Primitive Sound System and DJ DontCloseMaxwells! - D.C.'s Tavern - June 6 - 9PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,
One brief word on the closing of Maxwell's and then we can all move on, or at least I will.  We started to go to Maxwell's sometime in 1982 or 1983.  I don't remember the order of the shows but I remember the Bongos were the big draw to head down to Hoboken.  Our Dad had been listening to FMU since it first went on the air so it wasn't that far of a stretch to think we would be at Maxwell's and in the City for shows.  I am not sure where other teenagers hung-out at the time… seriously what did they do?  Where did they go? But, we knew this was better than staying home and getting drunk at a friends house.  This was something to du.  I remember Ira and Georgia's wonderful DJ sets and backing John Klages before catching that fly ball and striking out on their own.  The desire to go to Maxwell's wasn't just the bands it was a place we felt comfortable and the characters contained inside were hilarious, creepy, cool, beautiful, ugly, friendly, obnoxious, etc, etc and we felt like we should never leave.  They were all like minded folks that luckily found the best possible place to be.  We never really were looking to be part of a scene so we always stayed on the edges never becoming to friendly or close to many people.  But, you will find that after you frequent a place for over thirty years people start to recognize you.

At one point we actually had gone to Maxwell's over fifteen nights in a row.  We had started a landscaping business which meant we were up early and finished early.  Long naps, some pizza and then we were off to Hoboken.  If the nap was short we tried to hit Pier Platters before driving around to the other side of town and parking down by the river because even then you were lucky if you got a spot really close to the club.  Our prime years were from the early 80's through the 90's so you can only imagine the bands we saw and we saw them all (except Mission of Burma).  I look to my buddy Dave Gilmour (who I first took there in 1985 to see the minutemen) and my brother to clarify the lineups.  I know, for the most part, what bands we saw and sometimes things stick out to help me remember the other bands on the bill.  If I am real lucky, I can possibly recall the time of year.  To me it has been one, big, long, endless bill… until now.

As many bands that we saw, there are a hundred times that in stories we could tell.  When my hair was long Peter Buck once bought me a beer and said, "Hey, Eddie Vedder, this one's on me."  Simply so he could get a laugh.  Of course I said thanks, and then drank it down in one big gulp.  I played my first show there with a band I was in called Love Onion and played one of the last with Hippopotamus, a band I was in for thirteen years.  I DJ'd Latin, Soul and Funk there every Tuesday for six years as well as many of the Christmas parties during that time.  I did some newspaper and magazine ads for the club, the first of which was for a Soul Food night.  I showed my art on its walls on several occasions and began doing pieces for "Weird NJ" because of it.  My son and his friend shared their third birthday in the back room.  As the party was winding down Lou Barlow began loading his equipment in.  At one point he sat on the stage and marveled at the kids running around.  I walked over, stood next to him for a minute and he finally spoke, "I can't believe I am going to be playing a show here and I am following a kids party."  There are a million more, and probably a million I can't remember.  It will be missed but sometimes you just got to know when to say good-bye.

I think that was just one word, right?

Thanks to everyone who ever made Maxwell's great.

Oh yeah, for years my brother and my friend Ronny always said they saw me in this Mudhoney video.  I had never seen the video until a few years back and at the 1:46 mark, don't blink, it is quick, there I is.  The footage was shot at Maxwell's.  What's even funnier is sometimes when you search the video, I am the thumbnail.

Mudhoney - "This Gift"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SRxWz3CDvg

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Chuck and I will engage in our usual battle royale.  Air guitars, drums, bass and any other spastic simulation we can muster will mostly be for our own entertainment.  So come on by, have a cold one, two or three and do something stupid for your own amusement.  Larry The Hunter will be minding the bar while you mind your own goddamn business!  So be kind and tip the man, especially since there are only seconds between reloads.

I spent the this past Sunday at the always amazing Black Gold Records in Brooklyn.  I picked up three very long time want list records as well as some other "must haves."  I also got a care package from the good folks over at Slovenly Records and Black Gladiator Records.  If there are labels putting out more consistently great Punk and Garage I have yet to find them.  I am not sure what I am more impressed with; their "ear" to find such mind-numbingly great bands or the bands themselves.  Who the fuck cares, just buy their records and be happy… or smash things.

Speaking of smashing things, and then I gotta go because this is the longest post ever, I picked up a copy of The Traits - "Nobody Loves The Hulk" after being tipped off by my friend John O'Toole.  Not only is this one of the best Garage records ever it comes in a super sturdy hardboard cover that is silk screened on both sides.  The lyrics on the back and an action shot of the Hulk about to ruin everyone's day.  Contrary to the subject matter, I Love the Hulk!  "HULK, SMASH HIT… RECORD!"  

Come by and let your ears be entertained while you numb your body and lower your IQ.

See you there.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 6th - 9PM to Closing
Pat. James Longo - Primitive Sound System
Chuck Daly - DJ DontCloseMaxwells!

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550

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D.C.'s Tavern Record Swap
Saturday, June 22nd
Starting at 1PM
POSTER: http://www.gigposters.com/poster/161597_Primitive_Sound_System.html

* Disc Jockeys All Day
* Bring some records to trade or sell
* If you have more then a few records, stacks, or boxes - reach out to Theron (tsjammer@yahoo DOT com )and he can make sure you get some real space on the tables

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BLACK GOLD RECORDS: http://blackgoldbrooklyn.com

Tina Britt - "All The Way"  (Minit Records cat. LP 24023)

The Vibrations - The Vibrations' Greatest Hits  (Okeh cat. OKS 14129)

Supertramp - Indelibly Stamped  (A&M cat. SP 4311)

Claus Ogerman and his Orchestra - Soul Searchin'  (RCA Victor cat. LSP - 3366)

Wilmer & The Dukes - S/T  (Aphrodisiac cat. APH - 6001)

The Vibrations - Taking A New Step (Good Vibes)  (Mandala cat. MLP 3006 498)

Quincy Jones - They Call Me Mr. Tibbs  (United Artists cat. UAS 5214)

Johnny Zamot - Tell It Like It Is  (Decca cat. DL 74945)

The Fabulous Counts - Jan Jan  (Cotillion cat. SD 9011)

Hank Marr - Greasy Spoon  (King cat. KSD 1061)

Astaroth - Satanispiritus" b/w "Lady Of The Moon"  (Unseen Forces cat. UF0004)

The Sirs - "He's A Jerk" & "Social Divorce" b/w "Insanity" & "Tight Lines Screamin' Reels"  (Psychic Volt cat. PV 001)

The Sirs - "Miserable" & "Handshakes Of The Industrial Revolution" b/w "Song About Volcanoes" & "Older Sister"  (Psychic Volt cat. PV 009)

Adrenalin O.D. - "Let's Barbeque"   (Psychic Volt cat. PV 006)

The Soft Boys - "He's A Reptile" b/w "Song No. 4"  (Midnight Music cat. DING 4)

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SLOVENLY RECORDS  / BLACK GLADIATOR RECORDS:  http://slovenly.com

The Hussy - "Way With Words" & "Yr Stupid" b/w "Wrong / Right"  (Black Gladiator cat. BG 006)

Obnox - Record One: "Deep In The Dusk" b/w "I'm A Bug (Bugged Out)" & "Flying"  Record Two: "Hang on Sloopy" & "He's Forever"  (Black Gladiator cat. BG 007)

Paint Fumes - "Sally Smoked Dope" b/w "Killed By Puerto Rico" & "Ghost Highway"  (Slovenly cat. 702 - 125)

Las Ardillas - "Linda Nina" b/w "La Buscare"  (Slovenly cat. 702 - 129)

Mouthbreathers - "Nowhere Else To Go" b/w "MindBreathers"  (Slovenly cat. 702 - 130)

Livids - "Your House or The Courthouse" & "Zilch" b/w "New Values"    (Slovenly cat. 702 - 134)

Los Vigilantes - "Mi Siento Azul" b/w "Volvera" b/w "Me Imagino"  (Slovenly cat. 702 - 135)

Primitive Sound System & Chuck Daly at D.C.'s Tavern - Thursday May 2 from 9:30PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,
I don't think I have been this busy in a very long time.  I didn't get to do a gig drawing which bums me out but I did have time to hit some stores on Record Store Day.  Many, many years ago I read that there were more songs recorded when Husker Du did the sessions for the "Statues" 7-inch.  "Statues" wasn't the breakneck bulldozer that was soon to come on Land Speed Record.  Ironically it leaned more towards what later became their own version of Hardcore, a more Pop or well crafted song played at double-timed speeds.  I picked up "Statues" about a year after it came out and it promptly made appearances on almost every mixed tape I ever made. At one point I read that the remaining songs were to come out possibly on the B-side of a 12-inch but that never happened.  Recently I read that the two songs, "Writer's Cramp," and "Let's Go Die" would finally be released by Numero Group as a 10" on Record Store Day 2013.  Despite all of my dislikes for Record Store Day there was no way I was going to miss out on this release.  I contacted a few local stores and both Iris Records in Jersey City and Tunes in Hoboken said they ordered the single.  I queued up at Tunes at around 8:30AM and made it inside where I was able to get a copy.  It certainly did not disappoint.  Later that day I got to spin a set at Iris and pick up a few more things including a couple of records I have been looking for, for a long while.  If Wretched Store Day is truly about your local record shop than Iris and Tunes are definitely two of my favorites.

