If you’re not triflin’ baby, you sure got it on your mind. . .

If you haven’t done so already, make sure to get some Moon Mullican
into your life:

Moon Mullican – Triflin' Woman Blues (buy album)

I'm not sure where you come down on triflin’, but I'm with Moon.

A Matter Of Time

I was scanning through my Google Reader this evening when I came across William’s great remembrance/review of Los Lobos’ 1984 release How Will The Wolf Survive over at Blues Booze Books and Bobs. There’s no point in me repeating everything he wrote, since you can just check it out there, but I do want to offer a hearty “second” to his post.

How Will The Wolf Survive has long been one of my favorite albums. It had a constant presence on my turntable during my first year of college in Ann Arbor. Twenty-four years later (YIKES), it still sounds as fresh as it did then, which isn't something I can say about most of my 1980’s favorites.

Here's a good one:

Los Lobos - A Matter Of Time (buy album)

Emitt Rhodes: Largely Unknown Pop Genius

If you are a fan of the pop stylings of Alex Chilton, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, or Paul McCartney, there's a pretty good chance that you've already heard of Emitt Rhodes. But just in case you haven't, this is your lucky day. The music speaks for itself.

Emitt Rhodes started off as a boy genius in the mid-sixties and has released a pop masterpiece (on which he performed every instrument), but hard luck with the record company killed his career. This article tells the story. His albums are all out of print, but you can find them used or hear them on the web if you look hard enough. It's well worth the effort.

To whet your appetite, here's sample of delicious pop from his self-titled debut masterpiece:

Emitt Rhodes - You Take The Dark Out Of The Night

(try to buy the albums used)

Also, check out this catchy track, which Rhodes composed at the young age of 16:

The Merry Go Round - Live (buy album)

Some of you jangly-eighties fans may remember the Bangles 1984 cover of this tune.

Links: BWF explores the Country-Reggae link

Head over to Boogie Woogie Flu to check out Ted's great post about Nashville's influence in Jamaica. The mp3s are worth hearing.

Great American Songs: Spoonful

Spoonful is one of the all-time great American songs. Written by the legendary Willie Dixon and originally recorded by the even more legendary Howlin' Wolf, "Spoonful" is about wanting to get just a little bit of a good thing.

Here's the classic original version:

Howlin' Wolf - Spoonful (buy album)

Here's the earlier blues song from Charley Patton that inspired Dixon's Spoonful:

Charley Patton - A Spoonful Blues (buy album)

Now for the real purpose of this post, three great cover versions.

(1) First and foremost, check out this great cover version by Jim Ford:

Jim Ford - Spoonful (buy album) (AMG Review)

Who is Jim Ford, you ask? He is an unknown legend worth discovering. Check out these informative posts at Rock Town Hall and Aquarium Drunkard.

(2) Next up is a great take on the song by Etta James (with Harvey Fuqua of the Moonglows):

Etta James & Harvey Fuqua – Spoonful (buy album) (AMG Review)

(3) Last, but not least, here's a really great instrumental version from the famous jazz arranger, Gil Evans:

Gil Evans - Spoonful (buy album) (AMG Review)

This one will be perfect for summer evening cocktail parties at your bachelor pad. (It clocks in at 13:46, but it's well worth the wait.)

Lately, drinking warm red wine is all I want to do...

Faron Young is one of the artists who probably deserves more recognition than he gets.

Helping to correct the situation is WFMU's Beware of the Blog, which is currently featuring a nice little Faron Young Tribute (including this great video, three mp3s, and some cool Life Magazine photos).

One of my faves: Faron Young - Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young (buy album)

The Only Christmas Song I'll Be Posting This Year

If you're looking for Christmas music, it's all over the place. But the place I'd start looking for the really good stuff is the always excellent Big Rock Candy Mountain

BRCM is posting cool X-mas music everyday from now through the big holiday. Go there for this annual favorite and a whole bunch more.

Commander Cody - Daddy's Drinking Up Our Christmas (buy album)

Middle Cyclone

Neko's new album is due on March 3.

As you can see, the cover is super cool. Read about it here.

(Hat tip: A Fifty Cent Lighter & A Whiskey Buzz)

Here's an oldie from Neko: Neko Case – Set Out Running (Live)

(Buy Neko)

Clever Idea For A Mixed Tape

Tsuru has a clever idea for a mixed tape.

Can you think of any more songs to keep the list going? What number songs would you have selected?

Here's one about the loneliest number...

Harry Nilsson - One (buy album) (AMG review)

I must speak frankly...

Today was "bonus and raise" day in our office. Mr. Shankly came by to tell me that I would be receiving neither. Times are tough, I guess. (Or maybe I spent too much time blogging!)

Anyway, this is a funny song.

The Smiths - Frankly, Mr. Shankly (buy album)