One of the best records you've never heard by the best band you don't know. In the late sixties, due to some contractual shenanigans, The Atlantic label was able to steal the rights to the entire Stax/Volt catalog, which consisted of some of the greatest soul songs ever recorded. In a brilliant but desperate effort to compensate for the lost revenue, the label decided to create an entirely new catalog within a couple of years. It...
Before there was Aretha, there was Erma. And get this; not only do they share the same last name and a father who was a preacher, but I think they might be sisters. Actually, they are sisters. That's some freaky shit. Like some massive deep-state conspiracy freaky shit. Fuck it, let's dance. This is another premium example of an downtempo/uptempo flip. Try 'em both. The A-side is ice cold and the B-side is spicy...
After liberating this from a Kentucky Hoarding House, I was curious. The title, artist, and label were inscrutable. Country, rock, polka, or soul? I dropped the needle on the record and first heard a harp. Fucking Polka, I knew it. But then these heavy horns and drums dropped in. Rock? While I was trying to decide, these lazy disinterested Country vocals dropped in. And somehow the sum of the parts equalled a killer blue-eyed...
Ok, you're in Duluth, digging through potpourri scented doilies (just go with it) when you come across this: Feminine Ingenuity by Ruby Sherry. It's gotta be a country record, right? Because Duluth. And because cinnamon smells. But instead you take it home and put the needle on the record. Is it country? It. Is. Not. Is it one of the most sought after Northern Soul singles in mint condition? Yes. It. Is. And what...
Suspenseful string intro? Check. Motown rhythm section? Check. Mixed gender vocalists with multiple octave range? Wait...
The B-side is one of the toughest love songs ever. Exactly why doesn't matter. To describe it is a sign of weakness, and if this song smells your fear it will crush you like a bug. And wipe that smirk off your face just because it's a B-side. If it catches you even considering that it is the lesser side, it will pummel you with its strengthening love. Get it? Having said that, I...
The A-side opens with the sassiest back-up singer intro of all time. Think I'm wrong. Prove it, Buster. Even if you did, I don't believe you. Listen to this and you'll know what I mean. The B-side features what I assume to be one of said singers stepping up to duet with Mr. David. It's a killer twofer and if I danced I'm sure I would. Temptation's-a callin'-my naaaaame. Temptation's-a callin'-my naaaaame. Temptation's-a callin'-my naaaaame. [qodef_separator class_name="Rule Line"...
