Musenick!

Johnnie and Jack: A Belated Tribute To Johnnie Wright, RIP

2011-12-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a gatherum of 20-something classic sides by Johnnie and Jack and the Tennessee Mountain Boys. Seeing as to how I haven't put anything new up here since September of '10, it's time to do something.

Sorry, folks... I keep meaning to post new musenick here. Other things in life distract me from doing so.

Anyway... Johnnie and Jack. If you like raw, hard classic country music with hair-raising harmonies, these fellers are right up your alley. Their career spanned some 30 years, ending with the death of Jack Anglin in 1963. (He was on his way to Patsy Cline's funeral when he had a fatal car accident.)

Among the many innovations J&J brought to country music was the introduction of Latin rhythms, via their breakthrough 1950 hit "Poison Love." Ironically, neither of the two singer-guitarists were able to master the syncopated rhythms, and studio musicians had to sub for them on this and other south-of-the-border style discs, which include "Ashes of Love," "Heart Trouble," "Lonesome" and "I Can't Tell My Heart That."

Most of the duo's songs were written by Jack Anglin's brother, Jim. Jim Anglin was among the most talented behind-the-scenes guys in classic country. He ghost-wrote songs for other performers (Roy Acuff among them), and often sold them outright. His confessional, stark lyrics are easily spotted amidst these songs.

"What About You?," the concern's first major-label recording, is a choice example. Anglin's lyrics are as good as Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Like that classic song, this conveys a great deal of emotional information via the simplest of words, stated eloquently and humbly.

Anglin had ambitions to write fiction. I've heard that he placed some short stories with The New Yorker, although I've yet to find one. He wrote a memoir, which was posthumously published. 1,000 pardons: the title escapes me, and a quick web search revealed nothing.

Johnnie Wright's lead vocals tend to lack the lung power of the typical post-war country singer. He's no Webb Pierce, but he expresses a lot with his limited range and almost conversational tone. He's often overpowered by Jack Anglin's piercing tenor harmonies. The blend of their voices is striking and unusual. It harks back to the country singing styles of the 1920s and early '30s.

That female voice you hear on recordings such as "Trials and Tribulations" is Johnnie's wife, Muriel Wright, better known as "Kitty Wells." Kitty had a long, distinguished solo career, which had already begun by the time Johnnie and Jack made their breakthrough. Still, she frequently added her unmistakable voice to many of the group's recordings, altho' she was under contract to another major label.

Another female voice, which powerfully appears on "Feet of Clay" and "I Want To Be Loved," is Johnnie and Kitty's daughter, Ruby Wells. In 1955/6, Johnnie and Jack made several recordings with Ruby singing a prominent third part. "Feet of Clay," an intense accusatory waltz written by Jim Anglin, is among the best country music recordings of the 1950s.

Two intriguing Jesus songs are included. "Jesus Remembered Me," featuring Ms. Wells in full force, was written by Hank Williams, but never commercially recorded by its author. "Jesus Hits Like an Atom Bomb" heralds another of Johnnie and Jack's innovations. First recorded in 1950 by the gospel group The Soul Stirrers, and written by Lowell Blanchard, this song offers a fascinating glimpse into the world-threatening tension of everyday life in the Cold War era. This anxiety, wedded to the equally upsetting end-of-the-world gospel message, is delivered in a downright toe-tapping, uptempo performance, with razor-sharp harmonies by J&J, Wells and Co.

You can hear the Soul Stirrers' 1950 original version HERE. Compare and contrast the two versions; this, more than anything I can think of, displays the fascinating contrasts and similarities of black and white musics in post-war America.

J&J had one of their biggest chart hits in 1954 with another R&B cover, "Oh Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)." They also covered "Sincerely," by the Moonglows, and created a series of R&B styled B-sides that are ur-rock-and-roll.

Enough said for now...download 'n' enjoy!

They were among the first country music performers to cover black rhythm and blues/gospel material.

Bob Dylan is a noted fan of Johnnie and Jack. He has played their songs in his live performances, including the two-chord Latin lament "Ashes of Love."

Johnnie Wright passed away on September 27, 2011 at the age of 97. He outlived his daughter Ruby by two years! Kitty Wells is still alive, at age 92.

