Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday Feb 15th!

Hello Y'all,
This week I'll be paying tribute to Jimmy Smith and Tyrone Davis. Both these soulful greats recently passed away. Jimmy Smith was my entrée into the world of Organ Jazz. Organ based Jazz was not very prominent before Smith but the sound of Jazz was soon changed forever by him. He also set the standards and practically wrote the book on the sound of Jazz organ. Over a 3 day period in February of 1957 Smith recorded hours of music which proved the validity of the organ as a true Jazz instrument. Mosaic Records compiled the entire session on "The Complete February 1957 Jimmy Smith Blue Note Sessions" and is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Smith continued to record and perform practically to his last day. Tyrone Davis had an immediately recognizable voice and style. The majority of his career was spent on Dakar/Brunswick Records one of Americas true Independent label gems and bona fide success story. The sharp dressed Mr. Davis seemed most at home with mid-tempo grooves wrapped in warm, smart productions and stories about chasing women. Both of these greats will be missed but we are all lucky that they once walked among us.

- pat.

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

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

More gigs and dates...
Thursday February 24th - DC's Tavern Thursday Night Music and Alcohol Appreciation Series. This Thursday features Matt "Mr. Fine Wine" Weingarden, Greg "Solid Soul" Tormo and Pat. "Primitive Sound System" Longo for a night of all things Soul.

DC's Tavern
505 8th Street Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
URL: http://www.dcstavern.com

AND DON"T FORGET...

DC's Tavern Saturday Record Swap Winter Wing Ding - Saturday February 26th from 1PM - 7-8PM - DC's Tavern 505 8th Street Hoboken, New Jersey - PH: 201-792-5550 URL: http://www.dcstavern.com

THE MUSIC:

Jimmy Smith:
Jimmy Smith At The Organ - Volume 2 (Blue Note cat. BST 81552)
"The Duel" starts off with very churchlike organ but played double time. Blakey's machine like drumming is tiring to listen to even after few minutes. These gentleman are setting an inhuman pace. Smith is the first to break form and hints at the otherworldly sounds to soon follow. Smith's left and right hands are seemingly governed by separate brains. Sounds bounce, ricochet and at times do not sound like they are produced by a B3. Blakey solos but never lets up the machine driven hats. Rolls and strokes are produced by what sounds like a second drummer. Smith returns to add more sounds that could be mistaken for manipulated tape loops. Blakey finishes is solo among Smith's free jamming and then ends the trip with a very traditional run and roll. Amazing, I am not sure if the patrons of Maxwell's would even tolerate it. We'll see how the night goes.

House Party (Blue Note BST 84002)

The Sermon! (Blue Note cat. BST 84011)
"The Sermon Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1879)

Home Cookin' (Blue Note cat. BST 84050)

Back At The Chicken Shack (Blue Note cat. ST-84117)
"Back At The Chicken Shack Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1877)

"Prayer Meetin' Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 451909)
We are definitely in for some religion here. this is the kind of preaching I am always up for, wailing sax over a stroll groove. Stanley Turrentine tells it like it as and the band is steady as can be. Preach Brother Preach!


"Bucket" - Stereo Littlle LP (Blue Note cat. L4235)
"Bucket" and "Sassy Mae"

"Got My Mojo Working Part 1 and 2" (Verve - Sounds Of Fame cat. VK-147 (65-VK-630)

"The Cat" Arranged and Conducted by Lalo Schifrin (Verve cat.VK-10330 (64-VK-343))

Monster - The Incredible Jimmy Smith Arranged and Conducted By Oliver Nelson (Verve cat. V-8618)

"Groove Drops" (Verve cat. VK-10652 (106,623)
Nothing improved the sound of late 60's early 70's Organ Jazz more than the drumming innovations that came out of New Orleans and the drummers of The James Brown bands. "Groove Drops" foreshadows what was to come on the AMAZING "Root Down" LP with the drums having equal billing as Smith's stylish funky organ. Jimmy gives space and lets the beat be heard throughout "Groove Drops." This was not exactly a common recording quality in Jazz as late as the mid 60's. Even when drummers were the leader on the date the drums took a backseat as not to overwhelm the other players. Here the Orchestral backing and heavy drums give the track a very soundtrack.

Root Down - Jimmy Smith Live! (Verve cat. V6-8806)
"Root Down" is what funky Soul Jazz is all about. Congas, guitar, pounding drums and screaming organ. This is one of the top 10 Organ grooves of ALL TIME! I once read that Smith sold these from the back of his car at gigs because Verve wasn't being very helpful promoting or distributing it. If that is true it is just another example of the shortsightedness of the half wits working at labels. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing but add a little success and you have Kid Rock, Limp Dickless (Bisquick or whatever the hell they are called). How Jimmy Smith and other Jazz greats aren't living a life like Sean Combs, KISS, Brittany Spears and the rest of mediocrity is beyond me. No accounting for taste I guess. (I am actually a huge KISS fan but the fact remains America as a whole is not about quality. It's all a popularity contest and the winners are just doing the minimum to get by. Mediocrity.) A big thank you to those who strive for greatness and not fame.

Tyrone Davis:
Without You In My Life (Dakar Records cat. DK 76904)
The playact "I had It All the Time" is so incredible. It begins with a reprise of "Something That You Got" and then out of no where the voice of a stewardess obviously places on on an airplane. Tyrone missing his lady calls her pleading lets her know he is a changed man and he is crawling back to her... Then bang, right in the middle of his begging he throws in, "Aw yeah, I had a date or two but they couldn't take the place of you." Damn!

