BETTY LAVETT - MY MAN HE'S A LOVIN' MAN

Behold, one of the greatest debut singles in the history of the 45 RPM record...

This record was cut when Betty Lavett (later La Vette) was all of 15 years old, and began the glorious career of this remarkable singer. Co-writer of the track is Detroit's "Mother Funker' (in the words of George Clinton) Johnnie Mae Matthews; another incredible figure. Matthews was the first black woman to own a record label, and was also a mentor to Berry Gordy.

from 1962...

BETTY LAVETT - MY MAN HE'S A LOVIN' MAN

BARBARA ACKLIN - FOOL, FOOL, FOOL

I'll use this post as a boost to my favorite record store (Rooky Ricardo's in San Francisco- I can't imagine that there is a better store for 45's ANYWHERE, not to mention the friendliest and funniest owner). When he first saw my want list, the first thing he said was "You'll never find "Fool, Fool, Fool"...I've NEVER even SEEN it!" And Dick has been collecting girl group and soul 45's since 1965! But thru the saved search function on ebay, lo and behold, a copy turned up recently. And it is SO good! I visited Rooky's yesterday (and of course found some more killer 45's) and brought it in to show Dick and he was very happy to see it and played it right away and was dancing around the store. yet another example of why 45's are cooler than any of us. By the way, this is Barbara Acklin's first 45, recorded in Chicago by the amazing production team of Brunswick records who also brought us the amazing hits by Gene Chandler, Jackie Wilson, Young Holt Unlimited and so many others.

from 1967...

SYL JOHNSON - LITTLE SALLY WALKER

In a long and varied career in which he has recorded r&b, deep soul, funk, blues, and rock and roll, Syl Johnson sums it all up in his own words when he has stated "Look, I'm a SOUL man". If anyone argues THAT, just listen to the way the man sings this song. while it rocks along in that early 60s way (but MUCH rawer and funkier than most) Syl's vocals are the epitome of soul.

from 1962...

J.J BARNES - DAY TRIPPER

As if the original fab four version wasn't great enough, along came J.J with his incredible backing band to cut another equally stellar version of this cut. One can only hope that the Beatles, being massive soul/r&b fans themselves, got to hear this version and felt a sense of validation.

from 1966...

J.J BARNES - DAY TRIPPER

IVAN - REAL WILD CHILD

"Ivan" is actually Jerry I. Allison, the superb drummer from Buddy Holly & The Crickets, taking a turn as a frontman. Buddy Holly sings backup and plays some amazingly cool guitar as only Buddy could. Of course this song was covered 28 years later by Iggy Pop. No wonder, as its one of the coolest rockabilly cuts out there.

from 1958...

JAMO THOMAS & HIS PARTY BROTHER ORCHESTRA - I SPY (FOR THE FBI)

Me oh my, 1966-1968 must have seen the greatest number of records released than in ANY other period! Hits, obscurities, alike this was a golden time for sure (as is testified by the number of 45's I've featured from this period). Today finds Jamo Thomas (the first hit-making artist in the US from the Bahamas) waxing an incredible killer version of this song in its superior version.

from 1966...

JAMO THOMAS & HIS PARTY BROTHER ORCHESTRA - I SPY (FOR THE FBI)

ALICE & THE SOUL SENSATIONS - FUNKY JUDGE

A few things that ARE known about this one...The label was in Los Angeles, it was released in 1969, and it SMOKES the more familiar version by Bull & The Matadors- in fact, this is almost a completely different song!. There is no info whatsoever to be found out about the band and it looks like this was their only release. perhaps they operated under a different name???? If anyone knows more info about this amazing record, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write!


from 1969...

ALICE & THE SOUL SENSATIONS - FUNKY JUDGE

SLY, SLICK & WICKED- CONFESSIN' A FEELING/ LOVE GONNA PACK UP (AND WALK OUT)

When I worked in a record store in the 90s I was intrigued and perplexed by a series of CD's called "Lowrider Oldies". They had many familiar (as well as not so familiar) titles but didn't give artist info (or any other info for that matter). Knowing a bit about lowrider culture didn't prepare me for the first Lowrider oldies show I attended about a year ago. Selling out the HUGE Hp pavillion in San Jose (with no mainstream publicity) were Barbara Mason, Eddie Holman, Blue Magic, Santo and Johnny, and this mysterious group called Sly Slick And Wicked. Doing a combination of familiar cover tunes as well as a few of their own (including Cofessin...) I was more than intrigued by these ultra cool cats. Confessin' is an incredible deep soul ballad, and the b-side is a stellar funky number. Thanks to the Latino oldies community for helping keep soul music alive.

from 1972...

WILLIE TEE - FIRST TASTE OF HURT

Quite simply one of my favorite records, ever.

Willie Tee is at his majestic peak here; elements of jazz in the chord progression capped off by a genius soul lyric and vocal. When the drummer hits those triplets on his cymbal, it's a transcendent moment of the highest order.

from 1970...

WILLIE TEE - FIRST TASTE OF HURT

GLORIA JONES - HEARTBEAT (part 1)

There are many reasons why I'd love to go back in time. If I could set the wayback machine, it would more than likely be set to 1966. Oh, the records, and clothes I'd buy. Oh, the bands I would try to see live. I'd also love to see what it was like in that time to hear a record like this one. This amazing 45 could easily be called proto-house, proto-techno, proto-psychedelia....This is the third release from Gloria Jones.

from 1966...

GLORIA JONES - HEARTBEAT (part 1)

part 2

...and yet another gallery of sleeves!

yes yes, kats and kitties, i've scored some more cool company sleeves that are begging to be shared. All are US issues except the following: Philips (yellow/ blue with Johnny Cash 45); London (w/ Everly Brothers 45) and the 2 Parlophone's. Have to say it was most exciting finding the Immediate sleeve!