Son of Otis Blackwell: Volume 2 with 20 more classic tunes

2010-09-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hi, gang! Well, here's a second volume of songs written or co-written by the great OTIS BLACKWELL! Many songs I'm looking for are elusive, so this set has a mere 20 tunes on it.
I had to settle for a couple of less-than-stellar renditions here. When Pat Boone and Mahalia Jackson record the same tune, and the only version I could find is Pat's, well, er, it's bound to suffer in comparison. You can find videos of Mahalia Jackson singing FOR MY GOOD FORTUNE on YouTube. The recording itself seems very hard to find, although it was issued as a single by Columbia Records, and seemed to do fairly well. The search goes on...

Among the highlights are Barbara Lynn's imaginative update on DON'T BE CRUEL, in a 1963 performance that rivals Elvis' own in soulful intensity and playfulness; two bouncy R&B tunes by Thurston Harris, best-known for LITTLE BITTY PRETTY ONE; four fine pieces by Jimmy Jones, highlighted by PARDON ME, a Brill Building-style beat-ballad with an awkward social scenario (imagine SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME where the nice guy doesn't win!); an alternate take of PRISCILLA by Blackwell's songwriting partner Eddie Cooley, with some studio chit-chat; Jerry Lee Lewis' rollicking take of LIVIN' LOVIN' WRECK and Charlie Gracie's smooth rockabilly pop on COOL BABY.
I find the vocal mannerisms of Frankie Valli annoying on APPLE OF MY EYE. I like that Otis Blackwell wrote the song in the studio bathroom in 15 minutes, according to legend.
Otis turns in fine performances of two songs--MUSIC AND FIRE (a natural title track for this set!) and a reworking of ALL SHOOK UP that differs substantially from Elvis' classic 1957 version.
Th' King checks in with two early '60s efforts--the overlooked ONE BROKEN HEART FOR SALE and '61's RETURN TO SENDER, a quintessential Blackwell souffle of romantic rejection and toe-tapping melody.
Download the album and artwork HERE--and enjoy!

Brace Yourself: Here are 29 Great Songs Written by OTIS BLACKWELL!

2010-07-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here's my 4th of July celebration: I whipped up this 29-song compilation of songs penned or co-penned by the legendary OTIS BLACKWELL.

Blackwell is perhaps best known for the songs he wrote for Elvis Presley-- "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," "Return To Sender," et al-- and for two Jerry Lee Lewis hits, "Breathless" and "Great Balls of Fire." Without a doubt, his best-known song, written under a pen-name, is "Fever," the moody ballad first recorded by R&B singer Little Willie John, but made most popular via Peggy Lee's later version (which includes added-after-the-fact lyrics).

This collection of mine blends various rockabilly, pop and rhythm and blues renditions of Blackwell's infectious, jaunty songs. From toe-tapping fluffy pop to soul-searing R&B ballads, Blackwell's work covers quite a broad expanse of emotional territory.

Some of the ballads were collaborations. On his own, Blackwell tended to write bouncy, saucy, seemingly simple ditties that are (a) ear-worms magnifique and (b) contain more impact than might appear on first listening.

Here are the hastily-designed "covers" for this compilation. These images are included in the zip file too.

This is stitched together from several CDs and mp3 files. There's a lotta Varetta Dillard, the cult R&B singer who recorded at least six Blackwell songs in the 1950s and '60s. By far, my favorite is her "Whole Lot Of Lip," a classic Blackwell confection that shoulda been a hit.

Other faves on this set include "Let's Talk About Us," performed with threatening intensity by Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty's "Comfy 'n' Cozy," Fats Domino's moody "Heartbreak Hil," the superb "No Regrets" by Little Willie John, and the lovely beat-ballad "You're Just The One To Do It," recorded by the UK superstars, Cliff Richard and the Shadows.

But, heck, every single song has something to recommend it.

HERE is the link to the music 'n' pix. Enjoy! And brace yourself for the night of explosions to come...

Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers: Lotsa Hot Guitars, Wild Fiddles, and Some Earl Hines Piano! [NOTE: 2nd Album Added!]

2010-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, no--more 1920s jazz! I'll do something different next time, folks--honest!

This is one of my favorite CDs. I bought it in 1996, and never tire of hearing it. Great acoustic guitar-led small band jazz. This is as down-home rural as black jazz got in the 1920s (not including the jug bands and other non-jazz outfits).

This CD features more stellar remastering by John R. T. Davies. Nobody ever did it better than he.

Liner notes reveal animosity felt by citified Hines against the more rural Hayes & Co.

26 tracks, including eight alternate takes.

Click HERE and let the goodness begin. All tracks @320; all artwork scanned and included in its own folder.

UPDATE! MORE MUSENICK! HERE is another full see-dee of Hayes musenick magic... 1926/7 sides by the "Dixieland Jug Blowers." It's a different feel than the Louisville Stompers' material, but still engrossing. Check out the intergalactic "Banjoreno." All tracks @320; all artwork scanned and included in its own folder.

