Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Primitive Sound System - Mixed Tape Sessions - Maxwell's Tuesday September 5th

Hello Y'all,
Ah, back at Maxwell's for another night of Mixed Tape Madness. There are a few young Pop bands settin' up and breakin' down in the back room tonight so hopefully there will be some new faces in the front room enjoying the hits blasting from the speakers. It's also a new school year kids so sit back relax and maybe we can teach each other a little something about music. Please open your books to 80's Hardcore, 60's Garage and Pop, 70's Punk and Pop, Latin Jazz, Soul and Boo-Ga-Loo, Funk, R&B, and instrumentals of every shape and size. In a few minutes we'll be changing subjects so don't worry if you don't like what you hear because something completely different is probably coming up.

- pat.

Remmber - Labor Day signifies the return of the horrible Yuppie-Frat types back to the streets of Hoboken so of course the level of difficulty is raised on the hellish game known as parking in the mile square.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions from 9PM - 2AM
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The Mixed Tape Sessions:
No stone unturned and no vinyl format left unspun or unsung. Crawling, spinning and stumbling through the decades finding the connections between 50's - Now Instrumentals of all shapes and sizes, Funk 45's, Raw Soul and R&B, Soul, Gospel, Blues, Country, Latin, Brazilian, African, Dub, Rock Steady, Ska, Reggae, Indian, Jazz (of all types), Lounge / Moog, Hawaiian (slack key and Pop), Vocalists, Singer Songwriters, 50's - 70's Pop, Garage Rock, Psych, Surf and Drag, Soundtracks (OST), Comedy, 70's Rock, Prog, Punk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Noise and some Metal old and new. I'm mostly drawn to the instrumental side of life favoring the "B" side to the "A." Heavy as hell beats and exquisitely subtle moments side by side to entertain, educate and elate.

Just a few new records (and some upgrades) I picked up in the fast few months that will be making their way to the tables:

The Soul Investigators - "Make It Mellow" Part 1 & 2 (At The Soul Sides Club cat. Soul Sides - 00I)
Hmm, pretty easy to guess what to expect from the title but like the JB's they funk it up with some heavy breaks and horn solos. Nice version of the Archie Bell and the Drells classic.

Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators - "Feeling Free" b/w "Feeling Free (Instrumental)" (Timmion Records cat. Timmion-013 (Special Disc Jockey Copy - Not For Sale))
The vocal version of "Feeling Free" is from the fabulous Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators LP. The instrumental is incredibly professional sounding with a sweeping string arrangement and a bit of an Action Movie feel. Piano and guitar lead the said action and everything is grounded by a steady percussion section including some aggressive bongos. I think I have a new theme song.

Chick Willis - "Stoop Down Baby" b/w "It Ain't Right" (La Val Records cat. LV 871)
One of my favorite compilations is "If It Ain't A Hit I'll Eat My Baby" which contained some of the greatest dirty R&B hits. One such hit is Chick Willis' "Stoop Down Baby." The original Chick Willis LP version of this is END L E S S... so it's nice to have this four minute edit. Willis and band vamp along in an uptempo, Bluesy R&B groove while he tosses off line after nasty line laced with obvious sexual innuendo.

Sam & Dave - "Soul Man" (Stax cat. 45-231 (wht lbl promo))
I never owned a 45 of this classic and I am glad to hear it is mixed really loud! I never tire of this gem with its hard hitting drums, bright horn lines, expressive guitar riffs and of course Sam & Dave's perfectly matched vocals. Here's a weird memory and bizarre association this song conjures. The song reminds me of The Blues Brothers movie, which reminds me of the scene where they are driving around in the truck with the giant speaker strapped to the roof which then reminds me of my years in Art School in Newark New Jersey when Sharpe James ran for his first term utilizing what seemed to be that exact same truck and the repeated message of, "VOTE... fo' Shop James... Fo' Mayor!" blaring over and over and could be heard for blocks.

Clarence Reid - "Nobody But You Babe" b/w "Send Me Back My Money" (Alston cat. 45-4574)

Eddie Palmieri - "Condiciones Que Existen" b/w "Cobarde" (Coco Records cat. CFF5096)
Holy CRAP! This is one of my favorite Eddie Palmieri tracks and I had no idea it was released as a 45. Despite this copy being a little rough, and it even has a crack, I couldn't pass it up. This comes from one of Palmieri's Funkier efforts and this song is by far one of the stand outs. As always horns and percussion drive this mid tempo song. Almost whispered vocals haunt the track before the amazing Ronnie Cuber takes an insanely good, throaty baritone sax solo. Almost possessed, the guitar pushes him aside just as he finishes and then gives way to a nice horn line as the song fades.

The Harvey Averne Dozen - "The Micro Mini" b/w "My Dream" (Atlantic cat. 45-2505)
Harvey Averne's output is spotty with moments of pure genius. Sometimes his music is so slick and loungey it makes me sick. Here he hits a nice combo of Boo-Ga-Loo and Lounge that works really well together and swings quite nicely. Plus you can't go wrong with his choice of subjects.

The Five Finks - "Crying Guitar" b/w "Boss" (Bertram International Records cat. 45-226)
Mmm... I can't get enough of 50's / 60's instrumentals. Even though the guitar is the feature here there is some nice spooky organ playing in the background which adds to the atmosphere. The guitar has a sharp twangy snap and the bass bounces along keeping things moving.

Big Sonny and his Furys - "U - 2" b/w "Fail Safe" (Best cat. BR-112)
This guitar fronted instrumental rips more than a few lines from "My Babe." That is certainly not a criticism since that is easily one of my favorite songs penned by the legendary Willie Dixon. The guitar is way out front but the drums are vying for a close second keeping the tempo quick but never over the top. There are some great splashes of cymbals that cut throughout and one big roll takes the spotlight for a brief moment.

"Pucho" - "What A Piece" b/w "Aye Ma Ma" (Prestige cat. 45-436)
Nothing beats a Pucho 45. There is a very Blue Note, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley feel prevalent on this cut but as is the case with most of the Prestige Soul Jazz 45's the drums hit harder than most Blue Note records. The horns are bright and loud and the piano is in a Boo-Ga-Loo mode. Short sweet and one that will rarely leave my 45 box.

Sonny & Cher - "IGot You Babe" b/w "It's Gonna Rain" (Atco Records cat. 45-6359)

Sonny & Cher - "The Beat Goes On" b/w "Love Don't Come" (Atco Records cat. 45-6461)

Hi-Fly - "Hi-Fidelity" b/w "Samboogaloo" (Tramp Records cat. TR-1005)

The Illusions - "It's Just An Illusion" b/w Don't Chain Your Soul" (Tramp Records cat. TR-110)
"Don't Chain Your Soul" leads off with a nice breaking drum and drags the organ and bass through a very Soulful, Funky lesson about some of the important points one needs to keep in mind to stay together.

Jimmy "Bo" Horne - "Hey There Jim" b/w "Sweet Love Power" (Tramp Records cat. TR-111)
Two incredibly funky sides from Jimmy "Bo" Horne. "Hey There Jim" bangs hard with conga and drums punching the beat as tight as a duck's ass. The Horns are just as hard but can hardly keep up with Mr. Horne. "Sweet Love Power" is a bit more slow and even Poppy but no less aggressive.

Afro Dizzi Act - "Welcome Speech" b/w "Let Yourself Go" (Butter Beats cat. 183016)
Complete with a head bobbing groove this funky instrumental has a nice slow drum break as its intro. Organ and guitar walk along with the drums for a bit before the sax takes an abbreviated solo and a shout of "Let Yourself Go!" The beat doesn't change much but rather drops to let others take the spotlight including the guitar and another fine sax burst. These guys have a sharp professional sound but remember to keep it raw.

Cookin' On 3 Burners - "Keb's Bucket" b/w "Redback" (Freestyle cat. FSR7022)
One time label mates with the INCREDIBLE Bamboos, Cookin' On 3 Burners certainly are proving they are not just the other band on Bamboo Shack Records. "Keb's Bucket" has enough modern Funk sound mixed with the soul of New Orleans to make this outing unique, hard hitting and damn Funky. Organ, Drums and Guitar... what else do you really need? POWER TRIO!

Bronx River Pkwy - "La Valla" b/w "Nora Se Va" (Truth & Soul cat. TS-010)
Breaks, breaks and more breaks. Vocals and bass are highlighted over the top of the very long drum intro before the size of this band is made evident. Big full horns, harmonized vocals and pounding percussion make this sound well over 30 years old. "La Valla" fits nicely into a set of Toro, Azuquita, Seguida, Cafe, Flash and The Dynamics, etc. This is choice quality stuff.

Eddy Jacobs Exchange - "Pull My Coat" b/w "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)" (Jazzman cat. JM.051)

Reginald-Milton and the Soul Jets - "Clap Your Hands" b/w "Jickle Jeek Beat" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.030)

Soul Excitement - "Smile" b/w "Stay Together" (Kay-Dee Records cat. KD-010)

Solomon Burke - "Get Out My Life Woman" (Atlantic cat. 45-2566)

The Pacers - "Skeeter Dope" b/w "Con-Found-It" (Alley Records cat. 1013)
Fuzzed out guitar and soulful organ bring home the bacon on this instrumental stroll. Medium tempo and a late night feel are heightened by a thick baritone sax solo. This is the perfect instrumental for me. Whatever "Skeeter Dope" is, I want some.

Primitive Sound System - Mixed Tape Sessions - Maxwell's Tuesday September 5th

Hello Y'all,
Ah, back at Maxwell's for another night of Mixed Tape Madness. There are a few young Pop bands settin' up and breakin' down in the back room tonight so hopefully there will be some new faces in the front room enjoying the hits blasting from the speakers. It's also a new school year kids so sit back relax and maybe we can teach each other a little something about music. Please open your books to 80's Hardcore, 60's Garage and Pop, 70's Punk and Pop, Latin Jazz, Soul and Boo-Ga-Loo, Funk, R&B, and instrumentals of every shape and size. In a few minutes we'll be changing subjects so don't worry if you don't like what you hear because something completely different is probably coming up.

- pat.

Remmber - Labor Day signifies the return of the horrible Yuppie-Frat types back to the streets of Hoboken so of course the level of difficulty is raised on the hellish game known as parking in the mile square.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions from 9PM - 2AM
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The Mixed Tape Sessions:
No stone unturned and no vinyl format left unspun or unsung. Crawling, spinning and stumbling through the decades finding the connections between 50's - Now Instrumentals of all shapes and sizes, Funk 45's, Raw Soul and R&B, Soul, Gospel, Blues, Country, Latin, Brazilian, African, Dub, Rock Steady, Ska, Reggae, Indian, Jazz (of all types), Lounge / Moog, Hawaiian (slack key and Pop), Vocalists, Singer Songwriters, 50's - 70's Pop, Garage Rock, Psych, Surf and Drag, Soundtracks (OST), Comedy, 70's Rock, Prog, Punk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Noise and some Metal old and new. I'm mostly drawn to the instrumental side of life favoring the "B" side to the "A." Heavy as hell beats and exquisitely subtle moments side by side to entertain, educate and elate.

Just a few new records (and some upgrades) I picked up in the fast few months that will be making their way to the tables:

The Soul Investigators - "Make It Mellow" Part 1 & 2 (At The Soul Sides Club cat. Soul Sides - 00I)
Hmm, pretty easy to guess what to expect from the title but like the JB's they funk it up with some heavy breaks and horn solos. Nice version of the Archie Bell and the Drells classic.

Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators - "Feeling Free" b/w "Feeling Free (Instrumental)" (Timmion Records cat. Timmion-013 (Special Disc Jockey Copy - Not For Sale))
The vocal version of "Feeling Free" is from the fabulous Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators LP. The instrumental is incredibly professional sounding with a sweeping string arrangement and a bit of an Action Movie feel. Piano and guitar lead the said action and everything is grounded by a steady percussion section including some aggressive bongos. I think I have a new theme song.

Chick Willis - "Stoop Down Baby" b/w "It Ain't Right" (La Val Records cat. LV 871)
One of my favorite compilations is "If It Ain't A Hit I'll Eat My Baby" which contained some of the greatest dirty R&B hits. One such hit is Chick Willis' "Stoop Down Baby." The original Chick Willis LP version of this is END L E S S... so it's nice to have this four minute edit. Willis and band vamp along in an uptempo, Bluesy R&B groove while he tosses off line after nasty line laced with obvious sexual innuendo.

