
More info
More writing to come after the gift show. Until then, no time for anything. Great song, though often people assume 7 Seconds wrote it. They didn't. Though I used to love 7 Seconds. I'll put that up at some point. |
19:
Marie Knight
"Make Yourself At Home"
7" Promo Single
Diamond
(1964)
More info
Gift show. No time to write. |
20:
Clint Ruin/Lydia Lunch
"Don't Fear The Reaper"
12" EP of the same title
Big Cat Records (1991)
More info
For Andrew. Back to normal schedule tomorrow. |
21:
Psychedelic Furs
"Into You Like A Train"
Off Talk Talk Talk
Columbia
(1981)
More info
For Richard and Vicki, as promised on Thursday. xo |
8:
Eazy-E
"Boys In The Hood"
Off Eazy-Duz-It
Priority/Ruthless
(1988)
More info
My very favorite record in 7th grade. (This and the soundtrack to the Little Mermaid, obviously). I think I still know every line by heart. There's a rumor on the internet, and I can't figure out if it's true or not, that Charles Wright is Eazy-E's (real name: Eric Wright) Dad. God I love this record. Eazy died at 31. My brother who does metal work and knows how much I've loved Eazy over the years (even though he was a total prick) made this for me last year. I will cherish it always. See you at the crossroads (crossroads) Eazy. |
9:
Connie Smith
"Cry, Cry, Cry"
Off 7" Single
RCA Victor
(1968)
More info
1968! Connie's still very much around, though not like she was back in the mid-to-late 60s. She's actually married to Marty Stuart (she's been married a lot over the years). "Once A Day" was her big (and only/first) hit; she was only 23 at the time and pretty freaking cute. This song, "Cry, Cry, Cry" is not the same "Cry, Cry, Cry" that was a huge hit for Johnny Cash (he did it first in 1955) and then later by Loretta Lynn in 1966. This one was written by a woman named Shirley Wood. Here's Connie doing it live in '69. |
10:
James Brown
With the Famous Flames
"Please, Please, Please"
Off 7" Single
Federal
(1956)
More info
I thought it fitting after "Cry, Cry, Cry." This was his very first single; with The Famous Flames! I found this the other day in a cheap/dusty bin in a record store in Seattle. Love this song. I also picked up "Try Me," which has always been a favorite of mine. Very excited about that too. Neither of these is remotely rare of course; this one went on to sell over 1 million copies. He was 22 years old, which makes me laugh a bit when I listen to the lyrics. Later he got the nickname "Mr. Please Please Please Please Her" thanks to it. |
11:
Big Maybelle
"That's A Pretty Good Love"
Off Blues, Candy & Big Maybelle
Savoy Jazz
(Re-issue '86/Orig '56)
More info
I love her. She was from Tennessee. This was actually the B-Side to her first single, "Candy," which was a huge hit for her in 1956. You should go and get as much Big Maybelle as you can right now. Here she is doing "Do Lord," a great old gospel song that my dad and I used to sing around the breakfast table all the time. Here's her ? And The Mysterians cover ("96 Tears") from '67. Pretty amazing. That was her last big single actually. She died way too young; age 47 from years of drug use. The lyrics to this are incredible: "I ain't much to look at, I won't win a prize, but when it comes to lovin', I'll open your eyes." |
12:
Emily XYZ
"Sinatra Walks Out"
Off 7" Single
KRS Wordcore Vol 8
(1995)
More info
Thanks for uploading for me Mumsy whilst I'm away. This is a great spoken word/jazz artist. Actually I got her (along with Myers Bartlett) to come and play at my college with Blonde Redhead and John S. Hall from King Missile (1996 maybe?). Pretty awesome show. And I got some group on campus to pay for it who had absolutely nothing to do with music or WCNI. Looks like they were still performing a few years ago. Maybe they just haven't updated their website.. |
13:
Nino Ferrer
"Le Téléfon"
Off 7" EP
Riviera
(1967)
More info
Pour Delph! "Mamadou Mémé" viendra bientôt pour toi. Le video c'est magnifique...! A big favorite when we were 16! Up there with all of the greats who committed suicide (though he was 64 at the time). |
14:
Devo
"Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA"
Off Duty Now For The Future
Warner Bros.
(1979)
More info
Last night Richard made this special request. It makes sense as Richard has a company called "Museum of Robots." Go buy things from them; the products are crazy awesome. Or, if you're in NY, come visit us at the NY International Gift Fair. Richard and Vicki are in booth 4209. We're Booth 4218. Time to go keep installing the booth. Enjoy Richard! And you should feel very flattered that despite being there so late last night I still woke up and digitized this one for you. |
1:
Schibbinz
"In Sunshine and In Shadow"
Off Livin' Free
Guerssen (Orig. 1968)
More info
Argentinian folk (and a little garage)! Three Americans (sons of diplomats) and one local (from Córdoba, where they all met and formed the band). This was their only record. The oldest member of the band was 17 when this was made. And actually this record was so rare that this reissue isn't even taken from any master tapes. It was pressed from an original copy of the record that was in really great condition. Reminiscent of The Byrds or especially The Dovers. Very pretty harmonies. Mostly good. |
2:
Serge Gainsbourg
"Balade De Melody Nelson"
Off Histoire De Melody Nelson
Philips (1971)
More info
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3:
The Rolling Stones
"Blue Turns to Grey"
Off December's Children
(and Everybody's)
London (1965)
More info
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4:
Strawberry Alarm Clock
"Pretty Song from Psych Out"
Off Wake Up It's Tomorrow
UNI (1968)
More info
Love this band. In Highschool I watched Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (one of my very favorite movies) and they appear in a party scene doing Incense and Peppermints, their biggest hit (as well as " I'm Coming Home") and I got super excited about them. They are, collectively, a total psychedelic freak-out. In 1968 they appeared in the film "Psych Out" doing this song, as well as a bunch of others). It's a terrible film but I love it and it was produced by Dick Clark, who used to be pretty freaking cool. Plus there are awesome and crazy rack focus transitions in it. At one point Jack Nicholson's fake band plays a song but it's actually The Strawberry Alarm Clock playing, which is pretty funny as it's just after the Strawberry Alarm Clock actually plays in the scene. The Seeds are also featured in Psych Out. This is my other favorite on this record. |
5:
The Girls of the Golden West
"Silver Haired Daddy of Mine"
Off 10" 78rpm Single
Montgomery Ward (1933)
More info
Thanks Adam! (He brought this to me from Alabammy?) So this is a wonderful female cowgirl band from the 30s/40s; Millie and Dorothy Good. And that they were! They appeared on the National Barn Dance where they became good friends with Patsy Montana and Gene Autry (who did this song originally -- I'd only ever heard his version until Adam gave this to me). Later they were in the Boone County Jamboree and the Midwestern Hayride. Kindred pretend-cowgirl spirits, they concocted a fake upbringing and lied to people about it. They claimed they were from Muleshoe, TX, when in actuality they were from Illinois. They also told people on the radio that they would "..yodel their troubles away." Enjoy this as well. |
6: SONG 150!
Johnny Cash
"25 Minutes to Go"
Off Mean As Hell! Ballads From the True West
Columbia (1966)
More info
SONG NUMBER 150!! That's 150 days of postings which equals 8 HOURS and 37 MINUTES OF MUSIC! You can listen to all of it at once using the player at the upper right hand side of this page. This record was all gunslinger/cowboy ballads and it was only ever released on vinyl. I've always loved this song and just found out that it was actually written by Shel Silverstein! Pretty awesome. And it was originally performed by the Brothers Four in 1963, which I find quite fitting what with it being my last couple of hours in Seattle. And apparently Shel Silverstein put it on a record that he did in 1962 called "Inside Folk Songs," which now I must find. |
7:
Grateful Dead
"Tennessee Jed"
Off Europe '72
Warner Bros. (1972)
More info
So I bought this on Union street recently from a mean and nasty dirty hippy (a bit of a contradiction, I thought) after Andrew pointed out the cover to me in my "1000 Record Covers" book. I was looking for rainbow cover art to turn into a rainbow cake for Dan's "Motherfucking Rainbows" dinner club party. I ended up deciding on Cream's Disraeli Gears as the perfect cake topping (in cream, of course) but then ultimately ended doing a straight-up motherfucking gay pride rainbow cake. Regardless, thanks to that whole thing I realized that this record was motherfucking amazing. A number of my favorites are on here. It's a 3-LP set and it's mostly live; they redid some of the vocals in studio when they returned to the states. This one specifically was recorded in Paris at the Olympia Theatre; May 3, 1972. |
| SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
25:
Phil Phillips
"The Evil Dope"
Off 7" Single
Lanor
(1969?)
