Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern - Thurs Aug 6th from 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
It has been a great summer this year. We spent time in Hawaii with family and attended a wedding on a beach. We climbed to the summit of a volcano and swam under a waterfall. We went down to Raceway Park to the NJ Motor Speedway and watched some classic cars make their way down the 1/8 mile track, took a look under some hoods and listened to live music. It has also been one of the best summers ever for diggin' the crates around and finding those hidden gems. I have come across stacks of Latin records, electric blues LP's I have been looking for, for a long time and of course, the odd and overlooked record boxes and boxes of 7-inches. So I am bringing them all to D.C.'s this Thursday where I'll be flying solo for five hours. As always Larry "The Hunter" will be processing your orders and depositing your money. Be kind and rewind. See you there.

- pat.

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

Primitive Sound System
Thursday August 6th 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

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Also on the schedule: August 14th, 2009
THE FORTY FIVE SESSIONS
An all 45 RPM vinyl event.

Deep Funk and Raw Soul spun by:
DJ Prestige
Jack The Ripper
Larry Grogan (funky16corners.com)
Prime-Mundo
M.Fasis
DJ Bluwater

Special guest Selector
Primitive Sound System (a.k.a. Pat. James Longo)

The Asbury Lanes
08.14.09 at 9PM $5
(18+ 21+ w/ID to drink)

Just a few of the records that will be making the trip:
The Combinations - "Bump Ball! (RCA Victor cat. 47-9482) Plug Side (No For Sale))
Busey's Soul Blenders - "Soul Power (Part 1)" (Busey's cat. 2485)
Willie Baker - "Hey, Baby" (Excello cat. 2312 (Not For Sale))
Dotti Wright - "Eclipse Of A Lover" (F-M Records cat. 471)
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Just four of the many great records I have picked up this summer...

Los Straightjackets - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" b/w Southern Culture On The Skids - "Come As You Are / Lucifer Sam" (Spinout Records cat. SPIN 019)
This seems like a very hard concept for some people to understand but sometimes when a band is very, very popular it doesn't mean they are great or even good. It definitely doesn't mean they are truly influential. All you have to do is taste a McDonald's Hamburger and then taste one grilled on your own Weber kettle in your backyard and this concept becomes more clearly defined. You have probably served far less burgers from your Weber than McDonald's has stuffed in Ronald's sack; but it would be very easy to guess the winner of this taste contest. I don't think I would be talking out of school to say you have NOT influenced the eating habits of millions nor is anyone singing your theme song (sometimes spontaneously... ba da ba da da... I'm lovin it!). But your delicious fresh from the grill burger is like foie gras to their shit sandwich. McDonald's is incredibly popular and have influenced generations with their culture as well as their food but, are they great? Are they truly influential or just omnipresent?
Nirvana were an amazing band. Their short career seemed to burn out before it really got started but like Jim Morrison it may be better to burn out than just fade away. Who knows what the future held for Nirvana. Whether they were truly influential or just extremely popular even when it seemed they were unlikely so. Who would have thought so many people could be attracted to music that was by no means Pop Music. Of course once something is popular it is by definition Pop Music and this genre shift may have been one of the many, many things Mr. Cobain could never resolve with himself. Regardless, they left behind a catalog of great music for the world to listen to as well as play. Luckily I have stumbled upon a few cover versions that show what a broad audience was listening to what Nirvana were doing. Favorite amongst these covers is the Bad Plus version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." But Nirvana has been covered by artists as diverse as Caetano Veloso and Steve Earle to Punk bands of questionable credibility who always end up sounding like a local bar cover band and will all remain nameless. Recently I had the pleasure of seeing Los Straightjackets live at The Motor Speedway in Raceway Park down in Englishtown, New Jersey. There are a few bands that I think can never match their live performance with a studio one and unfortunately Los Straightjackets are one of them. This is by no means a slight. Actually, it is the highest praise possible. I never thought Yo La Tengo were ever able to capture what they do on stage in a studio either and the are easily one of the best bands of our time. Not being able to capture their talents in the studio means that unless you have seen them live you have never really heard what these bands sound like. Los Straightjackets were selling a few items at the show and one of which was a split 7-inch of Nirvana covers they did with Southern Culture On The Skids. Southern Culture combine "Come As You Are" with Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam." Wisely they take the wordless route and the result is quite entertaining. But, it is the endlessly energetic Lost Straightjackets that we have come to praise tonight. They rip into the flesh of "Teen..." and don't let go. They pound out the intro like a primitive tribe happening upon electric instruments in a cave. Suddenly this tribal thunder explodes into the perfect playing and performance that only Los Straightjackets are capable of. Like a finely choreographed dance, not one note or beat is wasted or out of step. What makes a cover version great is that the original is still recognizable beneath the personality and sound of the band paying you tribute. Los Straightjackets play the song pretty true to its original but after several listens it begins to sound like Nirvana was covering a Los Straightjackets song.

Batman and Robin - "My Hero Power Is My Mustache," "Wonder What To Do? UH! I Have The BAT-BELT!" b/w "Be My Little Cat!" "Unable To Speak After Drinking UH! Whiskey!" (Bachelor cat. BR-27 June 2009)
It sometimes has to be repeated but it is really true, less is more. Batman and Robin have perfected this. Wreck your equipment, write lyrics about drinking, fighting, fucking and saving the world and, oh yeah, throw in as many UH!s as you possibly can. More so than their past releases this record gets to the heart of what really makes Batman tick. He reveals to Robin that his hero power is actually his mustache. And what power this magnificent, furry, bastard must hold because Batman with his trusty ward at his side (or to his rear) is tirelessly driven to produce the finest Rock any Garage has ever had to offer. His lyrics may be repetitive but that is just to hypnotize you. Swirling clouds of feedback and explosive drums will render you unconscious before you are led away to the police station to be booked and tried for just not being able to keep up. In, "Wonder What To Do? UH! I Have The BAT-BELT!" Batman calms Robin's fears with the assurance that they can get out of any situation, no matter how sticky, with the aid of his Bat-Belt. This is no ordinary accessory. This belt doesn't have to match the socks it just has to be AWESOME! UH! The Bat-Belt puts MacGyver to shame. "You wonder what to do? It's the Bat-Belt for you!" Is there anything more satifying than a successful day doing what you love to do? Well, maybe one thing. Gotham City is a small place and it would seem the ladies are in short supply. There is either Bat-Girl or Cat-Woman. Hey, at least that is one more than the creepy Smurfs. Batman is willing to say "Hey, work is work but sometimes you just gotta play." Leaving is ward at home, Batman makes his way over to proposition Gotham's finest feline. "Be My Little Cat!" We don't hear much from Cat Woman but her silence speaks volumes. It would seem these creatures of the night make with the nocturnal party for two. UH! I never thought it was possible, but the MIGHTY Batman and Robin - UH! have actually out done themselves. "Who The Fuck is Superman?!," was Punk Rock, Garage Rock and Noise perfection. They hammered harder than any other band and no one gets "it" better than the dynamic duo. So, as the needle slid through the vomit and bile between tracks I suddenly found myself face to puke breath face with a masterpiece of epic proportions. Our story began as the older and wiser Batman reveals his secret of his very existence and the source of his awesome... UH! power. Then, we are treated to a display of his power with the assistance of his trusted Robin and his all important Bat-Belt. A full day of crime fighting means early to bed for those under eighteen but Batman and Cat Woman get down and dirty, mixing species, and push past dawn making the alleys safe for no one. Our saga comes full circle. There is always Ying and Yang, Good and Evil and Lenny and Squiggy. So to it is with our tortured hero / villain. With highs there must be lows. Batman drowns his conflict in UH! whisky! Crippled by its effects he can no longer speak and therefore no longer reveal more secrets and passions. Sober up dark (k)night, there are plenty more bars to invade and stages to storm. UH!

The Soul Investigators plays... "Brown Sauce" b/w "Yum-Yum" (Timmion Records cat. 017) and Downtown b/w "The Soul Investigators Theme" (Mitwit Records cat. Mit-Wit # 001)
For well over ten years I have been awed by the output of Timmion Records. I have hawked their singles like my life depended on it. It wasn't to make a buck but to turn people onto great music. I have even palled around with them as we hit up some of my favorite record shops in NYC. They are great guys and the music they make can only be described as real. Some people are put off but modern Soul and Funk bands but the genuine article is hard to pass up. When idiots say, "ole skool," it turns my stomach. But these guys have sounded genuinely old (think "67 - "72) as well as completely current right from their first record. So why did it take them this long to come up with a theme song? If you are going to write a theme song it should work as a movie soundtrack as well as spilling out of the PA in a smoky lounge. You know, where the music takes a back seat to the characters but the characters just wouldn't be the same without the music. The Soul Investigators may have taken ten years to settle on a theme but that is nothing compared to the timelessness of the sounds they have chosen. Immediately noticeable is the addition of vibes and what a brilliant choice it is. If you are going to slow the pace down nothing sounds better than the mellow tones of the vibes ringing out. The bass and drums are out front and they are giving it all they got even at this medium tempo. The sound is rounded out but some incredibly thoughtful guitar, rolling congas and beautiful laid back piano that is equal parts attitude and soul. This track did originally appear on the outstanding Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators LP Keep Reachin' Up but it is great to have it on a 45. Same is true for the funky as hell "Downtown" but on the LP version (titled "Blues Downtown") is an extended vocal cut with the first half of the instrumental as the intro and the second half as the outro. The pace is slow and the atmosphere is very moody. Again the drums lead the pack as they sneak around the seedier sides of Downtown. This is also suitable to be a theme song but for a decidedly different film. Deceitful low lifes stabbing each other in the back, lying and cheating until no one can be trusted. Distorted realities ending in senseless murders. This time the dirty rat didn't do it, it was... The Investigators!

The Link Quartet - "Fast Cars & Sexy Girls" b/w "Drummore" (Hammond Beat cat. HB7)
The Link Quartet are one of those completely professional sounding bands that make you so jealous because they don't sound uptight or rehearsed. They have a loose, natural sound when they play but every song sounds so accomplished. "Fast Girls and Sexy Cars" is a real groover and a testament to this. I can picture crowds of people just gettin' down and jumping for joy. The organ burns from start to finish and the drums lay one of the swingingest and funky beats ever. The guitar jumps out with a blistering run that never steps on any toes or changes the momentum of the dance floor. Not to be showed up, the organ kills, kills kills with one of the most aggressive and soulful solos ever. Pounding beats, swinging grooves, fast cars, and sexy girls, is there really anything else that needs to be said? Don't think you have time to relax, because you don't. Flip this bad boy over and and prepared to be pummeled into submission. "Durmmore" reminds me of classic "Axe" driven, Rock / Funk classics from groups like Spaghetti Head. The beat is constant and hammering but the guitar is also a force to reckoned with. Whether it is accenting the beat or spewing buckets of fuzz and distortion in your face it is always heavy as hell and FUNKY for days. Oh, did I mention that there is other percussion and organ as well?