Sam & Dave - "Soul Man" (Stax cat. 45-231 (wht lbl promo))
I never owned a 45 of this classic and I am glad to hear it is mixed really loud! I never tire of this gem with its hard hitting drums, bright horn lines, expressive guitar riffs and of course Sam & Dave's perfectly matched vocals. Here's a weird memory and bizarre association this song conjures. The song reminds me of The Blues Brothers movie, which reminds me of the scene where they are driving around in the truck with the giant speaker strapped to the roof which then reminds me of my years in Art School in Newark New Jersey when Sharpe James ran for his first term utilizing what seemed to be that exact same truck and the repeated message of, "VOTE... fo' Shop James... Fo' Mayor!" blaring over and over and could be heard for blocks.

Clarence Reid - "Nobody But You Babe" b/w "Send Me Back My Money" (Alston cat. 45-4574)

Eddie Palmieri - "Condiciones Que Existen" b/w "Cobarde" (Coco Records cat. CFF5096)
Holy CRAP! This is one of my favorite Eddie Palmieri tracks and I had no idea it was released as a 45. Despite this copy being a little rough, and it even has a crack, I couldn't pass it up. This comes from one of Palmieri's Funkier efforts and this song is by far one of the stand outs. As always horns and percussion drive this mid tempo song. Almost whispered vocals haunt the track before the amazing Ronnie Cuber takes an insanely good, throaty baritone sax solo. Almost possessed, the guitar pushes him aside just as he finishes and then gives way to a nice horn line as the song fades.

The Harvey Averne Dozen - "The Micro Mini" b/w "My Dream" (Atlantic cat. 45-2505)
Harvey Averne's output is spotty with moments of pure genius. Sometimes his music is so slick and loungey it makes me sick. Here he hits a nice combo of Boo-Ga-Loo and Lounge that works really well together and swings quite nicely. Plus you can't go wrong with his choice of subjects.

The Five Finks - "Crying Guitar" b/w "Boss" (Bertram International Records cat. 45-226)
Mmm... I can't get enough of 50's / 60's instrumentals. Even though the guitar is the feature here there is some nice spooky organ playing in the background which adds to the atmosphere. The guitar has a sharp twangy snap and the bass bounces along keeping things moving.

Big Sonny and his Furys - "U - 2" b/w "Fail Safe" (Best cat. BR-112)
This guitar fronted instrumental rips more than a few lines from "My Babe." That is certainly not a criticism since that is easily one of my favorite songs penned by the legendary Willie Dixon. The guitar is way out front but the drums are vying for a close second keeping the tempo quick but never over the top. There are some great splashes of cymbals that cut throughout and one big roll takes the spotlight for a brief moment.

"Pucho" - "What A Piece" b/w "Aye Ma Ma" (Prestige cat. 45-436)
Nothing beats a Pucho 45. There is a very Blue Note, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley feel prevalent on this cut but as is the case with most of the Prestige Soul Jazz 45's the drums hit harder than most Blue Note records. The horns are bright and loud and the piano is in a Boo-Ga-Loo mode. Short sweet and one that will rarely leave my 45 box.

Sonny & Cher - "IGot You Babe" b/w "It's Gonna Rain" (Atco Records cat. 45-6359)

Sonny & Cher - "The Beat Goes On" b/w "Love Don't Come" (Atco Records cat. 45-6461)

Hi-Fly - "Hi-Fidelity" b/w "Samboogaloo" (Tramp Records cat. TR-1005)

The Illusions - "It's Just An Illusion" b/w Don't Chain Your Soul" (Tramp Records cat. TR-110)
"Don't Chain Your Soul" leads off with a nice breaking drum and drags the organ and bass through a very Soulful, Funky lesson about some of the important points one needs to keep in mind to stay together.

Jimmy "Bo" Horne - "Hey There Jim" b/w "Sweet Love Power" (Tramp Records cat. TR-111)
Two incredibly funky sides from Jimmy "Bo" Horne. "Hey There Jim" bangs hard with conga and drums punching the beat as tight as a duck's ass. The Horns are just as hard but can hardly keep up with Mr. Horne. "Sweet Love Power" is a bit more slow and even Poppy but no less aggressive.

Afro Dizzi Act - "Welcome Speech" b/w "Let Yourself Go" (Butter Beats cat. 183016)
Complete with a head bobbing groove this funky instrumental has a nice slow drum break as its intro. Organ and guitar walk along with the drums for a bit before the sax takes an abbreviated solo and a shout of "Let Yourself Go!" The beat doesn't change much but rather drops to let others take the spotlight including the guitar and another fine sax burst. These guys have a sharp professional sound but remember to keep it raw.

Cookin' On 3 Burners - "Keb's Bucket" b/w "Redback" (Freestyle cat. FSR7022)
One time label mates with the INCREDIBLE Bamboos, Cookin' On 3 Burners certainly are proving they are not just the other band on Bamboo Shack Records. "Keb's Bucket" has enough modern Funk sound mixed with the soul of New Orleans to make this outing unique, hard hitting and damn Funky. Organ, Drums and Guitar... what else do you really need? POWER TRIO!

Bronx River Pkwy - "La Valla" b/w "Nora Se Va" (Truth & Soul cat. TS-010)
Breaks, breaks and more breaks. Vocals and bass are highlighted over the top of the very long drum intro before the size of this band is made evident. Big full horns, harmonized vocals and pounding percussion make this sound well over 30 years old. "La Valla" fits nicely into a set of Toro, Azuquita, Seguida, Cafe, Flash and The Dynamics, etc. This is choice quality stuff.

Eddy Jacobs Exchange - "Pull My Coat" b/w "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)" (Jazzman cat. JM.051)

Reginald-Milton and the Soul Jets - "Clap Your Hands" b/w "Jickle Jeek Beat" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.030)

Soul Excitement - "Smile" b/w "Stay Together" (Kay-Dee Records cat. KD-010)

Solomon Burke - "Get Out My Life Woman" (Atlantic cat. 45-2566)

The Pacers - "Skeeter Dope" b/w "Con-Found-It" (Alley Records cat. 1013)
Fuzzed out guitar and soulful organ bring home the bacon on this instrumental stroll. Medium tempo and a late night feel are heightened by a thick baritone sax solo. This is the perfect instrumental for me. Whatever "Skeeter Dope" is, I want some.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Primitive Sound System - at Maxwell's (Hoboken, NJ) Tues. August 1st

Hello Y'all,
This week I am back at Maxwell's in Hoboken. After several nights with themes it will be nice to get back to genre jumping insanity. A themeless thet of music (said in your best Thindy Brady). I have purchased (and swapped) some really nice records in the few months away from Maxwell's. I will be spinning a lot of stuff I haven't gotten to play out including the 12" version of Pelican's "March Into The Sea" which I consider to be one of the finest pieces of music to come out in quite some time.


Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions from 9PM - 2AM
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The Mixed Tape Sessions:
No stone unturned and no vinyl format left unspun or unsung. Crawling, spinning and stumbling through the decades finding the connections between 50's - Now Instrumentals of all shapes and sizes, Funk 45's, Raw Soul and R&B, Soul, Gospel, Blues, Country, Latin, Brazilian, African, Dub, Rock Steady, Ska, Reggae, Indian, Jazz (of all types), Lounge / Moog, Hawaiian (slack key and Pop), Vocalists, Singer Songwriters, 50's – 70's Pop, Garage Rock, Psych, Surf and Drag, Soundtracks (OST), Comedy, 70's Rock, Prog, Punk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Noise and some Metal old and new. I'm mostly drawn to the instrumental side of life favoring the "B" side to the "A." Heavy as hell beats and exquisitely subtle moments side by side to entertain, educate and elate.

Pelican - "March Into The Sea" (hydra head records cat. HH666-84 )
This is the extended version of the title track from the newest Pelican release. This beautiful piece of music comes in an equally enticing package. The cover is a photo of an open sky without any text and on the back the band stands against the sky including all the credits and other text below. The paper seems to be a very heavy stock Black charcoal/pastel paper and the printing appears to be screened. The colors are few (blue, purple and white) but the effect is very powerful layered over the deep black. On top of the heavy stock is another cover of printed vellum. The image on the vellum is a wave similar to a drawing of Hokusai printed in purples moving towards pink. The vinyl is a combination of all the aforementioned colors (except black) and the label is the wave print from the vellum printed over a pink label. Damn that's good stuff. The music is powerful, exquisitely composed and played with perfection by four very possessed musicians. The piece runs a full side of the 12" at 33 1/3 RPMs. Guitars and bass ride and push the dynamics from explosive intensity to subtle almost silent passages. The drums crash, thrash, bang, explode, pause, tap, roll, glide and thunder their way through these and every other Batman pop-up adjective. At times the guitars sound as if they are singing a chorus or verse shouting to be heard or whispered from behind the amps. All instrumental and lacking nothing that could have been added by way of the Human Voice. In reality I can only name a few voices that would even be up to the challenge and if given the challenge what the hell would they even say. The piece slows just past the half way point as if cruising down a gradual decline but never once loses the intensity. Deep breaths gear the band up for another assent and the destruction or deconstruction of what the have created. Spinning drums and whirling guitars crash and collide forming something bigger and greater than what came before when suddenly it all stops like the creation of a universe. Acoustic guitar lightens the mood and repeats the theme over subtle feedback and eventually light drums and added flute. this simple repeated groove is continued to the run out and as much music we just were treated to I am compelled to re-cue immediately and march right back into the sea.

Soul Snatchers - "Get Yourself Together" b/w "Sniffin & Snatchin" (Social Beats Modern Stereo Recordings cat. Social701)
Both sides of this thing are MONSTERS. Side one takes off at a pretty fast clip. Drums are off and in the pocket right from the start making everyone else's job that much easier. If you can't keep up get the fuck out. The horns go from deep soul lines to in sync ensemble horns of a bigger band. bass and drums dog it out for king of the hill but the horns refused to be left out. Amazingly sharp and well rehearsed throughout. Side two gets a bit more deep with a groove that would be right at home as the intro to an action film. The drums are way out front again and breaking like crazy. The other instruments seem fearful of tangling with them and choose to poke in and out of his devastating beat. WEIRDLY and what I think is an AMAZING choice the flute takes a go at it and although the drums never let up the effect is really nice. The next challenger is the organ who can definitely hold his own against the beat but the man at the throne is relentless. Great work all around and a great two sider if there ever was.

Javier R. Rodrigez and The Players - "Rollin De Dice" Vocal / Instrumental (Raw Wax cat. RW45-005)
The folks over at Raw Wax are on one hell of a roll. With only five releases behind them and not a bum in the bunch I shake and sweat in anticipation of what will come next. The recordings can be simultaneously mistaken for Acid Jazz releases from the 80's or unreleased gems from the late 60's or early 70's. Their most recent release from Javier R. Rodrigez and The Players actually does that exact thing about half way through on the instrumental version changing the groove from an Acid Jazz like feel to a raw 60's organ groover. Nothing short of incredible. The vocal on the A-side is spooky and gritty as it repeats the same line over and over.

Duku Brothers - "Starch" b/w "Rhythm Method" (Raw Wax cat. RW45-004)
Reportedly a rare unreleased reel:" Mysterious recordings from 1978 recently recovered from a closed down studio in Detroit. With only 2 tracks, both funky instrumentals. No other information available. What a find!!" What The Duku Brothers are is a heavy, jazzy group. On "Starch" the Sax takes the lead on this mid-tempo head bobber. The intensity is raised as the sax solos ferociously over the steady groove and gives way to a short guitar solo before getting back to the theme. Before the finish the sax decides to grab the spotlight again and whales one more time. "Rhythm Method" is heavier and keeps to the mid tempo pace set by the first side. The bass is out front here but the sax solos and grooves under the thick sounds and sharp repeated drum lines. Mesmerizing, unchanging rhythm played by the guitar and drums allow the bass and sax to dance together for most of the track.

The Funky Muchachos - "Not My Fault" (Raw Wax cat. RW45-003)
Slow and Low... OK, alright, That Is The Tempo. Guitar bass and drums pound out a groove that makes me wish I was cruising in a convertible right about now. Nothing fancy here, just slow hard playing. They do break it down toward the end which breaks up the looped sound of the tight playing. Let's roll.