More info
From Louisiana. Originally "Phillip Baptiste" but then later changed it to Phil Phillips. Started out singing spirituals. You probably know his 1959 song " Sea Of Love." He wrote that originally (before Del Shannon) to try to convince his girlfriend at the time that he was actually, in fact, in love with her. Later he recorded this anti-drug message in the late 60s. This is going out to Adam today. He knows how long it took me to track this down -- it's a favorite of mine. It'll make you think twice before you play around with that evil needle or smoke that marijuana cigarette. You don't want to end up dead do you? Stone dead... |
26:
Kaleidoscope
"Flight From Ashiya"
Off Please Listen To The Pictures
Circle
(2003 / Orig. 1967-71)
More info
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27:
Public Nuisance
"Magical Music Box"
Off Gotta Survive
Frantic
(2002 / Orig. 1968)
More info
Early punk / garage from Sacramento, CA, 1968/69! They never actually released a record back then though. They did sign to Equinox which was run by Terry Melcher (who'd worked with the Byrds and Paul Revere & The Raiders) and had recorded an album's worth of songs by the end of 1969, but it was just never released because apparently (not sure if this is true), Terry Melcher freaked out, dropped all his projects and went into hiding after the Sharon Tate murder. Thanks a lot Charlie Manson! So all this stuff is previously unissued and it's mostly really good. Back in the day they opened up for the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, Sonny & Cher, and the Grateful Dead. Oddly enough, guitarist David Houston ended up going on to produce years later for Steel Breeze and Club Nouveau. |
28:
Big Mama Thornton
"My Man Called Me"
Off She's Back
Back Beat
(1970)
More info
If you're unfamiliar with Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton: She's from Montgomery, Alabama and she originally recorded " Hound Dog" in 1952 (but didn't write - it was a Leiber and Stoller song) that Elvis proceeded to make very famous in 1956. She played both drums and harmonica; self-taught. She recorded a lot in Houston with Johnny Otis for Peacock Records (as did Little Esther, of course, another favorite). Later she moved to California. This song was recorded in 1957. Peacock disolved her contract shortly thereafter. Two other favorites: " They Call Me Big Mama" and " I Smell A Rat." All her songs are great. She was truly amazing. |
29:
Elmer Snowden
"Digga Digga Doo"
Off Harlem Banjo
Riverside (Orig. 1960 / Remastered 1990)
More info
This is going out to Cynthia today. Actually this is one of her favorites and she's an authority on the subject, so in her words: "Elmer Snowden is remembered today mainly as the original leader of the Washingtonians, the group that Duke Ellington took over that would eventually evolve into his famous orchestra. The Washingtonians thought that Snowden had cheated them out of some money and elected Duke as the new leader of the band. ...He was one of the leading jazz banjoists of his day. On this album Elmer played tenor banjo." Please go read Cynthia's article on Elmer as there's so much great stuff to learn about him. Here's Elmer in a 1933 film called "Smash Your Baggage." |
30:
Brenda Lee
"Dum Dum"
Off Little Miss Dynamite
Combo BC (Italy - 90s?)
More info
This isn't my favorite song, but I do love it and it seemed especially appropriate after "Digga Digga Doo." It was recorded as a single in 1961. She was 17. Brenda had 37 US chart hits during the 1960s! She was super short and got the name "Little Miss Dynamite" after she recorded the song " Dynamite" (I think she's 11 or 12 in that performance). Highly recommend her Anthology. Favorites of mine: " Let's Jump The Broomstick" and "Bigelow 6-200" (her very first single when she was freaking 11 years old! Wish I could find it on youtube). |
31:
Sweetwater
"Through An Old Storybook"
Off s/t debut record
Reprise (1968)
More info
Selected because it reminds me of Seattle (where I am right now) but for totally ridiculous reasons. There's another Sweetwater here who had apparently never heard of this Sweetwater (first band to play at Woodstock..first band, not first person) when they named themselves Sweetwater. Confusing. That one is a glam/grunge band who we all adored in highschool (I think this was our graduation song actually). This Sweetwater toured a lot with the Doors and The Animals in the late 60s. They were considered to be a less good Jefferson Airplane. At times Nancy Nevins sounds exactly like Grace Slick. I love this band though, as well as her voice, even though it's barely on this selection. Please enjoy this. The flautist is not to be missed. The drummer is pretty cute too. Enjoy. Oh and it's 1968 yet again! |
18:
Fugazi
"Shut The Door"
Off Repeater
Dischord
(1990)
More info
An old favorite. Too tired to write today. |
19:
The Electric Prunes
"Sold To The Highest Bidder"
Off s/t album
Reprise
(1967)
More info
Little known fact: at one point Kenny Loggins toured with them and was in their backing band. A very brief touring-only point. Here they are in 1967 doing their big hit "Too Much to Dream Last Night." I especially like that, to me, James Lowe looks a lot more like a Ken doll than he does a garage singer. It's almost unnerving, but in a really good way. That's not my favorite thing about them. Here they are on The Smothers Brothers on '67. |
20:
Kitty Wells
"Dust On The Bible"
Off Dust On The Bible
Decca
(1959)
More info
This here record is going out to my pappy today. I think this is one of his favorites maybe. If it isn't, it should be. Possibly my favorite country gospel record ever (Two Gun covered this on her Songs About Jesus record). There are so many great songs on here. Kitty was my first love before Loretta and Wanda. She was actually the first female country singer to top the charts (her big hit " It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," a super awesome feminist response to Hank Thompson's " Wild Side of Life"). And she's still around! She's 90 years old though, so no longer playing... |
21:
D.I.
"Richard Hung Himself"
Off Team Goon
Triple X
(1983)
More info
This was written by Casey Royer when he was in the Adolescents but this version ( hear the other version here), D.I.-era, is my favorite and also the first I heard. A great and mostly flawless song, aside from the obvious grammatical mistake. Those who know me know (Adam) that my favorite records are those with grammatical errors and/or misspellings (there are a few examples below). I think this counts but maybe "Richard Hanged Himself" just didn't have the same ring to it. "Guns" is another favorite of mine, but it's a bit too reminiscent of a number of Circle Jerks songs. (Then later, of course, "Stick to Your Guns"). |
22:
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
"Ain't No Room in Church For Liars"
Off 78rpm Single
Decca
(late 40s)
More info
I probably should be playing the A-side, "Cain't No Grave Hold My Body Down" what with my bold statement about preferring all things grammatically improper yesterday, but I prefer the B-side. Plus humor trumps poor grammar. Recorded in the late 40s and I have to go teach now on not a lot of sleep so that's all you get today. But jesus Sister Rosetta Tharpe is the greatest. And the cutest. |
23:
Every Mother's Son
"Come On Down To My Boat Baby"
Off 7" Single
MGM
(1967)
More info
Today, due to lack of time and need to go teach, here's a haiku:
A one hit wonder
Rip off of the great Monkees
But ok by me |
24:
The Zombies
"I Want Her She Wants Me"
Off Odessey And Oracle
Date
(1969 - US Issue)
More info
On the back of the record, Al Kooper writes: "While in London recently I acquired forty British LPs. Once home, I began to listen to all forty. This record stuck out like a rose in a garden of weeds. In the original British album, The Zombies tell you to remember what Shakespeare said: 'Be not afraid, the Isle is full of noises; loud and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears: and sometimes voices.' It is for you now to enjoy this experience as I have, and I know once you have, you will continue to play some cut from this album everyday for a long time. The Zombies who are—very much alive—." |
11:
Bob Dylan
"It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"
Off Bringing It All Back Home
Columbia (March 1965)
More info
Back to the Dylan marathon. We left off a few weeks ago in 1964. This is his 5th studio recording; now in '65. It has an accoustic and an electric side. His folk followers got pretty angry at this time about the electric stuff. This was also the same year that " Don't Look Back" documents, and there's a lot in it about that. The lady on the cover of the record is Albert Grossman's wife, Sally And he's wearing cufflinks given to him by Joan Baez that she sings about in Diamonds And Rust, one of my favorites (I'll have to add that sometime): "Ten years ago I bought you some cufflinks...you brought me something, but we both know what memories can bring, they bring diamonds and rust..." |
12:
Bob Dylan
"Queen Jane Approximately"
Off Highway 61 Revisited
Columbia (August 1965)
More info
Now we're in August of '65. There are so many good ones on here. It was a toss up between this, Desolation Row, Ballad of a Thin Man and of course Highway 61 Revisted. Oh and Like A Rolling Stone is on here too. If you don't know anything about Highway 61, (the highway itself, "The Blues Highway", that is), go read about it immediately. About the record, Bob said, "I'm not gonna be able to make a record better than that one... Highway 61 is just too good. There's a lot of stuff on there that I would listen to." This one's said to be about Lady Jane Grey, the uncrowned Queen of England who ruled for less than 2 weeks in July of 1553, or maybe about Joan Baez, but Dylan claims that "Queen Jane is a man." |
13:
Bob Dylan
"Positively 4th Street"
Off the Positively 4th Street 7"
Columbia (September 1965)
More info
Now it's September. Contrary to popular belief, this song was never on any of his studio albums. It was released as a single between Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. Dylan once lived on 4th street, but it's unclear who this song actually targets. When it came out numerous folk followers in Greenwich village assumed it was speaking to them for being angered by his accoustic to electric switch. This was my absolute favorite song when I was 15 (and the lyrics somehow perfectly capture 15-year old girl issues) so when Dylan came to Seattle Lee and I went to see him. He was pretty bad, but this one is going out to Lee today. And thanks to Mrs. Clifford for driving us. (Dang we're old. That was 20 years ago). |
14:
Bob Dylan
"Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?"