The Tyrone Davis Story (Kent cat. KENT 037)

"Is It Something You've Got" (Dakar Records cat. 45-605 (DAK-16174-PL))
Songs don't get much better than this for me. Aggressive drumming, guitar and bright horns announce Davis' arrival. "Something" is sung with a smile in his voice regardless of the fact that he can't win the young ladies affections. he seems content to love her from afar but you can tell is isn't going to give up on her too easy.

"Need Your Lovin' Everyday" (Dakar Records cat. 45-609 (DAK-ST-17285-SP))
The formula is similar on "Need." Sounds like ole' Tyrone was busy with few of the ladies.

"Turn Back The Hands Of Time" (Dakar Records cat. 45-616 (DAK-18441-SP))
Classic. This is 100% a perfect soul track. I carried an AM radio around with me as a kid (only rivaled by my portable tape recorder) and I can distinctly remember this magnificent track squeezing its way out that little inadequate speaker and still I loved it.

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday Feb 1st!

Hello Y'all,
Fat Tuesday comes one week early in my record boxes as next week I will be working on the poster for our next Record Swap. This Swap known as "The Winter Wing Ding" (Saturday February 26th at DC's Tavern) will prove how great Cosco really is, apparently they sell 200 count bags of Chicken wings. You all know that we have a grill and a fryer and we're not afraid to use it. We won't be deterred by our still lingering Snow Storm of 2005! (Or whatever this icy season brings. Remember FIRE is ICE's most feared foe.)

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
At 280lbs every Tuesday is Mardi Gras for me. Next to the music and vast influence of the Godfather of Soul from Augusta, GEE A, New Orleans must be in the top 5 of funkiest locales. Not relying of the Blues/Gospel base of traditional R&B, New Orleans' groove is one of the most unique sounding vibrations you can ever be exposed to. Odd timed beats, inflected vocals and a constant party feel (dare I say its Holy Trinity) seem to be the stand out sounds from the regions funkier recordings. Eddie Bo, Allen Toussaint, Lee Dorsey, Huey "Piano" Smith, The Meters/ Nevilles, Marshall Sehorn, Dave Bartholomew, Ernie K-Doe, Leo Morris (a.k.a. Idris Mohammed), etc, etc... Music for your mind body and soul, it's gonna hoodoo you!

- pat.

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

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

Some 45s:
Anthony Butler & The Invaders - "Katty's Thing" (Big Deal Records cat. 1001 (AR-106 (4072))
A pretty good example of the odd timings of New Orleans. This sluggish stroll kicks off with a nice open drum intro. At times throughout you can't really tell if the drummer is ahead of the band or if he has fallen behind but don't let him fool you he is right where he is supposed to be. Medium to rare, thank you.

Robert Parker - "Let's Go Baby (Where The Action Is)" (Nola Records cat. 721 (174-1594)
B-side of Barefootin' and a bit more laid back than the title implies and that is certainly not a negative. This is a cruising around, with the top laid down, checkin' out the town kinda song. Seems safe for use during Day or Night. There is just something so appealing about Parker's squeezed vocal sound. I also slipped the LP in my backpack.

Ernie K-Doe - "Gotta Pack My Bags" (Duke cat. 437 (LRS 7289))
More open drum intros from N'olens. I saw a video a few years back where Ernie K-Doe was "the celebrity" endorsing this weird homemade one man band thing. He was dancing around jacked up, sportin' a turban and for the most part unintelligible. The products "inventor" may have been only slightly crazier but certainly no way near as entertaining. "Gotta Pack My Bag" is a perfect vehicle for Ernie to shout and yell on his journey to bliss. The drummer breaks it up again about half way through as the band reclines and looks on in awe. Ernie doesn't seem to notice and can still be heard to this day. Om Shanti Ernie, Om Shanti.

Lee Dorsey - "Four Corners - Part II" (Amy cat. AMY 11,031)
Drums! Drums! Drums! But that ain't all folks. We also get Lee and group testifying over the top of some swinging horns bubbling/churning organ and smooth almost "Tighten Up" bass vamps. "Eww Yeah!" Not the best presentation of what I consider the regions top voice but I love this cut so much. I also brought the Amy LP "Working in The Coal Mine and The Polydor LP "Yes We Can."

The Meters - "Message From The Meters" (Josie cat. 45-1024 (Joz 681))
The Meters - "Groovy Lady" (Josie cat. 45-1026 (Joz 686))
Two cuts from the band that made a career out of open drums, thumping bass, fabulously fuzzy/scratchy guitar and enough meaty organ to make any creepy double entendre work freakishly perfect right here. "Message..." adds vocals. The Meters almost rarely played a bad note and they seemed to have recorded as much as Hal Blaine and The Wrecking Crew. If you are not easily impressed try listening to the entire output (including as backing band) of The Meters a feat that is not likely to happen but one challenge well worth taking.

Cyril Neville - "Gossip" (Josie cat. 45-1014 (Joz-663))
Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International cat. SSS-766 (711-453))
Mary Jane Hooper - "I've Got Reasons" (Power-Pac cat. 45-2053 (AR-105-4051)
James K Nine - "Live It Up" (Federal)

Curley Moore And the Kool Ones - "Shelley's Rubber Band" b/w "Funky Yeah" (House of The Fox cat. MH-1934)
Just got this one in the mail today! Good God this thing cooks. Echo cracking guitar pops its way through the rubber band-like intro. Suddenly everyone falls into place like soldiers into formation. The band is tight as hell thorough out. Simple, hard and the amp buzz just kills me. Crazy shit. I love this! "Funky Yeah" is just as heavy with some insane guitar riffing throughout. Unfortunately it can't compete with the creativity of side one but on any other day this would be the "Pick Hit" side. Easily classifiable as a two-sider though. Just like it says, "Funky?" "Yeah!"