Donald & The Delighters - "Wang Dang Dula" (Cortland cat. C-109)

The Vocaleers - "The Cootie Snap" (Twistime cat. 45-T-11)

The Revels with Barbara Adkins - "Church Key" (Impact cat. 1-IMX)
CLASSIC! This ode to the greatest tool man ever forged with fire and ore. The music slides along in a Surf / Drag mode and includes deep calls of "CHURCH KEY" and the giggles of a slightly tipsy young lady. I have had this on a comp forever but never even thought of looking for the 45. WHAT AN IDIOT! Now I am happy and... ready for a cold one.

The Megatons - "Shimmy, Shimmy Walk, Part 1" (Dodge Records cat. 808)
Blues with a beat. Shimmy, shimmy indeed folks. Happy organ, harmonica and horns groove it out over a simple stroll like beat. My Grandmother would have loved this.

Ocnam Sirba - "Eli Iralmidray Ni Trazom A. W." (Nayos cat. 322-SF)
It's really really really good and I can't say no more.

The Drifters - "Didn't It" (Atlantic cat. 45-2225)
Wow! This is one great track from The Drifters... like they had many duds. This little dancer has a really nice organ line running underneath the harmonized vocals and even gets to take a little solo over the "did did did din it" backing vocals. Short sweet and finger snapping good.

The Wallace Brothers - "Woman, Hang Your Head In Shame" (Jewel Records cat. 804)

Erma Franklin - "Piece Of My Heart" (Jay Boy cat. BOY 41)
Thank you Mr. $mallchange. A favorite for some time and I completely forgot who do the original. Thanks for shaking my brain and for this fine piece of wax.

Hi-Fly - "Hi-Fidelity" (Tramp records cat. TR-1005)

Diesler - "Puppy Fat" (Tru-Thoughts cat. TRU7098)

Monday, July 31, 2006

Primitive Sound System - at Maxwell's (Hoboken, NJ) Tues. August 1st

Hello Y'all,
This week I am back at Maxwell's in Hoboken. After several nights with themes it will be nice to get back to genre jumping insanity. A themeless thet of music (said in your best Thindy Brady). I have purchased (and swapped) some really nice records in the few months away from Maxwell's. I will be spinning a lot of stuff I haven't gotten to play out including the 12" version of Pelican's "March Into The Sea" which I consider to be one of the finest pieces of music to come out in quite some time.


Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions from 9PM - 2AM
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The Mixed Tape Sessions:
No stone unturned and no vinyl format left unspun or unsung. Crawling, spinning and stumbling through the decades finding the connections between 50's - Now Instrumentals of all shapes and sizes, Funk 45's, Raw Soul and R&B, Soul, Gospel, Blues, Country, Latin, Brazilian, African, Dub, Rock Steady, Ska, Reggae, Indian, Jazz (of all types), Lounge / Moog, Hawaiian (slack key and Pop), Vocalists, Singer Songwriters, 50's – 70's Pop, Garage Rock, Psych, Surf and Drag, Soundtracks (OST), Comedy, 70's Rock, Prog, Punk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Noise and some Metal old and new. I'm mostly drawn to the instrumental side of life favoring the "B" side to the "A." Heavy as hell beats and exquisitely subtle moments side by side to entertain, educate and elate.

Pelican - "March Into The Sea" (hydra head records cat. HH666-84 )
This is the extended version of the title track from the newest Pelican release. This beautiful piece of music comes in an equally enticing package. The cover is a photo of an open sky without any text and on the back the band stands against the sky including all the credits and other text below. The paper seems to be a very heavy stock Black charcoal/pastel paper and the printing appears to be screened. The colors are few (blue, purple and white) but the effect is very powerful layered over the deep black. On top of the heavy stock is another cover of printed vellum. The image on the vellum is a wave similar to a drawing of Hokusai printed in purples moving towards pink. The vinyl is a combination of all the aforementioned colors (except black) and the label is the wave print from the vellum printed over a pink label. Damn that's good stuff. The music is powerful, exquisitely composed and played with perfection by four very possessed musicians. The piece runs a full side of the 12" at 33 1/3 RPMs. Guitars and bass ride and push the dynamics from explosive intensity to subtle almost silent passages. The drums crash, thrash, bang, explode, pause, tap, roll, glide and thunder their way through these and every other Batman pop-up adjective. At times the guitars sound as if they are singing a chorus or verse shouting to be heard or whispered from behind the amps. All instrumental and lacking nothing that could have been added by way of the Human Voice. In reality I can only name a few voices that would even be up to the challenge and if given the challenge what the hell would they even say. The piece slows just past the half way point as if cruising down a gradual decline but never once loses the intensity. Deep breaths gear the band up for another assent and the destruction or deconstruction of what the have created. Spinning drums and whirling guitars crash and collide forming something bigger and greater than what came before when suddenly it all stops like the creation of a universe. Acoustic guitar lightens the mood and repeats the theme over subtle feedback and eventually light drums and added flute. this simple repeated groove is continued to the run out and as much music we just were treated to I am compelled to re-cue immediately and march right back into the sea.

Soul Snatchers - "Get Yourself Together" b/w "Sniffin & Snatchin" (Social Beats Modern Stereo Recordings cat. Social701)
Both sides of this thing are MONSTERS. Side one takes off at a pretty fast clip. Drums are off and in the pocket right from the start making everyone else's job that much easier. If you can't keep up get the fuck out. The horns go from deep soul lines to in sync ensemble horns of a bigger band. bass and drums dog it out for king of the hill but the horns refused to be left out. Amazingly sharp and well rehearsed throughout. Side two gets a bit more deep with a groove that would be right at home as the intro to an action film. The drums are way out front again and breaking like crazy. The other instruments seem fearful of tangling with them and choose to poke in and out of his devastating beat. WEIRDLY and what I think is an AMAZING choice the flute takes a go at it and although the drums never let up the effect is really nice. The next challenger is the organ who can definitely hold his own against the beat but the man at the throne is relentless. Great work all around and a great two sider if there ever was.

Javier R. Rodrigez and The Players - "Rollin De Dice" Vocal / Instrumental (Raw Wax cat. RW45-005)
The folks over at Raw Wax are on one hell of a roll. With only five releases behind them and not a bum in the bunch I shake and sweat in anticipation of what will come next. The recordings can be simultaneously mistaken for Acid Jazz releases from the 80's or unreleased gems from the late 60's or early 70's. Their most recent release from Javier R. Rodrigez and The Players actually does that exact thing about half way through on the instrumental version changing the groove from an Acid Jazz like feel to a raw 60's organ groover. Nothing short of incredible. The vocal on the A-side is spooky and gritty as it repeats the same line over and over.

Duku Brothers - "Starch" b/w "Rhythm Method" (Raw Wax cat. RW45-004)
Reportedly a rare unreleased reel:" Mysterious recordings from 1978 recently recovered from a closed down studio in Detroit. With only 2 tracks, both funky instrumentals. No other information available. What a find!!" What The Duku Brothers are is a heavy, jazzy group. On "Starch" the Sax takes the lead on this mid-tempo head bobber. The intensity is raised as the sax solos ferociously over the steady groove and gives way to a short guitar solo before getting back to the theme. Before the finish the sax decides to grab the spotlight again and whales one more time. "Rhythm Method" is heavier and keeps to the mid tempo pace set by the first side. The bass is out front here but the sax solos and grooves under the thick sounds and sharp repeated drum lines. Mesmerizing, unchanging rhythm played by the guitar and drums allow the bass and sax to dance together for most of the track.

The Funky Muchachos - "Not My Fault" (Raw Wax cat. RW45-003)
Slow and Low... OK, alright, That Is The Tempo. Guitar bass and drums pound out a groove that makes me wish I was cruising in a convertible right about now. Nothing fancy here, just slow hard playing. They do break it down toward the end which breaks up the looped sound of the tight playing. Let's roll.

Donald & The Delighters - "Wang Dang Dula" (Cortland cat. C-109)

The Vocaleers - "The Cootie Snap" (Twistime cat. 45-T-11)

The Revels with Barbara Adkins - "Church Key" (Impact cat. 1-IMX)
CLASSIC! This ode to the greatest tool man ever forged with fire and ore. The music slides along in a Surf / Drag mode and includes deep calls of "CHURCH KEY" and the giggles of a slightly tipsy young lady. I have had this on a comp forever but never even thought of looking for the 45. WHAT AN IDIOT! Now I am happy and... ready for a cold one.

The Megatons - "Shimmy, Shimmy Walk, Part 1" (Dodge Records cat. 808)
Blues with a beat. Shimmy, shimmy indeed folks. Happy organ, harmonica and horns groove it out over a simple stroll like beat. My Grandmother would have loved this.

Ocnam Sirba - "Eli Iralmidray Ni Trazom A. W." (Nayos cat. 322-SF)
It's really really really good and I can't say no more.

The Drifters - "Didn't It" (Atlantic cat. 45-2225)
Wow! This is one great track from The Drifters... like they had many duds. This little dancer has a really nice organ line running underneath the harmonized vocals and even gets to take a little solo over the "did did did din it" backing vocals. Short sweet and finger snapping good.

The Wallace Brothers - "Woman, Hang Your Head In Shame" (Jewel Records cat. 804)

Erma Franklin - "Piece Of My Heart" (Jay Boy cat. BOY 41)
Thank you Mr. $mallchange. A favorite for some time and I completely forgot who do the original. Thanks for shaking my brain and for this fine piece of wax.

Hi-Fly - "Hi-Fidelity" (Tramp records cat. TR-1005)

Diesler - "Puppy Fat" (Tru-Thoughts cat. TRU7098)

