"Our Generation" 75 Mod Classics, A Way Of Life

I'm a sucker for these generous three disc compilations, I really am, and have been known to buy one even though I own particularly all of the tracks, but it's such a damn-good playlist.

With the newly released 'Our Generation', there were plenty of tunes which I didn't already have in my collection, and many great hits that I own many times over. The vast majority of the artists were definitely part of the mod scene from the '60s to the '80s, and so there is little in the way of filler, although Tom Jones wasn't an obvious choice, and neither was the Lulu single 'Love Loves to Love Love', which was never a great song, and even the lady herself doesn't care for it.

Predictably opening up disc one with The Who's hit 'My Generation', there is lots of good stuff across these three CDs from other contemporary '60s groups like The Yardbirds, The Foundations, Manfred Mann, as well as some excellent solo artists such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding (masters of soul music), and bands like The Jam and Dexys Midnight Runners, who carried on the mod scene sound in the '70s and' 80s.

If you're looking for a flavour of what this influential music was all about, 'Our Generation' will leave you in no doubt what it sounded like. This is one cool compilation which I enjoyed enormously. The sound quality on every track is great, and all 75 of them appear to be the originals. (Melody Maker)

trax disc 1:

1. My Generation - The Who 2. I'm A Man - The Spencer Davis Group 3. 5-4-3-2-1 - Manfred Mann 4. All Or Nothing - Small Faces 5. For Your Love - The Yardbirds 6. Beggin' - Timebox 7. Biff Bang Pow - The Creation 8. She's About A Mover - Sir Douglas Quintet 9. Bert's Apple Crumble - The Quik 10. Right Track - Billy Butler 11. I'm Gonna Be A Rich Man - The Foundations 12. Long Tall Shorty - Graham Bond Organisation 13. Circles - Les Fleurs De Lys 14. 1-2-3 - Len Barry 15. Something's Got A Hold Of Me - Etta James 16. Looking Out My Window - Tom Jones 17. Twist & Shout - The Isley Brothers 18. The Entertainer - Tony Clarke 19. First I Look At The Purse - The Contours 20. He's My Sunny Boy - Diana Ross & The Supremes 21. Yeh Yeh - Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames 22. We're A Winner - The Impressions 23. He's So Fine - The Chiffons 24. Hi-Heel Sneakers - Tommy Tucker 25. Um Um Um Um Um Um - Major Lance

trax disc 2:

1. Green Onions - Booker T & The MG's 2. The in Crowd - Dobie Gray 3. Harlem Shuffle - Bob & Earl 4. Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker 5. Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf 6. Night Train - James Brown 7. Last Night - The Mar-Keys 8. I'm Comin' Home - Mel Torme 9. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye 10. Since You've Been Gone - Aretha Franklin 11. I Can't Turn You Loose - Otis Redding 12. Roadrunner - Jr. Walker & The All Stars 13. You Can't Sit Down, Pt. 1 - Phil Upchurch 14. Needle In A Haystack - The Velvelettes 15. Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder 16. The Way You Do the Things You Do - The Temptations 17. Going To A Go Go - Smokey Robinson 18. Love Loves To Love - Lulu 19. 25 Miles - Edwin Starr 20. Teen Beat 65 - Sandy Nelson 21. Leaving Here - The Birds 22. When I'm Gone - Brenda Holloway 23. I Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face - Dusty Springfield 24. Devil With The Blue Dress On - Shorty Long 25. Time Is On My Side - Irma Thomas

trax disc 3:

1. A Town Called Malice - The Jam 2. Time For Action - Secret Affair 3. Maybe Tomorrow - The Chords 4. Poison Ivy - The Lambrettas 5. Dance Stance - Dexys Midnight Runners 6. Something That You Said - The Scene 7. Eleven Plus Eleven - Nine Below Zero 8. Midnight To Six - Small Hours 9. Melanie - The Prisoners 10. Plastic Smile - Merton Parkas 11. Too Much Too Young - The Specials 12. Tears Of A Clown - The Beat 13. 54-46 Was My Number - Toots and The Maytals 14. Blazing Fire - Derrick Morgan 15. You Can Get It If You Really Want - Desmond Dekker 16. Phoenix City - Roland Alphonso 17. Our Day Will Come - Ruby & The Romantics 18. I Spy For The FBI - Jamo Thomas 19. Don't You Just Know It - Huey 'Piano' Smith 20. Pow Wow - Manny Corchado 21. Do I Love You? - Frank Wilson 22. Go Go Power - Sugar Pie Desanto 23. Wade In The Water - Ramsey Lewis Trio 24. Love Potion #9 - The Coasters 25. Grow Your Own - Small Faces

...Many Thanks To LoFi Larry For The 75 Mod Classics Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Power To The Motown People" Civil Rights Anthems and Political Soul 1968-1975

The assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King on April 4, 1968, sparked a wave of riots across the United States. More than 60 cities were affected by the violence and, if it hadn’t been for the intervention of one man, it might have spread even further.
That man was soul legend James Brown, whose successful appeal for calm was broadcast live across America. A fervent supporter of the civil rights movement, Brown had always been a singer whose music reflected his strong political views (Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud) and a man who never shied away from making statements with his music.
He wasn’t the only one, either. From the time of Martin Luther King’s death through to the end of the Vietnam War, soul music witnessed an explosion of passionate protest songs and rousing anthems that talked about the horrors of war, the evils of racism and poverty, and the hope that people had for the future.
At the forefront of this flowering was Motown, a label previously known for chart-topping pop tunes. Martin Luther King, the rise of Black Power and the war in Vietnam changed all that and soon the Detroit company was pumping out reams of funky power pop.
This two-disc collection brings together the best of that era and what a collection it is. The tracks from Marvin Gaye’s perfect 1971 album What’s Going On are well known but so much else here has been forgotten or passed over. Yet the passion, drive and emotion of these tunes give them an urgency that feels timeless.
Diana Ross and The Supremes turn out I’m Livin’ In Shame, Shadow Of Society and The Young Folks (possibly the only slow ballad ever written about youth revolution), while Gladys Knight And The Pips go for a down-and-dirty groove with Friendship Train.
There are some absolute heartbreakers here, as well. Smokey Robinson’s Just My Soul Responding is a stunning lament for the ghettos, while Edwin Starr’s Stop The War Now rivals his better known War (What Is It Good For?) as a show-stopping call to (lay down) arms.
Political pop and message music is usually embarrassingly worthy and dull. This collection proves itself a storming exception to that rule. http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/3779/VARIOUS-POWER-TO-THE-MOTOWN-PEOPLE-CIVIL-RIGHTS-ANTHEMS-AND-POLITICAL-SOUL-1968-1975Most people consider the best of Motown to be the good time pop hit factory which brightend up the pop charts across the world during the 60's and early 70's with a string of classic songs. Few would cite Motown as being all that political or interested in the civil rights, anti-war, or social and sexual revolutions of the time. Yet tracks such as "Cloud Nine", "Ball Of Confusion", "War", "Living For The City", and even "Love Child" would attest to something quite different. Yet for all that Motown never seems to be all that comfortable celebrating that side of their history. Perhaps it just doesn't sit all that well with the good time feel good Motown image.
As a consequence it's nice to be able to listen to a thoughtfully complied collection of music from the tumultious period of 1968-1975 focusing on the songs which Motown released which really did address both the politcal and social issues of the time. Taking some of the aforementioned classic songs, such as "War" and "Ball Of Confusion" this set gives not the hits but versions by other artists. The Undisputed Truth's ten and three quarter minutes of "Ball Of Confusion" gives the song an epic feel and is one of disc one's highlights. The set gives some of the lesser names some space and Bobby Taylor & The Vancouver's "Does Your Mama Know About Me" is something of an undiscovered gem as is Ruben Howell's "Help The People". Willie Hutch gets two outings on disc two which highlight his lovely soulful voice and quality songwriting.
As for the better known artists The Temptations appear to be the most conscious, angry, or just plain aware band here with no less than 5 contributions as a band and two solo efforts from Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Not all of them are great, their version of "War" just doesn't hit the mark, but there are a couple of gems in the shape of the brilliantly angry 8 minute "Slave", and "Masterpiece" which prove why they were such a sucess during this period. Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" album gets 3 listings although two of these are different mixes from those found on the album itself and Diana Ross & The Supremes have 3 lesser known songs included.
This is an album filled with some unfamiliar material which througouly deserves its place here. The Undisputed Truth's material is uniformly strong and listening to these tracks may prompt further investigation of this underrated band. Syreeta's "Black Maybe" is beautfully dreamy and betrays the fact that, then husband, Stevie Wonder had great music flooding out of him during this period. Edwin Starr's follow up to "War", "Stop The War Now" is a pretty decent companion piece, and Gladys Knight's "Friendship Train" still sounds pretty good even now. Surprise piece of what is a pretty consistently surprising package goes to The Miracles for their gay friendly song "There Ain't Nobody Straight In LA" which, whilst not sounding absolutely comfortable with itself, still sounds pretty radical a quarter of a century on.
Sleevenotes by Peter Dogget are both interesting and informative and give a good context to the music on the set. Motown was a lot more crititcal, angry and concerned than perhaps many of us realise. The fact that this produced some excellent funky, soulful music is all the more reason to be thankful they've dusted off some gems for this excellent compilation. (The Soul Detective)trax disc 1:

1. What's Going On (Detroit Mix) - Marvin Gaye 2. Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - The Undisputed Truth 3. Flower Child - David Ruffin 4. Does Your Mama Know About Me - Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers 5. I Should Be Proud - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas 6. I'm Livin' In Shame - Diana Ross & The Supremes 7. Cloud Nine - Edwin Starr 8. Plastic Man - The Temptations 9. Help The People - Reuben Howell 10. My People Hold On - Eddie Kendricks 11. Young Folks - Diana Ross & The Supremes 12. Black Maybe - Syreeta 13. What's Happening Brother (Detroit Mix) - Marvin Gaye 14. Message From A Black Man - The Temptations 15. Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World) - The Undisputed Truth

trax disc 2:

1. Do Yourself A Favor - Stevie Wonder 2. Just My Soul Responding - Smokey Robinson 3. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - Marvin Gaye 4. Brother's Gonna Work It Out - Willie Hutch 5. Friendship Train - Gladys Knight & The Pips 6. Smiling Faces Sometimes - The Undisputed Truth 7. Slave - The Temptations 8. Right On Brothers And Sisters - Junior Walker & The All Stars 9. You're The Man - Marvin Gaye 10. Life's No Fun Living In The Ghetto - Willie Hutch 11. War - The Temptations 12. Stop The War Now - Edwin Starr 13. Ain't Nobody Straight In LA - The Miracles 14. Shadows Of Society - Diana Ross & The Supremes 15. Masterpiece - The Temptations

...Many Thanks to northern_madman for the Motown share! served by Gyro1966...

