Soul Wednesday: Scotty Williams I've Got To Find Her

I close out the month with a find from last Saturday. I went to a place that I hit about monthly and it appeared that they had the same 45's as my previous visit. Grabbed a handful and was about to give up when this beauty from 1967 popped up. It was definitely not in the box last month. I decided to go through them all and found about a dozen other newbies that looked interesting. Guess I need to go through the boxes regardless if they appear to be the same from now on after this find! Now I had/have no idea who Scotty Williams is but I have some other Jubilee 45's that are pretty good so I took a chance. All I can say is that I wish I could sing like ole Scotty! I can't seem to stop playing the "b" side ("I've Got To Find Her") -what a killer killer song....."listen to me baby" !

Scotty Williams - I've Got To Find Her

Scotty Williams- In The Same Old Way

Bunky & Jake Uncle Henry's Basement

Here is a record show find. I was aware of Bunky & Jake as I had picked up their 2nd album L.A.M.E. (picture below) last year. I had no clue that a 45 had been released from it so imagine my surprise when I found this. As this was my favorite off the LP it felt like a no brainer of a pick-up. Jake was a previous member of the Magician's who put out some 45's (including the fantastic "Invitation To Cry") on the Columbia label. Bunky & Jake had one other Mercury label LP and then in 2004 put out a children's record.

Bunky & Jake - Uncle Henry's Basement

Hot Rod Monday Ronny And the Daytonas Antique 32 Studebaker Dictator Coupe

The Beach Boys hit it big with surf and car songs. They sort of go hand in hand so I thought I would expand surf night to include car songs. I picked up this gem in December at one of my the usual shops I hit. Ronny and the Daytona's were from the Nashville and are best remembered for "Little GTO". This was one of their last 45's on the Mala label before moving over to RCA. Initially this 45 did nothing for me but I found myself whistling the middle "organ" part. The more I listen to it the more I like it.

Ronny and the Daytona's - Antique 32 Studebaker Dictator Coupe

2nd Chapter Of Acts Jesus Is

Had another good week at record finds. I will upload a few of the finds next week. And today I went to a record show in Carborro and found some interesting things as well. I love it when record shows start at noon on Sundays rather than 10am as I can go to early morning worship services and make it for the start of the record show. For my weekly gospel session, I pulled songs from an early 70's MGM promo 45 I picked up a few years ago.

2nd Chapter Of Act- Jesus Is

2nd Chapter Of Acts - Looking At Gods Son

Stalk-Forrest Group are Pre-Blue Oyster Cult

A few weeks ago I featured an Episode Six 45 on Elektra records. Today I feature the Stalk-Forrest Group, another group that Elektra records misjudged as this group later evolved into Blue Oyster Cult and they are still around to this day. Of course this sounds nothing like B.O.C but who cares. I fell upon it by accident a few years ago in a box of records. Reportedly only 300 promotional copies were pressed.

The Stalk-Forrest Group- What Is Quicksand

Soul Sloopy - A Richard "Popcorn" Wylie classic by The Dynamics

Soul Friday with a February find. This is a 1975 reissue on the Laurie label. I find it interesting that Laurie reissued it but I am glad they did as it was extremely affordable compared to a $300-500 price tag for the 60's original. Written and directed by the legendary Soul Richard "Popcorn" Wylie. He died in September 7, 2008

The Dynamics - Soul Sloopy

Ef McKay meets the Beatles....Ef who?????

It's cover version Thursday. Here is neat little minty 45 I picked up in January. There is absolutely no reference at all to Ef McKay? But he does a nice little version of this great Beatles song. Probably from August 1969 based on the Decca numbering.

Ef McKay - And Your Bird Can See

Gary Zekley, The Group

Picked this one up in January. Legendary songwriter and producer Gary Zekley co-wrote both sides and produced it as well. It is quite possible this was just a studio group and he is singing. He later had it redone by the Yellow Balloon (of which he was a member). This 45 oozes with that Zekley vibe and when I listen to it all I can think is that he was listening to a lot of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys Pet Sounds! It's terrible when there is little information out there on the web on Gary Zekley. It appears he's deceased but I did not have time to dig further. But enjoy a couple slices of heaven.