As seems to be the routine each of these vinyl holidays, stores and patrons alike wish that the releases could be ordered and then pressed in numbers so that the actual customers that frequent the store can purchase the releases from their favorite record store.  This way they wouldn't have to beat the sharks and assholes that just buy as much as they can, from as many stores as they can get to and then dump the records on eBay.  I assume these are the same assholes that call records, vinyls.    

I have way too many record stores that are or have been my "favorite" to list them all.  I have been able to find amazing records on every vacation I have been on or touring around with my band.  Anyone who ever thought vinyl was dead never really collected records or appreciated how much better analog is to digital.  If you are anywhere near Hudson County make sure you stop at both Iris and Tunes.  If you enjoy both White Man(n)as equally then make sure you also hit The Record King while in Hackensack.  Proof of the enduring nature of the format a friend is opening a shop upstate New York in a few weeks - Clockwork Records 6 Spring St, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706.

Larry the Hunter will keep pouring you drinks until the music stops.  It's like the most dizzying game of musical chairs ever.  It's been a few months since Chuck has been at the tables so this should be a good one.

See you there.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 2nd - 9PM to Closing
Pat. James Longo - Primitive Sound System
Chuck Daly - DJ YouCan'tPutALabelOnMe

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550

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Some new records…

LP's:

Nick Drake - (S/T compilation)  (Island Records Ltd. cat. 3732604)

Big Star - "Nothing Can Hurt Me"  (Omnivore Recordings cat. OVLP - 61 (Orange Vinyl))

The dB's - "Revolution of The Mind"  (Orange Sound cat. ORA 1012 (Clr Orange Vinyl))

Karriem Riggins - "Alone Together" Record 1 & 2  (Stones Throw cat. STH 2296 & 2297)

CSC Funk Band - Funkincense"  (Electric Cowbell Records cat. ECR 707)

Wyldlife - "Time Has Come To Rock & Roll"

Mary Lou Williams - "Zoning"  (Mary Records Inc. cat. M103)

Golden Void - S/T  (Thrill Jockey cat. THRILL 318)

Metz - S/T  (Sub Pop cat. SP 1015)

45's:

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Animal X"  (Kobalt Label Services cat. LC 29472 (Pic Disc))

Sir Douglas Quintet - "Interpreta en Espanol"  (Smash / Mercury cat. S2 - 268)

dB's - "Picture Sleeve" b/w "Write Back"  (Orange Sound cat. ORA1011)

Roky Erickson and the Aliens - "Mine, Mine, Mind" b/w "Bloody Hammer"  (Light In The Attic cat. LITA 45-027 (Pink Vinyl))

JD McPherson - "Fire Bug" b/w "A Gentle Awakening"  (Rounder / HiStyle cat. 1161 876-1 (Red Vinyl))

Sir Doug Espaniol

Husker Du - "Amusement" & "Statues" b/w "Writer's Cramp" & Let's Go Die"  (Numero Records cat. 25764 17047)

Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson - "The Bottle" b/w "Your Daddy Loves You"  (Charly cat. CHARLY 115 S (Ltd Ed of 300 on Green vinyl)

Mike Watt + The Black Gang - "Rebel Girl" b/w "30 Days In The Hole"  (Org Music cat. ORGM - 2001)

The Rolling Stones - "Five By Five"  (ABKCO cat. 8936)

Elvis Costello - "Live at Hollywood High" ep  (Record Store Day release ltd ed No. 0660)

Golden Void - "Rise to the Out of Reach" b/w "Smiling Raven"  (Thrill Jockey cat. THRILL 332)

Big Star - "In The Street" b/w "When My Baby's Beside Me"  (Ardent cat. ADA 2902)

Dusty Springfield - "Am I The Same Girl? (Soulful Strut)" b/w "Earthbound Gypsy"  (Philips cat. 326 996BF (w/ Pic Slv))

Lyn Collins - "Mama Feelgood" b/w "Fly Me To The Moon"  (People cat.PE 618)

Primitive Sound System on This Is The Modern World with Trouble

Hello Y'all,
On Tuesday October 11th from 10AM to High Noon I get to spin a set of Soulful & Funky ladies on the always great, This Is The Modern World with Trouble. Trouble and I have talked about doing this for a while and have been trading YouTube clips of some of the better performances since. I don't think there is a record in the box older than the early 90's and one record I received just last Wednesday. So this really is the modern world. The vocal styles of the New Funk and Soul scene can vary greatly and so can the quality. The men seem to fail at a far higher rate than the ladies. The voices of James Brown, Bobby Byrd, Dyke, Curtis Mayfield, Syl Johnson, Eddie Bo, Lee Dorsey and countless others from the 50's through the 70's had a quality all their own and still don't sound dated even today. Too often when a young man steps to the mic now, the results are forced, thin sounding and sometimes just plain corny. The guys seem focused on the past and try way too hard to be "real." The ladies on the other hand just get "it." You know "it" when you hear "it" and you definitely know how "it" feels… "IT" feels right. Some ladies sing, some shout and others give it everything they've got as if they'll never get another chance to sing again. Luckily these ladies have very impressive discographies documenting their amazing performances but that also made selections for these two hours difficult. I started buying up New Funk & Soul records in the early nineties as one of the local NYC Funk and Soul re-issue labels began releasing their own 7-inches. Most of those early releases were instrumentals but slowly vocals began popping up here and there. Soon I began to find other labels doing similar releases. The sound was different from the Acid Jazz scene and was definitely not concerned with slick recording quality. Despite being disappointed with many of the male vocals I tried not to make too many comparisons to the originals. Instead I focused on the instrumentals and the wonderful female vocal recordings that seemed to be available in endless supply. I'm not naming any of the records I am bring to the station tomorrow because than why would you listen. Tune in for a bunch of ladies that have brought much pleasure to my ears.

FMU is also in the middle of a fund raising marathon of sorts called, "Shock & Awetober." You can make a pledge to the station - https://www.wfmu.org/marathon/pledge.php or directly to Trouble's show at http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/LM. While you are there listen to all her incredible archived shows.

See Ya!
- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Tuesday October 11th from 10AM - Noon
WFMU
91.1 on your FM dial and at http://wfmu.org online

This Is The Modern World with Trouble
Tuesdays 9am - Noon on WFMU 91.1 fm 90.1 fm wfmu.org
A viking ship appears on the horizon, a likeness of Loretta Lynn carved into its bow. Rare birds flock together to sing Francoise Hardy as soul hits. A sunset of blips and bleeps fills the air.

Chuck Daly, Bronco Billy Dolan and Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thurs July 7th 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
What has three heads, screams so loud your ears will bleed and can raze a small town in seconds? No, we aint talkin' 'bout no King Ghidorah. It's the First Thursday of Every Month Trio, those vinyl toting spazzes, The Once a Day Vinyl Supplement - CHUD Daly, the one-man three legged race known as "Bronco" Billy Dolan and a half man; half cinder block hybrid known as Primitive Sound System. If all three were to spin their sets at the exact same time it would be like hearing the voices of angels shat out the ass of a grizzly bear. A sound so pure it would kill you instantly. Fear not, you get to enjoy every note, every sound, every dirty groove in three equally timed segments which as far as we know can only cause minor injuries. Of course the whole experience is heightened when looking through the bottom of mason jar filled with beer. But then again what isn't, except maybe driving. Remember kids, if you are drinking don't drive, and if you are walking… make up for the folks driving. Larry The Hunter is pouring those drinks so tip him like you mean it because he can smell fear a mile away.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Thursday, July 7th - 9PM to Closing
Bronco Billy Dolan - 9 - 11
CHUD Daly - 11 - 12:30
Primitive Sound System - 12:30 - 2AM

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550

http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoboken-NJ/DCs-Tavern/89733686005 <- Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dcs-Tavern/111745052195139 <- Facebook Local Business Listing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27386563721 <- Facebook Group
http://foursquare.com/venue/34395 <- On Foursquare

Chuck Daly: http://www.jerseycitytattoo.com

“Chuck O’ Daly has less drive to improve himself than just about anyone I’ve worked with. Coupled with a complete lack of precision and no understanding of what a tattoo should be. And on top of that, his attitude sucks.” - Adam Paterson - Jersey City Tattoo