THE SQUARES "Curse Of The Squares" 1992

Rhythm n blues garage punk band from Nancy, France formed in the early 90's and splitted in 1995. After The Squares broke up Stan and Nick formed Thundercrack, Ollie started his own solo project Mr. Zero.Avec les Squares c'est un peu jouer à la maison. Sortir de chez soi et se retrouver dix minutes plus tard en train de les voir en ville. Les Squares c'est le QG au P'tit Zing avec Dédé au comptoir.  Ce sont des concerts dans ce lieu qui nous manque, voire des répètes avec les Panik dans le local juste à côté. L'influence des Heatcoats est manifeste sur leur jeu, mais de la à les qualifier d'Headcoats français, il y a un pas. Ils doivent beaucoup plus à toute cette scène de Medway à laquelle ils dédieront tout un album. D'ailleurs la seule fois qu'on a vu Billy en personne à Nancy, c'était au P'tit Zing avec les Squares en première partie. Les Squares, 3 bonhommes Nick (guitare/voix), Stanley (basse) et Oli (batterie) qui ont tourné dans toute la France (avec un van planté à chaque tournée rock'n'roll oblige) et à l'étranger, une discographie bien garage avec pas moins de cinq albums et une flopée de singles. Leurs chemins se sont séparés, mais il reste ce putain de beat ... my baaaaby's gone ... yeah yeah she's gone!!! - from: http://www.kingautomatic.com/fourdu/squareseg.htmltrax:

01 You Ain't Square 02 Reasons 03 Cry Little Girl 04 Behind Every Tree 05 I Wish I Was A Child 06 Out Of Nowhere 07 He's Down 08 Guide My Sword 09 Makin' Love 10 Dark Gonna Catch You 11 In My Street 12 Kitty The Schemer 13 We've Been Cursed 14 Curse Of The Squares

Jimmy Liggins Presents "The Best Of Duplex Records"

Jimmy Liggins DUPLEX label recorded some of the roughest sounds of the 50's & 60's... With Liggins mangle & strangle approach to the guitar and the raw production values of his various studios, the sound of these recordings is quite intense... As rough as any SUN recording... this set is a real Bluebeat fave!!!! (BlueBeat Music)Splendid collection of rocking blues and R&B recorded for the Duplex run by R&B pioneer Jimmy Liggins on a sporadic basis between in the late 50s and 60s. Highlight of this set are the two cuts by Jesse Allen with powerful declamatory vocals and shattering vocals. These have been reissued before but if you don't have them are worth the price of admission. It also sounds like Jesse's guitar work behind the fine vocalist Bobby Williams. Sonny Boy Williams is a fine vocalist and a decent harmonica player with two fine songs. There are half a dozen tracks by Liggins himself with a smaller band than on his early Specialty sides but are fine with some dynamic guitar work (possibly Jimmy himself). Other artists include Mattie Jackson, Ervin Rucker, Screaming Jack Wilks and vocal group The Aladdins. Excellent sound and booklet has list of all Duplex releases. (FS) (Roots & Rhythm)

trax:

1. I Want To Do It - Mattie Jackson & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 2. Two People In Love - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 3. Goodnight My Love - Bobby Williams 4. So Blue - Bobby Williams 5. Love My Baby - Jesse Allen 6. After Awhile - Jesse Allen 7. Done Done The Slop - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 8. Searching For Love - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 9. Alice Mae Blues - Sonny Boy Williams 10. Opossum Rock - Sonny Boy Williams 11. So Good - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 12. No More Rivers To Cross - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 13. I Still Love You - Screaming Jack Wilks 14. Come And Get Me - Screaming Jack Wilks 15. Baby You Were Meant For Me - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 16. If You Really Really Love Me - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Nighthawks Orch. 17. Knocked Out - Jimmy Liggins 18. Ada From Decatur - Jimmy Liggins 19. A Thousand Times Ever Day - Noel Hall & The Aladdins 20. Magic Carpet - The Aladdins 21. Good Loving Baby - Jimmy Liggins 22. Working Man Blues - Jimmy Liggins 23. If You Have It - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Benders 24. Hideout - Ervin Rucker & The Blues Benders 25. Blues For Love - Jimmy Liggins 26. Last Round - Jimmy Liggins

...served by Gyro1966...

Doug Sahm & Augie Myers "The West Side Sound Rolls Again" '83

Rare and hard to find LP. This album was released in Sweden 1984.trax:

01 Crazy Feeling 02 Get On Up (And Fight It) 03 Walking Slowly 04 Further On Down The Road 05 Crazy Crazy Baby 06 Candy Kisses 07 Golly Gee 08 Peace Of Mind 09 Keep On Knockin' 10 Think It Over 11 I'm Not A Fool Anymore

...Thanks to clash for this Doug Sahm & Augie Myers album! served by Gyro1966...

Roland Stone "Remember Me" 1992

“From the first authoritative whip crack of John Vidacovich’s snare drum and the opening flourishes of Dr. John’s down-in-the-alley piano, it’s evident that for these musicians, ’50s-style rhythm & blues never died. Then Stone’s rich, tensile marvel of a voice comes sliding in sideways, wrapping a different texture around every note…this is one of the most stylish, soulful and grittily convincing New Orleans R&B albums in years.” - Robert Palmer, Rolling Stonetrax:

01 Go On Feel 02 Lovey Dovey 03 She's The One 04 Try The Impossible 05 You Can Make It If You Try 06 Remember Me 07 Please Don't Leave Me 08 Down The Road 09 The Masquerade Is Over 10 Ain't Gonna Do It

...served by Gyro1966...

"Gospel Grooves" Vol. 6

Another rock-solid collection of tough gospel, most have never been comped before!trax:

1. Mother Take Your Rest [Cub 9044] - The Soul Seekers 2. Kneel And Pray [Revelation 107, 1959] - The Cross Jordan Singers 3. Everybody's Running [Savoy 4144, 1960] - The Song Birds Of The South 4. The Hands Of The Lord [GM 100, 196x] - The Spiritual Six 5. Up A Little Higher [La Val 501, 1968] - The Harps Of The Coast 6. He's The Same Today [Federal 12404, 1960] - The Kelly Brothers 7. Wicked Race [Simpson 240, 196x] - The Elete Jewels 8. God Is A Wonder [Gospel Corner 119, 1967] - Thomas Housley 9. Things That Worry Me [Checker 5002, 1964] - The Violinaires 10. I Wanna Be Ready [Gospel 1031, 1959] - Reverend Crum 11. The Same Bag [Checker LP 10024, 1968] - Stevie Hawkins 12. What Is This Talk About Jesus [Peacock 1892, 1963] - The Spirit Of Memphis 13. Soul Son't Worry [Aircap 5085, 1964] - The Revelations 14. I Made A Change [Halo 24, 1966-67] - The Redemption Harmonizers 15. Run To The Rock [Nashboro 619, 1958] - The Supreme Angels 16. Always Somebody Talkin [Melron 5023, 1965-66] - The Sensational Starlights 17. I'm Beggin' You Please [Gospel LP 3003] - Marian Williams 18. You Got To Walk [Revelation 124, 1960] - The Heavenly Gate Gospel Singers 19. Can I Count On You [Peacock 1794, 1959] - The Sensational Nightingales 20. Sinners Run To Jesus [Tone 9653, 1965] - The Gospel Echoes 21. This Train [Chess 1590, 1955] - Rev Ballinger 22. I Couldn't Keep It To Myself [Cla-Wel 913, 19xx] - The Mighty Rocks Of Harmony 23. Come And Go With Me [Custom Sound 156, 196x] - The Bells Of Tone 24. Walkin Gethsemane [Jewel 127, 1967] - The Traveling Echoes 25. You Better Mind [Federal 12389, 1960] - The Joy Rite Singers

...served by Gyro1966...