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The following were purchased after Memorial Day. This isn't even all of the incredible records I have come across this summer. Let's just say it has been very, very good for this crate digger...

Purchased off the street for a total of $16:
Joe Quijano And His Orchestra - Joe Quijano Shing-a-Ling (Cesta Records cat. CE-3000
Ismael Miranda Y Su Orq. "Revelacion" - A Si Se Compone Un Son (Fania cat. SLP00437)
Sonora Poncena - s/t (Inca Records cat. SLP 1033)
Monguito "El Unico" Y Su Conjunto - Escuchame / Listen To Me (Fania cat. SLP 398)
Orchestra Flamboyan - Los Coquetones (Cotique cat. C-1043 (Mono))
Lebron Brothers - Salsa y Control (Cotique cat. CS 1049)
Lebron Brothers - Picadillo a la Crolla (Cotique cat. CS 1055)
Frank Morales and his Orchestra Capri (Salsa Records cat. SLP 2009)
Orquesta Flamboyan - Different Directions (Cotique cat. C/CS 1052)
Lou Perez and his Orchestra - Of Latin Extraction / ... De Extraccion Latina
La Protesta with Tony Pabon - On The Right Track (Rico Records cat. RLP-710)

Each of the following LPs were purchased for $1 or Less: Da Dolla' Rekkids:
The Supremes - A' Go Go (Motown cat. 649)
Mountain - Climbing (Windfall cat. windfall 4501)
Rare Earth - Get Ready (Rare Earth cat. RS 507)
Three Dog Night - Suitable For Framing (Dunhill / ABC Records cat. DS 50058)
Big Star - Big Star's 3RD; Sister Lovers (JEM Records / PVC cat. PVC 8933)
Big Star - The September Gurls EP (Line Records cat. LIEP 3.00008 E)
Jerry Blavat presents a Groove Spectacular with 20 More Oldies by the Paragons and the Jesters (scattered platter chatter by "The Geater With The Heator" (Lost Nite cat. LP-104)
A Happening at Cinelli's Arranged by Hank Juray / Conducted by Norman Yablon (Cougar Records cat. ST 1000)
Louis & Keely - The Hits of... (Capitol Records / The Star Line cat. T 1531)
Faron Young - Sweethearts or Strangers (Capitol Records cat. T 778)
The Louvin Brothers - Sing The Great Roy Acuff Songs (Capitol Records cat. T 2827)
Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell - s/t (Capitol Records cat. ST 2928)
2 Copies - Different Strokes (Various Artist Compilation) (Columbia cat. AS 12)
Commemorative Record of Apollo 11 Flight "First Man On The Moon" July 1969 Narrated by Hugh Downs (MGM Records cat. PX-101 (pic sleeve))
Donovan - "Wear Your Love Like Heaven" c/w "Oh Gosh" (Epic cat. 5-10253 (pic sleeve))

Each of the following LPs were purchased for under $5:
Muddy Waters - I'm Ready (Blue Sky / CBS Records cat. JZ 34928)
The Romantics - s/t (Nemperor Records cat. AL 36273)
The Kings - Are Here (Elektra cat. 6E-274)
Frank Sinatra - This Is Sinatra (Capitol Records cat. T768)

The following LPs were purchased for under $10:
Lowell Fulsom - "No Hard Feelings" and "Pico" from Tramp (United Superior Records and Tapes cat. US-7741 (stereo))

Each of the following LPs were purchased for under $20:
Albert Collins - Love Can Be Found Anywhere Even In A Guitar (Imperial Records cat. LP12428)
The Johnny Otis Show - Cuttin' Up (Epic Records cat. BN 26524)
Ike & Tina Turner - The Hunter (Blue Thumb cat. BTS11 (Promo Not For Sale (wht lbl))
Kinks - Kinkdom (Reprise cat. 6184 (Mono))
Don Covay & The Jefferson Lemon Blues Band - The House of Blue Lights (Atlantic cat. SD 8237)
Johnny Otis Show (Featuring Mighty Mouth Evans & Shuggie Otis) - Cold Shot! (Kent Records cat. KST 534)

NEW RECORDS:
45s:
Binky Griptite - "The Stroll" b/w "The Stroll Pt. 2" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1043)
The Perceptions - "Running The Risk" featuring Fred Wesley b/w "Loopy Doopy (45 Version) (Freestyle cat. FSR 7054)
Ray Camacho & The Teardrops "Si Si Puede" b/w "Si Si Puede - Lack of Afro Remix" (Freestyle cat. FSR 7053)
Chynna Blue and the Radek Azul Band - "Work It" b/w "Work It (Instrumental)" (Q (something?) cat. QS7001)

LPs:
Menahan Street Band - Make The Road Walking (Dunham cat. 1000)
The City Champs - Safe Cracker (Electraphonic Recording cat. ER 103)
Mr. Chop - Lightworks (Now Again / Stones Throw / Fatbeats cat. NA 5040)
Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens - What Have You Done, My Brother? (Daptone Records cat. DAP-016 Mono)

Higgins and Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thurs June 11th 9PM

Hello Y'all,
Let's face it, Pop music sucks. Currently, that is basically its sole purpose. Anything that is appealing to as many people as possible is not concerned with artistic merit. The desire to be ultimately popular has nothing to do with making music and everything to do with making money. That isn't to say I don't "get" those who choose to soullessly embrace the masses; I just need not be exposed to any of it. Thank you very much. American Idol and Walmart are poisoning the masses with crap everyday and that doesn't excuse the hordes of numbskulls who try to emulate the "Top 10" in an effort to be accepted. I assume it is money and acceptance they desire because I can't imagine why anyone would spend thousands of hours honing their craft and molding raw talent to simply sound or look like someone else. A Michael Jackson impersonator is laughed at yet that band that sounds like U2 is revered (I happily cannot think of their name, maybe Blur or some shit, who cares). It is obvious that the Music Industry doesn't respect listeners which is utterly insane considering they are the source of their income. It is also apparent that the industry's view is that the listeners are lazy and stupid and will happily swallow anything shoved down their throats or even worse repeatedly blasted at them like some cult hold up in a compound with no ability to make a choice. Submission is the only option. It isn't that the music of the past was better it is just that someone took a chance on delivering something different to other music lovers. No formulas, just music lovers discovering something new and getting off on exposing their jewels to anyone in their path. From the very first Billboard Hot 100 charts you can see that the buyers were usually at least a week ahead of the Radio Stations (i.e the music Industry). Unfortunately that relationship did change overtime and the industry began sculpting the taste of the masses with whatever "profit" they stood to financially benefit from. As the average Joe and Jane gobbled up their Soylent Green they never noticed they were no longer in control of their taste buds. One of the saddest reactions to this is the undying devotion some people have to sounds and bands that have been foist upon them. Play any five year old some music that is considered the "best of all time" every day and guess what? They will tell you how great they are and that it is their favorite music ever. I tried this little experiment. Guess what? My son held some Punk and Funk bands in the same regard as the Pop bands. Why? Because he was exposed to it. He wasn't comparing them, he didn't particularly feel one was better than the other. He just listened. We are told over, and over how great and important certain bands / or artists are yet song for song, or sound for sound there are hundreds of bands of similar or better quality. Did you ever notice most people will embrace the music they discovered in college for their entire lives. This isn't because what they had heard before going to college (or after) wasn't any good, it is just that they invested time and developed a personal relationship with the music they discovered. The people around them were opening the doors of perception and expanding their minds, ears and souls to different things. Regardless of your age you should hold the songs of your sirens dear but always remember they are no better than their modern counterparts and especially no less important. Why does most Popular Music suck? Two reasons. First off if musicians, artists and bands follow the music industry formula to Pop-hilarity and success they will be as creative as mayonnaise. No ifs, ands or buts... pedestrian sounds with little to bite into or grab onto and the audio equivalent of wall paper. Secondly, fear. The music industry fears one thing and one thing only, money. They fear losing the strangle hold they have on making more and more money. This consumes everything they do including looking to shit holes like Walmart for guidance about what the masses want. Well, fuck the music industry, every last crumb of it, and just "be." Whatever that is you want to be, be it. Make music for yourself, embrace it and value what you do. Others will find you and there will always be ways to get the music to them. Eventually the music industry, whatever is left of it, will have to go looking for music again. Hopefully those searching will love music as much as those making it and and of course those who buy it. Be different and maybe if we are all lucky the music industry will grow balls and respect the listeners by making a difference and not just a buck.

OK, sorry about that but that did feel good. I think that was fueled by the anger I feel knowing that a band like Higgins is not more popular. I have written extensively about this band and would gladly scream it from the highest peak in hopes that even one more person listens or better yet, becomes a fan. It is a struggle to be different. I am not talking about being outrageous. No offense to Marilyn Manson but, "WELL PLAYED! BRAVO!" Same goes for bands like Slipknot. More power to them. I am talking about musical creativity. If you walked in and out of a Higgins show you would be struck by the variety of sounds and ideas spilling off the stage but more importantly you would notice they never lose who they are in their many sounds and ideas. They are unique and who they are comes out in every note and beat. From Kevin's amazing vocals filled with the full spectrum of emotions to the tiny sounds thoughtfully peppered throughout each song including some amazing percussion, keys and strings. If you haven't already read this - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com/2008/09/higgins-zs.html please do. It is a journey through each song from their most recent release entitled "Zs." Enjoy the writing but I am sure it does very little justice for a brilliant record by a brilliant band.

Sorry this is such late notice but please come out tomorrow night to D.C.'s Tavern to hear them play. I'll be spinning some music between sets and I believe the Hunter will be setting 'em up for you to put 'em down.

- pat.

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

Higgins (two sets) - http://www.myspace.com/higgins and or
Primitive Sound System (spinning other people's music)
Larry The Hunter will be our mixologist (pouring other people's liquor)
Thursday June 11th 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

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A few records that hopefully were different...

