PORGY & THE MONARCHS - THAT'S MY GIRL b/w THE GIRL AND THE BOY

This New York group released only a small handful of singles, and their lack of chart success did not match their high level of talent. INCREDIBLE group vocals on both sides of this record, and both songs are strong; I love the unexpected twists and turns on "The Boy & The Girl".

This is yet another one of those records that when listening to it I feel very privileged to be able to HEAR this stuff, let alone own the actual artifact (but when it comes down to it, that's the same with every record I post; sometimes I just think about it more than others!). A huge thank you to all of the trailblazing, brave artists (and also those in the biz that believed in this music) who struggled, kept trying, and shared their talents with the world. As long as there are ears and turntables you will never be forgotten!

from 1966...

WALTER SCOTT - WATCH OUT

This record just flat out SWINGS!

Walter Scott was the lead singer for Bub Kuban & The In Men (of "The Cheater" fame; an absolutely brilliant record), and he released some excellent solo sides (including "Silly Girl" which was featured here a few years back). Walter was white and possessed a very strong set of soulful pipes which are shown to great effect on this record.

In a horrible twist of fate, Walter was murdered in the early 1980's by the man his own wife was cheating on him with (along with the killer's own wife). At least "the cheaters" were caught, convicted and thrown in jail (Walter's wife was an accessory). Luckily, a handful of records were cut that show off the talent of this man, snuffed out well before his time.

from 1966...

JOE - L - (I'M NOT GONNA) BE WORRIED

Mystery time!

I know nothing about Joe-L, but I *THINK* this is a Detroit record. I really love the odd twists and turns in the song and the vocal melody. Doesn't have that potential hit sound to my ears, but I find this record so strangely compelling.

I'm guessing at the year; any other info would be appreciated!

from c1968...

Current EBAY auctions end tomorrow!

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THE ACCENT - RED SKY AT NIGHT

Here we have the greatest British one shot of all time.

Relocated from Yorkshire to London, The Accent sadly only had one chance to record, and luckily the groundbreaking and creative Mike Vernon was behind the boards which led to this creating this absolute masterpiece of mood, folky guitars and some of the heaviest psychedelic beat committed to wax, this side of the Open Mind (remember "Magic Potion", posted here last spring?)

A real tragedy that this band wasn't given a chance to cut an LP or at least a few more singles as who KNOWS what else they may have come up with. However, it's kinda cool in a way that their one release is simply flawless. Too bad more people haven't heard it throughout the years. Kind of amazing that this record was released in the US at all; however, as this was the day when creativity ran free and the suits had no idea what those crazy kids were doing, musicians were able to freely explore their creativity. Too bad that hasn't been the case for a LONG time.

from 1967...

THE DREW-VELS - IT'S MY TIME

Made up of three Drew sisters (Patti, Erma, & Micki) plus one fella (Carlton Black), Evanston, IL's Drew-Vels simply had too-short of a career which comprised only four singles. All of their sides show off those beautiful family/sisterly close harmonies and Patti's rich, sexy voice (Patti later cut some excellent solo singles including the hit 'Workin' On A Groovy Thing' but her career was allegedly cut short due to a drug problem).

I love the breezy, Caribbean-like groove that was so popular in Chicago soul at the time, and the simple, direct nature of the song that seemingly ends just as it begins begging to be played more than once!

from 1964...

THE ARTISTICS - HARD TO CARRY ON

One of many consistently great Chicago groups, practically every release from the Artistics is top notch in their performance, execution and songwriting.

Released shortly after lead singer Marvin Smith left the group, he did contribute some lead vocals to studio sessions. I'm pretty sure he's singing the glorious falsetto lead on this track, but if you know otherwise, please let me know!

from 1968...

THEE MIDNITERS - JUMP, JIVE, AND HARMONIZE

Thee Midnighters were possibly thee most versatile band on the L.A scene in the sixties; whether it was the deep soul of "Dreaming Casually", the prideful "Chicano Power", lowrider anthem "Whittier Blvd" or their huge hit version of "Land Of 1000 Dances", this great band was equally adept at virtually any style of music and their superb musicianship and stellar vocals are as good as they get.

However, THIS track finds the group whipping out what is perhaps the greatest garage soul record ever made. While I love practically everything the group ever recorded, for my ears this is their peak, and if I were to compile a list of the 100 best 45's of the 60's, this side would certainly have an important place. Luckily, I haven't had to compile a list like that, as it would be a tortuous task! I've wanted to feature this song since day one of the blog, but I've been hunting down a copy for ages and only recently did it make it into my clutches.

I can only IMAGINE what this song sounded like live back in the day from the band radio man Casey Kasem described as "the greatest band I ever hired"(although the raw recording full of fuzz guitar, fuzz bass, and even fuzz vocals, probably gives a good idea of this bands' live abilities).

from 1967...

THEE MIDNITERS - JUMP, JIVE, AND HARMONIZE

THE ENDEAVORS - I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT ME

A friend/ list member turned me on to this one; I'd never heard it before and he sent it to me as one he thought I'd like. I like it indeed and couldn't believe I hadn't heard it before!

I can't seem to find any info about this group, or even if they released any other records. Oddly enough, they recorded for country musician/ producer's label Stop records out of Nashville.

whatever the story of the group is, the story in the grooves is an intense one; the vocals are incredible and the arrangement is unique with that unusual, cooled out breakdown part that builds the song to an explosive ending. Hot stuff!

Once again, I'm guessing at the year.

from c1969...

Current EBAY auctions!

I'm clearing out some more doubles and things HERE:

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As usual, cheap starting prices, no reserve, and sound samples!

BRENDA PARKER - GET READY

Man, what a FUNKY version of this Motown classic!!!! Brenda has an ultra cool vocal delivery, the drumming is outtasite, the truly odd thing is that the bass is mixed ridiculously loud (but I'm not complaining- it just makes for a nice garage/ basement kinda sound).

I know nothing of this record; web searches on the artist and Rare Bird records leave me empty handed. Anybody know anything??? I'm guessing on the year as well.

from c1970...