Don’t forget to check out Vol. 1-5 in this excellent series:

http://twilightzone-rideyourpony.blogspot.com/search?q=Gospel+Grooves

THE SQUARES "Trapped In A Square" 1991

Great debut album from this seminal Medway-sounding French band. The Squares are three frenzied fruitcakes from Nancy, France. This LP is produced by the legendary Bruce Brand (Headcoats, Pop Rivets, Masonics etc)With the Squares, it's like playing at home. Going out and ten minutes later, see them live in town. The Squares mean for me the P'tit Zing headquarters with Dédé behind the counter. It means the concerts in a place we miss, the rehearsals with the guys of the band "Panik" in the next room. The influence of the Headcoats on their stuff is real, but they shouldn't be reduced to the label "French Headcoats". They have a bigger debt to the whole Medway scene, to which they will dedicate an entire album. The only time we saw Billy in Nancy was at the P'tit Zing with the Squares opening for the Headcoats. And all was said. The Squares, 3 guys : Nick (guitar/vox), Stanley (bass) and Oli (drums) who toured in the whole country (with a crash for every van they had on tour, rock'n'roll attitude !) and abroad. It's also a garage-like discography with not less than five albums and a bunch of singles. They took afterwards different ways, but the beat is still here ... my baaaaby's gone ... yeah yeah she's gone!!! - from: http://www.kingautomatic.com/fourdu/squareseg.htmltrax:

1. Introduction 2. He's Back 3.Night & Day 4. Come Back 5. Ballad Of The Madman 6. Sweet Chains 7. Doctor A. Deamon 8. No Excuse 9. I Saw Your Face 10. Just For Money 11. Sweeter Than You 12. You Can't Destroy All My Love 13. Trapped In A Square - Recorded at the Red Studio, Chatham. Produced by Bruce Brand.

...originally served by Gyro1966...

"Gospel Grooves" Vol. 5

A collection of rare, mostly uptempo material and mostly recorded from 78 and 45rpm records.trax:

1. Didn't It Rain - The Exciting Voices (Evelyn Freeman) 2. Just A Little While - The Five Blind Boys 3. Meet Me In Galilee - The Brooklyn All Stars 4. Doesn't Matter - The Cross Jordan Singers 5. You've Got To Move - Elder Beck 6. Judgement's Comin - Anthony Butler 7. River Of Jordan - The Gospel Stars Of Greenwood, SC 8. Surely You Live - The Faithful Wanderers 9. That's The Spirit - Rev. Willingham & His Swanees 10. The Bible's Right - The Rev. H.B. Crum & His Golden Keys 11. Sinner Make A Change - The Spirit Of Memphis 12. Beautiful City - The Supreme Angels 13. Every Year Carries A Number - The Kindly Shepherds 14. Stop By Here - The Dixie Hummingbirds 15. I'm Determined - The Soul Seekers 16. The Last Mile - The Gospel Consolators 17. Feel God's Spirit - The Mighty Skylight Singers 18. It's Gonna Rain - The Silvertone Quintet 19. Shake Me Jesus - The Traveling Kings 20. When I'm Gone - The Skylight Singers 21. Brother Noah - The Gospel Giants 22. I've Got Loved Ones Waiting - The Gospel Six 23. I'm Packing Up - The Voices Of Joy 24. Satan Leave Me Alone - The Sensational Whirlwinds 25. Who Wrote The Bible - The Sensational Canarians

...served by Gyro1966...

Don’t forget to check out Vol. 1-4 in this excellent series:

http://twilightzone-rideyourpony.blogspot.com/search?q=Gospel+Grooves

"Roots of Soul" 1928-1962

“A thoroughly entertaining an educative release” Par Blues & RhythmThis kind of material is becoming more familiar in this “roots of soul” context these days, but Frémeaux offers a more pared down history than some others. It works too, as the listener is taken from the early days of the recording of black music to something that has an obvious correlation in soul music very quickly. It is interesting an instructive to compare, on the first disc, Blind Willie Johnson’s opener with Marie Knight’s version of “I Just Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes”. At the end of the same disc, The Southern Tones, recording for Duke in January 1954, provide the inspiration for Ray Charles and “I’ve Got A Women”, recorded ten months later and which rather neatly opens disc two. I do not recall hearing Little Miss Cornshucks’ version of “Try A Little Tenderness” before either, though I know Otis Redding’s cover well. The second disc contains many performers who cut classic soul material, and the line between r&b and soul music in indeed blurred here; this confusion maybe even extends on to gospel too, as Aretha’s “Are You Sure” has sacred lyrics backed by the Ray Bryant Combo, recorded not long after Ray had enjoyed a hit with the dance number, “Madison Time”. The third disc opens with a Jamaican blues performance but it justifies in its inclusion as a mid-tempo rocking performance with gospel lyrics – though by the timescale of 1961-1962, there was plenty of genuine soul music around by anyone’s criteria. That last disc really is an impressive collection of some of the biggest and best songs of those years. As is usual with Frémeaux releases, the English notes are abbreviated from the more detailed French originals, but even so, compiler Bruno Blum does present a convincing case for the “roots of soul”; though the selection of music makes for an even stronger argument. Most readers should be familiar with much of this material, hence this short review. This brevity is no reflection on the quality of the music and this is indeed a thoroughly entertaining and educative release. - Par Norman DARWEN – BLUES & RHYTHM

trax disc 1:

1. Lord I Just Can't Keep from Cryin' - Blind Willie Johnson 2. Have Mercy On Me - The Reverend Benny Campbell 3. Rock My Soul - The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet 4. Do You Call That a Buddy - Louis Jordan 5. Basin Street Blues - Jack Teagarden 6. Beams of Heaven - Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Marie Knight 7. Every Little Doggie Has Its Day - Mabel Scott 8. Hard Luck Blues - Ray Brown 9. Lost in a Dream - Little Esther 10. Do Something for Me - Clyde McPhatter 11. Jesus Gave Me Water - Sam Cooke 12. Try a Little Tenderness - Little Miss Cornshucks 13. Have Mercy Baby - Clyde McPhatter 14. Baby Let Me Hear You Call My Name - Ray Charles 15. Solitude - Billie Holliday 16. I Just Can't Keep for Crying Sometimes - Marie Knight 17. I'm Going to That City - Sister O.M. Terrel 18. Feel Like I Wanna Cry - Dinah Washington 19. You Can T Keep a Good Man Down - Jackie Wilson 20. Lucille - The Drifters 21. Until I Die - Hank Ballard 22. This May Be the Last Time - The Five Blind Boys Of Alabama 23. Oh Lord Stand By Me - The Southern Tones 24. It Must Be Jesus - Dinah Washington

trax disc 2:

1. I've Got a Woman - Ray Charles 2. Come Rain and Come Shine - Dinah Washington 3. There Is No Greater Love - Dinah Washington 4. I'm Just a Lonely Guy - Little Richard 5. Need Your Love so Bad - Little Willie John 6. Brown in My Own Tears - Ray Charles 7. Please Please Please - James Brown 8. Take My Hand Precious Lord - Mahalia Jackson 9. Take My Hand Precious Lord, Part One - Aretha Franklin 10. You Send Me - Sam Cooke 11. My Baby Just Cares for Me - Nina Simone 12. Your Precious Love - Jerry Butler 13. Wonderful World - Sam Cooke 14. Bad Girl - Smokey Robinson 15. Blessed Are These Tears - Joe Tex 16. The Right Time - Ray Charles 17. That Certain Door - Snooks Eaglin 18. I Ve Been Wrong so Long - Bobby "Blue" Band 19. He Will Break Your Heart - Jerry Butler 20. Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King 21. Stand By Me - Ben E. King 22. A Fool in Love - Tina Turner 23. Are You Sure - Aretha Franklin 24. Shop Around - Smokey Robinson

trax disc 3:

1. Sinners Weep - Owen Gray 2. Ya Ya - Lee Dorsey 3. Maybe I'm a Fool - Aretha Franklin 4. Down Now - BB King 5. Please Stay - The Drifters 6. Gypsy Woman - The Impressions 7. Do Re Mi - Lee Dorsey 8. Something 's Got a Hold On Me - Etta James 9. Cry to Me - Salomon Burke 10. Dream Come True - The Tempations 11. You're Gonna Miss Me - Shirley Raymond 12. Ministrel and Queen - The Impressions 13. I Don't Care - James Brown 14. Twist and Shout - The Isley Brothers 15. Shout Bamalama - Otis Redding 16. Mashed Patatoes Usa - James Brown 17. I've Got Money - James Brown 18. Home in Your Heart - Solomon Burke 19. Stubborn Kind of Fellow - Marvin Gaye 20. Signed Sealed and Delivered - James Brown 21. Meet You On a Saturday - Bo Diddley 22. These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding 23. Grow Closer Together - The Impressions 24. I Found a Love - Wilson Pickett

...served by Gyro1966...

Milt Matthews Inc "Milt Matthews Inc." 1970

Milt Matthews was born in North Carolina, but relocated to Washington, DC in the mid-60s, where he worked as a session guitarist and songwriter.
His 1970 debut LP – from which this tune hails – is an outstanding example of the intersection of soul, folk and funk, which was bubbling up into the zeitgeist at the time.
Matthews spends the album working out all manner of mellow grooves, sounding like a soulful singer-songwriter in the Bill Withers/Lou Bond tradition, but with a solid, funky underpinning.
‘It Ain’t Your Fault’ is one of the more upbeat tunes on the album, mixing jazzy lead guitar with organ and nice, solid rhythm section locked into the groove.
Matthews talent as a vocalist is well-displayed in his version of the O.C. Smith ‘Little Green Apples’. Here we have a song that I thought I never needed to hear again, yet Matthews takes it and really digs in, playing with the tempo and delivering an epic reading of the song that clocks in at over eight minutes. It’s rare to hear someone get their hands on a ‘standard’ and really do something interesting and new with it, and Matthews really makes the song his own.
If you dig these tracks, try and get your hands on a copy of the album, which is excellent from start to finish. Oddly enough, Matthews second LP ‘For the People’ moves in a more psych-rock direction and is sought out by collectors of the genre. (Funky16Corners)trax:

01 Gotta' Find My Way To Mary 02 I'm Gonna' Get 'Cha 03 Treat Daddy Right 04 The Feeling Of Love 05 Little Green Apples 06 It Ain't Your Fault 07 Sweet Betsy Marie 08 Chick-A-Poo Land 09 Route 21 10 Gone To My Baby's House 11 I'm The Man To See

...Many Thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

Milt Matthews Inc. "For The People" 1971

Great Lost 1971 Psychedelic Soul-Rock AlbumIf you dig psychedelic rock, early 70s funk and/or soul, check out For the People from Milt Matthews Inc. It might not change your life, but you won’t be disappointed.