Big Star - #1 Record (Ardent Records cat. ADS - 2803)
John Cale - Paris 1919 (Warner Bros. Records cat. MS 2131)
Kinks - Something Else By... (Reprise Records cat. 6279)
Gram Parsons - GP (Reprise Records cat. MS 2123)
Iggy Pop - Lust For Life (RCA cat. AFL1-2488)
Lou Reed - Transformer (RCA cat. LSP - 4807)
Pete Townsend - Who Came First (MCA Records cat. DL 7-9189)
T-Rex - Tanx (Reprise Records cat. MS 2132)
Warren Zevon - (S/T) (Asylum Records cat. 7E-1060)

Lamp Post set list from May 13th

The West-Siders - "Candy Yams" (Infinity cat. INX-031 (Audition copy))
Hal Blaine (The Drummer Man) and The Young Cougars - "Challenger II" (RCA Victor cat. 47-8282)
Jon Thomas - "Tizzy" (Junior records cat. 1003 (D. J. Copy / Not For Sale))
Adolphus Bell And The Up Starts - "Lafin Gas" (Satin Records cat. 1111)
Tony and Joe - "The Freeze" (ERA Records cat. 45-1075)
Hollywood Flames - "Crazy" (ebb cat. 119)
The Spats - "Gator Tails and Monkey Ribs" (ABC-Paramount cat. 45-10585)
The Souljers - "Poochum" (Rampart cat. 648)
King Coleman - "The Boo Boo Song (Part 2)" (King cat. 45-6085)
Tom and Jerroo - "(Papa Chew) Do The Boo-Ga-Loo" (Jerry-O Records cat. JO 111)
Doug Clark And The Nuts - "Milk The Cow" (Jubilee cat. Record No. 45-5546)
Alvin Cash & The Hundred Dollar Bills - "Party Time" (Seventy-Seven Records cat. 77-118)
Billy Sha-Rae - "Do It" (Hour Glass cat. HG-007)
Mamie Galore - "Special Agent 34-24-38" (St. Lawrence Records cat. 1004)
Pigmeat Markham - "Sock It To 'Em Judge" (Chess cat. 2059)
Bobby Byrd - "Try It Again" (Kwanza Records cat. KWA 7703)
Paul Kelly - "Hooked, Hogtied & Collared' (Warner Bros. Records cat. WB 7823)
Tyrone Chestnut - "The Bump" (Intrepid cat. 75003)
The Propositions - "Africana' (Movement cat. Mov - 1973 - 6)
Lonnie Smith - "Move Your Hand - Part 1" (Blue Note cat. BN-1955)
The Three Sounds - "Still I'm Sad" (Blue Note cat. 45-1935)
Blue Mitchell - "Swahilli Suite" (Blue Note cat. 45-1944)
Dede Soul and The Spidells - "Soul Chills" (Julmar Records cat. JU-254)
Oscar Weathers - "The Spoiler" (Top and Bottom Records cat. 405)
Don Covay & The Jefferson Lemon Blues Band - "Standing In The Grits Line" (Janus Records cat. J - 164)
Lou Courtney - "Hot Butter 'N All - Part 1" (Hurdy-Gurdy Records cat. R101)
Eldridge Holmes - "Pop. Popcorn, Children" (ATCO records cat. 45-6701)
Frankie Newsome - "Don't Mess With My Lovemaker" (Part II) (Savern cat. SN-104)
Charles Mintz - "Give A man A Break" (Up Look Records, Inc. cat. U-12270)
Marvin Holmes & The Uptights - "Ride the Mule - Part II" (Revue cat. R 11026)
Sammy Gordon And the Hiphuggers - "Upstairs On Boston Road; PT I" (For The Archives Records Co. cat. Record No. AR 1-70)
Bo Diddley - "I'm High Again" (Checker cat. 1200)
Gus "The Groove" Lewis - "Let the Groove Move You" (Tou-Sea Records cat. 131)
Pancho Villa & The Bandits - "Ain't That Bad" (Symbol Records cat. 202)
Jimmy Dobbins - "Little Miss Perfect" (Crash Records cat. M 2066)
Toussaint McCall - "The Toussaint Shuffle" (Ronn Records cat. RONN 9)
The Animals - "I'm Crying" (MGM Records cat. K-13274)
The Headstones - "Bad Day Blues" (Pharaoh cat. P-152)
The Seeds - "Mr. Farmer" (GNP Crescendo cat. GNP-383)
The Chocolate Watchband - "Sweet Young thing" (Mutt Records cat. M-1004)
Thee Midniters - "Land Of A Thousand Dances" (Chattahoochee Records cat. CH 666)
The Monkees - "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" (Colgems cat. 66-1002)
The Thirteenth Floor Elevators - "You're Gonna Miss Me" (International Artists cat. 107)
The Balloon Farm - "A Question Of Temperature" (Laurie Records Inc. cat. U4KM-8676)
Batman And Robin - "Who The Fuck Is Superman" (Be Scared! Records cat. BS! - 01)
DMZ - "Busy Man" (Bomp! cat. BOMP 111)
The Damned - "Neat Neat Neat" (Stiff Records cat. BUY 10)
The Alan Milman Sect - "Stitches In My Head" / "I Wanna Kill Somebody" (Britz Records "Britz Blitz Mini Album" cat. Britz Blitz 1 - FM)
Heartbreakers - "One Track Mind" (Track Records cat. 2094 137)
The Victims - "Head" (Golden Disc Records cat. GDR 1002)
Alternative TV - "You Bastard" (Deptford Fun City Records cat. DCF 002)
Generation X - "No, No, No" (Chrysalis cat. CHS 2207)
X-ray Spex - "Warrior In Woolworths" (EMI Records cat. INT 583)
Ruts - "Staring At The Rude Boys" (Virgin cat. VS 327)
Gang of Four - "Damaged Goods" (Fast Product cat. Fast 5)
Buzzcocks - "Orgasim Addict" (United Artists cat. UP 36316)
Devo - "Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Getting)" (Booji Boy Records cat. 75677)
The Dickies - "Manny, Moe & Jack" (A&M Records cat. 2225)
Wreckless Erik - "Whole Wide World" (Stiff Records cat. BUY 16)
1910 Fruitgum Co. - "Indian Giver" (Buddah Records cat. BDA 91)
Tony Joe White - "Save Your Sugar For Me" (Monument cat. Mn45--1206)
Nilsson - "Rainmaker" (RCA Victor cat. 74-0161)
Maurice Rodgers - Coming In Out Of The Rain" (Double Shot Records cat. #143)
Floyd Smith - "Soul Strut" (Dakar Records cat. 45-604)
Mickey And His Mice - "Cracker Jack" (Marti Records cat. R12986)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. PRT-750)
James Brown - "My Thang" (Polydor cat. PD 14244 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
Laura Vane & The Vipertones - "Stream" (Unique cat. UNIQ154)
Lefties Soul Connection Feat. Flomega - "Have Love Will Travel" (Melting Pot Music cat. MPM 072)
Lenny McDaniel & The New Era - "Something Out Of Nothing" (Seven B cat. 7016)
Sweet Vandals - "Thank You For You" (Inique cat. UNIQ 158)
Gate Wesley & Band - "(Zap Pow!) Do The Batman (Atlantic Records cat. 45-2319)
Busey's Soul Benders - "Soul Power" (Busey's cat. 2485)
The Wildest...The Kookiest...The Grooviest...The Slurpiest - "Dance The Slurp" (7 Eleven cat. 7810)
Alf Newman - "It's A Gas" (Golden 12 cat. G 12/52)
Doc Bagby - "Mix It Up" (VIM - Variety In Music cat. Vim 517)
The Nu-Trons - "Beat" (Eldee Records cat. 45-85)
Al Caiola and Orchestra - "Diamonds Are Forever" (Two Worlds cat. # 801)
Henry Mancini - "Baretta's Theme" from The Cop Show Themes (RCA cat. APL-1896)

Primitive Sound System - Wednesday May 13th at the Lamp Post - 10 PM to Closing

Hello Y'all
This Wednesday I'll be rolling my bloated body down the hill to the Lamp Post where I'll spinning a batch of 7s. This is either the fourth or fifth time I am back here and I have yet to repeat a record. I have dipped into the punk boxes for a set so it is the first new genre I have added to the set since spinning there. Up until now it has pretty much been Soul / Funk / R&B, some Garage, Latin and Jazz and that is it. This format as given me the opportunity to spin some records that I just don't take with me on a regular basis for one reason or another. Do you like something so much that you try not to abuse it for the fear of over doing it? You never want to lose that feeling or connection you had with it. Recently I have had good luck finding some nice records for cheap. I ran through some of them for last Thursday at D.C's and below is some more from the new bin. Some of these I have been chasing for a while and others I have never heard of. I love spinning at the Lamp Post. The crowd extremely friendly and always receptive to what ever you play. Steff and Claudia will be holding down the fort and keeping you drunk so be kind with the tips.

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

Wednesday, May 13th
Spinning from 10PM to Closing
Lamp Post Bar & Grill
382 2nd St
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201)-222-1331
Lamp Post MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lamppost

Some of the hundred and twenty songs you can possibly play in four hours:
Al Caiola and Orchestra - "Diamonds Are Forever" b/w "Mod Squad" (Two Worlds cat. 801)
I only have a few Al Caiola records where is is the leader. As a sideman he was the guitarist on about a thousand records. He would be as deeply entrenched in the Space Age Lounge music history as anyone else if not more than most. Unfortunately on many of the records he has played on to be noticed might be considered too much or aggressive. Luckily for him he is featured on about a hundred records with guitar in the title. I do have the brilliant, yes brilliant, "Sounds for Spies and Private Eyes" on United Artists. An amazing batch of songs from many of the best Spy and Cop movies and shows. When I came across this 7-inch I didn't remember these titles being on that LP. I was right. I was REALLY hoping the "Mod Squad" theme was just going to be mind blowing but sadly it falls a little flat. Not bad just a little boring. On the other hand "Diamonds Are Forever" is great. A real raw stripped down version. This is what "Diamonds Are Forever" would sound like as a TV Theme as opposed to a Bond film. There is a Horn section that, for the most part, sounds like large farting elephants. That is NOT a bad thing. It is incredible. The slow baritones keep things from getting too fast and when the trumpets come in over the top they sound that much more bright. Caiola is soulful yet precise and the haunting and mysterious sound of his guitar is perfect for this theme. It really bums me out that "Mod Squad" is not more explosive even despite the efforts of a very note filled trumpet run. Oh well, "Diamonds" will have to do.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Caiola is from Jersey City? That's right born and bred. I guess it is back to the Sali by the tunnel to dig up some more LPs from the lost souls of the Lounge scene.

James Moore - "Feet" b/w "Cool" (Soft Records cat. S-1014)
What the HELL?! OK, this has a funk side and a guitar instrumental side. It's like someone saw me coming. There are few songs I have that have a "happier" sound than the intro of "Feet." Unfortunately the song isn't exactly the happiest. Mr. Moore basically is walking around the country trying to catch up to his lady. No matter what he does and no matter how far he travels he can't seem to close the gap between them. His poor tired itchy feet. The band is tight consisting of bass, guitar, drums and a horn section that accents the simple, raw song beautifully. On the back of this wonderful song comes "Cool" which opens with a little country riff but immediately ends up on the Bluesy / R&B side of things. The guitar is way out front and sadly the horns are gone. Though there is an amazingly long note on a sax that sounds exactly like a harmonica and a hammering piano that pounds away in the background. The horn honks, skronks and wails as the guitar takes a moment out of the spotlight. The whole thing can't be more than two minutes long but then that is what makes this so great. Damn I am happy. Essential two-sider... at least for me.

