THE DONTELLS - I CAN'T WAIT

I'm almost positive this is a Chicago record (I've read that the Dontells performed this track on one of the "lost" episodes of the original run of Soul Train that was filmed in Chicago).

This is a superb song with gorgeous vocals that has since gone on to become a favorite with the "Lowrider" oldies crowd (and for good reason!).

Of course, as always, any additional information about the group is much appreciated.

from 1970...

THE DONTELLS - I CAN'T WAIT

THE OPEN MIND - MAGIC POTION

An absolute holy grail record for me that I never thought I would actually own. I first heard "Magic Potion" around 1993 when it was covered by the British psychedelic group Sundial (on their "Return Journey" album); I distinctly remember reading in one of the reviews for the disc that the song was originally performed by the Open Mind which started the search. At the time, I worked at a small record shop and I poured over all of our import catalogs for any trace of the Open Mind on any format or compilation and there was NOTHING. This was also a time when I was heavily collecting psychedelic records so this just built up the urgency to find out more about this record and group.

Some time later (but still in those pre-internet days) I learned enough about the record to know that it was incredibly hard to get so at the time I basically put it out of my head that I would ever own it. It's not as if I would have found it on any of my digging excursions through rural flea markets and my favorite record store haunts!

Here it is fifteen years later and this record is now in my collection! Due to lots of grief from the seller the deal almost fell through and it certainly was heartbreaking that it almost slipped through my fingers but all was right in the universe and I was able to collect it in person while I was recently in London and DJ'ed it out that same night to not only my utmost satisfaction but it elicited some real heat on the dance floor as well. I certainly wasn't surprised as this is the most arse-kicking psychedelic record ever made.

from 1969...

THE OPEN MIND - MAGIC POTION

JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - MY DESTINATION (IS TRUE LOVE)

In direct relation to yesterday's post, here an absolute MESMERIZING side from Ms. Matthews herself. A web pal of mine who was "on the scene" in Detroit back in the day confirmed that the Wonderettes record posted yesterday is, in fact a Detroit record and also confirmed that Johnnie Mae was a very important figure on the scene; as an early mentor to Berry Gordy as well as being the first African-American woman to own and run her own recording studio. What a pioneer!

While not embarrassing the more sophisticated Motown sound, Johnnie Mae turns in a performance that oozes Detroit soul of the most raw variety on this cut. And also note the "Matthews" production credit!

from 1963...

JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - MY DESTINATION (IS TRUE LOVE)

THE WONDERETTES - I FEEL STRANGE

While this seems to be without a doubt a Detroit record, it's a mysterious one nonetheless. There are also some records on United Artists records billed as The Wonderettes (more than likely the same group) and one backing Detroit singer and producer Johnnie Mae Matthews (she also cut a 45 around this time billed as Johnnie Mae Matthews & The Wonderettes).

Anyhow, this is such a cool record, perhaps made even sexier for the fact that their history is shrouded in mystery.

from 1967...

THE WONDERETTES - I FEEL STRANGE

THE NEWS - THE ENTERTAINER

Here's a superb version of Tony Clarke's classic (and also a past 45 of the day) from a UK group featuring Pete Miller (aka Big Boy Pete) on guitar. The News 45 seems to have been a one-off by this group (probably a studio concoction just for this record). Pete has had a long career as both a musician and producer/ engineer (he has run a studio in San Francisco for over 30 years, apparently).

I've been a real sucker as of late for these British cover versions of American soul hits, and as this is one of my all time favorite songs, it seems a logical choice to start introducing more of them to this blog. Something about the English; they have embraced and cultivated American soul and r&b in such a loving way that has helped keep the music alive; not only through the northern soul scene but all through the sixties when major and minor groups on the mod front sought out obscure 45's and learned these great songs. Add to that the always excellent productions and top notch musicianship and we have some truly winning records, which, like this one, there is very little information about adding an air of exciting mystery to the whole thing.

from 1966...

THE NEWS - THE ENTERTAINER

Great records shops of LONDON!

I must first preface this by saying that I know there are many other great record stores in London, but due to time constraints I was not able to visit all that I wanted to visit (next time!) so this is by no means a slight to some of the other shops I have hard such great things about.

