Monday, December 20, 2004

Maxwell's Christmas 2004

Happy Holidays Y'all!
Monday December 20th I'll be stuffing Christmas cheer down Maxwell's Chimney for their annual Christmas party. As long as someone is standing, dancing or reaching for another drink I'll keep cueing up the gifts. As always I'll be navigating the many genres of the musical map including enough Christmas music to melt the heart of any Ol' Scroogie-woogie. The party seems to be a closed affair so this one is only going out to a few of ya. Hope you can make it but if you can't please be merry and be well for this Holiday season.

- pat.

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The 45s:
Kenny Burrell - "The Little Drummer Boy" b/w "Silent Night" (Cadet cat. 5555 (15233/43))
Two gloriously soulful Jazz takes on Christmas classics. The Little Drummer boy is a Soul Jazz burst of the best kind. Les McCann style piano and horns play in the back while Burrell grooves in his oft imitated style. Christmas should always feel this good.

Louis Armstrong and the Commanders - ""Zat You, Santa Claus?" b/w "Cool Yule" (Decca cat. 9-28943 (45-85419/20))
"Cool Yule" rolls along with a merry gallop. Armstrong's voice sounds like he drank shrapnel for breakfast and spit out chimes. "So dig, Santa comes on big!" "'Zat You...?" is a bit more theatrical with a drum and bass sound up front like a nice bit of early rock. Here Armstrong combines a spooky melody with his great uncertain shaky vocal yet throughout he tries to convince himself all the knocking is just Santa hanging stockings. Unfortunately I fear Loius' crib may have been Nicked and it wasn't by no Saint. Classic.

Babs Gonzales - "The Hippie Santa Claus" (Expubidence Records Presents cat. Exp. 011)
Babs "Hippie Santa Claus" is a high tale of a Santa I think most of us can back; this Jolly Ol' Soul rolls up in a red Cadillac. This Saint Nick is dressed to the nines. "Red on red shirt with a green mink tie..." He comes bearing gifts for one and all. "Perfume number 5 for Moms and for Pops my new book on Jive." "Methadone, Speed and dash of real good smoke is all the young cats need." "Have a real Crazy Christmas and don't get knocked out!" The B-Side of this fabulous slab of holiday cheer is backed with Babs' "The Junkies (The Anti Drug Song)."

Bill Cosby - "Merry Christmas Mama - Vocal and Instrumental" (Capitol cat. 4523)
Like his amazing LP on Partee/Stax The Cos struts slow and sexy like Isaac Hayes as South Park's Chef. Sinewy sax grooves in and out of the strings and you know he is playing secret Santa with his lady. I recently watched Mario Van Peebles "Baadasssss!" and I never new the Jell-O pudding man saved the day when money ran out during the filming of "Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song."

Reindeer Runners - "Pull My Sled" (Soul Fire cat. SFX 001-B)
The fine folks at Soul Fire handed these out a few years ago. Snippets of Christmas wishes, roosters and wolves pop in and out over this flute driven instrumental. Sloppy and drunk for the holidays.

Bill Withers
Few assembly line workers probably sound like Withers. Thank god someone took him off site and brought his gift to us. Withers voice is so touching. "Gift..." is a slow passionate ode to the spirit of Christmas and the feeling one gets from giving over a simple quartet backing. "Let Us Love" is a bit more funky and is less a Christmas song than a plea for peace and hope. If your lucky someone will give you a Bill Wither's record for Christmas.

Poppa Hop and His Orchestra - "Merry Christmas, Darling" (Ivory Records cat. L-134)
Have an Electric Blues Christmas baby. Basically a take on Charles Brown's "Merry Christmas, Baby" but with a very electric feel. His guitar stabs in and out of the song reminding you that Hop Wilson was one mean player. this is the B-Side of the incredible "Be Careful With The Blues"

Clarence Carter - "Back Door Santa" (Atlantic cat. 45-2576 )A-15366 SP))
This could be one of my top 5 favorite Christmas songs. Regardless of the amazing Run-DMC sample Carter's "Ho, Ho, Hos" are just down right sinister as hell. How can you beat a line like, "I ain't like old Saint Nick he don't come but once a year." For me this is as close as you get to a perfect raw soul song.

The Harvey Averne Band - "Let's Get It Together This Christmas" b/w "Christmas Song - Special Effects by Scottie Dog" (Fania cat. 551)
The always groovy Harvey Averne brings us two very cool Christmas songs. "Let's..." is closer to a SalSoul groove than a traditional Fania one but I'm not complaining. I don't know why but I always think "Let's Get It Together This Christmas" would sound great on Sesame Street. Mel Torme's wonderful "Christmas Song" benefits most form the Averne touch. Gentle vibes and a puppy bark lead us into the song before the string and horn section gently glide over sleigh bells. The organ grooving in the background is the only thing that can foreshadow the jump to a downright funky Go-Go. The Go-Go groove makes a second appearance and the song and suddenly the song fades out way too soon. Give me another 2-3 minutes; I want to hear the session tape for this. At least let us break a sweat. Still this is a favorite.

Dancer Prancer and Nervous The Singing Reindeer - "The Happy Reindeer" (Capitol Records cat. 4300 (45-32232/3))
This silly song is very Chipmunks but something about the music accompaniment makes it easier to take. The reindeer sound like the Lollipop Guild on helium.

Gene Autry and The Pinafores with Orchestral Acc. (featuring Pascal Marks on vocal) - "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" b/w "If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas" (Columbia cat. 6-375) My brother loves this Christmas record more than anyone I know. Christmas music was a HUGE deal in my house. To this day my Dad tries to find a new interesting Christmas record (and saddly now CD) each year.

Bobby Helms - "Captain Santa Claus (And His Reindeer Space Patrol)" (Decca cat. 30513 (103,578))
Best known for the much covered "Jingle Bell Rock" which graces the A-Side of this ditty; "Captain Santa Claus" is just plain fascinating. The 1950's obsession with space brings us yet another rocket adventure with a twist. Apparently Santa's sleigh is need of repair so why not have the elves build him a Rocket Powered one. So does this mean they killed the reindeer? Isn't it the reindeer that lift old tons-a-fun and his packages? By-the-way the sound of the rocket is made by Helms trying to hock up a loogie. Precious.

The Lazy Cowgirls - "Sock it To Me Santa" (Bomp! cat. 137)
One of America's greatest bands can tackle any tune and Bob Seger's "Sock It To Me Santa" is no exception. The Cowgirl's tear it a new one and even quote James Brown in the process. This is another tune I can listen regardless of season. Long Live Rock!

The Kinks - "Father Christmas" (Arista cat. AS 0296)
The Kinks catalog is a near perfect one. The Kinks continued to be great long after the rest of the British Invasion disappeared. In 1977 the Kinks embraced punks ethics and recorded one of the best original Rock-N-Roll Christmas tunes. "Father Christmas give us your money!"

Spinal Tap - "Christmas With The Devil" (Enigma cat.E-1143)
TAP ON CHRISTMAS!

Some LPs:
Jimmy McGriff - Christmas With McGriff (Mistletoe Records cat. MLP-1205)
Bobby Timmons - Holiday Soul (Prestige cat. 7414)
Don Paterson - Holiday Soul (Prestige cat. 7415)
The Moog Machine - Christmas Becomes Electric (Columbia cat. CS 9959)
James Brown and The Famous Flames Sing Christmas Songs (King cat. 1010)
James Brown - A Soulful Christmas (King cat. KS 1040)
Christmas Time With The Harlem Children's Chorus (Commonwealth United Records Inc. cat. CU-6003)
Dr. John Band with Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns - 'twas The Night Before Christmas (Ace Records cat. LP 1027)

Recent gets:
Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys - "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" b/w "Coal Loadin' Johnny" (Columbia cat. 4-42606 (ZSP 58193/92)) (Columbia sleeve)
Dickie Goodman - "Energy Crisis '74" b/w "Ruthie's Theme" (Rainy Wednesday Records cat. RW 206)
Ollie & The Nightingales - "I Got A Sure Thing" b/w "Girl, You Have My Heart Singing" (Stax 45-245 (STX-13746/7 SP))
The Playmates with Hugo Peretti & His Orch. - "Beep Beep" b/w "Your Love" (Roulette cat. R-4115 (13173-E/13170)) (Roulette sleeve)
The Olympics - "Western Movies" b/w "Well!" (Demon - The Highest in Fi cat. FF-1508 (45-DE-015/6))
Gilbert O'Sullivan - "Get Down" b/w "A Very Extraordinary Sort of Girl" (MAM cat.. 45-3629 XDR 53005/6))
The Ventures - "El Cumbanchero" b/w "Skip to M' Limbo" (Dolton Records cat. No. 68)
The Rolling Stones - "Let's Spend The Night Together" b/w "Ruby Tuesday" (London cat. 45 LON 904 (DR 39595/6)) (London sleeve)
The Royal Guardsman - "Snoopy's Christmas" b/w "It Kinda Looks Like Christmas" (Laurie Records Inc. cat. LR 3416 UK4M-0740/82))
Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters with Vic Schoen And His Orchestra - "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" b/w "Jingle Bells" (Decca cat. Album no. 9-65 record No. 9-23281 this is obviously from a box set)

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday, November 30 at 9PM

Hello Y'all,
This week features some new acquisitions as well as more records from the many unsorted boxes in my studio. I think I am coming down to the last of them but of course there are more Garage, Gate and Estate Sales right around the corner. As always the mix is all over the musical map. Diggin' The Crates can bring you some real surprises as well as a fresh way to look at some familiar territory. Also along for the ride this week are some Prog Rock LPs. From what I can tell there is no one playing in the back room tonight.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The 45s:
New finds and some more from old "$5 The Whole Box" purchases...
* = New
** = "$5 Whole Box" purchases
*Barney Bungle & Klarence Kleen - "The U.F.O. Landing" b/w "Martian Walk" (Partee cat. PBA - 1302 (PM-01335-PL))
Yet another great instrumental in a short-line of B-side organ instrumentals I have found hiding on some well known and not so well known Dickie Goodman style Cut-Ups. This one is pretty great with a screaming sax through-out.
The following are older ones I have collected over the years:

Lou Toby And His Heavies - "Heavy Steppin' " (Peach-Mint cat. AR-6065-B)
John & Ernest - ("Super Fly Meets Shaft") b/w "Problems" (Rainy Wednesday Records cat. RW-201)
John & Ernest - ("Soul President number One") b/w "Crossover" (Rainy Wednesday Records cat. RW-201)
Dickie Goodman - ("The Touchables") b/w "Martian Melody" (Mark-X Records Co. cat. 8009)
Johnny Colon - "(Dickie Goodman - "On Campus") b/w "Mambo Suzie" (Cotique cat. C-158)

**Neal Ford and The Fanatics - "Bitter Bells" b/w "Don't Tie Me Down" (Tantara cat. T-1101)
"Don't Tie Me Down" starts off like "We Gotta Get Outa This Place" but then moves in its own delightfully moody Garage ways. Nice snarling vocal and a simple, solid backing although a bit poppy. "Bitter Bells" is a bit more stylized but still manages to hit on all the right Gargey cliches. Good one and I guessing this is from Texas.

**North Atlantic Invasion Force - "Blue And Green Gown" (Congressional Records cat. 999 (C-1767))
I have heard other tracks by this group and one in particular "Elephant in My Tambourine" sticks out because of the name only. This track is a bit more of what I like in a Garage tune. Sounds similar to the Neal Ford track in it's poppier moments but for the most part this is a Garage track through and through. I did found out that this is Connecticut Garage Rock. Maybe that is why it lacks edge.

