They Call Me Jessie James - The Dreams Featuring Keni Lewis

DC Sound LTD was a long since defunct Washington based record label. They only waxed a few 45s back in the late sixties. Interestingly enough, all the production credits go to Gene Dozier of The Brotherhood's "Hunk Of Funk" fame. "They Call Me Jessie James" may clock in at only two minutes, but it sure makes for one steam-powered, funkomotive ride. Extra attention goes to The Dreams for the tight train whistling harmonies heard in the background.


They Call Me Jessie James

On Broadway - Nell Aspero II

This entry is short and sweet because I know absolutely nothing about Nell Aspero, The Second. Her groovy interpretation of the Drifter's "On Broadway" was an inexpensive curiosity, and secondary addition to a bulk order from years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by my two dollar gamble with obscurity. Enjoy.


On Broadway

I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor Now) - Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers

Rex Garvin & The Mighty Carver's "I Gotta Go Now" is an infectiously funky floorfiller. As the record implies this pleading dance anthem will beckon your feet to boogaloo. The hand-clapping, the soulful saxophone and organs, and the encouraging back-and-forth banter all create an inviting party atmosphere that's impossible to ignore.


I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor Now)


Their biggest hit, "Sock It To'em JB", was also a successful ska hit for The Specials back in the 1980s.

Come In To My Love Shop - Mad Dog & The Pups

Mad Dog & The Pups were an early seventies funk band based in Detroit. One of the pups was none other than Ray Parker Jr. of Ghostbusters fame. They scored several regional hits on the Magic City label, but this record is the funkiest of their 45 litter.

Come In To My Love Shop

In My Body's House - Gene Chandler

Here's a super fly cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Hard Times". Gene Chandler renamed his party starter "In My Body's House". This record, dating back to 1969, is the very definition of funky 45. It doesn't sound anything like Mayfield's slow churning original, or the often sampled Baby Huey & The Babysitters version featured below.


In My Body's House

Curtis Mayfield produced Baby Huey's first and only LP, The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend.

Indian Giver - The Chantels

The Chantels released this brassy single back in 1966. They forego their standard doo-wop sound with "Indian Giver", and instead deliver a satisfying, floor-filling jazz number. Maybe this stylistic departure was an intentional deviation after switching records labels to Verve. Either way the results were extremely rewarding.


Indian Giver

The Chantels first single was "He's Gone" from 1957.

Since The Days Of Pigtails & Fairytales - Chairmen Of The Board

"Since The Days of Pigtails & Fairytales" was the b-side to Chairmen Of The Board's breakout single "Give Me Just A Little More Time". I discovered the 45 a few years ago as part of a random grab bag of miscellaneous cheapie records. Why such a soulful goldmine was stacked in between a Cat Stevens and Peter, Paul & Mary record is a mystery to me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.



Since The Days Of Pigtails & Fairytails


There's no denying the catchy appeal of the a-side.


Here's Chairmen Of The Board singing their second single "You've Got Me Dangling On A String" on the national mall.