In The Trashcan Records
GARBAGE70
"From
popcorn to funk, from bubblegum to library, from blue-eyed soul to prog, all
these ways lead to hell, according to some. The devil's music or not: I'd go
to hell to hear underground sounds like these each time I need to..."
(BASF Demo162 from 1971)
More than four minutes long this library tune from a commercial 45 for BASF is so fantastic that it’s amazing it never showed up on German samplers of commercials like the “Popshopping” series. Some good advice: only listen to the first 3 minutes of this song and forget about the last 69 seconds and move on to the next entry.
(Maxi 17579
The a-side = “Hip hip hip hurrah” which has got nothing to do with the Snapshots or Claude François, is far away from the quality of its flipside. “Seattle town” sounds early 70s to me. Listen to the heavy fuzz guitar, the everpresent organ, the screeching vocals and imagine a band playing this at someone’s birthday party. Satisfaction guaranteed!
(Polydor 20466018
The b-side is called ”Moogie boogie”, so it’s not so surprising to hear that it’s an instrumental Moog version of “Ghostriders in the sky”. It’s made to be mixed with one of the many “Popcorn” versions. Great party tune.
(Cardinal C3194 from 1970)
Originally on Westbound and also with flipside “Work me tomorrow”. An uptempo funky gospel groover to promote rock ‘n’ roll in heaven. “We believe, we believe, we believe in God, love and rock ‘n’ roll”. How much more American can one get. “AMEN!!!!”.
(Polydor 2066373 from 1972)
Again a cover and a super hot funky one. Both sides (b-side is the ballad “Moonlight”) were produced by James Brown himself. It’s an eternal groove going on and on and dragging you onto the dance floor.
(Hebra 596 from 1973)
”If you really really don’t love me anymore” is the title of this Flemish popcorn ditty backed by a fantastic big band. Strictly for lovers of Nicole & Hugo.
(Stax 2025064 from 1964)
Want some more covers? Here’s Dave Porter’s version of “Hang on Sloopy”. “Have you ever heard about a girl like my Sloopy” Dave says in a very soulful way. The song itself isn’t a copy like so many of the cover versions; it sounds like a different song and that’s what makes this Stax release so fine. Almost 4 minutes long and not one second too long.
(Polydor 2051090
Were they really The Chakachas in disguise? Or maybe another studio band of Lou Deprijck and friends? Lou’s “Bantu” has been recorded by this mystery band. Look for the album that Wah Wah Records released in 2001 featuring this excellent version of “Watermelon man”. For another rendition of this coolest tune check out vol 8.
(Cannon 3029
It reminds me of late Buddah bubblegum releases. I couldn’t find any information about the band.
(Liberty 2C006-90684
Born out of Brasil ’66, the backing band of Sergio Mendes, they recorded in the 1969-1970 period. Dusty Springfield would have loved this version as would Dionne Warwick if she’d know their version of “Walk on by” on the b-side of this 45. It’s fast, it’s inviting, it’s exotic, and sexy too thanks to the singing girls.
(Parlophone 4C006-92534 from 1971)
As B-side of “Hey Willie”, which was a minor hit in 1971, “Row the boat together” hardly ever got any airplay, while I think it’s better than the hit side of the single. The Hollies need no further introduction.
(Philips 320240 from 1966)
One of the biggest names in early funk is the Jimmy Castor Bunch. Here he is with the b-side of ”Hey, Leroy, your mama’s callin’ you”. Don’t get fooled by the first 11 seconds! It’s a fine funky instrumental from 1966, originally released on Smash.
(Stax 2025064 from 1964)
This self-penned b-side of “Hang on Sloopy” starts with a funky horn section and a piano as if it was already 1970. No no, it’s still 1964. In 1972 he recorded a 45 together with Isaac Hayes.
(Jay Boy BOY95 from 1974)
And this is also funk, eight years later. Also a big name but not this tune which is a b-side of “Sing a happy song”. It’s easy to recognize his voice because you all know his world wide hit “Rock your baby”, also from 1974. He became a big name in disco music. Still this song is too good to be ignored.
(Delta DS1289
So, we’re in the Netherlands now in the late 60s. Blue-eyed soul going heavy. Later they became quite big in the Lowlands. “This rose in my hand” is the A-side, but not as good as “Sittin’ on the highest mountain”. I think they’ve written this while they were abroad because there’s not a single mountain to be found in Holland.
(Buddah 610067 from 1969)
One of Curtis’ finest vocal moments. Add a little psychedelic sauce to his amazing arrangements and his dreamy echoing voice and the result is this fantastic underground killer tune.
