Past post

MP3: D.O.A. - Lady Tell Me Why
MP3: Hope - Dream Away

Numero Group really keeps on pounding the past in "Local Customs: Lone Star Lowlands". Although some of the songs where their influences on their sleeves quite heavily (the included "Dream Away" by Hope lifts its vocal harmonies basically from the Neil Young classic "When You Dance You Can Really Love"), all of the songs are still really well done. [Note: the D.O.A. song that is included here is not the same band that wrote "Marijuana Motherfucker.] However, that's what has always been great about the various compilations Numero has issued—some bands only have one good song, but that doesn't mean that it should be overlooked.

Titantastic

MP3: J.P. McClain & the Intruders - Just Another Pop Song
MP3: Secrets - Get Your Radio
MP3: Scott McCarl - I Think About You

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from Matt Giordano, who is probably missed around these parts more than constant updates. Fuck yeah!

Well, with a slight aside from their fantastic Eccentric Soul series, the Numero Group has delivered yet another true gem, this time in the world of power-pop with Titan: It's All Pop!. Just as the title suggests, this compilation is the entire catalogue of the short-lived Titan label, plus almost two dozen later tracks with their associated acts. A must-have, either for yourself or as a gift for the music lover in your life.

Selections from Eccentric Soul

{Sorry for the absence of posts. I seriously did not want to leave off with an "Animal and the Muppets" post. Things should be good and consistent all this week and maybe forever. Things to look forward to? Tons of mp3s, new guest posts and a monthly feature. Fuck yeah!}


MP3: Stormy - The Devastator
MP3: Annette Poindexter & the Pieces Of Peace - Mama

The Numero Group's Eccentric Soul series managed to stay under my radar for 13 volumes. Not to say it's not out there, in fact once found, it seemed to everywhere. I've since went back and played catch up as much as I can.

The 13th edition focuses on Chicago's Twinight Records, which ruled the radio with many singles produced by their hit maker Syl Johnson. I've provided the one-two punch from the collection's first disc.

In 1967, John Colley, under his moniker of Stormy, released his single for the ballad "I Won't Stop to Cry" to the airwaves. The real gem was on the b-side, where the 17 year old's track "The Devastator" could be found. Recorded with a collection of Chicago's all star musicians, Stormy is as out in the open as he could be. He does not hide his age, boasting cocky/confident lyrics about being a "smooth operator" with the ladies.

It's funny that the follow up track in both this post and the cd is Annette Poindexter's string driven "Mama", with her lamenting to her mother about being used by a man she's in love with. Released in 1970 and backed by the Pieces Of Peace, "Mama" is devastating mostly because we never really heard from (or really ever in general) this great artist ever again.

{buy eccentric soul releases from insound}