Tomorrow we celebrate the life of a legend. No, we are not referring to high comandar Trump. Allen Touissant died one year ago tomorrow. He was a true musicman. Not often in the limelight, and releasing only a handful of solo albums, he wrote countless hits, was a transending producer, piano extrodinaire and the mastermind of the godfathers of funk, The Meters. Touissant co-founded Sansu records in 1965, and The Meters were the studio band on such classics such as Lee Dorsey’s Working on a Coal Mine, Betty Harris’s Theres a Break in the Road, Dr. John’s Right Place, Wrong Time as well as releasing their own solo albums which are the funk benchmark. Touissant would later develop another funky house band Chocolate Milk in the late 70s who would also go on to release their own material, often occompanied by Touissant on the piano. Touissant’s songs have been recorded by The Stones, The Who, Otis Redding, The Yardbirds, and the list goes on. So when you have the post election blues tomorrow, remember the beautiful music brought into the world by the musical genius Allen Touissant. Here are 3 tracks for your listening pleasure. A cover by Lou Donaldson, a Dr. John jam Touissant produced and played piano, and a burner off his second solo album, Life, Love and Faith. Enjoy.
Not sure if I should register my residence as industrial, I feel like a hit factory. The shred parade continues ………until Sunday. Some new pulls, the weekly highlights. If this doesn’t get your blood flowing, go surf.
The tour de wax on the Double Dutch bus was in full effect last month. In between the red light district and the Heinekin Experience, we made time to scour the lands high and low for some Dutch gems. First stop, Rotterdam. Highs were definitely Vinyl Spot and Plaatboef. Just hit up Nieuwe Binnenweg and you will find a plethora of shops or Coolsingel on a Tuesday afternoon for a flea market binge. If I could go back to one spot it would be Vinyl Spot. The prices were reasonable, the selection was incredible, and the gent behind the counter was pulling out records for my sampling pleasure. I wish I had hit this first, but on the way I had wandered into Plaatboef (on Nieuwe Binnenweg across from Demonfuzz). I did manage to pick up a Supersister comp from Vinly Spot which was deliteful. Plaatboef, where 90% of my funds were spent, did have an immense selection and the inhabitants were helpful. But they were vastly overpriced. Unfortunately I didn’t realize this until after I dropped a pretty penny. They did have 2 of the Hans Dulfer records that I was on the hunt for (and 1 I wasn’t). These were basically my I gotta find these records, and at my first store no less, so I can’t complain. The guy there mentioned the store has been around forever and Hans used to come in there to buy records. Was he pulling my chain, possibly. The Rotterdam low was definitely Songs for Sale. The selection was bismal, think dollar bin records on the wall, and when I asked if he had any Bintang records, he just said “Those are rare, you won’t find those”. Is this not a record store, which depending on your taste was debateable.
Having blown most of my load in Rotterdam, and most of my space for the return flight home, I had to be very selective in Amsterdam. I hit up a lot of stores but none were carrying the Perquisite record I was dying to get, which was the next in line on my list. The Amsterdam highs were Waxwell Records, Distortion Records and Homesick Records. Waxwell had a really nice selection and the old guy there was really helpful. They had a nice Terry Callier record on the wall that I have always wanted but $125 Euro was outta my range so I passed, downside is the guy didn’t even know who Perquisite was. Distortion Records had piles upon piles of records that were calling my name. Literally, stacked to the ceiling. I really wanted to browse but was with my son, so I just asked if he had Perquisite which he didn’t, and bounced. He at least knew who Perquisite was. Lastly was Homesick records. This place didn’t even come up when I searched for record stores in Amsterdam on google. I discovered this place the day before I left, and it was a block away from the apartment I was renting, so I walked right by it. Turns out I could see the store front from my window, go figure. They did not carry newer records so no Perquisite, but they did have a playable (looked beat but plays great) copy of the Bintangs first album. In your face Songs for Sale. The guy was pretty knowledgable and the prices were fair (Selling Hans Dulfer Candy Clouds for 25% less than what I paid in Rotterdam). Amsterdam low for me was definitely Indeep’n’dance Records which only carried records they pressed, as they were also a label. I missed out on Rush Hour Records which was recommended but just couldn’t make the time (although I contacted ahead of time and no Perquisite so not too bummed).
