the of mirror eye

* L.A. Brown: No Hootenanny (4.0 mb)
* Billy Stafford: Popa Shotgun (4.0 mb)
* Gil Bernal: The Whip (4.0 mb)
* K.C. Mojo Watson: Love Blood Hound (3.5 mb)
From Just Shuckin’ Aound 1953-1963 : Pan!c Records : panic 100

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, then you’ve probably already realized that I’ve got a weakness for soul compilations. These compilations are great because they collect together long lost nuggets of music that I would normally never have any chance of hearing. These tracks are usually from singles that had limited distribution and even smaller numbers of records pressed. But the music is usually fantastic. I also like them because I’m a totally lazy and impatient person. I don’t have near the dedication and intestinal fortitude that these record diggers have. To spend hours searching through dusty record stores for that one special 45. Nope, not for me.

There isn’t too much on the interweb about this compilation. In fact, I bought it simply because the cover photo was just too cool. I lucked out this time though, because it features music from Los Angeles from the early ’50’s to the early 60’s. These are great slabs of proto-soul/funk that just make me want to get up and dance. The booklet is similarly great, with great liner notes and an awesome photo of Flash Records from the ’50’s. Fantastic.

The title “No Hootenanny“ not only sets the tone for this collection but also dates this odd rocker somewhere in the early to mid 60’s. Back then such amateur torture sessions were a weeknight staple of countless clubs and coffee bars. The unknown L.A. Brown warns all folkniks to zip their sterile strumming and give him time to rock & roll! Although the totally unknown Mr. Brown actually may be white, the flip - not included here - “Do The Zulu” is sung in an even more determindely r&b style and is exactly what you’d imagine. Issued on the rediculously apt Hip label.

No r&b collector in his right mind (perhaps a contradictory coupling to begin with) would pass up a record called “Pappa Shotgun“. From 1956 Billy Stafford fronts famed vocal group The Sharps on Jab (on the same label the group recorded as George Zimmerman and the Thrills - a slightly more well known release). Supposedly more in favor with blues fans than vocal group nuts - “Too bluesly”, “The lead ain’t really singin’” - copies have still sold to the latter for a cool grand. Monetary value aside this is as lowdown L.A. alley music as you’re ever likely to hear.

Back in 1954 when all the other tenor blasters heard “The Whip“, Gil Bernal’s bad boy fire-lunged instro scorcher (on Spark no less), they must’ve figured the ante had been permanently upped in the frantic department. Although this is the earliest side herein feew sax workouts have ever equalled its ferocity.

K.C. Mojo Watson had two singles on Nanc, one each on Ganlon and Atlas. The very fine Stompin’ series out of the UK reissued the first Nanc single on their Volume12. From 1961 “Love Blood Hound“ is disc number two’s more bizarro topside and is all you’d most likely want it to be. Awooooooooo!

(from the liner notes)

Hope you enjoy your Friday and get ready to boogie on home and start the weekend in style.

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