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.

Down Home Girl - Alvin Robinson

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!


Down Home Girl

In addition to writing "Down Home Girl"  Lieber and Bulter also wrote many of the Coasters best material, including "Down In Mexico".

Whatever Turns You On - Travis Wammack

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!


Whatever Turns You On

(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count The Days- Inez & Charlie Foxx

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.


(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count The Days

"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.