Georgie Woods - "Potato Salad" Part I & II (Fat Back Records cat. 541)
"Like I say baby, don't eat chicken on Sunday, it'll put a hole in your soul" This is a food song of the highest order. The music is kicking and Mr. Woods comes off as being slightly crazy. He is certainly having fun, that is for sure. I'm wondering if the backing was recorded for another use and he decided to have some fun with it. The drums and bass are heavy and there are vibes dancing around having as good of a time as Mr. Woods is. There is even a nice little break but that doesn't stop Mr Woods even for a second. He keeps rapping as the sax steps out of the darkness from behind the break and fills the space with some moody, emotional playing. What a great mix of sounds. "Write that down... AH HA!"

Floyd Smith - "Soul Strut" b/w "Getting Nowhere Fast" (Dakar Records cat. 45-604)
A nice big heavy break opens up this Soulful romp. Mr. Smith raps his way through the directions of a new dance, "The Soul Strut" but honestly he seems more interested in what the ladies look like than how they are moving on the floor. There is an aggressive sax that bursts out over the pounding drums and keeps everything extremely groovy. My favorite part is when he instructs all the men to stop dancing and let the ladies do the "Soul Strut" one more time. So the dance seems to be three steps to the left and then three to the right and is made better if you are wearing a mini-skirt. Excellent, I have found a new theme song! "Getting Nowhere Fast" is a stirring ballad with a really big sound. There are backing vocals that would make Elvis' stage show jealous and Mr. Smith's raspy voice and screaming plea is perfect for the beautiful arrangement. I don't normally play or even like ballads but this is out of this world. Crazy.

Eddie Long - "There's No Weapon Like Woman's Tears" b/w "Mo Jo Workout" (Fun City Records cat. F-100)
I know I have the Bobby Long & His Satellites version of this on some record. I can't seem to find it. I had flipped through the "New Arrivals" box at Big City and I am not sure how I flipped passed this. I can only assume someone had looked at it, put it back after I was done looking and luckily Jared showed it to me. All I can say is, thank you. This version is only slightly different and I have been trying to find the version I have to A/B them. Oh well. From what I can tell the music is really similar. There is a more Funk rhythm guitar at points and the song seems a little more tightly played than the Bobby Long versions. The call and response is missing in this version replaced by what seems to be double tracked vocals which is OK because I know when to shout out the backing. The drums are super tight, taken at breakneck speeds and hold together through the break. Great version.

Tyrone Chestnut - "The Bump" b/w "Bumping" (Intrepid cat. 75003)
Slow and low that is the tempo. I heard this a while ago but since there are so many songs called the bump it made it hard to place. What struck me was the twisted vocals. Mr. Chestnut yells out in what can be considered ecstasy filled pain. I'm not exactly sure if there is a note he is trying to hit or mood he is trying to set. I do know this is Funky as hell and a vocal performance like this is what keeps songs interesting. I like the way the organ follows him through the quiet parts and there is a honking baritone sax that punctuates in between notes like a fog horn. The rest of the horns are buried slightly giving space to Mr. Chestnuts crazed vocal. Side two is instrumental and the horns are out front replacing the vocals. It would have been really interesting if Mr. Chestnut would have accented the quiet moments with his euphoric yet tortured sounds.

Primitive Sound System and Bill Dolan at D.C.'s - Thursday May 7th from 9PM - Closing

Hello Y'all,
A few weeks ago was Record Store Day. Now that is a holiday I can celebrate. So I packed up the family and off we went to the City. We took our six year old son to Generation Records on Thompson Street. We walked around for quite a while when suddenly he yelled, "I KNOW WHAT I WANT!" Two minutes later he was back with a CD in his hand. He could have chosen anything. His decision. Anything at all, he knows what he likes and he has a pretty good range of genres to pick from. So what did he choose? Green Day - Dookie! Not a bad first record for a six year old. He opted for the CD since he has a player in his room. I grabbed a few 7-inches and off we went to the next store. Some time after eating at Panna II we parted ways so he could go to the park and I could dig deep into the boxes at Big City Records. All in all I'd say it was a pretty good Record Store Door.

- pat.

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

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan & Joe Raaen and of course Larry The Hunter will be our mixologist
Thursday May 7th 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

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Records and descriptions you can trust...

Bo Diddley - "Im High Again" b/w "Another Sugar Daddy" (Checker cat. 1200)
Bo Diddley - "Do The Frog" b/w "We're Gonna Get Married" (Checker cat. 1475)
You don't know DIDDLEY! Bo Diddley was one of the first musicians I was exposed to as a kid. My Dad had this amazing LP with Bo on the cover threatening you with his guitar. He was turned slightly, full of attitude and It was simply called, Bo Diddley. Like any great Super-hero, his secret identity was larger than life. What I loved about the cover was that Bo looked like a such a real Nerd. There was something that much more powerful about him because of it. Massive, bookish and badass. He was hiding something with that look and like the Hulk when it came out there was no escaping it. Unlike most musicians, Bo remained completely relevant until is death. Sometime in the 80's I picked up a Bo Diddley record called, "Where It All Began." It was pretty beat up and only cost a buck or two (since I have replaced it with a better copy which has the die-cut cover intact). When I got it home and dropped the needle... my jaw dropped. I had no idea Bo could be so progressive. I certainly felt like I had dropped the ball on knowing Bo. Sometime in the late 90's the LPs "The Black Gladiator" and "Big Bad Bo" got reissued and "Where It All Began sat nicely between them.

These two releases pre-date all three of these LPs. "I'm High Again" is from 1968 and "Do the Frog" from 1966.
The beat on "I'm High Again" jumps out of the grooves. Hammering from the first second. Bo knew exactly what to do. How to change with the times and not only stay current but actually be a part of the younger sounds around him. There are psychedelic guitar effects bubbling under the surface throughout explodes just before it ends. The sounds are like several guitars being swung around over head. Swirling and out of step with each other. Bo compares his relationship to being on a high and casually tosses off the comparison to LSD. There is a simplicity that makes him hip and not come across like your uncle joining a discussion about "the pot." GO! BO! "Another Sugar Daddy" is easily as good and will see the needle as much as "I'm High..." the sound here is a bit more of a throw back but not too far back. The beats are funky and the back-up vocals are raunchy, sexy and soulful. "Do The Frog" is just crazy good in the way any "do the _ _ _ _ _" (you fill in the blank) song is. This one literally sounds like it was recorded in a Garage. I know the organ sound in the back but I can't quite place it. The drums could be a tambourine and a wooden box but there are drum rolls toward the end. A lot of drum rolls. HOLY SHIT THIS IS GREAT!

Thee Midniters - "Land Of A Thousand Dances" Part I & II (Chattahoochee Records cat. CH 666)
I love the re-issue that Norton Records did for these guys a couple years ago. "Jump, Jive and Harmonize" is simply brilliant. A true stand out on the LP is the bands version of "Land of A Thousand Dances" and I couldn't be happier to have stumbled upon this copy. Part two features some of the wildest guitar playing anywhere and this band is definitely wild. There is no question that this is live and unfortunately the band struggles to be heard over the noise and screams. The guitar is pure perfection cutting through the din with a sound that is not only raw Garage rage but Soulful and Jazzy as well. Side two is really just a showcase for the guitar but the band keeps things moving enough to make this worth playing to get some drunks out on the dance floor and play human bumper cars.

Oscar Weathers - "The Spoiler" (Top and Bottom Records cat. 405)
I love records that have a big sound. This is one of those records. Vibes, soft and sweet back-up vocals, horns and pleading lead vocals. Somewhere there is an action movie that sadly does NOT have this on the soundtrack. Maybe he already has, but I am surprised Quentin Tarantino hasn't grabbed this up for one of his films. The song lopes along and never really changes but nor does it have to. just enough of everything to keep things moving, shoulders shaking slowly and eyes closed and lost in the sound.

The Coasters - "Charlie Brown" b/w "Three Cool Cats" (Atco Records cat. 45-6132)
The Coasters are another early lesson from my Dad's record collection and equally revered as Bo Diddley, Johnny Cash or Donald Byrd. Three Cool Cats has always been a favorite and I could be ant more excited to have it on a glorious 7 inch. This is raw and simple. the drums are as stead as a metronome. The guitar is lounge Jazz sly, the congas pop when an accent is needed and we are treated to a brief sax solo that lifts everything up for a moment. Of course the vocals are just stellar. Like a favorite food or even a favorite pair of socks some sounds always sound pleasing to us, the Coasters vocals ALWAYS sound pleasing to me. These guys are endlessly cool even when telling us so which is really difficult to do. Sorry unless you are in the Coasters you just ain't this cool.

Ray Rodriguez - "Workout" Part I & II (Ghetto Records cat. G - 010)
Ahh... BOOGALOO BABY! Workout part two is one of the best Descarga / Boo-ga-loo tracks I have ever heard. I think I have this on a comp somewhere but I KNOW it doesn't sound this good. Ghetto was Joey Bataan's short lived imprint and he acted as musical director on this masterpiece. and This is one of those tracks that you want playing every time you walk into a room. The band is sharp as hell and knows it. The first solo is a beautiful sax solo that doesn't just try to impress with force but engages in subtle interplay with the baritone sax. Together they create an atmosphere layered on top of the rest of the band. The track is so good that without the solos it would be great. With the solos it is one of the best records I have ever heard. There are a lot of individual reasons this is so good but one element stands out throughout the duration, knowledge. This band knows the material, knows how to play it and knows that we will notice if they aren't putting their hearts and souls into every beat. The title says it all and I definitely need to catch my breath.

Doc Bagby - "Mix It Up" (VIM - Variety In Music cat. Vim 517)
Sadly I don't know enough about Doc Bagby. I will certainly make an effort to find more after picking up this 45. "Mix It Up" punches you in the face with heavy as hell organ, drums, congas and horns. Everything is pushed to eleven and Doc Bagby seems intent on keeping that way. He does take an organ solo at one point but this is a Garage Instrumental not a Jazz side. Some how the sound is both familiar and unique. The sheer force of the track is impressive. This is like the Peter Gunn theme but played with the intent to leave your bloody body in a back alley or pushed off the dock not to save you.

Lefties Soul Connection - "Code 99" b/w "Buckaloose" (Melting Pot Music cat. 063)
Lefties Soul Connection - "Have Love Will Travel" featuring Flomega b/w "Here Come The Girls" featuring Flomega (Melting Pot Music cat. 075)
There is a very small place where Garage Rock and Soul / R&B meet. When the combo is done right it is brilliant. Lefties Soul Connection are a favorite Organ New Funk band of mine and I was pretty excited when I saw that they were covering "Have Love...." These guys get it. There is enough kick to the guitar and drums to keep this parked in the Garage but the organ swings from Garage to Soul throughout. What almost always kills any attempt at a cover, especially one so rooted in history, is the vocals. Here that is not an issue even for a second. Singing, screaming and leading us to the asylum, Flomega, rips through this classic and can certainly hold his own with the best.