**Sonny & Cher - "It's Gonna Rain" (ATCO cat. 45-6539 (65C-9026))
OK, so "I Got You Babe" is a classic 60's Pop Song but I never even thought of turning this baby over. BANG! The B-side is a mid-tempo 60's Garage tune that'll shake your ass. If you can't make your way around the floor when this one is on then you're jaded or deaf. Not really much going on lyrically (Sonny talking is way through most of it) but this one is about the groove. Nice surprise.

*Lee Fields Featuring The Expressions - "Do You Love Me (Like You Say You Do)" b/w "Honey Dove" (Truth & Soul cat. TS-004-45)
*The Mighty Imperials - "Thunder Chicken" b/w "Chico's Barnyard" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1018)
*Rickey Calloway & The Crack Mirrow Band - "Tell Me Pt. 1 & 2" (Kay-Dee Records cat. KD-004)

*Wilson Pickett - "Take A Closer Look At The Woman You're With" promo copy (RCA cat. DJHO-0049 (APBO-0049))
Damn. Wicked Wilson Pickett remained Wicked longer than I knew. Very cool stop start intro similar to Action Film Soundtracks of the time. Super Fly gets name checked over the "Shaft" style beat and the band then quotes the theme from "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly," not a bad start. The track grooves its way threw some nice screams from Mr. Pickett and fine musical a vocal accompaniment. Weirdly this track makes me think I don't own enough Bobby Womack or Wilson Pickett.

*Curtis Mayfield - "Do Do Wap Is Strong In Here (Edit) b/w "Need Someone To Love" (Curtom cat. CMS 0131)
This has always been one of my favorite Curtis tunes. Flawless opening guitar solo that moves over a Jazzy groove and some propulsive congas. This is from the soundtrack of the movie "Short Eyes" (Short Eyes is the prison term for a pedophile and the film is based on a play by Miguel Pinero). On LP this could be the only track Curtis curses on which is not necessarily one of the reasons why I like this track so much but it sure doesn't hurt. Once again like his superb soundtrack to "Super Fly" Curtis makes music that stands on its own with or without the visuals.

*War - "Low Rider" (United Artists Records cat. UA-XW706-Y (UAST-15793))
This is a picture sleeve copy. The one side has the "Why Can't We Be Friends" LP art on it and the other has a beautiful photo of a man in his ride. Oh yeah, this is "Low Rider" one of the best songs of all time.

*Betty La Vette - "My Train's Comin' In" (Silver Fox cat. SF-24 (711-978))
I have been digging this sound a lot over the past year; Hard Rocking Soul Sisters if you will. This track rolls along nicely with some wonderful vocal and music aggression. I need more of these... NOW!

*Foxy - "Trouble" (Double Shot Records cat. #153 (DS-353)

*The Ramrods - "Soultrain" - (Rampage cat. 1000 (R-100 & 1))
So this track is called "Soultrain" at least that is what it says on both sides of the 45 yet one is 2:30 and the other 1:30. There is no designation to part one or two which I think is really cool. The track skips along and picks up steam with a guitar solo which fades slightly to the back of the train on the shorter side. When ever I hear this 45 I wish I was in the studio so I could have heard the rest of this jam.

**Society's Children - "White Christmas" (ATCO cat.45-6538 (67C-13438-PL) - Arr. by Irving Spice (A Touch of Spice)
Society's Children give the Beach Boys a good run for their money on this extremely cheerful version of "White Christmas." Each year I like to find at least one more Christmas record and oddly enough found this one in the unsorted boxes. Lucky me, lucky you and of Merry Christmas.

*"The Alone Phone" - "Here's a disc with a couple of groovy tunes about..."
Ma Bell's got ill-communication! This one is a paper disc obviously ripped from a magazine advertisement - "At NY Telephone we're hip to your privacy..." "An Alone Phone it's really out-of-sight." The songs are a bit groovy so there is truth in advertising. The first version is a bit poppy while the second is pretty damn good. It has a dry vocal and Garagey melody driven by piano instead of organ. Like current automobiles I don't think I will be talking about any current "jingles" 30 years from now so needless to say I am pretty impressed.

*Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn - "Chapel Music and "Our Dream" by Vernon Stutzman, Director"
Very weird with cool vocal bits for snacking.

*Budweiser Showdown - "We Got The Juice - WBLS 107.5 FM" (Showdown Records BS1027 (SO17415)) B-side of local winner Tyrone Davis, Glen Stewart & Co. - "To John (Lennon)
What the hell is this? The "To John" track is horrendous. I really can't listen to stuff like this. People should not be allowed to do "tributes" if the song would be considered unworthy CRAP even by the likes of the American Idol crowd. Is American Idol so cleverly titled so that we know what music and people to avoid? Yoko Ono made a recording with the sounds of gunshots at the beginning in tribute to John Lennon. I am not unconvinced she was not trying to shoot these guys. But... the B-side is pretty damn good complete with Budweiser ad intro. This is a tribute I can get behind. Electro Boogie ode to Frankie Crocker and BLS produced by Crocker himself. Echo, guitars, shout outs and some of the cheesiest synth drums money could buy. Get your hands up in the air and shakem' like you just don't care. By the way the clearest recorded vocal part is when they are repeating "Frankie's got the juice, BLS' got the juice." All this beauty is capped off by another Bud ad. This all comes wrapped in a picture sleeve.

*Rascals - "Jungle Walk" (Columbia cat. 4-45649 (ZSS 156956))
The Rascals have always been a favorite of mine yet I don't own many of their records. You hear a track from one record and it is mind blowing and then the rest of the LP just doesn't live up to that track. The one thing that is obvious on all of their LPs is that they can run a funky groove pretty damn convincingly. Their later LPs include performances that include Joe Farrell, Alice Coltrane, Ron Carter and many others. "Jungle Walk" is one of their genuinely funky tracks (think somewhere between Parliament and Funkadelic - there is a place between there, I checked).

*The Romeos - "Juicy Lucy" (Mark II Records cat. M-101 (J-1B))
So this is the definition of fun. Flute conquers all on this the happiest of tunes. Believe it or not the flute on this track helps it from getting beat up at recess. The Boing Boing Boing bass line and the "chorus" need to be smacked around a bit if you ask me. All in all I actually like this track and all its Loungey goodness.

*Jose Madrigal Orchestra - "Azuquito Con Leche" and "Mambo Diablo" (Gateway Records cat. 148-AA (81718))
Old big band style Latin tracks are so much fun to listen to. This one has some great bass and wild percussion throughout. The real winner is the far more aggressive "Mambo Diablo" with it's driving dance beat.

*Irving Fields Trio - "Cuban Mambo" (Fiesta Record Company cat. 45-056 (F 98))
Everybody Mambo! This is a bit happy and feels like this is something that may have been played in Hotels rather than Clubs. Irving Fields piano playing makes me feel he is channelling the Marx Brothers which isn't a bad thing. I don't think I will go looking for much more of Irving Fields' music although I will be sure to play this with my Eddie Cano record.

*The Latin All Stars (Music Consultant - Tito Puente - Produced by Franf Peri - "Mi Chinna" b/w "Santa Isabel" (both tracks are Cha Cha Cha)(Roper Records (Special Series) cat. XX-503-A)
The Roper Label appears to be a private label for a dance studio. I will probably grab more of these next time I see my buddy because it seems he bought the whole series. "Mi Chinna" is a bit straight forward but played quite nicely. Sounds like it was recorded in a large space like a Webster Hall recording. "Santa Isabel" is a great Beny More track featuring a flute and some Montuno style piano. The track moves with real excitement.

*Eddie Barclay and His Orch - "Neu Piao" (Tico (el rey del mambo) cat. 45-249 (45-TR-998))
**Shirley & Lee - "Let The Good Times Roll" (Aladdin cat. 45-3325 (NO-2688))
**Les Paul - "Goofus" (Capitol cat. F1192 (45-6538))
**Betty Wright - "Clean Up Woman" (Alston cat. A-4601 (AL-23160LY)) Written by Reid-Clarke and Arranged by "Little Beaver"
**The Isley Brothers - "Shout - Part 1 and Part 2" (RCA Gold Standard Series cat. 447-0589) Great sounding re-issue.
**Johnny Nash "I Can See Clearly Now" (Epic cat. 5-10902 (ZSS 156984))

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

Primitive Sound System at Maxwell's Tuesday 11-23-04

Hello Y'all,
It's a short work week so there is no reason you can't drink straight through until Thursday. I didn't really plan on any food songs and I don't own "Alice's Restaurant." The below songs seem to be very drum heavy... drum breaks... drum sticks. Ah, OK, there it is. That's about as close as I am going to get to a food song this week. I'll leave the theme sets to the pros this week. Happy Thanksgiving and remember eat till it hurts and that goes for giving as well.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703


The 45s:

Panic Button - "Hitch It To A Mule" (Chalom Records cat. 101-A)
The opening of this 45 is a bit deceiving. It seems a bit more cheery than what is to follow it suddenly veers toward a raw groove and we're off. Maybe this is the result of trying to hitch something to a mule. Apparently it is a harder task than was first determined. As a drummer drums mean everything to me in a song to me. "Hitch it to the Mule" has some Duck's Ass tight drumming. No real breakbeat but skin snapping accuracy and a heavy handedness I can back.

Junior Wells - "Up In Heah" b/w "Junior's Groove" (Bright Star cat. 149 (BS-10470))
Junior Wells is too cool and this vocal version backed by the instrumental is reason e'nuff. One of the legends of 50's Blues Harp and he had a funk period as well. I was never a big fan of blues until I heard what Chicago had to offer. Loud production, loud drums and a signature harp solo.

Arlean Brown - "Impeach Me Baby" (LaNoRmAyA Records cat. 3939)
A Blues romp about getting impeached from a relationship is a pretty great thing especially when it comes with a nice open drum and guitar intro. "Stop treating me like Nixon at the Watergate." Damn that's good. Ms. Brown goes from admitting her cheating ways to throwing it in his face that she can get another man in a minute. "Her Man" strikes back with a campaign of his own but don't think Arlean ain't going to get in the last word. Her cheating and conniving ways don't me shit; just set her free.

Betty Davis - "If I'm n Luck I Might Get Picked Up" (Just Sunshine Records cat. JSA-503 (MB 2730 1-S-RE))
HOLY SHIT! I love this song so much. Betty Davis scared the shit out of Miles but not before turning him on to some great music, nuff said. Sweet Miss Mabry grew up to be one bad ass chic. She's wigglin' her fanny and raunchy dancing. OK, I'm game. Did I mention she is vicious trickin' as well and by the way it's just her night out. The band is down, dirty and mean but nothing can hold a candle to her. I have this with a picture sleeve thanks to my brother.

Ray Barretto - "Hard Hands" (Fania cat. 477 A)
Piano, Congas and horns pound the hell out of this tune with equal muscle. Basically a vehicle for Barretto to to what he does best GROOVE BABY! "Hard hands, get it together" what the hell does that even mean? One of Barretto's baddest grooves and he knows it, that's what.

Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand - Part 1" (Blue Note cat. BN-1955 (BN 4811 A))
Hands down one of my favorite Blue Note 7s. Dr. Lonnie has a very unique voice which works so perfectly with this tune.

