DEE EDWARDS - ALL THE WAY HOME

I am at a loss for words to write anything about this record (perhaps because I feel in a hurry to write and post as I am taking advantage of a free 45 minute wi-fi coupon at a coffee chain while on the road), other than that is yet another superb track from Detroit.

SUCH A GROOVE!!!!!

from 1966...

DEE EDWARDS - ALL THE WAY HOME

Saturday! Saturday! Saturday, Saturday. Saturday NIGHT!

Yes all, thanks to my web friends Gavin and Dean who arranged for me to guest with them at their night called SHAKE at London's BOOGALOO CLUB! I have seen photos of it on the web and it looks incredible, and I am excited as can be to be playing there and meeting lots of folks who I've been corresponding with. 'Ello London!

RUFUS THOMAS - ALL NIGHT WORKER

Quite simply a superb mover from this Memphis maven; I just learned that the Drapels (featuring Wendy Rene) sing background on this cut that also provided the name for a northeast US soul/freakbeat group.

from 1964...

RUFUS THOMAS - ALL NIGHT WORKER

SMALL FACES - ALL OR NOTHING b/w UNDERSTANDING

Absolutely ace top sounds double sider from one of the UK's finest. From the brilliant songwriting or Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane to Marriott's incredibly soulful vocals to the groups always propulsive, intense playing, the Small Faces are one of history's most underrated groups.

from 1966...

SMALL FACES - ALL OR NOTHING

TED TAYLOR - SOMEBODY'S ALWAYS TRYING

Ted Taylor, born in Oklahoma, had a long and varied career that included gospel and secular music. With a massive discography, his wailing falsetto cut through the doo wop era to the golden age of soul and beyond.

This, along with "Ramblin Rose" (a past 45 of the day) are in my opinion his two hottest sides.

from 1964...

TED TAYLOR - SOMEBODY'S ALWAYS TRYING

THE 5TH DIMENSION - TOO POOR TO DIE

I know what many of you are thinking..."The 5TH DIMENSION??? HAVE YOU GONE CRACKERS???"

And I truly understand why. While many of the 5th Dimension hits are (admitted) guilty pleasures of mine, the tracks are very fluffy and not of the usual quantity of grit and sweat that I feature. This anomaly track, however, is an out and out stomper and shouter that is quite different than anything else in there catalog. This was their first release, as the b-side of "Go Where You Wanna Go". Too bad they didn't cut a few more in this vein.

from 1966...

THE 5TH DIMENSION - TOO POOR TO DIE

TOUSSAINT MCCALL - NOTHING TAKES THE PLACE OF YOU

Quite simply, one of the finest soul ballads of the golden age; absolutely dripping with emotion and power.

This song was the only chart appearance for this great New Orleans artist, hitting #5.

from 1967...

TOUSSAINT MCCALL - NOTHING TAKES THE PLACE OF YOU

1 MAY: DAILY 45's SPINNING LIVE IN LONDON!!!!

Yes all, thanks to my web friends Gavin and Dean who arranged for me to guest with them at their night called SHAKE at London's BOOGALOO CLUB! I have seen photos of it on the web and it looks incredible, and I am excited as can be to be playing there and meeting lots of folks who I've been corresponding with. 'Ello London!

THELMA JONES - STRONGER b/w NEVER LEAVE ME

Thelma Jones was originally from Fayetteville, NC (with strong roots in gospel music and singing at her local church) and through her husband was relocated to NYC where she began cutting records (of which this is her first).

This song has a strong gospel influence (dig the backing vocals) within a secular music context. Great stuff! "Never Leave Me" is an equally great deep cut with some incredibly emotive singing from Thelma.

from 1967...

THELMA JONES - STRONGER

EDD HENRY - CROOKED WOMAN

There are certain records that shine like a beacon through the fog in the distance, and when they make their way into my collection it feels like a small victory and I make no attempt to hide my excitement. This record is certainly one of those and lemme tell you it is NOT easy to find! Thanks not only to its placement on the Numero Group's compilation devoted to Big Mack records, and also a brilliant (but historically inaccurate) appearance on Mad Men (aka the best TV show ever) this is a 45 that is certainly on many want lists. Sure felt good to cross it off of mine!

Ed McCoy was another man in Detroit who had a dream to follow in the footsteps of Motown, and with a loan and a lot of hope he brought his new discovery, Edd Henry, into United Sound studio along with a CRACKING band (the drumming on this track is simply from another planet) to cut this monster for his newly minted Bog Mack label. Sadly, the record drifted into obscurity with no real local airplay even.

Hopefully Edd (and Ed) are still around to see some of the belated success of this record.

from 1966...

EDD HENRY - CROOKED WOMAN

CHUBBY CHECKER - BACK IN THE USSR

Hey I'm back! Woo hoo hoo! (Only to leave again on Wednesday!)

One of my favorite Beatles cover versions, right here.

from 1969...

CHUBBY CHECKER - BACK IN THE USSR