Some more new stuff...
Joe Simon - "The Whoo Pee" (Vee-Jay Records cat. VJ-694 (65-8600)
I heard this track first on Mr. Fine Wine's amazing "The Shing-A-Ling" giveaway CD from the last drive (Maybe two years ago?). However long I have had this CD I have played it over and over and over. Just like his amazing Friday night radio show every track is a winner. This track in particular was unforgettable and to tell you the truth I didn't want to forget it. Like any good addict this track ate my guts out as I couldn't seem to locate a copy. I finally asked Matt a couple of weeks ago if the track was an impossible find or was I just having some bad luck. He said to check the usual suspects which I had NUMEROUS times. BUT! Magically buried in the wonderful world of all things obsessive (eBay) I located a copy while still answering his email with the message, "I tried those all many many times." Well, 4 Days and 16 hours later I paid my $7.99 plus shipping and I am the proud owner of a nice clean copy. Did I mention that you have to hear this?

Don Pierce - "This Funky Thing" b/w "Spook-A-Delic" (Majesty cat. MAJ-1041)
This one came along with the Curley Moore 45. Slamming slab of funky grooviness. Hard drums, guitar and bright horns that sound like they might be in the studio next to Mr. Pierce. Beautiful female backing vocals are punctuated by guitar before the guitar breaks out into a subtle solo mode. Smooth as ice, but still heavy as hell. "Spook-A-Delic" is far less subtle and even heavier. Pounding, steady drums and layers of guitar bounce around like a set of audio pong. Great 45!

Stan and the Man - "(Muscle Man) "Does The Football" (B And G Records cat. 7750 (b. G. 1124))
"The Football" needless to say an odd sub-genre but one that is always great. This groove is one of those grooves that forces you to jut your head forward like a chicken on the move. Don't worry if you get lost because Stan and The Man will let you know exactly what you need to know to accomplish "The Football" or the "Muscle Man" Apparently you can go home and do the funky football as you wanna. Dancing everywhere any where you want to is truly freedom. Thanks guys.

OK. I am so tired I can't go on. There are a few more newbies but that will all have to wait 2 more weeks. I have a pack full of LPs from Louisiana from many fine folk. Come by and just have fun.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Tuesday - 01-18 at Maxwell's

Hello Y'all,
Looks like 3 acts will be performing at Maxwell's (Tues. 1/18 Louis Logic/Gym Class Heroes/The Superspecs 8 p.m. $8) tomorrow night but I'll still be holding court out front. Louis Logic and Gym Class Heroes are Hip Hop and The Superspecs appear to be a Ska band. Gym Class Heroes are a band producing their own loops with live instrumentation which always appeals to me. I hadn't checked the schedule in a while but it looks like I done good. I pulled records last week while putting away last weeks set. Ironically I pulled a pretty break heavy set as well as some Dub and Ska singles (I rarely pull these to play but I can't explain why).

-pat.

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

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

Here's a sampling of what's in the mix:
The 45s:
Billy Garner - "Brand New Girl" (BGP cat. BGPS 006-A)
This is one of the unreleased gems unearthed by BGP for their superior selected and sounding compilations. This track just barrels its way down the road! The snapping drum and shout that opens this up alerts everyone to get the hell out-his-way but Mr. Garner is certainly proud of his lady and has just "GOTTA, tell ya!" Damn that's good. Thank you BGP.

Harvey & The Phenomenals - "Soul & Sunshine" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.018)
I can't shake this tune from my head. This tune creeps in on a mellow drum, bass, and guitar intro before the horns speak up. Like a bugle in front of the calvary, but rather than lead the band into any senseless conflict these horns lead the band into a cohesive stylish groove. Some music is all about the feel and and who can argue with pure soul.

Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International (Wht. Label Promo) cat. SSS-766 (711-453))
Damn! Damn! Damn! I always picture this being performed at the top of a hill in the middle of the street. The band in silhouette back lit by the setting sun. Betty is out front and the only one doing any kind of real moving around. Stalking, pacing back and forth and shooting you a look to kill and spitting her words right in your face. Feedback laced guitar slithers its way through like a Theremin in a horror movie. It's worth a listen, believe me.

Scacy and The Sound Service - "Sunshine Part 1" (Scacy Records cat. HY 2200)
What a great example of a sound I really love, big horn backed funk bands. Filled with dynamics not found in most funk tunes this one song alone would make a great mixed tape. Big bright horns and "do, do, dos" give way to tight "choruses" of uhhs backed by some heavy recorded drums and bass that can push you around the room. This things even got a fine sax solo pushed along with some hand claps and laughs before finally fading into Part 2 on the next side.

Charlie Lucas And The Thrillers - "Wonderful Feeling" (Waterbird cat. WB001)
Some songs are named so perfectly that it can only add to the listening experience but makes it hard to think of little else. "Wonderful Feeling." Hell yeah; it's even more wonderful when the band steps it up and lets the sax roll up hill where the band meets him and immediately charges down, not down as in negative but down the hill like a when you were a kid trying to run down a hill before gravity and the hill itself over take you and roll your ass to the bottom. Undaunted and smiling ear to ear you rush right back up to do it again. "Wonderful Feeling." WEEEE! I can easily say this is one of the top 10 funky sides I own.

Eastwind - "Nabbit Juice Part II" (Magic Minstrel cat. 3002)
I have always been partial to "Part II" of this track because of its jazzier feel maybe, maybe the fact that I prefer instrumentals to vocal tracks I don't really know. It's not like there are many words to this wonderful ode to the mysterious libation known as Nabbit Juice in Part I anyway. It seems to go without saying because there seems to be a pattern here... yes this is a horn heavy funk track. Love it.

