RBF’s Eclectic Excitement Playlist – July 2022
Text © Robert
Barry Francos / FFanzeen, 2022
Images from the Internet
Podcast radio is the big thing, I know that. But I
am more interested in listening to the obscure music arena than prattling on
about it, despite my brief comments. So, here is my limited monthly column of
some shamefully cult releases, be it due to initial limited release, or just having
fallen out of the mainstream eye. These will be of a multitude of genres, from
punk to folk, to just out there.
The songs are listed alphabetical by first letter
of the artist or group, and not listed in a “ratings” order. Art is subjective,
so I hope you like these as much as I enjoy them.
Note: There is no advertising on this page, so I
will not be making anything off the work of others.
“I Need a
Friend”
This folk group
came to me at a used furniture/record shop in Kingston, Ontario. Though this
Canadian release is obscure, it seems to have a strong cult following. The
entire album is an interesting mix of folk classics with some unique
arrangements without losing its folk sensibilities, and some new material, such
as this one.
“Girl,
You’re On My Mind”
Covering a Mystic Eyes/Bernie Kugel penned song, this garage-tinged group of rockers
from the Pittsburgh area add some fuel to their sound here. An extremely fun
live band, they are still active so see ‘em if they come to your town.
Harry Chapin
“Sniper”
This is
the song that hooked me onto Harry Chapin, who I saw live a half dozen times,
even singing on stage with him one night. This is
not just a tune, this is a sociological study of Charles Whitman, the first
mass sniper shooter in Texas in the 1960s, that includes criticisms of
loneliness, insanity, and mass media manipulation. All these years later, I am
always struck by its strength and perception.
Haysi Fantayzee
“Shiny Shiny”
With a
fashion sense that was allegedly lifted by Boy George, this British threesome
never clicked in the US, despite a couple of hits on their own turf. While not
a style that enraptured me, generally, this song reached me in places Culture
Club never did.
Lenny Kaye Connection
“I've Got a
Right”
This song was originally geared towards the Ronnie Reagan period of introducing
the Silent Majority into the government, but with the fruition of that
movement, the song has now become more relevant than ever. Lenny is better known
for his early single, “Crazy Like a Fox” (as Link Cromwell), but his solo
period while Patti raised her kids produced an excellent album on which this is
the opening cut.
Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra (featuring JC
Higginbotham)
“St. Louis
Blues”
There are
so many versions of this 1929 standard, even by Armstrong, but I grew up hearing
this raver on a Swing compilation owned by my mother. The exchange between
brass mavens Armstrong and Higginbotham is jaw-dropping considering the notes
they reached in their prime.
Mystic Eyes
“My Time
to Leave”
Hailing from Buffalo, this group presents a pop garage sound that mixed
Jonathan Richman with the Invictas. This may be a break-up song, but the upbeat
rhythms and smart lyrics are exceptionally catchy.
Nervus Rex
“Don’t
Look”
This was a
major label release that didn’t really go anywhere, sadly. I was the first
person to interview the band
who played at CBGB and Max’s Kansas City.
Rachel Lynch and the Daydrinkers
“Wrecked”
I first heard this song on the soundtrack of a film adaptation of Lady Usher, based on
EA Poe’s story. It very quickly grew on me.
Ronnie and the Jitters
“She’s Not
the Girl For Me/Rockaway”
Infamously,
they played the last weekend that Max’s Kansas City was open. I co-interviewed the band
with Stacy Mantel, who introduced me to their rockabilly infused rock. A band
that should have made it. All really nice guys, by the way.
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