THE MALIBUS - STRONG LOVE

Here's an excellent mover from (what I believe) is a group from Texas (although I can't find ANY info about these guys- I'm speculating as Sure Shot was a Texas label).

What an incredible lead vocal performance! Stylistically, this song also sounds about two years ahead of its time. If you know any more info, please write!

from 1965...

THE MALIBUS - STRONG LOVE

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MAURICE & MAC - TRY ME

Following in the footsteps of the great soul duos, Maurice & Mac were made up of Maurice McAlister (former lead singer of Chicago greats the Radiants) and McLauren Green (another Radiant who was drafted, then returned after their biggest hit, "Voice Your Choice"). Here we find the Chicago fellas relocated to Muscle Shoals, Alabama and the capable hands of producer Rick Hall and the incredible Muscle Shoals band.

This is a HOT record that surprisingly didn't even make the r&b charts.

from 1968...

MAURICE & MAC - TRY ME

THE ESQUIRES - GIRLS IN THE CITY

This long running group (who hit BIG with the excellent soul classic "Get On Up" in '68) were originally from Milwaukee where they formed in 1957; they wisely transplanted to nearby Chicago in 1966 where they met up with Curtis Mayfield and (most importantly) Chicago radio DJ and producer Bunky Sheppard who began cutting records with the group as well as adding bass singer Millard Edwards (who really MAKES 'get On Up"!).

This song certainly captures the vibe of strolling through a city and checking out members of the opposite sex on the sly. No surprise as it's arranged by Detroit legend Mike Terry. Absolutely sublime late-period Chicago soul.

from 1971...

ESQUIRES - GIRLS IN THE CITY

THE MARMALADE - I SEE THE RAIN

It can truly be a daunting task deciding which record to pick every day. As I was sitting here this morning looking at another rainy northern California winter morning, this lovely bit of British psychedelia popped into my mind.

This long-running Scottish group (their original name was the Gaylords) formed in Glasgow in 1961, changed their name to The Marmalade in 1966 and saw a string of massive hits in the UK from 1968 til 1972. The group is still active today with only one original member(!)

This song was named as best of the year 1967 by none other than Jimi Hendrix; it truly is an excellent distillation of British beat and budding psychedelia.

from 1967...

THE MARMALADE - I SEE THE RAIN

TURNAROUND AND THE STINGERS - SALT 'N' PEPPER

I can't find a BIT of info about this group, anywhere. It sure is a bit of good fun, and I love so many of these kinda silly little rave up songs that are perfect for a Friday!

from 1965...

TURNAROUND AND THE STINGERS - SALT 'N' PEPPER

DEVOTIONS - DEVIL'S GOTTEN INTO MY BABY

Here's a powerful Detroit number with some of the darkest lyrics I've ever heard on a girl group cut.

Quite a mysterious record, too. Doesn't look like there are any other releases from the Devotions.

from 1966...

DEVOTIONS - DEVIL'S GOTTEN INTO MY BABY