INFO

http://blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/2010/05/03/album-review-milt-matthews-inc-for-the-people/

trax:

01 The Thrill Is Gone 02 Can't See Myself Doing You Wrong 03 Hard Day's Night 04 Oh Lord (You Gotta Help Me) 05 Runaway People 06 That's The Way I Feel (Like A Burning Fire) 07 Disaster Area 08 Presence Of The Lord

...Many Thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

Clara Ward "Hang Your Tears Out To Dry" 1966

Widely acclaimed among the greatest soloists in gospel history, Clara Ward was also the subject of much criticism from purists -- with her backing group, the Ward Singers, she pushed gospel out of the church and into the nightclubs, infusing the music with a shot of glitz and glamour the likes of which had never before been seen. Decked out in colorful gowns, towering wigs, and dazzling jewelry, the Wards sang only the biggest pop-gospel hits, flamboyantly delivered for maximum commercial appeal; while many observers decried their clownish on-stage behavior as demeaning not only to the music, but also to their African-American heritage. At their creative peak, the group was a true phenomenon, combining superb soloists, exceptional material, and innovative arrangements to leave an indelible mark on the generations of spiritual performers who followed. (Allmusic)Though Clara Ward did not regularly sing secular music as a soloist or with her groups, she did sing backup for pop artists with her sister Willa's background group, most notably on Dee Dee Sharp's smash hit, 'Mashed Potato Time", which reached #1 on Billboard's pop chart in 1962. In 1969, she recorded an album for Capitol Records, Soul and Inspiration, consisting of pop songs from Broadway plays, Hollywood movies and the Jimmy Radcliffe song of hope "If You Wanna Change The World". This album was later reissued on the Capitol's budget Pickwick label minus one track. In the same year, she recorded an album in Copenhagen, Denmark on the Philips label, Walk A Mile In My Shoes, which included the pop title song, other pop songs (such as "California Dreaming") and a few gospel songs. She also recorded an album for MGM/Verve, Hang Your Tears Out To Dry, which included country and Western, blues/folk, pop and an arrangement of the Beatles' hit song, "Help". (Soul Detective)trax:

01 Smile 02 Hang Your Tears Out To Dry 03 Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah 04 Tumbling Tumbleweeds 05 This Ole House 06 Gonna Build A Mountain 07 Keep On Searchin' 08 The Right Direction 09 God Bless The Child 10 Cotton Fields 11 Tear It Down 12 Help

...Many Thanks to clash for the share! served by Gyro1966...

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 15 + 16 + 17

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the late great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is/was constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always put her personal and soulful view on each record that she shared. @256 MONO!
http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax Vol 15:
1. I'm so glad you're mine - Ace 533 - Albert Scott 2. right or wrong - Adams 003 - Ella Brown 3. wait and see - Atco 6175 - Baby Lloyd 4. white lightning - Axe 101 - Al Reed 5. bottom of my soul - Blue Cat 113 - Alvin Robinson 6. ain't that somethin' - C-Ray 6706 - Richard Berry 7. something oughta be done about you - Chess 1999 - Jessie Hill 8. what have i done wrong pt1 - Dig 126 - Alex Spearman "Sailor Boy" 9. i've got a song - Michelle 934 - Joe Tex 10. Fortune Teller - Michelle 935 - Lee Tillman 11. cry on - Minit 625 - Irma Thomas 12. eddy's go go train - Murco 1034 - Eddy "G" Giles & The Jive 5 13. why you want to leave me - Neb's 511 - Ruby Johnson 14. robert & w.q.'s train - Nola 742 - Robert Parker 15. free and easy - Pulsar 2412 - Jessie Hill 16. got to get back to louisiana - Rare Bird 5005 - Elmer Parker & Brenda Parker & The Nite Lighters 17. going to louisiana - Rare Bird 5005 - Elmer Parker & The Nite Lighters 18. will travel - Ron 341 - Lee Tillman 19. all about love - Running Bear 8301 - Big Sam/Big Sambo 20. from this day on - Seven B 7005 - Eddie Bo 21. if somebody told you - Smash 1858 - Anna King 22. free and easy pt1 - Stanson 5021 - Apple & The Three Oranges 23. i got love - Tail-Gate 1003 - Jackie Avery 24. understanding - Tail-Gate 1003 - Jackie Avery 25. i love you still - Tou-Sea 132 - Zilla Mayes 26. i don't love you anymore - Tou-Sea 133 - Willie Harper 27. when my love comes down - Volt 140 - Ruby Johnson 28. you made a new man out of me - Watch 1906 - Johnny Adams
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 16:
1. pain in my heart - Imperial 5727 - Alvin Robinson 2. new suit - Treehouse 801 - Bo Dollis & The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indian Band 3. mardi gras boogaloo pt2 - Capitol 2201 - Bobby Williams Group 4. mardi-gras-boogaloo-pt1 - Capitol 2201 - Bobby Williams Group 5. trying hard to forget/first version - Invicta 509 - Chuck Johnson 6. trying hard to forget/second version - C&E 401 - Chuck Johnson 7. carnival day - Mambo 1026 [Jazzman 45 Issue] - Dave Bartholomew 8. funky penguin pt1 - Jenmark 102 - Dennis Lee & Notables 9. funky penguin pt2 - Jenmark 102 - Dennis Lee & Notables 10. two way poc a way - Abc-Paramount 10692 - The Dixie Cups 11. all i ask of you - Seven B 7011 - Eddie Bo 12. cool down baby - Trey 1101 - Elton Anderson 13. i love you - Trey 1002 - Elton Anderson 14. things are better - Fordom 105 [reissue] - Ernie & The Top Notes 15. she knocks me out - Cobra 5022 - Harold Burrage 16. flip flop the duck - Finger Tips 100 - Isaac Clark 17. count the tears - Enjoy 1060 - Jimmy Armstrong 18. life and death in g & a - Stone Flower 9003 - Joe Hicks 19. life and death in g & a pt2 - Stone Flower 9003 - Joe Hicks 20. i'm not ashamed - Jin 180 - Margo White 21. with all of my heart - Jin 180 - Margo White 22. things could be better - Fordom 108 - Raymond Winnfield 23. tweedie pie - Fordom 108 - Raymond Winnfield 24. i'll never be satisfied - Forte 1106 - Tony Ashley 25. mark my words, love will never die - Leno 1532 - Vikki Styles 26. but i couldn't - Alon 9000 - Willie Harper 27. i got a new thing - Genuine 1227 - Willie Smith/Cliff Driver's Infernal Machine
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 17:

1. hold it - N-Joy 1010 - Duane Yates & The Capris 2. a charge to keep - Ziontone 2871-36 - Echoes of Zion 3. boss action - BenMoKeith 685 - Enchanting Enchanters 4. i met a strange woman - Ivory 133 - Hop Wilson [Poppy Hop] 5. G O 2 and the rest of it - ZZZ 1 - Myra Cormier 6. mary lou doin' the pop eye - Lyric 731 - Shelton Dunaway & The Cup Cakes 7. you can't fight love - Wand 1116 - Shirley & Jessie 8. bumpity bump - Imperial 5356 - Smiley Lewis 9. i hear you knocking - Imperial 5356 - Smiley Lewis 10. please be mine - Peacock 1672 - Wee Willie Wayne 11. don't give up love - Mor Soul 008 - Benny Spellman 12. here comes the fool - Thunderbird 102 - Donoman & The Skylarks 13. get down people - Moira 108 - Fabulous Counts 14. lunar funk - Moira 108 - Fabulous Counts 15. do the tighten up - Dakar 1450 - Major Lance 16. help me pt1 - Atco 6402 - Ray Sharpe 17. help me pt2 - Atco 6402 - Ray Sharpe 18. where have you gone - Zodiac 1015 - Ruby Andrews 19. dont leave me here to cry - Ace 534 -  Supremes [Ohio]

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

"Art Fein Presents L.A. Rockabilly" 1983

"A real treat, an LP that's spawned two sequels. A Rhino records comp that features some rare trax. An early Los Lobos rockabilly track that until just recently wasn't on any CD. The Paladins first recording when they were a quartet. X's guitarist Billy Zoom with his rockabilly band. James Intveldt's best version of his best known song " My Heart Is Achin For You". The Red Devils' (not the blues band) classic "Tearin My Hear Out" and even a instro by Dave Alvin." - Philotraxfromwax:

1) The Rockin' Rebels - Let's Bop 2) James Intveldt & The Rockin' Shadows - My Heart Is Achin' For You 3) The Red Devils - Tearin' My Hair Out 4) Billy Zoom - Crazy, Crazy Lovin' 5) Paladins - Double Datin' 6) Dave Alvin featuring The Red Devils - Rockin' Lafayette 7) Johnny Meeks With The Hypnotic - Say Mama 8) Whirlybirds - Green Green Women 9) Los Lobos - We're Gonna Rock 10) Jerry Sikorski & American Patrol - Shake The Roof 11) Famous Figures - See That Girl 12) Shakin' Snakes - Surrender 13) Spyder Mittelman with American Patrol - She's Got It