The Nu-Trons - "Beat" b/w "Searchin" (Eldee Records cat. 45-85)
Not sure if this is the same Nu-Trons that I have doing "Tension" on Federal but that doesn't matter to my ears. This is easily now one of my favorite guitar instrumentals. The guitar quietly and gently introduces the drums but the drums are certainly not shy. The drums are obviously on display here (you did catch the name, right). There is an equally soft spoken sax solo before the drums take a short aggressive break before laying back into the mix. The band locks back in and takes this groove to the end. Great stuff.

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan and Joe Raaen at D.C.'s Tavern - Thursday April 2nd - 9PM to closing

Hello Y'all,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE 45 RPM RECORD!
60 years old and just as alluring as ever. I can only hope to be so desired at 60. There is no other material possession that intrigues me more. The thought of acquiring more 45's is just as exciting today as it was when I bought my first one. Speaking of, after stumbling on the wonderful Dust and Grooves photo blog and making suggestions to Eilon about other collectors, as well as passing along his information to people I thought he should document, I was asked if I would participate in his project. It took some convincing but I did agree to allow Eilon and his "soul stealer" to enter my vinyl enriched lair. The goings on were a bit bumpy at first but when my son Hank wandered into my studio things became far more relaxed. I am really glad I got involved and I am very pleased with the photos. I think in all Eilon took about one thousand photos and ask me about a hundred questions. His choices that make up the final presentation are perfect. I happened to click on one of the images on the blog and was jumped out to Eilon's flickr pages which contain tons of great photos of collectors as well. I think this is my favorite un-used photo, a collectors butt classic - http://www.flickr.com/photos/35376065@N06/3368186839/in/set-72157615655567652 There is even a mix that I did for the entry but you need to scroll up to Melvin Van Peebles / Jimmy McGriff track to start from the beginning. Hopefully you enjoy the words as much as the images but I can't seem to get passed Hank's photos.

Pat James Longo - Jersey City N.J. - http://www.dustandgrooves.com/2009/03/pat-james-longo-hoboken-nj.html
Dust & Grooves - http://dustandgrooves.blogspot.com
Dust & Grooves Photo Stream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/35376065@N06

Eilon Paz Photography - http://www.eilonpaz.com

- pat.

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

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan & Joe Raaen and of course Larry The Hunter will be our mixologist
Thursday April 2nd 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

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These records sing the body electric...

Fast 3 - "Brown Bag" b/w "Pig Feet N' Greens" (Soul Grocery cat. SG45001 (Soul Grocery a division of Soul Cookers dedicated to Soul Jazz)

Dave Wilkinson - Guitar
Phil Wilkinson - Organ
Caspar St. Charles - Drums

There is a huge difference between listening to a record at home and playing it out at a bar or club. Records you listen to at home don't necessarily have to effect anyone but yourself. This could mean you jump up from your seat and flail yourself about your studio like a demented monkey or you could just be kicking back with your drink of choice immersing yourself in the sounds as they fill your environment, your ears and your mind. Organ based instrumentals satisfy both of these actions and needs for me. I first saw this explosive piece of wax listed on the wonderful HammandBeat.com website and then jumped as fast and as far as I could to the SoulCookers.com site to give a listen. What I found made me JUMP from my seat and flail myself about like a demented monkey. Side one is a cover of the Boogaloo Joe Jones classic "Brown Bag." The original also features the unmatched and always brilliant Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. That is of course unless you are the Fast 3. These gentlemen take the original to task and do it justice. The playing is sharp, expressive, aggressive and real. Dave Wilkinson seems to toss off the super fast pace guitar lines as if they were as second nature as breathing. The drums are grooving hard and are so precise it could be a loop but the live, "we nailed that shit in one take" feel and his obvious connection to the guitarist and organ are apparent as the band moves as one. After Mr. St. Charles proves his worth we are treated to a break that acts as the organ's introduction. I picture a giant key winding up the organ, after the spring is coiled off we go into equally blinding playing. This is when the organ engulfs you and claims its rightful place at the top of the list of most soulful of instruments. The band falls back into the theme with grace that is usually the result of an extended jam and many, many nights of getting it right. Did I mention this isn't even my favorite side? With a title like "Pig Feet N' Greens" can you really go wrong? Mmmm... this is tasty. The band digs deep into the cookbook and comes up with a four star feast. Equally filled with attitude and cool the band struts through the room shaking hands, dancing with the ladies and eventually sittin' down to a big ol' plate of soul jazz with some funk on the side. The guitar and drums set the pace and from the first soft roll the head starts bobbing. The guitar is not just a side dish. This is one of those delicious appetizers that forces the rest of the meal to step up and impress. And impress the organ does. It would be too easy to toss off the names of the Godfathers, the masters, the geniuses and the giants but why bother? Our man has stepped up to the challenge and is making his self known, Phil Wilkinson, that's who. This is definitely more funk than soul jazz but when the lines get blurred that is when things are really interesting. Oh yeah, and it is limited to 400 copies so the collector / home listener in me was intrigued and satisfied. This goes great with a Dale's Pale Ale or if you find yourself on the dance floor grab a partner.

The Alan Milman Sect - "Punk Rock Christmas" / "Stitches In My Head" / "I Wanna Kill Somebody" b/w "Teen Tour"
One of my favorite questions is "you don't have that?" It is all the way this question is asked that makes it so great. In one version it is a smug ego filled chest thump, "YOU, don't have that?" which obviously means they do and of course you are worthless because you do not. The other is a kind and gentle acknowledgment and then the usual feeling that the person is saddened you don't have it and they want to help you get it. "You don't... have that?" I have only DJ'd with Justin from collectorscum.com a couple of times but he definitely comes from the latter. He specializes in insanely rare Punk records and because of his insanely focused collecting he comes across records we ALL need and then seems happy to get them into the right hands. once again I quote that miserable curmudgeon Robert Cohen of Finyl Vinyl, "records usually end up in the right hands." He should know, he watched it happen for over 20 years. At one of the times I watched Justin DJ he played "Stitches." I originally heard the Urge Overkill version on the "Stull" ep but over the years heard the original. Sadly I never came across one and WORSE yet I had no idea that Bag of Hammers Records had re-issued it. I asked and Justin replied, "You don't... have that?" So, while DJing a couple of months back Justin walked in and handed me a Bag of Hammers copy on yellow vinyl. Like so many records I own this is "one of my favorite records of all time." Spiraling guitar leads off this hammering Garage Punk classic. Milman's voice sounds like he just may have stitches in his throat. Can you really go wrong with a chorus of "I WANT YOU DEAD!" The band pounds away like they just may not know the song but then suddenly they snap to and come together in time for a very noticeable change. Milman spits and yells as he rattles off some famous killers and then declares how much he would like to kill somebody...JUST FOR FUN! This is goddamn punk perfection. This is music that can ignite that desire to run around and destroy things as a teen, though I must admit I still get that feeling even now. Thank you Justin.

Babs Gonzales - "We Ain't Got Integration" b/w "Lonely Me" (Prestige cat. 45-204)
I LOVE Babs Gonzales. I have his book, I have purchased every record I could find (both as a leader and a side man) but most of all I love his voice and his amazing ability to talk / sing and dramatically enhance even the simplest of words. This message may be a little dated but it will always be a reminder of how far we have come as a nation and sadly how low we have been (and still are). I have passed up copies of this over the years because of condition and the price has always been a bit prohibitive but this copy seems unplayed and the price was right. A bouncy sax reminiscent of Louis Jordon jumps out as Babs smiles his way through subject matter that in the hands of a lesser artist would have simply been a dirge and angry turning some listeners off. Babs technique draws the listener in and keeps things from getting preachy. He is very direct but through his style and poetry he gets in your face and you barely notice before you have actually learned something. This was cut in 1961 so Babs name checks the Freedom Riders and runs down the worst the Civil Rights movement was up against. A brilliant way to teach a subject so fueled with emotion. Rap on Babs, rap on.

NPR story on the 1961 Freedom Riders - http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5149667

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Here are a few reviews I wrote that didn't make it to the Dust and Grooves piece:

Herbie Hancock - Hot and Heavy (Star Jazz International LTD cat. SJAZZ 4)
I have a complete run of Herbie Hancock recordings up through 1976's Secrets. Making a connection with an artist or musician is a deep one. Since I was a kid I loved the song "Watermelon Man" and I always hum it when I am in a good mood. Hancock was a young star for Blue Note and grew to become one of the best Progressive Jazz artists ever. I can listen to a Herbie Hancock record everyday. If you have never heard this LP you are missing out on some of the coolest music he made outside of the Jazz genre. There are four of the grooviest rocked up lounge tunes ever and I always try to include at least one of them on mixed tapes just to get someone's reaction. Other favorite Herbie records are Inventions & Dimensions on Blue Note, Fat Albert Rotunda on Warner Brothers, and Thrush and Flood on Columbia. There is also a 7-inch of the song "Crossing" that didn't appear on the album of the same name. But honestly I can't really pick one or even ten, I love them all.

Frankie Stein and his Ghouls - Power Records presents Frankie Stein and his Ghouls - Ghoul Music (Power Records cat. 340)
I LOVE guitar instrumentals. I especially love guitar instrumentals with organ and have titles about monsters, space or vehicles of any kind. This is a similar obsession to food songs, versions of "People Make The World Go Round," "Summertime," "It's Your Thing," train songs and a few others. This LP has one of the best illustrations I have ever seen on a record cover. In Comic Book Confidential William Gaines talks about the cover that finally led to the censoring of comic books. It was a morning rush hour bus ride and everything in the scene looked totally normal until you noticed that one of the strap hangers is a severed hand still gripping the strap. No rider, just the severed hand. I can't imagine what they would have said about this one. Not every song is great but the ones that are have become some of my favorites. As an illustrator I am obviously drawn to LP's like this. I'll buy any record with art by Jack Davis, Don Martin, David Stone Martin, Coop, Charles Burns, Robt. Williams, etc on it. Obviously great designers have also had their way with the LP's jacket and packaging. Some that come to mind are Alex Steinweiss (credited with creating the record album), Milton Glaser, Reid Miles and Francis Wolfe for Blue Note, Barney Bubbles, and a host of others.

The Animated Egg (Alshire cat. SF-5104)
Alshire has the dubious distinction of being home to the 101 Strings LP's. But when they needed to mix it up a little and get a little current they called on the kids. The Animated Egg provided the back beat when needed. It would seem that some where along the line after the "Sounds of Today" release the members convinced the label to release an LP of their own music and damn, what a record it is. Crazy aggressive and a bit trippy too. Truly a great LP from a completely unexpected source.