Off Tombstone Blues 7" EP
Columbia (December 1965) French Pressing
More info
Still in '65; December. I got way too excited about this when I saw it on Ebay many months ago—something about the rare French pressing (ugh)— and then proceeded to spend too much money on it. But it does please me, no question. And there's a dashing closeup on it of the shot from Highway 61 Revisited. Dylan famously kicked Phil Ochs out of his limousine and shouted "You're not a folksinger, you're a journalist" when Ochs said he wasn't into the song. I love the version that the Vacels did, (it actually may have been released just before Dylan's own version was released). And by the by, I also love this guy. He gets it. I enjoy watching anything he uploads. Adorable. Truly. |
15:
Them
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"
Off Them Again
Decca (1966)
More info
January 1966! Dylan's original is on Bringing it All Back Home (Sunday -- over at the left). This, Them, was one of Van Morrison's early bands. Love this version. They (Them) were named after this. Morrison on what attracted him to Dylan: "I think I heard him in a record shop in Smith Street. And I just thought it was just incredible that this guy's not singing about 'moon in June' and he's getting away with it... The subject matter wasn't pop songs, ya know, and I thought this kind of opens the whole thing up." There are many covers of the song itself, of course, but also many that use this version/arrangement as their springboard. You can find a wonderful, much less reserved version by The Chocolate Watchband below, on May 22nd. |
16:
Bob Dylan
"One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)"
Off Blonde On Blonde
Columbia (1966)
More info
Happy Birthday Dan and Jon Abelson! A double album for double peoples. Just one more day of dylan until I start again in a couple of weeks. We need a little variety here. Finally: 1966! This is my second Blonde on Blonde post, but I can't leave it off the dylan marathon for obvious reasons. This song features members of The Band backing him up (specifically, I think, Robbie Robertson and Rick Danko). He recorded this in '65 actually, in the same session in which he recorded "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?", which you may remember listening to three days ago. Love the organ on here. Pretty depressing song... |
17:
Fairport Convention
"Jack O' Diamonds"
Off s/t first 12" record
Cotillion (1968)
More info
1968 yet again! Great record, great song, but sadly it doesn't feature Judy Dyble, whose voice I love. Apparently, however, anytime Judy wasn't singing during a live show she would knit various things on stage, so maybe she accomplished a lot of knitting by not being on this song if they ever played it live. There's always an upside. So this was a traditional folk song but they took the lyrics from a poem that Bob Dylan wrote on the back cover of Another Side of Bob Dylan (June 22). So it's not really a cover of a Dylan song, but he did write the poem/lyrics to it... Apparently they also used those lyrics without permission.
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4:
Simon & Garfunkel
"America"
Off Bookends
Columbia (1968)
More info
Happy Birthday America! ..Yet another great one from '68! |
5:
Mable John
"Same Time, Same Place"
Off Bigger & Better 7" Single
Stax (1967)
More info
She's from Louisiana originally. She moved with her family to Detroit and later started working at an insurance agency run by Barry Gordy's mom. She eventually met Gordy and he started coaching her. She shared the bill with Billy Holiday at her last show (she died a few weeks later). From there she signed to Gordy's label, Tamla (first woman on it), but she was essentially fired in 1962 after he decided not to use many more early blues artists. So she started singing backup for Ray Charles, then she signed to Stax, did a few singles there (one of which did very well; not this one), and now she does Christian/Gospel music. |
6:
Shirley Ellis
"The Clapping Song"
Off The Clapping Song 7"
Congress (1965)
More info
Here's what I love: the lyrics she uses are actually taken from a song by The Light Crust Doughboys, "Little Rubber Dolly", written in 1930. I'm a big fan of The Light Crust Doughboys as their banjo player, Smokey Montgomery, introduced dixieland jazz banjo into Western Swing for the first time (as a 4-string banjo player who loves cowboy music, this really excites me)! If you're unfamiliar, try this (in a Gene Autry movie -- features smoky's gorgeous tenor banjo playing well) and then this (features Bob Wills!). Anyway, Shirley Ellis was from the Bronx and was mostly known for doing novelty songs (she also did " The Nitty Gritty", " The Name Game" and " Get Out"), and this was her last big hit. It was written by her manager/record producer, Lincoln Chase. It's been covered a gazillion times but her version is obviously the best. Even Aaron Carter does it. That's when you know it's good. Here's another great one! |
7:
Index
"Fire Eyes"
Off s/t 12"
Valord Reissue (Orig. 1968)
More info
Great psychedelic rock and roll from Michigan ('68 again)!! They pressed a couple of super rare records in the late 60s; 100 per pressing. Luckily this was reissued. They got the name Index because they decided to change their original name (Chicken Every Sunday) to whatever word they landed on in a book. They were listening to a lot of The Jimi Hendrix Experience before making this. Not surprising. I've not heard their next record but apparently it's got some covers from The Bee Gees' 1st record, which is also super. Maybe I'll play that tomorrow. |
8:
Bee Gees
"Please Read Me"
Off Bee Gees 1st
Atco (1967)
More info
So the members of yesterday's band, Index, were huge fans of this record and it apparently influenced their 2nd record a lot (and provided a few originals to cover), so I thought I'd go with it today. Great record, and not their 1st album, in spite of the title. This and Odessa (see April 8th, below). Also just found Horizontal at a flea market (record just after this one) but I've not yet listened. This was all before the disco sound with which they're most associated. Big Beatles influence here. And the cover art was done by Klaus Voorman who also did the cover art for Revolver. Here's Nina Simone covering this song in '68. Heartbreaking. The Fastbacks did it too. Pretty bad, but I used to love them. Here's something better to wash that away. |
9:
The Byrds
"5 D (Fifth Dimension)"
Off Fifth Dimension
Columbia (1966)
More info
Can't write anything today. No sleep, yet off to teach for the next 7 hours. Love love love this song. I think tomorrow I'll return to the Bob Dylan marathon.
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10:
Patsy Montana
"I Want to Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart"
Off 10" 78 rpm Single
Decca (1935)
More info
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1:
Descendents
"Bikeage"
Off Somery
SST
(1991)
More info
An old favorite. It seemed especially appropriate today of all days. Don't worry, I'm neither selling my body nor do I have a needle in my arm; just overwhelmed with work, running out of time and could stand to take a quaalude. |
2:
Kidnap
"No S.S."
Off Maximum Rock N' Roll's Welcome to 1984
MRR (1984)
More info
One of the oldest in my collection. One of my oldest, that is, not one of the oldest. It did just have its 25th anniversary in December though, and I think MRR released some sort of limited edition colored vinyl to celebrate. This band was from France. Great chorus; gets stuck in your head. And a great record: all international punk & hardcore bands... Here's Kidnap live! "Merçi les femmes, au revoir les copines." Adorable. |
3:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Overture from La Nocce De Figaro
Performed by The Vienna Philharmonic
Orig produced in Vienna on May 1st, 1786
London Records (1959)
More info
Vienna Philharmonic, 1959... Gorgeous. One of my favorite operas. Mozart's comedies are the best.
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27:
Procol Harum
"Whiter Shade Of Pale"
"Single
Deram (1967)
More info
Yep! Procol Harum. Named after a friend's Burmese cat. This is their very first single and it's up there in my book as being one of the best songs ever written. It's flawless. Despite hearing it probably over 1000 times since I was a little kid, it still makes my stomach muscles clench up whenever I hear that organ, and I get this weird homesick feeling that's tough to describe. Few songs do that to me to that extent (I've put a few up here that do). And it's funny because I've really tried to give Procol Harum a chance and yet I find most of their other recordings to be truly painful. Anyway, here's some good info about the song itself. I'll return to Dylan tomorrow... |
28:
Sunny Skylar
"The Tattooed Lady"
Off Nursery Rhymes (But Not for Children) 78 rpm record
Mercury Records (1940s)
More info
Sunny was born in Brooklyn in 1913, (just like my Grandma). He was a singer, composer, lyricist and music publisher and he played with a bunch of big bands. This is a pretty racy song so listener discretion is truly advised. I'm surprised the PMRC wasn't all over this one. |
29:
Loretta Lynn
"Don't Come Home 'A Drinkin (With Lovin' On Your Mind)'"
Off Don't Come Home...