Allen Toussaint - "Get Out Of My Life, Woman" (Bell Records cat. 732 (8734))
So I spoke with Marshall Sehorn about licensing this track in 1998 or so. I had the best conversation with him. We talked for almost an hour. I called him back three days later and he hadn't a clue who I was, oh well. I still remember it and I still love this version of "Get Out My Life Woman." Unhurried and country funky, almost an instrumental version as he doesn't really sing all the words. The piano is definitely leading the way hear though horns and voice punctuate what sounds like out of breath bass. Beautiful percussive sounds lurk around in the background and occasionally pop out especially what sounds like an instrument I used to see in a drum shop on 47th street. The instrument consisted of tubes of ascending height which were beat with these paddle like things. Whatever it is it adds such a nice mood.

Johnny Zamot & His Orch, vocal: Pee Wee Fernandez - "I Got The Feeling" (Gema Records cat. 1630-A)
Johnny Zamot is one interesting guy. I have Boo-ga-loo, Funk and Salsa music he has produced brilliantly over the years. One LP has him dressed like The Hulk on the cover and the music backs up that visual claim impressively. "I Got The Feeling" is one of his funk tracks. Horn driven with repetitive lyrics throughout. For the solo a deep baritone sax wails before the frenzied vocals come back in. Of course all of this is made possible by the wonderful foundation laid down by the bass, drums and congas. A party at 45RPMs if there ever was.

LPs:
Bo Diddley "Where It All Began" (Chess Records cat. CH 50016)
Richard "Groove" Holmes - "Comin' Home" (Blue Note cat. BST-84372)
Johnny Lytle - "The Soulful Rebel" (Milestone cat. MSP 9036)
Dizzy Gillespie - "Soul Salvation" (Tribute Records/GWP Records cat. TRI 5001)
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet - "Music, You All" (Capitol cat. ST-11484)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. 10014)
Jimmy Smith Live! - "Root Down" (Verve cat. V6-8806)
Nina Simone 1974 - "It Is Finished" (RCA cat. APL1-0241)
Toots & the Maytals - "Funky Kingston" (Mango cat.MLPS-9330)
Menique y Kako and His Orchestra - "Sock It To Me Latino" (Artol Records cat. ACS-6049)
Vecchio - "Afro-Rock by..." (De Wolfe Ltd. cat. DW/LP 3220)
Freedom Power (Cometa cat. CMT 4)
Robin's Rock (Music by Dittamo) - "Music For Jazz Dance" (Hoctor cat. HLPS-4194)
Curtis Mayfield - "Roots" (Curtom Records cat. CRS 8009)
The Last Poets with Bernard Purdie - "Delights Of The Garden" (Douglas cat. NBLP 7051)
The Turtles Present The Battle of The Bands (White Whale cat. WWS 7118)

New:
Jack (Bongo) Burger - "...the End On Bongos" (HIFI Record "The Sound That Named A Company" cat. Album No. R-804)
This is one of those Latin Lounge records with the pretty girls on the cover. This one happens to be a painting rather than a photo so this would appeal more to guys who actually think cartoon woman are sexy. Some of the usual Loungey Standards (Miserlou and Boulevard of Broken Dreams), and Clifford Brown's "Jordu" are served up amongst originals that could be covers if I had more time to figure out where there familiar themes were lifted. The real surprise here would be "A Yiddisha Mambo" Yikes a sub-genre if there ever was. All in all this is a pretty great Latin Lounge record bought for $3 while on a break from work.

Lalo Schifrin - "Ins and Outs" (Palo Alto Records & Tapes cat. PA 8055-N)
1982 Recordings with Andy Simpkins (bass), Earl Palmer Sr. (drums), Sam Most (flute), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion) and of course the brilliant Schifrin on piano. The set includes some old Schifrin classics ("Down Here On The Ground" and "The Fox") as well as a pair penned by his old boss Dizzy Gillespie ("Con Alma" and "Manteca"). The recording is super clean which should be a negative for me but in this case it works just fine. This could be easily passed off as an easy listening smooth jazz record but it is much more (or less when appropriate). The real beauty of this record is the bands ability to lay aggressive passages up against soft simple playing filled with space. When the weather is warmer (or maybe on a more depressingly grey Winter day) I'm going to put this on, kick back with a cold one and just let the day breeze by...

Primitive Sound System - Maxwells - Tuesday January 11th

Hello Y'all,
I had the week off between Christmas and New Year's Eve and came across a slew of records I may not have mentioned here. Also included music that Santa left on the turntable for me. The list below is pretty long and hopefully of some use to someone other than myself. Regardless of whether you read it or not I will be spinning most of these tomorrow night at Maxwell's. I didn't get to list a sampling of LPs in my backpack, next week I'll start with the LPs. As always I'll be touching on as many genres as I can possibly weave together with out becoming confused. Hope to see you there.

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

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

New stuff and stuff I may missed when I first got 'em.
The 45s:
Tom and Jerroo - "€œ(Papa Chew) Do The Boo-Ga-Loo" Part 1 and 2 (Jerry-O Records cat. JO 111)
Heavy Heavy Boo-Ga-Loo with a nice drum break and roll. The ever soulful Mr. Jerry-O strikes again.

The Souljers - "€œChinese Checkers"€ b/w "œPoochum" (Rampart cat. 45-ATE-97)
Both sides have a hand clapping party feel with crowd sounds. The oddly named "Poochum" has a bit more swing in its gate and a thumping drumbeat worthy of any 60's flick dance scene. The dirty horn line at the end tells you that your Mom may not be happy to know this is the sort of place you frequent.