“No seriously….I know how to tattoo.” - Chuck O’ Daly

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I recently paid a visit to my favorite record store in NYC, Big City Records. For about nine years I have been trading a single title with the owners. A record that I became the sole source of. That record, "F Minor Disco," is by Ross Carnegie, Ross used a box and a half of the title as payment for a website I designed and built for him. I also helped him with his marketing and promotions of his live performances (which I unfortunately never attended). I met Ross while researching tracks and publishing rights for a compilation entitled, "Vital Organs Vol. One" which Ross proudly graced its cover. Not only is his track, "Cool Dad," one of my favorites on the LP but he really is one of the coolest people I have ever met. The photo that became the cover was only one of hundreds he had in an amazing archive of photos and memorabilia stored in a crawl space in his Harlem home that doubled as a meeting place. When he first gave me the records no one was interested in it. That was also what he was told when the record was originally released. Sometime in 2001 I was getting asked for copies. Apparently the people I had given copies to were far more influential than I could have ever imagined. I never counted the exact number of records in the box but there had to be about 200 copies. Well, now they are all gone. That box was one of the greatest payments anyone has ever given me for my services. Below is the final list of records I traded with the store:

Soul Searchers - "It's All In Your Mind" b/w "Soul To The People" (Sussex cat. SUX 244)

Beaufort Express - "You Got To Do Your Best" b/w "Here I Come" (Priscilla cat. SPR 1001)

The Gibson Brothers Band - "To The Bone" b/w "Love Coming At Us" (Rocker Records Inc. cat. RR - 1)

Elmore James - "Shake Your Moneymaker" b/w "Look On Yonder Wall" (Enjoy Records cat. 2022)

Yambu - "College Composition" b/w "No Matter What I Do…" (Chevere cat. 1003)

The Mighty Mocambos - "Calling The Shots" Part 1 & 2 (Mocambo cat. 45 - 1026)

Slim Willis Band - "I Stayed That" b/w "Wine Me Up Baby" (Reginald cat. ????)

Sunny Ridell - "Soul 100" Part - 1 & 2 (Darva Records cat. No. D-72473)

The Mighty Hannibal - "Get In The Groove" b/w "Somebody In The World For You" (Loma Records cat. 2093)

Pete Rodriguez y su Conjunto - "Latin Boogaloo" (Alegre Records cat. LPA 852)

Bruce Lee - "Enter The Dragon" (Warner Bros. cat. P - 5526 - 7W)

PSS, Chuck Daly, and Street Justice at DC's Tavern Thurs may 5th 9PM - Closing + Bob Piersanti opening Friday May 6th

PSS, Chuck Daly, and Street Justice at DC's Tavern Thurs may 5th 9PM - Closing + Bob Piersanti opening Friday May 6th

Hello Y'all,
So May is upon us and the fucking birds are eating all my grass seed. I guess they have to eat too though I wish they would just eat the skunks. Now that would be a perfect circle. Screw nature we are all about the petroleum products, vinyl records baby! I have two days in a row of full on tour de farce spinnin' coming up. First up is Thursday night at D.C.'s. Do you know what is so great about D.C's? EVERYTHING! Actually, let me tell you, I get to play anything I want and most of the people are really receptive (aside from a few pricks that don't know shit about music… you know who you are). Also, for the past few months we have been extremely lucky to be joined by the King of the Skin Scribblers, DJ Iron Fist himself, the one and only Chuck Daly. This week Bronco Billy Dolan is off giving pleasure to another lucky City so it looks like Mr. Daly and I will be dueling it out at the tables once again. I do my best to stand my ground but the Daly Dose of ROCK!!! is the thing legends are made of. This week I am really excited to jump into a box of new goodies as well as old favorites. Chuck and I will be switching the turntables to random and hoping for the best. Busting up this little boys club is none other the Street Justice herself, Steff Kautzmann. Neither Chuck or I have the balls to take on the devastatingly awesome power of Street Justice so she will get the first hour and thirty minutes to herself. Avert your eyes because you are not worthy.

The Hunter slings the booze and if you are lucky you can pass out on a stool and not crumpled up in the corner like you usually do. Have you no shame?

… see you there!

And...

Friday, May 6th from 7 - 11PM I'll be the background music for and art opening of the amazing Bob Piersanti at 58 Gallery in Jersey City. This is going to be an incredible night. Not only do you get to feast your eyes on Bob's incredible art but the night will feature two sets of Go-Go dancers at 8:15 and 9PM. I am basically spinning a "This Is Your Life" set filled with all our favorites. Expect a lot of 50's Instrumentals, Rock and R&B, 60's Garage, Instrumentals and some Classic Rock as well as some Punk, 80's and 90's Garage, a handful of Country and even some freaked out novelty records and of course a set of Las Vegas Grind and Go-Go for the ladies. A feast for the mind body and soul, it's all here in the Underground!

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

9PM - 10:30PM - Street Justice
10:30 to closing - Chuck Daly and PSS

Thursday, May 5th - 9PM to Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoboken-NJ/DCs-Tavern/89733686005 <- Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dcs-Tavern/111745052195139 <- Facebook Local Business Listing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27386563721 <- Facebook Group
http://foursquare.com/venue/34395 <- On Foursquare

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Friday May 6th from 7 - 11PM
Bob Piersanti - The Underground
58 Gallery
58 Coles Street
Jersey City, New Jersey
SITE: http://www.fifty8.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97653919482
EVENT LISTING on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111307222286656

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The Racket in The Boxes:

Chuck Danzy - "Git Down" b/w "Jay Walk" (Nu-Tone Records cat. 532)

When a woman's voice opens a record by slowly stretching out the words "Geeeeeeeet Doooooowwwwn" you know you are in for some goodness. And that is exactly what this sexy little slab of soul delivers. The band is in full on party mode combining just enough looseness with some really solid playing to never become silly or repetitive. There is something familiar about the groove yet I can't place it but that only keeps me coming back for more and more listens. Maybe it is the opening bass line, does it recall "The Hip" by The Sparkles? The bass and drums lay down a solid base even before our Intro-ess entices us to join her on the floor. Soon the party is hot and heavy with sax and guitar. Both are eager to take stabs at solo moments on top of a very tinny, Garage rock organ. This organ is no Hammond B but you can certainly here this little wonder choking to push air threw its nostrils. Too much to drink perhaps. Hand claps, repeated backing vocals of "Get Down" and a groove that won't quit. I suggest we get down as often as possible.

Dennis Coffey - "Ubiquitous" Original Version b/w Steinski Mix (Strut cat. STRUT 0755 (Record Store Day release))

This should be called "Legend 2." The mighty Detroit axeman is back with an amazing instrumental off his upcoming self titled release and two double de pleasure the single is backed by a completely tasty mix by none other than Steinski. Usually when a modern funk track is backed by a remix I wince. I wince hard. I almost passed up getting this release until I noticed that the remix was by Steinski. But then, ironically, the A side is what surprised me most. I have purchased new music by Steinski far more recently than that of Dennis Coffey so I feared an overproduced mess that would be saved by the B side at the hands of the talented Mr. Steinski. Happily, the "original" track hits hard and is perfectly arranged with all the familiar Dennis Coffey touches. Echoey guitar, organ, congas and break heavy drumming build, collide, come together and then build to a fervor like you wish New Funk and Soul bands would. It is such a pleasure when you hear a player you are most familiar with from music more than thirty years old and they still get "it." Coofey's guitar sounds amazing from start to finish and the fuzzed out finish is so exciting. Obviously this is not a solo guitar track and Mr. Coffey's band does an equally great job of keeping things pushed into the red when needed as well as laying down a simple bed for each players solo. Flip this over and I love the way Steinski brings us into the essence of the track. His added echo and stabbing repeated pieces give a feeling of a spiral. Not one that is out of control but one that is mesmerizing. He pulls pieces of the original track out and layers them onto a more mellow backing giving them a completely new life. As each sample is presented to us it is as if he is saying, "Did you hear that? That was really cool." The reworking and parts are respectful and on display to be admired, not scrutinized. Where Mr. Coffey's original is arranged somewhat traditionally with each instrument taking solos Steinski has a way of showing us everything at once but somehow allowing each sound and beat to ebb and flow quite harmoniously. The effected and mixed horn that just proceeds the end is reminiscent of the horn that was used as Harpo Marx's voice. This adds a brief but pleasant moment of humor in a way only Steinski can do. I am really happy I didn't pass the up.

Personal & The Pizzas - "Dead Meat" vs. "Joanie" (Total Punk cat. #1)
Personal & The Pizzas - "I Want You" b/w "Don't Trust No Party Boy" (Trouble In Mind cat. TIM 018)

I recently went to see Hoboken's own, Personal & The Pizzas' triumphant return to Maxwell's. On record these guys are the kings of pizza themed, lo-fi, retard rock. But live is a completely different experience. The 50 / 50 mix of Stooges and Ramones is still there but the playing is far more exact than the recordings. The set was maybe forty minutes long and was pure Punk attitude and volume. Each song ripped past but never lost any of the gooey Pizza goodness. Personal even commented on the fact that they were out songs, "…a lot quicker than you would think." The crowd sang along with every song pumping fists appropriately and you could tell The Pizzas were eating it up. I have seen a lot of shows at Maxwell's so to say this was one of my favorites is saying a lot. No, I mean it, it's a little more personal. Next time The Pizzas hit the stage at Maxwell's you better be there or I'll have to pop you in the mouth with my brass knuckles.

