Eric Burdon & The Animals - Sky Pilot (Parts 1 & 2)

MGM Records K13939, 1968
 
This is the radio version, which I think had a lot more work put into it. Aside from the freaky echo effect on "How high can you fly?", the drums stay in the mix during the middle sonic collage part. The transitions seem to work better, compared to the choppier, bland LP mix (an earlier mix, perhaps?). Plus, the single has some spooky bagpipes at the end.

I'm fairly certain this was the first stereo 45 I ever owned. Lots of cool panning effects during the middle part. As a kid, I loved playing this one on my GE Wildkat stereo and reveling in the total stereo experience (the distressed condition of this record reminds me of this - sorry about that. I'd love to track down a better copy someday).



I have yet to find this version on any CD compilation. The recent remaster of The Twain Shall Meet claims to contain the single version, but don't waste your money - it's just the album mix, folded to mono and cut into two parts.

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!).