Benny Gordon - "Sugar Mama" Part 1 & 2 (Estill cat. A-1000)
Benny tells us about his lady over a soulful little vamp; almost that Motown sound. Simple, sweet and damn groovy.

The Golden Toadstools - "Silly Savages" b/w "Weeping River" (Minaret cat. MIN-138 (711-296/7))
The one thing I miss most about no longer warming a stool behind the counter at Finyl Vinyl was my Sunday visits from friends. One visitor in particular came box in hand and played me some of the best and rarest 45s Funk had to offer. This is one of those 45s that had me reeling ("Silly Savages"). I know I heard it on a comp and it may well have been a comp I even owned but nothing could compare to the sound buried in those beautiful original grooves (Thanks Mr. F. W.). This song is fast paced and lyrically crazy like The Hombres "Let It All Hang Out." After each listen it is really hard to get the "point" of the song. The one thing that is for sure is this is a funky ass piece o'wax.

Red Holloway - "Gittin' Down (The Churn)" b/w "Hoghead" (RH Records cat. 003)
Red Holloway is somewhat of a master at that blowing session yet he can always swing with the best of 'em. His sound typically that of Bluesy 50's jazz with moments that even border on early Rock ("Monkey Sho' Can Talk"). Who knew this Rockin' sax man could also nail a Funk record and this is a powerhouse of a funk tune at that.

Mosquitoes - The "Fly" (Long version and Short version) (Spear cat. SP-1001)
I got this at the last DC's record swap and for some reason forgot to include it in any list of new finds. The long or short of it is that this is an incredible Boo-Ga-Loo record.

Fred Wesley & The JBs - "Rockin' Funky Watergate" Part 1 (People cat. PE 643)
This a promo copy so all it has is Part 1 in both mono and stereo. I have always loved this tune. I think it is the weird frying pan bells that tap throughout. I consider this an instrumental since I don't feel the sporadic cheers and chanted lyrics don't exactly qualify as vocals. Whatever it is its got such a great feel. Once again Watergate and Nixon get a soulful treatment from James Brown.

Lee Arab "Now" b/w Cedric IM Brooks "The Chicken" (Studio One via Soul Jazz Records cat. SJR 97-7-2)
I guess these are printed up as "promos" for the Soul Jazz comp called "Studio One Funk." Apparently all the cuts on the double LP are unreleased gems from the Studio One vaults; apparently I need a copy of the LP because this single is great. "The Chicken" is almost more a Soul Jazz (the genre not the label) funk tune but that is definitely not a bad thing. "Now" comes on a bit more heavy and has some great horn and guitar interplay followed by a very cool organ vamp. Good stuff.

Harlem River Drive - "I Need You" b/w "Overtime" (Arista Records cat. As 0142 2170/1-S))
This is an odd one. I grabbed this hoping it was Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive. "I Need You" doesn't sound to far off from early SalSoul which oddly doesn't seem to help with whether this "the" Harlem River Drive or not. "Overtime" has a nice Crusaders-esque groove with a touch of Platinum Jazz War; very West Coast. The playing is pretty on but it is hard to say if this has anything to do with Mr. Palmieri. Congas, Electric Piano, etc, who knows for sure?

Castor Pollux & the Soul Department - "Gnaoua" b/w "Afrika Sun" (Tramp Records cat. 1002)
Some new, new shit. This is hard and heavy. Side A has a few touches or African influences with grinding horns, a steady beat and keys groove punctuated by some really nice percussive moments. Side B slows things down a bit; here an electronic manipulation that sounds like someone trying to tune in a radio frequency as well as some flute are added to the mix. I like the dynamics to this a lot. This would work nice as a soundtrack.

J.C. Davis - "A New Day" b/w The Mighty Dogcatchers - "It's Gonna Be A Mess" (Mystery of Soul Patrol cat. MSP 01)
We considered "A New Day" when we were putting together the Vital Organs. I remember one of the big reasons for not picking it was the fact that it was a stereo track. Now that I here it again it really wouldn't have fit with the bunch any way. The track is incredible but has a far more Jazz feel than I remember. "It's Gonna Be a Mess" is a mid-tempo funk number with an extended drum and bass intro. The horns come on like many other tunes of its kind before they give way to the drum and bass again. Most likely this is a boot as it has no credit info anywhere. PAY SOME ONE! it's not that difficult to do people.


The LPs:
Mastodon - "Leviathan" (Relapse Records cat. RR6622)
Mastodon are probably the finest band doing the Hardcore/Metal hybrid. Apparently the majority of these tunes were conceived while the band was on the road. The majority of the record is based around the story of Moby Dick. This is a concept that in the wrong hands could come off like Fred Whatever and Limp Dickless doing a concept album about Peter Pan. There is nothing corny about Mastodon. This is music that can physically crush things.

Isis - "The Mosquito Control" EP (Escape Artists Records cat. EAR 3.3)
The current state rock is a sad one but like Mastodon, Isis, are making it better for some of us. This is an EP from 1998 that I only had on CD preciously. Copies come and go so fast on eBay and else where that it becomes a frustrating experience to try and land one (as is the case with almost all of Isis vinyl). This could be their heaviest outing and again like Mastadon have experimented with the Hardcore/Metal hybrid. Unlike Mastadon Isis can be atmospheric and oft times subtle. Isis records contain looped sounds, samples both vocal and musical inventiveness not usually associated with the genre of Metal.