Decca (1967)
More info
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30:
Lazy Smoke
"There Was A Time"
Off Corridor Of Faces
Jackpot Reissue (Orig. 1969)
More info
My posts will be super short this month as I'm teaching and teaching and teaching. Constantly. I love this song. Good late 60's psych from Massachusetts. They were together from '67 - '69 and only pressed a couple hundred copies of this originally, but luckily it's been reissued a few times by various labels.
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20:
Joan Baez
"Don't think twice, it's all right"
Off 7" EP of the same title
Fontana (1963)
More info
This song is also on the Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. I adore her version. She was well known by the time this came out so she helped to bring a larger audience to Dylan by covering it. They started their relationship together the same year. About the song Dylan said, "a lot of people make it sort of a love song - slow and easygoing. But it isn't a love song. It's a statement that maybe you can say something to make yourself feel better. It's as if you were talking to yourself." Dylan wrote this after his girlfriend Suze Rotolo (see below, on the cover of the Freewheelin' BD) went off to study in Italy and left him in New York. Dylan re-imagined their separation as him leaving her.
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21:
Bob Dylan
"The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll"
Off The Times They Are a-Changin'
Columbia (1964)
More info
We're into 1964 now. He does all originals on this, mostly protest songs. This is one of my favorites -- a protest song about William Zantzinger, a wealthy, racist tobacco farmer who killed a black barmaid, Hattie Carroll, at a charity ball in 1963. She was 51 and the mother of 11 children. He got off easy because she had a history of heart problems and when he struck her with his cane (because he was drunk and she didn't get him another drink fast enough) she didn't die on the spot, but rather a little while later. He was charged first with homicide but then it was reduced to manslaughter. He never served his full sentence and was barely fined. Zantzinger died last year. In an interview about Dylan, Zantzinger said, "He's a no-account son of a bitch, he's just like a scum of a scum bag of the earth, I should have sued him and put him in jail." |
22:
Bob Dylan
"Chimes of Freedom"
Off Another Side of Bob Dylan
Columbia (1964)
More info
Still 1964.
"Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail,
the sky cracked its poems in naked wonder,
that the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze,
leaving only bells of lightning and its thunde. Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind,
striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind,
an' the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time, an' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing."
Read about the song here. Too tired to write anything today.
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23:
Ruby Johnson
"Weak Spot"
Off "I'll Run Your Hurt Away" 7" Single
Volt (1966)
More info
Just taking a short break from the Dylan as we need a little variety. He'll be back on here shortly. So Ruby Johnson (click to see an adorable photo of her). She never hit it big, unfortunately. I first learned about her here (a site I highly recommend that is no longer being updated). " Calling All Boys" is my very favorite but it also seems to be extremely tough to find (the B side to Pleadin' Heart; her first single). This is great too. It was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The A-side to this "I'll Run Your Hurt Away" charted nationally, but that was it. Not much success for Ruby ever, despite her being absolutely amazing. She quit her career in music entirely in the early 70s and died in 1999. RIP Ruby. |
24:
Clarence "Frogman" Henry
"Ain't Got No Home"
Off "Troubles Troubles" 7" Single
Argo (1956)
More info
He's a New Orleans legend. When he was a kid he was into Professor Longhair and Fats Domino; not surprising. I'm not sure if any of you watch Tremé but boy was I excited when I saw Clarence in the card scene this past week in the season finalé ("I Ain't Got No Hand" -- hilarious). This is his froggyist song; it's where his "Frogman" nickname comes from, also his first single. Actually on this single only he's known as "Frog Man." Here's a great photo of him. This was obviously a novelty hit, but I still totally love it (who am I kidding, I love most old novelty songs). He wrote it after a late-night gig at the Joy Lounge. He was tired and the owner wasn't too interested in letting the musicians off, so he slammed the keys down and howled "Oooh oh oh oh oh oh oh!." Oddly enough, he went on to tour with the Beatles in the US for 1964. Here he is with the Beatles. Enjoy! |
25:
Veda Brown
"I Know It's Not Right (To be in love with a married man)"
Off 7" Single
Stax (1972)
More info
Her real name was Mildred Pulliam. She was a gospel singer from MO. This single was released in 1972. She never really hit it big (well she had one hit, "short stopping"). She was there for the last years of Stax so people don't really consider her to be all that important I guess. I think this song is pretty great. Her contract ended when Stax ended and that was pretty much it. She released a couple singles on the Raken label and was never heard from again. She now lives in MO as Mrs. Whitehorn.
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26:
Bessie Banks
"Go Now"
Off 7" Single
Red Bird (1964)
More info
Thanks to Brother Finkel for posting for me while I'm away. So this is the original, but maybe you've heard The Moody Blues doing it (also in 1964). They do a great version actually. So yeah, Bessie did the original. Her name was originally Bessie White (she later married a Mr. Banks) and she was born in NC and raised right here in Brooklyn. Her husband Larry Banks actually wrote this song. Leiber and Stoller produced it. Unfortunately, however, because the Moody Blues' version ( here's the cover) was such a huge success it overshadowed her and she was pretty much forgotten about. She did do a few more singles, but that was pretty much it for her. There seems to be an underdog theme running through here...
Here's a photo of Bessie.
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13:
Ida Cox
"Wild Women Don't Have the Blues"
Off Wild Women Don't..
Rosetta Records (1981)
More info
An 80s reissue of her final record done on Riverside; "Blues For Rampart Street." She was pursuaded to make this in 1961, after being in retirement for many years (she was an early blues singer; this song was originally recorded in 1924). Featured on here: Coleman Hawkinss, Roy Eldridge, Sammy Price, Milt Hinton and Jo Jones. A bit of a supergroup, if you will. Ida died in 1967. You should definitely check out her old 20s/30s blues...really amazing. |
14:
The Rocky Fellers
"Killer Joe"
Off the Killer Joe 7" Single
Scepter (1963)
More info
The Rocky Fellers consisted of four Filipino brothers (who sound like girls) and their Dad. This was their only hit and it was about "Killer Joe" Piro, a famous NYC dance instructor / "King of the Discotheque." Joe got the nickname because he outlasted dancers on the dancefloor. It has been said that the song bares a striking resemblance to Mickey & Silvia's "Love Is Strange." It is true. Joe later put out a dance instruction record called "Killer Joe's Internationial Discotheque." You should buy it if you want to learn to do the Watusi, the Monkey, the Swim, the Bossa Nova, the Merengue, the Jerk, the cha-cha Watusi, the Hully Gully, the Mlle, the Frug, or the Shake. |
15:
The Merry Go Round
"Time Will Show The Wiser"
Off the Live 7" Single
A&M (1967)
More info
I thought this was a Fairport Convention original. It is not. It's Emmet Rhodes and his 1967 band, The Merry Go Round who were only together for a very brief two years (but they were all very prolific musically both before and after). This was their first single. I think I like it better than the Fairport Convention version. Maybe. I love that Judy Dyble. But I also love the freaky autoharp/other shit going on in the background of this.
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16:
Lou "Lewis" Reed
"Merry Go 'Round"
Off "All Tomorrow's Dance Parties" 7" single
Norton
(Orig. 1962)
More info
From The Merry Go Round to Merry Go Round! Norton released this -- it's all of Lou ("Lewis") Reed's earliest recordings. This side represents his earliest lead vocal performances. He recorded it when he was 20 during college at Syracuse in 1962. The B-side features his very first recordings ever (1958), with his highschool band, "The Jades" (orig. "The Shades"), but he's just playing guitar in the background on it so I found it to be a bit less exciting. It's worth checking out; he was 16. The songs didn't do very well when the single came out, but for some reason I get this funny impression that it didn't seem to hurt Lou's future...
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17:
Bob Dylan
"Song To Woody"
Off s/t first record
Columbia (1962)
More info
Song/day #100! Hopefully you know that you can play the little pretend radio at the upper right and listen to all of the songs, one after another, for (thus far) 5hrs and 50 minutes total! I think for this exciting milestone I will maybe do a couple of weeks of Bob Dylan straight. I'm not sure yet but if I do decide to go for it, I'll want to do it in chronological order, so here's my favorite song off of his first record, recorded in 1962. This is one of his originals (one of only two on the record). The inscription on the bottom of the lyric sheet: "Written by Bob Dylan in Mills Bar on Bleecker Street in New York City on the 14th day of February, for Woody Guthrie." The melody of this song is based on Woody Guthrie's 1913 Massacre.
