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" 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.
Perhaps you've heard the Coasters spot on version of "Down Home Girl". Or maybe you're more familiar with the Old Crown Medicine Show or Rolling Stones version, but chances are you've never heard Alvin Robinson's original New Orleans masterpiece. For me, Robinson's funky novelty mixed with raw sexuality makes his the definitive version. The single was first released in 1964 (his only for Red Bird), a year before the Stones recorded it for their No. 2 LP.
Honorary soul brothers Jerry Lieber and Artie Bulter both wrote and produced "Down Home Girl", in addition to "Jailhouse Rock", "Stand By Me", "Love Potion #9", and a number of other iconic classics. Initially, I had wanted to post this last summer, in memory of Jerry Lieber's death. However, obtaining a clean and inexpensive copy took longer than expected. Lieber was arguably one of the most successful songwriters in rock n' roll history, therefore I wanted to pay my respects and give this talented crafter of hall of fame hits his due. Enjoy!
Travis Wammack is another one of my favorite country funk musicians, right up there with Tony Joe White and Jim Ford. Considered the fastest guitarslinger in the south and a child prodigy since eleven (when he first started cutting singles), he signed to deep soul mecca Muscle Shoals and spent the better part of ten years as Little Richard's band leader.
1972's "Whatever Turns You On" was penned by George Jackson (who wrote Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock n' Roll") and gets my britches movin' everytime. Enjoy!
Dynamic brother and sister soul duo Inez & Charlie Foxx released this countdown, or rather countup to ending a relationship in 1967. Although it's a later song and their last hit together "Count The Days" is actually more of a throwback to earlier soul music. The 45 was also co-produced and written by Jerry Williams (a.k.a. Swamp Dogg) which is another reason why I dig this jam.
"Mockingbird" was the Foxx siblings first hit. It's since been covered by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Carly Simon and James Taylor.
Title aside, "Howlin' At The Moon" isn't exactly Halloween material, but the song does serve as a suitable introduction for fans of the John Denver persuasion. Technically categorized as folk, or country folk, but this obscure singer/songerwritter verges more on folk funk (Keep in mind, I take definition liberties with the word funk). If you ever get bored of listening to "Take Me Home, Country Roads" I'd recommend giving Don Cooper a spin. You won't be disappointed.
'You Better Check Yourself' is another soul stormer, courtesy of John Ellison on lead vocals. This 67' single could easily measure up against any of Wilson Pickett or Otis Redding's harder hitting songs. It screams and belts in exactly all the right places. I ain't lyin'. Check yourself!
You may have never heard of the Armstrong brothers and friends a.k.a. Soul Brothers Six, but you've undoubtedly heard their biggest hit, 'Some Kind Of Wonderful'.
