TARI STEVENS - (YOUR LOVE WAS JUST A ) FALSE ALARM

Does ANYBODY know anything about this record?

Other than the fact that it's a masterpiece of song arrangement and was a northern soul staple in the early days of the scene, this is one of those big "head scratcher" records. The label says c1963 but I just don't believe that year; sounds much more like '65-'66 to me, but who knows.

TARI STEVENS - (YOUR LOVE WAS JUST A ) FALSE ALARM

CENTER STAGE - HEY LADY

Even though this track was arranged by a major artist (Donny Hathaway) there is surprisingly little info out there about it. I can't even find a date that is accurate! It's a superb, feel good Chicago track with great vocals. It WAS reissued by RCA records, so someone saw the hit potential..

from c1969...

CENTER STAGE - HEY LADY

JOHNNY NASH - LOVE AIN'T NOTHIN'

Recorded during the in-between period of his career (Johnny started out as a bit of a teen idol in the 50's, then became immersed in Jamaican music c1967 where he began not only recording on the island but also became involved with Bob Marley and the Wailers) this incredible track was yet another flop for Johnny before his "comeback".

I would love to know who the backing musicians are on this track. It was arranged by the great Chicago fixture Johnny Pate.

from 1964...

JOHNNY NASH - LOVE AIN'T NOTHIN'

VERNON GARRETT - IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

Not to be confused with Tyrone Davis' 1970 masterpiece with the same title, this stomper from Los Angeles based (born in Nebraska) singer Vernon Garrett is a thing unto itself.

Vernon is a journeyman singer who worked the L.A and bay area circuit, oftentimes with his wife at the time (Jewel) who died tragically in 1968. Vernon was despondent for a few years, but came back in a bluesier vein and continues to work to this day in a blues or gospel bag.

This is a wonderful example of a song that is perfectly written.

from 1966...

VERNON GARRETT - IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

THE IDEALS - GO GET A WIG

It's been a while since I've featured any straight ahead r&b so what better choice than this wild Chicago blaster! This style was pretty much on its' way out at this time, replaced by the more sophisticated soul sounds. While I sure love those sophisticated sounds, sometimes these primal jams simply sound divine.

from 1965...

THE IDEALS - GO GET A WIG

TRIBUTE TO ELLIE GREENWICH: THE RONETTES - I WISH I NEVER SAW THE SUNSHINE

Ellie Greenwich, one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived (not to mention the fact that her work was trailblazing for women in music; not only as writer but also a producer), has passed away. Thank you for the music, Ellie.

I am breaking with tradition in featuring this song today as this version was never released on 45 (and not released at all for many years after it was recorded). This is my favorite Phil Spector production, and one of the most sublime songs of the sixties. It was released years later by Ronnie in a re-recorded version which is good but does not come close to the epic majesty of this track. This version is taken from the (vinyl) LP Phil Spector: Wall Of Sound Volume 6 (Rare Masters) Another example where writer, producer, musician and singers click to create magic. Perhaps this track was deemed too long to be a hit, but for my dollar, this is the greatest "unreleased" 45 ever.

I still get chills thinking about hearing Ronnie sing this at the Ponderosa Stomp in 2008.

from 1965...

TRIBUTE TO ELLIE GREENWICH: THE RONETTES - I WISH I NEVER SAW THE SUNSHINE

THE ORLONS - DON'T YOU WANT MY LOVIN'

After a few hits and lineup changes, this group took on a surprising, harder edged sound for this single that wasn't a hit but should have been. What an incredible song.

The Orlons story is a bit too complex to get into here (their wikipedia entry is well written and comprehensive) but they hit big with "South Street" and "The Wah Wahtusi" in the pre-British Invasion days; kept making records such as this one but never had another hit).

from 1965...

THE ORLONS - DON'T YOU WANT MY LOVIN'

THE TRUTH - SUENO

Can't seem to find much info (other than a discography) about this British group. This is their final single and they work wonders with this already great song from the Young Rascals, turning it into a psychedelic beat masterpiece with an incredible rave up ending.

from 1968...

THE TRUTH - SUENO

ARRON NEVILLE - EVERY DAY

No, it's not a typo...For his first release, this New Orleans legend's name was spelled Arron instead of Aaron.

Writen and recorded by a 19 year old Neville, this wonderful debut is actually the "b" side but an absolutely perfect Sunday oldie. HArd to believe that it would be another 6 years before he hit in a massive way with "Tell It Like It Is".

from 1960...

ARRON NEVILLE - EVERY DAY

ALDER RAY - MY HEART IS IN DANGER

Another mystery record! And SUCH A GREAT ONE! As you can probably tell, I'm an absolute sucker for these uptempo records with powerful female vocals, and I scoop up every one in sight (within reason). This one has especially slayed me. Being as it is written and co-produced by Chicago based Fred Hughes, I'll go out on a limb and say it's a Chicago record but who knows. If YOU know more, please don't hesitate to write!

from 1966...

ALDER RAY - MY HEART IS IN DANGER

THE DRAMATICS - ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

This debut of sorts (they recorded a few other records as The Dynamics - *not* the Dynamics that recorded "Misery", but another Detroit based Dynamics!) finds this group confidently making their mark right from the start, four years before they hit BIG with "Whatcha See Is What You Get".

from 1967...

THE DRAMATICS - ALL BECAUSE OF YOU