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18:
Andrew Thompson
"There Must Be Some Kind of Misunderstanding"
Off 12" single of the same name
Lewis Recordings (2005)
More info
I think doing Dylan for 2 weeks straight may be a bit much (for you, dear listeners, certainly not for me). So instead it'll be a once or twice/week thing, which is better anyway as it will last for several months. Anyway, this is my friend Andrew. He is fantastic and he possesses a voice that was perhaps sent from the heavens. He also possesses a kazoo that was perhaps sent from China. You can go watch his video for this song here (and you should because it's hilarious). And you should really buy his most recent record because it is extremely awesome (plus I think I'm singing on some of it): I'm Not Likely To Change.
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19:
Bob Dylan
"Girl From The North Country"
Off The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Columbia (1963)
More info
I changed my mind. Fuck it. This was his second record. The first one didn't do well (only sold 5000 copies its first year). Freewheelin' made it into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. This song is based on the melody of the old English folk song " Scarborough Fair," which he learned from Martin Carthy. One of the outtakes from this record is " Let Me Die In My Footsteps." I don't have it on vinyl but man oh man is it gorgeous. It was supposed to be on the record but then was swapped with " A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." Also gorgeous (and about fallout shelters). Oh and the girl in the photograph with him is Suze Rotolo, his girlfriend at the time. That's the corner of West 4th and Jonest St. in the West Village. |
6:
Donovan
"Celeste"
Off Sunshine Superman
Epic
(1966)
More info
I found this at Brooklyn Flea last weekend and I was pretty excited. First pressing / great condition and one of his best records (or, rather, one of my favorites). This is his third release. "Sunshine Superman" is, of course, amazing (and a total psychedelic freak-out), and I've always loved "Season of The Witch," (even though now when I tend to hear it I think of halloween as it's always on that playlist) but this one is lesser known and under appreciated so I thought I'd put it up. Totally beautiful. On the back of the record Donovan writes, "Celeste is my name for the lady weaver of all the skies who weaves our fates on a silver loom in the silent room of eternal love." There's such great instrumentation on this record; strange, mesmerizing. Here's another favorite (Ferris Wheel). |
7:
Sophie Tucker
"I'm Having More Fun Since I'm Sixty"
Off The Spice Of Life
Wing (1956)
More info
"The Last of the Red Hot Mamas..." She signed this record in 1964, obviously not for me. That was 2 years before she died. I love this woman; she's a kindred spirit. A bawdy, ridiculous, sassy Jewish lady. This is definitely not one of her better songs, but it's hilarious and is a good representation of her general philosophy, I think. Oh and she was 72 when she put this record out...
pretty cute!
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8:
Serge Gainsbourg
"Ford Mustang'"
Off Initials B.B. 7" EP
Philips (1968)
More info: Buy this
Yet another from '68! Arnaud, my french brother, first played Serge for me when I was 16. I will never forget it: we were hanging out in his little apartment in downtown Montpellier with 2 of his french friends. They were all 19 or 20 I think and they were all chain smoking. They were trying to give me a taste of quintessential French music, both old and new; Jacques Dutronc, Noir Désir, even Jean-Jacques Goldman (and the adorable threesome; Fredricks, Goldman, Jones). Then there it was: "Le Poinçonneur Des Lilas." I was hooked. I still am. And it still feels like I'm in a smokey Gitane-saturated room when I listen to this. Such an intense sense memory now. This is an original French pressing on Philips. It's the Initials B.B. EP and if you're unfamiliar, the lady voice is that of Bridgittte Bardot (B.B.), his lover at the time. Look at how dashing he was! MERÇI ARNAUD!! Gros bisous!
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9:
Van Morrison
"Madame George"
Off Astral Weeks
Warner Brothers (1968)
More info
Speaking of 1968, yet again...I just realized I've not yet put this up. This is one of my very favorite records. Actually I went to see Van Morrison play all of Astral Weeks in its entirety, start to finish, up at the Beacon Theatre last year. I prefer the sparse string quartet (+ guitar / upright bass / flute) used here to the big orchestra. The original title of this song was Madame Joy, and contrary to popular belief it's not about a transvestite/drag queen, but rather a mixture of a number of different people. About all the stories on the record, "It's not about me. It's totally fictional. It's put together of composites, of conversations I heard—you know, things I saw in movies, newspapers, books, whatever. It comes out as stories. That's it. There's no more." Van was 22 when he made this. That blows my mind. |
10:
The Adverts
"Gary Gilmore's Eyes"
Off 7" Single of the same name
Anchor Records (1977)
More info
A great song about the Serial Killer's eyes, and how he donated them to science after he was executed. Gary Gilmore was killed by firing squad in Utah in 1977... He actually donated a number of body parts, not just his corneas, but I doubt, unlike the song suggests, the recipients knew they were his. So yeah, this song is about his eyes.
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11:
The Ramones
"Teenage Lobotomy"
Off Rocket To Russia
Sire (1977)
More info
For Heather who wanted to hear some Ramones on here a while back. This is one of my favorites and I hope it is yours too.
That's all I can muster up today, thanks to my hangover. But there's too much to say about the Ramones anyway. And boy does this fit nicely after Gary Gilmore's Eyes (and it's also from '77).
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12:
Toussaint McCall
"Nothing Takes The Place of You"
Off Nothing Takes The Place of You
Ronn (1967)
More info
I wanted to put a lesser known song on but really, this is the best of the best and my knees go a little week when I hear that organ go. If you're into super funky organ, check out "Shimmy." I get less excited by that but it was actually the B-side to the "Nothing Takes The Place of You" single and if I'd purchased that record in 1967, I would be shocked and confused if I heard it on the other side. I always say that I hate when funk and soul are grouped together (as I often love soul and generally am not that into funk), but his single really was half soul, half funk; versions as diametrically opposed as it gets. This was his only full-length record; for me, a WFMU record fair find. Look at those two white kids on the front of the record. Sheesh. |
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1:
Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs
"Ju Ju Hand"
Best of Sam The Sham..
MGM (1966)
More info
Domingo Samudio, the man behind " Wooly Bully" (named after his cat) and " L'il Red Riding Hood". Like many of my favorites, he's from Texas and was once a carny. I actually like this stuff more than The Sam The Sham Revue, which he started in '66 after he was worried he would be thought of as simply a novelty act (and there are some novelty songs on that sam the sham revue record). Also he had three ladies singing backup in the band at one time ("The Shamettes") who recorded a follow-up to "L'il Red Riding Hood" called " (Hey There) Big Bad Wolf" but it flopped miserably. Sam writes poetry these days...
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2:
The Adolescents
"Kids Of The Black Hole"
s/t 12" / a.k.a. "The Blue Album"
Frontier (1981)
More info
An old favorite. This was their first record. They broke up later this same year, but then reunited again in the late 80s. Steve Soto from Agent Orange started the band. Rikk and Frank Agnew from Social Distortion were also in it and this song is actually about Mike Ness' old apartment (dubbed "the black hole") with a revolving door policy where kids would come and crash if they wanted to see a punk show in Orange County or stay if they were homeless. Pat Smear also played guitar in the band after Rikk quit (to be in Christian Death). |
3:
David Bowie
"Rock 'N' Roll Suicide'"
Off The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
RCA Victor (1972)
More info
David Bowie: First rock concert I ever went to. Susie took me to Portland, OR to see his Glass Spider Tour. Peter Frampton opened up. I still have the t-shirt somewhere. Perfect first show, especially for an 11 year old. This is one of my very favorite songs. And by the by, I think maybe Brian Duffy has died? One of my favorite flickr photographers posted that yesterday but I can't find anything about it anywhere else. Hmmm.... He photographed this, in case you were unawares.
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4:
Archie Bell & The Drells
"Tighten Up"
Off Tighten Up
Atlantic (1968)
More info
This one has always had special meaning to me. It was written in Houston and released in '68, the same place and year my parents got married. Archie got drafted to serve in Vietnam just before this hit the charts and it became a number one single (originally a B-side) while he was lying in a military hospital, hoping to heal his leg after it had been shot, trying to get people to believe that the song on the radio was his. Being stuck in bed unable to walk made the line "we dance just as good as we walk" rather ironic at the time. Archie is still around, writing and recording. |
5:
The Kinks
"Village Green Preservation Society"
Off The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
Reprise (1968)
More info
Another from 1968! Such a great year for rock and roll! In fact I just did a search and 1968 is by far the most represented year on here. If you're looking for an incredibly detailed account of all that was going on back then (aside from my parents both meeting and marrying), go here. This was a concept album about long gone (perhaps never existent) English pastoral life. It's one of my very favorites. Brilliant and touching: " We are the Skyscraper Condemnation Affiliate, God save tudor houses, antique tables and billiards.