Gut Bucket Norleans Jazz: Oscar "Papa" Celestin and Sam Morgan

2010-04-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here is some raw, bracing early jazz, recorded on-site in New Orleans in the mid-1920s. Ripped at 320, with scans of booklet and traycard. Get it HERE and enjoy it often!

"Penso A Te" And Other '60s Pop Songs of Ennio Morricone

2010-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

THIS LINK will net you a nice collection of 1960s pop tunes, written or co-written by the great ENNIO MORRICONE. Nice variety of artists includes Francoise Hardy, The Sandpipers, Catherine Spaak and... well, look at the artwork below to get the picture--literally.

Divertimento!

"Till Times Get Better," Some Great Jazz By 'Jabbo' Smith

2010-03-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Please don't have a heart attack--I know two posts in one week is unheard of in these here parts. On a 1920s jazz kick this week... here's a great CD of terrific, atmospheric jazz pieces by the great trumpeter Cladys "Jabbo" Smith, featuring such supporting greats as "Banjo" Ikey Robinson, pianist Alex Hill and bassist Alvis Hayes.

Complete liner notes are included... and it's ripped @ 320 too! Lucky you!

You can pick up the Jab-tastic jazz HeRe!

The Big Talent of "Tiny" Parham (FILES RESTORED 8-2-10)

2010-03-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Here is some of THE best jazz music of the late 1920s--two CDs' worth. Scans of the set's booklet are also included. I didn't do the covers, 'cos they're uglier than sin.

Ripped at 320 for your musical enjoyment!

CD 1 is HERE (new upload!) and CD 2 resides HENCE.

I wrote a review of this CD set for Tim Gracyk's long-departed Victrola and 78 Journal 12 years ago. I'm gonna stick to my opinions of 1998, which you can read below:

Hope this gets more action than Charlie Rich. Not a soul has downloaded the music from my previous post.

For Hardyphiles Only: Francoise Hardy Sings In English, German, Italian in "All Over the World"

2009-09-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard the 1960s recordings of French singer-songwriter Francoise Hardy, this long-outta-print CD is NOT the place to start.

It is, however, quite rare, and fetches $150 and above when scarce copies can be found. It's really for completists and hard-core OCD-types, so that inflated price is quite a bummer. Hence, its appearance here...

Francoise Hardy wrote and sang a string of major French pop hits from 1962 onward. Her husky, fragile voice, combined with a stunning physical image, put her at the elite of world pop artistes throughout the 1960s.

To us American listeners, her songs have a hypnotic quality--perhaps because many of us aren't conversant in French.

Like many '60s acts, Hardy was asked to record in languages other than her native tongue. She achieved a respectable UK hit with the song "All Over The World," which serves as the apt title-track of this compilation.

It's a little disappointing to hear the words to some of her French gems in English. But her voice is striking, and these recordings haven't been heard by most of Hardy's modern fan-base.

My personal faves: the dopey-but-winning "Catch A Falling Star" and the title track.

For more information on Francoise Hardy, go HERE.

Here is one video of Francoise Hardy at her best, singing in her native tongue:

Click HERE for scans of the booklet 'n' tray art; click HERE for the musenick!

The 5 Royales -- Complete King Masters (Home Brew compilation, 51 trax) ALIVE AND WELL with over 200 downloads!

2009-09-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hey, only two months of inactivity! Well, you know by now not to expect constant postings here. But I hope today's post makes up for the long silence.

The 5 Royales are my favorite rhythm and blues group of the 1950s. They were, basically, the Beatles of R&B--a self-contained unit of great singers, with one of the most brilliant songwriters and guitarists in all of Afro-American music, Lowman Pauling as their one-man Lennon-McCartney-Harrison.

Not that the other 4 Royales were slouches--John Tanner, James Moore, Obadiah Carter and Eugene Tanner (with 6th Royale Otto Jeffries often in tow--he also managed the group) are superb vocalists, at home with silly novelty songs and the most passionate of soul ballads.

The Royales' recording career spanned 1948 to 1965. Their best work was done for Cincinnatti, Ohio indie label King Records, from 1954 to 1960.

The 51 King masters have, surprisingly, never been collected in one place until I sat down and did it this weekend. Many of these tracks, at present, are out of print. I used the superb Ace CD I Know It's Hard But It's Fair and two long out-of-print sets, Rhino's 1994 Monkey Hips and Rice: The 5 Royales Anthology and 2004's Don't Let It Be In Vain, from the Slouch Hat label.

