THE LOVELITES - MY CONSCIENCE

This Chicago trio experienced a number of lineup changes before this record was cut, but lead singer Patti Hamilton is the star of the show on this track with a mesmerizing performance (but I'm certainly not slagging off the note perfect backings from the other ladies). I'm also the first to admit that I'm a sucker for the Chicago style shuffling beats as heard on this track and the way that it maintains a relaxed but propulsive groove.

from 1970...

THE LOVELITES - MY CONSCIENCE

BOOKER T & THE MG'S - BOOT-LEG

In honor of John Lennon's birthday, here's a double post. Thanks to the "John Lennon's Jukebox" PBS special, we got to learn about a few more of John's favorite 45's (many of which we learned about through his guest DJ stints and John had impeccable taste!).

Here's one from John's jukebox. I miss you, Mr Lennon and think about you every day.

from 1965...

BOOKER T & THE MG'S - BOOT-LEG

LOU COURTNEY - HOT BUTTER 'N' ALL (pt1)

Funky records simply DON'T get any hotter than this! Easily matching the intensity of James Brown's best, this record, released at the height of "popcorn mania" ("Mother Popcorn", "Let A Man Come In And Do The Popcorn", etc) is one of the strongest records of the late 60's/ early 70's.

Lou was a NYC based producer who also cut a number of great records on his own (a handful of which have been featured on this very blog).

Pt 2 is an instrumental continuation (billed as Mr. C & Funck Junction) that I recommend to all beat collectors; if you want it, just email me.

from 1970...

LOU COURTNEY - HOT BUTTER 'N' ALL (pt1)

MATTIE MOULTRIE - THAT'S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS

This song has one of the most extraordinary vocal performances I have ever heard. Amazing that this particular record can be heard at all (look at the condition of the label), but, as is so often the case with a 60's pressed 45, they can survive years of abuse, get deep cleaned and sound pretty darned good.

Mattie's vocal performance is gospel influenced for sure (she has been a script writer and gospel singer for a number of years), and the performance simply soars into an orgasmic crescendo of passion and power.

from 1966...

MATTIE MOULTRIE - THAT'S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS

THE KITTENS - I GOT TO KNOW HIM

A great track from yet another great Chicago group. When this cut starts and the vocals come in, it sounds like it may be a bit lightweight; that is until the powerhouse lead vocal comes in (wish I knew the name of which one of the singers is taking the lead here). Another great track written by the dynamic duo of Jo Armstead and Valerie Simpson.

from 1966...

THE KITTENS - I GOT TO KNOW HIM

MIGHTY MARVELOWS - TALKIN' 'BOUT YOU BABY

Yes, this is the same Chicago group that cut "I Do" (a very early 45 of the day pick on this blog) as The Marvelows (the name was changed to Mighty to avoid confusion with the west coast Marvellos whose 'Something's Burnin'" was featured here recently).

This is one of those records that defines Chicago soul, with it's steady relaxed beat (perfect for stepping), great horns, and, of course, incredible vocals.

from 1967...

MIGHTY MARVELOWS - TALKIN' 'BOUT YOU BABY

HINDAL BUTTS - IN THE POCKET

Sometimes a funky instrumental just sounds SO GOOD on a Monday morning; don't you agree?

Hindal was a (mostly) session drummer in Detroit who cut a few sides under his own name, and this mover is probably his most revered cut.

from 1967...

HINDAL BUTTS - IN THE POCKET

LITTLE WILLIE JOHN - MY LOVE-IS

This incredible record shows the beauty and tragedy of Little Willie John's voice in an enigmatic and deep way that shows once again how he is one of the most under appreciated greats in all of music.

The lyrics are like a series of haikus, and the musical backing repeats the creepy vibe of "Fever". This is one of Willie's final singles (directly before the mighty "I'm Shakin", a past 45 of the day) before his (probably trumped up) incarceration and sad demise in prison.

from 1960...

LITTLE WILLIE JOHN - MY LOVE-IS

Careless Hearts spinning at 45 RPM! Available now.

A very exciting day indeed! FINALLY a 45 that I actually perform on. Being a 45 RPM fanatic since I learned how to walk, I've waited a long time to release some wax of my very own. Thanks to a "corporate sellout" on our part (Palm, Inc. using one of our songs for an ad) we were able to cut this record and release it on nature's perfect format.

Recording, mixed and mastered completely analog (we even used actual tape echo!) by Brad McGowan, we are very proud of the results. Chceck out the sample below.



NOW, your part. I'm hoping that since I've given y'all so much free music over the years, many of you will return the favor and buy our record! It's very inexpensive (and our drummer Eric Powers created a beautiful package with a 2 sided sleeve) so there you go. Here's a direct link to purchase it. We thank you in advance.

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If this link doesn't work, go here.

http://www.carelesshearts.com/2009/09/new-7-out-now-joselina-bw-burning-sun/

STANDELLS - SOMETIMES GOOD GUYS DON'T WEAR WHITE

Sure, "Dirty Water" has gotten most of the attention throughout the years and yes, it does contain one of the mightiest of all mighty garage rock riffs. However, in my opinion this song tromps all over Dirty Water and then some and holds up as one of the finest garage punk records of this era. Sure, it's not very "obscure" but it's also light years ahead of so many of the highly regarded rarities from the era. This has it all, snotty attitude, excellent anti-social lyrics, and best of all drumming that's actually steady!

from 1966...

STANDELLS - SOMETIMES GOOD GUYS DON'T WEAR WHITE

DARROW FLETCHER - WHAT HAVE I GOT NOW

Yet another brilliant (and rare!) 45 from Detroit's legendary Darrow Fletcher!

from 1966...

DARROW FLETCHER - WHAT HAVE I GOT NOW