Preserving the old ways from being abused, protecting the new ways for me and for you....what more can we do?
God save the Village Green." Enjoy this too. |
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30:
The Byrds
"Wasn't Born To Follow"
Off The Notorious Byrd Brothers
Columbia (1968)
More info
This one's for you, Mr. Hopper. You will forever be one of my very favorites.
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31:
Tony, Caro And John
"There Are No Greater Heroes"
Off All On The First Day
Gaarden Records Reissue
(Orig. 1972)
More info
I thought it fitting for the day. Such beautiful harmonies on this record. This is the second reissue - it just came out and I was pretty excited about it because the older vinyl reissue on Shadoks is super expensive and hard to find ( you can easily find the cd on itunes though). They only pressed 100 copies when they released this originally. In Tony's words, "All On The First Day was the result of a one year burst of creativity triggered by a lucky encounter between us -- three hippy folkie musicians and our first decent tape recorder...Of course we loved Dylan and the Beatles, but at the time we were probably most impressed with the deliberate do-it-yourself amateurism of the Incredible String Band."
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23:
The Fugs
"Kill For Peace"
Off s/t 2nd album
ESP Disk (1966)
More info
Richard, this is for you! Something tells me you probably like this one. Perhaps Boobs A Lot would have been more appropriate, but I thought I'd try to appeal to your softer side. The FBI investigated The Fugs in '66, and specifically this recording, and concluded that they're "a group of musicians who perform in NYC. They are considered to be beatniks and free thinkers, i.e., free love, free use of narcotics, etc...it is recommended that this case be placed in a closed status since the recording is not considered to be obscene." The same should be said for you, Richard. Tomorrow's selection is going out to Vicki! |
24:
Nina Hagen Band
"TV-Glotzer (White Punks On Dope)"
s/t 10" EP
Columbia (1980)
More info
This one's for Vicki! It's Nina's take on the Tubes' White Punks On Dope. This was one of her first releases. The back of the record has some fantastic facts listed on it. Here's a sampling: "Over The Wall and into your arms. Nina Hagen from East Germany to you. Nina Hagen, whose albums are not available in nations where Truth is suppressed. Nina Hagen, whose voice will thrill you, or else. Nina Hagen, who grew up like many of us: Divorced parents, Janis Joplin records, a dishonorable discharge from her youth organization. Nina Hagen. She just dresses different."
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25:
Holy Ghost Reception Committee #9
"Resurrection"
Off Songs For Liturgical Worship
VOID Reissue
(Orig. 1967)
More info
Full-on late-60s Christian psych. I've been a little obsessed with this band recently. They're yet another highschool band, all teenagers, though this time from a Jesuit highschool in New York called "Regis" where my friend Meg used to teach (many years after this recording was made). Apparently they were trying to alleviate the monotony of weekly mass by writing and singing these more contemporary songs about the LORD and the school was super supportive; they got them a recording deal with an ecumenical press (Paulist). Lots of songs about God on here, but I'm into that. I've been trying to get their other record, "Torchbearers" on vinyl but it's proving to be difficult. It's painfully beautiful. Also check out "Hand On Your Shoulder" on this one.
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26:
The Iran-Contras
"Electric Youth"
Off Were Better
Colonial Recordings USA (2004)
#27/40
More info
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER!!! Peter gave this to me many years ago, which was especially sweet as this shit is super special. They only printed 40 of them! Peter only has 2 left and he's selling them on his site for $100 each! Go buy it immediately! (Plus it's his birthday today, so wouldn't that be nice?) This is by far my favorite Debbie Gibson cover (I know, I know; a pretty sweeping statement), and I thought it quite fitting as Peter is turning old years old today (which is pretty fucking old). But Peter, youth has nothing to do with age. You still have your electric youth. Oh it's also on gorgeous clear vinyl. Here's a photo.
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27:
Cock SParrer
"England Belongs To Me"
Off Shock Troops
Captain Oi! (Orig. '82)
1996 Repress
More info
I first heard this song on an old Maximum Rock N' Roll Compilation during college. Oh the days of buying tapes... MRR is still putting up weekly radio shows that you should check out. This is an old reissue of the first Cock Sparrer record (but the first pressing didn't have this song on it -- it came out as a single, also in '82, so they added it later). They were Cock Sparrow in the beginning -- basically the first Oi! band. Good record all around.
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28:
Etta James
"I'd Rather Go Blind"
Off Tell Mama
Cadet
(1968)
More info
This is up there in my book as being one of the best songs ever written. Many people have covered it but no one's come close to this version; not even Rod Stewart. It was written by Ellington Jordan (if that's not a jazzy name, I don't know what is) and apparently Etta first heard an outline of it when she went to visit him in prison. She then wrote the rest of the song but for tax purposes gave the co-writing credit to Billy Foster.
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29:
Olivia Newton-John
"Please Don't Keep Me Waiting"
Off Totally Hot
MCA (1977)
More info
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16:
David Stoughton
"The Sun Comes Up Each Day"
Off Transformer
Elektra
(1968)
More info
I actually randomly found this buried in my records one day, having never listened to it. It was a hand-me-down from a WCNI Marathon one year (maybe they had a duplicate or maybe they just didn't care about it), but it's pretty good. It's rather inconsistent and a lot of it is more experimental psych storytelling stuff, but I think this song is quite pretty. Apparently this is rare-ish as it's only available on vinyl and the label won't release it on CD despite requests from fans. Oh and he wrote the songs and produced the record. There's some cool instrumentation on it.
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17:
McCully Workshop
"Seance"
Off McCully Workshop Inc.
Trutone
(1970)
More info
Recorded in '69. Beautiful South African folk/psych. Two brothers started this band in their mid teens. Why Can't It Rain is also really good. The record is not all great (in fact some of it is straight up bad), but there are some really pretty harmonies and good songs on it. Actually, in parts it's sort of reminiscent of barbershop chorus or doo wop but with a distorted edge, which is pretty cool. |
18:
Mae West
"Twist & Shout"
Off Way Out West
Tower (1966)
More info
This is a pretty intense record and I decided to post it today as I'm in a pretty intense mood right now, here at jury duty. At least they have wireless. Mae made this when she was 73 years old. It's hilarious - a full-on garage record (the backing band calls themselves "Somebody's Chyldren") but with Mae West covering all the hits in a sexy but old lady-like manner, reminiscent of Sophie Tucker in her later years. Apparently this was her big attempt at getting a showbiz comeback...pretty sure it didn't work. Alas.
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19:
Françoise Hardy
"La Maison ou J'ai Grandi"
Off Françoise
Disques Vogue (1966)
More info
My French sister Delphine introduced me to Françoise when we were 16. We went on a road trip once with her parents to Spain to visit the Salvador Dali museum and we sang "Mon Amie La Rose" over and over and over again the whole way there and it's one of my very best memories (not so much for Michel et Colette, I'm sure). This song is especially fitting for such memories.
Gros Bisous Delph! Cette chanson est pour toi aujourd'hui! Oh and you should all go check out Delphine's amazing paintings; she's a genius. This is for Arnaud too, as he first introduced me to Jacques Dutronc, to whom Françoise is married.
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20:
Walflower Complextion
"When I'm Far From You"
Off double LP reissue
Four Little Indians
(Orig. '66 & '67)
More info
Highschool garage from Colombia, recorded and released in 1966 and '67. The band members were American though - kids of US Government staff based there, ranging in age from 14 to 17. Pretty cute. The original pressings are rare and tough to find. It's mostly garage covers - everything from Richard & The Young Lions to Buddy Holly. And a whole bunch of Rolling Stones. There are also a couple of rock versions of Colombian Cumbia folk songs; a request by their label head. This song is one of their originals. Also recommend their cover of Blue Turns To Grey. I think I probably like this one as it's basically a Blue Turns to Grey cover...
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21:
The Maddox Brothers & Rose
"Hangover Blues"
Off Hangover Blues 10" Single
Decca
(1948)
More info
America’s Most Colorful Hillbilly Band! One of my very favorites... Apparently in the early 40s when her brothers were drafted, Rose tried to get into Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. He wouldn't listen and she responded with something along the lines of, "When my brothers get back from the war, we're gonna show you but good!" She did. Oh if only I could have seen them live!!
