Captain Of Your Ship - Reparata & The Delrons

Reparata and The Delrons scored a moderately successful hit in europe with 1968's "Captain Of Your Ship", however the single never cracked the stateside charts in America. Silly Americans. The song's co-author, Kenny Young, claims that group's lack of superstar attractiveness was to blame for never reaching the recording heights that their talents so richly deserved. During a promotional reception in London they were introduced to John Lennon and Ringo Star so these New Yorkers obviously had potential, along with a superstar fanbase. Enjoy.


Captain Of Your Ship


This video shows the Brooklyn trio singing "Captain Of Your Ship" in much better quality than the mp3 provided above. Notice the poster behind the announcer?
 

Not surprising that the Beatles admiration was mutual.

My Reparata discovery credit goes to Morriessy for listing "Shoes" under favorite songs to be cremated with.
 

Take It Easy Greazy - Billy Guy & The Coasters

Funny man and former Coaster, Billy Guy, reunited with his bandmates in 1975 to produce two minutes of laidback funk with "Take It Easy Greazy". Of all the doo-wop groups to evolve from the fifties The Coasters always seemed to have the most fun. Their Leiber and Stoller penned songs were always cleverly arranged, witty and effortlessly entertaining. To this day I still keep discovering unheard gems buried deep in their extensive back catalog.


Take It Easy Greazy

I'm Crackin' Up - Roshell Anderson

If you've never heard the distinctive soul stylings of Roshell Anderson then you're in for a treat. As much as I enjoy traditionally deep and gravelly-voiced deliveries occasionally a singer comes along and challenges that notion. Roshell is one such singer. Upon first listen the vocals sound like they're being played at a slower rpm, but halfway through "I'm Crackin' Up" and I became hooked. Hopefully you'll appreciate his oddly comforting and overlooked genius as well. Enjoy.


I'm Crackin' Up

More Roshell brilliance, for when you're in the mood for something different.

Willie & Laura Mae Jones - Dusty Springfield

One of my favorite Tony Joe White tracks, "Willie & Laura Mae Jones", was left off Dusty Springfield's landmark Dusty In Memphis LP and released as a single when her followup album was cancelled. It's a great southern roots song that makes me long for simpler times and simpler pleasures. Pure Dusty gold.

 
Willie & Laura Mae Jones

 Betty Swann effectively turns up the funk with her version.

Puttin' Game Down - Luther Ingram

Luther Ingram's "Puttin' Game Down" is some tightass funk from 1975. I don't typically collect records beyond the mid seventies because they start sounding too disco'ish for my taste. Guess I'm more of old school purest because this is about as contemporary as my soul collection gets. Enjoy.
  Puttin' Game Down by DJ BSide

Luther performing his best known hit.

Heavy Hips - The Flamingos

Although The Flamingos are best known for their doo-wop chart toppers like "I Only Have Eyes For You", changing lineups and changing fads lead them to explore a funkier groove once the 1970s came around. "Heavy Hips", a bawdy ode to an often neglected body part, is far removed from their sweet and innocent love ballads that earned them entrance into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Personally, I dig all their various R&B evolutions, from teeny bopping doo-wop to soul (see below) to funk, and then back again. Enjoy.
   Heavy Hips by DJ BSide

"Nobody's Loves Me Like You" was written by Sam Cooke exclusively for The Flamingos.

Take It Off Him And Put It On Me - Clarence Carter

Clarence Carter is the rude man's Ray Charles. Blind at birth and never accused of being subtle with raunchy hits like "Backdoor Santa" and "Strokin", this 1969 effort shows Dr. CC working his love medicine yet again with "Take It Off Him And Put It On Me".  If you enjoy this single then I recommend digging up a copy of The Dynamic to hear more from his Atlantic sessions.


Take It Off Him And Put It On Me

Rock Economy - The U.S. Sound

"Rock Economy" reminds me of a psychedelic CCR blues spinoff. The John Fogerty influence is undeniable. Unfortunately, there's not much online history about The U.S. Sound or this late sixties single. Nevertheless, if there are any Car Talk producers reading I think this 45 would make an excellent soundclip in between callers. Enjoy!


Rock Economy