Alshire Presents Songs of... Hank Williams - a return trip with Modern Sounds with exciting vocals (Alshire cat. S-5136)
Another gem from the vast Alshire catalog. When I first looked at the cover I didn't notice the woman's hand until looking the record over a few times. After I noticed that the young lady was dosing her horse a practically fainted. WINNER! There are some amazing moments on here like "Your Cheating Heart" which has become a regular spin for me. I assume the aforementioned Animated Egg may be behind the scene here. Thank you Kim's Video for nicely pricing this one.

There are a bunch more but I think I will save those for next month.

Primititive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thurs March 5 - 9PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! That's right people my birthday just passed and I got to pack my box with a little more crack. I got a little off the internets via Chicago and the always wonderful Dusty Grooves and then the ONLY store I make time for Big City records in NYC. Unfortunately I didn't get to hang out as long as I would have liked but I was able to slip in, slip out and fill be pockets with some amazing new RACKETS! Music to rattle the mind and shake the behinds. Then in the weirdest convergence of events my brother muled a 45 racket back to the East Coast from LA lifted from the fine collection of one Mr. Howie Pyro, who's amazing radio show can be listened via archives buried here - http://jellsmayhemsgarage.podomatic.com so dig baby dig. If thin's weren't weird enough Lucy, I got to watch Todd-O-Phonic Todd co-host with Howie, when my brother was out LA way, on the Luxuria Music site - http://www.luxuriamusic.com that hosts Howie's brilliant show. ... and if that isn't stranger than aliens living in your eyelashes Mr. Bill Dolan found himself street walking LA and slammed into the whole crew where they all spontaneously broke into a round of, "IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL" before a group hug and a final moon shot back to Hoboken.

Dust & Grooves - http://dustandgrooves.blogspot.com
Two weeks back DJ $mall ¢hange posted a link to a blog featuring a few crate diggers photographed amongst there fixes and in their hideouts. Cosmo Baker, Greg Caz, Joel Oliveira, and Mr. Fine Wine presented through some very lush photos and some gently probing Q&A. The photos are flowing with the quality of a still from a documentary. Black & white images live harmoniously with those of color telling the story of the subject and the importance obsession plays in education. It becomes more difficult to read the responses of these collectors as you dig farther down the page as the distraction of the images is just too great. The focus of the site is to celebrate the collectors as they really exist. Not in a smokey club striking a pose and manning the decks but in their homes amongst their vinyl biographies exposed like a gatefold cover spilling forgotten dried seeds to the floor. This is where even the coolest collector is reduced to the quaking and exuberant fan bursting to show you their best and of course their rarest records. Check the Blog out and Ailon told me there will be more collections added on a very regular basis. Come on in and smell the vinyl it's always fresh and of the highest quality.

- pat.

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

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan & Joe Raaen
Thursday March 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

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Alf Newman - "It's a Gas" b/w "Let's Do The Fink" (Golden 12 cat. G 12/52)
The fine gentleman I purchased this from wrote "Greatest Rock n Roll Song Of All Time!!" on the sleeve. He was not lying. I have been in love with this song about as long as I have loved the incredible "Blob" by the Five Blobs. The copies I have found were the original cardboard backed flexies that came in the magazine. Each copy I purchased was creased and never played. This went on for years and years. Basically I had given up on the search and decided hearing it on the radio occasionally would have to suffice. (There is an LP but I am not really interested in that. Why? I have no idea.) The best aspect of facebook is reconnecting with people from your past who you genuinely miss (the worst part is having people contact you that you really wish forgot you existed). One such person I have happily reconnected with is Howie Pyro. Almost immediately after the "friending' process I took a look through his photos marveling (as always) at his jaw dropping collection of cool records, art and tchotchkes. He had posted a photo of a copy of the cardboard backed flexi and I had to comment on how elusive it has been. Almost immediately he mentioned he had one for sale. Not the flexi version but a vinyl copy with a picture sleeve that was pressed in Germany. I have never seen a copy so of course I was very interested. He posted a photo of the the sleeve and I was immediately overcome with a sensation one normally experiences before passing out. I had to have it. In a bizarre case of synchronicity it turned out my brother was flying to LA and could pick up the 45 for me. He would then hand deliver it back to me safe and sound on the east coast. He did just that and as a surprise handed it to me and said, "Happy birthday." "Greatest Rock n Roll Song Of All Time!!" Yes, and now more than ever. "It's a Gas" opens like the best organ / guitar instrumentals with a swirling melody over an easily danceable beat. BUT! In the breaks, each and every goddamn one there is a loud BURB! So loud in fact that we had friends over and every time it played there adorable three year old daughter would walk into my studio and very politely ask us to, "Say excuse me." Utterly and completely awesome. Thank you Howie and thank you Michael.

What me worry?

Howie Pyro Intoxica Radio - Check out the archives here - http://jellsmayhemsgarage.podomatic.com
Catch him live on Luxuria Music Internet Radio every Tuesday night - http://www.luxuriamusic.com/djprofiles/howie-pyro

Gus "The Groove" Lewis - "Let The Groove Move You" b/w "Together" (Tou-Sea Records cat. 131)
Extracted from Big City records this is one a of a very few 7-inches on my genuine wish list or better yet "maybe one day" list. Imagine my surprise when this fell in the affordable column and gently landed on my record player. I really had no idea what one goes for since I saw it listed for like $200 once about twelve years ago. This opens with one of the most aggressive drum and bass combos ever recorded. The drummer is truly possessed and he is taking the bass player with him. There is never a second where the drummer is not hitting full tilt. You can here the tension and you almost tip over in anticipation of his clobbering blows. Gus remains pretty steady throughout just directing the band and making sure everyone at the party is having a good time. Basically the band is in charge of the entertainment and Gus is our host. he begins the song with a tale about feeling under the weather but there are no worries since all can be healed by sittin' back and let the groove move you. About half way through even Gus seems impressed with the band as he now explains he is well rested and ready for a good time. "Let 'em feel it man!" "Can you dig my band baby." Sure as fuck we can. Thank you Mr. Lewis.

Marvin Holmes & The Uptights - "Ride Your Mule - Part I & II (Revue cat. R 11026)
"Ooh Ooh The Dragon" is one of my favorite instrumentals (of course Mr. Holmes always has a few things to say) with snapping drums, breaks, and an in your face horn section. "Ride The Mule" is just as good. Marvin Holmes knows how to set a pace and pound out a groove. The band is super tight. The rhythm is fast as hell and the horns lope lazily over the top at about half speed.

The Propositions - "Africana" Pt. 1 & 2 (Movement cat. Mov - 1973 - 6)
I first heard this track on a Ubiquity Records comp "deja vu" in 1992. I'm not sure why I never pursued it because it is exactly what I look for in an instrumental. This copy is a second pressing so it didn't set me back too much but damn I would have paid in full for an original. Sadly part two is not all that good but who the hell cares because part one is amazing. Thick sliced bacon and percussion open this up. The bass is slow and deliberate. The band kicks in beautifully and immediately gets the shoulders shaking. The horns handle the vocal parts quite nicely and they even get into conversation with the organ in chorus. The flute jumps in to tell it how it is and is able to bring everyone together in agreement. As one, the band leaps forward doing what they do best, and gets everyone up and moving.

James Barnes & The Agents - "Good & Funky" b/w "The Bomb" (Golden Hit Prod. "Hit" After "Hit" cat. 102)
Every copy of this record I have come across has had something major wrong with it. The past two copies I have seen were cracked. The last one was such a tease. It looked fine and then when I removed it from the sleeve their was barely a bottom half. This copy is clean as hell and all the limbs are attached. At least for now, it is called "The Bomb" so anything is possible. Is J.J. Barnes the same person as James Barnes? I have no idea. I do know that I love this record. "The Bomb" is the backing track for "Good & Funky" and is hard a raw. There is a sparse guitar, hard drums, spitting horns, vibes and piano just steadily grooving for about three minutes. When the vocals are added to the backing it changes everything. It all becomes rawer and harder. Usually the instrumental side loosens things up but here the backing by itself is simply slow and low but with the vocals the track transforms into something more fitting of a party that is just beginning to roll.

The Jive Turkeys - "Straight Fire" b/w "Thumpin" (Colemine cat. CLMN-101)
A bright, repetitive guitar line opens this Meters inspired A side. The band is very solid with an even, medium pace rhythm driven by the steady drums. The organ and guitar build until they are looming and haunt the studio with a massive cloud of sound. There is a very interesting chorus that proceeds this and keeps things from getting samey or boring. The Jive Turkeys are confident as hell and know what they are doing right. They have to be confident. They named their band The Jive Turkeys. That can only mean that they are young which hopefully means they will be around for a while. "Thumpin" changes things a bit. I could see The Meters taking things in this direction but I can't recall any particular song. This has got a modern sound. Dare I say it, it is a bit progressive. I hear bands like 5 Style poking in and out of the sound. They get to exploit their talents on this side and their confidence allows them to loosen up and just go for it. The guitar attacks while the drums just beat the hell out of the groove. Hopefully these guys will explore more of this sound. The Meters are great but being yourself is more lasting and ultimately more fulfilling.

more 45's coming along for a spin...
Alvin Cash & The Hundred Dollar Bills - "Doin' The Creep" b/w "Party Time" (Seventy-SevenRecords cat. 77-118)
Professor Longhair - "Cuttin' Out" b/w "If I Only Knew" (Ron Record Co. cat. 326)
Mamie Galore - "Special Agent 34-24-38" b/w "I Wanna Be Your Radio" (St Lawrence Records "The House Of the Biggest Hits" cat. 1005)
Jo Ann Garrett - "Just Say When" b/w "Thousand Miles Away" (Chess cat. 2031)
Lunar Funk - "Slip The Drummer One" b/w "Space Monster" (Bell cat. Bell 45,214)
The Ambassadors - "Searchin' Part One and Two" (Sound Stage 7 cat. 45-2607)
Charles Bradley - "The Telephone Song" b/w Menahan Street Band - "Tired Of Fighting" (Dunham cat. DUN-103)
U.B.'s - "Synthetic Substitution" Instrumental b/w Melody Mix (First Cut / Undercover Brother cat. UB-4502)

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan and Joe Raaen at D.C.'s Tavern - Thursday Feb 5th - 9PM to closing

Hello Y'all,
This is no secret. Actually it is something many of us have felt like saying over the years, "You are my friend and I would do anything for you. Unfortunately that means going to see your band even though it is really boring and sometimes even sucks." "Nice guys, shitty band." Maybe I was just lucky because more times than not that has not been the case. Some friend's bands have remained my favorite bands of all time. Some of them are amazing live and others do their best work on record. Recently a yellow envelope showed up in the mail and its contents are revealed below. All I can say is, "Lock up your children!" I haven't spun me stacks-o-wacks at D.C.'s since the beginning of December so this will be fun. I have some great new records that I picked up over the holidays and ones I can't wait to play. I am bringing a very all over the map selection and know there will be something for everyone. I love watching people walk into the bar and wince at the music and then 20 minutes later Bill or myself are off on a completely different direction and they are now grooving along. Viva la difference! See you there.