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22:
Chocolate Watchband
"Baby Blue"
Off Inner Mystique
Sundazed (Orig. 1968)
Reissue
More info
One of my favorite versions of this song; there are so very many. Them's version is also gorgeous (and it came before this version/obviously influenced it). This was also the b-side to what was basically their first single. I got to see Dave Aguilar play about ten years ago -- pretty awesome. And I love punk musician/ex-biologists. There are a shocking number of them. I've always wondered why that is. Historians too, but mostly biologists. A shocking number. |
9:
Mr. T
"Treat Your Mother Right"
12" Single
MCA
(1984)
More info
And yes, singles week continues! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!! You're the best Mumsy ever! Hope you like the Mr. T today. If any of you've not seen "Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool," Mr. T's self-esteem video from 1984, you need to go find it immediately. Or borrow my VHS copy if you're my friend. He gives some incredibly important and very valuable self-esteem tips like, "Everybody's gotta wear clothes! Cause if you don't, you'll get arrested." Wise words (that could only be spoken by someone who's been charged with public indecency). New Edition, Martika, Ice-T and more also appear in the video. |
10:
Loretta Lynn
"The Pill"
Off Back To The Country
MCA
(1975)
More info
I'm interrupting singles week today because yesterday was such a big day! Lee told me that in addition to Mother's Day, yesterday was the 50th Anniversary of the pill, ironically. Mr. T was reserved for it, so I couldn't post this (plus I was in Arizona), so here it is today; one of my favorites by Loretta. It was quite controversial and was one of the first songs (certainly the first American song) to discuss birth control. A lot of country stations refused to play it. This song is dedicated to the birth control pill. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTH CONTROL PILL! |
11:
Charline Arthur
"Honey Bun"
7" Single
RCA Victor
(1955)
More info
And now back to singles week. I got this record from Adam. She's just the cutest. From Henrietta, Texas...her parents were musicians. She's one of the original rockabilly gals (she came just before Wanda) and she played both guitar and fiddle and sang racy, rowdy songs. It's no wonder that the same year she recorded this there was a national poll given to DJs and she came in just behind Kitty Wells as best female country performer. This song was actually written by Johnny Hicks, and her husband, Jack Arthur, plays/sings on it with her. This is pretty great. |
12:
Joann Garrett
"I'm A Now Girl!"
7" Single
DUO
(1968)
More info
I love her. She got a recording contract with Chess at age 15. The B side to this is actually one of her more popular numbers " One Woman," which is also a gorgeous song. I actually got this for that song but then ended up loving the A side more. She also did a really adorable cover of the Heartbeat's doo wop song, " A Thousand Miles Away." |
13:
Minor Threat
"Salad Days"
Off Salad Days 7" EP
Dischord
(1985)
More info
An old favorite. This song was originally called "Last Song" and it was recorded in 1983, 2 years before the EP was released and just before they broke up for good. They performed this song live only once, at their last show...
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14:
Darrell Banks
"Open The Door To Your Heart"
7
" single
Revilot
(1966)
More info
Another Gospel/soul singer -- you knows I likes 'em! This was his first single. If you like this you should check out " Darrell Banks is Here!" Great record. In '69 he signed to Stax and then he was shot and killed in '70 by a police officer who was having an affair with his girlfriend. He was 32 years old.
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15:
Josie Cotton
"Johnny Are You Queer?"
12 " single
Elektra
(1982)
More info
And tomorrow we'll go back to 12 inches AND 33 revolutions!! It's been a fun couple of singles weeks but their time must come to an end: TOMORROW. This is an old favorite of mine. I first heard it in the movie " Valley Girl," in which she performed this song. I wanted to be her, in fact. She was pretty punk rock. The seven year old inside me would be pleased today. And I love songs with clapping sequences in them.
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2:
Syrup USA
"Joie De Vol"
7" Single
Tru Luv
(1995)
More info
For Mahmood today! |
3:
Richard & The Young Lions
"Nasty"
7" Promo Single
Philips
(1966)
More info
May as well continue with singles for a bit as it seems to be a recent pattern. I got to see Richard & The Young Lions play a show in 2001 with ? and the Mysterians....such a great show! Little Steven put it on -- one of the early Cavestomp shows. Dave Aguilar from the Chocolate Watchband also played that night, along with the Greenhornes, who I used to really like. Don't know if they're still around but they're a newer garage band from Ohio who you should check out if you're unfamiliar. |
4:
Jerry McCain
"Geronimo Rock &' Roll"
7" Single
Norton
(Orig. 1955)
More info
And singles week continues! Norton put out five of his 1955 pre-Excello records demos last year. He played a mean (and juicy) harmonica and he used to go by the name "Boogie McCain," which I prefer. No relation to John, if that was unclear. |
5:
Storey Sisters
"Bad Motorcycle"
7" Single
Cameo
(1958)
More info
And continues! More fierce ladies from the 50s. These gals also went by the name "The Twinkles." So you can get this exact same single released by "The Twinkles," in 1957, or by "The Storey Sisters," in 1958 (above). Their names were Ann & Lillian and they were from Philadelphia and they were adorable and that's all I know about them! |
6:
Aretha Franklin
"Oh Me Oh My
(I'm A Fool For You Baby)"
7" Single: Mono Side (A-Side is the same song in Stereo)
Atlantic
(1971)
More info
And continues! For Sara today. This song makes me crazy. Please listen to it very loudly and then marvel at how much it builds; just when you think it can build no more she takes it to a whole new level. This song was actually done originally by Lulu, who I think is awesome, but whose version I'm not a fan of. Plus neither of them wrote this. It was written by someone named Jim Doris who was from Glasgow, like Lulu -- couldn't find much about him. |
7:
Miller
"Baby I Got News For You"
7" Single
Columbia
(Orig. 1965)
Lmt Repress of 500 (1990?)
More info
And continues! This guy is a weirdo. His real name is Pete Miller and he was prolific in the 60s, putting out a number of recordings. He also went by the name "Big Boy Pete". At one point he refused to tour and sent someone else out in his place. This was his first solo single - Peter Frampton plays backup on here (as well as other members of The Herd)! Here's another hit and here's an interview that's really great. He lives in SF now and has a recording studio. |
8:
Dead Kennedys
"California Über Alles"
7" Single
Fast Product
(1979)
More info
And continues! This was their first single. I must have inherited this from my brother at some point. I doubt my parents remember this but they went to go hear Jello Biafra speak when I was in Middle School because my brother told them he shared their political viewpoints. If only I'd been a bit older. |
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1:
Hank Williams
"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"
Off 7" Single / same name
Collectibles (90s)
More info
Hiram King, going out by request to Jess The Drifter. xx |
| SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
25:
Marianne Faithfull
"As Tears Go By"
s/t
London (1965)
More info
As she puts it, in 1965 she "left her husband to live with Mick Jagger. My first move was to get a Rolling Stone as a boyfriend. I slept with three and decided the lead singer was the best bet."
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26:
13th Floor Elevators
"Splash 1 (Now I'm Home)"
Off The Pschedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
International Artists (1966)
Reissue on Sundazed
More info
So beautiful. I wish I could find video online of Roky's Mom doing a church/gospel (really more operatic than anything else) version of this in the documentary, " You're Gonna Miss Me." If you've not seen it, it's worth checking out... |
27:
The Dicks
"Hate The Police"
Off Hog 7" Single
Delta Pop Music (2006)
More info
Man they were so good. Also from Texas (like yesterday's pick). This was originally recorded in 1980. A few years ago (jesus...looks like it was 13 years ago. I am so old.), Alternative Tentacles put out a compilation of all the stuff they recorded from 80-86. I highly recommend. Buy it here. |
28:
Annette Funicello
"Rock-a-Polka"
Off Dance Annette
Disney (1961)
More info
50 songs up as of today! I thought Annette would be especially appropriate for such a milestone. I love this woman with the purest and deepest love possible. Her Rhino boxset is one of my desert island picks (long out of print, I'm afraid, even on CD). Dance Annette, Dance Annette! |
29:
Betty Harris
"I'll Be A Liar"
Off Cry To Me 7" Single
Jubilee (1963)
More info
The B-Side to "Cry to Me," which most people associate with Solomon Burke anyway, as he wrote it and did it first. I like her version better. This song's cute as can be. Also Interesting: She worked as Big Maybelle's maid for a bit in the early 60s. Big Maybelle encouraged her to make her first single (this was her 2nd)... |
30:
Uninhabitable Mansions
"Do You Have A Strategy?"
