Le Responsable - Jacques Dutronc

 

Jacques Dutronc embodies quintessential cool. He wrote some of the finest french pop-rock songs of the sixties/early seventies, dressed effortlessly hip, was an award winning actor and he married Françoise Hardy. Although Dutronc is perhaps best known for his hits "Mini-Mini-Mini" and "Et moi, et moi, et moi" I'm currently digging his 1969 nod to the Rolling Stone's "Satisfaction" with "Le Responsable". Enjoy!

Le Responsable

 

Hunky Funky Woman - Roy Brown

Here's a 1971 release from one of Rock n' Roll's early greats, Roy Brown. "Hunky Funky Woman" is a relatively obscure departure from the (jump) blues musician who also gave Elvis Presley one of his first Sun Studio hits with "Good Rockin' Tonight". Enjoy!


Hunky Funky Woman

Brown's original "Good Rockin' Tonight" came out seven years before Presley's version.

I Laugh And Talk But I Don't Play - Zeke Strong & The Ladyetts

Every now and again I stumble upon a record too funky to keep to myself. "I Laugh And Talk But I Don't Play" by former saxophonist Zeke Strong & his lovely Ladyetts is one such record. It's a groovy mid-tempo party starter that's both sung and produced by LA based Zeke Strong. The release date is unknown (197?), and the Miss Lady label art is refreshingly outta sight! Enjoy!


I Laugh And Talk But I Don't Play

Ooh Poo Pah Do B/W I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man - Skip Easterling

Skip Easterling is the definitive example of authentic blue-eyed soul. He's a New Orleansian through and through and collaborated with many of the all time great funk n' soul producers ( Allen Toussaint, Eddie Bo, Huey "Piano" Smith, etc.).

"Ooh Poo Pah Do" is the flirty b-side to his equally flirty regional hit "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man". Muddy Waters may have been the first to record the famous blues standard, but Skip was the first one to include funky flute and kickass brass. Not bad for a white boy, not bad at all. This seven inch single was released in 1970 and represents the final pressing for Instant Records. Enjoy!


Ooh Poo Pah Do


I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man

All Along The Watchtower - Barbara Keith

There are countless overplayed covers of this Dylan staple, but listening to Barbara Keith's emotionally climactic interpretation is the only one that gives me shivers every time. However, make no mistake, Keith is a folk singer's songwriter. Her country tinged compositions have been performed by Tanya Tucker, Patty Loveless, The Dillards, Melanie, Delaney & Bonnie, and even Barbra Streisand of all people.


All Along The Watchtower

If you're intrigued by this small sample of raw talent then I highly recommend checking out her family's band, The Stone Coyotes. Their newest album was just released last month!

Another great example of groovy femme folk, "Fisherman King" is from her Verve LP (1969) which was released three years before the Reprise LP (1972) shown above.

Mini Skirt Minnie - Wilson Pickett

"Mini Skirt Minnie" is one of "Wicked" Wilson Pickett's best singles from the Atlantic sessions. The song was released in 1969, features the legendary Duane Allman on guitar, and oddly enough, never made his "Hey Jude" LP. Although the record's b-side, "Back In Your Arms", is included on the full length album.


Mini Skirt Minnie

The musical partnership between Duane Allman and Wilson Pickett gave the Beatles a run for their money on "Hey Jude".