Jerry Lee Lewis - Let's Talk About Us

Smash S-2202, 1968
 
The Otis Blackwell-penned classic. This isn't the original 1959 Sun Records version, but a late '60s remake Jerry did for Chicago label Smash.

This was recorded after Jerry's transformation from Rockabilly to MOR Contemporary County, with signature production by Jerry Kennedy. I've developed a taste for this period of The Killer's career - forgotten by pop radio, but soldiering on in Country (the A-side of this 45 topped the Country charts in '68). He was a good fit for this style and still rocked it his way.



Dave Edmunds did a nice cover of this a decade later (with Nick Lowe producing) - a version that seems to borrow more from the Smash single than the original.

The Bubble Puppy - Hot Smoke And Sassafras

International Artists 128, 1969
 
It's had quite a few plays, but it cleaned up purty good.

I don't think it made too much of a dent in the national charts, but it was a huge hit on Chicago radio. Always loved this song, despite its psychedelic bubblegum cheesiness. One of the first things I attempted to learn on guitar was that riff.

The Chi-Lites - Stoned Out Of My Mind

Brunswick 55500, 1973
 
A great song. I love the production - if you listen closely, there's really not too much there. Besides the horn section, it's a simple arrangement, almost minimalist. Just a strong bassline and a great vocal. That's all you need.

It's hard to believe it wasn't a bigger hit, considering their track record before this.



The single has a slightly different mix from the LP version I'm used to hearing (more Clavinet!).

Simon & Garfunkel - The Only Living Boy in New York

Columbia 45133, 1970

The single is a little different, in a good way. The lead vocal isn't so heavily processed like on the album (that cheezy ADT effect that makes everyone sound like a robot). Instead there's just some reverb over everything, which is very Classic Rock.

Garfunkel still sounds like a ghost on this one.