Working On A Building - Mylon Lefavre

Normally, I'm not one for bible-thumping, christian rock, however when an album is produced by Allen "Can Do No Wrong" Toussaint, and features Little Richard on guest vocals, and Dr. John on piano I'm inclined to look beyond the proselytizing and appreciate the music at faith, err face value. Personally, I'm fascinated by Mylon Lefavre's story - aspiring and auspicious rocker who has a drug overdosing epiphany and devotes the rest his life to preaching gospel (see video below). Regardless, 1972's Over The Influence is a great southern rock record. The religious subject matter can be overlooked because songs like "Working On Building" and  "Waymaker" kick so much ass. There's even an Elvis cover of "Blue Suede Shoes" that's worth a listen. Enjoy.

 
Working On A Building


 

Super Duper Love (Parts 1 & 2) - Sugar Billy

Much like seasonal wardrobe, today's gorgeous preview of spring weather motivated me to switch out my winter vinyl for more playful grooves. Does anyone else reorganize their record collection according to seasonal moods? No? Okay. Anyway, Sugar Billy's 1974 love declaration, "Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin' On Me)" was so funky that it required both sides of the 45! Now let's pretend that faux soul diva Joss Stone never ruined this super duper track and stick to diggin' the original as it was meant to be dug.

8 Days On The Road - Howard Tate

I've been meaning to post a Howard Tate tribute since his death two months ago. Having already heard "8 Days On The Road" from an American Oxford magazine years ago I knew this 1972 single was the record to share. There's also a groovy cover of Dylan's "Girl Of The North Country" on the flip. Enjoy.


8 Days On The Road

At the peak of his popularity even Janis Joplin was influenced by Howard Tate's music.

If You Didn't Hear Me The First Time I'll Say It Again - The Sandpebbles

"If You Didn't Hear Me The First Time I'll Say It Again" is a 1968 single from the gospel-turned-secular trio, The Sandpebbles. It's some serious high voltage, sister powered soul. I've discovered a few funky versions of IYDHMTFTISIA, but still think the Pebbles continue to say it best. Enjoy.


If You Didn't Hear Me The First Time I'll Say It Again


The Sandpebbles apparently took their name from the Steve McQueen movie of the same name.



Teddy Vann, the Pebbles producer and writer, also sung one of my favorite Christmas songs.