The latter CD, which was discontinued within a year of its release, contained four tracks which have never otherwise been digitally remastered or reissued. Two of the best 5 Royales songs and performances--"Devil With the Rest" and the stunning minor-keyed masterpiece "Don't Let It Be In Vain," were found only on that rare-as-hen's-teeth disc.

Well, gang, all 51 tracks are here, arranged in the order of their release. I included the King matrix numbers on each track. King's matrix numbering hopped all over the place, so my hopes of arranging these in recording order was quickly dashed.

If anyone in Interwebs Land can figure this out, and put these tracks in the order the Royales recorded them, you will do the world a great service.

If you are unfamiliar with the songs of Lowman Pauling, you're in for a pleasant discovery. Pauling was among the most thoughtful and philosophical songwriters in R&B history. He basically provided the music its cornerstone transitions from post-war jump blues to the emotional overwhelm of '60s soul music.

You know at least one of his songs. "Dedicated To the One I Love" was a later hit for the black girl-group The Shirelles, and for LA folk-rockers the Mamas & Papas. The Royales' original version cuts all others to shreds. It contains a typical Lowman Pauling blend of heartfelt emotion and thoughts about human existence.

Just consider the line "Life can never be exactly like we want it to be." That's pure poetry, friends--and absolutely true. Another Paulingism that has become a sort of personal mantra is "After you did your best, the devil with the rest."

Pauling's melodies are among the best in all of R&B. And his guitar-work... mamma mia! Listen to "Think," the opening track on part 2 of this set. Lacerating, passionate, gripping, commanding!

"Think" was covered, in a bastardized version, by King label-mate James Brown. Brown's early recordings are heavily inspired by the Royales'. Ray Charles, in another curiously bastardized revision, covered the Royales' exuberant "Tell The Truth."

For some odd reason, when other artists have chosen 5 Royales songs to cover, they've mucked them up. No reason to trouble yourself with remakes, folks--it's all here for your listening pleasure. These songs will grow on you.

There are several non-Lowman Pauling songs on this set, including a few written by band members Otto Jeffries ("When I Get Like This," "I Need Your Lovin' Baby") and by R&B songwriters Henry Glover and the team of Charlie Singleton and Rose Marie McCoy.

Some of the uptempo novelty ditties aren't so hot, but even then, when written by Pauling, they transcend their fate. "Mohawk Squaw," a dumb-as-they-get novelty jumper, is rescued by some emotionally intense lyrics.

These guys, in the King period, could sing anything and make it sound great. They were so fortunate to have Pauling on deck. The Charlie Ferguson orchestra provides backing on most numbers. They hit a groove with the Royales and expertly supported the quintet/sextet's ace singing and Pauling's guitar antics.

Recommended reading on the Royales: Ed Ward's imaginative essay in the anthology book Stranded, which is the best piece I know of on the group, even though it is, as admitted by its author, almost 100% a work of fiction.

The Ace CDs, including a collection of the Royales' final recordings, Catch That Teardrop, are well worth acquiring. If you like this music, it'll sound even better on a CD.

Wellp, here you go... H E R E ' S Part One.

Part Two can be found R I G H T H E R E! No art or liners--just the music. (Don't worry, songs are titled.) Enjoy!

The Browns -- The Three Bells (all 8 CDs!!!)

2009-07-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the complete recordings of Jim Edward, Bonnie and Maxine Brown. This vocal trio emulated the line-up of The Carter Family, albeit with an emphasis on modern honky-tonk country and, later, unabashed crossover pop.

Their vocals are mesmerizing, and in their early RCA Victor recordings (heard on the first two discs of this exhaustive set), they achieve a compelling blend of old and new. They go through a bland pop period with their biggest hit, "The Three Bells." The early '60s finds them returning to a folk-pop style, and they end their career with some distinguished recordings that fall more into the folk and country side.

The first CD contains all their recordings for the Fabor label, then switches to their stunning early run with RCA Victor. Highlights of their early Victor sides are several songs written for them by Ira and Charlie Louvin.

"I Take The Chance," their Victor debut, is as good a "cheatin' song" as country has ever produced. It perfectly captures the moral dilemma of infidelity. Sure, it's a bit judgmental, but Ira Louvin always excelled as a writer when he threw some down-home sermonizin' into the mix.

"A Man With A Plan," on the other end,is among the most outrageously riqsue songs of 1950s country music. A paean to loose sex, cruising, rock 'n' roll and un-Christian behavior, it still packs a punch, heard 50-plus years after its creation.