All in all a pretty good tip on the vinyl front. In total, 3 Hans Dulfer albums, Bintangs debut, Dutch Reissue of Focus first album (still 2 years before first US press), Supersister comp, and a bunch of other crap I rolled the dice on at the flea market (stick with the stores if your Dutchery is soft like mine was). No Perquisite but I will be on the lookout, gotta love the internet. Enjoy a couple of my favorite Hans Dulfer tracks with Ritmo Natural, including a scorcher featuring Jan Akkerman from Focus, think the Dutch Page. And a blues number from the Bintangs. Apparently these guys are still touring to this day. Sorry no Perquisite, soon I hope.
Its been a long long while since we brought the jams. We have had our face in the books and noses to the grindstone. But the goose is loose, so watch yo butt. We will do a top to bottom ebay, grandma’s collection sandwich to celebrate the hollowdays. To open the sesh, and to close out the Patto collection, a track from Roll ‘Em Smoke ‘Em Put Another Line Out. Not even in the mail yet, Singing the Blues on Reds is too hot to wait for tangible possession. Peace of mind will have to suffice.
Bottom dropper numero dois is a smokin gospel R&B crossover track, first gospel banger of the collection. Evelyn Freeman and her exciting voices will make you move and take you to church all in one wipe snipe. This track, featuring 14 exciting voices, is an underground hit not to be missed. This was an essential jam to have for your in car record player (we want one) cruisin down the boulevards in the early 60s.
And for the cake on top, João Donato, our Brazilian brother from another mother. We made a $30 offer for the this one only to be shut down. 2 weeks later we won this bad (Donato) boy for a cool 10 spot. Good things come to those who wait. Straight Jacket has Heise written all over it. Ah the good ole days. Luckily for us the Brazilian jazz funk master spent a good portion of his career here in the states, and is one of the easier Brazilian artists to find US pressings. Vai Joao vai!!! Disclaimer: These tracks should be enjoyed with a tall glass of mint and watermelon juice on a hot summer day like today. Enjoy!
To all the mothers! If you haven’t heard of the band, Rare Earth, please check them out. I can’t describe how awesome they are. My wife and I have a second hand store we frequent for records. This one day we didn’t see anything we recognized so we each bought a record solely on the cover art. My wife chose a green and black cover of stylized face with glasses on and I chose an album of a black line drawing of a naked fat woman riding a small rocking horse. After we had purchased them and were sitting in our car we discovered they were the same band! Rare Earth.
This album is dedicated to Ma. This post is dedicated to Ma, and this day is dedicated to Ma. Mom, I love you!
The booth is ready for ammunition. Drawings and paintings will be hung in the morning.
Sales start at 11am, so you’ll be able to get your Saturday lie in. Flock of Seagulls are on at 7:30pm, and Berlin follow at 8:30. That gives a good window for enjoying Yucaipa’s old town, and supporting local artists and local business.
Wow, I can’t believe it is mid March already. The good news it is time again for the track of the week. I wanted to get this out before Friday the 13th in case something bad happens that will prevent us from bringing the weekly dose of music to the people. This particular track has been stuck in my head for weeks and I just couldn’t place what it was. Yesterday it just clicked and I recalled what it was. I immediately threw this on my turntable when I got home from work. I picked up this album a few months ago and I haven’t had too much time to really give it a good listen. Cymande, a London based group, was a short lived band from the early 70s that mixed reggae, rock, funk, afro beat and soul. They toured with the likes of Al Green and Mandrill here in the States but never obtained superstar status. This particular track, I believe was their highest charting single which was off of their first release, self titled Cymande. They embarked on a reunion tour in Europe last year and I recommend if they pass through your town to check them out. Without further ado, here is Cymande with “The Message”.
There is nothing like a bbq with good friends and good music on a Sunday afternoon in sunny southern California, and Vinylly Found will be bringing the beef. Check out this gem from Captain Beefheart and his magic band (not credited on this album). You won’t find this kind of magic in old town Las Vegas.
I will painting live on and off throughout the evening, beneath an 8 x 24 ft. mural. There will be some small pieces hung, music, refreshments and a very enjoyable crowd. Come on down to Related Grey in Brea. See you soon!
Jessie, the Walrus, Joelby, Andy, and myself went up to P-town last night and were engulfed in the lyrical genius of the mastermind, DEL the Funkee Homosapien. Great show, great music, great company. Check out the newest works of the Funkman here… and download for free… yes free. And if you get a chance, see him live!
the O style 
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