Crazy 'Bout You Baby - Jerry Williams

Jerry "Lynn" Williams serves up one of the heaviest cowbelling rock tracks I've ever heard on "Crazy 'Bout You Baby". It was released as another brilliant b-side throwaway which, for some reason, was never included on his 1972 self-titled LP. I don't listen to too much rock n'roll nowadays, but when I do it usually sounds something like this.

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Jerry Williams also does a mighty fine version of  Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale".

Wicky Wacky - The Cimarons

The Cimaron's were the UK's first truly indigenous reggae band. They formed back in 1967 and made their fame by backing all the Jamaican giants who introduced Britain to this new rocksteady sound. "Wicky Wacky" is actually a Fatback song produced with the Cimaron's own English island flair. Funky all the way.

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I'll Love You Til The Cows Come Home - Clyde McPhatter

I don't normally care for early doo-wop R&B, but this 1961 single from former Drifter Clyde McPhatter is that rare exception. "I'll Love You Til The Cows Come Home" is a nifty little composition with a flirty title and a great down home groove. What can I say? I'm a sucker for simply stated, sweetly delivered golden oldies. Enjoy.


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Listen To The Drums - Richard Caiton

1964's "Listen To The Drums" by unknown singer/composer Richard Caiton has been a standard favorite of mine for years. It's another neglected b-side that had the simple misfortune of being attached to a merely mediocre, and chartless single, "You Look Like A Flower".


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The doo-wop ballad "You Look Like A Flower" is a nice popcorn oldie, but it bares little resemblance to its much hipper flipside.

Hard To Handle - Tom Jones

Sir Tom Jones nails Otis Redding's heavy soul masterpiece "Hard To Handle" during this 1970 recording from the Live In Las Vegas Flamingo LP. It's hard not to become seduced by his raw energy and enthusiasm. Or maybe it's just his stylishly revealing wardrobe? Regardless of his hip-hugging outfits you just gotta love a man who isn't afraid of screaming "ouch" after a performance.


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Patti Drew's superb version of "Hard To Handle" makes the Black Crowes cover sound like ten cent loving.

Little Boy Blue - Little Buck

 

I would be remiss in my exploration of funky blues if I didn't mention Little Buck's "Little Boy Blue" off New Orleans own Seven B label. It was written and produced by Huey Smith of Huey "Piano" Smith & The Clowns fame. That undeniably effective drumming is often recycled from Eddie Bo's equally percussive funkbomb "Lover & A Friend". Both tracks are winners, and not blue in the slightest. Enjoy.


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Bar-B-Q -Wendy Rene

I've got summer songs on my brain, and what could sound more like summertime than Wendy Rene's clap-happy barbecue anthem "Bar-B-Q"? As a BBQ loving vegan I'm relieved that "Bar-B-Q" doesn't alienate me from this most delicious pastime by highlighting various charred meats. So sit back, soak up the good-time grillin' vibes and throw some marinated tofu on the barbie!


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 "Young & Foolish" was the b-side to this STAX classic.

I've Been Searchin' B/W Why Did You Lie To Me - Tony Fox

Tony Fox's brilliant double-sided old school funk "I've Been Searchin" backed with "Why Did You Lie To Me" was on my wants list for years. I was hooked after hearing this 1966 beaty soul nugget on someone's obscure 45s mix. I was also pleased to flip the record over and discover that the b-side was just as strong as the a-side.

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Bring It On Home - Piney Brown

 

 Piney Brown's blues-funk plea "Bring It On Home" never goes off heavy rotation on my ipod or stereo. It was written by my all-time favorite country western singer, Tony Joe White. It's a wonderful example of cross blending musical genres to produce amazing results. Have a listen a judge for yourself.

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The Beat - Lou Johnson

 Lou Johnson's "The Beat", from 1971's With You In Mind LP is classic funky soul fare. That's no surprise considering it's got Allen Toussaint's masterful hands all over the production credits. Proficiently skilled B-Boys and DJs should have this record in their collection. No excuses.

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Do you recognize this beat?

Lover To Friend - Junior Parker

 

Junior Parker's "Honey-Drippin' Blues" on Blue Rock Records was my gateway LP. It was the first time I realized that I couldn't conveniently purchase an album straight from iTunes. What? You mean I gotta randomly flip through records with no guarantee that I'll find anything worth buying? Exactly! Hey, at least crate digging is more gratifying than beachcombing for bottle caps with your dad's metal detector.

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Junior's funky cover of "Taxman" is outasight.