…originally served by Philo…

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 13 + 14

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the late great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is/was constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always put her personal and soulful view on each record that she shared. @256 MONO!
http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax Vol 13:
1. you gonna miss me when i'm gone - Paradise 1011 - Bobby Boseman (Gashead) 2. bring it on down pt1 - Thomas 801 - Bobby Franklin's Insanity 3. bring it on down pt2 - Thomas 801 - Bobby Franklin's Insanity 4. your good good loving - Excello 2326 - Bobby Powell 5. get on up pt2 - Amar 1003 - Chuck Conway & The Amars 6. my soul - Checker 939 - Clifton Chenier 7. salt and pepper - Tulane 102 - Earnest Holland 8. tell me why - Apollo 504 - Eddie Bo 9. popcorn baby - Tower 479 - Freddi-Henchi & The Soul Setters 10. everybody's doing it - Anla 123 - Freddie Love 11. keep on trying - Invicta 501 - Guitar Ray 12. too late - Tulane 106 - Jackie Johnson 13. all my life - Bandera 2506 - Jimmy Lee Robinson 14. blessed are these tears - Ace 559 - Joe Tex 15. slow and easy pt1 - Gerart 002 - Johnny Love & The Amethyst Garnets 16. sex appeal - Diamond Jim 1008 - Lee Rogers 17. togetherness - Diamond Jim 1008 - Lee Rogers 18. mellow down easy - Checker 805 - Little Walter 19. drop out - Big Bee 401 - Mildred Scott 20. the ting a ling - Gay-Shel 491 - R.L. Griffin w Big Bo & The Arrows 21. through dealing - Neb's 509 - Ruby Johnson 22. sissy walk pt1 - Scram 115 - Sonny Jones/Eddie Bo 23. sissy walk pt2 - Scram 115 - Sonny Jones/Eddie Bo 24. funky little train - Excello 2302 - Stacy Lane 25. dynamite - Big Beat 105 - Steve Colt 26. baby baby i love you - Deesu 317 - Willie West 27. face the music - Deesu 317 - Willie West 28. all i want is you - Tou-Sea 132 - Zilla Mayes
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 14:

1. lady in red - Anla 103 - Big Daddy Green 2. sweet potato mash - Anla 115 - Original Soul Senders 3. sorry about that - Axe 103 - Al Reed 4. a love problem - Decca 32488 - Eldridge Holmes 5. miss you so - Excello 2104 - Lillian Offitt 6. emmitt lee - Excello 2118 - Carol Fran 7. walking in the park - Excello 2140 - Guitar Gable and King Karl 8. ladies choice - Fee 301 - Bobby Franklin 9. how about it pt2 - Gay Shel 1111 - Big Bo & The Arrows 10. little red spinning wheel - Invicta 501 - Guitar Ray 11. whatever you had you ain't got no more - Joe Jones 1 - Alvin Robinson 12. you brought my heart right down to my knees - Joe Jones 1 - Alvin Robinson 13. soul feeling pt1 - Murco 1048 - Eddy "G" Giles 14. soul feeling pt2 - Murco 1048 - Eddy "G" Giles 15. every day every hour - Nola 711 - Warren Lee/Warren [Lee] Taylor 16. lena - Ric 956 - Al Johnson 17. i'm through crying - Ron 336 - Martha Carter 18. i cried like a baby - Savoy 1575 - Nappy Brown 19. down in the alley - Savoy 1582 - Nappy Brown 20. i'll be there - Soulin' 146 - Tony Owens 21. wishing, waiting, hoping - Soulin' 146 - Tony Owens 22. searchin' - Tiger 104 - Alvin Robinson 23. something you got - Tiger 104 - Alvin Robinson 24. down home funk pt1 - True Soul 0039 - Larry Davis 25. down home funk pt2 - True Soul 0039 - Larry Davis 26. money you never get tired of - True-Spot 71002 - Nat Hall 27. treating me bad - Wildbell's unknown number - Toots & Maytals 28. top notch grade a - Winner 700 - Al Reed 29. Indefinitely - 87-30 Records - Alto Lee 30. Who Can I Turn To (In The Wind)  Blowin' In The Wind - 87-30 Records - Alto Lee

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

Oscar Toney Jr. "Loving You Too Long" The Contempo Sessions '73

Sublime southern soul work from Oscar Toney Jr – from an obscure later chapter in his career! Toney's probably best known for his late 60s sides for the Bell label in the US – but this album is a rarity recorded in London during the early 70s – a date that has Toney sounding even more heartbreaking and mature than before, with some surprisingly great backings that really retain an American feel for his music! There's a nice sense of warmth throughout – thanks to relatively full backings – but Oscar's vocals have all the down-home qualities we love from his Bell years, and perhaps even have a greater sense of longing and yearning, given the distance between his home and the studios for the set. Titles include a great cover of "Is It Because I'm Black", plus "For Your Precious Love", "My Girl", "Everything I Own", "Everybody's Needed", and "The Thrill Is Gone". CD features 3 bonus tracks too – "Kentucky Bluebird (45 version)", "Everything I Own (45 version)", and the funky "Chicken Heads", recorded with backings from Ultrafunk.  © 1996-2016, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:

01 Message to Martha (Kentucky Bluebird) 02 Everybody's Needed 03 The Thrill Is Gone 04 Everything I Own 05 My Girl 06 I've Been Loving You Too Long 07 Make It Easy on Yourself 08 Is It Because I'm Black 09 For Your Precious Love 10 Kentucky Blackbird [45 Version] 11 Everything I Own [45 Version] 12 Chicken Heads

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 11 + 12

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the late great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is/was constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always put her personal and soulful view on each record that she shared. @256 MONO!
http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax Vol 11:
1. I'm so tired - Ace 515 - Eddie Bo 2. push the button - Ace 3004 - Bobby Marchan 3. what a wedding day - At Last 1001 - Shirley Raymond 4. help me pt1 - Atco 6402 - Ray Sharpe 5. help me pt2 - Atco 6402 - Ray Sharpe 6. sweet meat pt2 - Better 001 - The Zip-Codes 7. i don't care who knows - Cobra 5012 - Harold Burrage 8. do the tighten up - Dakar 1450 - Major Lance 9. tv guide - Downey 124 - Jessie Hill 10. just look at you fool - Duke 334 - Miss Lavelle White 11. sock it to me time - A Fada 1001 - Henry Moore 12. the ghetto grind - Fished 100 - Little Ed & The Soundmasters Band 13. skate boogaloo and karate too - Forte 107 - Lee Harris 14. i found what I wanted - Hep Me 106 - Bobby LaCour 15. steppin out - Knight 3051 - Lionel Robinson 16. messed up - Cobra 5012 - Harold Burrage 17. get down people - Moira 108 - The Fabulous Counts 18. lunar funk - Moira 108 - The Fabulous Counts 19. don't give up love - Mor Soul 008 - Benny Spellman 20. what goes up must come down - Neb's 503 - Ruby Johnson 21. soda pop - Sansu 451 - Willie Harper 22. you, you - Sansu 451 - Willie Harper 23. roll call - Seven B 7003 - Oliver Morgan 24. skate it out - Seven B 7011 - Eddie Bo 25. gotta get my baby back home - Soulin' 148 - Tony Owens 26. funky soul pt1 - Soulin' 547 - David Batiste & The Gladiators 27. lets get a line pt1 - Stuff 401 - Jimmie Johnson & The Lucky Hearts  28. here comes the fool - Thunderbird 102 - Donoman & The Skylarks 29. where have you gone - Zodiac 1015 - Ruby Andrews
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 12:

1. i'm hurtin' - Federal 12265 - Billy Gayles 2. if i had never known you - Federal 12265 - Billy Gayles 3. handa wanda pt1 - Cresent City 25 - Bo Dollis & The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indian Band 4. handa wanda pt2 - Cresent City 25 - Bo Dollis & The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indian Band 5. seven lonely days - Eight-ball 45 - Bobby Brown 6. the way you treat me - C&E 400 - Chuck Johnson 7. keep on keeping on - Goldband 1136 - Claude Shermack 8. shingaling 67 - Atlantic 2375 - Don Covay 9. everybody's carried away - Ace 564 - Earl King 10. full time lover - Great Scott 0009 - Frankie Lee 11. free single and disengaged - Ace 538 - Huey 'Piano' Smith 12. we like mambo - Ace 515 - Huey 'Piano' Smith 13. the whatcha' call 'em - Instant 3305 - Huey 'Piano' Smith 14. bad bad whiskey pt1 - Eight Ball 1562 - James Rivers 15. bad bad whiskey pt2 - Eight Ball 1562 - James Rivers 16. i'll follow you - Duke 324 - Little Buck 17. Whisper My Name - Duke 324 - Little Buck 18. watchdog - King 4688 - Lula Reed 19. no love w strings - Tamla 54040 - Mable John 20. no love without strings - Tamla 54040 - Mable John 21. it do me good - Ace 5000 - Pearl Edwards 22. soul sister - Nola 739 - Robert Parker 23. no one else will do - Tear Drop 3027 - Sunny & The Sunliners 24. sookie sookie - Veep 1298 - Tina Britt 25. i want somebody - Atlantic 2302 - Willie Tee 26. a man like me - Rustone 1403 - Willie West

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

The Dells "Freedom Means…" 1971 (Cadet Expanded Version 2015)

A stunning set from the mighty mighty Dells – a cool collaboration with the legendary arranger Charles Stepney and songwriter Terry Callier – and a record that shows just how far the group had come since their streetcorner harmony days! The vocals are incredible – that rich blend of deep notes and soaring highs that made The Dells one of the most technically amazing soul groups in the 70s – and Stepney's arrangements follow in the same mode as his work for their Dionne Warwick album, and his music for Minnie Riperton and Ramsey Lewis – with lots of groovy currents on the bottom and soaring strings on the top – sophisticated, but completely soulful too – at a level that nobody else can touch! Terry Callier wrote the original tunes "The Love We Had Stays On My Mind", "Freedom Means", "Melody Man", "Free & Easy", "Rather Be With You", and "It's All Up To You" – and the set also includes great remakes of "One Less Bell To Answer", "Make It With You", and "If You Go Away/Love Story".  © 1996-2016, Dusty Groove, Inc.trax:

01 Freedom Means 02 Rather Be With You 03 The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind) 04 One Less Bell To Answer 05 It's All Up ToYou 06 Medley_ If You Go Away_Love Story 07 Make It With You 08 Free And Easy 09 Melody Man 10 Freedom Theme

...Many Thanks To Jillem For The Share! served by Gyro1966...

