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.

Howlin' At the Moon - Don Cooper

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.


Howlin' At The Moon

Cooper covering the Beatles. Not particularly funky or groovy. Just nice.

You Better Check Yourself - Soul Brothers Six

'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 Better 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'.

Super Lungs - Terry Reid

Terry Reid, the man famously known for declining Jimmy Page's invitation to become Led Zepplin's lead singer, provided his hard rock credentials with a wailing cover of Donovan's trippy 'Super Lungs' back in 1969. The 45 is an absolute scorcher. How bizarre to think this radio promo was never released as a proper single?  Ah well, c'est la vie.


Super Lungs

Here's the Donovan original from the Barabajagal LP.

Superlungs, My Supergirl

Are you digging the censored drug reference, extended instrumental and bad-ass bass player? Yeah, me too.

Carmel Mountain Road - Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a British band with a distinctly southern rock vibe. The members eventually went on to form the opening band for Captain Beefheart, but not before releasing a couple of fine examples of country funk. "Carmel Mountain Road" is the single from their self-titled Buckwheat LP. Sure the yodeling chorus and bootlegging moonshine subject matter is absurd, in a Dukes of Hazzard kinda way, but I reckon it sure makes for a good listen.


Carmel Mountain Road