Vikki Is Her Name - Joel Hamilton 1959

Don't know too much about this Gem. It's on the Legendary label Roulette. This one seemed to get lost in the mix. But luckily, i found it. One of the most triumphant intros to a doo-wop/teen tune I've heard. Small, story behind this: Apparently Joel Hamilton had a thing for the secretary who worked at the Studio he recorded at. Like most musicians, it was easier for him to get her attention by writing her a song. So this tune was for her, and I'm sure she heard it. Story is, they got hitched not long after had some kids and are still married. What a fantastic backdrop this tune is to their love story. Another reason for me to cherish such an amazing little record.

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The Starlites- Valarie - 1960

Some seriously heavy shit. Also going by Jackie & The Starlites, rightly so. The leader of this group Jackie LaRue was a serious bad ass and serious showman. This is pure entertainment folks. Jackie was known to literally get down on his knees, sneak a little stage tears bottle out of his jacket pocket and put on the works. Soulful, Doo-Wop waterworks. They just don't make em like this anymore kids. These old cats did not mess around when it came to showmanship. They gave you your moneys worth. I mean you know people left the show those nights saying, "man what was that guy's name? he really knocked me out man, breaking down like that on stage!" Of course the ladies really loved it, "oh what a dream, he actually cried on stage. I love a real sensitive man " . Anyway...take a listen and you'll hear what Im saying.

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Royal Teens - Believe Me - 1959

Stumbled upon this one at the record shop the other day. If i could possibly imagine what 1959 was like...this here is what comes to mind. Amazing production on this recording, with an almost Epic quality to it.

Royal Teens hail from New Jersey.

This band pretty much went no where, but two members went on to do quite big things.

Bob Guadio went on to become a member of "The Four Seasons".

Al Kooper , who was 14 yrs old at this time. Well he ended up Performing and recording with Bob Dylan & forming his own

group Blood Sweat & Tears.

I recommend cracking open a cold Coca Cola, with a straw for this one.

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Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues- The Lonesome Drifter- 1958

Like I promised. Another tune by the one and only...The Lonesome Drifter!

This tune 'Aint Got Nothin' But The Blues'

Serious raw power. This one is definitely down in the history books! For more info on The Lonesome Drifter, see 2 posts down!

If Jimmie Rodgers lived longer and started playing rock n roll...well this is pretty much what it would probably sound like. Recorded in 1958.

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I'm a Sad Lonely Man, that Love Left Behind-Ernest Tubb-1965 and The Texas Troubadours (guest Cal Smith)

Upon first hearing this song, I knew right from the start. This has got to be the most ridiculously hopeless song. Just listen to the lyrics. It's so hopeless, it's borderline pathetic. It's one of those songs that reminds you of horrible situations, then you start laughing...with the immediate feeling of embarrassment. Cause ...well...it's not actually very funny at all. And thats what makes this song absolutely amazing. This is a relatively rare Ernest Tubb and Troubadours record from 1965. Sounds like they made it appear to be a live record, with conveniently placed live chatter with studio quality recording to follow. Either way, Cal Smith is giving one of the best country vocal performances I've heard. Something you could easily suspect inspired G. Parsons vocal performance of 'Hot Burrito #1. Now you know. This is where it all came from. Pristine Country Music .

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The Lonesome Drifter - 'Your New Love' - 1958

The Lonesome Drifter. Well if that ain't enough mystery for ya, i don't know what is. This guy recorded some amazing tunes in less than 2 years and then hung up his hat and pawned his guitar after his fiddle player pissed him off. He literally walked off stage and didn't look back. Maybe he was having a bad trip? Hank Williams was busy killing himself quickly with the bottle, while The Lonesome Drifter was dropping LSD and cranking up this erie sounding Echo in the Studio. Some serious melt your face off kinda stuff. Who really knows what was actually going down....again theres that Mystery Train, comin' down the tracks. This tune 'Your New Love' is just one of lost gems in this batch of Trippy Cowboy Doom tunes, that could make Elvis look like quite the nice little boy. I'll be posting up more from this soon, but here's one of the hopeless Drifter songs he recorded in 1958.

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'Image of me' The Flying Burrito Brothers 1971

Well Hot Burrito! This album is quite a surprise. Who would have thought The Flying Burrito Brothers would be this good without Gram Parsons or Chris Hillman? Chris Ethridge, or even Sneaky Pete?! Dang. Well this is a band which has none of the original members. Rick Roberts who joined pretty late in the game took the ball and ran with it. Incredible musicians on this record. It was only released in Holland and the UK. And this is their take on a fantastic classic

'Image of me' . It's safe to say this album really blew my mind, and continues to....

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Buck Owens and His Buckaroos "Don't Let Her Know" 1964

Buck! The legend! This album is a real gem. The Buckaroos are just gettin warmed up here in 1964. and one of my favorite tunes "Don't Let Her Know" is right here for you. The other night i played this tune at the bar and a young lady asked who it was. I let her know. She said she didn't have many country records. I replied, Honey then get on it and go buy this one, you haven't heard Honky Tonk til ya heard this one! Tom Brumley on pedal steel! one of the best steel moments i've heard!

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