Isis - "Oceanic Remixes Volume IV" (Robotic Empire cat. robo-39)
The title says it all. Being the Hardcore/Metal/Atmospheric sample ladened band that they are Isis' best LP to date ("Oceanic") spawned this insanely creative series. Each 12" is limited to 2500 copies and contains upwards around three remixes per. Never has a band been so deserved of such a project. Volume IV features Venetian Snares, Destructo Swarbots and Fennesz. Past 12s have featured; The Oktopus (Dalek); Mike Patton; Tim Hecker; JK Broadrick and others. As an interesting note the releases are clear vinyl with extra large labels.

Isis - "Panopticon" (Robotic Empire / Ipecac Recordings cat. )
It was during my quest for this, Isis' most recent record, that I stumbled upon the copy of Mosquito Control EP. Copies of this LP are already selling for over $100. Released in October, vinyl of "Panopticon" has dribbled out in insanely small pressings. Always the student of music and music lover before being a collector I was happy to get a black vinyl copy for $16.99. Easily recognizable as Isis from the first note "Panopticon" does not disappoint. Following in the footsteps of the Remix series these LPs come with extremely small labels for a very odd visual effect.

The Black Keys - "Rubber Factory" (Fat Possum cat. ?)
Believe it or not it doesn't even say Fat Possum ANYWHERE on this LP. That's either the dumbest marketing goof ever or the coolest thing ever. Considering The Black Keys are the coolest band making music I'm guessing the ladder. Covering Beefheart's "Grown So Ugly" and the Kinks "Act Nice and Gentle" are bold moves by a duo but these guys have the chops and style to do the do. It's nice to see they are not afraid of the occasional overdub to help flesh out some of their tunes even if it is as simple as hand claps.

Money Mark - "Demo Or Demolition" EP (Chocolate Industries cat. )
The always original Money Mark nails 6 different moods effortlessly on this new effort. I never seem to tire of Mr. Nishita's music and hopefully he will never tire.

Harold Land - "A new Shade of Blue" (Mainstream cat. MRL 314)
Beautiful Soul/Spiritual Jazz played with Bobby Hutcherson. This is my third LP with this pairing.

Wayne Shorter - "Shorter Moments" (Trip Jazz cat. TLX-5009)
Two LP package of late 50's Wayne Shorter performances.

This weeks picks:
The 45s:
The Moving Sidewalks - "99th Floor" (Mutt Records ("I wouldn't Send A Mutt Out On A Record Like This.") cat. M-1030-A)
This was an early band for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame. This tune is just plain amazing. Garage psyche the way it's supposed to be. Slamming drum and organ intro with that hopping dance beat and tripped out lyrics. "Come on baby, come on and treat me right, Let's go to the 99th Floor..." Oh yeah, screaming harmonica and guitar tie things up nicely at the end. Perfection if there ever was.

The "Noc-A-Bouts" - "Jungle Safari" (United Artists cat. 45-S-116)

The Nu-Trons - "Tension" (Federal cat. 45-12495 (45-F844))
Slow and Low that is the tempo. Fuzzy guitar and what sounds like the biggest ride cymbal on earth kick off this odd stroll. Honkng horn and a walking bass round out the feel. At one point the repetitive groove locks, and not to state the obvious but, the tension builds. The guitar and horn seem to want to battle for attention but no one ever really takes the lead. Spooky good.

Moby Grape - "Omaha" (Columbia cat. 4-44173 (JZSP 118972))
The insane backward beginning of this song gives me a chill down my spine. Great harmony singing over the sped up tempo make me want to run around and jump up and down. In fear of breaking things around me as well as possibly breaking me so I resist. This tune slams its way from opening to end. Listen my friends...

Pretenders - "Tattooed Love Boys" (A Real Record cat. ARE 9)
Last week I played "The Wait" and maybe it was just a perfect time to play it but shit this band was great. Grabbed this one this week and upon listening to it I realize what a fool I am for not playing the hell out of this stuff or at least playing it more often. Great skipping beat with pretty guitar sounds followed by a charging punk drive. Half way through this thing just goes crazy. Skipping, skittering, pausing, squealing and moans. Trust me, go back and listen to this stuff again.

The Pop Group - "She is Beyond Good and Evil" (Radarscope Records cat. ADA 29)
Every-time I listen to this I think how bad most current music is. The Pop Group should have sparked a revolution (along with The Slits and Liquid Liquid). Dubby beats and grooves and strained vocals. Dated in its sound and weirdly fresh all at the same time (I can't even explain that). I hate that I never picked up the LP. I only have 2 of the 45s.

The Feelies - "Original Love" (Stiff Records cat. Buy 65-B)
New Jersey has its moments of genius and The Feelies were definitely one of them. Anton Fiers drumming is beyond compare and as song writers go Million and Mercer certainly do their namesakes justice. "Jangly Guitar Sound" was most likely a trophy passed from The Byrds to the Feelies but these angry art nerds pound out emotionally charged songs that some how result in a smile. "Original Love" can sound at times like "Ghost Riders In The Sky" but all the while it seems to ride the New Wave. I must have seen this band 100 times and I wish I could see them 100 more.

Bobbie Gentry - "Mississippi Delta" (Capitol Records cat. 5950 (45-57421))
Like the B-Side to "I got You Babe" this was one of those rare finds when I one day flipped over "Ode To Billy Joe." Bobbie comes on like the Sista of Tony Joe White with this fine bit of Country Go-Go and her gravelly smoke filled voice. This must be heard to be believed if you only know "Ode to Billy Joe." Bari horn sounds, pounding drums, countrified harmonica and strummed guitar. I have owned the LP a few times over the years but I guess I never felt anything came close to this so I have always let it go. As you can imagine this plays well with Dusty' "Son of A Preacher Man."