The Group- Baby, Baby It's You

The Group - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love

Edwin Starr Agent Double O Soul

When I started this blog, I had planned on hitting all areas of my collection. The first few posts included newer music as well as some indie punk style music. But as I do this I feel my preference for this blog is to not hit all cylinders of my collection but to stay within the bounds of obscure 60's and early 70's 45s of all genres. Maybe at some point I can I can have a sister blog(s) that explores my indie roots as well as album tracks. I have been able to spend more time on this than I thought I would be able. But if I get accepted into graduate school this summer as I plan, then I see myself having less time to do this and obviously little or no time for a sister blog(s). But for the time being, let's enjoy what we have and be blessed in the time to do it.

I've enjoyed researching the 45s I put up but again I find myself pressed for time. Suffice it to say, Edwin Starr is probably best known for his song "War". But the 45 for your listening pleasure tonight I believe is his first solo 45 in 1965. And what a killer start to a career. He died in 2003.

Edwin Starr- Agent Double O Soul

Ric-A-Shays Turn On Govner Harry Nilsson

It was wonderful this weekend, in the low to mid 70's. Took the dogs for some nice walks. Bently, our 110 pound Chocolate Lab turned 3 years old yesterday. And some of the grass seed that I put down is starting to sprout. Soon it will be time to start the garden. I've got one area in the back that I plan to have an extended garden this year. Lots of peppers and tomatoes.

Well, back to my weekly Monday Night Surf music exploration. This week is an interesting promo that I picked up last summer. There is not a lot of information on this group and the nice fake British accent just adds to the mystery. Surf music and British bands were hot stuff in 1965 so I guess it made sense to someone to meld the two. It appears that this group was from Tucsan Arizona and this song is on a Tucsan compilation put out by Dionysus records. I found a website that has speculated that Harry Nilsson was a member of this band. I could not find anything official in any Harry Nilsson biography regarding his membership in the Ric A Shays but it does make sense. In 1963, Harry Nilsson started writing songs with John Marascalco, who was a well known song writer and a producer. I found a reference in the June 5, 1965 Billboard Magazine issue that identified that Atlantic Records had signed a long term deal that John's label Lola would be distributed by Atlantic and the first release would be "Turn On" by the "Ric A Shays". And finally Rockin Records by Jerry Osborne lists Harry Nilsson as a member. Regardless if true or not, this is a nice slice of Surf music so Turn On Govner.

Ric -A- Shays- Turn On

North Carolina's own Lumbee Streets Of Gold

It is time to continue my weekly Sunday night gospel revue. This week I have a song from a group called Lumbee. Not really a traditional gospel song but it has a spiritual vibe done up in a early 1970s southern rock background.  This is taken from Allmusic:

"Their sole LP was originally accompanied by a board game that had, as its central objective, the establishment of a worldwide dealership, from which players started out selling marijuana before graduating, eventually, to acid. Unfortunately, that gimmick along with the group's atypical interracial makeup was really the most fascinating attribute of Lumbee's sole album, which was largely a collection of lumbering southern blues-based rock songs with only brief flashes of inventiveness.

Taking its name from a Native American tribe located near Lumberton, NC (their native state), Lumbee began as the wonderfully monikered Plant and See, which released a late-'60s album on the Turtles' record label, White Whale. The makeup of the band was a curious anomaly for the era: leader William French Lowery was of Native American ancestry; his wife and the group's singer Carol Fitzgerald was Scotch-Irish; drummer Forris Fulford was Black; and bassist Ronald Seiger was Hispanic. A single from the album was rising up the charts at the time White Whale folded, ending any chance of the national success it might have had and leaving the band without a record deal and, due to legal ramifications, its band name. With the loss of Seiger and the addition of rhythm guitarist Rick Vannoy and new bass player Bobby Paul, Plant and See regrouped under the name Lumbee in 1970. Soon thereafter they were in the studio cutting Overdose, so named as a tribute to three rock stars (Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison) who had recently succumbed to drugs. The album was quite controversial at the time due to its unique doper board game and its cover sleeve, which portrayed children playing said game. A single from the album, "Streets of Gold," rose to the top of various regional charts, and the band played with such well-known acts as the Allman Brothers Band. Shoddy management, however, soon led to disillusionment and eventual dissipation." ~ Stanton Swihart, All Music Guide

Lumbee- Streets Of Gold

Court Jesters Garage 45 on Roulette

Here is a catchy little garage 45 that I picked up in January. I could not find any information on this group other than they put out a couple of 45s out on Roulette. This is probably an early 1967 release.