- pat.

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

Primitive Sound System, Bill Dolan & Joe Raaen
Thursday February 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

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Blower - Dressed To Chill ep - "Hot Wheels, Cold Beer, Big Titties" b/w "Holidays In The Sun" (cat. BLOWER-666)
Holy mother of blessed acceleration! Here is a nice surprise from down Austin way. Blower is the creation of Doug Evans, The Didjits former songsmith and all around baadasssss, Merilee666 (High Times and friend of Pat Longo) and a man named Jimmy Delp who pounds the drums like he is tenderizing them for a feast. Some bands are beyond compare and others beg you to pick them apart. Blower wear their influences on the side of their rod like the decals of many sponsors. Their combination of 70's Heavy Rock, 80's Heavier Rock and 90's Heavy as Hell Rock combine to make the Heaviest Rock of the 3rd Millennium. If you look under the hood you may find Turbonegro, KISS, The Dead Boys, The Dictators, The Hellicopters, etc, as well as a gleaming Max Wedge. Clocking in at 2:18 this fucker moves down the track and leaves everyone in the dust. Jumping off the line with chrome dipped guitar and tailed by the pounding rhythm section "Hot Wheels, Cold Beer, Big Titties" is truly anthemic. I have listened to this daily since finding it on their MySpace page and now I have my very large hole 7-inch to have my way with. Mr. Evans takes the lead and stays way out front with shouted vocals and thick guitar. The bass and drums are relentless in their pursuit and leave potholes in their wake. The one sheet suggests you will be singing by the second chorus but I defy you to hold back that long. So simple, so perfect. Like all great Punk 45's this one is backed with a cover song. The Sex pistols get taken to task as Blower pounds through "Holidays In The Sun." Aggressively played and sung to snot nosed perfection. The 7-inch is wrapped in two photos by Chris Eudaley (art directed by the equally awesome Bobby Black) that amazingly evoke the paintings of Robt. Williams. I want to play "Hot Wheels, Cold Beer, Big Titties" through a stack, 500 speakers high or I'll settle for the PA at Raceway Park, either way I want to play it loud and often. Thank you Blower. [You need to fill up your tank with these so go to http://www.myspace.com/blower666 or email them at fueliecars@yahoo.com]

Myron & E - "Cold Game" b/w "I Can't Let You Get Away" (Timmion Records cat. 015)
There is something comforting about the familiar. Myron and E definitely understand that. I just can't put my finger on it exactly but this certainly does sound like something I know. Or, does this sound just familiar enough that I want to think I have heard it before? Whatever the answer, Timmion has been expressing their Soulful side as accomplished artists and not imitators. The pairing of this classic Soul duo with the magnificent Soul Investigators is a wise one that should yield some of the best Modern Soul sounds. There is even a drum break dropped right in the middle of all these lush sounds but it does not sound forced at all. This is one of those moments when you are listening and you think this can't work and it comes of so perfectly sweet. The Timmion family has continued to put out quality records for so many years and I look forward to many, many more.

The Animals - "I'm Crying" b/w "Take It Easy" (MGM Records cat. K-13274 w/pic sleeve)
The Animals became a favorite of mine from the first time I heard "House Of the Rising Sun" as a kid. One of the earliest LP's I purchased as a young-in was the Animals Greatest Hits. Oddly I never really sought much more of their catalog other than a few 45's. No song on that Greatest Hits LP got played more than "I'm Crying" so why it took me almost thirty years to find a 7-inch of it is beyond me. This one has a picture sleeve of the band looking so completely happy they just may be dosed. One of the members is holding an ashtray on a stand like a trophy and he looks like he may not know it is an ashtray. I guess I was first attracted to the beat and the frantic organ. The band never lets up and the always incredible Mr. Burden pleads, wails and screams over that backing. When he breaks the band continues their "ahhhhs" from the intro. What always gets me is that the title and lyrics seem like they would be more at home over a slower pace or even a ballad but this song works. Work it out baby!

1910 Fruitgum Co. - "When We Get Married" b/w "Baby Bret"
The 1910 Fruitgum Co. are always interesting to me. The A-Sides are the very definition of Bubblegum Rock and the B-Sides are more often than not a Guitar Instrumental or some sort of Organ groove. This 7-inch is no different. "Baby Bret" starts off like the bastard child of "Telstar" and once there it never leaves the Stratosphere. Organ, Theremin and Keyboards take off into orbit as the Guitar, Bass and Drums keep things simple in a Guitar Instrumental mode. The Theremin gets wilder and wilder but the rest of the backing stays constant. I am not sure what their deal was but I would have loved to be a part of the Buddah Records family.

Jackie Paine - "Go Go Train" (Jet Stream cat. JS 725)
It took me a while to figure out who did this. I heard it a long while ago, perhaps ten years or more. I love train songs so it was high on the list of songs in the back of my head that I hoped to one day stumble across or hopefully figure out. Recently I saw this listed on Dusty Groove and took a shot. Lo and behold if it was the right goddamn 45. Like its name this is one hell of a Go-Go. I guess I should have figured this out a lot easier because after playing it a few times it is pretty obvious that this is from New Orleans. Big heavy drums roll down the track first followed by slow horns and Mr. Paine who sounds a bit like a rougher Robert Parker. Mr. Paine name checks some of his favorite cities as well as R&B, Soul and Rock artists Crazy Cajun, Righteous Brothers, Bo Diddley,Chuck Berry, James Brown, Roy Head, Elvis and Jimmy Reed. He slips them in all the while smoothly chatting up the ladies. "We got to keep movin'"

Jimmy Dobbins - "Little Miss Perfect" (Crash Records cat. M 2066)
Sometimes the faster a Soul song is played it can easily straddle that line between R&B and Garage Rock. "Little Miss Perfect" is one such song. Sharply played music full of energy and attitude dance under Mr. Dobbins exclamation of love for his girl who is obviously nothing short of perfect. There is a lot to be said about attitude, feel and beat. The drums are really out front despite this having a "big" sound like it was recorded in a hall or something. The guitar and horns interplay with the lead and backing vocals challenging each other as well as giving space enough to allow each to shine. As 45's go this one is nicely timed at just under three minutes but I'd like to hear the rest of this session as it does fade. The obligatory ballad on the B still has the drums out front and is nicely aggressive. I have a soft spot for aggressive ballads, especially ones with raps in the middle. This was an impulse buy and I am glad I followed my gut.

Andre Odom - "Turn On Your Love Light" (Nation Records cat. N-13)
I am not even sure how to describe this one other than that there is a very Gospel feel present on "Turn On Your Love Light." This cranks along in a very positive and groovy way. About half the way through the drums and congas pound out a beat as Mr. Odom testifies. Sax blows in and solos a bit as other horns build and support the break. Everyone stops as the drums and congas once again create a platform for Mr. Odom. begging on bending knee.

Set List From the Lamp Post

The Beats - "The Beatnik Bounce" Part 1 33 RPM (Columbia cat. 3-41781 (For Demonstration use Only Not For Sale))
Johnny Brantley's All Stars - "The Place" (Carlton cat. 453 (Promotional Copy - Not For Sale - )
The Tradewinds - "The Snake" (Dan - Tone Records cat. 1001)
A Buchanon & Goodman Prod. - "The Cha Cha Lesson" (Cosmic Records cat. CR 500)
Cozy Cole - "Turvy I" (Love cat. 5013)
The Nite Sounds - "Cheese Cake" (Fortune cat. 548)
The Pastel Six - "Bandito" (Zen cat. 102)
Henry Mancini - ""Senor" Peter Gunn" (RCA Victor cat. 47-8574 (Not For Sale))
Billy Bland - "Do The Bug With Me" (Old Town cat. Record No. 1109)
Jimmy McCracklin And His Orchestra - "Get Back" (Premium Records cat. PR 102)
The Ideals - The Gorilla" (Cortland cat. 2791)
Les Cooper And The Soul Rockers - "I Can Do The Soul Jerk" (Arrawak Records cat. P 1008)
Lowell Fulsom - "The Thing" (Kent cat. K 45x471)
Georgie Fame And The Blue Flames - "El Bandido" (Imperial cat. 66189)
Cash McCall - "You Ain't Too Cool" (Thomas Records cat. 307 / 8830)
Bad Bascomb - "Funk City" (Spectrum Records of N.Y.C. cat. SP - 137)
Joe Jeffery - The Train" (Wand cat. WND 11207 (DJ Copy Not For Sale))
Clifford Curry - "Miss Shake-A-Plenty (In The Micro Mini)" (Elf cat. 90.018 (Promotion Copy))
Jackey Beavers - "Hold On" (Sound Stage 7 cat. SS7-2649 (Mono Disc Jockey Not For Sale))
Bill Johnson - "You Got Soul" (Jocida Records Div. Of Joda Ent., Inc. cat. C-301 (For Promotional Us Only))
Jimmy Chandler - "I Can't Turn You Loose" (J City Records cat. JC-250 (Dist. Exclusively by Kay-Vee Industries - Jersey City, N.J. 07302))
Wylie Dixon - "When Will It End" (Toddlin Town Records cat. 105 / 4009)
Jesse G. - "A Two-Faced Friend Ain't No Good" (Radio Station Copy))
Von Freeman - "Cheeks" (Markie cat. M-103)
Bobby Moore and The Rhythm Aces - "Hey, Mr. D.J." (Checker cat. 1129)
Ace Cannon - "Drunk" (Hi cat. HI 2187)
James Duncan - "You've Gotta Be Strong" (Federal cat. 45-1255 (2007 Vampi Soul re-issue selected by Mr. Fine Wine)
Swamp Dogg - "Total Destruction To Your Mind" (Canyon Records cat. #53)
The Blues Groove - "Makin' It" (Verve cat. VK-10417)
Little Willie Jones - "You're Welcome To Try" (VRC Vernell Record Co. Newark, N.J. cat. VC-115)
A.C. Reed - "Boogaloo - Tramp" (Nike cat. 2002)
Joe Simon - "The Whoo Pee" (Vee-Jay Records cat. VJ-694)
King Cutis - "Memphis Soul Stew" (Atco Records cat. 45-6511)
Macon - "Pully Bone" (Capricorn cat. C-8002 / CAP-18332 (wht label promo))
Don Covay - "Sookie Sookie" (Atlantic cat. 45-2323)
Harvey Scales - "I Wanna Do It" (Stax Records cat. STA-0126)
SOD - "Too Loose To Get Tight (Part 1)" (Decca cat. 32937 (Promotion Copy Not For Sale))
The Commodores - "Machine Gun" (Motown cat. M 130)
Ballin' Jack - "Found A Child" (Columbia cat. 4-45348 / JZSP 154680 (Mono Version Not For Sale Radio Station Copy))
Mongo Santamaria - "Cold Sweat" (Columbia cat. 4-44502 / ZSP 136897))
Moon People - "Land Of Love" (Speed cat. SP 003 / SP 1002)
Ray Barretto - "New York Soul" (Fania cat. 501)
Tito Rodriguez - "Boogaloo En Puerto Rico" (UA Latino cat. LA 303 (Promotion Copy Not For Sale))
Ali Baba (Louie Ramirez) - "Ungawa" (Fania cat. 479)
Monguito Santamaria Vocal By: Ronnie Marks - "Hey Sister" (Fania cat. 481)
Ricardo Ray - "Nitty Gritty" (Alegre Records cat. X-4024 / 3292)
Bobby Quesada - "Bataola Boogaloo" (Fania cat. 464 (Gold Label))
The Joe Cuba Sextet - "Oh Yeah!" (Tico cat. T-490 / 2533)
Pete Rodriguez - "I Like It (I Like It Like That)" (Alegre cat. X-4010 / X-3079)
The Pazant Brothers - "Juicy Lucy" (GWP Records cat. GWP 506)
The Village Callers - "Hector" (Rampart Records cat. 659)
The Show Stoppers - "Ain't Nothin' But A House Party" (Heritage cat. HE800)
Eddie Floyd - "Big Bird" (Stax cat. 45-246)
Tyrone Davis - "Is It Something You've Got" (Dakar Records cat. 45-605)
Myron & E with The Soul Investigators - "Cold Game" (Timmion Records cat. #015 (DJ))
Binky Griptite - "One Time, You're Mine" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1042)
Gizelle Smith and The Mighty Mocambos - "Working Woman - Part 1" (Old Capital cat. OC - 100)
Foxy - "Trouble" (Double Shot Records cat. # 153)
Irene Reid - "Dirty Old Man" (Old Town Records cat. 2004 / 178)
Nina Simone - "Save Me" (RCA cat. RCA 1903)
Dotti Wright - "Eclipse Of A Lover" (F-M Records cat. 471)
Sheila Wilkerson - "Baby You're A Jive Cat" (Jazzman cat. JM.059)
"Trollin'" (HBR Hanna-Barbera Records cat. HBR-513)
The Ventures - "The Singin' Creeper" (Dolton Records cat. No. 306)
The Arrows Featuring Davie Allan - "Moon Dawg '65" (Tower cat. 133)
Hub Brando and The Dreamers - "Eskimo Walk" (Tear Drop cat. 3008 / TD-513)
Al Casey Combo - "Doin' It" (Stacy Records cat. 956)
Herbie Mann - "The Honeydripper" (Atlantic cat. 45-2379)
The Fantastics! - "Soul Sucka" (Freestyle cat. FSR7 - 051)
Breakestra - "Lowdown Stank" (Root Down cat. 422)
Stacy Lane - "African Twist" (Excello Records cat. 2293)
The Mighty Groove Makers - "Let's Dance Some Mo (Part 1) (Peanut Country Records cat. PC 1003)
Billy Wade And The 3rd Degrees - "Tear It Up, Part 1" (ABC Records cat. 45 10991)
Cannibal and The Headhunters - "Nau Ninny Nau" (Rampart cat. 644)
The Standells - "Dirty Water" (Tower cat. 185)
Roy Head and The Traits - "Treat Her Right" (Back Beat cat. 546)
Johnny Halyday - "Mal" "Hush" (Philips cat. Bf370489)
The Wildweeds - "I'm Dreaming" (Cadet Concept cat. 7004)
The Rgbys - "You, I" (Amazon Records cat. AM #1)
Ekseption - "Dharma For One" (Philips cat. 40675 (Promotional Copy Not For Sale))
Blackbyrds - "Rock Creek Park" (Fantasy cat. Fantasy 771)