Friday, July 28, 2006

Stolen Moments Playlist

Jimmy McGriff - "The Worm" (Fat's Theus) (Solid State cat. SD 2524)
Reuben Wilson - "Orange Peel" (R. Wilson) (Blue Note cat. BN 1961)
Boogaloo Joe Jones - "Right On" (Jones) (Prestige cat. 45-733)
The Fabulous Counts - "Jan Jan" (Mose Davis) (Moira cat. 45-103)
Grant Green - "Aint It Funky Now - Part 1" (J. Brown) (Blue Note cat. BN 1960)
Houston Person - The Houston Express" (H. Ott) (Prestige cat. 747)
Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers - "Doin' What I Wanna" (Clarence Wheeler and Sonny Burke) (Atlantic cat. 45-5103 (wht label prom "Jazz Series"))
Charlie Lucas And The Thrillers - "Wonderful Feeling" (C. Lucas) (Waterbird cat. WB001)
Louis Chachere - "The Hen (Pt. 1)" (Louis Chachere) (Paula Records cat. 321)
Red Holloway - "Gettin' Down (The Churn)" (Sonny Graver) (RH Records cat. 003)
Chester Thompson - "Powerhouse - Part 1" (Chester Thompson) (Black Jazz Records cat. BJ-1007)
Herbie Hancock - "Crossings" (H. Hancock) (Warner Bros. Records cat. WB 7598 (promo))
Miles Davis - "Molester (Part 1)" (M. Davis) (Columbia cat. 4-45709 (promo))
Dave Pike Set - "RagaJeeva Swara" (J. A. Rattenbacher) (MPS cat. BASF 15096)
The Stark Reality - "Say Brother" (Stark - Morris)
Yusef Lateef - "Bishop School" (Lateef) (Atalantic cat. A-16247 (promo))
Eddie Harris - "It's Crazy" (Eddie Harris) (Atlantic cat. 45-2561 (promo - CSG Processed MONO MASTER))
Gary Bartz Ntu Troop - "Dr. Follow's Dance" (Bartz) (Prestige cat. PR-760)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Bryant - Taylor) (Prestige cat. PRT-750)
Warm Excursion - "Hung Up - Part 1" (Bill McCloud - John Richardson) (Pzazz Records cat. 039 "Put Some PZAZZ In your Jazz!")
Brown Brothers Of Soul - "Cholo" (R. Garcia) (Specialty cat. 698)
Ricardo Marrero And The Group - "Babalonia" (R. Marrero) (Don King Records cat. DK-101)
Grupo Folklorica Y Experimental - "Anabacoa" (J. Ramierez) (Salsoul - Salsa Series cat. S-8713)
Johnny Colon - "Ya-Yi-Ki" (Johnny Colon) (Cotique cat. C-183)
Bobby Valentin - "Guarambembere" (B. Valentin) (Fania cat. 510)
Porfi Jimenez Y Su Orq. - "El Sabor Se Te Acabo" (Porfirio Jimenez) (Velvet cat. V-2125)
Arthur Sterling with The Pucho Band- "Darin's Mambo" (Brown) (Verve cat. VK-10490 (promo))
Freddie McCoy - "Spider Man" (McCoy) (Prestige cat. 45-398 (wht label promo))
Moon People - "Land Of Love" (E. Jakabeck, B.Marin) (Speed cat. SP 003)
Chakachas - "Stories??" (J. Kluger - B. Ador) (Avco cat. AV-4596)
Young-Holt Unlimited - "Hey Pancho" (E. Young - I. Holt) (Paula Records cat. 385 (wht label promo))
El Chicano - "Viva Tirado - Part 1" (Gerald Wilson) (Kapp Records cat. K-2085)
Richard Fudoli - "Gwee!" (R. Fudoli) (Date cat. 2-1588 (wht label promo))
The Three Sounds - "Still I'm Sad" (Samwell-Smith & McCarty) (Blue Note cat. 45-1935)
Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand - Part 1" (L. Smith) (Blue Note cat. BN-1955)
Grady Tate - "Be Black Baby" (Kaz & Andrelli) (Skye cat. #4520 (stereo / mono promo))
Pretty Purdie - "Funky Donkey" (B. Purdie) (Date cat. 2-1568 (wht label promo))
Soul Continentals - "Goobah (African Twist)" (R. Beavers - B. Nyles - E. Hollis) (Sound Stage 7 cat. 45-2609 (wht label promo))
The Rhoda Scott Trio - Sha-Bazz (Pt.1)" (Thomas) (Tru-Sound cat. 45-419 (why label promo))
The Pazant Brothers - "Juicy Lucy" (E. Bland) (GWP Records cat. GWP 506)
Cozy Cole with Rex Stewart - Tyree Glenn - Claude Hopkins - Billy Bauer - Arvell Shaw - "Caravan Part II" (Grand Award cat. G.A. 45-1023)
Norman Granz' Jazz At The Philharmonic - Vol 4 - "Lester Leaps In" (Clef Records cat. EP JATP-VOL. 4)
Count Basie and his Orchestra Vocal by Joe Williams - "Roll 'Em Pete" (Johnston) (Cleff Records cat. 89162X45)
Johnny Hodges / Earl Hines - "C-Jam Blues" (Ellington) (Verve cat. VK-10483 (promo))
The String Bass of Charles Mingus with accompaniment - "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting (Part 1)" (Mingus) (Atlantic cat, 45-5006 (wht label promo))
The Slide Hampton Octet - "Sister Salvation - Part II" (Slide Hampton) (Atlantic cat. A4658-2 (wht label promo))
Fred Jackson - "Preach Brother" (Jackson) (Blue Note cat. 45-1843)
Rudolph Johnson - "Devon Jean" (Rudolph Johnson) (Black Jazz Records cat. BJ-1004)
Denis Coff & The Lyman Woodard Trio - "River Rouge" (L. Woodard, M. Davis, D. Coffey) (Maverick cat. MA1007)
Donald Austin - "Side Saddle - Part 1" (Donald Austin) (Woody Records cat. W 103)
Funk Inc. - "Bowlegs" (Weakley) (Prestige cat. Prestige-754)
The Meters - "Soul Machine" (Modeliste / Neville / Nocentelli / Porter)
Idris Muhammad - "Super Bad" (Brown) (Prestige cat. 45-743)
James Brown - "The Drunk" (D. Matthews) (Bethlehem cat. 45-3098)
Lou Donaldson - "Snakebone" (Lou Donaldson) (Blue Note cat. 45-1943)
Charlie Earland - "Black Talk - Part 1" (Earland) (Prestige cat. 45-731)
Ross Carnegie His Hammond Organ and Band - "Cool Dad" (Carnegie) (El-Con Records cat. EL-49)
Bad Medicine - "Trespasser" PT-2" (Arthur Lane) (Enyx Records cat. EN - 002)
Johnny "Hammond" Smith - "Soul Talk (Pt. 1)" (Johnny "Hammond" Smith) (Prestige cat. 45-725)
Mongo Santamaria - "Cold Sweat" (J. Brown, A. Ellis) (Columbia cat. 4-44502)
Michael Olatunji - "Soul Makossa - PT. 1" (M. Dibango) (Paramount cat. PAA-0222)
Marvin Gaye - "You're The Man" (Part 2) (M. Gaye, K. Stover) (Tamla cat. T 54221F)
The Stylistics - "People Make The World Go Round" (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) (Avco cat. AV-4595)
Cold Grits - "It's Your Thing" (R. Isley - O. Isley - R. Isley) (Atco Records cat. 45-6707 (wht label promo))
Donny Hathaway - "The Ghetto - Part 1" (Hathaway - Hutson) (Atco Records cat. 45-6719)
Baby Huey & The Babysitters - "Mighty Mighty Children - Pt 1" (Curtis Mayfield) (Curtom cat. CR 1939)
Curtis Mayfield - "Get Down" (Curtis Mayfield) (Curtom cat. CR 1966 (promo))
Leroy Hutson - "All Because Of You" (LeRoy Hutson) (Curtom cat. CMS 0100 (promo))
Weldon Irvine - "Walk The Walk; Talk The Talk" (Weldon J. Irvine, Jr.) (RCA cat. JH-10111 (promo))
Oliver Sain - "Over The Hill - Part 1" (O. Sain) (Vanessa cat. V-110)
Kain - "Ain't It Fine" (Gylan Kain) (Juggernaut Records cat. 410)

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Primitive Sound System at Stolen Moments - Thursday July 27th

Hello Y'all,
This week I'll be spinning my Jass Off! I'm bringing Jazz 45's from the 50's, 60's and 70's to "Stolen Moments" which is the weekly jam session hosted by DJ (and a man who is no stranger to improvisation) Smallchange. The night is billed as one that is Jazz by sensibility more than definition but I figure why not define myself with some Jazz. Some of these records are the very reason I listen, collect, share, DJ and play this joyful noise we call music. I'll have a pretty good selection of Soul Jazz, Latin Jazz, some HardBop, Free... Jazz & Jazz amongst other flavors. Taking him up on the sensibility description I have also thrown in some things that speak Jazz to me like Curtis Mayfield, early Kool & The Gang - "Dujji," Oliver Sain - "On The Hill," Stylistics - "People Make The World Go Round," Jon Lucien, and a few others. I get to sit in around 10:30PM or so and play until 12... 1AM or there abouts. As always I'll have way too many records so when someone says, "Yo, fat man! Give it a break!" I'll pass the seat and make my way to a cold beverage.

- pat.
Primitive Sound System

Stolen Moments
Thursday July 27
The East Side Co.
49 Essex Street (near Grand Street on the Lower East Side of NYC - look for the wooden door)
No Cover 9PM-3AM
No sign? No Phone? Just knock on doors until you find it, that's what I am planning on doing.

Here's a very brief sampling of some of what I am bringing.

45's:
Jimmy McGriff - "The Worm" (Solid State cat. SD 2524)
COWBELL! Hell yeah, this is by and far away my favorite Jimmy McGriff 45. The intro comes on pretty aggressive but about a minute in there is a little burst from the sax that let's you know they have no intention on letting up. The sax talks its way through the first minute and a half or so before giving way to the trumpet. Blue Mitchell riffs and screams with conviction and soulful purpose before the band builds back up. McGriff is up next and damn can this man play organ. He attacks each key as if he might not get another chance to play again. Throughout, the drums are funky and heavy and they have to be because no one can play bass lines like McGriff and here he is joined by Bob Bushnell on electric bass as well. If it didn't fade I might pass out because that is one insane rhythm section.

Mary Lou Williams - "The Credo" (Mary Records cat. MA-6)
Smooth, deep bass opens this subtle track over a simple drum beat. Ms. Williams piano lines flow out of her effortlessly as the words of a poet. "Credo" could be the soundtrack of heaven or hell as there is something introspective, joyful and sinister all at once unfolding here. The track seems to float perpetually. If you listen closely... you can hear it now.

Red Holloway - "Gittin' Down (The Churn)" (RH Records cat. 003)
Raw breaking drums and congo get us started before Mr. Holloway duels it out with the guitar. This is where the lines between Jazz and Funk become blurred. Screaming sax, rolling percussion, sharp drums, round bass and nasty guitar licks beat it out for two and a half minutes and no room to breath.

The Rhoda Scott Trio - "Sha-Bazz (Pt.1)" (Tru-Sound cat. 45-419)
This was my introduction to Rhoda Scott. I dropped the needle on it and all I pictured was some sort of ritual happening taking place on stage with one of the coolest Jazz Organ Trios I have ever heard providing the backing. After the chanted intro which includes some amazing percussion played on kit only the track launches into a late 60's Jazz groove at top speed. Ms. Scott's organ has an incredibly raw and almost sax quality to it making it hard to distinguish the two instruments from one another. When the sax digs in and gets a bit more deep sounding during its solo the two instruments sound as if they have been torn apart after being conjoined at the hip. After a statement of the theme we are suddenly thrust back into the percussive intro groove and a quick fade.

Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand - Part 1" (Blue Note cat. BN-1955)
Lonnie Smith's voice is a unique one to say the least. That is not to say it doesn't sound totally amazing because... IT DOES! Matched with Ronnie Cuber's deep baritone sax, which is beautiful, and the guitar which handles the highs very nicely allows for Mr. Smith's fuzzed out, distorted vocal to not detract but add to the feel and mood of the song. His voice pushes from his stomach, up through his throat and some how bypasses the lungs altogether giving it a sense (and sound) that can only be described as frustration.

Herbie Hancock - "Crossings" (Warner Bros. Records cat. WB 7598)
"Crossings" is the title of Mr. Hancock's last LP for Warner Bros. but the track does not appear on that LP. I first heard the song an a compilation called "Treasure Chest" and yes, this is certainly a treasure. The song is a workout for the drums, bass and keyboards more than anything which is why it may have not been included on the LP. Synth sounds dart in and out of focus all the while the drums pound out a pretty funky groove. Could this be the line where Fusion and Funk get blurred? The song is just 2:32 long (2:36 on Treasure Chest, go figure) which makes it about a third as long as the shortest track on the LP. Maybe this is why it was not included. Regardless, I was happy as a pig in shit when I found a copy of the 7" and then was equally as sad when I dropped it while DJing one night. This is my third copy and it was pretty easy to get considering I don't think many people are aware of how incredible this little track is.

Lee Morgan - "Cornbread, Part 1" (Blue Note cat. 45-1930)
Lee Morgan plays trumpet. Lee Morgan played trumpet very well. He was one of the greatest trumpet players to ever strut the surface of this dirty ball we call earth. Morgan's wife shot and killed him. The legend goes something like this: she became frustrated and tired of his cheating so she went to Slug's where he was performing and shot him dead. Apparently she waited for him to finish his solo... that is how good Lee Morgan was. "Cornbread" is one of Morgan's Soul / Jazz tracks that moves in a Boo-Ga-Loo mode at points but never lets you forget it is a Jazz track. Morgan solos for most of the track and at times even comps a sax sound that is just crazy to hear. The sound is not much different than "Sidewinder" which was a bona-fide hit for him.

Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. PRT-750)
Soul Jazz doesn't come much heavier than this. Rusty Bryant was always known for his blowing session style and he took to the Funk and Soul sounds of 70's Jazz better than most. Drums that crackle, slam and break, organ that sounds as if it may be on fire, and of course Bryant's screaming sax just buries the damn thing. The LP track is 9:30 long but here we are treated to one of the best 45 edits ever produced at just 3:12! All the elements of the extended track are represented and Idris Muhammad's mind blowing drum break is included as an added bonus. Undeniably the best of the best when it comes to Soul Jazz / Funk.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

D.C.s Tavern Record Swap & Bar-B-Que - Saturday July 22nd - 2PM until Whenever

Hello Y'all,
This coming weekend is our next D.C.'s Tavern Record Swap. Come one, come all "Back in Back" to buy, sell and swap some vinyl discs (we do allow CD's but we try to give the space open for vinyl). Space is ALWAYS limited so come early to get some tap front real estate. No fee to sellers/dealers and it is free to get in. D.C.'s is going to feed you as well! This time out we have quite a lineup of entertainment. We couldn't have been happier when the fine Brinkman Daly said they would play a set. They have previously played D.C.'s to a packed and very happy crowd. Larry, of Brinkman Daly fame, spends his day behind the counter at Iris Records - irisrecs.com, easily one of NJ's best record stores, and they have decided to close their doors for the day and spend the afternoon with us at the bar. Please make sure you go
through their boxes, you will not be disappointed. Joining us again at the turntables are DJ Inbetween & Chilly Freeze Steak who wowed everyone at the last Swap with the most obscure set of music from the outer solar system. So impressive was their set that all those in charge demanded they return. I know I pestered them with about a hundred "What the hell is this?!" The multi-talented Mr. Flex Unger should also have a box of Dub and Soul in tow and maybe at a future Swap we can convince him to bring his horn, trumpet that is. I have crammed about 200 singles including Food Songs, Garage, Punk, Hardcore, 50's Instros, etc, etc, into my box and hope to keep things flowing. Bring your appetite, bring records or bring a friend. D.C.'s now has one of the finest Smoking Lounges in all of Hoboken known as the "City Sidewalk." Folks, if you are driving don't drink, if you are drinking don't drive and always remember to tip your bartenders. See you Saturday, I'll be the one with the grease stains on my t-shirt and a fistful of vinyl.

