Last Weekend's Vinyl Roundup!

Got so many good things last week in Ladson, I won't list them all, just a few highlights....

1. Hank Ballard & The Midnighters - Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go b/w If You'd Forgive Me, King 5400, 1960. When I saw this original blue-label King release in a factory sleeve, looking so clean, I had to take a listen. I was surprised to find that this is a song I'd first heard from the Chocolate Watchband-- one of the tracks they recorded with the "other" vocalist, a black studio guy brought in by Cobb to fill in. The version wasn't great but the song was so memorable it has stuck in my head ever since. This song has sort of a gospel feel to it, it begs for handclaps, and Ballard's high vocal really does it. A real winner!

2. The Family - Nation Time b/w Family Affair, North Bay 302, 1973(?). When my dealer pulled this one out (which was situated in a group of dub reggae 45's from Jamaica he came across!) I was immediately interested... One side is a instrumental cover of the Sly & The Family Stone song. Apparently this the MFSB band of Philly Soul/Gamble & Huff notoriety, click here for fully story: Family?

3. The Olympics - Mash them Taters b/w The Stomp, Arvee 5044, 1960(?). This is a rather typical "dance-craze" song, the dance being the Mashed Potato (of course!) -- this was an LA group and pretty good considering most regard them as novelty one-hit-wonders...

4. Jerry Lee Lewis - Sweet Little Sixteen b/w How's My Ex Treating You, Sun 379, 1962. It's very difficult NOT to buy original Sun records. This was easy because it was in terrific condition and it's the Chuck Berry classic!

5. Fats Domino - Blue Monday b/w What's the Reason I'm Not Pleasing You, Imperial 5417, 1955. It's not in perfect condition, but the a-side is my favorite Fats track. It's short but sweet and has great lines including the best summing-up of a hangover I've ever heard: "Sunday morning my head is bad/but it's worth it, for the times that I've had" -- plus the piano, central to all his records. A true New Orleans legend, he lost everything he had in Hurricane Katrina (all his awards, some damaged and some robbed from his home) -- what a shame. (pic at left gold record award for Blue Monday)

that's all for now, more soon...