Cincinnati Babyhead

Speaks his mind on music & movies!

Single: Green Onions – Booker T and the MGs

Green Onions
Green Onions is one of the coolest tunes ever. A young CB could only catch it on the radio once in a while or if he was sitting in the “Grill” having fries and sucking on a coke. He would plug the jukebox, punch in GO’s # and groove. And what a  groove. It’s unstoppable and irresistible. “Duck” Dunn and Al Jackson lay down the beat and Booker T and Cropper fill in the licks. Fantastic. What a band, what a sound.

Cincinnati has heard Green Onions more times than he can count. Is he sick of it? Are you kidding. Crank it up. If it doesn’t move you, CB will move for you.

A cool song by a real cool band. 2 minutes and 50 seconds of coolness. Catch the groove. It wont let go.

Nothing better. Maybe the start of my love for great instrumentals. Did I mention the words “cool” or “groove”?

(Another one from the CB archives that I brought out for hanspostcard’s  https://slicethelife.com/ singles takes. Check out all the great tunes people are sharing. )

83 comments on “Single: Green Onions – Booker T and the MGs”

  1. cincinnatibabyhead
    July 25, 2021
    cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

    Reblogged this on Cincinnati Babyhead.

    Like

    Reply
  2. Francisco Bravo Cabrera
    July 25, 2021
    eretxa's avatar

    CB, I am definitely with you on this one! These guys played back up and also on the records of many from Motown and when they went off on their own, “Green Onions” happened and I too don’t tire of listening to it and I will right now. Take good care CB, cheers for reminding me and all the best!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 25, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      More of our musical common ground. It really doesnt grow old.
      Hey, we both remind each other of good stuff. Thanks for dropping by.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Francisco Bravo Cabrera
        July 25, 2021
        eretxa's avatar

        You’re right CB, always a pleasure.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. hotfox63
    July 25, 2021
    hotfox63's avatar

    Swamp blues classic from 1962 that everyone has heard before. Actually super easy. Pure blues scheme and nothing else. Just a couple of moderately interesting solos. Think, you saw the line up to it in “American Graffiti”?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 25, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      The simplicity is one of the reasons I like it. My head starts bobbin and the rest of me follows. Lucas used ‘GO’ to perfection in the film. I think there’s a pop in ‘Quadrophenia’ also.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • hotfox63
        July 26, 2021
        hotfox63's avatar

        Yep it’s a catchy tune. “American Graffiti”, “Quadrophenia”, “Get Shorty” etc. I already heard the melody in TV commercials.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I hope they’re making lots of $$$

        Liked by 1 person

      • hotfox63
        July 26, 2021
        hotfox63's avatar

        Well, that is what you may call big dollar rock nostalgia.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Jim S.
    July 25, 2021
    Jim S.'s avatar

    We open on a view of Los Angeles. Dusk. A convertible Corvette comes rolling down Sunset Boulevard on its way to the Strip. We hear music. Pulsing. Insistent. It’s finger-poppin’ time. The camera zooms in. The driver has got his aviator shades on. He’s bopping his head to the music. All the ladies on the corner wave and smile. Do they know him? Oh yeah, they do. CB’s back in town. Laissez les bon temps roulez.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 25, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      He’s a little overweight and wearing a rug but he is still doing it. He didnt age as good as the song.
      Had to look up the last bit but yes, absolutely.

      Like

      Reply
      • Jim S.
        July 25, 2021
        Jim S.'s avatar

        Too bad Harry Dean Stanton isn’t still around to play CB in the movie. Maybe Sam Elliott?

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 25, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Harry Dean is a fave. Pulled out an old L
        A film last night ‘To Live And Die In LA ..’

        Liked by 1 person

      • Jim S.
        July 25, 2021
        Jim S.'s avatar

        Another one I’ve heard of but have yet to see.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 25, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        You’re buddy Friedkin directed

        Like

      • Jim S.
        July 25, 2021
        Jim S.'s avatar

        “Exorcist.” “French Connection.” Also directed a movie I long ago saw at the drive-in, “Sorcerer.” Remake of a classic French film, “Wages of Fear.” Know it?

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Yes I do. Came through the back door on that one. Vinyl Connection did a thing on the soundtrack ‘Tangerine Dream’. I finally watched it and loved it.

        Like

      • The Hinoeuma
        July 26, 2021
        The Hinoeuma's avatar

        Good film. Unfortunately, every time I think of Stanton, I think of Pretty In Pink. LOL!

        Like

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Harry would be pretty n pink. He has been in so many. I have to level with ya Vic, I never seen PP.