- pat..

[Keep in mind, not everyone is a hardcore collector. Just some guys and gals who want some good tunes whether it is rare or not is not an issue. Condition is not always everything when you are looking for records to listen to! Of course rare gems and mint condition records are always welcome.]

POSTER: D.C.'s Record Swap Saturday, July 22nd

Saturday July 22nd
2PM - Closing... maybe
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
Hoboken, NJ
PH: 201-792-5550
D.C.'s Tavern
D.C.'s MySpace
GOOGLE MAP: Google Map
!Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Schedule to 8th Street Stop!

Some Very Delicious 45's:
Kenny Burrell - "Chittlins Con Carne, Part I" (Blue Note cat. 45-1885)
A true classic. Mr. Burrell's ode to down home food stylings is certain to make your mouth water. Soft and Loungey with enough edge to stand up to the hot sauce.

The Radors - "Finger Licking Chicken" (Leoso Records cat. 1413)
The intro sounds a bit like the band announcing TA-DA! They seem to be as impressed with themselves as you will be of this irresistible Finger Licking Chicken.

Russell Evans & The Nite Hawks - "Send Me Some Cornbread" (ATCO Records cat. 45-6411)
As organ grooves go this one is tops. Even better is Mr. Russell's gravely voice which screams over the top backed by a sweet tea chorus of "CORN BREAD, CORN BREAD, CORN BREAD..." This thing certainly is outta sight.

The Vibrations - "Ain't No Greens In Harlem" (Mandala cat. 45-2511)
Truly one of my favorite songs of all time. Everything about this 45 is perfect. The band has a nice heavy funk feel with sharp horn blasts and back-up singers who sound as if they are talking shit behind your back. Our sad lead here can not seem to satisfy his yearnings. No Greens, the vegetable man is on strike. No chicken, the poultry man is on strike. Our poor man goes away tired, hungry and a broken man. Will somebody please fix a plate for this guy.

Elijah and the Ebonics - "Hot Grits!!!" (Capsoul cat. CS 31)
Happy and repetitive with a definite party groove and feel.

Southside Revue - "Chiilins" Part 1 (Mellow Records cat. 1009)
This is a moody little tune about "Chitlins." The band moves like they have slipped into food coma. What is better than talking about food after you have eaten enough to feed the world? Nothing. The best is he can't stop dissin' anyone who can't keep up with him.

Chuck Womack & The Sweet Souls - "Ham Hocks & Beans Pt.1" (re-joint cat. RJ7005)
More drums! Chuck Womack has got one funky ass drummer in The Sweet Souls. Mr. Womack basically calls it like King Curtis in "Memphis Soul Stew" with horn, bass, guitar and drums as his ingredients. Side two is the instrumental and it is just as good.

Clarence Foster and the Internal Revenue Service - "Fry Chicken In Your Hot Pants" (Freestyle cat. FSR7014)
The drums that open up this track are enough for me but Mr. Foster and the IRS give us one heavy battered bird to contend with. I am not sure if you should ever try frying chicken in your hot pants but apparently it is an epiphany of sorts.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Peter Gunn & Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thursday July 13th

Hello Y'all and Punky Chips of Oi! to ya,
Thursday July 13th Peter Gunn and Primitive Sound System collide at deck level once again in an explosion of Punk sounds. Last time out the incomparable Mr. Gunn grabbed the Queen by the balls and squeezed until she screamed UNCLE and The Primitive One grappled with Uncle Sam and bitch slapped him to tears. So, after a fierce match of "Once-Twice-Three Shoot" Mr Gunn chose Amerika as his toy chest giving the rest of the world to me to have my way with. As is only fair and gentlemen-like in these situations there are always favorites on both sides so exceptions will be granted. Last time Peter got Boston... not L.A. and I was able to spin The Saints -"Stranded" and selections from Radio Birdman. This time around I am asking only for the Minutemen, I recently saw "We Jam Econo" and shed a tear for D. Mr Gunn can grab a piece of the European Theater to do what he will. Please pogo by and try not to spill your drink.

- pat.

DON'T FORGET!
Saturday July 22nd The D.C.'s Tavern Record Swap and Bar-B-Que!
POSTER: Gigposters.com - Pat. James Longo


Thursday July 13th
9PM - Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
Hoboken, NJ
PH: 201-792-5550
www.dcstavern.com
www.myspace.com/dcstavern
GOOGLE MAP: Hoboken!
!Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Schedule to 8th Street Stop!: All Aboard!

Some 45's:
The Clash - "White Riot" b/w "1977" (CBS cat. CBS 5058)
Sirens and a looping guitar / drum intro launches into the chants of "WHITE RIOT!" The observations made by The Clash still are relevant thirty years later. Either that is to their credit or to our failure as a society. Eh, whatever. Great first single if there ever was.

Slaughter and The Dogs - "Dame To Blame" b/w "Johnny T" (Decca cat. F 13743)
"Dame to Blame" is punchy and rude and unfortunately one of the few songs I even like by Slaughter and The Dogs. I have to say I am not one much for lyrics so I can usually care less what a band is saying as long as the music moves me. I do like the little Poppy shout out choruses of "It's called love... ewww ahhh." Nicely the chorus never takes away the edge of the song. One noteable oddity in a Punk song is the extended guitar solo but it cuts pretty sharply and is followed by those sweet little ahhhhhhs.

Little Bob Story - "All or Nothing" b/w "Hot N' Sweaty" (Mercury cat. 6007141)
Little Bob Story tread that fine line between Pub Rock and Punk in a similar way as Eddie and The Hot Rods do. The photo on the back of the 45 can pass for a Turbonegro outtake. This ones also got a great Poppy call out of "Make it with youoooo." the band is French and sing exclusively in English with little if no hint of an accent. I only know this one record but I can tell that I would probably have liked them live.

Sex Pistols - "Pretty Vacant" b/w "No Fun" (Virgin cat. VS 184)
Sex Pistols - "Holiday In The Sun" b/w "Satellite" (Virgin VS 191)
I don't think much needs to be said about The Sex Pistols that hasn't already been well documented. When I listen to the LP all the way through it doesn't really have the edge that is associated with Punk and their "shocking" own actions. Did you ever notice that there is nothing all that shocking about music? It's either good or bad and the only thing shocking is the crap that some people call music.

The Mekons - "Where Were You?" b/w "I'll Have To Dance Then (On My
Own)" (Fast Product cat. FAST 7)
Holy crap, come up for air you guys. The Mekons kick the crap out of this breakneck tune ("I'll Have to Dance..."). I can only assume they are singing about trying to dance at a Punk club, maybe trying to check out someone you like while you are there? Who knows I can't follow it, but I do love this so. "Where Were You?" is a little more reasonably paced. Everyone of these questions have gone through every anxiety ridden youth in anticipation of seeing someone you are attracted to. The song ends with no resolve and just kind of peters out, much like most first encounters. Stick with the flirty eye contact son and enjoy your beer. The run out groove has a bit of wisdom forever scored into it - "The Single Is A Product" / "This Product Is a Single"

Alternative TV (ATV) - "How Much Longer" b/w "You Bastard"
"You Bastard" is 1 minute and 19 seconds of pure bile spewed Punk. Right from the first second of this song I knew I was hooked. "You Bastard, you wasted time!, My precious wasted time!" Or so that is what I think they are saying. The drumming is sloppy where it should be and slamming when it needs to be. There is this great little guitar lick that pops out of the din that can only be described as happy but in a very odd Television, Tom Verlaine kind of way. Perfection.

The Radiators From Space - "Television Screen" b/w "Love Detective" (Chiswick cat. S 10)
For the longest time only two things could make me pick up a record; I heard previously or the cover. I grabbed this because of the cover. Cheesy lettering and a shitty photo on the front and a layout on the back that could only be described as appalling. I'll take it, thank you very much. When I got home and listened to it I smiled from ear to ear. TV Screen slams, careens, and collides into itself as the vocalist tirelessly keeps up. The music opens with a bit of a take on revved up 50's rocker but quickly descends (ascends?) into Punk glory. Shouted vocals a two second guitar solo and a rhythm section that sound as if they are being played by smashing the bass on the drums.

The Radiators From Space - "Enemies" b/w "Psychotic Reaction" (Chiswick cat. NS 19)
Next to the original this is a perfect version of "Psychotic Reaction."

Nipple Ercetors - "King Of The Bop" b/w "Nervous Wreck" (Soho Records cat. SH 1/2)
Shane MacGowan. OK, there that's out of the way. This has that 50's ghost running through the music which includes deep background vocals and handclaps but weirdly this is nothing short of pure Punk. The drums and bass pogo the groove from start to finish pushing the handclaps and all the while letting the guitar jingle, jangle and cut above it all. MacGowan's vocals are, well MacGowan's vocals. I know that is a lot like a Webster's definition but it is true. Snotty with a smile, high pitched yet deep toned, strained and beautiful.

Stiff Little Fingers - "Suspect Device" b/w "Wasted Life" (Rough Trade cat. RT 006)
Rigid Digits indeed. If I could sing this is sorta what I would like to sound like. "Suspect Device" is straight forward and driving with a very condensed sound. Very little separation between the instruments gives this thing a sound like a boulder raging downhill. "Wasted Life" pulls no punches that it is striving for anthem status. Opening your song with the line "I COULD BE A HERO!" is a good place as any to start. Musically it continues the onslaught started by "Suspect Device" but has that great low slung Punk repetitive guitar riffing feel. Anthem, HELL YEAH!

Buzzcocks with Howard Devoto - Spiral Scratch ep - "Breakdown" and "Time's Up" b/w "Boredom" and "Friends of Mine" (a New Hormones product cat. ORG-1)
Easily one of my favorite bands. This is a perfect ep capturing the best of what the Buzzcocks were. Howard Devoto's vocals are so snotty and snarling that when I listen to this I think he is pissed at me about something. The guitar sound that opens "Breakdown" really does sound like a chainsaw starting and the drums are as frantic and skillful as always. It is really cool that they were so proud of their recording skill even at this point that they include studio notes: "Breakdown" 3rd take No dubs; "Time's Up" 1st take Guitar dub; "Boredom" 1st take Guitar dub; "Friends of Mine" 1st take Guitar dub. "Boredom" is of course the stand out track and quite an anthem for anyone who feels "the norm" is anything but appealing. I put this along side similar minded rants like Richard Hell and The Voidoids - "Blank Generation." The best Punk songs are about disconnection, uncertainty, and a deep malaise brought on by society in general.

X-ray Spex - "The Day The World Turned Day-Glo" b/w "Iama Poseur" (EMI Records cat. INT 553 (orange vinyl))
Ah, Punk Rock with whaling saxophone and the guttural screams of Ms. Poly Styrene. This is pure joy and perfection, 7" orange slab of heaven. Styrene's vocals make this so much more edgy than it would be with any other singer. "The x-rays were penetrating through the latex breeze; synthetic fibre see-tru leaves fell from the rayon trees." Holy crap! That is an incredible line.

The Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes" b/w "Bored Teenagers" (Anchor cat. ANC 1043)
Huge tubs of tom toms beat out the primitive intro to this Horror Comic tale of psychotic serial killer Gary Gilmore's generously donated peepers. Imagine your horror of waking up from the operation that has saved you from a life of blindness to realize that you are seeing the world through a killer's eyes. Simply divine with a buzzing guitar drum roll breaks throughout that give the song an anxious feel. "GARY, DON'T NEED HIS EYES TO SEE; GARY AND HIS EYES HAVE PARTED COMPANY!"