Bill Doggett - "Honky Tonk Popcorn" (King 45-6239 (SK13085))
Ouch. This shit is so nasty it will cut you. Ole' Bill Doggett and the JBs just taking the shit out of "Honky Tonk" The Organ on this sounds more like the horn of a "32 Ford as it desperately competes with the Guitar which can only be described then as a Cobra trying to muscle its way by. Both stop short and scare the daylights out of some folks on the corner who timidly scream. Convinced everyone is OK, if not just a little shaken, the Organ and Guitar resume their duel and disappear over the horizon.

Sound Explosion - "40 Acres and A Mule" b/w "Blow Your Mind"
Buzzing guitar cuts the air at the intro of this storming funk number. "Give it up now, Give me more mule, HUH!" The whole thing sounds as if it were recorded in the apartment next door but that is a big part of its appeal. Congas grab the groove and help keep everyone on track before the tune slams back into the chorus and rolls on the verge of out of control. Vocals and horns stab in and out over the music and during pulled back moments giving the song even stronger dynamics. Aggressive and funky is the order of business for the Sound Explosion. The instrumental "Blow Your Head" moves at a more measured pace but retains the aggressively funky groove and even touches on moments of some heavy 70's Rock riffing.

Brown Brothers of Soul - "Cholo" b/w "Poquito Soul" (Specialty cat. 698)
Very few songs sound this good EVERY TIME you play them. "Ese CHOLO!" This slow grooving organ/sax instrumental grinds like no other. It takes great restraint as a player not to bust this flow and these guys are dialed in. At one point they pick it up and the vocalist spits out a few more lines but then they pull it right back without a bump or bruise. Tweaked out sax, thundering congas and swirling organ run you to the end. This is one of those songs I wish I could play for anyone who hasn't heard it.

Once again I am way too tired to go through the LPs.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Tuesday - 01-18 at Maxwell's

Hello Y'all,
Looks like 3 acts will be performing at Maxwell's (Tues. 1/18 Louis Logic/Gym Class Heroes/The Superspecs 8 p.m. $8) tomorrow night but I'll still be holding court out front. Louis Logic and Gym Class Heroes are Hip Hop and The Superspecs appear to be a Ska band. Gym Class Heroes are a band producing their own loops with live instrumentation which always appeals to me. I hadn't checked the schedule in a while but it looks like I done good. I pulled records last week while putting away last weeks set. Ironically I pulled a pretty break heavy set as well as some Dub and Ska singles (I rarely pull these to play but I can't explain why).

-pat.

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

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

Here's a sampling of what's in the mix:
The 45s:
Billy Garner - "Brand New Girl" (BGP cat. BGPS 006-A)
This is one of the unreleased gems unearthed by BGP for their superior selected and sounding compilations. This track just barrels its way down the road! The snapping drum and shout that opens this up alerts everyone to get the hell out-his-way but Mr. Garner is certainly proud of his lady and has just "GOTTA, tell ya!" Damn that's good. Thank you BGP.

Harvey & The Phenomenals - "Soul & Sunshine" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.018)
I can't shake this tune from my head. This tune creeps in on a mellow drum, bass, and guitar intro before the horns speak up. Like a bugle in front of the calvary, but rather than lead the band into any senseless conflict these horns lead the band into a cohesive stylish groove. Some music is all about the feel and and who can argue with pure soul.

Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International (Wht. Label Promo) cat. SSS-766 (711-453))
Damn! Damn! Damn! I always picture this being performed at the top of a hill in the middle of the street. The band in silhouette back lit by the setting sun. Betty is out front and the only one doing any kind of real moving around. Stalking, pacing back and forth and shooting you a look to kill and spitting her words right in your face. Feedback laced guitar slithers its way through like a Theremin in a horror movie. It's worth a listen, believe me.

Scacy and The Sound Service - "Sunshine Part 1" (Scacy Records cat. HY 2200)
What a great example of a sound I really love, big horn backed funk bands. Filled with dynamics not found in most funk tunes this one song alone would make a great mixed tape. Big bright horns and "do, do, dos" give way to tight "choruses" of uhhs backed by some heavy recorded drums and bass that can push you around the room. This things even got a fine sax solo pushed along with some hand claps and laughs before finally fading into Part 2 on the next side.

Charlie Lucas And The Thrillers - "Wonderful Feeling" (Waterbird cat. WB001)
Some songs are named so perfectly that it can only add to the listening experience but makes it hard to think of little else. "Wonderful Feeling." Hell yeah; it's even more wonderful when the band steps it up and lets the sax roll up hill where the band meets him and immediately charges down, not down as in negative but down the hill like a when you were a kid trying to run down a hill before gravity and the hill itself over take you and roll your ass to the bottom. Undaunted and smiling ear to ear you rush right back up to do it again. "Wonderful Feeling." WEEEE! I can easily say this is one of the top 10 funky sides I own.

Eastwind - "Nabbit Juice Part II" (Magic Minstrel cat. 3002)
I have always been partial to "Part II" of this track because of its jazzier feel maybe, maybe the fact that I prefer instrumentals to vocal tracks I don't really know. It's not like there are many words to this wonderful ode to the mysterious libation known as Nabbit Juice in Part I anyway. It seems to go without saying because there seems to be a pattern here... yes this is a horn heavy funk track. Love it.

Allen Toussaint - "Get Out Of My Life, Woman" (Bell Records cat. 732 (8734))
So I spoke with Marshall Sehorn about licensing this track in 1998 or so. I had the best conversation with him. We talked for almost an hour. I called him back three days later and he hadn't a clue who I was, oh well. I still remember it and I still love this version of "Get Out My Life Woman." Unhurried and country funky, almost an instrumental version as he doesn't really sing all the words. The piano is definitely leading the way hear though horns and voice punctuate what sounds like out of breath bass. Beautiful percussive sounds lurk around in the background and occasionally pop out especially what sounds like an instrument I used to see in a drum shop on 47th street. The instrument consisted of tubes of ascending height which were beat with these paddle like things. Whatever it is it adds such a nice mood.

