Drums Galore

The Hollywood Persuaders - Drums A-Go-Go
The Hollywood Persuaders - Agua Caliente

The term A-Go-Go comes from the French à gogo and basically means a lot, or galore. So yes, there are plenty of drums in today's selection, which is generally a good thing around these parts. Both sides were written and recorded by Paul Buff at Pal Studio in Cucamonga, California where the surf classics Wipeout and Pipeline were first recorded. Pal Studio is also where Frank Zappa cut his teeth.

Nothing But

The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache
The Flirtations - How Can You Tell Me?

Another fine example of a song featuring dramas of the heart lyrics combined with a driving beat and uplifting orchestration (as touched on in the previous post). Originally released in 1968, Nothing But A Heartache was The Flirtations biggest tune. It became a Northern Soul favourite and was recently used in a KFC advert here in the UK -- nothing but a stomach ache would've been more apt.

A Little Deeper

Darrow Fletcher - The Pain Gets A Little Deeper

If you haven't yet heard this Northern gem, you're in for a absolute treat. Although incredible that a fourteen year old could bring the required emotional depth to this song (even though he co-wrote it), that's exactly what happened when Darrow Fletcher belted out his first recording in 1966. I dig deceptive tracks like this; upbeat danceable music but heartbreak strewn lyrics. The flip is also quality but disastrously my copy skips.

Night Of The Vampire

The Moontrekkers - Night Of The Vampire

With Halloween approaching, and on a Saturday this year too, I can't be the only one mulling over what tunes would be appropriately spooky for the evening's listening. Here's a piece of sinister sounding treasure that was recorded by flawed genius, Joe Meek, no more than an hour's lurch from where I sit tap-tap-tapping on my compute-or.

You Ain't Nothing But A

Freddie Bell - Hound Dog

Freddie Bell and the Bell Boys bring us their version of songwriters Leiber and Stoller's Hound Dog. Originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952 this version came out in 1955. A young Elvis Presley saw Bell perform it in Las Vegas and decided to incorporate it into his own live set. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Wow! Lets Rock That

Cozy Cole - Bad
Cozy Cole - Charleston

I've been hearting Cozy Cole a lot recently and not just because his swinging instrumentals all seem to start with a deep voiced introduction. His recordings inspire playfulness. There's a certain comic book feeling to them which is probably why they're crowd favourites at my DJ nights. Prior to releasing records under his own name he drummed behind some of the jazz greats: Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, Dizzy, Ella, Louis. He was also an influence on many future skin bashers including Black Sabbath's Cozy Powell who even adopted his name.

Beggin'

Timebox - Beggin'

A group of Englishmen bring us this storming version of Frankie Valli and The Four Season's Beggin'. Not to take anything away from the orginal but I probably prefer this version as it drives harder and features the cool sounds of a vibraphone, as played by Ollie Halsall.

Morning Dew

Tim Rose - Morning Dew

I've blogged about Tim Rose before and even featured this very song, so I won't go on. Suffice to say that it's an amazing tune and I'd be proud to post it again in another three and a bit years.

Killing and Howlin'

Howlin' Wolf - Killing Floor
Howlin' Wolf - Louise

Occasionally my mind drifts to a place where I find myself wondering who I would most like to have the chance to see play live, if time's arrow was no barrier that is. I don't draw conclusions, just enjoy musing over the possibilities. A prime candidate would surely be Howlin' Wolf. Here he is from 1964 with a corker, Killing Floor. With a band featuring Hubert Sumlin, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy, the Wolf takes blues music to the next level, a black monolith moment.

Nina

Nina Simone - Do What You Gotta Do
Nina Simone - Peace Of Mind

In a lot of ways it doesn't get much better than Nina Simone. Here she is with a couple of amazing renditions, released together as a single in 1968. Do What You Gotta Do was written by Jimmy Webb and Peace Of Mind by Nick Woods. Woods had played in a folk group The New Christy Minstrels but didn't make it past 1971 due to an overdose. Peace of Mind was recorded live at the Westbury Music Fair just a few days after the assassination of Martin Luther King, who Simone dedicated her performance to. The choice of songs and the arrangements are great but it's the pure emotion that Nina Simone is able to convey that is her true gift (to us).

Besame Mucho

Jet Harris - Besame Mucho

Now for the other side of that great Jet Harris record. Written by a young Mexican girl, I included this tune in a podcast recently.

Chills And Fevers

Ronnie Love - Chills And Fever
Jet Harris - Chills And Fever

A couple of cool versions of Chills And Fever -- firstly the original by Ronnie Love from 1961, then a great cover from 1962 by former The Shadows bassman, Jet Harris.

Satan's Theme

The Rondels - Satan's Theme

With a title like Satan's Theme how could I resist picking up this tough little gem? How could anyone? Plays slightly better than it looks.