All Points Bulletin Band - "Sexy Ways - Pretty Legs - Pt. 1" (Little City Records LCR-10102 (LCR-1942-M-1))
Gotta love a song that starts with the band conversing about what to do on a nice day, "I got, it let's go down to the playground..." "Yeah, yeah man..." WHAT? Despite having some short eyes this track kicks it in an Ohio Players way like no other. Nice ensemble funk playing with some fuzzy guitar, heavy drums and organ. Of course the vocals are punctuated with horns and thick cut bass. Great yet troubling.

Nilson - "Rainmaker" (RCA cat. 74-0761 (WPKS-0368))
Nilson was a very bizarre buddy of John Lennon. "Rainmaker" is proof of this bizarreness; Countrified, pop music, with an open drum break that ends up sounding like a heavy Bubblegum anthem. Perfect, it's a keeper. The song seems to champion the arrival of the "Rainmaker" on very hot Summer day Kansas but he comes for a price. OK, it's hot and they need the rain. Then what the hell is with the chorus' of "Rain rain go away?" Look this guy brought you water, one the elements important to survival. Ingrates. I hope it keeps pissing on Kansas.

1910 Fruitgum Co. - "Indian Giver" (Buddah Records cat. BDA 91 (BUD 5181))
Heavy drums lead of this Bubblegum classic, I guess we're on the warpath. It's a real tale of a broken heart. He really sounds duped by this thing called love. Thank God the sounds of a broken heart include buzzing organ lines and driving drums. The B-side is an ode to Howdy Doody. The lyrics are funny, happy and a bit crazy. "Bring back Howdy Doody, I've got to see it one more time!" Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the song is called "Pow Wow" and I always assumed it was a backward version of "Indian Giver." Silly me, tricks are for kids. Spin it backward. You know, how Satan listens to his vinyl.

Shocking Blue - "Acka Ragh" (Colossus cat. C 116 (CO 1023))
Don't forget to sign up early for open drum (break) night. WEEE! clocklike drums and electric sitar/guitar sounds. Grab the hookah and you're sitting on top of the world. Shocking Blue probably made other records than their wonderful S/T LP on Colossus (in fact I know they made several) but I have never heard any of them. "Acka Ragh" alone makes it difficult to seek the others out. If their other efforts are better some one tell me but for now this is bliss.

Bob Dylan - "From a Buick 6" (Columbia cat. 4-43389 (ZSO 11387))
This picture sleeve can't hold a candle to Betty Davis but the design is pretty awesome. Car songs are always great and Dylan dials in with one of the few Dylan songs I can sit through. Great instrumental romp backing (Bobby Greg, Mike Bloomfield, Harvey Brooks, Paul Griffin and Al Kooper) that could be the Stones with the strained voice of Bob Dylan barking out a story of his woman. "She brings me everything and more, just like I said!" I was once talking to the MCA Good Guy that worked at Downstairs Records. He was telling what was wrong with Dyke from Dyke and the Blazers voice. "Sounds like steam escaping a radiator. I don't know how you can listen to that..." I said "Do you like Dylan?" and he said of course. I believe I smiled and walked away.

Monday, November 15, 2004

Primitive Sound System at Maxwell's Tuesday 11-15-04

Hello Y'all,
This Tuesday, Ian McLagan (Muleskinners, Small Faces, Faces, Rod Stewart, etc, etc...), one of the few true "Rock Legends" I can back is playing at Maxwell's. My first concert without parental chaperone was Rod Stewart at Madison Square Garden in 1979. Granted, this was not the classic early lineup but going to this show was of the utmost importance to me. "Every Picture Tells A Story" was at the time one of my top 5 favorite LPs of all time (it still has holds a high rating). Regardless of the originals on "Every Picture..." Stewart and crew nail covers of several amazing tunes but known stayed with me longer than the blistering "(I Know) I'm Losing You." As I looked deeper and deeper into the catalog I learned and tracked the beginnings of "Every Picture..." Of course the Small Faces and the Faces were at the core of those beginnings. Soon it was apparent that three of the bands that I consider the greatest bands of all time had major connections (The Faces, The Rolling Stones and The Who). Members of all three bands play on many solo projects as well as permanent roles in the Stones and The Who taken from the Faces lineup. It should be obvious to most but it seems I usually have to point this out when discussing British rock; when the Stones and The Who were looking to fill vacancies in their line-ups where did they looked first? In the Stones case there are even conspiracy theories about foul-play to make room for a member they already knew they wanted. Kenny Jones is no Keith Moon but equally Keith Moon was no Kenny Jones. One member goes almost un-noticed throought this story but his timeless style drives the groove as much as the drummers in question. Ian Mc Lagan's style on keys owes more to Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff than Little Richard or Jerry Lee. McLagan is down right funky and can swing a hinge right off a gate. This should be a good night for all.

Also on the bill is Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate, Danny & Dusty). Dream Syndicate are easily one of the best bands to come from the 80's California Underground. Wynn continues to impress with every new release and recently has been doing Flamin' Groovies covers in support of the "Lost In The Grooves" book. Wynn's chapter is about the Groovies very Stonesesque "Jump In The Night."

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

45s:
Red Holloway - "Monkey Sho' Can Talk" (Prestige cat. PR 45-287 A)
Sometimes things are not what they seem. Mr Holloway has a knack for doing that. His "Gettin' It" track on his own label is one of the funkiest 45s I own. "Monkey Sho' Can Talk" is one of the best Garage Instrumentals I own. Oh, by-the-way Mr Holloway is a Jazz musician. A very well respected one at that.

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - "Dobbin' With Redd Foxx" (Prestige cat. 45-171 A)
Not really sure what this has to do with Redd Foxx. Maybe he and Lockjaw were buddies. This is another late night groover with sax soloing over a swirling organ and conga laced backing. The song moves through a true 50's style chu'ch organ solo that can whip any audience into a great mood before going out on a restatement of the theme over a more driving conga. More jazz for the jukebox. Damn I love this stuff.

Big Sambo & The House Wreckers - "At The Party" (Eric Records cat. 7003)
This is a screamer plain and simple. Big Sambo sounds very big and he really is kicking up some dust "At The Party." I wish most records sounded like this but maybe it's best they don't because this party never gets boring to me. I give this one - !!!!!

Christian Garros Et Son Orchestre - "Rockin' With Garros" (Columbia cat. ESDF 1131)
Big Band leader and one time Jacques Loussier drummer Christian Garros tries his hand at this thing called rock. Seems like he may have learned how to Rock from watching too many Looney Tunes cartoons. My personal favorite is "Chat Chat Rock" where it is HORRIBLY apparent that this is "Cha Cha Cha." What's up with the Chat Chat? Ah, the French so almost there when it comes to Rock.

Jody Williams - "Moanin' For Molasses" (Nike cat. 1013 (ZTSC 83641))
I have recently heard a few versions of "Moanin' For Molasses" none even come close to the Jody Williams version. Style and attitude cut the groove deep. If this was a fight you'd already be dead.

The "Noc-A-Bouts" - "Jungle Safari" (United Artists cat UA 126 x (45-S-116))
A stroll through the jungle for sure. Animal and monkey sounds over constant moans, horns and someone beating an organ. Suddenly a maniacal laugh and the most spastic drum roll this side of The Haze himself send you screaming on your way. The native sure do sound restless. Hey, yo!

"The Wailers" - "Tall Cool One" (Golden Crests Records cat. CR-518 (36591))
WEEEEEE! Classic Garage Instrumental time! This song is so great. The intro sways you quietly masking what is to come when suddenly everyone kicks in full bore and knocks you on your ass. This happens a few times and then the song fades. Que, play, repeat...

The Balloon Farm - "Question of Tempature" (Laurie Records Inc. cat. LR 3405 DJ (U4KM-8676))
When I was a kid one of my first obsessions were the sounds of 60's Garage and Psych. Every week I would wait for Bill Kelly's Teenage Wasteland like a hippo waiting for his fix of tranquilizers from Marlin Perkins. One of the songs that still gives me chills is "Question..." This defines the genre for me. Fuzzed guitars, organ and a snot nosed vocal sickly warning all that he's got it bad...

Jools Holland - "Boogie Woogie '78" (Deptford Fun City Records cat. DFC03)
Everybody do the mess around. It must have sucked for Jools to be born years too late. Luckily he is talented enough to make it all work when it could have all come out so wrong for mere mortals. Simple recording quality with dueling piano and organ, scratchy electric guitar licks that never seem out of place and of course Jools, Jools, Jools.

Harmon Bethea - "Roaches" (Musicor cat. MUS-1483B)
OK, look you should not leave your food out on the table over night. True as that may be apparently The Masked Man had pockets full of those crazy critters.

Mad Dog & The Pups - "Hip Squeeze" (Magic City cat. 4519 (45B1A)
I picture Mad Dog and The Pups as being 13-16 years old, maybe even younger. This is some funky shit for little kids to be laying down. Please don't ever ruin this image for me if you know the truth. "Mad Dog, no funk for you and the Pups until you straighten up your room."

Jimmy Vick and The Victors - "Take A Trip" (Cherry cat. 7888 A (10723))
SCREAMING! From start to finish this wicked little slab of melting wax spits at you and dares you to ignore it. Everything about this trip is double-time and out of control... "YEAH YEAH YEAH WOOO BABY!"

Specks Williams - "We Gave The Drummer Some" (Jax cat. A - 117)
Jazzy little tune with guitar more the feature than the drums is intro'd in the most polite announcement that "We gave the drummer some." After hours with just one person on the dance floor (if you can call it that); more like the space between the stage and the pool table. The shades pulled and the lights are low and all the pickled patrons are doing their best to draw one more from the barkeep.

Slim Harpo - "I've Got My Finger On Your Trigger" (Excello Records cat. 2309 (8767))
Slim gets funky in a Tony Joe White kinda way. Horns and electric keys pound away over a funky back beat. After some smooth vocals harmonica and a bit of fuzzed out electric guitar run the groove out.

Little Willie John - "I'm Shakin' " (King cat.45-5342 (45-K10575))
Little Willie John has one of the most distinct voices on record. Every word sounds like he is mocking your very existence. When he proclaims he is shaking you can tell he has fallen hard for the affection of his lady. Something tells me he may have used this line on more than a few of his ladies. "I'm noi-vous and I'm shakin'."

The Dap-Kings - "Nervous Like Me" (Kay-Dee Records cat. KD003)
This is the most brutal and heavy track ever by the perennially funky Dap-Kings. Many years back I got into a somewhat heated discussion with Mr. Gabriel Roth about his musically output. He was defending his position that he believed (The Dap-Kings, Soul Providers and every other nom de plum/alias they were going under) were as funky as The JBs every were if not more so. Of course 50% of this posturing was pouring out of the belief anyone has for their art and the swagger that comes from defending it or championing it if the case may be. The other 50% was trying to make me feel the same. Guess what, I do believe as Mr Roth. This 45 p(g)ro(o)ves it (proves and grooves it equally). This shit is heavy, it has changes and it just plain kicks ass. Find it, play it, preach it because this is fo' real.

The LPs:
James Brown - "Instrumentals" (King cat. 961)
Thin Lizzy - "Fighting" (Mercury cat. SRM-1-1108)
Ronnie Wood - "Now Look" (Warner Brothers cat. BS 2872 (S41,105))
Randy California - "Kapt. Kopter And The (fabulous) Twirly Birds" (Epic cat. E 31755)
MC5 - "High Time" (Atlantic cat. SD 8285)
and many, many more,,,

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Primitive Sound System at Maxwell's TONIGHT (11-09-04)!

