Baby Be True - The Heptones

"Baby Be True" is a reissue of the sweet n' simple rocksteady sounds of the original Kingston trio, The Heptones. The Jamaican doo-wop band apparently got their name from a discarded tonic bottle when they first formed in 1965 (the name evolved from Hep Ones to Heptones). I love listening to the roots of ska and dancehall reggae. These old records remind me that music doesn't need to be technically complex to be enjoyed or appreciated. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle beat and a little island harmony to get me in happier mood.


Baby Be True


I've been on a Heptones kick ever since founding member Barry Llewellyn passed away last month.

I Can't Control Myself - Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue

1978's LP Radioactive contains a killer version of the Trogg's "I Can't Control Myself", one of my all-time favorite British invasion songs. There's also a cool version of Chuck Berry's "Dear Dad" and several other original recordings such as "Kill Me" making the album an essential addition to anyone's old school punk collection. 

On an interesting side note, Roger's band (The Rue Morgue), included G.E. Smith of 1980s/90s Saturday Night Live  fame.

I Can't Control Myself

Talkin 'bout My Friends - A.C. Reed

Talkin 'bout My Friends

File this 45 under gangster boogaloo. It's a funky slice of Chicago blues from the tenor saxist Aaron Corthen aka A.C. Reed, who may or may not have been related to blues legend Jimmy Reed. The b-side to this shallow friendship tribute, "Boogalo Tramp", is an equally funky instrumental of "Talkin 'bout My Friends". Enjoy!

Not The Lovin' Kind - Buffy Sainte-Marie

"Not The Lovin' Kind" is the leading track for Buffy Saint-Marie's 1972 LP Moonshot. It's a hard folking song from the Cree singer who's most famous for writing mellow ballads like "Up Where We Belong" and "Universal Soldier". Normally, I'm not one for bitter songs, but I just dig the venom-spitting energy on this jilted love threat. Having the Memphis Horns on background makes it that much groovier. Enjoy.


Not The Lovin' Kind


The beautiful and multi-talented Sainte-Marie was a regular guest on Sesame Street.