THE SHOWMEN - OUR LOVE WILL GROW / YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING

The LEAST thing I can do since I missed yesterday's entry would be to feature two sides of this amazing rarity, right? This Virginia based group (which included Mr General Johnson who went on to fame with Chairmen Of The Board and their amazing hit 'Give Me Just A Little More Time") released quite a few records, and their tune "It Will Stand", which is an anthem of the staying power of rock n roll, was a minor hit (and a major hit in the south) twice; in 1961 then again upon re-release in '64.

This record, which unfortunately hit nowhere, was recorded towards the end of their career for tiny Swan Records. Who knows; if this one had better distribution...Both sides are stellar.

from 1965...

THE SHOWMEN - OUR LOVE WILL GROW

b/w YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING

TED TAYLOR - LOVE IS LIKE A RAMBLIN' ROSE

Today's artist had a long recording career in which he transferred from doo wop into soul music in the 60s with his soaring falsetto voice. Ted was born in the south and relocated to LA in the doo wop days, but I THINK he was based in Detroit in the mid 60s when this song was recorded (if anyone knows differently, please let me know). This b-side was also made (in)famous by the MC5.

from 1965...

TED TAYLOR - LOVE IS LIKE A RAMBLIN' ROSE

BIG SAMBO & THE HOUSEWRECKERS - THE RAINS CAME

As part of the Texas gulf coast scene that also spawned greats like Barbara Lynn, Dale & Grace, and Joe Barry, this early Huey P. Meaux production perfectly captures the kind of up-close slow dancing vibe that makes this "swamp pop" era so intriguing. Taking the emotions of doo wop and mating it with N'awlins rhythm is a mighty fine thing indeed. This track was later covered by Sir Douglas Quintet with Meaux once again behind the controls.

from 1961...

BIG SAMBO & THE HOUSEWRECKERS - THE RAINS CAME

CHUCK JACKSON & MAXINE BROWN - HOLD ON, I'M COMING

WOW...These two take the Sam & Dave classic (which was practically brand new when they cut this one) and they turn into into something even sexier, as the innuendo between a man and woman is downright SCANDALOUS singing these lyrics. VERY cool how they slowed the tempo down a bit, but lost none of the intensity of Sam & Dave's original.

from 1967...

CHUCK JACKSON & MAXINE BROWN - HOLD ON, I'M COMING

MAMIE GALORE - IT AIN'T NECESSARY

After being brought to Chicago from the Mississippi Delta by Little Milton, Mamie was signed to St Lawrence records (an offshoot of Chicago giant Chess) and cut some really great sides. This was the one track that found some chart action for her, and its' a real gem.

from 1965...

MAMIE GALORE - IT AIN'T NECESSARY

HIM - IT'S A MAN DOWN THERE

In honor of the great Sir Doug Sahm's birthday, I am proud to present this ultra rare single he cut in disguise as HIM...In typically great Doug fashion, he records a ripping version of this traditional blues via Rice Miller via GL Crockett...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOUG!!!! We miss you and your outta site Tex mex soulful rock n roll groove thang.

from 1966...

THE IMPRESSIONS - WE'RE A WINNER

I'm posting Wednesday's entry a few hours early because lord have mercy, we're movin on up! The most exciting day of my lifetime; I am so proud to be able to say that I not only helped elect a black man to be president, but elected a GREAT MAN who i support and believe in with 100% of my soul. If only Toot were alive to see this...It took 40 years, but FINALLY King's dream is a reality. The revolution of the sixties was not in vain.

from 1967...

LITTLE MILTON - WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT

Felt like doing something different today; Instead of posting the 45 version of this song, here is a great live performance of Little Milton in 1966 performing a song of hope, in light of today's events. It truly feels like the most important day of my lifetime. We ARE GONNA MAKE IT!!!!

VIDEO:
LITTLE MILTON - WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT

YOUNG RASCALS - SUENO

Just had a request for some psychedelic pop and I've been WAITING for the right opportunity to unleash this gem. Right on the flip side of the massive hit "Groovin" is this song which is basically a commercial for LSD and free love. Kinda funny that this was released on the same label that upon signing the Velvet Underground in 1969 stated "you must tone down the drug references". This song also tends to get overlooked when great psych classics get mentioned. Too bad, as it outlasts any novelty factor as it's a great song with unique and interesting instrumentation arrangement and harmonies.

from 1967...

THE SPINNERS - IT'S A SHAME

Talk about a forgotten oldie (well, at least in terms of what American "oldies" radio has spun since I started tuning in when I was a kid). This song, the first hit from this veritable group, charted high on both the r&b as well as pop charts. Released on the Motown subsidiary VIP, this record takes a little bit of the Detroit sound (especially in James Jamerson's incredible bassline), the Philly vocal harmonies, and rhythmically reminds me of the great late 60's Chicago soul sound. Plus, the song was co-written by Stevie Wonder. What a beautiful song, and absolutely perfect Sunday listening music.

from 1970...

LITTLE BOB - I GOT LOADED

I can think of nothing more appropriate for a Saturday than this New Orleans classic! If this one doesn't put a smile on your face, I'm afraid that you have come to the wrong place (but hey, you're welcome anyhow).

from 1966...

LITTLE BOB - I GOT LOADED