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.

Neil Young with Crazy Horse - Cinnamon Girl

originally Reprise 911, 1970


Different mix, different vocal (Neil and Danny switch high and low parts). I wouldn't say it's better than the LP version, but it sounds pretty cool.

The Equals - Baby Come Back

RCA 47-9583, 1968

Eddie Grant's '60s outfit, with their one hit - but it's a monster. Even I remember hearing this on WLS when I was a kid.

It was a fairly unlikely US hit for a UK beat band. Back in '68, this sound was both retro and ahead of it's time - though it apparently was a huge hit overseas. Not too surprising. Listening to it now, I'm hearing more than a little Elvis Costello (see Get Happy), maybe some King Khan & BBQ as well.



Turn it up - this is a party record.