"Surfin' In The Midwest" - vol. 4

More rare killer '60s surf instrumentals comp - long out-of-print.trax:

1. Jack The Ripper - The Valiants 2. Moon Ride - The Blue Echoes 3. Bass Beat - The Avanties 4. Cloud Burst - The Kan Dells 5. 7-0-7 - The Tornados 6. Scalping Party - The Tornados 7. Carlotta - The NU Beats 8. Spooky Village - The Royal Scorpions 9. Tchaikovsky Rides Again - The Titans 10. Swimming Drums - Ronny Kae & the Saints 11. The Chase - The Star Tones 12. Sharkskin - The Monzells 13. Church Key - Al's Untouchables 14. Romp Out - Johnny Ray Gomez & the U-Neeks 15. TP - The Commancheeroes 16. Moon Dawg - Johnny & the Shy Guys 17. I've Got To Have (Precision Sound) - The Precisions 18. Way Out - The Count Downs

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 9 + 10

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the late great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is/was constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always put her personal and soulful view on each record that she shared. @256 MONO!
http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax Vol 9:
1. you just got to understand - Abnak 112 - Bobby Patterson 2. genevieve - Ace 562 - Huey 'Piano' Smith & His Clowns 3. give it up - Amy 11-057 - Lee Dorsey 4. baby don't you do it - Atlantic Test Pressing - Alvin Robinson 5. it do me so good - Chess 1785 - Little Miss Cornshucks 6. star revue - Deesu 305 - Warren Lee 7. how to pick a winner - Deesu 311 - Maurice Williams 8. chip chop [my fair lady] - Downey 115 - Jessie Hill 9. get it - Enjoy 2017 - Jay Dee Bryant 10. it's love baby [24 hours of the day] - Excello 2056 - Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers 11. sick and tired - Imperial x5448 - Chris Kenner 12. take it off pt1 - Jasman UMM 3A - Johnny Talbot & De Thangs 13. take it off pt2 - Jasman UMM 3A - Johnny Talbot & De Thangs 14. humpback - Jet Set 1006 - Eldridge Holmes 15. sick and tired - King 4748 - Lula Reed 16. shake 'em up - Lyric 1003 - Shelton Dunaway & The Cup Cakes 17. son of a lover - Miss Betty 34 - Billy Mack 18. baby, be mine - Murco 1042 - Eddy "G" Giles 19. mainsqueeze - New Miss 777 - Johnny Thompson 20. i can't help it pt1 - Nola 720 - Smokey Johnson 21. i can't help it pt2 - Nola 720 - Smokey Johnson 22. dirty red - Nola 727 - Smokey Johnson 23. it ain't my fault pt1 - Nola 727 - Smokey Johnson 24. soul walk - Revue 11044 - Jimmy Graham 25. a soul walk in - Revue 11044 - Jimmy Graham 26. if you love her - Sansu 462 - Benny Spellman 27. horse with a freeze - Seven B 7020 - Roy Ward 28. try love - Sure Shot 5003 - Bobby Williams 29. you're what's happening - Toddlin' Town 112 - Thomas East & The Fabulous Playboys 30. callin' all boys - V-Tone 222 - Ruby Johnson 31. payday - Vision 100 - Sensational Travelers
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 10:

1. the window pane - Maison de Soul 323 - Al Prince 2. hands christianderson - Bell 748 - Allen Toussaint 3. timber pt1 - Atlantic 2290 - Chris Kenner as Candy Phillips 4. timber pt2 - Atlantic 2290 - Chris Kenner as Candy Phillips 5. elephant fair - Invicta 502 - Chuck Johnson 6. put down dat gun - Invicta 509 - Chuck Johnson 7. get low down pt1 - Sansu 457 - Curley Moore 8. get low down pt2 - Sansu 457 - Curley Moore 9. finance man - Maison de Soul 1002 - Donnie Jacobs 10. little bit of everything - Duke 387 - Ernie K-Doe 11. work my way up steady - Broadmoor 104 - Fats Domino 12. let the groove move you - Tou-Sea 131 - Gus Lewis 13. i don't understand it - Hawk Sound 1001 - Ice Water Slim 14. let's streak - Board 003 - Ironing Board Sam 15. space streaker - Board 003 - Ironing Board Sam 16. cool turkey - Peacock 1697 - James Booker 17. gonzo - Peacock 1697 - James Booker 18. your love pt1 - Gerart 003 - Johnny Love & The Amethyst Garnets 19. funky belly pt1 - Big Beat 133-1297 - Larry Foster 20. funky belly pt2 - Big Beat 133-1297 - Larry Foster 21. looking for a man - Tamla 54040 - Mable John 22. if i only knew - Ron 326 - Professor Longhair 23. hot potato pt1 - Enjoy 1010 - The Rinkydinks 24. hot potato pt2 - Enjoy 1010 - The Rinkydinks 25. rimshot pt1 - Holiday Inn 100 - The Roller Coasters 26. rimshot pt2 - Holiday Inn 100 - The Roller Coasters 27. don't make me burn - Bella 1001 - Simmie & The Dynamics 28. tighten up - Tangerine 975 - Sterling Magee 29. i get a groove - Toddlin' Town 112 - Thomas East & The Fabulous Playboys

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 7 + 8

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the late great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is/was constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always put her personal and soulful view on each record that she shared. @256 MONO!
http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax Vol 7:
1. meet me in church - The Gospelairs 2. it's raining - Irma Thomas 3. i'm gonna get ya - Betty Harris 4. naturally - The Pitter Pats 5. let's get a groove going on pt1 - Ruby Andrews 6. let's get a groove going on pt2 - Ruby Andrews 7. i can't please you - Jimmy Robins 8. when will it end - Wylie Dixon 9. the life of my baby - Chris Kenner 10. they took my money - Chris Kenner 11. since you're home - Ted Taylor 12. louisiana groove - King Solomon 13. ain't no need - Merle Spears 14. all day all night - Bill Parker & His Showboat Band 15. I want to do it - Ervin Rucker & Mattie Jackson 16. a man don't last too long - Lil' Willie & The Rockin' Imperials 17. i've been faithful - Roscoe Shelton 18. we've been wrong - Roscoe Shelton 19. miss sticks - Raymond Lewis 20. sweet little woman - McKinley Sandifer 21. mama - Priscilla Price 22. soul sister - Jerry-O 23. let's make it - Joe Haywood 24. moon walk pt1 - Joe Simon 25. moon walk pt2 - Joe Simon 26. get up - McKinley Sandifer 27. i love to rock and roll - Eddie Bo 28. too weak to break the chains - Skip Easterling 29. i'm your man - Skip Easterling
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax Vol 8:

1. for every boy there's a girl - Instant 3282 - Aaron Neville 2. i don't want to hear it - Sansu 452 - Betty Harris 3. funny style - Dial 4007 - Bobby Marchan 4. there is something on your mind pt1 - Fire 1022 - Bobby Marchan 5. there is something on your mind pt2 - Fire 1022 - Bobby Marchan 6. my living doll - Frisco 114 - Danny White 7. moanin and screamin pt1 - Minit 629 - Diamond Joe 8. moanin and screamin pt2 - Minit 629 - Diamond Joe 9. help yourself - Minit 649 - Diamond Joe 10. wait a minute baby - Sansu 454 - Diamond Joe 11. hurry back to me - Sansu 460 - Diamond Joe 12. come on pt1 - Imperial X-5713 - Earl King 13. come on pt2 - Imperial X-5713 - Earl King 14. hip drop pt1 - Gold Cup 0005 - The Explosions 15. hip drop pt2 - Gold Cup 0005 - The Explosions 16. gimme some pt1 - Down To Earth 73 - General Crook 17. gimme some pt2 - Down To Earth 73 - General Crook 18. what are trying to do - Imperial 66137 - Irma Thomas 19. I got so much trouble in my mind pt1 - Mantis 1411 - Joe Quarterman & Free Soul 20. I got so much trouble in my mind pt2 - Mantis 1411 - Joe Quarterman & Free Soul 21. if i were a strong man - Stanson AR003 - King Solomon 22. crazy stomp - Golden 113 - Lil' Willie & The Rockin' Imperials 23. I stayed away too long - Diamond Jim 900 - Manuel B. Holcolm 24. kick out-ins - Diamond Jim 900 - Manuel B. Holcolm 25. hot tamales pt2 - Sansu 465 - The Prime Mates 26. ring around the roses - Nola 724 - Raymond Parker 27. funky soul train - Nola 742 - Robert Parker 28. the hiccup - SSS International  819 - Robert Parker 29. don't destroy me - Smash 2223 - Shirley Wahls 30. half a man - Smash 2223 - Shirley Wahls 31. hold my hurt for awhile - Sims 229 - Wallace Brothers