Off 'We Misplaced a Cobra in the Uninhabitable Mansion' 7" Single
UM (2009)
More info
Oh how I love this song! Robbie gave me this record yesterday (thank you thank you!) and you should all go and get it immediately, as well as their recent awesome full length. I told him that I'd play the A-side today, as you can only hear it on this single, (and that one is totally beautiful too), but this one more closesly matches my current mood. I love it so much. And I love this band so much. I like when friends are in bands you actually really like and want to go see. It makes for fewer awkward moments and more fun times. |
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18:
Little Ann
"Deep Shadows"
Off Deep Shadows
Timmion (2009)
Originally recorded: late '60s
More info
Really good late 60s Detroit underground soul that was recently released for the first time. It was trapped on various tapes for over 30 years in producer Dave Hamilton's vaults. Vinyl only release / Limited ed... buy it here!
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19:
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
"Superrappin'"
12" Single
Enjoy Records (1979)
More info
The first version, from '79. Much longer than no. 2 (12 minutes!), and has a cooler opening. This was their first single. I got this from some dude in The Bronx, which somehow makes me love it even more... |
20:
Loretta Lynn
"Blue Kentucky Girl"
Off Blue Kentucky Girl
Decca (1965)
More info
Her third record - so she was 30 years old. Listen to that adorable banjo! I got to see her play at Town Hall I don't know how many years ago now. One of the bigger highlights of my life. I have yet to make it to her ranch though. On my next trip to TN for sure... |
21:
The Feederz
"Jesus Entering From The Rear"
Off Let Them Eat Jellybeans,
Alt. Tentacles
(1981)
More info
I am so sorry if I offend you with this pick. I'm sorry if the Feederz offend you. They are offensive and this song is especially so, but it's also really good and it's going out (by request?) to my brother today. It's also super crazy catchy, so beware! Tough one to sing in grocery store lines... |
22:
Trees
"Nothing Special"
Off The Garden of Jane Delawney
Reissue on Sunbeam (2008)
Originally recorded: early 1970
More info
It's earth day today and this song is beautiful. |
23:
Lorraine Ellison
"Only Your Love"
Off Stay With Me
Warner Bros (1969)
More info
I especially like soul singers who were once gospel singers. Not all of them were (though obviously it was pretty common). My favorite will always be "Stay With Me" but I thought I'd go with a lesser known gem. |
24:
Téléphone
"Dans Ton Lit"
Off s/t debut record
EMI (1977)
More info
My french family got me into this band when I was 16. If you like this, check out Ça C'est Vraiment Toi et Çendrillon, two other favorites they recorded for "Dure Limite" in 1982. |
11:
The Seeds
"Try To Understand"
s/t first record
Original Pressing on GNP Cresendo (1966)
More info
R.I.P. Sky Saxon. |
12:
X
"Nausea"
Off Los Angeles
Slash (1980)
More info
One of my old favorites, though really it's a toss up between this and Johnny Hit And Run Paulene. So good. This is their first record. Produced by freaking Ray Manzarek. |
13:
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
"Shifting Sands"
Off Part One
Reprise (1967)
More info
For Richard!
You should all go check out Richard & Vicki's amazing company/store: Museum of Robots. |
14:
The Carter Family
"Church in the Wildwood"
Off 10" 78rpm single
Montgomery Ward (1928)
More info
Arguably, everyone would prefer to hear the A-side "Keep on the Sunny Side", and it really is a better song, but this here selection is going out to my pappy, as I think he'll get a kick out of it. We used to sing this all the time around the breakfast table. Though, it occurs to me many years later that, similar to discovering that Elijah the Prophet is not, in fact, a woman, the lyrics to this song are not, in fact, "no finer church is in the lurch than the little white church in the dale." Thanks for the poetic liscense dad. |
15:
Alberta Hunter
"You Can't Tell The Difference After Dark"
Off Classic Alberta Hunter: The Thirties
Stash (1978)
More info
Recorded in 1935. Sad but sweet and comical... |
16:
Traffic Sound
"Virgin"
Off Virgin
Lazarus Reissue ('90s)
More info
More really great Peruvian psych! Recorded in 1969. Named after a traffic light. |
17:
Love
"Message To Pretty"
s/t
Elektra (1966)
More info
 This one's going out to Edan today. I like that this track comes from an "undocumented" session. I get a stomach ache every time I listen to it, but a good kind of stomach ache. Here they are on American Bandstand doing it in 1966. I love when double neck guitars look like conjoined twins; where one baby developed less than the other. I also probably should have gotten more sleep. |
4:
Dorothy Moore
"Misty Blue"
Off Misty Blue
Malaco (1976)
More info
Bob Montgomery wrote the song in 1966: "I wrote “Misty Blue” in about 20 minutes. It was a gift and it was perfect for Brenda Lee, but she turned it down. Her producer Owen Bradley loved the song and as he couldn’t push her to do it, he cut it country style with Wilma Burgess." |
5:
Witch
"Strange Dream"
Off Lazy Bones
Shadoks (2009)
Originally Recorded: 1975
More info
Really great 70s African rock. Privately pressed on a small label in Zambia in 1975. From the back of the record: "If you're feeling depressed, low, disturbed, irritable, out-of-sorts, sad, frustrated or wildly demented, then folks, we suggest you seek out a quiet place, indulge in some soothing meditation and cut away that headache by listening to this inspirational album..." |
6:
Rolling Stones
"Play With Fire"
B-Side off "The Last Time" 7" single
Decca (1965)
More info
Mick: "It's a very in-your-face kind of sound and very clearly done. You can hear all the vocal stuff on it. And I'm playing the tambourine, the vocal line. You know, it's very pretty. Keith and me (wrote that). I mean, it just came out. It was just kind of rich girls' families - society as you saw it. It's painted in this naive way in these songs. I don't know if it was daring. It just hadn't been done." A janitor at the studio sang backup. |
7:
Albert "Papa" French/Band
"St. James Infirmary"
A Night at Dixieland Hall
Nobility (1965)
More info
 
I bought this probably 9 or 10 years ago at the WFMU record fair. The guy who sold it to me (for $10) must not have realized it was signed by several members of the band on the back. Pretty rare record as it is... This song is dedicated to my Mom today, who is from New Orleans. One of my very favorites (the song, that is. My mom is, of course, my very favorite). You gotta love Papa's banjo...! |
8:
Bee Gees
"Marley Purt Drive"
Off Odessa
ATCO (1969)
More info
More Buffalo Springfield or The Band than you'd expect (unless you know of the disco-era Bee Gees' sordid rock & roll past). "Odessa was initially released on Atco Records in a red flocked cover with gold lettering (see above). Due to the high cost of production, as well as allergic reactions among workers during assembly, this design was discontinued." |
9:
Nervous Norvus
"Transfusion"
Off Transfusion EP
Big Beat (1985) - Taken from his Dot Records Singles (1956)
More info
A huge hit in 1956. I actually found the originally Dot Records 78rpm 10" singles the other day on Ebay, but they were too expensive. The song, due to its graphic nature, was banned on many radio stations when it came out. Dr. Demento (DJ Barry Hanson) got his nickname after playing this song! Not surprisingly, Jimmy Drake (Nervous Norvus' real name) was employed as a truck driver before becoming a singer. Remember to slow down today! |
10:
Wanda Jackson
"Funnel of Love"
B-Side / Right or Wrong 7"
Capitol
(1961)
More info
She used to be my all time favorite - I've seen her many times over the years. She signed this for me in 2001. She is my alter-ego "Two Gun Mathilda's" namesake. (TGM is a female prison inmate in her updated "Riot in the Cell Block #9"). I think maybe I got this record at The Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville way back when... |
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1:
Esther Phillips
"The Deacon Moves In"
Off Hollerin' and Screamin'
Yorkshir (1951)
More info
 Also known as "Little Esther." Not sure what it is about her... have always had a special adoration. She was from Galveston, TX where I used to spend many Summers. Can't imagine growing up black there in the 30s/40s. Tragic story: became a heroin addict when she was still a teen and died when she was 48. She does this song with Johnny Otis (who would later conduct her funeral when she was way too young to die)... |
2:
Pansy Division
"James Bondage"
Lookout!
(1994)
More info
I brought these guys to my college Sophomore year to play a show. If I remember correctly, I swindled $4,000 out of S.O.U.L. (Sexual Orientations United For Liberation). By the end of college that was not the only club from whom I swindled money in the name of rock and roll that I wasn't a member of. I hereby apologize publicly to them all now. The shows were great though. Pansy Division asked for one thing in their rider: PINK SILLY STRING. Nearly impossible to find, but I was pretty into it. Can't remember who they shared the bill with. Maybe Cub! |
3:
Pearls Before Swine
"Drop Out!"
Off One Nation Underground
Reissue on ESP-Disk (2009)
Orig 1967
More info
The only thing better than a really good protest song? A really good protest song sung with a glorious lisp. |
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