Generation X - "Ready Steady Go" b/w "No No No" (Chrysalis cat. CHS 2207)
Maybe I always give Generation X more credit than they deserve but a song like "No No No" just plain devastates. It sounds like it was recorded while it was being written but all the while seems full of purpose and conviction. The little drum break still gives me chills and its feedback built ending into country strum in the fade makes it pretty damn cool if you ask me. I only wish they dropped the posturing and recorded more in the same vein.

The Saints - "I'm Stranded" b/w "No Time" (Power Exchange cat. PX 242)
I can listen to this daily. I really never get tired of it. The Saints sound is a very rehearsed one. That is not to say that they are not edgy, raw or real it just means they gave a shit about how they sounded. This is one of the great nihilistic, self pitying anthems up there with Pere Ubu's "Final Solution" (another song I can listen to every day, as well as "Sonic Reducer" by The Dead Boys... I think I may need help... "My Generation" by the Who... "(I can't get No) Satisfaction" by the Stones... nope, I'm OK). The band has a rounded sound that matches the pleading vocals perfectly. "YOU GOTTA LEAVE ME ALONE!" But then he follows it all up with a very glad "ALRIGHT!" You know what? I think we will be alright.

Motorhead - "Motorhead" b/w "City Kids" (Chiswick cat. NS 13)
Holy Crap! Do you remember the first time you heard Motorhead? What the hell do you make of these guys? Former Prog / Metal band Hawkwind births the moniker as well as the theme as a B-side which grows into a world all its own. Thank you Hippy, Metal, Prog guys. Somewhere in here there should probably be a discussion of AC/DC so I'll just bring along the "Jailbreak" 7" as well but I digress. Motorhed (the song and band) are definitely equal parts Punk and Metal and no one seems to be able to hit that combination as perfectly as they effortless do. The self titled first LP is a "Must Have!" for any record collection. If you have nothing but classical records you should still have a copy of MOTORHEAD! Lemmy's voice is always described as raspy and many other singers are tagged that way but Lemmy's voice really is Goddamn raspy. It sounds like he chewed up glass and gargled with metal filings. The band is so damn heavy that when I first heard them I pictured the floor toms being the size of 55 Gallon drums and the kick a circular swimming pool turned on its side.

Some LP's...
Eater - "The Album" (The Label cat. TLR LP 001)
Radio Birdman - "Radio Appear" (Sire cat. SRK 6050)
Rezillos - "Can't Stand The..." (Sire cat.SRK 6057)
I really do not think there is a more Punk song ever written than "Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight" and this could be my favorite version. This whole LP just cruises through one great song after another and includes this inspired choice of a cover.

Sham 69 - "Tell Us The Truth" (Sire cat. SRK 6060)

Wire - "Pink Flag" (Harvest / EMI Records cat. SHSP 4076)

The Slits - "Cut" (Antilles cat. AN 7077)

Warsaw Pakt - "Needletime" (Island Records cat. ILPS 9515)
I bought this for a dollar or something many many years ago at Pier Platters in Hoboken, NJ. At the time I was really into cover versions and this one leads off with The Who's - "It's Not True." Needle Time was recorded, mixed, and released in just 24 hours and it sounds like it. Raw and real with most tracks sounding like single takes including lead singer Jimmy Coull yelling out the titles as if it were a live performance which in essence it was. The insert shows that to record the 12 songs on Needle Time it took just three hours which is pretty impressive. Overall the LP gets a little samey but that may be from the very live recording quality which doesn't allow much detail through.

The most Honourable Mention you could ever mention...
The Jam - "In The City" (Polydor cat. PD-6110)
The Jam - "This Is The Modern World" (Polydor cat. PD-6129)

Into the New Wave...
Klark Kent - "Theme For Kinetic Ritual" (Kryptone Records cat. KMS 7390)
If you are old enough to remember the I.R.S.'s Cutting Edge show than you know I will be playing this as my intro as well.
XTC - "Are You Receiving Me." b/w "Instant Tunes" (Virgin cat. VS 231)
Gang of Four - "Damaged Goods" b/w "Anthrax" and "Armalite Rifle" (Fast Product cat. Fast 5)
Pop Group - "She Is Beyond Good and Evil" b/w "3'38" (Radarscope Records ADA 29)
Joe Jackson - "The Harder They Come" b/w "Out Of Style" and "Tilt"
Elvis Costello And The Attractions - "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea" b/w "You Belong To Me" (Cladhurst Ltd trading as Radar Records cat. ADA 3)
Spys - "The Young Ones" (Virgin Records cat. NB3)

OK, I am too tired to go on but I think you can tell what the night will be like. See ya there!

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Big City Soul Club presents - "A Night Of Rare Soul" at D.C.s Tavern

Hello Y'all,
D.C.'s Tavern couldn't get any luckier than this. On July 8th Gene Merideth is going to flood the tiny bar with soul sounds for moving, grooving and boozing. Gene has acquired a list of accomplices that on any other night you would run out to hear them spin on their own. If your ass has a mind of its own it won't let you sit for very long. Please join us for a soul and ass shaking night of music and drunken conversation.

Big City Soul Club presents - "A Night Of Rare Soul" at D.C.s Tavern
Come on down for a few beers and to listen to rare soul from the
collections of:
Dave Withers (UK Northern Soul DJ)
Connie T Empress (Empire State Soul Club)
Greg Tormo (Solid Hit Soul Club)
Gene Merideth (Solid Hit Soul Club)

From Atlantic to Zodiac, The Ad Libs to ZZ Hill, from Los Angeles,
Chicago, Memphis, New York and of course Detroit. Rare soul for
everyone!!

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
Hoboken, NJ
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://www.myspace.com/dcstavern
GOOGLE MAP: http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=505+8th+Street,+Hoboken,+NJ+07030
!Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Schedule to 8th Street Stop!: http://www.njtransit.com/rg_spr_lr_stations.shtml

DON'T FORGET!
Saturday July 22nd The D.C.'s Tavern Record Swap and Bar-B-Que!
POSTER: http://www.gigposters.com/posters.php?poster=66209

Recent Crack:
Jimmy McGriff - "Main Squeeze" b/w "The Sermon" (Groove Merchant cat. SGDJ 1029)
I have about 30 Jimmy McGriff 7's so I can easily say he is my favorite Soul Jazz/ Jazz Funky organ grinder. How this little gem alluded me is unknown but I am happy I have one now. "The Sermon" is a just OK run through of Jimmy Smith's brilliant tune BUT (and that is one big ole' butt); "THE MAIN SQUEEZE" is a whole other story. Super loose, very live recording with the band kicking real hard and with a purpose. Sometimes when you are playing, some of the most aggressive moments come when you are being more tough than loud and that is exactly what is going on here. Each player allows space between the notes and beats giving it that more funk than Jazz feeling. Big round bass, plucked guitar, guttural screams, and slapping drums kick things off followed by an immediate sax riffing solo. McGriff chooses to stab and dance around the band with his keys but is never lost in the mix or left out. The guitar seems to be the real lead on this but then again everyone seems to be doing their own thing.

Funkadelic - "Red Hot Momma" b/w "Vital Juices" (20th Century Records / Westbound Records cat. WT-5000)
"Red Hot Momma" is one of my all time favorite songs. Hands down. I have always had a promo of the 20th Century/Westbound version and had "Vital Juices" on a few comps and boots. Now I have a pristine copy all my own on the best format... 45 that is. I only wish there was no fade on on this screaming guitar soaked instrumental of the note perfect "A" side. I still get chills when I hear "Red Hot Momma" and "Vital Juices" just extends that feeling for another 3:13.

Marva Whitney - "I Am What I Am" Part 1 and 2 (Monaurail & Empowerment cat. RDBV-025)
This makes more sense then you may think. I have a few 7's by the backing band here, The Osaka Monaurail, and they are very, very, very influenced by James Brown as well as his many bands / side projects. Some of their originals are too close sounding to JB's cuts that they sound like second rate James Brown compositions but sometimes they can really hit the nail square on. This is one of those times. Being fronted by one of Soul's greatest and most powerful voices doesn't hurt, and oh yeah she played with that James Brown guy quite often. This cut is delivered in two very heavy parts and has a recorded quality creepily similar to the sound on Marva Whitney's It's My Thing LP. Straight forward and belted out like the best of 'em. Popeye has a new theme song.

The Soul Snatchers - "Get Yourself Together" b/w "Sniffin' & Snatchin'" (Social Beats cat. Social 701)
These guys bust out fully charged and with a big sound including a horn section and some really driving percussion. The band is as tight as a duck's ass and has real fine tuned quality to both the playing and the recording. I'd love to hear these guys score a film. "Sniffin' & Snatchin'" is a bit slower but is also a bit heavier than "Get Yourself Together." This time out flute is added nicely to the mix and it has a bit of a conversation with the organ before slamming back into the drum heavy groove.

Hi Fidelity - "Hi Fidelity" b/w "Samboogaloo" (Tramp Records cat. TR-1005)
"Hi Fidelity" sounds really familiar but I just can't place it. Its got a smile in its grooves but never gets too corny. the sax saves any possibility of that as it rips things up for a good portion of the song. After a restatement of their happy theme the trombone is just as intent on keeping things funky as hell like its predecessor. Sometimes I just can't wait to share a song with others.

Big City Soul Club presents - "A Night Of Rare Soul" at D.C.s Tavern

Hello Y'all,
D.C.'s Tavern couldn't get any luckier than this. On July 8th Gene Merideth is going to flood the tiny bar with soul sounds for moving, grooving and boozing. Gene has acquired a list of accomplices that on any other night you would run out to hear them spin on their own. If your ass has a mind of its own it won't let you sit for very long. Please join us for a soul and ass shaking night of music and drunken conversation.

Big City Soul Club presents - "A Night Of Rare Soul" at D.C.s Tavern
Come on down for a few beers and to listen to rare soul from the
collections of:
Dave Withers (UK Northern Soul DJ)
Connie T Empress (Empire State Soul Club)
Greg Tormo (Solid Hit Soul Club)
Gene Merideth (Solid Hit Soul Club)

From Atlantic to Zodiac, The Ad Libs to ZZ Hill, from Los Angeles,
Chicago, Memphis, New York and of course Detroit. Rare soul for
everyone!!

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
Hoboken, NJ
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://www.myspace.com/dcstavern
GOOGLE MAP: http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=505+8th+Street,+Hoboken,+NJ+07030
!Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Schedule to 8th Street Stop!: http://www.njtransit.com/rg_spr_lr_stations.shtml

DON'T FORGET!
Saturday July 22nd The D.C.'s Tavern Record Swap and Bar-B-Que!
POSTER: http://www.gigposters.com/posters.php?poster=66209

Recent Crack:
Jimmy McGriff - "Main Squeeze" b/w "The Sermon" (Groove Merchant cat. SGDJ 1029)
I have about 30 Jimmy McGriff 7's so I can easily say he is my favorite Soul Jazz/ Jazz Funky organ grinder. How this little gem alluded me is unknown but I am happy I have one now. "The Sermon" is a just OK run through of Jimmy Smith's brilliant tune BUT (and that is one big ole' butt); "THE MAIN SQUEEZE" is a whole other story. Super loose, very live recording with the band kicking real hard and with a purpose. Sometimes when you are playing, some of the most aggressive moments come when you are being more tough than loud and that is exactly what is going on here. Each player allows space between the notes and beats giving it that more funk than Jazz feeling. Big round bass, plucked guitar, guttural screams, and slapping drums kick things off followed by an immediate sax riffing solo. McGriff chooses to stab and dance around the band with his keys but is never lost in the mix or left out. The guitar seems to be the real lead on this but then again everyone seems to be doing their own thing.

Funkadelic - "Red Hot Momma" b/w "Vital Juices" (20th Century Records / Westbound Records cat. WT-5000)
"Red Hot Momma" is one of my all time favorite songs. Hands down. I have always had a promo of the 20th Century/Westbound version and had "Vital Juices" on a few comps and boots. Now I have a pristine copy all my own on the best format... 45 that is. I only wish there was no fade on on this screaming guitar soaked instrumental of the note perfect "A" side. I still get chills when I hear "Red Hot Momma" and "Vital Juices" just extends that feeling for another 3:13.

