Super Lungs - Terry Reid

Terry Reid, the man famously known for declining Jimmy Page's invitation to become Led Zepplin's lead singer, provided his hard rock credentials with a wailing cover of Donovan's trippy 'Super Lungs' back in 1969. The 45 is an absolute scorcher. How bizarre to think this radio promo was never released as a proper single?  Ah well, c'est la vie.


Super Lungs

Here's the Donovan original from the Barabajagal LP.

Superlungs, My Supergirl

Are you digging the censored drug reference, extended instrumental and bad-ass bass player? Yeah, me too.

Carmel Mountain Road - Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a British band with a distinctly southern rock vibe. The members eventually went on to form the opening band for Captain Beefheart, but not before releasing a couple of fine examples of country funk. "Carmel Mountain Road" is the single from their self-titled Buckwheat LP. Sure the yodeling chorus and bootlegging moonshine subject matter is absurd, in a Dukes of Hazzard kinda way, but I reckon it sure makes for a good listen.


Carmel Mountain Road

Under My Thumb - Wayne Gibson

Originally released on The Rolling Stones album Aftermath, "Under My Thumb" didn't become widely popular until Wayne Gibson recorded it in 1966, and then re-released the Pye single in 1974. Perhaps The Stones didn't give "Under My Thumb" much commercial consideration given its misogynistically charged undertones and peculiar arrangement. However, the track is such a devilishly cocky power struggle disguised in such lighthearted hooks that one can easily find themselves stuck under its catchy thumb.



Under My Thumb


The Stones finished their set at the infamous Altamont Speedway with "Under My Thumb". Shortly thereafter eighteen year old Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death and the sixties era came to a somber conclusion. The song makes for an odd, yet purely coincidental swan song for such musically complex decade. In the video below the acid-induced tension is palpable as Mick Jagger's prayers for closing calm go unanswered and the riot ensues.

Chip Off The Old Block - Johnny Jones & The King Casuals

Johnny Jones and his King Casuals were a local Memphis act that pressed a few records on the Brunswick label back during the late 60s and early 70s. Aside from being an exceptionally funky blues band Johnny Jones was also known for being one of Jimi Hendrix's early mentors. In fact, the King Casuals were founded by Jimi before leaving Tennessee  for rock n' roll superstardom. Another interesting note about this particular 45 is that both tracks were produced and co-written by William Bell of " I Forgot To Be Your Lover" fame. With that much talent packed into seven inches of round vinyl it's no surprise that both sides are crowd pleasers.


Chip Off The Old Block

 The A side is a satisfying drum lover's instrumental.

It's Gonna Be Good


If any band is gonna cover "Purple Haze" and do it justice it might as well be the King Casuals.

All Right Now - Lea Roberts

Here's a largely unknown cover of Free's "All Right Now" by Lea Roberts. It barely scratched the charts back in 1975 which is a shame because the single does a ferociously funky job of staying true to its original while getting raw n' gritty as a sister rocks the mic. And boy does she ever rock the mic. Enjoy.


All Right Now