Johnny Zamot & His Orch, vocal: Pee Wee Fernandez - "I Got The Feeling" (Gema Records cat. 1630-A)
Johnny Zamot is one interesting guy. I have Boo-ga-loo, Funk and Salsa music he has produced brilliantly over the years. One LP has him dressed like The Hulk on the cover and the music backs up that visual claim impressively. "I Got The Feeling" is one of his funk tracks. Horn driven with repetitive lyrics throughout. For the solo a deep baritone sax wails before the frenzied vocals come back in. Of course all of this is made possible by the wonderful foundation laid down by the bass, drums and congas. A party at 45RPMs if there ever was.

LPs:
Bo Diddley "Where It All Began" (Chess Records cat. CH 50016)
Richard "Groove" Holmes - "Comin' Home" (Blue Note cat. BST-84372)
Johnny Lytle - "The Soulful Rebel" (Milestone cat. MSP 9036)
Dizzy Gillespie - "Soul Salvation" (Tribute Records/GWP Records cat. TRI 5001)
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet - "Music, You All" (Capitol cat. ST-11484)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. 10014)
Jimmy Smith Live! - "Root Down" (Verve cat. V6-8806)
Nina Simone 1974 - "It Is Finished" (RCA cat. APL1-0241)
Toots & the Maytals - "Funky Kingston" (Mango cat.MLPS-9330)
Menique y Kako and His Orchestra - "Sock It To Me Latino" (Artol Records cat. ACS-6049)
Vecchio - "Afro-Rock by..." (De Wolfe Ltd. cat. DW/LP 3220)
Freedom Power (Cometa cat. CMT 4)
Robin's Rock (Music by Dittamo) - "Music For Jazz Dance" (Hoctor cat. HLPS-4194)
Curtis Mayfield - "Roots" (Curtom Records cat. CRS 8009)
The Last Poets with Bernard Purdie - "Delights Of The Garden" (Douglas cat. NBLP 7051)
The Turtles Present The Battle of The Bands (White Whale cat. WWS 7118)

New:
Jack (Bongo) Burger - "...the End On Bongos" (HIFI Record "The Sound That Named A Company" cat. Album No. R-804)
This is one of those Latin Lounge records with the pretty girls on the cover. This one happens to be a painting rather than a photo so this would appeal more to guys who actually think cartoon woman are sexy. Some of the usual Loungey Standards (Miserlou and Boulevard of Broken Dreams), and Clifford Brown's "Jordu" are served up amongst originals that could be covers if I had more time to figure out where there familiar themes were lifted. The real surprise here would be "A Yiddisha Mambo" Yikes a sub-genre if there ever was. All in all this is a pretty great Latin Lounge record bought for $3 while on a break from work.

Lalo Schifrin - "Ins and Outs" (Palo Alto Records & Tapes cat. PA 8055-N)
1982 Recordings with Andy Simpkins (bass), Earl Palmer Sr. (drums), Sam Most (flute), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion) and of course the brilliant Schifrin on piano. The set includes some old Schifrin classics ("Down Here On The Ground" and "The Fox") as well as a pair penned by his old boss Dizzy Gillespie ("Con Alma" and "Manteca"). The recording is super clean which should be a negative for me but in this case it works just fine. This could be easily passed off as an easy listening smooth jazz record but it is much more (or less when appropriate). The real beauty of this record is the bands ability to lay aggressive passages up against soft simple playing filled with space. When the weather is warmer (or maybe on a more depressingly grey Winter day) I'm going to put this on, kick back with a cold one and just let the day breeze by...

Primitive Sound System at Maxwell's - Tuesday January 4th

Hello Y'all,
Happy New Year to all! It looks like we‚re starting off the New Year without an internet connection at home, lucky us. Seems the router may have bit the big one, who knows. In any case I will be back at Maxwell's this Tuesday with some Christmas gifts in tow. I'm writing this at the end of my work day and not at home so I have no idea what I am bringing tomorrow. I do remember pulling a pretty varied mix of Punk and Soul/Funk 45's as well as some funky, loungey grooves for the LPs (think Michel Legrand "The Boston Wrangler"). The following records came in the mail while I was on holiday so I know they will be in the box mingling with the other party goers.

Tom and Jerroo - "(Papa Chew) Do The Boo-Ga-Loo" Part 1 and 2 (Jerry-O Records cat. JO 111)
Heavy Heavy Boo-Ga-Loo with a nice drum break and roll. The ever soulful Mr. Jerry-O strikes again.

The Souljers - "Chinese Checkers" b/w "Poochum" (Rampart cat. 45-ATE-97)
Both sides have a hand clapping party feel with crowd sounds. The oddly named "Poochum" has a bit more swing in its gate and a thumping drumbeat worthy of any 60's flick dance scene. The dirty horn line at the end tells you that your Mom may not be happy to know this is the sort of place you frequent.

Benny Gordon - "Sugar Mama" Part 1 & 2 (Estill cat. A-1000)
Benny tells us about his lady over a soulful little vamp; almost that Motown sound. Simple, sweet and damn groovy.


- pat.

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

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

Maxwell's Christmas 2004

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

- pat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- pat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- pat.

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

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


The 45s:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

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

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

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

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

Primitive Sound System - Filet of Soul!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Toussaint McCall - "Shimmy" (Ronn Records)

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

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

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

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Found this variety of descriptions but no gig?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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