Marva Whitney - "I Am What I Am" Part 1 and 2 (Monaurail & Empowerment cat. RDBV-025)
This makes more sense then you may think. I have a few 7's by the backing band here, The Osaka Monaurail, and they are very, very, very influenced by James Brown as well as his many bands / side projects. Some of their originals are too close sounding to JB's cuts that they sound like second rate James Brown compositions but sometimes they can really hit the nail square on. This is one of those times. Being fronted by one of Soul's greatest and most powerful voices doesn't hurt, and oh yeah she played with that James Brown guy quite often. This cut is delivered in two very heavy parts and has a recorded quality creepily similar to the sound on Marva Whitney's It's My Thing LP. Straight forward and belted out like the best of 'em. Popeye has a new theme song.

The Soul Snatchers - "Get Yourself Together" b/w "Sniffin' & Snatchin'" (Social Beats cat. Social 701)
These guys bust out fully charged and with a big sound including a horn section and some really driving percussion. The band is as tight as a duck's ass and has real fine tuned quality to both the playing and the recording. I'd love to hear these guys score a film. "Sniffin' & Snatchin'" is a bit slower but is also a bit heavier than "Get Yourself Together." This time out flute is added nicely to the mix and it has a bit of a conversation with the organ before slamming back into the drum heavy groove.

Hi Fidelity - "Hi Fidelity" b/w "Samboogaloo" (Tramp Records cat. TR-1005)
"Hi Fidelity" sounds really familiar but I just can't place it. Its got a smile in its grooves but never gets too corny. the sax saves any possibility of that as it rips things up for a good portion of the song. After a restatement of their happy theme the trombone is just as intent on keeping things funky as hell like its predecessor. Sometimes I just can't wait to share a song with others.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Primitive Sound System - Manual Comics & Kaiju Big Battel - Saturday June 23rd 8-10PM

Hello Y'all,
I draw pictures. I buy records. SO... this gig combines the best of both worlds. I scratched out some lines for the newest edition of Manual Comics "Mauled!" series. This one is called Mauled! #4: 'True Reports of Mechanical Mishaps' - http://manualcomics.com/manual_main.htm and features some machinery acting as stupid as humans and in most cases killing someone. The publishers of Manual Comics are planning to throw down and lay waste to the folks of Kaiju Big Battle who co-host this all out cage match at the R Bar in celebration of the end of the MoCCA Art Festival. By-the-way, MoCCA stands for Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art which I guess is impressive but they have nothing to do with this gig so drink up, watch some H.R. Pufnstuf looking motherfuckers smack each other about the place and don't forget to steal some comic books. I hate to be so simple about it but I am stoking the fires with songs about Super Heroes, Villains and other fine characters of the sequential arts as well as any song I can think of about fighting, action and Space! How many times can I play "Kung Fu Fighting" in two hours? I'm guessing almost forty before they wrestle me away from the tables.

Let's get animal, animal,
I wanna get animal, let's get into animal
Let me hear your body talk,
Your body talk, let me hear your body talk.

- pat.
Primitive Sound System

Manual Comics & Kaiju Big Battel
Co-host the 2007 Dangerous MoCCA Afterparty!
Saturday, June 23 8PM
R Bar
218 Bowery
NYC ...just a quick walk from the Puck Building!

Check out their websites:
Manual Comics
http://manualcomics.com

Kaiju Big Battel
http://www.kaiju.com
The video section is amazing - http://www.kaiju.com/video.htm

R Bar
http://www.rbarnyc.com

45's:
Carl Douglas - "KUNG FU FIGHTING" (20 Century Records cat. TC-2140)
Hopefully this 70's AM radio hit needs no introduction. But if you have never heard it you are in for the most gentle ass kicking ever. Carl Douglas koos us with some ohs that sound more like yodeling than a call to action. To his credit Mr. Douglas is apparently hiding under a table as he is watching the "Funky Chinamen" kick some ass in the name of Mr. Big. The mood is mid paced despite the action being described as fast as lightning the band is in no hurry to change the laid-back pace. "IT WAS A LITTLE BIT FRIGHTENING - HUH!"

The Archies - "Sugar, Sugar" (Calendar (A Division of Kirshner Entertainment Corp.) cat. 63-1008)
The Archies were a Don Kirshner fabricated band to give a sound to the animated version of the Archie's Comics. Talk about getting right on the first try because "Sugar, Sugar" went to number one in 1968. And like the Batman theme many people have tried there hand(s) at it with some pretty great results including Chet Baker, Jimmy McGriff, Big Youth, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Tom Jones, The Germs, and the list goes on and on.

Sea Monkeys - "Everything's Archie" (Vital Music Records cat. VMS-4)
Everything's WHAT? Everything's ARCHIE! The insanely entertaining Dave The Spaz and his manic band of Punk idiots crank through the theme to The Archies. Simple, stupid and hopping mad and out of control. Dave squeals through the last few choruses of ARCHEEEE while Pope John splinters his sticks, busts heads and nothing could be more perfect. I don't remember the year this came out but being very drunk and jumping up and down certainly didn't help me keep focused. Thanks Sea Monkeys, thanks Olympia Beer.

Man... or Astro-Man - World Out Of Mind! ep (Estrus cat. ES-169 ("Is the Phase One of Project Infinity?")
Space Surf Music is like a Maple Bacon Doughnut. At first it sounds impossible, then the attraction is too much but you know it will only hurt you later. Well, grab your board and let's hit the asteroid belt baby. The fabulous Man...or Astro-Man pull off the sling shot to the outer solar system and then cruise effortlessly for light years. Big guitar sounds crash into pounding drums like they are playing a very evenly matched game of tag. Every song has a slightly similar sound and some songs seem to only have different names but hell isn't that what Surf music is all about?! These guys are always amazing. (Maple Bacon doughnut only available at Voodoo Doughnut - http://voodoodoughnut.com)

The Mummies - "You Must Fight To Live On The Planet Of The Apes" (Sympathy For The Record Industry cat. SFTRI 196)
I have the longest list of "Top Ten Songs of All Time" of pretty much everyone... BUT... HOLY CRAP! This song makes me want to go fucking crazy and bust everything in my path. I think the last time my brother and I were in the same room and it was playing I hoisted him over my head and he kicked me in the head with his boot. Damn, that was one hell of a night. No blood, no fun is what I say. I saw The Mummies pretty much every time they made it out this way. They NEVER washed there Mummy wraps and that is pretty much all you need to know about these guys. Most bands doing garage music listen to the Nuggets series or Back From The Grave and spit it out no different than an anarchy t-shirt sold at Macy's. Not The Mummies, these guys live and breath the stomping sounds echoing from the cave. "Get your stinking paws off of me, you damn dirty ape!"

The Dickies - "Banana Splits" (A&M Records cat. AMS 7431)
The Dickies played faster than any band I have seen. Live these guys doubled the already break-neck speeds on their records. If I remember right ( and I probably don't) a song like this or "Nights In White Satin" were over in at about a minute thirty. When I last saw them their version of "Paranoid" was over so fast and ended on a dime the entire audience was caught of beat and practically fell down. Luckily at the time of this recording the world hadn't slipped into it's complacency with mediocrity and these guys were on a major label! Pure Punk recorded as if they were Steely Dan. Their first record is so good only a few discs come close.

The Banana Splits - "Doin' The Banana Split" (Kellogg's Presents a Hanna-Barbera Production cat. Extended Play #34579)
The two eps and LP by The Banana Splits are must haves. The sounds range from heavy Soul to Garage and they do all of it with equal passion. "Doin' The Banana Spits" is penned by Barry White so I can only assume Gene Page is involved in some way as well. From the first time I heard this I was blown away. It was so not the children's tune of the Tra La La Song but a blistering burst of Pounding Soulful Dance that could make the most uptight parent bop around with a smile while telling the kids to behave.

Rhythm 'N' Blues Classical Funk Band - "Monster Walk Part 2" (Mankind cat. 12001)
Screams from one of the Horror Sounds I have lead off this slamming awkward instrumental. A brief fight breaks out and ends with the maniacal laugh jof what we could only guess is the victor and a really bad man. A heavy organ riff sets the pace but is immediately interrupted by the sounds of traffic and sirens. The band fights its way to the top and plays without disruption for about a minute and a half. And what a minute and a half it is. This ranks pretty high with my favorites and I wonder if there is an unaffected version as well. SUPERBLY CREEPY!

Hoctor - "Uncle Fester's Blues" (Hoctor Records cat. H-2783)
Several times over the 14 years I stood behind the counter at Finyl Vinyl the Adam's Family album hung on the wall. I would take it down and give it a listen and then return it to its place. There was always something just slightly off or missing from the sound to not make me take it home in lew of a days pay. My home phone rings one day and next thing I know I am digging through thousands of records at a Dance Studio in Warwick New jersey. As we started through each record with a title even slightly interesting we kept coming up with one winner after another. Then we started on the cover versions. "Cissy Strut," "Moving World," "Black Belt Jones" and suddenly The Adam's Family. We flipped it over and the Go-Go moves spewed out of each groove. There is an obvious "Night Train" sound to it all but with a Batman icing. Even better is there is a flute solo, frantic drums and a sharp organ that seems ready to launch at any second but holds back as if it has something better to do.

Nervous Norvous - "Transfusion" (Dot cat. 45-15470)
I guess this is a "Novelty Record" but I gotta tell ya this aint no Weird Al or "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." Nervous Norvous packs car crash after car crash into this Countrified Car-tune about Gas, Speeding, a disregard for the Rules of The Road and empty promises. Seems like every-time he says "I'm never never gonna speed again," he plows head first into something. Throughout he begs and pleads for more petroleum and believe my grade does not matter. He is hooked and not only is he a speed junkie but he needs the juice as well.

H.R. Pufnstuf - "H.R. Pufnstuf" (Kellogg's presents Creative Products / Capitol Records cat. CP-57)
Josie & The Pussycats - "Josie" (Kellogg's presents Creative Products / Capitol Records cat. CP-59)
The Gaylads - "Popeye - The Sailor Man" (Audan Records cat. A-120)
Gate Wesley & Band - "(Zap! Pow!) Do The Batman" (Atlantic cat. 45-2319)

and many, many more

LP's:
Tee Vee Toons Presents Television's Greatest Hits 65 TV Themes! From the 50's and 60's (Tee Vee Toons Inc. cat. TVT 1100)
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (Paramount Records cat. PAS 6012)
The Pointer Sisters - "Pinball Number Count" (Ninja Tune cat. ZEN 12143)
The Electric Company - "The Electric Company Theme" (Children's Television Workshop / Sesame Street cat. CTW 22052)
Henry Mancini - The Party (RCA Victor cat. LSP-3997)
The Globe Trotters - "The Globe Trotters Theme," "House Party" (Kirshner cat. KES-108)
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids starring in Creativity (Kid Stuff cat. KS021)
Bill Cosby - "Get Out My Life Woman" (Warner Bros. Records cat. 1728)
Ramones - "Pinhead" (Sire cat. SA 7528)

Louie Ramirez en el Corazon de Harlem Espanol - "The Boogie Man" (Mecury Records cat. MG 21121)
Martino-Brighetti - "Dracula Cha-Cha" from the film Tempi Duri Per i Vampiri (RCA Victor International cat. FOC-4)
Frankie Stein and his Ghouls - "Monster Motion" (Monster Sounds and Dance Music by...) (Power Records cat. 340)

The Big Boss (TAM Musical Industries cat. YX - 7303)
Dennis Coffey and Luchi De Jesus - Black Belt Jones (Warner Brothers cat. 7771)
Lalo Schifrin - Sudden Impact and the Best of Dirty Harry! - "Scorpio" from the movie Dirty Harry (Viva Records cat. 23990-1)
Lalo Schifrin - Enter The Dragon (Warner Bros. Records Inc. cat. BS 2727)
The Cramps - "The Crusher" (I.R.S. cat. PFSX 1008)
Roy Ayers - "Coffy" (Polydor cat. PD 5048)
The Rezillos - "Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight" - Can't Stand The... (Sire cat. SRK6057)
Sammy Davis Jr - "John Shaft" (MGM Records cat. SE-4832)

Repo Man (San Andreas Records cat. SAR 39019)
Perrey - Kingsley (Electronic Pop Music of the Future created by...) - The In Sound From The Way Out! (Vanguard cat. VRS-9222)
NRBQ - "Rocket Number 9" (Columbia cat. 9858)
Milton & Anne Delugg - "Rise Robots, Rise" - Gulliver's Travels Beyond The Moon (Mainstream cat. mono 54001)
Robert Hazard with Link Wray - "Flyin' Saucers Rock & Roll" (Private Stock Records Ltd. cat. PS 2030)