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.

PSS and Hank Fischer at D.C.'s (12/4) and PSS at the Jersey City Museum (12/10) for a benefit

Hello Y'all,
"Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Robin Laid an Egg!" Yes, the holler-days are upon yee. So much too do; so little money. Drink until you smile and dance until it hurts... just please no requests. I know my dance card is pretty full this season and hopefully so is yours. First off there is the ghost of Christmas monthly. You know the one. Sometimes two headed shirtless beast spinning joy after joy with reckless abandon. That's right, I'll be setting the bar a flame with some holiday joy along with special guest Hank Mother Fucking Fischer on December 4th at the festive D.C.'s Tavern. You know the place where it feels like Christmas year round from 2AM - 1PM. But don't let that stop you from coming around from 9PM to 2AM for the usual, the unusual and the down right wrong selections made for all those brave enough to come down their chimney. The guests don't stop with those whose sleighs are weighed down with vinyl. Big Red, that's right people, Matt Dolan has returned to our shores and will be pressing the flesh and giving out free hugs. Please stop by, say hello, and have a drink or two. As always be kind, rewind and tip the bartender. See you there.

Primitive Sound System and Hank Fischer
Hank will be spinning some of his favorites from Glam, Oi, "77 Punk, old ska and reggae too!
Thursday December 4th 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

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On December 10th I have the great pleasure of DJing at a benefit for the fine folks at The Jersey City Museum. Please come by and support the museum.

Dissed and Dismissed: (Cartoons Not Meant for the Ages (and not in good taste, either))
Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 7pm until late
Benefiting the Museum's exhibition and education initiatives (http://jerseycitymuseum.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=383019)
Ticket prices:
$65 for Museum Members
$75 In advance
$85 At the door

Join cartoonists from The New Yorker Magazine as they present uncensored cartoons that were too bizarre, too risqué, or too politically incorrect to be published in The New Yorker!
Featuring: Drew Dernavich and Matthew Diffee
Click here for the latest information on this event - http://www.jerseycitymuseum.org/template.cfm?cid=52
(* Signed copies of the books, The Rejection Collection Vol. 1 and 2, on sale in the Museum shop)

Come early for drinks (courtesy of Bar Majestic) and hors d'oeuvres and stay late for the raffle and hilarity!

Jersey City Museum
http://www.jerseycitymuseum.org
350 Montgomery Street Jersey City, NJ 07302

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

Records:
1910 Fruitgum Co. - "The Train" b/w "Eternal Light" (Buddah Records cat. BDA 130)
Not everyone I know is a fan of "The Train" but it is one of my favorites. That is not what prompted me to seek out this fine little 7-inch. No, it is the beacon shining from the B-side that drew me in. The Kasenetz-Katz crew were nothing if they were prolific. 100's of songs and most of them gems even if they get passed off as Bubble Gum. I have unearthed a few instrumental moments and this is one of them. Opening like the procession at a local Church, a solo organ intros what could be a sister act to Procol Harums anthemic "Whiter Shade of Pale" but nicely this takes a soft turn into a mellow Soulful build that suddenly launches into a very brief Jazzy organ based Rock instrumental complete with funky drumming and heavy bass. Damn, I want to hear this without the fade. Just two minutes and twenty five seconds and oh, so intriguing. Was it truly a studio improv that ended abruptly? Did the stretch this out beyond what would have been an acceptable B-side instrumental? As always the playing is sharp and what almost always sounds deliberate. The Kasenetz-Katz bands always have a "Yup, I meant to do that feel to them.' Blistering and fuzzy guitars, screaming organs, breaking drums, and backward recordings all found under what should be a cliche genre.

Billy Joe & The Checkmates - "Percolator" (Dore cat. 620)
Guitar instrumentals don't get much more amusing than this. Basically an extended version of the Maxwell House theme. There are some points when the guitar gets to be a bit more Surfy but actually the whole thing has a nice flow to it. There are no surprises here except for the slightly aggressive brief breaks. Other than that, this is a smile from ear to ear and of course the caffeine helps keep you smiling long after the pot is empty. Get your caffeinated groove on.

Warm Excursion - "Hang Up" Part 1 and 2 (Pzazz Records cat. 039)
This has always been one of my favorite instrumentals and I can't believe I have never written about it. Few records can stand up to the intro of this monster. This literally JUMPS out of the grooves and into your face like you were talking shit. Just kick drum counting us in and BANG! If I had to describe this with one word it would be "tough." The drums pound from start to finish and despite there being a lot going on every instrument has room to breath. The organ and horns are attached at the hip yelling and screaming all over the place. Sometimes you expect them and at others they sneak up and scare the hell out of you. The bass is heavy as hell and at times seems to push the other players out of the way to get up front and pound you back down. There are two sides of this and I think they easily could have given us more. Side two gives the guitar and organ their moment. Dodging and weaving between the riot the guitar hits us with some very creative soloing. Just when you think it is all over the drums kick it up which seems to inspire a flurry from the organ. No mas!

Oscar Brown, Jr. & Luiz Henrique - "Barra Limpa (Ba-ha Leem-pa)" (Fontana cat. F-1547 (white label promo))
It has been a while since I picked up some new Brazilian music. The vocalist is Oscar Brown but the backing couldn't be any more perfect for his gruff but sweet vocal tone. I have no idea what the title of the song means but from Mr. Browns vocals I assume it is a party. The backing is quick and eventually hits a fevered pitch but some how maintains that bossa sound that is always soothing and relaxing. As the backing speeds up Mr. Brown remains even keeled and never looses his cool. The music is penned by Mr. Henrique who also plays guitar. The combination of the Brazilian sounds and Mr Brown's voice is a perfect one and I can see why they called the LP "Finding a New Friend." I imagine this is the music my parents were going to see in The Village and the early and mid sixties. Beautiful.

Bobby Paterson and The Mustangs - ""Broadway Ain't Funky No More" b/w "I Met My Match" (Jetstar Records cat. JS-111 (Yellow Vinyl / DJ Copy Not For Sale))
Damn, Bobby Paterson was completely amazing. I also love that his records came on color vinyl. Yellow to be exact. How cool is that? "Broadway Aint Funky No More" is about as raw and Funky as he gets and that is pretty damn raw and Funky. This opens with a great little guitar intro and opens up into a thick wall of voices, drums, and especially bass. The whole first half sounds like an extend break and solo from each player. The band is super tight and stops on a dime to let Bobby smile through the chorus. The drums give us a break and then the horns get things started up again. Broadway may not be funky no more but wherever Bobby and his Mustangs go sure the hell is. The "B" is a tear jerker of a ballad but has some aggressive guitar and snapping drums to keep it from being typical.

Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - "Broadway Freeze" b/w "I Can't Cry No More" (Magic Touch Records cat. MTA 16001)
Harvey Scales knows how to get the floor moving. He is so confident in his skills that he even reminds us that the amazing "Get Down" was last years groove he has moved on to bigger and better things. Scales name checks his favorite artists and dances all the while he and the band kick it hard and keep things moving. Vocal breaks pop in and out through out but never disrupt the action. The band has a very live sound to them. It isn't just the calls and shouts in the studio giving it a party feel but a connection the players seem to have moving in unison from moment to moment anticipating Scales direction and not letting anyone fall off the beat. Playful yet perfectly executed.