JERRY-O Karate Boogaloo (Boo-Ga-Loo/Shout)
The king in his rightful place! After seeing that smiling face in Blues & Soul issue number 31 who could not love this man? DJ, writer, label boss, arranger, comedian, producer, lover of whisky and young women (read the sleevenotes on The Boogaloo Years CD) – was there no end to this man’s talent? He used this backing track on numerous records (trying to work out which is a quick way to be sectioned) – but this is the killer version. Amazingly left out of young Croasdell’s Top 5, his position as membership secretary of the JITS is now under threat. When I’ve read about Jerry-O it’s usually ‘…died sometime in the 70s.’ Anybody know more? He deserves a better epitaph than that.
EMANUEL LASKEY I’m A Peace Loving Man (Thelma)
Memories of Martin Koppel’s early lists (of nearly 40 years ago) here. They were just one page but what a page. Usually £1 each record with 4 or 5 Thelma 45s to choose from. Nearly always bought ‘blind’ but very rarely were you disappointed. The label’s black issues have the backings I prefer and this is my favourite. Amazing intro (tambourine, grumbling sax – ooh matron!) that delivers what it promises. Wonderful B-side as well.
STEVE MANCHA (Groovesville)
What do you mean that’s cheating? How do you choose? Surely one of the
best run of records from any artist ever? 5 discs, 10 sides, all wonderful with some of the best Detroit backing tracks you could ever hope to hear. If I had
to choose one this week it would be ‘I Need To Be Needed’ but ask me next week and it could be ‘Don’t Make Me A Storyteller’ or ‘You’re Still In My Heart’. Go on – play ’em all!
JOE MATTHEWS Ain’t Nothing You Can Do (Kool Kat)
One of the more unusual records to come out of Detroit in the 60s. I wonder who first played this on the scene? Certainly not your usual Northern sound. The sparse backing, jangling guitar – it’s punk soul, but it works. The B-side to ‘Check Yourself’ which is also good.
EDWIN STARR Harlem (Ric-Tic)
Hidden away on the B-side of ‘Headline News’ (although the matrix number suggests it should have been ‘SOS’?) is this lovely walking pace production on a Cody Black/George McGregor composition. Hidden away is right, well behind Edwin’s vocal so play loud for the full effect. Pity it’s not a bit longer either as it fades out just as he gets going. Never mind we can’t have everything can we? He made some great records didn’t he.
Oh, that’s it is it? And there’s me just getting started. Not got to the females
yet or ‘Cool Off’ or ‘Frantic Escape’ or ‘Let’s Go Together’ or ‘Nothing Sweeter’ or ‘Unbelievable’ or… next time then?