What a cracking good slab of double-sided vinyl! Seems like every song on Groovy Rotations is either about gettin' some, wantin' some or keepin' some. This 1970 release from Johnny Soul is no exception. Both sides are rootsy northern soul numbers, somewhat reminiscent of Otis Redding. Enjoy!
There's nothing overly sophisticated about April Wine's Hot Chocolate and Elton John covers. It's just straight up classic rock with a Bachman-Turner Overdrive vibe. Do all Canadian rock bands sound so interchangeably similar? Just asking. Regardless, this double-sided serving of seventies rock....well, rocks.
Thirteen years before Blondie introduced "The Tide Is High" to a new wave audience it was a relatively obscure rocksteady single from John Holt's mighty Paragons. The original 45 dates back to 1967 and this Treasure Isle reissue certainly reveals the dodgy recording technology of that era. However, if you're anything like me you'll find the hep harmonies and sweet violin solo more than make up for any technical shortcomings. Enjoy.
"Mr. Fix It Man" was on heavy rotation on my turntable years ago. Sisters Love comprises of former Ray Charles backup singers, the Raelettes. The most famous ex-Raelette was Merry Clayton, who's powerhouse vocals are featured on The Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter". Anyway, enjoy this 1972 single and if you're feeling like a second helping of sister soul power check out Merry Clayton's solo work, or anything by the funktastic Jackson Sisters.
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.
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.
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.