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 5 + 6

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always puts her personal and soulful view on each record that she shares. Don't miss this classic comp! Visit Ana B. at: THE SINGING BONES - http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax:
1. your'e the only one - Eddie Bo 2. get down with it - Bobby Marchan 3. country girl - The Johnny Otis Show 4. i'm your hoochie koochie man - Skip Easterling 5. grits 'n corn bread - Soul Runners 6. every hour every day - G.L. Crockett 7. spreadin' honey - Soul Runners 8. those lonely lonely feelings - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters 9. everybody got to cry - Handsome Earl 10. i wanna know - Al Robinson 11. play a cornbread song for me and my baby - Joe Haywood 12. don't lie - Ted Taylor 13. nearer to you - Betty Harris 14. wonder woman - Lee Dorsey 15. question - Bobby Powell 16. Need You - Prince La-La 17. come back to me - Prince La La 18. what makes you so cold - Lulu Reed 19. woman love - Albert Washington 20. commandments of love - Bobby LaCour 21. no substitute - Eldridge Holmes 22. my children my children - Jessie Hill 23. underdog back street - Warren Lee 24. come to me - Eddie Bo 25. over you - Aaron Neville 26. there's a dj in your town - Samson & Deliah 27. will my man be home tonight - Lillian Offitt 28. you hit me right where it hurt - Ray Agee 29. funky belly - Warren Lee 30. so long - Lee Dorsey
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax:

1. the jed clampett pt1 - The Sister and Brothers 2. the jed clampett pt2 - The Sister and Brothers 3. gettin married soon - Prince La La 4. groove making - George Perkins 5. oh she was pretty - Sterling Magee 6. get your love where you find it - Bobby Foster 7. the grass looks greener - Skip Easterling 8. i remember - Wee Willie Wayne 9. travelin' mood - Wee Willie Wayne 10. pinegrove blues - Nathan Abshire 11. tic tac toe - Earl King 12. pop popcorn children - Eldridge Holmes 13. sweet potato mash - Bill Parker & His Showboat Band 14. i do things come naturally - Lee Bates 15. love don't love nobody - Ella Brown 16. free and easy pt1 - Apple and the Three Oranges 17. free and easy pt2 - Apple and the Three Oranges 18. holding on to what i got - Marty Lewis 19. katty's thing - Anthony Butler & the Invaders 20. 99 44/100 pure love - Al Reed 21. i've been searchin' - Tony Fox 22. wishing, waiting, hoping - Tony Owens 23. i'll be there - Tony Owens 24. fairchild - Willie West 25. satisfied with your love - Barbara George 26. give me you - Lee Dorsey 27. look what you're doin' to me [oooh wee baby] - Professor Longhair 28. keep on - Sterling Magee 29. while I'm away - Eddy "G" Giles & The Jive 5 30. let's get it - Edgar Blanchard

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

The Stomachmouths "Born Losers" (1984-1989)

Upon listening to Born Losers, it's easy to believe that the Stomachmouths were the kings of the Swedish arm of the international garage revival of the mid-'80s -- they match the songwriting and attitude of the best American bands of the wave. Drawing from a vast knowledge of pulp Americana, singer Stefan Kéry and cohorts managed to build a composite persona that epitomized everything about '60s garage punk: the youth, the fuzz, the irreverence, and, of course, dirty rock & roll. Born Losers culls 23 tracks recorded between 1984 and 1989: all five tracks from their two early EPs, a generous selection of cuts from the LPs Something Weird and In Orbit, material from the American LP Wild Trip (originally released without the group's consent or knowledge), and as a bonus treat, a single each from the Mongrels and the Tonebenders, singer Stefan Kéry's two post-Stomachmouths projects. The Stomachmouths had the look and the sound pinned down. Kéry's mad nasal punkish roar is strongly reminiscent of Canadian revivalists the Gruesomes. The set list takes listeners from beginning to end and shortly back, messing around with the hard-edged surf garage of the early months and the slightly more R&B songs following the arrival of bassist Jens Lindberg in 1987. "Wild Trip," "Speed Freak," and "Something Weird" show the group flirting with psychedelia, while "Eegah!" and "Valley Surf Stomp" are excellent surf instrumentals. Generous liner notes round up this lovingly assembled collection. Recommended. (François Couture, Allmusic)trax:

01 dont put me down 02 dr. syn 03 i'm going away 04 eegah 05 cry 06 dont mess with my mind 07 i leave 08 r & b #65 09 valley surf stomp 10 coming back alive 11 waiting 12 interview #1 13 keep on looking 14 dont you know 15 heart of stone 16 you'd better find out 17 hold me now 18 almost there 19 something weird 20 speed freak 21 interview #2 22 too much 23 root beer 24 wild trip 25 ode to rhythm & blues

...served by Gyro1966...

"Supertones Surf - Modern Surf Band Spotlight"

Why would 15 bands from across the globe cover songs composed by The Supertones? Contrary to what you may think – this is NOT a tribute album.This album IS a showcase of some of today’s up and coming bands in the modern surf instrumental scene. It displays a slice of the vast talent of the surf instrumental phenomenon that has spread throughout the world and continued to grow unabated since the early 1960s. The concept behind this release is to strike a contrast between the bands’ interpretations of a body of modern surf music with the bands’ own original compositions. The songs and performances are a testimony to the quality of The Supertones’ music and the tremendous talent of today’s hot new surf bands. 29 tracks with almost 78 minutes of surf instrumental madness.

trax:

1. Torque Wrench - The Nebulas 2. Fooling Around Playa Del Ray - The Bitch Boys 3. Media Nocturne - Vonrippers 4. Last Ride - The Cocktail Preachers 5. Side Slippin' - The Diamondheads 6. Dr. Yes - The Retroliners 7. Avanti - Monsters From Mars! 8. Flamenco Surf - The Sharkskins 9. The Wet Set - The Metalunas 10. The Sweet Ride - The Zps 11. Harbor Patrol - The Estrume'n'tal 12. Ted's Twist - Tsmf 13. Sand Pumper - The Brainwashers 14. Moonshot, Pt. 3 - The Mighty Surf Lords 15. Wingnut - The Bustin' Surfboards 16. T-16 - The Nebulas 17. Did You Bring Your Brass Knuckles¿ - The Bitch Boys 18. 00 1-2 - Vonrippers 19. Margarita Meltdown - The Cocktail Preachers 20. Dented Fender - The Diamondheads 21. Rumble In The Stratosphere 2002 - The Retroliners 22. Happy In A Cage - The Monsters From Mars! 23. The Mild Bunch Rides Again - The Sharkskins 24. The Curse Of Pier 13 - The Metalunas 25. Estampida - The Zps 26. Vacalgada - The Estrume'n'tal 27. El Duelo De Chiuauas - Tsmf 28. Bawunga Bob - The Brainwashers 29. Spanish Fly - The Bustin' Surfboards

"THE SINGING BONES" Vol 3 + 4

New Orleans-centric soul music on 45 from the great music blog, The Singing Bones. Ana B. is constantly diggin' up cool and funky soul 45's (many never before comped), and she always puts her personal and soulful view on each record that she shares. Don't miss this classic comp! Visit Ana B. at: THE SINGING BONES - http://desosquichante.blogspot.comtrax:
1. don't set me back - Diamond Joe 2. who shot the la la - Oliver Morgan 3. the book - Eldridge Holmes 4. down home girl - Alvin Robinson 5. seven lonely days - Bobby Brown 6. ernestine - Patience Valentine 7. didn't you know - Nappy Brown 8. thank you for lettin me be myself again - Maceo And All The King's Men 9. please don't let me know - Don Covay 10. keep you mine - Willie West 11. darling angel honey child - Earl King 12. tears from my eyes - Jackie Opel 13. baby, let me hold your hand - Professor Longhair 14. run henry - Chick Carbo 15. work work work - Lee Dorsey 16. the twitch - Danny White 17. patty cake shake - Guitar Ray 18. just over the hill - Clara Ward 19. now, that I've lost you - Eldridge Holmes 20. you don't miss a good thing [until it's gone] - Irma Thoma 21. sittin' in the dark - Anna King 22. cinderella - Chris Kenner 23. hard nut to crack - Aaron Neville 24. climb the ladder - Warren Lee 25. cha dooky doo - Art Neville 26. i'm gonna try - Carol Fran 27. just one more time - Skip Easterling 28. part of me - Johnny Adams
Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collectiontrax:

1. tip toe - Robert Parker 2. stupidity - Solomon Burke 3. doggin me around - Jean Knight 4. the man that left me - Jean Knight 5. fair play - Diamond Joe 6. hold me baby - Albert Washington 7. without your love i can't make it - Vikki Styles 8. why must i be blue - Danny White 9. the word game - Benny Spellman 10. rhumatiz - Joel Moore 11. i like what you do - Eldridge Holmes 12. little dab a do ya - Lee Dorsey 13. if you give up what you got [you'll see what you lost] - Mable John 14. go go girl - Richard Berry 15. please don't leave - Lee Diamond 16. well i done got over - Guitar Slim 17. it do me good pt1 - The Pitter Pats 18. it do me good pt2 - The Pitter Pats 19. i feel a hurt - Mary Jane Hooper 20. let's let it roll - Eddie Bo 21. lady in the rain - Lowell Fulsom 22. mean man - Betty Harris 23. cracked up over you - Danny White 24. walkin' - Robert Parker 25. all night long pt1 - Robert Parker 26. all night long pt2 - Robert Parker 27. if you didn't hear me the first time - The Sandpebbles 28. the life of my little baby - Chris Kenner 29. i've got to do a little bit better - Joe Tex 30. you don't know how to turn me on - Deacon John Moore

