Over the past month I've been exploring the world of music blogs that offer rare / out-of-print / bootleg albums for download, usually in mp3 form. Among most blogs there's an honor code not to offer recordings that are readily available but there are some that offer so much recently released material that their boldness is somewhat shocking (and not cool). In my travels I've found about ten or so records I've always wanted to hear again but haven't been able to find (such household names like the Fabulous Rhinestones, Mylon with Alvin Lee, Illinois Speed Press, Augie Meyers Head Band, Cat Mother etc.) Some of these are records I might have heard once or twice some 35 or 40 years ago. If they were really great, I'd still own them. But sometimes you want to hear something again just to hear it one more time...
Along the way I uncovered WATCHPOCKET, a nugget of early 70s blue-eyed soul from Memphis, complete with Steve Cropper on guitar and none other than DANNY JONES (the mystery participant on Radio City) on bass. Watchpocket was a vehicle for Sid Herring, lead singer of The Gants ("Keep On Dancing"). Joining Cropper and Herring behind the board is Ron Capone, a member of the Stax Ardent orbit.
Below is an excellent overview of the project from Amazon, although I take exception to the comparison to Delaney and Bonnie (it's an interesting album but it doesn't compare to anything in D&B's run from Home up to (but not including) D&B Together. That said it's worth checking out if you're interested in Memphis music, early 70s style...
If you want to hear the music, do a search for "rare MP3 music blogspot watchpocket" (leave out the quotations) and you'll be there.
1 comment:
RIP Alex Chilton. (Don't know where to post this, will come back later when a new post is presumably added.) You were the greatest, Alex. We won't forget you.
Dave Weiden
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