Hello Y’all,
Sorry for the late notice. I will be manning the newly overhauled turntables at Maxwell’s this evening. I promised the Tuesday crew a night of R&B/Soul and Funk and hopefully I will satisfy their jones.

Some of the pulls for this week come from a few fine end of summer harvests. With my recent fatherhood status it’s not always easy to go diggin.’ I have figured out ways of unearthing some gems with a lot less effort than I used to. One of those solutions is to wait for the goodies to come to you. So, off to the FMU Record Fair I went with cash in hand. As I said hello to some friends old and new I walked past many neurotic collector types to the boxes of just two sellers; Mr. Fine Wine and Todd-O Phonic Todd. Considering I DJ Maxwell's every Tuesday (and the only regular DJ at Maxwell's) it is in Todd's best interest that I give him some hard earned green for some future spins. Hook me up he did in a fine way with some Garagey, Groovy and Rockin' bits. Next stop, the land of Wine and Groovies. Easily one of the best stops anyone could make in search of all things Soul, R&B, Funk and Groove. Sharing his real estate with Mr. Solid Hit Soul and the Philly Archives of Dave Brown things here can get a bit overwhelming and out of monetary control real quick. Yikes, I didn't bring enough money.

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
(maxwellsnj.com)
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Mr. Fine Wine:
1. Garry & Larry - "Come On (Havin' A Party)" b/w "Garlic Bread" (Goliath 600)
2. Sonny Knight Quartette (Sonny Knight Vocal & Organ) - "Let's Get It On. Part 1 & 2" (Aura Records cat. 88122 (AR-4515))
3. Willie Hobbs And The Dirte Four - "Gloria" b/w "On The Move" (Mercury cat. 72885 (1-43481(2)))
4. Foxy - "Trouble" b/w "I Like The Way You Love Me" (Double Shot Records cat. 153 (DS-353 (327)))
5. Hindal Butts - "In The Pocket" b/w "Welfare Cadillac" (M-S Records cat. M-S 220 (ZTSC-142559(8)))

Todd-O-Phonic Todd:
1. The Spats (featuring Dick Johnson (Arr. & A&R: Ray Pohlman)) - "The Roach" b/w "Gator Tails And Monkey Ribs" (ABC-Paramount cat. 45-10585 (AMP 45-4551(2)))
2. Bob Seger - "If I were a Carpenter" b/w "Jesse James (trad)" (Palladium cat. P1079A(B)
3. Scotty Mc Kay and his Orchestra - "Here Comes Batman" b/w "All Around The World" (Savannah Sound cat. SS-501-A(B))
4. The Strangeloves - "Night Time" b/w "Rhythm Of Love" (Bang Records cat. B - 514 (W - 10049(50)))
5. The Five Americans - "I see The Light" b/w "The Outcasts" (Hanna-Barbera Records cat. HBR 454)
6. Ray Columbus and The Invaders - "She's A Mod" b/w "Poison Ivy" (Zodiac cat. Z45/1164 (Z-283(4)))

Other worldly finds:
1. Kenny Rogers - "Fox's Den" (Fox Car Records Inc. cat. FC-902)
2. The Roundtable - "Eli's Comin'" b/w "Saturday Gigue" (Licorice Soul cat. LSD 004)
3. Studio G's Beat Group - "Hi, Bird" b/w "Movin'" (Licorice Soul cat. LSD 005)
4. The Blenders - "Nothin' But a Party Part I & II" (Tramp Records cat. TR-101)
5. The Dap-Kings - "Nervous Like Me" b/w "Nervous Like Me - Beats" (Kay-Dee Records cat. KD003)
6. Abraham and the Metronomes - "Party" b/w "Po' Boy Dream (previously unreleased)" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.20)
7. Little Curtis And The Blues - "Soul Desire (original version)" b/w "Soul Desire (alternate version)" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.21)
8. The Shades Of Black - "Mystery Of Black (Part one and Two)" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.22)
9. Funk 45's Box set - 10 Classic funk 45's with original labels and range bags (Warner Music UK Ltd. cat. 5046-72554-7)

Friday, October 29, 2004

Primitive Sound System - Filet of Soul!

The People's Choice - "Let Me Do My Thing" (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
From the "People" who brought you "Big Leg Woman" comes another soulful groover with that distinct Phil-L.A. of Soul sound.

Mr. C & Funck Junction - "Hot Butter 'N All - Part 2" (Hurdy-Gurdy Records)
The first time I heard this I had to listen to it over and over. Slamming instrumental food song. Doesn't get any better than this for me both sides are delicious.

Frankie Newsome - "Don't Mess With My Lovemaker" (Part II) (Savern)
Every time I play this I get into it like it was the first time I ever heard it. Part II starts with a Cow bell heavy break beat that would sound great in a Stoner Rock tune. "No dontcha do it.." Tortured, soul/funk that sounds like it was recorded live to two track in his bedroom.

Joe Arnold, Davis Combo - "Ride The Wind" (instrumental) b/w "No Clouds In The Sky" (2 Spot Records) So not an instrumental.
I got this from Robert at Finyl Vinyl. I listened through a collection that had been "cherry picked." HAHA! Apparently this wan't good enough for the experts. I also got Bill Johnson's version of "You Got Soul" from this stack. "Ride The Wind" is not an instrumental as the label reads. Great scratchy vocal over a junk yard band ripping through some soulful grooves.

Little Willie Jones - "You're Welcome To Try" (VRC - Vernell Record Co. Newark, NJ) NEWARK, NJ in the hizzouse!

Freddie Scott - "Am I Grooving You" (Shout)
So this is not "You Got What I Need" but this is definitely is what the Doctor ordered. "Am I Grooving you, Am I Grooving you, Am I Grooving you? WHOA!" Screaming for confirmation and obviously going the extra mile to please.

James Carr - "To Love Somebody" (Goldwax Records)
The Bee Gees were undeniably one of the most soulful groups to come out of the British Invasion. "To Love Somebody" gets the James Carr treatment and even throws in a cool little break during each chorus pass. Exceptional and as good as Nina Simone's version.

Howard Tate - "Stop" (Verve Records)
Jerry Ragovoy and Howard Tate mede one of the greatest soul recordings of all time with Tate's "Get It While You Can" and the damn thing came out on Verve Records. At this point I think I have most of the 45s from the session plus the two versions of the LP and I still wish there were more tracks. Leave 'em wanting more. "Stop" is a great representation of how incredible the mood and feel of the LP is.

Betty Davis - "Shoorah Shoorah" (Alston) Written by the great Allen Toussaint
I first got a copy of this after hearing it on Mr. Fine Wine's show many many years ago. Since then I have burned through about 5 copies.

Jo Ann Garrett - "Can You Deal With That" (Duo Records) Written and Produced by Andre Williams.
The great Andre Williams teams up with Jo Ann Garrett on a soulfully funky romp of empowerment. Jo Ann tells it like it is whether you give a shit or not. She's not really asking as much as she is telling, "Deal With It."

Marlena Shaw - "California Soul" (Cadet)
This is a big production with a big voice. The 45 pins the meters on this one and rightfully so. Marlena Shaw belts out Gerald Wilson's groovy lounge track of the funkiest backing track the tune has ever experienced. Ms. Shaw has so many great cuts in her catalog it would be hard pressed to choose one but this is as good as it gets and she gets it quite often.

Mr. D. & The Highlights - "Nose Full of White" JAS Records)
Instrumental ode to yeyo! OK, maybe Mr. D was a lifeguard. Whatever the reason for this organ driven instrumental I am glad I have a copy. This cut almost made it to "Vital Organs." It may have only been cut from the track listing last minute if I remember right. Both sides are great but I can't say no to an instrumental.


The T-K-O's with Hank Jacobs at the Organ - "The Charge" (Ten Star)
I have a few Hank Jacobs' 45s and this one is killer. The T.K.Os do a fine job on their own on the flip with "Can You Dig It" but "The Charge" really brings it home.

The Packers - "Soul Time, Part 1 & 2" (Tangerine Records)

Leon & The Burners - "Whiplash" (Josie)
Honey got me this one

Booker T. & The MG's - "Red Beans and Rice" (Stax)

Toussaint McCall - "Shimmy" (Ronn Records)

The T.S.U. Tornadoes - "Getting The Corners" (Atlantic)

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Primitive Sound System - Tuesday Night Mix Tape at Maxwell's!

Hello Y'all,
Not really sure what the connection is between the songs below considering I pulled them 2 weeks ago. Seems to be singers and their songs. That is a good thing considering This Tuesday Maxwell's back room will be host to Laura Veirs. I know there must be some great stuff amongst the over 150 singles I have packed up as well. I promise it will be good.

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
(maxwellsnj.com)
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The LP Box:
The Monkees - "Porpoise Song" From the Original Motion Picture Sound Track "Head" (Colgems)
The Monkees have always seemed more a part of my life than the Beatles. As I got older and experienced "Head" it became clear that there was a connection artistically with these four far beyond my love of "Goin' Down," one of the most maniac songs ever recorded. "Porpoise Song" is the soft trip leading into one of the most Dada celluloid releases ever. Exquisite and entertaining.

The Stars Come Out on Sesame Street - "Nasty Dan" (Children's Television Workshop)
Johnny Cash with Oscar The Grouch - Normally this would be a candidate for the "Need I say more" but I feel compelled to say how much I love this duo. Oscar should have cut a full album with The Man in Black. Maybe call it "The Man In Trash." This whole album is great but the standouts are Johnny Cash, The Pointer Singers, Ray Charles, Madeline Kahn and Jose Feliciano.

The Beach Boys - "Fall Breaks and Back to Winter (W. Woodpecker Symphony)" (Brother Records)
Call me crazy but does it seem like most people ignore the existence of this record? "Good Vibrations," "Heroes and Villains," "Vegetables," etc, etc... "Smile" isn't that much different. The Beach Boys went from surfer boys to drug addled adults during Pet Sounds and by these recordings they went beyond. The cover's simple primitivism is better than the happy neighborhood of "Smile" as well. This may be considered a mish-mash but considering "Smile" never saw the light of day in the late 60's it is way better than any rerecorded Anniversary Edition could ever be. (The four LP legit/bootleg is pretty great but not the easiest listen)

Warren Zevon - "Wanted Dead or Alive" From the LP of the same name. (Imperial Records)
When Warren Zevon passed away this was the first record of his I listened to. Some would consider this a lesser album but I won't even talk to those people. If I am ever on the run from the law, or just want to add a soundtrack to such a scenario this is one of the songs on the short list that come to mind.

The Flying Burrito Bros - "Hot Burrito #2" (A&M Records)
Another amazing band that has been discussed to the point of boredom. Thank god the music is so fucking good that it will never get boring, ever. So shut up! No one cares how the Burritto's changed your life and were the inspiration for starting your alt country band. It's a given. Hey, is "Exile on Main Street" your favorite Stones LP as well, imagine that. This is great music it will touch anyone who hears it.

Tony Joe White - "Woman With Soul" - from "...continued" (Monument)
One of the most soulful voice to play Rock-N-Roll. Tony Joe White gracefully connects Sehorn's Farm to Stax and he could sing the Blues too. Best known for "Rainy Night In Georgia" (included on this LP) Tony Joe could get down dirty and meaner than most.

New stuff:
Reverend Charlie Jackson - "God's Got It!" The Legendary Booker Singles (Crypt Records)
Punk/Garage label Crypt puts out one of the best Gospel releases I have heard in years, go figure.

Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Grow Fins Volume III (Xeric/Table of Elements)
The third (and final volume on vinyl) in the most incredible Beefheart compilation ever (no disrespect for Rhino's Riding Some Kind Of Unusual Skull Sleigh - $500, but it is CD only). I actually have the CD box of Grow Finds which comes with some great film footage.

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Found this variety of descriptions but no gig?

New! stuff...
The Staples Singers - "WHY? (Am I Treated So Bad)" (Epic)
OK, what else can ever be said about the greatness of the Staples Singers and of course one of souls greatest voices, Mavis. This track from their Epic catalog is downright Funky. Not necessarily in the same way the Stax material is funky but almost a James Brown produced female vocal track.

Lee Dorsey - "On Your Way Down" (Polydor)
Slow groove almost funky blues track from New Orleans most distinct voice, and considering the greatness out of N'Olans that is saying sumtin'.

Food Songs, Animal Songs Space songs...
"Slurp... The Wildest...The Kookiest...The Grooviest...The Slurpiest" (7 Eleven)
I was told about this long before "Brainfreeze" during a discussion about food songs. I started to seek it out and never came across one. After "Brainfreeze" the price of this stupid novelty record went through the roof. "A Rose by any other name...," but put a spin on that and there'll be snowball fights down below. Regardless, I love stuff like this. I'll file this between my Sears 45 and "Aint No Chicken In Harlem"

James Brown's Funky People...
James Brown - "Give It Up Or TurnIt A Loose" b/w "I'll Lose My Mind" (King) This is easily in my top 10 favorite grooves of all time. This version is just 2:45 and it still kicks ass.

Maceo & The Macks - "Doing It To Death" b/w "I Can Play For (Just You & Me) (People)
HOW ARE WE DOING IT!

Marva Whitney - "It's My Thing (You Can't Tell Me Who To Sock It To)" b/w "Ball Of Fire"
"It's Your Thing" with a James Brown production and an amazing Marva Whitney performance. Similar to Lee Perry putting his name on "The Popcorn" James and Marva take credit for The Brothers masterpiece. A true masterpiece as well.

A.C. Reed - "Boogaloo - Tramp" (Nike)

Moon People - "Land of Love" (Speed)
One of the finest Latin Lounge grooves.

Blue Note
Bobby Hutcherson "Brother Rap" b/w Gerald Wilson "California Soul"
I can't remember which comp this came with FREE but it was one of those 90's UK Blue Note packages. Two nice "big band" funky jazz grooves. Hutcherson takes on James Brown's "Brother Rap" and comes out a winner as well as Gerald Wilson's brilliant version of "California Soul."

Some LPs I'll be bringing...
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band - "Clear Spot" (Reprise Records)
One of the many perfect records from a true original and a damn fin artist as well.

Can - "Ege Bamyasi" (United Artists)
This is probably number one on my all time favorite LPs. I have been thinking of the whole concept of "Desert Island Discs" recently (a ridiculous concept if there ever was) and this would be in my backpack. Why I wouldn't take first aid and provisions of sorts I don't know but I guess the cover and inner sleeve are edible. If my brother doesn't show up to do his hour set I might play this and the Beefheart through.

Enoch Light Presents Free Design - "Stars/Time/bubbles/Love" (Project 3 Total Sound Stereo)
True insipid crap. The current craze about "Free Design" can only be explained in a similar way as the trucker hat craze. Lemmings! Bought this many years ago because of the unbelievable funky organ intro (about 1 1/2 minutes) to "Tomorrow Is The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life." Too bad nothing else comes close. My 18 month old thinks this stuff is sugary and childish.

Ocho - "What are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?" (UA LAtino)
Mix this 2 minute intro with the above and you have a great little Funk and Latin set for a very short party!

The Animated Egg - "Alshire Presents..." (Alshire Records)
One of the rock bands behind the "101 Strings" series when things called for Rock or a little Funk. Great Psyche instrumentals.

101 Strings "Sounds Of Today - The Sound Of Magnificence" (Alshire Records)
Fom the back cover liner notes - "Sounds of Today... played by the world's largest orchestra. Hit songs from the era of Soul, Psychedelia and The New Generation - over 130 Players "Turned On" with songs and sounds of today - The most astounding "trip" ever to be taped."

Henry Mancini - "The Party" (RCA Victor)
Peter Sellers rockin' the Sitar! Doesn't get any better than this. Hollywood drops acid and Jack Davis makes one of his best movie posters ever.

Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spock's Music From Outer Space - "Music To Watch Space Girls By" - (Dot)
Something tells me this is most likely Lalo Schifrin. Recorded around the time of his Dot label solo LP and the inclusion of a great version of "Mission Impossible." A little spoken word and words of wisdom from the pointed ear guy from "In Search of..."

Quincy Jones and His Big Band - "Big Band Bossa Nova" (Mercury)
"Soul Bossa Nova" was made famous as the Austin Powers Theme in the first Austin Powers movie. This is a great LP from start to finish and if Mike Myers is responsible for turning some folks onto some great music more power to him, Austin.

Jerry Goldsmith - "Our Man Flint" (20th Century-Fox Records)
James Coburn and a cast of beautiful woman with a fantastic loungy soundtrack. Done.

Three that need no explanation...
Al Caiola...Sounds For Spies and Private Eyes (United Artists)
Basie Meets Bond - Count Basie and His Orchestra - Thunderball and Other Themes From The James Bond Movies (United Artists)
Ray Barretto - Senor 007 (United Artists)

The Sensational Guitars of Dan and Dale - "Batman and Robin" (Tifton Audio Series)
Long one of my favorite Batman LPs I was ecstatic when I heard the band was Sun Ra. Great LP.

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Sabroso! - Latin Music and Food Orgy

Hey Y'all,
It's Tuesday night and it's another Latin music and food orgy. Around 12am I like to break from the Latin and bring in some funk, afro beat, or just about anything with a groove. With the snow last week things got real thin and we ended up doing more talking then DJing. I started dropping album sides. Believe it or not for 2 hours we ran down: Last Poets with Purdie - (Delights of the Garden - Side One); Dance With Willie Henderson 'The Master' (Side Two); Temptations - (Solid Rock - Side One + "What It Is"); The Nite Liters (Side One) and a couple others.

Anyway, it ties into this DJing for Idiots thing. Album sides. The only way to go out and educate yourself about a group or artist. 32 contractually obligated minutes of music by a single artist or group. When I take my break on Tuesdays to eat it's almost always Ray Baretto - Head Sounds. I do change this up but people always ask "What is this?" I think the allure is the fact that it is an album side. Try it on a slow night (we all have 'em). It was fun and definitely educational for some.

On the negative side. I have been asked for "You know that great lounge tune that is in all the movies "Fried Necks and Some Fries," come on you know." ...and it was playing.

Come by for some Willie Bobo "Neckbones" or Mongo's Sofrito. It's all good!

Cooking up some wholesome goodness...

Hello Y'all,
I hope this gets out to the usual suspects. I recently updated to OS X and think I may have lost all my old email but more importantly ALL my email addresses. I moved some to my web mail a while ago but certainly not all of them dating back to 1999.

This week we are being pushed by the angry wind known as Francine. As always we will go genre hopping throughout the night. I brought some heavy stuff from recent years as well as some odd lounge things. I don't even remember what I packed in my LP bag. I packed it two weeks ago so come be surprised with me, I don't think you will be disappointed. Below are a few new and old things that will certainly blow through the speakers. Please come by and enjoy the music the food and the alcohol.
- pat.
Primitive Sound System
Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The 45s:
The Turnarounds - "Soul Walk" - (Tangerine Records) Recently I have come across a few great records on Ray Charles' Label. Let's just say that Brother Ray was a bad Motherfucker. This track kicks and hopefully will shake a few asses.
John Roberts - "Sophisticated Funk (instr) - (Duke) - I had this on a comp. I believe it was a Goldmine comp. it's got nice guitar and horns which is why I believe he felt it "sophisticated." It's got great drums to boot. That just makes it great.
Manzel - "Space Funk" b/w "Midnight Theme" These are the Dopebrother Records 7" mixes on one 45 with a picture sleeve. What an amazing band. Supposedly the unreleased LP will see the light of day soon. I hope so. Space and Funk all in one title. Well if that isn't as close to heaven as one can get I don't know what to tell ya.
Troubled Soul - "reissue" "Funky Me Part #1 & Part #2" - (Crowbar Records) A few things have been written suggesting this may not be a re-issue. Whatever ever this is or whom ever it is doesn't really matter. I once read "If it has Rock in the title it usually isn't." Thank God that doesn't hold true for the funk genre. This is Funky and it says so right on the label.
Timothy - "K. C. Stomp" - (Shawn Records) Timothy (McNeely) was one prolific, funky fellow. This is yet another reissue from his catalog. If this one had funky in the title that would be fine but instead it says Stomp. So STOMP we will to a very funky groove.
Bobby Rush - "Chicken Heads" b/w "Mary Jane" - (Galaxy) Bobby Rush had a minor hit with "Chicken Heads." I think it was a hit of another kind that may have driven him creatively. "Mary Jane" is an excellent little groover and a tribute to a fine herb.
Jesse Johnson - "Kickin' The Habit" b/w "Down The Line" by Chocolate Fudge Express - (Turf Records) Damn I had been looking for this for a while. Sounds as good as I remember. I am a sucker for funky grooves and a message and this has both in good measure. OK the B-side is by Chocolate Fudge Express; good gracious that is funny and sad as a band name.
Billy Wade and The 3rd Degrees - "Tear It Up, Part 1 and Part 2" - (ABC Records) If you call your record "Tear It Up" it is so much more dangerous than calling it "funky." The criticism would be one of those one line annoying reviews, "Tear it up, maybe they should have." No worries here. Slamming R&B, funky party song.
In the past few years I have purchased some boxes of records from flea markets, gate and garage sales and of course through word of mouth. These are the collections that the condition is always questionable and you are not really sure what you are getting. $3 - $5 for a cool looking box filled with 45s. The Pot Luck of the collectors world. I recently was able to go through and clean up some of them. What follows are most likely the cream of the crop... of course the boxes were pretty great.
Ernie K-doe, - "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" b/w "Real Man" - (Minit Records) I have known "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" from a few different comps and Ernie K-doe has always been a favorite but what a nice surprise on the B-side. A groovy tune penned by Allen Toussaint using his pseudonym Naomi Neville.
Chuck Bower and "The Stardusters" Featuring Cy Sticks & Jimmy - "Cy Boogie" - (The Stacy Lee Label 1975) Wow, this little boogie number has a revved up guitar solo about 3/4's the way through which almost pushes it into a gargey instrumental. All and all a fun listen and a nice track.
Super Cirkus - "Bubblegum March" - (Super K) This is it. This is what digging is all about. Nasty guitar and drum heavy instrumental form the genres most prolific crew. This track moves effortlessly from Garage, Heavy late 60s Rock and Funk and then back again. When I pulled it from the box alone in my studio I thought to myself cool, I love Bubblegum music. When I put it on I actually looked around to make sure no one else heard it. So I could listen to it over and over and then properly share it with others. Again, this is the old record clerk in me coming out. This must be heard, in all it genre hopping glory. If you know it already lucky you, if you don't make sure you ask me to play it for you or tell you when it is about to drop.
Spontaneous Combustion - "Walk On By" - (Rod Records) Slow groove take on a great slow groove. This 70's prog outfit graduated one of its members to Rod Stewart's 80's backing group... how ironic.
The Rugbys - "You, I" - (Amazon Records) I remember thinking when I got this, Soul 45 because it says "SHELBY SINGLETON PRODUCTIONS INC." on the label. Once again was I completely surprised at this nasty little garage punk number. Supposedly this was a "hit" in 1969. I suppose this was a hit locally in Nashville but if it was at a national hit I once again must say that commercial radio really really really sucks! R-O-C-K!
The LPs:
I have no idea what is in there. Really.

Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo

Hello Y'all
This week we are being pushed by the angry wind known as Francine. As always we will go genre hopping throughout the night. I brought some heavy stuff from recent years as well as some odd lounge things. I don't even remember what I packed in my LP bag. I packed it two weeks ago so come be surprised with me, I don't think you will be disappointed. Below are a few new and old things that will certainly blow through the speakers. Please come by and enjoy the music the food and the alcohol.

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
(maxwellsnj.com)
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The 45s:

The Turnarounds - "Soul Walk" - (Tangerine Records) Recently I have come across a few great records on Ray Charles' Label. Let's just say that Brother Ray was a bad Motherfucker. This track kicks and hopefully will shake a few asses.

John Roberts "Sophisticated Funk (instr) - (Duke) - I had this on a comp. I believe it was a Goldmine comp. it's got nice guitar and horns which is why I believe he felt it "sophisticated." It's got great drums to boot. That just makes it great.

Manzel - "Space Funk" b/w "Midnight Theme" These are the Dopebrother Records 7" mixes on one 45 with a picture sleeve. What an amazing band. Supposedly the unreleased LP will see the light of day soon. I hope so. Space and Funk all in one title. Well if that isn't as close to heaven as one can get I don't know what to tell ya.

Troubled Soul - "reissue" "Funky Me Part #1 & Part #2" - (Crowbar Records) A few things have been written suggesting this may not be a re-issue. Whatever ever this is or whom ever it is doesn't really matter. I once read "If it has Rock in the title it usually isn't." Thank God that doesn't hold true for the funk genre. This is Funky and it says so right on the label.

Timothy - "K. C. Stomp" - (Shawn Records) Timothy (McNeely) was one prolific, funky fellow. This is yet another reissue from his catalog. If this one had funky in the title that would be fine but instead it says Stomp. So STOMP we will to a very funky groove.

Bobby Rush - "Chicken Heads" b/w "Mary Jane" - (Galaxy) Bobby Rush had a minor hit with "Chicken Heads." I think it was a hit of another kind that may have driven him creatively. "Mary Jane" is an excellent little groover and a tribute to a fine herb.

Jesse Johnson - "Kickin' The Habit" b/w "Down The Line" by Chocolate Fudge Express - (Turf Records) Damn I had been looking for this for a while. Sounds as good as I remember. I am a sucker for funky grooves and a message and this has both in good measure. OK the B-side is by Chocolate Fudge Express; good gracious that is funny and sad as a band name.

Billy Wade and The 3rd Degrees - "Tear It Up, Part 1 and Part 2" - (ABC Records) If you call your record "Tear It Up" it is so much more dangerous than calling it "funky." The criticism would be one of those one line annoying reviews, "Tear it up, maybe they should have." No worries here. Slamming R&B, funky party song.

In the past few years I have purchased some boxes of records from flea markets, gate and garage sales and of course through word of mouth. These are the collections that the condition is always questionable and you are not really sure what you are getting. $3 - $5 for a cool looking box filled with 45s. The Pot Luck of the collectors world. I recently was able to go through and clean up some of them. What follows are most likely the cream of the crop... of course the boxes were pretty great.

Ernie K-doe "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" b/w "Real Man" - (Minit Records) I have known "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" from a few different comps and Ernie K-doe has always been a favorite but what a nice surprise on the B-side. A groovy tune penned by Allen Toussaint using his pseudonym Naomi Neville.

Chuck Bower and "The Stardusters" Featuring Cy Sticks & Jimmy - "Cy Boogie" - (The Stacy Lee Label 1975) Wow, this little boogie number has a revved up guitar solo about 3/4's the way through which almost pushes it into a gargey instrumental. All and all a fun listen and a nice track.

Super Cirkus - "Bubblegum March" - (Super K) This is it. This is what digging is all about. Nasty guitar and drum heavy instrumental form the genres most prolific crew. This track moves effortlessly from Garage, Heavy late 60s Rock and Funk and then back again. When I pulled it from the box alone in my studio I thought to myself cool, I love Bubblegum music. When I put it on I actually looked around to make sure no one else heard it. So I could listen to it over and over and then properly share it with others. Again, this is the old record clerk in me coming out. This must be heard, in all it genre hopping glory. If you know it already lucky you, if you don't make sure you ask me to play it for you or tell you when it is about to drop.

Spontaneous Combustion - "Walk On By" - (Rod Records) Slow groove take on a great slow groove. This 70's prog outfit graduated one of its members to Rod Stewart's 80's backing group... how ironic.

The Rugbys - "You, I" - (Amazon Records) I remember thinking when I got this, Soul 45 because it says "SHELBY SINGLETON PRODUCTIONS INC." on the label. Once again was I completely surprised at this nasty little garage punk number. Supposedly this was a "hit" in 1969. I suppose this was a hit locally in Nashville but if it was at a national hit I once again must say that commercial radio really really really sucks! R-O-C-K!

The LPs:
I have no idea what is in there. Really.

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

"Geeba Jabba Dance" Maxwell's Hoboken NJ

Hello Y'all,
Unfortunately naming this Beast has not been easy. Still nothing solid as of yet. Two names are in the running: Giambotta or "GiamBrolt" as my Grandmother pronounced it and "Mixed Tape." Giambotta is an Italian stew that basically can contain anything. Like my Grandmother would say, "Everything and the kitchen sink." My Grandmother was famous for her "Geeba Jabba Dance" but that is a whole other story. I started making mixed tapes when I was about 9 or 10 years old. My Dad would bring home these Ampex 30 minute tapes and I would toil over filling them. Sometimes choosing and fading out the last song on a side for hours just so it was perfect. I can only assume this was a major contributor to my obsession with music. I always found the Mixed Tape as a great way to spread the knowledge. Who knows maybe something else will come to mind. In the meantime come by drink, eat and above all enjoy. Peace.
- pat.
Primitive Sound System
Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street - Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Some music to excite the ears...
LPs:
Silver Apples - from the S/T first record - "Lovefingers" - (Kapp) - I saw these guys play twice during the re-union tours. If you were a fan of these two bizarre LPs the live shows proved they were truly talented as well as ahead of their time.
Leviathan - from S/T - "Abaresque" (Mach Records/London) - I got this from J.Geil's Band's former manager. He brought in a bunch boxes of records to the store over a two month period. He had some great stories and mostly pretty common records. This strange Prog Rock record called to me and I love this cut. He wanted me to have a few records so I picked this and...
Left End - Spoiled Rotten - (Polydor 1974) - A rock record taking equal parts Mod and equal parts Rocker and making a great rock record. The cover reminds me of that video of Ratt with Milton Bearle. Not sure what cut yet.
Doug Sahm and Band - S/T - "I Get Off" - (Atlantic 1973) - This records got a nice who's who of players and a sound that is very love. "I Get Off" is a funky little groove that ends the whole affair. I always say that a great LP will feel like a mixed tape. This must be a great LP.
Lester Bangs and the Delinquents -from - Jook Savages on the Brazos - "Life Is Not Worth Living (But Suicide's a Waste of Time)" - (Live Wire Records) - There is nothing reasonably cleaver left to be said about Lester Bangs. I read Cream Magazine as a kid. I love the posthumous books. He made two great LPs and one of my favorite singles. The liners are by Nick Tosches, I'll just be quite now.
The Ventures In Space - "War Of The Satellites" (Dolton Records) - From the liner notes: All of these unusual & other-worldly sounds have been created with musical instruments rather than electronic gimmicks. Need I say more?
OST - Music & Lyrics Milton & Anne DeLugg - Gulliver's Travels Beyond The Moon "Ursa Minor" - (Mainstream) - I watched this sometime in the 80's and almost shit when I heard the music. I found like 3 sealed copies at Footlight records in the early 90's. This is still one of my favorite soundtracks. Weird songs about Space and War for the most part. Cool electronic madness.
Calexico - Feast of Wire - "Attack El Robot! Attack!" - (Quarter Stick Records/City Slang) - This sure does seem to be a homage to Rise Robot! Rise! From the aforementioned soundtrack and they sound so good together. Calexico are two of the most talented and creative musicians currently playing music.
The One and Only Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Precious Memories - "Come By Here" - (Savoy) - Did Jimi Hendrix's grandma play guitar? You would think. Rosetta Tharpe could rip up a guitar like Jimi and belt it out like Aretha.
Merry Clayton - S/T - "Southern Man" (Ode Records) - It is probably safe to assume that if Lynard Skynard hated Neil Young for writing a song knocking the south then imagine what they thought of this version. I fucking hate Lynard Skynard. I love this version of this song.
The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - S/T ""Fried Okra" - (Warner Brothers Records) - This is one of the greatest backing bands and on their own they were devastating. Like the cover says "Hot Heat and Sweet Groove."

Some 45s for this week:
Elvis Costello - "Radio Sweetheart" - (Stiff 1977) - This is the B-Side of Less Than Zero. Great steal guitar and weepy lyrics.
Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer" (Acoustic) - (Sire 1977) - B-side of "Psycho Killer." Something extra creepy when this song is done acoustically. Maybe it is the sittin' around the campfire effect, no not singing Kumbaya but telling Ghost Stories.
The Slits - "Typical Girls" - (Antilles) At one time this was the hardest record to convince people to buy. I love the LP so much. Great grooves, bizarre vocals and crazy ass lyrics. The B-Side of this is a version of "Heard It through The Grapevine."
Neil Diamond - "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" - (Bang Records) I would call this a guilty pleasure but that would insinuate it was not good. DIAMOND! All Neil all the time. Okay he did suck soon after this but I still love it.
Chris Bell - "I Am The Cosmos" - (CAR Records 1978) One of the Founders of Big Star. This brilliant 45 was only given its real due when Rykodisc issued the entire session in "92 (CD only unfortunately). If there was ever a reason to buy a CD player it would be that release. Chris Bell was listening to the Beatles while Alex Chilton was chowing down Memphis Soul Stew. I guess sometimes the Beatles influenced something great.

Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Sabroso! El Ultimo Baile

Hello Y'all,
It's been a few weeks but I am back. This week may be the last week under the Sabroso! moniker but not the end of Latin music. The new format will include...anything I fucking feel like! Free form and out of earshot of babies; let the profanities fly. Too many records and genres to deny the speakers the great joy of unlimited sounds and rhythms.

"You put me down - 'Cause I couldn't dance - You didn't even want me around - But now I'm back - To let you know - I can really, shake 'em down!"

I'll have to take a look at the Maxwell's schedule and see what the schedule is like and when the next DJ night is. Regardless next time:
New name; New format.

