THE ASTORS - MORE POWER TO YOU

Formed in the late 50's and going through two names before settling on The Astors (originally the Duntinos then The Chips, after producer Chips Moman) The Astors were a unique artist on the Stax roster in that they featured such strong group harmony. Most Stax acts concentrated on solo stars (and one very famous duo), not vocal groups. Sadly, the Astors never got to record enough sides to make the large mark that they deserved (I featured "In The Twilight Zone" here a few years ago, and have always held their biggest hit "Candy" in my back pocket as a potential future 45 of the day). This was their final release.

This track beautifully shows off their fantastic vocals as well as the incredible musical backing of the Stax house band, aka Booker T & The MG's.

For further reading, there's a great history of the Astors HERE.

from 1967...

THE ASTORS - MORE POWER TO YOU

RUBEN WRIGHT - I'M WALKING OUT ON YOU

Based in New York City, Ruben Wright's career began in the doo wop era, and after a gap of a few years came back and recorded 4 singles for Capitol during the soul era.

Ruben's vocal delivery of this song is interesting; it's almost as if he's singing a deep ballad over an uptempo track in his slow delivery! Sounds a bit odd at first, but after a few listens I really grew to love its uniqueness.


from 1966...

RUBEN WRIGHT - I'M WALKING OUT ON YOU

WILSON PICKETT - LET ME BE YOUR BOY

After the Wicked Pickett's hit single making prowess was proved with the sides he began cutting for Atlantic Records in 1964, Verve licensed this single from Detroit's Correc-Tone label that was Wilson's debut release after leaving the Falcons, cut in 1962. With the rapidly changing sounds of the mid-60's, one would think that a record cut in 1962 would sound out of touch with the current styles. However, this record was quite ahead of its' time, in that it shows a hint of Jamaican style blue beat. The blue beat sound was also heard on another Correc-Tone release from this era; Gino Washington's original recording of "Puppet On A String". Like that record, this one also has The Supremes on backing vocals!

This excellent track also shows another side of Pickett's vocals, a smoother side if you will, that was never heard again in his discography.

from 1962/1966...

WILSON PICKETT - LET ME BE YOUR BOY

THE NASHVILLE TEENS - FIND MY WAY BACK HOME

Not from Nashville, not from the US and not teens by the time of this recording, this group from the rustic/ posh area Surrey region of South London (most known for their hit recording of "Tobacco Road") laid it down THICK on this side of British beat beauty.

The Nashville Teens, while living/ performing in Hamburg, also backed Jerry lee Lewis on the killer's proto-punk "Live At The Star Club" record; the group was also an a-list choice for backing other American stars while performing in Europe (Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins). Judging by the excellent musicianship of their singles (as well as the Jerry Lee LP) shows this group could PLAY.

from 1965...

THE NASHVILLE TEENS - FIND MY WAY BACK HOME

CHRISTINE KITTRELL - IT'S NOBODY'S FAULT

Short and to the the point, this excellent track from Nashville's Christine Kittrell were cut a few years after she had left r&b music (she had a massive hit in 1952 with "Sitting Here Drinking" and toured the south relentlessly for a few years) behind to sing gospel. It is unclear where these sessions were cut, although production-wise they sound like the type of recordings that were being cut in Chicago by VJ at this time (no producer or arranger is listed).

Whatever the story, it's one RED HOT record showcasing the brassy vocals of Christine; she released one more secular record for King/ Federal in 1965, was wounded while entertaining the troops in Vietnam in 1967, then retired from music entirely in 1968.

from 1962...

CHRISTINE KITTRELL - IT'S NOBODY'S FAULT

ATOMIC ROOSTER - DEVIL'S ANSWER

Sprouting from the personnel of THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN (specifically keyboardist Vincent Crane, who was the only mainstay in the lineage of 'Rooster), this UK group were part of the movement that saw psychedelic rock morph into more "progressive" sounds. HOWEVER, this single (a top ten hit in the UK) harkens back to the beat era and to these ears I would classify it as a fantastic English soul track that, with its steady beat, could also fall into the category of early proto-disco discs.

from 1971...

ATOMIC ROOSTER - DEVIL'S ANSWER

THE POINTER SISTERS - SEND HIM BACK

I always find it impressive when groups or artists are able to adapt into other style variations during a long career. While I personally may not like the results, that's beside the point. Sounds and styles change, and a living must be made. The Pointer Sisters morphed thru soul, funk, disco, electro and pop throughout their career and had many hits along the way.

While this early side wasn't a hit per se, it's THE ONE as far as collectors, aficionado's and those who just wanna GET DOWN to some fine soulful sounds. Here we find the Oakland group teamed up with NOLA's Wardell Quezergue for this brilliant meeting of west coast and New Orleans soul. Special mention must be made of those heavenly sisterly harmonies and bass playing that deserves an award.

from 1972...

THE POINTER SISTERS - SEND HIM BACK

ETTA JAMES - SECURITY

Looks as though report's of Etta's death were a HOAX. Makes it easier to enjoy this incredible take on this song!

from 1968...

ETTA JAMES - SECURITY

THE MARVELLOS - YOU'RE SUCH A SWEET THING

While The Marvellos (not to be confused with Chicago group The Marvelows/ who renamed themselves the Mighty Marvelows to avoid confusion with the Marvellos) were a Los Angeles group, they concoct such a Motor-City like sound on this record that one would be excused to automatically assume this is a Detroit record.

From the Marv Tarplin-like guitar line at the intro, to the lovely vibraphone and the stomping beat, this is one of the finest "Motown West" records cut during the golden era. The Marvellos themselves were made up of a group of singers whose voices blended so well in harmony, special mention to be made of the strong and clear tenor lead and the group's excellent bass singer.

A sweet thing indeed, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face while you clap along.

from 1966...

THE MARVELLOS - YOU'RE SUCH A SWEET THING

NOW - GIRL YOU SURE TURN ME ON pt1

I'm afraid to say that I know nothing at all about this record. Looking at a discography for other releases on the FEE label shows a few familiar Detroit names, so I'm gonna guess that this is a Detroit record.

Whatever its pedigree, this record is a super cool mover with excellent vocals and instrumental work.

The date is from another website, and may or may not be correct.

from 1974...

NOW - GIRL YOU SURE TURN ME ON pt1

POP FIVE MUSIC INCORPORATED - ORANGE

Thanks to a very friendly record store in Lisbon (my friend Hugo @ Louie Louie Records), I was hipped to this fantastic side of Portugese psych.

This group, during their time in the late 60's and early 70's, were thought by most critics and fans to be the greatest rock group in Portugal, and this record makes it easy to see why, as it is a swirling, mind melting masterpiece. It's taken from a highly collectible LP release, as well.

from 1971...

POP FIVE MUSIC INCORPORATED - ORANGE