First off, I must say that possibly my favorite shop was OUT ON THE FLOOR records in Camden town. Camden is a gas to visit anyhow, with great funky shops and stalls, and this shop is a true treasure; three floors of greatness! The ground level shop has a great selection of reggae 45's and a great selection of rock, reggae, soul LP's. Next I visited the basement and SCORED! Found around 20 great British beat 45's, all priced very reasonably. There are more LP's down here as well as a turntable to check the selections. The woman behind the counter was very friendly as well. Next I visited the middle floor, run by the very friendly Leigh. Leigh prints silkscreened and hand tinted posters featuring very hip images that are simply fabulous- if it wasn't so loaded down with luggage already, I would have bought a few. I found some amazing mod 45's here and he was happy to let me try them out on his turntable. The best find for me (being a lifelong Who fan) was a copy of "I Can't Explain" in top condition with the Brunswick company sleeve. Sure, I could have found this on ebay (although this record is almost always thrashed) but the experience of buying it in London from a great store is a much better experience.

At the recommendation of my friend Gavin (aka brilliant DJ G The P), I checked out JB's records, located right off of the Leicester Square tube station. GREAT little shop packed wall to wall with great records and a very friendly London vibe. Could have easily loaded up with some nice UK LP's, but I was being mindful of my already bulging suitcases. found some great singles nonetheless.

My last stop was Intoxica, located on Portobello Road (a magical location if there ever was one). I have purchased some ace records from them via mail order in the past, and I specifically went here last as to see how my budget was holding up. This shop is known to have a large collection of heavy hitters. Went through the countless boxes of 45's behind the counter and snagged some gems; more British beat and a few soul 45's. I wasn't expecting to buy many soul 45's in London as I was expecting prices to be very high (they were, but I still snagged a few gems). I almost went for 2 expensive records, but looking at the pile of moderately priced records it just felt like more fun buying those and saving the heavy hitters for mail order. Once again, the owner was kind enough to let me listen to a handful of records I wasn't familiar with but was intrigued by. Intoxica also has a very impressive collection of LP's.

All in all, London is one of THE GREATEST cities in the world full of friendly folks who make shopping excursions such a gas. Cheers to all the new friends I met in this king of cities, as well as the web friends who I was able to meet in person.

Images of JB's and Intoxica were borrowed from Gavin's site. Gav, I promise you that I will compile a list of bay area stores for you finally; two years after I initially promised you!

EDWIN STARR - RUNNING BACK AND FORTH

Sorry for the long gap! Between being in a location without wi-fi, and then a 26 hour journey home from the UK (thanks to volcanic ash), I was simply not able to post. I did snag around 50 great 45's from the UK (mostly of the British beat variety) that I will be filtering in through this site as well. Next up after this post will be one of the great record stores of London.

But here's a track that is so great it's practically three days worth right here! A fine, fine moment from this Detroit behemoth with one of my favorite grooves. The easy rolling steady beat reminds me of what was happening in Chicago at the time, but with that powerful Detroit piston drive.

from 1970...

EDWIN STARR - RUNNING BACK AND FORTH

JIMMY WILLIAMS - THE HALF MAN

Don't know much of anything about Jimmy Williams, although this track is the b-side to "I Gave My Love A Cherry" (yes, the song that was immortalized in "Animal House").

This blistering track, which stays on one chord throughout, pre-dates James Brown's one chord workouts by almost four years! I love how the fact that it doesn't change builds up all kinds of musical tension while the piano licks stay so grounded. A very unique record indeed.

from 1963...

JIMMY WILLIAMS - THE HALF MAN

LEAH DAWSON - MY MECHANICAL MAN

Talk about crazy innuendo! I can't believe that a record mogul, independent or nor not, would have thought that a song about such a thing could possibly become a hit in 1966!

Well, thankfully for us they did, and we have this lovely memento of a song with a subject matter that is most definitely unique within sixties soul.

Can't find much info at all about Leah, although this is most certainly a Detroit record.

from 1966...

LEAH DAWSON - MY MECHANICAL MAN

OTIS LEAVILL - NOBODY BUT YOU

Born in Georgia but relocated at age 2 to Chicago, Otis Leavill was not only a singer but also a talent scout who discovered the likes of The Chi-Lites and Tyrone Davis. Friends with Major Lance (who he boxed with), Curtis Mayfield and Billy Butler, Otis was right in the thick of the golden age of Chicago soul.

This beautiful track is simply the right choice for today; I proposed to my beautiful Angeline in front of Abbey Road studios in London and yes, it's a very good day indeed.

from 1967...

OTIS LEAVILL - NOBODY BUT YOU

THE DEBONAIRES - HOW'S YOUR NEW LOVE TREATING YOU

Featuring gorgeous lead vocals from fifteen year old Diane Hogan (who was added to the Debonaires as a lead singer augmenting the trio to a quartet), this beautiful Detroit girl group track is sublime stuff indeed.

from 1966...

THE DEBONAIRES - HOW'S YOUR NEW LOVE TREATING YOU