OFF! - "Compared To What" b/w "Rotten Apple" (Southern Lord cat. LORD128.5 (Red Vinyl))
OFF! - "Compared To What" b/w "Rotten Apple" (Southern Lord cat. LORD128.5 (Blue Vinyl tour 7"))
OFF! - "Live At Generation Records" - Poison City" "Now I'm Pissed" b/w "Crawl" "Rat Trap" (Vice / Generation Records cat. VCA 80025-7)
OFF! - First Four EP's (Vice cat. VCA 80021-7)

OFF! blow my mind. I imagine there are a lot of people who would pass this up since these guys are teetering on old age. Keith Morris is 55. Rather than that being a negative I think it is amazing that he sounds so fucking good. I would assume Steven McDonald is some where around 44 or 45. But I think this does the band a disservice to even bring it up. Moving on. There are a few songs that I will always be drawn to and "Compared to What" is one of them. When we named or very short lived label it was named after that brilliant Les McCann and Eddie Harris number. The songs lyrics are timeless, which you will rarely hear me say, and the groove is deep as hell. I have a lot of versions and one is funkier or more soulful than the next. I even have a version with another legendary Punk singer, Gary Floyd, fronting the amazing Soul Jazz band Mushroom. Floyd's voice is so incredible and works really well with the modern arrangement. When I heard there was a new version by OFF! I immediately sought it out. And once again OFF! does not disappoint. This version is blistering and almost unrecognizable as the same song. Weirdly there is almost a Stooges or possibly a Sex Pistols sound tucked in there as well. Morris spits the lyrics out with the same level of conviction Les McCann did over 30 years ago. Honestly I have so many versions of the song but I never really thought of it as a Punk tune. I couldn't be happier with this version and I am happy it is by a band I genuinely like. This has the same effect as other awesome Punk covers of songs that surprised the hell out of you that the band would even want to cover. The Angry Samoans doing "Time Has Come Today" immediately comes to mind. "TIME HAS COME, TIME HAS COME TODAY!" "TIME HAS COME, TIME HAS COME TODAY!" For you to listen to OFF!

Monophonics - "Like Yesterday b/w "Destruments - "Freedom" (Colemine cat. CLMN - 110)
New Funk is a very shaky thing. It seems each band comes out of the shoot amazing but soon plunges into the world of Neo-Soul boring bullshit. I have definitely slowed my purchases of New Funk because of this. I'll listen to samples of any one song sometimes twenty times before deciding to lay my money down. When I saw that the always satisfying Colemine Records had a new release I immediately searched for samples. When "Like Yesterday" started I wasn't sure what direction the song was going to take but, most of all I hoped it was an instrumental because most New Funk vocals are corny as shit. The vocals are especially shitty when they are trying to imitate the singers from the late 60's and early 70's. The intro comes in like the best David Ruffin tracks: slow, with a sense of mystery but all the while groovy as hell. Almost immediately the vocals come in and I couldn't have been happier. The vocalist is genuinely raw and he is not trying to sound like anyone but himself. Kudos to you and I hope you never change. I imagine he sounds older than he is but that is certainly a plus. The track is insanely professional with a big arrangement and beautifully smooth dynamics. Dare I say this sounds like something Curtis Mayfield might have done. There is a lot going on and yet it all comes together with the musicians playing as a unit and not individuals. If I may be so bold, there are enough fake Afro Beat Bands, leave the Neo-Soul to the D'Angelos of the world and please, oh please don't think just because you can play tighter / cleaner grooves and record them in better studios it will make your music sound better… because it won't. Keep doing what you are doing because it is awesome.

Destruments is an instrumental save for a few vocal snippets. The sound here starts to lean in the Afro Beat direction but doesn't ever embrace it fully. I love Afro Beat but it is just so overdone by every new band that took Jazz in High School. Instead Destruments create their own unique world of sound. I want this track to be played every time I enter a room. Who needs a weapon when you have dramatic sounds like these? This is music that will get people nervously looking over their shoulders as well as bobbing their heads. The song is full of guitar effects, vibes, killer steady drumming and a bass line that is so sparse when you go looking for it, you know you found it because it rattles your skull. The song you just heard was based on a true crime but the names were changed to protect the innocent. Freedom comes only to the ones that escape all others get 25 to life.

Batman - "Ein echter Batman ghet nicht unter!" "Eine Schwalbe macht noch keinen Sommer!" b/w "Cuccillone Classico!" "Hey Boy" (Bachelor / Red Lounge Records cat. BR - 47 b/w RLR087)

Our beloved Batman has returned to us but for this release he is flying solo. Sadly, Robin is no where to be found. Maybe the Boy Wonder is off at school or possibly locked up due to indecent public activities after going on one too many benders with the stewed crusader . Who knows. It would appear Batman is working slow crime nights as a Lounge Act. Documented here are two very peppy tunes all sung in German. Since I don't speak German it is possible Batman is singing about his own lascivious activities. Musically side one is Lounge scene, one-man-band featuring Casio or accordion style sounds with some female backing vocals. Batman seems happy enough or is he just heavily sedated? No one may ever know. On side two Batman wields his axe once more and there are even drums. Once again the lyrics are all in German but his time batman sounds a bit agitated. Maybe the sedatives are wearing off and he is confronted by his own madness as well as the fact that Robin has gone. Is what life after crime fighting is like? Relegated to a tiny stage in a no name bar singing songs about the bad lands? The last track is sung by the Amazing Angi. It appears she is the winner of some Gotham City "Idol" type talent show. I assume Batman was a guest judge on the panel and took a liking to the adorable Angi. Who knows where this will lead the fabled Dark Knight but let's hope he finds his way into the studio time and again to document his odyssey. Take care old friend and we hope to see you soon.


Captain Beefheart - Six-Pack - Six-Track or Guaranteed 15 minutes Playing Time - "Sugar Bowl" Same Old Blues' & "Magic Be" b/w "Upon The My-O-My" "Rock 'N' Rolls Evil Doll" & "New Electric Ride" (Virgin cat. SIXPACK 1 (Made to be played - Quality British Pressing - Limited to 5000 copies (with easel back)))

Spanglish Fly - "Let My People Bugalu" b/w "Think (Pensamiento)" (Electric Cowbell Records cat. EC 004)

Los Po-Boy-Citos - "Brand New Dance" b/w "Trinidad" (Super Ultra Mega / Living Room Studios cat. SUM 004)

T.S.U. Tornados - "A Thousand Wonders" "Norther Soul Stories cat. NSS - 2 (strictly limited edition))

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These are just some of the fine slabs of tassel spinners at the ready if I get to spin the Go-Go Rama. Go-Go… Las Vegas Grind… Tittyshakers… whatever you want to call 'em, here is a list...

Guest Villains - "Tornado" b/w "Forbidden Feelings" (Timmion cat. # 024)

Andre Williams - "Sweet Little Pussycat" b/w "Loose Juice" (Wingate cat. WG-014)

The Merced Blue Notes - "Thompin'" b/w "Rufus Jr." (Galaxy cat. 738)

The Ideals - "The Gorilla" (Cortland cat. C - 110)

Hal Blaine - "Drums A Go-Go" b/w "Bang Bang Rhythm" (Dunhill cat. D-4049 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale (wht lbl promo)))

Ken Jones His Piano & Orchestra - "Chicken Pot Pie" b/w "Second Helping" (Almont Records cat. Almont 305)

The Megatons - "Shimmy. Shimmy Walk, Part 1" b/w "…Part 2" (Dodge Records cat. 808)

The Noc-A-Bouts - "Jungle Safari" b/w "Session" (United Artists cat. UA 126 X (Promotion Copy / Not For Sale (wht lbl promo)))

The Nite Sounds - "Cheese Cake" (Fortune cat. 548)

Bobby Peterson Quintet - "The Hunch" (V-Tone cat. 205)

The Tradewinds - "The Snake" b/w "Congo Beat" (Dan - Tone Records cat. 1001)

Gary Webb - "Drum City - Pt. 2" (Donna cat. 1321)

Red Holloway - "Monkey Sho' Can Talk" b/w "Crib Theme #4" (Prestige cat. PR 45-287)

"Big" John Patton - "Fat Judy, Part 1" b/w Part 2 (Blue Note cat. 45-1920)

Herbie Mann - "The Honeydripper" b/w "The Puppet" (Atlantic cat. 45-2379)

Gene Ludwig - "Sticks & Stones - Part I" b/w Part II (Atlantic cat. 45-5034 (wht lbl promo))

The Pastel Six - "Bandito" (Zen Records cat. 102)