Move & Groove - the real Gil Hamilton not the Johnny Thunder alias

Here is a nice find from last year. I don't know much about this singer. I guess this is his real name and he also recorded as "Johnny Thunder". He had a hit called "Loop De Loop". I did find a review of this single on the web from the Spotlight Singles of the Week Singles reviews in the Billboard magazine issue from December 15, 1962. The review stated "Here's a fine paring, which lead off with a wild rocker given an exciting reading and backed by solid combo support. Fine dance rhythm here. Flip is a listenable ballad, also done with class. Both have a good chance". What more is there to add!

Gil Hamilton - Move and Groove

Gil Hamilton - When Are You Coming Home

Alex Chilton Big Star The Box Tops...may you Rest In Peace

At 5:10am I was driving to the YMCA this morning for my workout. I was listening to NPR like I typically do when "September Gurls" by Big Star came on the radio....I guess I instinctively knew what was coming next. Alex Chilton, legendary singer from the "Box Tops" and "Big Star" was dead at age 59.

Growing up I had always heard the Box Tops "The Letter" and "Cry Like A Baby" on the radio. But of course "Big Star" was never played on the radio. I discovered them in College, like so many others did before and after me. College Radio opened my ears to bands such as R.E.M, the Replacements, Game Theory, the db's. And I would read the music rags to learn as much about an artist as possible. One of my favorites at the time was this extremely difficult to find magazine called "The BOB" that came with flexi discs (flexible records). I would read articles about bands and they were always referencing "Big Star" records as influences. Those albums were out of print and non-existent at that time. Luckily, I went to my parents home during some break in classes and in a local thrift store stumbled across the first "Big Star" LP "#1" for a quarter.

Extremely elated with my find, I put it on my father's turntable and immediately understood. The power of the songs overwhelmed me. Over the next few years I was lucky to find all their Ardent 45's (except for the elusive "September Gurls"), their 2nd LP "Radio City" and final LP "Third/Sister Lovers". I have a special affinity for "Sister Lovers"...the stark beauty mixed with the obvious pain and anguish that Alex was going through during that recording. I'd like think that album helped me through my own dark time in the late 80's after college when I moved to Denver and felt lost and alone.
 "#1" should have made them big stars. But record company ineptness caused these records to vanish. But I am so thankful that the few that had purchased them kept their name alive. They will never be played on the radio....will never get in the rock 'n roll hall of shame..er fame; but to those of us that have opened our ears to their greatness are forever thankful. I would highly recommend picking up these releases, as well as the Live CD on Ryko and the new box set.

I was fortunate to see Alex live in 1991(or so) in a small upstairs club in Denver (the name which escapes me). I was working 2 1/2 day shifts (Sunday mornings to Tuesday Afternoons) at this group home in Denver. I remember having a nasty cold and arranging with my boss to have someone cover for me a few hours in the evening so I could go to the concert. The thought of missing his concert never occured to me. Alex played all the songs you would expect from him, and of course he was a little drunk. So, in tribute to this lost soul, I have dragged out a few extras to toast him with. First up is my favorite "Box Tops" song "Soul Deep".

Then add to the mix a couple of songs "September Gurls/In The Street" off of a bootleg 45 I bought about 20 years ago. For pictures, how about a rare miss-pressed "b" side "Thirteen" (label says Don't Lie To Me). I've also included a picture of my Andy Hummel autographed "When My Baby's Beside Me" 45

 

 And to top it off we have videos from the Box Tops (hard to believe he was 16 when "The Letter" was a #1 hit) as well as the tribute song from The Replacements called "Alex Chilton" - "Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton when he omes 'round. They sing I'm in love, what's that song. I'm in love with that song"

Box Tops - Soul Deep

Big Star - September Gurls/In The Street

The Replacements Alex Chilton

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THEM Van Morrison and Happy St. Patrick's Day

I had another entry planned for today and then realized it was St. Patrick's day. So on short notice, to celebrate Irish bands I have up loaded some later "THEM" 45s that did not feature Van Morrison (don't worry, I've included some youtube videos WITH Van Morrison). The "Walking In The Queen's Garden" I believe was the first song released after Van Morrison left "Them" in late 1966. This is the first pressing on "Ruff" and was later issued on "Tower" records. 2nd song is "Waltz Of The Flies" on Tower. "Them" was unable to recapture the glory days without Van Morrison. Although I do like these songs, there is no replacement for Van Morrison. One final note, I found very few Van Morrison videos. I uploaded a boring video of a record going round and round for "Linden Arden Stole The Highlights". I would rank that as one of the best songs of all time. Just close your eyes and listen.....you won't be disappointed.