This week will feature some great Latin music and a crate of Soul Jazz records. God I love Soul Jazz and Groove records. I found it almost impossible to choose which Charles Kynard or Jimmy McGriff record to bring. Wouldn't you like to know? If only all decisions had such sweet consequences. I can't wait to listen to these records as well. So please come by and I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Here's some of the treats on this weeks menu:
45s:
Yusef Lateef - "Bishop School" - (Atlantic) - Whacky vocalese and ensemble grooves!
Woody Herman - "Fat Mama" - (Fantasy) - That's right the Herbie Hancock song from Fat Albert Rotunda.
Mark III Trio - "G'Wan (Go On) - (Wingate)
Mato & The Mystics - "Soul Groove" (Dubb Intl.)
Dave Davani Four - "The Jupe" - (Capitol)
The Steve Mason Trio - "Nitty Gritty Humbug" - (Upswing - Penneys Records) Fantastic organ groover.
The Bobby Cook Quartet - "Ridin High" - (Compose)
Herbie Hancock - "Crossings" - (Warner Brothers) - Promo only release.
Jay Berliner - "Stickball" - (Mainstream)
Quincy Jones - "Summer In The City" - (A&M Records)
Grady Tate - "Be Black Baby" - (Skye)
Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand" Pt 1 & 2 (Blue Note) One of Blue Notes finest grooved moments and with vocals by Smith.
The Three Sounds - "Sittin' Duck" - (Blue Note)
Reuben Wilson - "Orange Peel" - (Blue Note)
Funk Inc. - "Bowlegs" - (Prestige)
Gary Bartz Ntu Troop - "Dr. Follow's Dance" - (Prestige)
Freddie Roach - "Spacious" - (Prestige)
Gene Ammons - "Jungle Strut" - (Prestige)
Ross Carnegie - "Cool Dad" - (El-Con Records)
The Stark Reality - "Say Brother" - (Big Yellow)
Oliver Sain - "On The Hill" Pt 1 & 2 - (Vanessa)

Some LPs:
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet - "Music, You All" - (Capitol)
Harold Alexander - "Sunshine Man" - (Flying Dutchmen)
Roy Brooks - "The Free Slave (Recorded Live! At The Left Bank Jazz Society) - (Muse)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" - (Prestige)
Donald Byrd - "Ethiopian Knights" - (Blue Note)
Lou Donaldson - "Say It Loud!" - (Blue Note)
Grant Green - "Live at The Lighthouse" (Blue Note)
Paul Jackson - "Black Octopus" - (East World / Toshiba EMI)
Melvin Jackson - "Funky Skull" - (Limelight)
Ramon Morris - "Sweet Sister Funk" - Groove Merchant
Rhoda Scott - "Live at The Club Saint-Germain" - (Barclay)
Larry Willis - "Inner Crisis" - (Groove Merchant)


See You There,
- pat.

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Sabroso! and Swap/B-B-Q Recap

Sabroso!
Hey Y'all,

Damn, what a day we had Saturday at the Record Swap/B-B-Q. The Defibullators were amazing! Something about drinking beer, looking at records while grooving to a country swing soundtrack. God bless the inventor of the Pedal Steel. Things went so well we are thinking about having a Summer closer as well...hmmm twist our arm.

Tuesdays at Maxwell's is Latin Night. The food is hot and now so is the music. Pat. Longo has joined forces with el Diablo to cook up some of the best in Latin food and music. Spinning continuous Latin/Afro Beat and Funk music spanning 6 decades. No style will be left uncooked - Folklorico, Salsa, Boo-Ga-Loo, Rock, Funk, Lounge and Jazz. Providing a soundtrack for eating, drinking, dancing or just sittin' back and listening. In the words of el Diablo himself - "You build it ...and they will came!" so please do.

Some stuff you'll hear this week:
TNT Band "The Meditation" - (Cotique) WOW I love this cut. He gets revved up at the end you think he may explode.

The Pazant Brothers - "Skunk Juice" - (RCA Vistor) These guys do no wrong and this could be one of their best, but who is counting.

Willie Bobo "Broasted or Fried" - (Now Again) This re-issue is a slightly different version than the LP cut. I bet rehearsal tapes of this track are fierce as well. One of my favorite songs of all time.

Mandrill "Hagalo" - (Polydor) This is the B-side of the Latin Funk classic "Fencewalk." This song just kills with a groove that can't be beat and a beat that can't be ignored.

Snowboy "I've Got To Learn To Mambo" (Chilli Funk) They say we should never stop learning. Maybe that is what makes Snowboy so great, he lives that theory. I can't get enough of his music. I hope he records 100 records in the next 20 years. The "sampler" LP of his new CD is so awesome I think I'll listen the entire thing while I enjoy my dinner break Tuesday night.

Butterball - "Butterballs" - (Fast Eddie Records) Apparently he is a BIG man not unlike myself, but it sounds like he may be jus' a bit mo' funky.

Eddie Bo - "Can You Handle It" (Bo Sound) Haven't played this in a while, what the hell is wrong with me?

Hoctor Records:
Cissy Strut b/w Friendship Train (H-2780)
Uncle Festers Blues b/w Adams Family Theme (H-2783)
Moving World b/w Get It On (H-2904)
Gold Coast b/w Banana Pudd'n' (H-2920)

New Finds!
Juggy - "Oily" - (Sue) FINALLY! I have been wanting a copy of this hard groove for some time. Got this Saturday at the swap. Thanks Greg!

Ross Carnegie (His Hammond Organ and Band) "Cool Dad" b/w "Win Lose Or Draw" - (El-Con Records) OK so this is another track from the Vital Organs. Either I did something good for or to someone recently or this stuff is getting easier to find.

Donald Austin "Side Saddle" Part 1 & 2 (Woody Records) From the man that brought you "Crazy Legs." This cut is a little harder but with a very similar sound.

Cyril Neville "Gossip" b/w "Tell Me What's On Your Mind" (Josie) Holy Shit this is heavy. I am not sure if I heard this before and if I did I was probably knocked unconscious. This and the Donald Austin came from he is the Finest of Wine, and I thank you.

One more time! I know I brought them last week but, damn these are good.
Jimmie Willis "Soul Power" - (ORR Records)
Pace-Setters "Freedom and Justice" - (Kent)
The Soul Set "Flunky - Flunky" - ("BB" Records)
Rufus Thomas "Sophisticated Cissy" (Stax)

See You There,
- pat.

Monday, June 14, 2004

Sabroso! - The Descriptions Begin!

Sabroso!
Hey Y'all,
I was feeling ambitious so here is a list of some new things and some
descriptions:

12's and LPs:
Gerardo Frisna blends Sabu Martinez & Sahib Shihab (Schema 12") So one side is called "African Seeds" and the other is called "Latin Seeds" I don't think I have to explain this do I? Both sides are great and I have to figure out which to play first.

Widwest Funk (Funk 45s from Tornado Alley - 21 Rare and Unreleased Cuts) (Jazzman Records) With a cover that looks very much like a rip of a Rbt. Williams painting (credited to Ski Williams) it is nice to read "All tracks fully licensed" on the back. Following in the very researched footsteps of "Texas Funk," "Midwest Funk" kicks up enough dirt to cause it's own tornado. The whole thing is worth the price of admission just for the Wanda Davis cut "Save Me." Whether original or not all the cuts rock hard in a funky way even the jazzier efforts. The comp includes the second legal appearance of The Hatch on a compilation which was also issued as a 45 by the Jazzman label through their own Funk 45 label. The track was first unearthed by Mr. Fine Wine and appears on the "Mr. Fine Wine Presents Vital Organs - Vol. One." A fully licensed and amazing comp as well... if I do say so myself.

The following are some nice Latin reissues probably through Scorpio Records in Trenton NJ. Some really great Latin grooves for a really good price.
Mauricio Smith - "Bitter Acid" (Mainstream Records)
Ray Terrace - "Home of the Boogaloo: (Tower Records)
Kako & his Orchestra (vocals by Azuquita) - "Live It Up"(West Side Latino Records)

45s:
Jimmy McGriff - "Black Pearl" b/w "Groove Alley" (Blue Note Records 45)
A more blues driven LP by the same name the "Black Pearl" track swings with a funky gate. Fats Theus nails a great sound in his solo driving the track to it's finish.

Johnny "Hammond" Smith - "Soul Talk (Pt. 1 and 2) (Prestige Records 45)
Part 2 of this Soul Jazz groover has a break only heard from the sticks and feet of one Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. Reminiscent of the monstrous "Pretty Purdie" break from the Date LP.

The Isley Brothers - "It's Your Thing b/w Don't Give it Away (T-Neck 45)
For close to 2 years I have looked to replace my worn out copy of one of my favorite songs of all-time. When it arrived in the mail and I listened to this very clean copy I realized why I love this cut so much IT FUCKING COOKS! Classic.

Donald Byrd - "Black Byrd" b/w "Slop Jar Blues" (Blue Note 45)
The Black Byrd LP is an Electric Soul Jazz classic. Theh title cut is a late night groove that hits like a silk pillow. Believe me that is a good thing.

Limp Twins split with The Bamboos - "Elemental" b/w "Another Day in the Life of Mr. Jones" (Bamboo Shack Version) (Tru-Thoughts 45) The Mighty Bamboos! These guys kick some serious ass in the new funk game or any game you want to call them on.

Bama & The Family - "Feeling Good" b/w "Drums of Asiko" (Lenar 45)
Still pounding the Afro-Beat drum, still moving asses. "Feeling Good" is right with a slow funk walk.

Malcouns - "Ukola" b/w "Smelly Shoes" (Watou Records 45)
"Ukola" sounds like it would fit right in with ESG or Liquid Liquid or maybe Afro-Beat played by the SunRa Orchestra with the sax chair held by Dudu Pukwana. If you even understand part of that description you will love this track. "Smelly Shoes" opens with a beat worthy of The Silver Apples but that is where the esoteric descriptions end. This is a fine modern Afro-Beat cut with keys, bass and brass all well represented. Nice two-sider for those with eclectic taste.

Lil Buck & The Top Cats - "Monkey In A Sack" b/w "Cat Scream"
Another great reissue from the much appreciated Jazzman Records subsidiary Funk 45. Horns cook over a JB's tight as a duck's ass rhythm section all punctuated with a guitar that winks. Apparently the Monkey is movin' and groovin' and not putting up a fight. "Cat Scream" is a bit faster and more modern sounding.


See You There,
- pat.

Monday, May 03, 2004

Sabroso! - A New Box of $5 Latin Records

Hello Y'all,

Did all right at the Record Fair. I was a bit lost at first with the absence of the "Dollar Record" guys from DC. As luck would have it Robin Edgerton over heard one of the dealers say that all his records were $5 regardless of sticker. He had about 8 boxes of Latin records and below is a list of what I snagged. Most of what he had was from the 50's or in a Salsa groove but that's OK with me.

A HUGE thank you to Robin!

$5 each - Almost all in mint condition:
Coritjo & Su Combo con Ismael Rivera (Rumba Records)
Charranga Moderna Ray Rarretto y su Orquestra (Tico)
Pacheco - 10 Great Years (Fania)
Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz - el Diferente (United Artists - UA Latino Series)
Best of Fajardo - (Panart)
Fajardo vs. Sensacion - (Adria)
Orchestra Harlow - Salsa (Fania)
Jerry Masucci presents Vol. 1 Salsa Greats (Fania)
Johnny Pacheco with Pete (Conde) Rodriquez - la Perfecta Combinacion (Fania)
Kako y Azuquita - Union Dinamica (Allegre)

Got these from his Jazz Boxes:
Kai Winding - Dirty Dog (Verve)
Bill Black's Combo Forever (Spring Board/Mega)

Ray from Scorpio hooked me up with these:
Armando Peraza - Wild Thing - (Skye Discovery Series)
Babs Gonzales - The Be-Bop Story (Expubidence Records)

These two unplayed 45's for a total of $9:
James Brown - "My Part/Make It Funky" - Part 3 and 4 (Polydor)
The Village Soul Choir - "The Cat Walk" b/w "The Country Road" (Abbott)

Clean copy of this for $10:
Maceo and all The Kingsmen - "Southwick" b/w "Funky Women" (House of The Fox)

Got this as an advance of a big trade I made with Bob Irwin. I've got a nice size credit with Sundazed:
NRBQ - Interstellar - Live 1970 (10") (Sundazed Kustom Shop)

Tuesday, April 06, 2004

Sabroso! - Yes, I have some James Brown Records

Hello Y'all,
I've decided to pull out some of my James Brown records for the Funk/Soul part of the night (after midnight). I was asked by three people last week if I had any. The answer is yes.