Kai Winding - "Dirty Dog" (Verve cat. VK - 10407 (Special Disc Jockey Record))

Hoctor - "Uncle Festers Blues" b/w Adams Family Theme" (Hoctor Records (Division of Dance Records Inc.) cat. H2783)

The Dartells - "Where Do We Stand" (HBR (Hanna Barbera Records) cat. HBR 457 (promo))

The Merced Blue Notes - "Thompin'" b/w "Rufus Jr." (Galaxy cat. 738)

Earl Bostic And His Orchestra - "Feeling Cool" (King cat. 45-K10156 (Complimentary / Dee Jay / Special))

The Souljers - "Poochum" (Rampart cat. 648)

--
Pat. James Longo
http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com
http://www.gigposters.com/designer/26046_Pat._James_Longo.html

Bronco Billy Dolan & Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thurs Jan 6th from 9PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,
My best of 2010 is listed below and is in no particular order. If you know me, then you know that at any given time I have 100s of songs that are my, "Favorite song of all time," or "The best song ever!" I also don't buy a lot of new music so to even have more than 10 was a surprise to me. I love bands like Russian Circles, Pelican, Isis, etc, etc but sadly I only picked up the Russian Circles LP this year. Luckily Russian Circles "Geneva" is easily one of my favorites. I love New Funk but unfortunately many of the bands are becoming far too slick and the LPs are filled with ballads, slow songs and weird remix style songs that sound like weak Hip Hop or lousy Acid Jazz. I love Hip Hop and Acid Jazz but these New Funk bands seem to be confused as to why people bought their records in the first place. Weird since the answer is right there in the genres name… FUNK! If I want Hip Hop, Neo-Soul or Acid Jazz I will listen to the bands who do that best. One of the biggest surprises for me this year was the amazing Nick Curran and the Lowlifes "Reform School Girls" CD. If there was EVER a record that deserved a vinyl release it was this one and sadly there is none. Mr. Curran and company also turned in my favorite live performance of the year.

Colemine Records were definitely a stand out in the New Funk genre. Terry Cole could prove to be a genius so let's hope for better and better things from his label. Will Sessions' Funk Night label also put out some incredible sides though not as consistent as Colemine the label could be a force to be reckoned with. I have yet to pick up their first LP but Dead Weather made a big impression on me this year. Someone sent me a video before the first LP came out but it was hard to get a bead on what the LP was going to sound like from the video. They could have easily been a run of the mill side project for Jack White but happily he has rarely ever been run of the mill. Just about a week ago the Syl Johnson "Complete Mythology" box set on Numero Group arrived at my door. If there was ever an artist who was deserved of such an honor it is the hugely talented Syl Johnson. Many years ago Collectable Records had done a Twinight / Twilight compilation CD, it cost just $4.99. I routinely would give it away as a gift and unfortunately I almost always had to explain to people who Syl was. Hopefully that will all change soon and Syl can be discussed in the same breath as James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Lee Dorsey, Dyke and every other Soul / Funk star that has made music not only something that we listen to but move to as well as feel in our hearts and minds.

One of the things that will make you extremely uncomfortable as a musician and a record collector is when friends give you their music. You usually have to be polite and hope the subject never comes up again. On the other hand, sometimes you have to approach a friend and tell them how big a fan you are of their music. Andrew Barker has been a friend for many years and our bands played together quite often through the 90's. I am always in awe of Andrew's drumming and have sought out his recordings time and time again. Years ago, Andrew told me he wanted to play guitar, so in the tradition of Dick Dale and Eddy Van Halen, Andrew turned his sights on a stringed instrument rather than a skin covered one. I was listening to some of Andrew's music on MySpace and stumbled upon his band Hallux. I IMMEDIATELY shot him an email and said PLEASE send me a copy of the LP NOW! I also wanted to get a copy of the LP for a mutual friend who had seen Hallux play live. The LP arrived and not only was the sleeve beautifully done it is on heavy green vinyl. I play the record at full volume every chance I get and there is even a track that sounds great when I DJ.

This year I continued to do artwork for the raw as hell Black Gladiator Records. So far every release has been beyond great but then I expect nothing less from the man known as Bazooka Joe. Black Gladiator is a subsidiary of one of the best Punk / Garage labels ever, Slovenly Recordings and the pairing couldn't be more perfect. In the truest tradition of Punk Rock these labels operate on a shoestring budget but in the end this turns out to be a benefit to me as payment comes by way of LPs and 45s. Slowly I am amassing a complete set of Slovenly Recordings that daily terrorize my turntable.

2010 proved to be one of the best years for me as a collector. I had the opportunity to buy and trade records in places I have never been and some I have been but never to buy records. I have never counted the records in my collection and have always said the day I do I will probably stop collecting because I would be surprised by the final count. I am not going to lie, the number of records I added to the collection this year was very shocking but the price of records had dropped so drastically I was lucky enough to take advantage.

[* I don't normally consider a CD a purchase and you can only imagine my feeling about MP3 downloads. Honestly, is that really collecting? When I was a kid I would "download music from the radio all the time. Then I would buy the recording and support my favorite bands. Hey congratulations MP3 hoarding, vidiot playing dicks. Enjoy all the major label crap floating in the toilet because your friends can no longer support themselves to tour since you keep giving their music away.]

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Syl Johnson - Complete Mythology (Numero Group cat. 032)
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - I Learned The Hard Way Seven Inch Set (Daptone Records cat. DAP - 021) & Sharon Jones
Cee-Lo - 12" Fuck You (voc, inst)
Vex Ruffin & the Lo-Fi Jerkheads ep (Black Gladiator / Slovenly Recordings cat. 702-94)
The Lo-Fi Jerkheads ep (Black Gladiator / Slovenly Recordings cat. 702-9?)
Tunnel Of Love - "Rockin' Rollin' Bitches" LP (Black Gladiator / Slovenly Recordings cat. 702-93)
Electric Crush - "Dropouts In A Drug Haze" (Black Gladiator / Slovenly Recordings cat. BG 003)
Personal and the Pizzas - "Raw Pie" LP (1-2-3-4 Go! Records cat. GO 0039)
Los Vigilantes - "Mi Mami Dijo" b/w "Que Mal" (Slovenly Recordings cat. 29)
Nick Curran and the Lowlifes - Reform School Girls *
Hallux (Phantom Ear cat. 001)
Russian Circles - "Geneva" (Sargent House / Suicide Squeeze Records cat. SH 030 (Gatefold double vinyl LPs that play at 45RPMs)) (Late 2009)
The Peripheral Enterprise Sound Revue - "Unortodoxy" (Peripheral Enterprises cat. ???) (I believe this was a 20110 release)
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- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Thursday January 6th
Bronco Billy Dolan - 9 PM - 11:30 PM
Primitive Sound System -11:30 PM to Closing

D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern

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Some Links:

Slovenly Recordings
http://www.slovenly.com/catalog

Black Gladiator Records
http://www.myspace.com/blackgladiatorkills

Syl Johnson - Complete Mythology
http://www.numerogroup.com/catalog_detail.php?uid=01178

Hallux
http://www.myspace.com/halluxmusic

Cee Lo Green - "Fuck You"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc0mxOXbWIU

Nick Curran and the Lowlifes
CAREFUL the music starts when the site loads - http://www.eclectogroove.com

Personal and the Pizzas
"Brass Knuckles" (video) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrXcApEa6h8

Russian Circles
http://www.russiancircles.net

Playlist from the Jersey City Record Riot - December 4th, 2010

SATURDAY DECEMBER 4th 2010
Playlist from the Jersey City Record Riot!

SETLIST:

Bill Gibbs - "Orbit In Space" (Gibbs Records cat. 0012)
Al Casey Combo - "Doin' It" (Stacy Records cat. 956)
The Shades - "Skip It" (Joey Records Inc. cat. J-6206)
Thee Midniters - "Whittier Blvd." (Chattahoochee Records cat. CH-684)
Lenny Mc Daniel & The New Era - "Something Out Of Nothing" (Seven B cat. 7016)
The Sonics - "The Hustler" (Etiquette cat. ET-16)
The Moving Sidewalks - "99th Floor" (Mutt Records cat. M 1030)
The Juveniles - "Bo Diddley" (Jerden cat. 770 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
The Pop-Ups - "Lurking" (HBR - Hanna Barbera Records cat. HBR 459)
Danny Freeman And The Soul Superiors - "Jungle Walk (do that jungle talk too)" (W.S.J. Sound Records cat. 102)
The Fabulous Rhythm Makers - "Mini, Mini, Afro Twist" (Forte Records cat. 1107)
Blue Rhythm Combo - Take That Funky Feeling" (Merry Disc cat. M-51)
The Unforgettables - "Sad Song" (Loadstone cat. 3954)
The Impacs - "Good Old Funky Feelin' (Part 1)" (Land cat. 141)
Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International cat. SSS-766)
Betty Davis - "If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up" (Just Sunshine Records cat. JSA-503)
Rocki Lane And The Gross Group - "Santa Soul" (Epic cat. 5-10556 / JZSP 152302 (Radio Station Copy))
Funk Machine - "Soul Santa - Part II" (Creative Funk cat. 12004)
Electric Jungle - "Funky Funky Christmas" (Nike Records cat. 1002)
SOD - "Too Loose To Get Tight (Part I)" (Decca cat. 32937 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
Iron-Knowledge - "Show Stopper" (Tammy Records cat. T-1043)
Can - "Spoon" (United Artists Records cat. 35 304 (German with Picture Sleeve))
Banbarra - "Shack Up" (United Artists Records cat. UA-XW734-Y)
The Harvey Averne Barrio Band - "Para Ti" (Heavy Duty Records cat. HD 1)
Johnny Zamot & his Orch. (Vocal: Pee Wee Fernandez) - "I've Got The Feeling" (Gema Records cat. 1630)
Ray Rodriquez - "Workout - Part II" (Ghetto Records cat. G - 010)
U.S. Warren and The Genghis Pea - "Hard Headed Woman" (Chytowns Records cat. CHY - 213)
The Soul Machine - "Twitchie Feet" (Pzazz Records cat. 021)
James K-Nine - "Live It Up" (Federal cat. 12572)
Louis Chahere - "The Hen (Pt. 1) Paula Records cat. 321)
Gus "The Groove" Lewis - "Let The Groove Move You" (Tou-Sea Records cat. 131)


PURCHASES:
Eddie Palmieri - Molasses. (Tico cat. S LP 11148)
Hank Snow, The Singer Ranger - "The Reindeer Boogie" b/w "Christmas Roses". (RCA Victor cat. 47-5340)
Sweet Les and Joe Frazier's Knockouts - "Sweet Potatoe, Collard Greens" (Vocal b/w Instrumental) (p.i.p. Cat. PIP 8937 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
Little Hooks with Ray Nato and The Kings - "Give The Drummer Some More" (United Artists Records cat. 50932)

Bill Dolan and Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern - Thurs Oct 1st - 9PM - Closing

Hello Y'all,
Not sure why but it feels like forever since I last wrote one of these. Maybe it has been all the diggin' I've been doin'. I have made my way through some of the usual haunts. Favorites like Big City records and, through the magic of the interwebs, Dusty Groove. But then there have been more finds in less obvious places and ones I am not at the liberty to mention. Honestly, obsessed, record collecting, vinyl thirsty, Pat is one angry 300 lb. monster and he would snap my neck for snitching... at least for now. Other releases have traveled from afar to make their way to the fine shores of Jersey City. Jaycees Records from the land down under have two new releases that arrived the other day. One from label regulars, Birdwave, and one from Natural Rhythm. Both are loaded with dynamic covers of some of the best songs that have spilled from the over flowing cup of Funk. On my last trip in to Big City I brought my side kicked who enjoyed reading and listening to the music. That was until I played him "Cookies" by Brother Soul. If it is possible to say one can learn all the words to an instrumental he has. He mouths the intro and then runs with the lighthearted banter throughout. That's right people, obsession starts in the home. Music is just a gateway drug. Soon he'll be drumming along to the records or worse yet, the most heinous crime ever committed... SINGING DRUMMER! OK, you know the routine, Bill and I spin some extra special selections while Larry The Hunter serves you your poison. You pretend to enjoy what Bill and I are putting down and you treat Larry generously for what he is putting down as well as putting up with.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Bill Dolan and Primitive Sound System - Thursday October 1st - 9PM to Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern

Grow your own cookies and poo-poo in Babylon, next to Boogaloosa or you'll be singing a sad song and she'll be sorry:
Small Faces - "Grow Your Own" (Decca cat. F 12317)
The instrumental. I don't crave sweets. Never have. I do crave vinyl records. And what I really, really crave and truly feel I couldn't live without is a screaming, banging, thumping, dirty, no words allowed, grinding and grooving instrumental. Small Faces are easily (and by far) one of the best bands to have traveled across the surface (and through the atmosphere) of the planet we call home. Some people needed proof of the Small Faces greatness and a CD box set from a few years back unequivocally proved their dominance beyond a shadow of a doubt. I have been on the look out for a copy of this divine selection for some time and was quite happy to finally score one in such great shape and for a very reasonable price. A short burst of guitar jumps out only slightly ahead of the pack on this organ driven madness. The drums are perfectly primitive and get the whole body moving. Some beats bob the head, others shake the shoulders but this is a full body attack and you would be wise not to resist. The song is by no means complex, it is raw and aggressive and somehow the band seem to be showing off. Check this shit out, UH! Despite the absence of words they are coaxing you to action and inviting you to hit the dance floor. They certainly do succeed but did you expect anything less?

Brother Soul - "Cookies" b/w "Do it Good" (Leo Mini cat. LS - 105)
Mmmmm, cookies and Funk! Cookies and Funk! But wait one minute, it is not all fun and dunking in the world of cookies and funk. Something dark and evil has gone on here... "WHO TOOK THE COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR!" Growing up with Sesame Street we all learned that greed is bad and sharing is good. Cookie Monster's unbridled passion for those baked little delights was behavior we were all told was unacceptable. So here we have greed, gluttony and stealing in one Funky little 45 and I can't help but point fingers at that blue fur monster all covered in crumbs. The recipe here is mid-tempo bass, drums and guitars sprinkled with horns and the occasionally banter and sound effects are also stirred into the mix. Let's face it, a lot of Funk can follow the same old recipe and come up tasting like every other store bought brand of sugar coated cardboard. This cookie is different and is a definite stand out. The band embraces the humor in what they are doing but also understands you gotta be able to get down with the crumbs. Speaking of doing it right, Brother Soul know exactly how to "Do It Good." The flip is heavier with a little more bite to the drums, bass and guitar. The horns follow their previous performance with a similar minded peppering of blasts but with more balls and less humor. I love the immediacy of the sound and it is as if the band tossed this off in one take after baking. Baking "Cookies" of course. Brother Soul do the do and they "Do It Good." This bad little two sider will be heard from quite often.

Maurice McKennies and The Champions - "Sock-A-Poo-Poo '69, Part I & II" (Black and Proud Records (Dist. By Atco) cat. 45-10000 (Whit Lbl Promo))
Holy shit! I can't believe I have never heard this before. This is one of the rawest records that has ever blasted a hole through my head. Side One even drops out as if the studio engineer was certain this was NOT the sound the band really wanted. Not only is it exactly the sound they wanted but this is apparently a second release of this essential piece of perfection. This gritty little ditty did so well locally Atco picked it up for distribution!?*%#! Remember how the music press embraced the stripped down raw sounds of Pussy Galore, The White Stripes or The Black Keys as if it had never been done before? Don't get me wrong, I love all those bands but FUCK YOU music press. Anytime I come across a major distributed track like this it saddens me how short the memories of the public and the press really are. I don't believe this went to number one with a bullet but it WAS picked up by a major. Somebody at Atlantic was listening and I thank them. The band pounds away as if there is concern the sounds are not making it to tape. They are giving it their all as Maurice McKennie narrates the rocket fueled action. The organ, guitar and drums are as out front in the mix as Mr. McKennie's voice but all these sounds are clouded by the recording quality. This, is of course a huge compliment. I once read that Gerry Rosalie, of The Sonics, unspooled their recordings onto the floor of the studio dragging them through the dirt and stepping on them. This was in an effort to achieve the sound he believed his recordings deserved. It is a sound we all deserve to be exposed to. Side Two "cleans" up the sound enough that is is noticeable. Side Two is it for me. What makes it so appealing is that McKennie convinces the drummer to "SQUEEZE IT REAL TIGHT!" Some how the drummer understands this request and begins to toss off some breaks and send a groove up your spine. The drummer is joined by thick as crude bass and they begin to Funk things up. The guitar and organ are next in the pairings and the whole thing is finished off nicely by the horns. This is going to be my personal soundtrack for a while. Excuse me while I shake my poo-poo.

Buddy Terry - "Babylon" b/w "Stealin` Gold" (Mainstream 5511 (White Lbl Promo))
Talk about versatile. Buddy Terry has done it all. Traditional Jazz, R&B / Soul / Funk, Spiritual Jazz, etc. His sound is throaty and full. This 7-inch features songs I never knew were available on 45. The LP consists of extended tracks that wouldn't seem suited for a 7-inch. BUT... "Babylon" works incredibly well, that is for sure. The track bursts right from the moment the needle meets the groove. The band is extremely tight and allows the guitar and horns to express themselves without clutter or confusion. The guitar is extremely soulful despite being rather talkative. There are some really creative moments in the playing and more than just the standard sounds of Soul Jazz guitar are experimented with. The groove is deep and leans heavily to a Soul Jazz or Funk track rather than a Spiritual Jazz track which is a genre Mr. Terry explored quite deeply and with great success during this time period. Our guitarist steps aside as Buddy Terry lets his instrument speak for him while stepping out front. There is a brief conversation with the trumpet but Buddy can humble even the best player so you best step aside and let him do his thing. Side two gives us "Stealin' Gold" which is far more relaxed. Calling it sweet would not be an insult. Flute stands out for the opening creating a sense of calm and fills a very peaceful environment. Mr. Terry picks up the pace with some aggressive improvisation but again it somehow compliments the existing sounds. "Babylon" is hands down the track to play out but "Stealin' Gold" can become a popular Summer theme for me.