Them - Walking In The Queen's Garden

Them- Waltz Of The Flies



Gloria

Baby Please Don't Go

Them - Baby please don't go
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Here Comes The Night

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Mystic Eyes

Them - Mystic eyes
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Linden Arden Stole The Highlights

Moody Blues Merseybeat R&B

I started listening to the late 60's early 70's Moody Blues albums in college. I would find them at yard sales and thrift shops for a quarter. I really did not know much about the early sound until the last few years. I had heard "Go Now" on the radio but that was it. They started out in1964 as a Merseybeat group that had an R&B feel to their songs. They were a second generation British Invasion band...following in the footsteps of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Searchers, The Hollies and The Dave Clark Five. I recently picked this early 45 up and was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. "Stop" barly dented the bottom of the charts at #98 in 1966. Soon after, several members left the band. Rather than disband, they develop a new identity, one which saw the release of the masterpiece "Days of Future Past" which featured "Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon". They are another "Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame" non selection casualty.

Moody Blues- Stop

Moody Blues- Bye Bye Bird

Pat & the Californians Be Billy...... say what?

It was a pretty nice weekend here in Eastern North Carolina. I was able to get a little yard work done and put some grass seed down. I hope some of it grows...I'm tired of muddy dogs. But anyway, it is time to continue our weekly Monday Night Surf music exploration although I'm not sure if this 45 meets the "surf" criteria. It's got some nice guitar and unintelligent lyrics. I believe this is from 1964.I'm not sure which is the "A" side but I like "Be Billy" the best. I've included a youtube link to the song "Bad" which is on the one side. I picked this nice promo up last year in a box of goodies....oh how I love those kind of days!

Pat and the Californians - Be Billy

Nathaniel Lewis God Is God Obscure Laurie Label 45

This is a weird one on the Laurie Label and not found in any reference on that label. Has a very strange number? I have tons of 45's on Laurie in my collection. They were all over the map genre wise. This one has nice gospel sound. This is the song that plays on my alarm to wake me in the morning and I can't think of a better way to wake up.

Nathaniel Lewis - God Is God

Episode Six Meet Deep Purple

Elektra records signed Episode Six, released one brilliant 45 then sent them on their way. Episode Six broke up when Ian Gillan and Roger Glover joined Deep Purple.

Episode Six - Love Hate Revenge

Sapphires Who Do You Love on Soul Friday

Ah, it's Soul Friday. Another 45 I have had in my collection for years but a few weeks ago I could not resist in picking up this cool 1 sided Promotional Swan 45 (b side is blank?). Released in 1963, it only made it to #25 in the charts. As a side note, it was co-written and arranged by Kenny Gamble, the co-owner of Philadelphia International. I profiled the first release on that label earlier this month.

The Sapphires - Who Do You Love

Bubblegum Thursday - Ice Cream Milan The Chewin Gum Kid

A little Thursday night bubblegum to get you in the mood for Friday. If this does not make you tap your toes something is seriously wrong with you. This is one of those catchy bubblegum tunes that you know they had a blast recording. Every label jumped on the bubblegum bandwagon and some groups were unfairly given that label.  It reminds me of the Ohio Express and I bet Capitol records was hoping for the same success. But alas, it was not to be. This is pretty obscure 1968 promotional 45 and I could find no reference or history of them on the net. My guess was that this was just a studio concoction that Capitol dreamed up with studio musicians until I saw on the label that it was written, produced and arranged by Milan! Milan was a legendary mysterious singer, songwriter and producer of the 60's that recorded under many an alias, most notably "The Leather Boy". Wikipedia has an interesting write up. He died in 1971 at age of 27 (no cause listed but another site I found promoting a compilation album listed he had a brain tumor). Was this him as well under an alias? Of course, it can be found on the fantastic Lost Jukebox series CD #49. I picked this up in the last couple of months with a whole group of promotional Capitol 45's in purrfect shape.

