Mary Jane - Bobby Rush

Louisiana born Bobby Rush invented, and personifies the blues style known as Folk-Funk. His brand of music blended the Chicago blues, southern soul and finger plucking funk into some scandalously enjoyable 45s. "Mary Jane" is the 1971 flip to his breakthrough hit "Chicken Heads". File under stoner mix and enjoy.

Mary Jane

Bobby Rush, nearly forty years later, performing "Chicken Heads". You'll notice that his soul-dripping jerry curls, along with his live performances, haven't lost any of their shine.

You Made A Believer Out Of Me - Ruby Andrews

"You Made A Believer Out Of Me" is the 1969 single from Ruby Andrew's 1972 "Black Ruby" LP. It's got some killer sisterfunk with tight drumbeats to match. Old school De La Soul fans might recognize the groove from their breakout "3 Feet High And Rising" album. If you enjoy powerhouse soul you can't go wrong with this little R&B gem. 

On an interesting side-note for True Blood fans : Ruby's first recording name was Stackhouse.

You Made A Believer Out Of Me

Leave It For The Trashman - Harvey Scales

Harvey Scales (minus his band the Seven Sounds) offers some hard hollering advice on "Leave It For The Trashman". The next time you've got heartbroken garbage that needs cleaning up I'd recommend listening to this funky 45. Enjoy.


Leave It For The Trashman


Johnnie Taylor turned Harvey's "Disco Lady" into the first platinum single in record history.

House Of Jack - James Royal

There are too many groovy mod 45s out there to mention, however James Royal's funky number "House of Jack" tops my ever-expanding list of personal favorites. The grand introduction sounds like something from an epic Tarantino showdown. The rest of this 1969 party anthem has an undeniably delightful "good time or bust" vibe throughout. Listen for yourself and see if you don't get hooked.

House Of Jack

A 1965 release of Nat Adderley/Oscar Brown's "Work Song".

Delta Dawn - Clifford Curry

I never would have guessed "Delta Dawn" could be sung with such deep southern soul until I heard this obscure cover from Clifford Curry. It's got some great funky blues breaks which work surprisingly well. Also, purely for aesthetic reasons, I should highlight that this 1972 pressing was released on gorgeous, ruby red, translucent vinyl. Enjoy it, monoside style.

Delta Dawn

Alex Harvey's 1971 "Delta Dawn" is the one that remains near and dear to my heart.

Delta Dawn Original LP Version

Helen "Hear Me Roar" Reddy's version of the country classic. Alex Harvey, the songwriter responsible for penning "Delta Dawn", opened up for Helen Reddy in the seventies.

He Don't Appreciate It - Esther Marrow

Queen Esther Marrow and her booming vocals were discovered by Duke Ellington back in 1963. "He Don't Appreciate It B/W Mama" was a seven inch single from her debut record Newport News,Virginia. The full LP showcases her powerful gospel belting on nearly every song, but "He Don't Appreciate It" is my favorite example of Marrow's sonic-soul range.


He Don't Appreciate It

Soul Sister Queen Esther delivers more sage advice.