Other Louvin-penned songs here are "The Last Thing I Want," "Just As Long As You Love Me" and "You Thought, I Thought." The Louvin Brothers memorably covered a Browns original, "Here Today and Gone Tomorrow," on their excellent covers LP, Ira and Charlie, in 1958.

In-between are several unusual songs from established Nashville writers. Felice and Boudleaux Bryant contribute the atmospheric, creepy "Getting Used To the Blues," a song that, like Don Gibson's "Give Myself a Party," is an ode to giving up on love.

Hugh Ashley, son of legendary old-time musician Clarence Ashley, wrote "Goo Goo Da Da," also covered by Bill Carlisle.

"I Guess I'm Crazy" is a cover of Werly Fairburn's 1955 Columbia recording, penned by its performer.

"Don't Tell Me Your Troubles" was co-written by Texas renegade songwriter-producer Jack Rhodes, who also wrote "A Satisfied Mind," "Woman Love," "Action Packed" and another Browns side, "Preview of the Blues."

"I'm In Heaven," heard here in two versions, is a nice song by (I think) Nashville cleffer Hod Pharis.

There are some duff novelty sides, especially amongst the pre-RCA sides (tracks 1-16), but the vocalizing is consistently fine, and the Chet Atkins-produced early RCA material is uniformly strong.

UPDATE: Here are links (not mine) to all EIGHT CDs in this set:

http://hotfile.com/dl/45184429/4e1d9b2/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_1.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45184825/0e339b2/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_2.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45184830/36a904a/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_3.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45189245/ebebcf3/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_4.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45189361/8c340b4/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_5.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45189387/5e299c2/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_6.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45189189/24372bb/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_7.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/45189221/26e5801/The_Browns_-_The_Three_Bells_Disc_8.rar.html

Enyoy!

Leroy Shields' Haunting Movie Music

2009-06-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

This long-OOP album features impressive modern-day renditions of jaunty, haunting movie music that any Laurel and Hardy fan will fondly remember. These ear-worms from the Depression era will really, really get to you, if you at all dig this-type music.

Lynx in comments... enjoy!

Sheila Meets The Blue Ghost

2009-06-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Two pretty-good albums from Tommy Roe. The first has his lovable Buddy Holly homage, "Sheila"--a record so Holly-esque that a lot of people probably think it is by Buddy.

Atlanta-based Roe worked with fledgling producer Felton Jarvis on these two solid LPs. Jarvis would soon become an important producer with RCA Victor, where he worked with Elvis.

As early '60s pop-rock LPs go, these are surprisingly good. There are predictable covers (Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly) and several originals. An inspired performance is Roe's soulful version of the Falcons' "I Found A Love"-- blue-eyed soul before the genre even existed.

The second LP is a rare occurence of a record company making a crap album much better. British HMV decided that the sucky 2nd US LP, laden with unapt cover versions, was a loser. They rebuilt it around Roe's powerful hit "Everybody," beefed it up to 14 tracks, and included a slew of new original material.

There's enough good material here to hold your interest. See comments for linx to files!

Do What They Don't Say

2009-06-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

This is a great comp of mid-'60s British beat group music. The British Beat genre is among the most misunderstood of the post-war era. A tremendous amount of musical creativity and energy distinguishes the genre at its best.

A thoughtful survey of 20 groups out of the hundreds and hundreds who never quite made it, even in the powerful wake of worldwide Beatlemania, this compilation showcases groups who achieved some small acclaim (Ian & The Zodiacs, The Zephyrs, The Wackers, The Pete Best Four) and recordings so great it's hard to believe they're unknown to most people.

Check out the powerful "Do What They Don't Say" by The Jynx, "If I Were The Only One" by The Imp-Acts, "Love In My Eyes" by Karl Stuart and The Profiles and "This Won't Happen To Me" by Ian & The Zodiacs.

Full scans of the booklet, liners and tray are in a seperate file. Check the comments for linx!

What Is MUSENICK?

2009-06-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

Welcome to MUSENICK, while it lasts.

"Musenick" is a word invented by a great kid who's the son of a dear friend. Said child went through a period in which he referred to music as "musenick." He's passed onto calling it by its normal name, but "musenick" has stuck with me.

I've gotten a lot of great music from other blogs--now's the time to give back.

I'll post various albums here, of all different varieties. I'll try not to duplicate anything that I know is posted somewhere else.

Enjoy--and look in the Comments area for info on how to acquire the "musenick," free of charge!