Ice Cream - The Chewin Gum Kid

When You Find A Fool Bump His Head

Here is a nice one I picked up in December. I did not have time to do much research so I have little to say. Found he had a pretty long career and toured a lot. He died in 2008 at age of 66. This is from 1971.

Bill Coday - When You Find A Fool, Bump His Head

Starting a Soul label? Your first release should be Hippie Music!

Here is a strange one. I have always associated the Philadelphia International label with soul. Imagine my surprise when I put this on the turntable for a quick spin. Wow! I found a reference that this was actually the first release on Philadelphia International in March 1971! That Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, two influential soul songwriters who wrote some of the best known soul classics of the 60's and 70's, would start their new record label with hippie music is astounding to me. But it is right up my alley.

Gideon Smith - Arkansas Life

Gideon Smith- When Two Worlds Can Successfully Collide

Monday Night Surf on Laurie..In New York City!

The temperature has been in the low 60s the past 2 days and it is expected to get into the 70s later this week. So, to celebrate the upcoming warmth lets continue with some Monday surf. I did not find any references to the Currents and believe this is their only release. What I find interesting is that this is on the Laurie label out of New York City. I guess with the success of the Ventures, Marketts, Surfaris, Dick Dale and the Deltones; every label wanted to dabble in the instrumental surf market and see about capturing some chart action..

The Currents - Night Run

The Currents - Riff Raff

Sunday Night Gospel; Rolling down the Heavenly Road

Ah, Sunday Night Gospel. The last couple of weeks I've explored soul gospel. I thought I would change things up with a great little rock 45 from 1970. Has a nice gospel feel. Rig was on Capitol Records and put out one LP and I think they had 2 45s on Capitol. I have been looking for their album for some time and finally lucked into a copy. Found very little on them other than the guy who wrote and sang the songs is now playing piano professionally in the New York area.

Rig - Sister Liza Bookman

60s RCA Garage Punkers

Something old RCA something new RCA. Actually, they both are old RCA garage 45's but one has been in my collection awhile and one was picked up on Friday.

First up is a great 60's garage punker from a group called Proof Of The Pudding. I've had this promo for some time. I could leave the "plug" side behind but not this "b" side. It scorches!

On Friday I picked up the 2nd 45, a 60's garage 45 from Jack E. Lee and the Squires with a song called "Love That Louie". Jack Ely (Jack E. Lee) was the original singer for the Kingsmen. They had the best known version of "Louie Louie". Jack did several take offs of the "Louie Louie" song, this being one of them. Guess no one wanted to hear anything new from the guy.

Proof Of The Pudding- Flying High

Jack E. Lee and the Squires - Love That Louie

Friday Soul: Nothing Can Stop Me from posting Sweet Soul

It's Soul Friday. This is a 45 I have had in my collection for several years. But I found a nice perfect copy upgrade last week in my finds so I am pretending it is new. Gene Chandler is a very under rated singer that I don't believe ever got his due. He is generally known because of the classic early 60's song "Duke Of Earl" (shown below on Youtube) but what people overlook are the classic 45's he put out on the Constellation and Brunswick Labels in the mid to late 60's. I've included a couple youtube videos for songs on the Constellation label..."Nothing Can Stop Me" and "Good Times". But as much as I love the Constellation 45's, I think this Brunswick 45 is my most favorite Gene Chandler. So, please enjoy the sweet sweet sounds of Gene Chandler.

Gene Chandler - My Love

Buzzer Shot for the Win

I have found a nice problem while deciding what to share out of my collection. Other blogs have uploaded items that I have in my collection that I was going to share. Just check out Chas Kit and his amazing blog "The Garage Hangover"; or Dan Frank and his blog "Dan's Garage of Obscure Sixties Gems". I will do my best not to duplicate their fine efforts.
I like moody garage music. Actually, I like all garage music but I really get into songs like this. Picked this up over the past year and have been unable to find any reference to this on the web. I will buy 45's based on if the label looks interesting and I felt real confident about this one. I put the "A" side on the turntable and was just disgusted. It was awful! With my confidence in the toilet, I decided to take a quick challenge of the "B" side. Can you say "three pointer at the buzzer for the win!"



The Destinations - Let Me Down Easy