Brenton Wood - "Boogaloosa, Louisian' " b/w "Need Your Love So Bad" (Double Shot Records cat. #150)
Everybody is familiar with Brenton Woods "Oogum Boogum Song." It is a stone cold Soul classic. There is an underlying illusion to the possibility of something a little more forceful. the song is full of attitude but it is almost all warm hugs, cool breezes and birds chirping. To say I was not very schooled on Mr. Woods output would be an understatement. But, if there is one thing I have come to expect from music is that you must trust nothing, nothing that is except your own ears (see The Osmonds "Crazy Horses" for an obvious case in point). So, imagine my delightful surprise as the drums came cracking out of the speakers just seconds into "Boogaloosa." When I think Brenton Woods I think smooth and Soulful. "Boogaloosa, Louisian" is anything but, but somehow remains incredibly pleasing very Funky. I know that intro drum beat from somewhere but I can't place it? The song is pulled around the track by Mr. Woods and the power comes from the kickin" beat that does not stop for even a second.

The Unforgettables - "Sad Song" b/w "Too Much Trouble" (Loadstone cat. 3954)
So the Unforgettables are anything but. I love this track as much as the singer loves his baby. Take my word for it, he loves her lots. The band is loose, almost as if they are creating this as they are playing. There are moments that would hint at the possibilities that they may have played this before but the beauty of the track is how simply heavy and urgent it is. Everything jumps in as the needle drops and off we go. Congas and drums lay the foundation but
the wah guitar is making sure we hear his message. He takes an extended solo more than half the way through but the singer can't sit in the side lines. He needs to tell it to who ever will listen. He is confused and hurt. Why would you want to make him sing those sad songs? Can't we just all get along? "Too Much Trouble" is just as loose and raw. There are some actual parts and at one point every thing just shifts like the earth getting knocked off its axis. Amazing stuff. Hopefully there is more Unforgettables in my future.

Gloria Gaynor - "She'll Be Sorry" b/w Let Me Go Baby" (Jocida cat. J-300)
Female vocals always sound so great over a forceful backing. James Brown was no dummy when he surrounded himself with some of the greatest female vocals he could find. Because of this I have always sought Female R&B, Soul and Funk tracks. The New Funk bands have discovered this and by far the better tracks are those song by the ladies. Diggin' around in Big City Records in NYC I came across this amazing two-sider. Yes, this is Gloria Gaynor, the woman who brought you the Disco anthem, "I Will Survive." Miss Gaynor's voice is a very powerful one. At times husky but at all times it is pure Soul. If more of the Motown sides were this in your face I'd be a much bigger fan of the label. The band is treated as an equal on the recording and this may be why it sounds like there is more attack to the playing. Attack or not Ms. Gaynor belts out this tale of an unfaithful boyfriend as if she has no equal. The infidelity doesn't seem to matter much to her. She has drawn a line in the sand and with a simple phrase, "She'll Be Sorry," she is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep the unwanted woman he is spending time with away. She is a force to be reckoned with. By the end Ms. Gaynor drives home her point and expresses just how serious she is by changing the phrase ever so slightly, "You'll be sorry!" LOOK OUT! Go get 'em Gloria! But no matter what we know you will... survive. Oh come on, how could I resist. You would have said it as well. this will see a lot of time on the turntable in the coming months.

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MORE FINDS AS SUMMER COMES TO A CLOSE:

The WhatNauts - "Please Make The Love Go Away" b/w "Souling With The WahtNauts" (Stang cat. ST 5014)
Whatnauts - "Blues Fly Away" b/w "Try Me" (Stang cat. ST 5037)
The Bill Mersey Band - "Soul Kick" b/w The Bill Mersey Band featuring Carol Williams "Shake (It Easy)" (Zoo York Records cat. WS9 02887)
Jackey Beavers - Singing A Funky Song (For My Baby)" b/w "Hey Girl (I can't Stand To See You Go)" (Sound Stage 7 cat. ZS7 1506 (Radio Station Copy / Nor For Sale))
Brothers Soul - "Cookies" b/w "Do It Good" (Leo Mini cat. LS - 105)
The James Young Blues Band - "Funky Booty" b/w Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson - "Was It Worth It All?" (Jet Stream cat. 812)
"Lil" Willie & The Rockin' Imperials - "A Man Don't Last Too Long" b/w "Tell Me Why" (Golden - Records cat. G No. 117)
The Poindexter Bros. - "The Booga Man" b/w "Ride, Ride, Ride" (Tuff Records cat. 404 (DJ Copy / Sample))
Maurice McKennies and The Champions - "Sock-A-Poo-Poo '69, Part I & II" (Black and Proud Records (Dist. By Atco) cat. 45-10000 (Whit Lbl Promo))
Gloria Gaynor - "She'll Be Sorry" b/w Let Me Go Baby" (Jocida cat. J-300)
The Soul Ensemble - "Melon Jelly" b/w "Move Out" (Prix Records / Harmonic Sounds Inc. cat. HSI - 69002)
The Unforgettables - "Sad Song" b/w "Too Much Trouble" (Loadstone cat. 3954)
Annakonda - "Sonic Boom" b/w Wheedle's Groove" (BXI Records cat. 3113)
El Gran Combo - "Cinnamon" b/w "Good Night My Love" (Gema Records cat. 1627)
Orq. Flamboyan Con Frankie Dante - "Paz" b/w Pa Guaynabo" (Cotique cat. C 210)
Joe Bataan - "Latin Strut" b/w "Peace, Friendship and Solidarity" (Mericanna Records cat. M-7157)
Cortijo Y Kako - "Chiviriquiton" b/w "Yo no Bailo Con Juana" (Ansonia cat. 45-6750)
Mario Allison - "Louie Louie" b/w "Bamba Cure" (J. & G. Recordings cat. J & G 8063)
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The Webs - "This Thing Called Love" b/w "Tomorrow" (Popside cat. 4593)
Jimmy Lewis - "I'm Stepping Out" b/w "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" (Tangerine Records cat. TRC 994)
Bobby Lewis - "What A Walk" b/w "Cry No More" (Beltone cat. 45-1015)
Titus Turner - "Cool Down" b/w "Get Up Betty Jean" (Glover Records cat. Record No. 206)
Sheb Wooley (Orchestra Under The Direction of Neely Plumb) - Monkey Jive" b/w "The Chase" (M-G-M Records cat. K12704)
Ohio Express - "The Race (That Took Place)" b/w "Cowboy Convention" (Buddah Records cat. BDA 147)
The Peels - "Fun" b/w "Juanita Banana" (Karate Records cat. 45-5228)
The Seeds - "Can't Seem To Make You Mine" b/w "I Tell Myself" (GNP Crescendo cat. GNP - 354 S)
Morgen - "Of Dreams" b/w "She's The Nitetime" (ABC / Command / Probe cat. CP 474 (Not For Sale))
? & The Mysterians - "I Need Somebody" b/w " "8" Teen" (Cameo cat. C-441)
The Yellow Payges - "The Two Of Us" b/w "Never Put Away My Love For You" (UNI cat. 55107)
Chilly Charlie - "Crisis At Ole Miss" Part 1 and 2 (Band Box Records cat. #329)
Jim Carroll Band - "People Who Died" b/w "I Want The Angel" (Atco cat. 7314)
Queen - " Bicycle Race" b/w Fat Bottom Girls" (Elektra cat. E-45541 (Pic Sleeve))
Billy Mure's Super Sonic Guitars in Hi-Fi - "Super Sonic," "Miserlou" b/w "Malaguena," "My Little Grass Shack in Hi-Fi" (RCA Victor cat. EPA 1-1536 (Pic Sleeve))
Jimmy McCracklin - "Beulah" b/w "My Answer" (Imperial Records cat. 66147 (White Lbl Promo - Audition Record))
Junior Parker - "The Outside Man" b/w "Darling Depend On Me" (Capitol cat. 2857)
Brenton Wood - "Boogaloosa, Louisian' " b/w "Need Your Love So Bad" (Double Shot Records cat. #150)
Travis Wammack - "Shotgun Woman" b/w "(Shu-Doo-Poo-Poop) Love Being Your Fool" (Capricorn Records cat. CPS 0239)
Ram Jam - "Black Betty" b/w "I Should Have Known" (Epic cat. 8-50357 (Demonstration - Not For Sale))
Racing Cars - "Four Wheel Drive" b/w "They Shoot Horses Don't They" (Chysalis cat. CHS-2129)
Lalo Schifrin - "Ape Shuffle ("Them From The Planet of The Apes") b/w "Escape From Tomorrow" (20th Century Records cat. TC - 2150)
Lectric Woods - "Time Of The Season" b/w "A.L.L. (Apollo Lunar Landing)" (ABC Records / APT cat. 26005 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
Paul Quinichette - "The Heat's Off" b/w "Mine" (Decca cat. Record No. 9-28921)
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Big Boss Man - "Party 7" b/w "Kelvin Stardust" (Blow Up Records cat. BU37)
Euro Cinema - "Brooklyn Groove" b/w "Brother Lou" (Hammond Beat cat. HB7-09)
Sven Hammond Soul - "Lookin Up, Turnin Round" b/w "Moet Jij Wete" (Hammond Beat cat. HB7-10)
Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band - Bird Head Son
Gizelle Smith - Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos
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Birdwave - "Hard Times" b/w "Break It Down" (Jaycees Records International cat. JCR-005)
Natural Rhythm - "Let's Groove Some Mo" b/w "Salted Popcorn" (Jaycees Records International cat. JCR-006)
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The Impressions - Soulfully - "Woman's Got Soul," "Meeting Over Yonder" b/w "People Get Ready," "You've Been Cheatin'" (E.M.I. Records / His Masters Voice cat. 7EG 8954)
Jimmy Smith - "Sag' Shootin' His Arrow" b/w "For Everyone Under the Sun" (Verve cat. VK10672 (Special Disc Jockey Record))