Compiled and served by Gyro1966 from Ana B.'s music collection

Steve Cropper "Dedicated" - A Salute To The 5 Royales 2011

Steve Cropper has said in numerous interviews that his main influence as a guitarist was Lowman Pauling, chief songwriter, arranger, and axeman of North Carolina's 5 Royales, a '50s-era group that wedded doo wop, jump blues, gospel, and jazz in an R&B style that scored them numerous hits throughout the 1950s. The 5 Royales also featured lead vocalist Johnny Tanner (and occasionally younger brother Eugene) supported by backing singers Otto Jeffries, Jimmy Moore, and Obadiah Carter. Cropper was approached by producer Jon Tiven (who he'd previously worked with on the first of his two collaborations with Felix Cavaliere) about collaborating on a tribute album to the 5 Royales, and jumped at the chance. Dedicated: A Salute to the 5 Royales, which represents the latest chapter in a late-career resurgence for Cropper, one of the most influential soul guitarists in history, combines the talents of a red hot studio band -- Cropper, bassist David Hood, keyboardist Spooner Oldham, percussionist Steve Ferrone, drummer Steve Jordan, and Neal Sugarman and Tiven on horns. In addition, Cropper and Tiven enlisted a stellar group of vocalists to perform 5 Royales standards: Lucinda Williams, Sharon Jones, Bettye LaVette, Delbert McClinton, Willie Jones, B.B. King, Shemekia Copeland, Buddy Miller, Dan Penn, Brian May, Steve Winwood, John Popper, and Dylan LeBlanc, fronting a great cast of backing singers. Despite the historic material and arrangements, Dedicated is a decidedly contemporary recording in production, saving it from the dubious fate of numerous other tribute albums that seek to re-create the actual vibe of original recordings. It begins with an excellent rendition of "Thirty Second Lover" featuring Winwood, but, fine as it is, it's a teaser for what's to come. LaVette and Willie Jones tear up "Don't Be Ashamed." On "Dedicated to the One I Love," Williams literally sends shivers up and down the spine as she uses her gauzy, slow, emotive voice to wrench every ounce of emotion from the verses -- with Penn adding another dimension to them on the bridge. Speaking of Penn, an excellent but reluctant lead singer, his reading of "Someone Made You for Me" is one of the most unexpectedly endearing performances on the set. McClinton's "Right Around the Corner" puts these rhythm & blues in the heart of honky tonk country. The back-to-back readings of "Messin' Up" by Jones and "Say It" by LaVette come close to stealing the show -- but Williams still holds on with the title track and her searingly naked "When I Get Like This" as the closer. Cropper also takes a couple of economical but stinging instrumental breaks on "Help Me Somebody" and "Think" that reveal the depth of Pauling's genius as well as his own. Given what a mixed bag tribute albums usually are, Dedicated is not only a surprise for its consistency, but a shining example of what they can -- and should -- be. (Thom Jurek, Allmusic)

trax:

1. Thirty Second Lover - Steve Winwood 2. Don't Be Ashamed - Willie Jones 3. Baby Don't Do It - B.B. King 4. Dedicated To The One I Love - Lucinda Williams 5. My Sugar Sugar - John Popper 6. Right Around The Corner - Delbert McClinton 7. Help Me Somebody - Steve Cropper 8. I Do - Brian May 9. Messin Up - Sharon Jones 10. Say It - Bettye Lavette 11. The Slummer The Slum - Buddy Miller 12. Someone Made You For Me - Dan Penn 13. Think - Steve Cropper 14. Come On And Save Me - Sharon Jones 15. When I Get Like This - Lucinda Williams

...Many Thanks to clash for the Steve Cropper share! served by Gyro1966...

"Gamma Knee Kappa" - The Best In Frat Rock

Manic wailers! The Best in Frat Rock!A documentation of one beautiful boozy night in the life of the fraternal order of Gamma Knee Kappa. If a good time is what you're after, prepare to enter the portals of G.K.K. and experience an assault of sounds that you'll never forget, no matter how hard you may try.traxfromwax:

1. THE DEL COUNTS: Let The Good Times Roll 2. FOUR BITS & TAX: You Can't Sit Down 3. BUGGS: It's All Right 4. THE LOAFERS: Honey Hush 5. THE DeVILLES: High Blood Pressure 6. THE JERMS: Bald Headed Woman 7. THE BLUE ANGELS: Shake A Tail Feather 8. THE RIVIERAS: Whole Lotta Shakin' 9. TREZ TREZO: Hang On Sloopy 10. JACKS & THE CLEANSERS: Stronger Than Dirt 11. ME & DEM GUYS: Come On Little Sweetheart 12. THE FABULOUS THUNDERBOLTS: My Girl Sue 13. THE LIVERPOOL LADS: Liverpool Lil 14. THE SUNSETS: Theme 1 15. THE CORONADOS: The Nomad 16. PETER KELCH & THE PHAROAHS: Silly Girl 17. THE SNOWMEN: Garbage Man

ripped from wax in glorious monoloudarama!

Allen Toussaint "The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings" (Rhino Handmade 2500 Limited Copies)

Allen Toussaint is a legend who wrote and produced some of the greatest songs in New Orleans R&B history, but his career as a recording artist is hardly legendary. He didn't record all that much and what he did wax is overshadowed by his compositions and productions -- which, admittedly, is understandable given the work he did with the Meters, Lee Dorsey, Aaron Neville, Ernie K-Doe, the Band, LaBelle, Irma Thomas, and many others. But not being legendary is hardly the same thing as not having merit, and Rhino Handmade's 2003 double-disc set The Complete Warner Recordings makes a convincing case that Toussaint's three albums for Warner and Reprise are among the best hidden treasures in soul music. These three albums -- which are augmented by a very different single version of "Country John" and a full live concert originally released in part on Rhino's 1989 various-artists collection New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 1976 (although it apparently was recorded in Philadelphia in 1975), here presented in its entirety on the second disc -- represent the longest period of recording Toussaint had as a solo artist. He cut The Wild Sound of New Orleans by Tousan in 1958, at the peak of rock & roll and R&B's chart success (this material is collected on Bear Family's The Complete "Tousan" Sessions), but throughout the '60s he devoted himself to behind-the-scenes work before getting the chance to record his own albums in the early '70s, starting with Toussaint (later retitled From a Whisper to a Scream for a U.K. reissue), cut for Scepter Records in 1970. He then moved to Warner, where he recorded three albums -- 1972's Life, Love and Faith, 1975's Southern Nights, 1978's Motion -- that largely went unheard outside of New Orleans R&B and soul circles. Apart from a few import and quasi-legal budget-line reissues, these albums remained out of print for years, only surfacing as selections on the excellent 1991 CD The Allen Toussaint Collection, which expertly summarizes these records. Such is the neglect bestowed upon these three records; even in his otherwise fine liner notes for The Complete Warner Recordings, Billy Vera glosses over these albums, spending about a page on them and never going into detail. All this means is that the music needs to speak for itself, which it certainly can do. Toussaint did something very interesting with his Warner recordings. He stayed grounded in the earthy New Orleans R&B and funk that had been his bread and butter for many a year, but he spun it differently, bringing it in line with the smooth soul coming out of places like Philadelphia in the '70s, tempering it with a bit of a gloss borrowed from Los Angeles troubadours, yet retaining that distinctly Southern feel. Each album shares that sound, with each song clearly identifiable as the work of Allen Toussaint, but each has its own feel. Life, Love and Faith is the strongest and funkiest of the bunch, a Southern soul spin on West Coast singer/songwriter albums that is an excellent expansion of his signature sound. Southern Nights is Toussaint's album rock album, complete with a hazy theme and trippy instrumental interludes. Motion is his smooth commercial soul album, recorded with L.A. studio pros at Warner's insistence. The live album finds Toussaint returning to the basics of his music, which is at once earthy and sophisticated. While each of the albums apart from Life, Love and Faith might have a flaw -- Southern Nights is a bit unfocused, Motion a bit too slick, the live material can meander -- these are minor issues since there's such a wealth of wonderful music here. Toussaint has an easy, relaxed touch to his performances that enhances the sly elegance of his writing, whether it's on ballads like "With You in Mind" and the gorgeous "What Do You Want the Girl to Do?" or intricate funk like "Victims of the Darkness" and the dynamic, layered "Last Train," or such idiosyncratic spins on classic New Orleans R&B like "Brickyard Blues" and "Shoo-Ra," the latter two taken from the live set. These are just a few of the many sublime moments on The Complete Warner Recordings -- moments so good, it's hard to believe that these albums have gone underappreciated for so long. Since this set is limited to 2,500 copies and only available through www.rhinohandmade.com, this doesn't necessarily rectify the situation -- after all, that's hardly a wide distrubition (then again, as Paul Gayten quoted in Vera's liner notes, "New Orleans music is the greatest in the world, but it just doesn't sell to the mass public") -- but anybody who loves soul music and New Orleans R&B needs to own this priceless set. (Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Allmusic)

trax disc 1:

01 Victims Of The Darkness 02 Am I Expecting Too Much 03 My Baby Is The Real Thing 04 Goin' Down 05 She Once Belonged To Me 06 Out Of The City [Into Country Life] 07 Soul Sister 08 Fingers And Toes 09 I've Got To Convince Myself 10 On Your Way Down 11 Gone Too Far 12 Electricity 13 Last Train 14 Worldwide 15 Back In Baby's Arms 16 Country John 17 Basic Lady 18 Southern Nights 19 You Will Not Lose 20 What Do You Want The Girl To Do?

trax disc 2:

01 When The Party's Over 02 Cruel Way To Go Down 03 Country John 04 Night People 05 Just A Kiss Away 06 With You In Mind 07 Lover Of Love 08 To Be With You 09 Motion 10 Viva La Money 11 Declaration Of Love 12 Happiness 13 The Optimism Blues 14 Intro _ High Life (Previously Unissued) 15 Touch Of Love (Previously Unissued) 16 Brickyard Blues (Previously Unissued) 17 What Is Success (Previously Unissued) 18 Freedom For The Stallion (Previously Unissued) 19 Last Train (Previously Unissued) 20 Shoo-Ra (Previously Unissued) 21 Allen And Gary Brown (Previously Unissued) 22 Southern Nights (Previously Unissued) 23 Allen's Closing Remarks (Previously Unissued)

...Many Thanks to clash for the Allen Toussaint share! served by Gyro1966...