The Kinks - "Powerman" (Warner Bros. Records cat. 6423)
Jimi Hendrix - "Astro Man" (Warner Bros. Records cat. MS 2034)
Black Sabbath - "Iron Man" (Warner Bros. Records cat. 1887)

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Primitive Sound System - Mixed Tape Sessions at Maxwell's Tuesday May 2nd 9PM-2AM

Hello Y'all,
Somewhere around 1990 or maybe a little earlier or later I met Phillip Lehman while he was trying to convince Robert Cohen (the owner of Finyl Vinyl in NYC) to carry his compilation, "PURE!" Phillip's knowledge of Soul and Funk was beyond impressive and he had the collection to back it up. After a while his compilations plus the Break Downs, Vinyl Dogs and The Sound of Funk series on Goldmine became checklists for me. I had been collecting Funk / Soul and Jazz since the mid-80's but who knew that all these small batches had been brewed up in every corner of the states. A few years later he began to record his own bands and tried to pass them off as original artists; claiming them as unreleased sessions recorded in the late 60's early 70's. He told me he never thought anyone would take the music seriously if they saw him first and then listened to his music. Well, fake names aside and despite their belief that they actually sounded as good as the JB's, these guys weren't half bad. There was something really appealing about them playing out live and they began playing regularly at the Lounge at CBGB's. I had already been going to Giant Step events and to see current Acid Jazz and Soul Jazz shows (including seeing Neil Sugarman at Windows on The World before he and Phillip met). Weirdly the raw and unpolished sound the Desco crew (Phillip's newly formed label) were getting was far more appealing than anything I heard prior in the unchartered terrain of new funky sounds. Acid Jazz was becoming exclusively a slick affair so someone needed to crawl back into the cave.

I started buying singles by bands not part of the Desco / Soul Fire stable. To this day releases come out fast and furious and it's getting harder to keep up. Impressively, the quality is going up with each new release. Bands like The Calypso King and The Soul Investigators seem truly unstoppable and are by far and away the most creative of the genre. Their latest release is nothing short of brilliant. Creatively, look no further than the amazing Didier's Sound Spectrum LP on Lifesaver. Didier is the multi instrumentalist and house producer of the amazing Timmion Records (based in Finland) for whom The Soul Investigators record. The Didier LP is an experimental outing that seems to be able to hold a groove as well but never seems forced. Similar releases have come out of Chicago from Directions in Music, Tortoise, Isotope 217, Euphone, 5ive Style, etc... Recently I picked up the Little Barrie LP, "We are The Little Barrie." and talk about perfection. Tony Joe White, Faces, Rolling Stones, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (and the obvious influences that come with that comparison), even early G. Love and The Special Sauce, and a heaping bucket of pure Funk all simmered slowly to create their own incredible sound. After almost 5 years The Bamboos form Australia have FINALLY released an LP. Their debut 7" "Eel Oil" has been in constant rotation since its release in 2001. Luckily for those who do not have the 7" it is included on the LP; UNFORTUNATELY for me I feel I am owed two more songs... I'm waiting. The point to all this is that I realized something very important to this record collecting thang. My passion for Punk came from many sources but one that now seems most important is the fact that the music was current. Produced by people like myself. Buying the records and going to the shows meant we were sharing the experience. So, being able to find new Funk and Soul records had the same excitement to me as those early Punk obsessed days. Picking through the multitude of releases and bands to find the ones that really touch my soul keeps it all interesting. So this week I am bringing some of my favorites and unlike a rare $100 record most of these are still currently available.

- pat.
Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions from 9PM - 2AM
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

A very partial list is below:
The Other Side - (Don't Look Back) Behind The Shack
When Phillip gave me the final mix / promo cassette of this the band was listed as The Funky Pack. Wow, that is a horrible name. Luckily the music on the tape and subsequently the released LP was so great it could have been called anything. In retrospect, it is apparent where many of the later New Funk release faltered; they assumed as long as you have the beat (or break beat) right the rest of the song doesn't matter. The Other Side LP is complete with compositions with resolve and also include some fine soloing. The playing on the record is never hurried, players lay back and create a groove with feel as much as they do with musicianship. The LP flies by leaving the listener wanting more.

Joseph Henry - "Who's The King (You Know That's Me) (Desco Records cat. 45-1009)
Naomi Davis & The Knights of Forty First Street - "Forty First Street Breakdown" (Desco Records cat. 45-1014)

Sugarman Three - "Funky So-And-So" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1003)
Charles Bradley and The Sugarman Three - "Take It As It Come Part I & II" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1005)
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - "Genuine" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1016)
Sharon Jones - "I Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Is In" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1022)

Not wanting to seem to anxious Mr. Sugarman waited until Daptone's 3rd release to strut his stuff; Daptone was of course his new venture with former Desco partner Gabe Roth and a second attempt at getting everything James Brown down. The Sugarman Three are hugely talented and would sound amazing playing nursery rhymes. Here they go for a bit more Southern feel in the guitar and organ while the drums pump as if the life of the band depended on it. A slightly New Orleans groove is especially noticeable on the breaks. As would be suspected Mr. Sugarman grabs a grooved solo before the drums get one more break on the fade.

Calypso King and the Soul Investigators - "C'mon Boot-It" (Jive cat. ????)
This was the second outing for the Soul IG's and I knew these guys were destined for greatness. Like the Other Side, The Soul Investigators seemed less worried with trying to imitate the James Brown sound as much as it was just one of many, many influences. Since this release the Soul Investigators have put out one great song after another. "C'mon Boot-It" opens with a nice deep plucking guitar which along with the drums keep very constant throughout the song. The organ takes a very note filled, rolling solo that double times everyone else but some how never disrupts the pace.

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators – “Keep Reachin’ Up” (Timmion cat. LP-002)
The new Soul Investigators LP features Soul singer Nicole Willis and it is nothing short of brilliant. The whole thing has a raw quality and one that can easily be said is true to the late 60’s early 70’s sound most of the New Funk / Soul outfits go for yet Ms. Willis’ vocal experience with labels like Mo’ Wax help keep things very current sounding. “If This Ain’t love (Don’t Know What Is)” reached number 4 on the charts in their home of Finland. I have had the CD for over a year and welcome its return to constant rotation with the release of the vinyl version. The ever developing and constantly changing Soul Investigators expand their signature stripped down raw Funk sound to include strings, horns, flute and some occasional studio tricks and effects. The recent single from the LP is, “My Four Leaf Clover” b/w “Holdin’On”. The “B” side of this Soul-Popped gem is now my current New Funk favorite. “Holdin’ On” gets started with an open guitar riff but suddenly picks up the pace as the drums skitter across the dance floor. Syncopated horns punctuate the organ and Ms. Willis’ sharp vocals equally before the organ grabs a little solo action. The cut is simply unstoppable and one that will get a lot of platter time.

I should begin this by saying I am not the biggest fan of The Poets of Rhythm. The following two records have a connection to that band which leads me to believe that the parts are better than the whole.

The Whitefield Brothers - "In The Raw" (Soul Fire Records cat. SF-018)
"In The Raw" starts as if the band is being wound up before being able to play. The song is bloody red raw with a nice small group sound made up of guitar, drums, organ and congas. The organ solo is one of the few "old" sounding organ parts on any of the New Funk records. How they got this amazing sound is beyond me but I am very grateful they did. This ranks in the top 5 of my favorite New Funk records and probably ranks pretty high against the forefathers as well. Slow, tight, dirty and mean. (The LP by the same name is just as great. )

The New Process - "Freedom" b/w "Bus People Theme" (Tramp Records cat. TRI 1001)
Originally recorded in 1993 but not released until 2003 this slamming little slice of funkiness best anything I have ever heard from The Poets Of Rhythm. Maybe it's the raw tin can sounding drums or the over modulated bass but whatever it is, it's raw and I like it. Both sides are hard and genuine.

The Soul Destroyers - "Blow Your Top Part II" (Stark Reality cat. Stark-008)
The Soul Destroyers - "Armadillo" (Stark Reality cat. Stark-011)
Part 2 of "Blow Your Top" is decidedly slower than part 1. The band seems more together and has an all round better feel. The instruments are able to breath and interact with each other. There is a real nice difference with the way the recording of the voice was handled compared to the band; the voice is raw and gritty and I wouldn't say the band recording is slick but is definitely cleaner.

Breakestra - "The Gettin' To It" (Ubiquity Records cat. UR7184)
The Breakestra have a very tough sound with the emphasis on the "break" half of their name as the Arkestra half seem s to be a tribute to Sun Ra's band more than an influence and you know what, that's not a bad thing. Most of their cuts are fully fleshed out compositions which move along at quite a clip punctuated with sharp horns, organ and very tasty guitar. The band has improved steadily over the years but that is not to say that their debut "Getcho Soul Togetha" isn't still one of my favorite cuts. "The Gettin' To It" rolls in with a smile on its face and a bounce to its walk. The horns seem to be leading the show here. Deep throaty sax is teased by the trumpet for most of the cut before the trumpet steps out and gives us a real taste. Of course we are treated to a short but sweet break before the theme is stated one last time and we are out.

Speedometer - "At The Speakeasy" (Freestyle Records cat. FSR7004)
Speedometer - "Lazy Susan" (Raw Wax cat. RW45-001)
Speedometer have quite a lot of releases under their belt on many different labels and any one of those releases could have been listed here including an amazing 10" on Kennel Klub. "At The Speakeasy" is a very deceiving name to me. I expected something a bit Jazzy and even mellow Loungey. Oh, how I was wrong. "At The Speakeasy" slams open with an interplay between the band and the guitar which is eventually used as the theme throughout the song. After the brief opening the doors are thrown open to reveal quite a party going on. Drums push along the horns in a tight groove complimenting the steady bass and powerful organ as the percussion holds everything together. They come back to the theme very soon in the happening as almost to remind you where it all began. No complaints here because not only are we treated to a great sax solo but a quick interplay between drums and congas gives the whole thing an extended feel before a partial stating of the theme.

Big Boss Man - "Sea Groove" (Blow Up cat. BU017)
"Sea Groove" opens with a beat and feel very reminiscent of "Apache" but certainly comes into its own as things get moving. A guitar solo precedes the bridge and then guitar and the really sweet sounding organ grab a hold of the action and get down to business. There are hand claps through out which threaten to get in the way but never really do.

The New Master Sounds - "Better Of Dead" (Cooker Records NMS7002)
That electric sitar thing is one cool sounding instrument. Here the New Master Sounds make great use of it over a very funky backing. The coolest thing about this track is that they don't seem concerned to make the track sound even the slight bit Eastern. They are using the electric sitar no different than they would have used a second guitar. Nicely it is the lead throughout most of the track and makes quite a nice racket. Only during the fiery organ solo does it take the back seat but does pop in at the very end just enough to remember the bizarre ride we just took.

Ravi Harris And The Prophets - "Path Of The Blazing Sarong" (Gemini Records cat. 13005)
When Phillip Lehman first brought these into Finyl Vinyl he really tried to convince us that these were old. There was something about the sound that just didn't sound old to me and then I noticed that the United Pressing number was not that far off from the one recently issued to my bands 7". Phillip was bummed but he did bring some by one day that I helped him dirty up the covers of (by stepping on them and rubbing them on the disgusting carpet of Finyl Vinyl) because there were a lot of people who believed him and really did think they were old. The sound here is very simple but very tastefully done. Take equal parts James Brown, equal parts Ananda Shankar and equal parts Sound Library music and you get one hell of a Lounge Funk record. Years later when I worked for Grooovy Sounds Unlimited this got a whole lotta spins at the weekly "Air India" party we threw.

The Jimi Entley Sound - "Charlie's Theme" (Espionage Disk cat. ESP00I)
Some where there is a spy movie waiting for this song as its theme. The drums are recorded really well and the guitar, organ and horns seem to hang just below the surface. Because of its incredible measured slow groove it can feel at times that you are getting a contact high or the sensation that you are walking through a vat of Jell-O. There is some sort of Portishead connection here that seems very possible in the treatment of the horns and drums. Regardless this is one great slow funky 45.

Damn, I am slowing down and falling to sleep so I have to end here. I also packed a bag of LPs.