Primitive Sound System at The Lamp Post Wednesday January 7th from 10PM to closing

Hello Y'all,
So welcome to 2009, it's a new day. Oh boy, the future is so bright you just gotta wear shades... PHEH! Well, who knows where we are all headed but at least there is still good music for the ride. This Wednesday I'm back at The Lamp Post spinning a box of 45's. I have been making sure not to repeat a song from the previous session and sticking to an all 7-inch format. I've kept the genres limited to 50's / 60's Instrumentals, 50's R&B / Rock, Jazz, Funk and Soul, Instrumentals, Garage Rock, 70's Rock and New Funk & Soul. Because of this I have broken out records that I haven't played in ages, some of which I will probably be adding to regular rotation. The Lamp Post is easily one of my favorite places to DJ because the regulars are very open to music they most likely have never heard. As always Steff will be holding down the bar (and the taps) so please make nice with the tipping. See you Wednesday.

- pat.
Primitive Sound System - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 7th
Spinning from 10PM to Closing
Lamp Post Bar & Grill
382 2nd St
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201)-222-1331
http://www.myspace.com/lamppost
Steff's Lampost schedule:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=71579&blogID=356928615

45's:

El Michel's - "It's A New Day" Instrumental b/w the drums only (Street Beat Records cat. SBR-771)
This is one of those great little series that shows that the new bands can definitely play it as cool as the originals. The fabulous El Michels Affair tackles the Skullsnaps legendary Hip Hop break monster "It's A New Day" and keeps it close pretty to the vest. Of course I couldn't be any happier as this is an instrumental version. For me the wordless song is always preferred to all that talking regardless of how insanely cool the Skullsnaps original is. With that said the lyrics couldn't be any more relevant today then the day it was written, "It's a New Day, and a better days coming." "What'cha gonna do?"

Binky Griptite - "One Time, You're Mine" b/w "Your'e Gonna Cry" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1042)
Ah, this is Summer time music if there ever was. Kickin' it William DeVaughn style. Binky Griptite keeps things raw and aggressive vocally over a slow paced conga heavy groove. More of a rap than singing but it works perfectly. The band is sharp as ever and allows Mr. Griptite the space to make this work flawlessly. There are sweet guitar and baritone sax flourishes that keep the band from slipping to far into the background. The B-Side is a ballad (at 3:25 it makes it a long one as well) but as Ballads go it's a good one. This won't get much play out so we'll have to slow dance in the kitchen waiting for the pot to boil.

The Fantastics! - "Soul Child" b/w "Soul Sucka" (Freestyle cat. FSR7-051)
If you want to be easily criticized negatively call your band the The Fantastics! One can write the shortest review ever. "The Not Fantastics." BUT, the easiest way to keep things positive is to simply be... fantastic and this band has yet to disappoint. Here the band is throwing vocals into the mix and does a pretty great job of it. The vocals dance around "samples" and sounds in tribute to past songs and the performance is solid. The band is sharp as ever but takes a back seat to the vocals giving them room to breath and shine. Similarly the vocalists allows the drums do break, the horns do blow and, of course, the organ to grind. No offense to the A-side but there is a smoking instrumental spinning on the B-side that would make a category five tornado cower in fear. Horns, drums, bass, and organ jump out and get things going but nothing could prepare you for what is coming, and it is coming on quickly. The Organ, frenzied and powerful, grinds and burns until it whips itself round and round at dizzying speeds. Sounds come from every angle and engulf us. Out of the dust and debris left in its wake the band has become wound up so tight from the devastation that they can't hold themselves back any longer. The first survivor to make itself known is the sax who comes out of the clouds screaming. This is one of those in your face, reed splitting solos that sends chills up your spine and brings a smile to your face. Before this weather system passes the congas and guitar step out just far enough to be noticed and remind us that we should be dancing. That last sound we hear is a laugh that is both surprised and confident. Like laughing in the face of danger and knowing you can not be beaten. I have probably listened to this about 20 times tonight alone. Oh yeah, "The Fucking Fantastics!"

The Perceptions - "Rolling & Tumbling" b/w "Right The Wrong" (Freestyle cat.FSR7050)
The Perceptions have a classic Soul Jazz sound and from the Prestige influenced label of this 45 it is obvious that is what they are going for. The band is so tight and together you would assume they have known each other their entire lives. Each player seems to be attached to each other like the cars of a train as they closely follow each other through twists and turns. The recording is beautiful, it seems to highlight each musician equally yet has a very live room feel. The sax and guitar get the solo action on side one and display their wares with excitement and professionalism. Don't be confused by all this impressive playing and clean recording sounds this is a burning little Soul Jazz track that should definitely keep bodies moving on the floor. A nice break kicks open "Right The Wrong" and the band takes it in a more Funk instrumental direction than a Jazzy one also reminiscent of the fabulous Prestige label. The organ takes on the "vocal" duties and despite the seemingly slow start it quickly becomes apparent that this band can drive and kick. On the surface this side seems medium paced and easy going yet with very little effort the band begins to pick up the speed and intensity just beneath. This is similar to a Rhoda Scott live track but usually she and her band take a good five or six minutes to get to this level. The organ is just plain unfuckable and stops on a dime just before hitting the run-out groove.

Steve Ellis - "Loot's The Root" b/w "The Undertaker Song" (Licorice Soul cat. LSD 013)
These are two cuts from the extremely hard to find Loot soundtrack. There is a similar feel to both cuts like a great soundtrack should have. "Loot's The Root" is a vocal cut and obviously the theme and "The Undertaker Song" is instrumental and as groovy as they come. "Loot..." is a song that makes me wish I had seen this film, hopefully it is as good as its theme. Simple repetitive vocals from Steve Ellis are backed by a big band and in the break we are treated to a great little organ solo from Alan Hawkshaw. There is a nice drum and conga break toward the end with some sweet female coos and ohs from Madeline Bell. The Undertaker Song is far more aggressive and opens with a big break beat drum that must have been used somewhere. The organ takes the vocal part on this side and makes some nice runs only pausing to let the drums jump out with a few solo moments. Usually this type of interplay can kill the momentum and flow of a tune but not here in the able hands of Keith Mansfield.

From the "I can't believe I have never written about this" pile:
Foster Sylvers - "Misdemeanor" (Pride cat. PR 1031)
Whenever I play this and someone asks who it is they always mention the Jackson Five. That isn't a bad reference or place to start but Foster is not some Michael Jackson wanna be. The Sylvers, nine of them, were easily as talented and extremely popular through the 70's. "Misdemeanor" spent a good amount of time on the charts and sounds just as incredible today as it did over 30 years ago. The sisters Sylvers open up the track over a striking piano and heavy drums. Foster comes in right on top of them sounding far more seasoned than a nine year old. The backing, by his only slightly older sisters, keeps the vocal sound consistent and even. Without sounding completely insane, the sweet female vocals are an element that really separates the Sylvers from the Jacksons. At this early stage in their careers it would have benefitted the Jacksons to have some sisters backing Michael and Jermaine. Of course the Jacksons sounded great and the combination was more than just a winning one. Foster's performance is forceful and passionate. There is also a Laissez faire attitude as if he knows that playing hard to get is a good strategy for winning the affections of a young lady. The backing track is simple and repetitive but never boring or pedestrian. There are lovely percussive choices like the triangle which also sounds like a child's piano. This is a slow to medium paced groove but always seems to get someone dancing whether it be on the floor or in their seat.