"Hot Pants Road" - The JB's (People 7")
"The Drunk" - James Brown (Bethlehem 7")
"Fat Eddie" - James Crawford (King 7")
"The Rabbit Got The Gun" - The Dapps featuring Alfred Ellis (King 7")
"The X-Sorcist" - The Devils (People 7")
"Live It Up" - James K-Nine (Federal 7")
"Funky & Some" - The Last Word (Polydor 7")
"Pick Up The Pieces One By One" - A.A.B.B. (Identify 7")

And many more plus some LP cuts:

Mighty Instrumentals - (King 961)
Handful of Soul [James Brown at the organ] - (Smash S67084)
I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me) - (King 1030)
JB Plays Nothing But Soul - (King 1034)
Gettin' Down to It - (King 1051)
The Popcorn - (King 1055)
It's A Mother - (King 1063)
Ain't It Funky - (King 1092)
It's A New Day Let A Man Come In - (King 1095)
Revolution of the Mind - [Live at the Apollo, Volume 3] - (Polydor PD3003)
Black Caesar - (Polydor PD6014)
Slaughter's Big Rip-off - Slaughter's Big Rip-off (Polydor PD6015)

Monday, March 29, 2004

Sabroso! Serving a Heavy Portion of Brazilian

Hello Y'all,

This week I'll be bringing to the table(s) a heavy portion of Brazilian
and some Afro-Beat 7's on the side.

Some rekids to be spun:
Jr Dibbs and Society "A Tribute To King Curtis" (a.k.a. Manu Dibango) - "Power" (Fiesta 7")

Michael Olatunji - "Soul Makossa Pt 1 and 2" - (Paramount 7")

Pierre Didy Tchakounte and the Black Tulips - "Ma Fou Fou" - (Editions Makossa 7")

Fela Ransome Kuti and The Africa '70 - "Expensive Shit" - (Editions Makossa 7")

Wisdom - "Nefertiti" - (Adelia 7")

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

Tuesday Night Sabroso!

Hello Y'all,

Spinning continuous Latin/Afro Beat and Funk music spanning 6 decades. No style will be left uncooked - Folklorico, Salsa, Boo-Ga-Loo, Rock, Funk, Lounge and Jazz. Providing a soundtrack for eating, drinking, dancing or just sittin' back and listening.

Some treats you can look forward to...
Bobby Valentin - "Guarambemebere" (Fania) 7" [One of my personal favorites]
Dimension Latina - "Vivendo Del Cuento" (L.A.D. Records) 7"
Justo Betancourt - "Yira - Yira" (Fania) 7"
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound - "El Barrio Sin Guapo" (International) 7"
Johnny Colon - "Mambo Suzie" (Cotique) 7" [This is the B-Side to the Dickie Goodman track "On Campus"]
Chivrico Davila - "Llego El Frizao" (Alegre) 7"
Arthur Sterling with The Pucho Band - "Ain't That Right" b/w Darin's Mambo (Verve) 7" Two great back to back tracks!

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Sabroso! No Style Left Uncooked

Hey Y'all,
I'll be at Maxwell's spinning continuous Latin/Afro Beat, Soul and Funk music spanning 6 decades. No style will be left uncooked - Folklorico, Salsa, Boo-Ga-Loo, Rock, Funk, Lounge and Jazz. Providing a soundtrack for eating, drinking, dancing or just sittin' back and listening. In the words of el Diablo himself - "You build it ...and they will came!" so please do.

Playing the jazzy funky 45's after midnight:
Houston Person - "The Son Of Man" - (Prestige)
Gene Ammons - "Jungle Strut" - (Prestige)
Reuben Wilson - "Orange Peel" - (Blue Note)
The Three Sounds - "Sittin' Duck" - (Blue Note)
Chester Thompson - "Powerhouse" - (Black Jazz)
Pretty Purdie - "Funky Donkey" - (Date)
and of course my favorite...
Jimmy McGriff - "The Worm" - (Solid State)

Friday, February 27, 2004

Random Lists from 2004

I was flipping through the collection and decided to spin some Baadasssss Songs and Action Sounds. I pulled some of my favorites from film's 70's. Here's a sampling...

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song - Malvin Van Peebles featuring Brer Soul and Earth Wind & Fire
The Final Comdown - Grant Green
Willie Dynamite - Music Score Composed & Conducted by J.J. Johnson
Trouble Man - Marvin Gaye
The Spook Who Sat by the Door - Herbie Hancock
Truck Turner - Issac Hayes
Slaughters Big Rip Off - James Brown
Sheba Baby - Music Composed by Monk Higgins &Alex Brown vocals by Barbera Mason
Pinball Number Count form Seseme Street - The Pointer Sisters
The Mack - Willie Hutch
Joe - songs performed by Jerry Butler and Exuma
Cool Breeze - Music - Solomn Burke
Black Caesar - Performed by the Godfather of Soul James Brown
Black Belt Jones - music Score Composed and Performed by Dennis Coffey and Luchi De Jesus
Aesop - Forty fables of the ancient storytellers given new life through contemporary interpretations and music.
Shorty the Pimp - Don Julien - 45 RPM
Superfly Meets Shaft - John and Ernest 45 RPM
Cleopatra Jones - Joe Simon - 45 RPM
Superfly - Curtis Mayfield - 45 RPM
Dolemite - Rudy Ray Moore - 45 RPM
and a few more..

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The New Funk:
"Now That I'm Gone (Look How You Are Crying)" - Charles Bradley and the Bullets - (Daptone Records)
"Bus People Theme" - The New Process - (Tramp Records)
"Getcha Soul Togetha" - Breakestra - (Stones Throw)
"Didn't Mean a Thing" - Litlle Barrie - (Stark Reality)
"Wait Up" - Speedometer b/w "Coffee Providers" - The New Mastersounds - (Do Right!) - promo
"The Funky Yug" - The Neapolitans - (Neapolitan Records)
"Babarabatin'" - The Quantic Soul Orchestra - (Tru Thoughts)
"Charlie's Theme" - The Jimi Entley Sound - (Espionage Disk)
"Eel Oil" - The Bamboos - (Bamboo Shack)
"C'mon Boot It!" - Calypso King & The Soul Investigators - (Jive)
"Ready...Aim..." - The Baker Brothers - (arse Records)
"Peanut Butter & Jelly" - The Beastie Boys - (Capitol Records)
"Soul Dig" - The Soul Diggers - (Saucy Records)
"In The Raw" b/w "The Bastard" - The Whitefield Brothers - (Soul Fire Records)
"Diggin' Up The Yard" - The Other Side - (Desco Records)
"3 On The B" - Evil Eddie & The Super Slinkys - (Blow It Hard Records)
"Home Fries" - Rick Hudson & The Bogaloo Band
and last but not least...
"The United States of Longo" - The Longo All Stars - (Kennel Klub)

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Here's a sampling of what's to come for Tuesdays late night spins:
"Loran's Dance" - Idris Muhammad (7")
"Bishop School" - Yusef Lateef (7")
"Fat Cakes" - Jimmy Mcgriff (7")
"Ode To Soul Man" - Syl Johnson (7")
"Clockwise Revolution" - Sunrise Movement (7")
"Hot Pants (Gonna Get You in Trouble)" - Norma and the Heartaches (7")
"Pop Corn - Pt 1 and 2" - Jimbo Jackson and Violators (7")
"Fifth Street" - Mercy Men (7")
"We Gave the Drummer Some" - Specks Williams (7")
"Groovy Monday" - Edwin Daugherty (7")
"Chopper 70" - Wayne Cochran (7")

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This week we are celebrating the ladies:
Hang on in There - The Stovall Sisters
You Gotta Push - Jodi Gales
Can You Deal With That - Jo Ann Garrett
I've Got Reasons - Mary Jane Hooper
There's a Break In the Road - Betty Harris
Shoorahh! Shoorah! - Betty Wright
You're Losing Me - Ann Sexton
I'm a Streaker - Arelean Brown

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Sabroso! - Fat Tuesday

Hello Y'all,


Extra spicy version of Sabroso! I'll be tipping my hat to Fat Tuesdays well as the usual Latin goodness and heavy on the Boo-Ga-Loo side! Bring the beads and I'll show you my... 45 adapters. I have been told they look very much so like...

Betty Harris - "Break in the Road"
The TNT band - "Ya Ya" (or the Ritchie Ray version - maybe both)
Mary Jane Hooper - "I Got Reasons"
Dr. John - "Mardis Gras Day"
The Wild Magnolias - Iko Iko
Leon Spencer - "Message from the Meters"
Rusty Bryant - "Mister S"
Huey "Piano" Smith - "Don't You Just Know it"
Johnny Jenkins - "I Walk on Gilded Splinters"
Ernie K Doe - "Gotta Pack My Bags"
Eddie Bo - "Hook and Sling"
and many many more!

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

New Finds

Hello Y'all,

I haven't posted new finds in a while and thought I would since I did quite well at this past weekend at the DC's Tavern First Staurday Record Swap. Most are from the past week or so.


Black Crack:

Syl Johnson - "Take Me to The River" - (HI Records 45) - Raw feel version. My favorite of all the versions.

Irene and the Scotts - "Stuck on You Baby" (Smash Records 45) - Never heard this before. Kickin' R&B Soul groover.

KISS - 4 picture disc Gene Simmons interview - What can I say, when "HE" speaks we all must listen.

Muhammad Ali - "I'm the Greatest" b/w instrumental - Again, when "HE" speaks we all must listen. Isn't worship great.

Junior Wells - "Junior's Groove" and "I'm Gonna Cramp Your Style" (45s on Bright Star) Funky sides from Junior Wells. Tracks that eventually became part of the Blue Rock LP. A must have if you like your Blues - Chicago, electric or funky.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - "Genuine Pt 1 and 2" - (Daptone Records) - Diggin' in on this slow burn punch in the face funky tune.

Charles Bradley and the Bullets - "Now That I'm Gone" b/w "Can't Stop Thinking About You" - (Daptone Records) - One of the heaviest new funk 45s and that is saying something considering the competition. DAMN HEAVY.

El Michel's Affair - "Detroit Twice" - (On Daptone subsidiary Misty) - Soul-Jazzy and funky when it wants to be. Nice lead into "People Make the World Go Round" - Stylistics.

Manfred Mann's Earth Band - "Glorified Magnified" LP - Getting back to the heavy rock.

Moody Blues - GO NOW! - LP (London Records) - Classic 60's Garage

Les Brown - How Brown Sounds Now - (BASF LP) - Lounge with an edge. A contradiction yes but some cool tunes here.

Basie - S/T (Cleff Records) - Nice clean original copy for $2


5" Tin Crack:

Inside the Special Pillow - Former indie Rock stars elevate themselves to God-like status. Another record that makes me ask why doesn't everyone own a copy. This is a very very Special Pillow.

Flex Unger - Little Music for Little People (Black Rhombus Sound System) - Received this today (021104) and have listened to it twice. Great stuff. Beats, sounds, loops, trumpet and even vocals.