We're doing November's picks a little earlier than usual to plug a new DJ night a few friends of mine and I have launched in the City of Brotherly Love. This month's picks are some of the 45's I'll be laying down at Kung Fu Necktie next week, won't you put on your dancing shoes and come on down?
1. THE DELLS-"It's Not Unusual" U.S. Vee Jay VJ 764
Tucked away on the flip of the original issue of the 1965 "Stay In My Corner" is this storming uptempo cover of Tom Jone's most famous number that really swings literally making it their own by not just increasing the tempo but pulling out all stops in doing it.
http://youtu.be/vf2zckmheso
2. GARNET MIMMS AND THE ENCHANTERS-"Tell Me Baby" U.S. United Artists UA 694
One of my fave Garnet Mimm's numbers is this call and response stormer from 1964. So loved by The Who that they covered it AND it's B-side "Anytime You Want Me" in their live set throughout most of '65. Give a listen to Garnet's forceful delivery and see why:
http://youtu.be/_0ew2ZQ6A_A
3. JAMO THOMAS-"I Must Holler" U.S. Chess 1971
Besides his famous "I Spy For The FBI" Jamo Thomas did not cut a lot of singles in the 60's. This one is from 1966 and is a mid tempo slow boiler with some smooth /laid back falsetto vocals from him on top of an infectious, bluesy little guitar lick reminiscent of "Smokestack Lightning".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZFlU4fqFH0
4. THE OLYMPICS-"Mine Exclusively" U.S. Mirwood 5513
Topping off the equally popular B-side "Secret Agents" is this track from 1966. One of the many tunes performed live by my U.K. 60's mod heroes The Action, this tune is without a doubt one of my faves by the Olympics coming off somewhere in the vicinity of an uptempo Temptations number in my estimation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHYbFOpH9-k
5. THE PHIL UPCHURCH COMBO-"You Can't Sit Down" U.K. Sue WI-4005
Chicago guitarist Phil Upchurch is behind one of the most monster instrumental shakers that ranks right up their with "Green Onions" in my book. Dating from 1961 originally, this two sided smoker never fails to get things moving, on either side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cv03fD6Ux0
6. EDDIE FLOYD-"Holding On With Both Hands" U.S. Stax 45-246
Beneath the monster A-side "Big Bird" is this track which sounds nothing like something issued in 1968. Meshed perfectly underneath the trademark Memphis horns and twangy Steve Cropper Telecaster licks this mid tempo burner has always been a choice of mine to spin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oFl5Xqp2Wo
7. TONY CLARKE (and YOU his audience)-"Ain't Love Good, Ain't Love Proud" U.S. Chess 1894
The "live" sound of this May 1964 shouter has always been in dispute. Was it really "live" or was this added in the studio? The debate continues, but regardless this track gets things moving with lots of funky handclapping and smooth female backing vocals.
http://youtu.be/oUk52p0s9FE
8. THE MANHATTANS-"I Wanna Be Your Everything" U.S.Carnival 507
Released on the legendary New Jersey label Carnival in 1964 this number is devoid of a lot of the guts that propel most of the songs on this list but that doesn't detract from it in any way as it's a perfect number with a surprisingly simple groove that doesn't leave your mind easily.
http://youtu.be/RrGCS4iLHrk
9. CHRISTINE KITRELL-"Call His Name" U.S. Federal 45-12540
Perfect gritty, but upbeat r&b from 1965 that sounds honestly like it was recorded much earlier (it was later issued on King in 1968 sowing more confusion) with some interesting breaks but sitting nicely along any smokers from Sue records 1963-1964.
http://youtu.be/621NDJjhiDM
And speaking of Sue.....you can't go wrong with a Soul Sisters 45 on Sue and since we're all about good times, this number pretty much encapsulates what our intentions are. So come by and hit the floor and take a drink, and by all means "get tight" too.
http://youtu.be/oC5l-cixc-o
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