The Everly Brothers- Bowling Green

Warner Bros. 7020, 1967


A strange one. In an apparent attempt at updating their sound, they released this little baroque pop ditty in the Summer of Love. Oboe intro? check. Shiny, happy backing vocals? check. Fruity singalong hook in the chorus? We are Go.

It actually did chart, briefly, depending on what survey you check - the last time that would happen until their reunion in the '80s.



The album this was taken from is worth checking out. The same fruity backing singers keep popping up, along with random smatterings of fuzz guitar and general identity confusion. Their cover of "Whiter Shade Of Pale" is stunning... and just plain wrong.

Chuck Berry - Joe Joe Gun

Chess 1709, 1958


B-side of "Sweet Little Rock And Roller".

This is not your typical lion vs. elephant jungle drama novelty tune. Chuck's playing is great on this track, with some fine rhythm backup by Bo Diddley (you can hear him yelling in the background)

but the real standout is Fred Below's insane drums. Garage Jazz!

Tommy Roe - Sweet Pea

ABC 10762, 1966


Some twangy bubblegum pop, not too removed from the stuff that Nick Lowe was cranking out during his Jesus Of Cool phase. Count the ascending key changes!



If you've seen the film Jesus' Son, chances are this song and the visual of Samantha Morton's introductory scene are permanently burned into your mind.

The Equals - Police On My Back

President 166, 1967

Finally tracked down a copy of this classic. Did not chart in its day, but is definitely their most recognizable song now.

Nice punchy sound on this 45.