I’m a just a little late, but in honor of Mardi Gras in New Orleans I give you the Wild Tchoupitoulas (choppa-toolas). The Tchoupitoulas are a group of Mardi Gras Indians, led by Big Chief Jolly, featuring his nephews The Neville Brothers, as well as The Meters. They formed and did an album in the 70′s. This is one of those songs that will stick in my head for days. hopefully it does the same for you.
Lookout now! The Wild Tchoupitoulas Gonna Stomp Some RUMP!
On Saturday, January 22 Sam Cooke would have turned 80. Like all those that left us too early it left us asking what if? What if he wasn’t shot in that hotel by the hotel manager, or by the mafia, or by whoever. What would we have seen Sam Cooke do?
Would have have taken an ugly turn in the 70′s and hit the pills and smoke and bottle too much, gotten fat and grown facial hair? (see Elvis) If so would he have died in the 70s too? Oh then there’s the 80s. Who in the 60′s was good in the 80s!? I dont know if anyone was. (see The Beach Boys. ex: Kokamo, Jesse and the Rippers) How about the 90s? How would Sam Cooke get ‘his in the 1990s? Maybe he would form a supergroup of dudes from the 60s? (see The Traveling Wilburys) Stevie Wonder? Ray Charles? Smokey Robinson? Sounds like a good idea I suppose. All we know is what we have, the music he left behind.
Some people my age don’t give music like this a chance because it was worn out by “oldies” radio stations, car shows, and other disgusting chiche’ acts. I was one of these people that had to carve back the “Shoe Carnival” from Sam Cooke. Once I got under the surface was when I began to truly appreciate his voice and songs.
This song popped up on my shuffle mix today. I’ve already posted a Hank Thompson song, but for one reason or another, today this song brought back some memories. So Hank gets a second shot. To me, the appeal of this one is because of it’s optimism. The idea that there is life on the other side of heartbreak (hey that sounds like a good country song title…) is very uplifting. This song is sad sounding at first listen, but with a deeper listen the singer seems so relieved and relaxed. Here’s to optimism and new beginnings for ya’ll. There’s always a silver lining. I should forget to remember to forget that every day. What am I even talking about? This song is probably about a hangover and I’m romanticizing about love and love lost. Just listen to the damn song and I’ll shut up. (I don’t know if this song was on “Songs for Rounders but I had to post that album cover because it’s so awesome!)
In 2005 I lived in Tampa for a brief period while my wife was in clinicals for OT school. There was an outdoor “shack” of sorts that served gator tail and live music that we went to all the time called Skipper’s Smoke House. (still there) They always had some of my favorite bands come play. While there I saw Southern Culture on the Skids, The Legendary Shack Shakers, some other local canned rockabilly bands, etc. During the one week I went back home for a visit Link Wray played and I didn’t get to go. Link died a few months after that and im still kicking myself for missing that show to this day!
How do you pick just one Link Wray song!? You don’t really. This is just one of many of my favorites. Any fan of surf music, rock music, or hell, any guitar player for that matter better learn about Link Wray. They just don’t make them like that anymore.
Not much to say about this one, it just plain rocks. I dont have much info on the artist, but i think he was a studio musician. dont kick me if i’m wrong. He played with some greats, including the late great Ronnie Dawson. I got this off of the compilation “This Is Ecco-Fonic! The Ecco-Fonic Records Story” that Deke Dickerson put out. Not only have I had the album for hmmm, 10 years or something, but it STILL rocks! This particular song has always been a stand out for me. Back when I played in a band I always wanted to cover it but I never got to. The drums make this song. this is for all the drummers out there!
The Vindictives are one of those bands that I’ll never get sick of. Some day you may find me, 85 yrs old, in a garage, listening to The Vindictives. I highly encourage you to go out and buy some Vindictives, especially if you are a fan of punk. you will not be disappointed.
There’s something about old, crustry, scratchy, reggae songs that sound SO good. It’s perfect for my favorite time of the year, summertime. I’ve been listening to Toots lately, and I suggest you do too. Try it out on a summer night with a beer, or a lemonade, or both.