        Like

      • The Hinoeuma
        July 26, 2021
        The Hinoeuma's avatar

        1980s Ringwald teen angst movie. Probably not your speed. Stanton plays her dad. It does have one of the most iconic dance scenes in history by Jon Cryer in the record store. He was a scene stealer. There’s also a very young James Spader in it.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Harry is good no matter what hes in.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. 2loud2oldmusic
    July 25, 2021
    2loud2oldmusic's avatar

    Great track!! One that instantly recognizable when heard.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 25, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      I was hoping you were going to do one of those “First listen” takes but I think the song is a music lovers must.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Yeah, Another Blogger
    July 25, 2021
    Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar

    Right, this recording never grows old. You picked a winner!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. deKE
    July 25, 2021
    deKe's avatar

    As aways cool stuff you will find ’round these parts!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Aphoristical
    July 25, 2021
    Aphoristical's avatar

    I missed commenting on this the first time so I’m glad you reposted. Despite a long and storied career, with other top ten hits, they just about feel like a one hit wonder – easily their signature song.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 25, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      Funny you should mention that. Just before Hans started his get together I had another MGs ready to go on my page. Ill save it for later.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Aphoristical
        July 25, 2021
        Aphoristical's avatar

        You’ll prove to me that they have more than one hit.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I don’t know if it was a hit but it certainly is a very cool piece of music. Vinyl Connection and I were talking about it a few days ago. You want a sneak listen or do you want to wait?

        Liked by 1 person

      • Aphoristical
        July 26, 2021
        Aphoristical's avatar

        I can wait!

        Like

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 26, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Cool. Dont think you’ll be disappointed.

        Like

  9. christiansmusicmusings
    July 26, 2021
    Christian's Music Musings's avatar

    I’m fully with you, CB – what a cool tune!

    As you know, I love the Hammond and this track is a perfect showcase. I also dig Steve Cropper’s guitar work. Al Jackson and Lewie Steinberg are a fantastic rhythm section propelling the track along.

    This has got to be one of the best instrumentals. I’m not even missing any vocals! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. badfinger20 (Max)
    July 26, 2021
    Badfinger (Max)'s avatar

    This song IS the sixties…not the hippie sixties but the cool pastel sixties. The song is forever connected for me anyway… with a sixties shot of Sandy Koufax in his windup because of a Ken Burns doc on baseball…being a Dodger fan…I’ll take that connection.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 26, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      I could not agree with you more. The Koufax thing says a lot. The media sure know how to paint a one sided pic. A little more going on than “peace love dove”

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. greenpete58
    July 27, 2021
    greenpete58's avatar

    Steve Marriott’s favorite song. A classic instrumental, up there with “Wipe Out.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 27, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      Im in good company with Steve. When I was a kid at the skating rink they would play ‘Wipe Out’ so all the guys could skate fast Lots of wipe outs. The gals loved watching us clowns try to show off.
      Good to hear from you. Ill go and check out whats happening on your stroll.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. keepsmealive
    July 28, 2021
    keepsmealive's avatar

    Monster track. You know I’m here for it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 28, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      Your ear guides you.

      Like

      Reply
      • keepsmealive
        July 28, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        It’s like a puppy, wants to go in every direction at once.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 28, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I can relate to that.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 29, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        I knew you could!

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 29, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Buds do anything that will help?

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 29, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        We’ll see. They had to stay low-key given that half their cap is tied up in four players, but what the hell. Getting Mrazek is good if he can stay healthy, a cool 1A 1B tandem goalie for Campbell. The one that interests me is Kampf, he was under the radar but he does a lot of what they need on special teams, so fingers crossed he pans out. Other smaller signings too, but again, only ime will tell. How about yer ‘Nucks?

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 29, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        Also, I’m not choked about losing Freddie Andersen, it was time. But I am SUPER pissd at losing Zach Hyman for basically nothing. Him and Tavares are my two favourite Leafs. Sigh.

        Like

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 29, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I hear ya on both comments. You know how I feel about goaltending. You dont think the Isles would like John T back? Im not a Nucks guy. They have been bottom tier for so long I dont see it changing. Holtby left and he is a good goalie. From what I watch Van is the softest team Ive seen. Hands down. Management might do well to watch the playoffs to see what works.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 29, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        Isles would never take back Tavares, he’s a traitor don’t you know. They booed him resoundingly when he played there with the Leafs. It’s a tough town, and despite it being a business first, fans get irrational real quick. He’s better in Toronto.

        Huh, I thought you were a fan, missed my guess. They need rid of Benning, probably, and just re-build. Holtby has had some down seasons/time and I wonder if a bounce-back would even happen now. So many goalies on the move this year. Even Lundqvist wants to play again.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 29, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Im a neutral Books. Just like to watch good hockey. Trotts with JT would be deadly. From what I seen the Isles and Avs are close to doing it. But what the hell do I know.
        Van’s record speaks for itself. terrible. You have a good night. Im going to look and see who did what. I didnt pay much attention. Good talking to you as usual.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 30, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        I actually picked the Avs this year (good thing I didn’t bet money). They’re favourites next year too as they kept Makar, Landeskog and Grubauer.

        Check out the hockey guy again, he has a ton of posts, all the trades and deals. Great stuff.

        Rock on, brother!

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 30, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Avs a defenseman or two away from doing it. A little more rugged and physical type. What do I know.
        Yes i will check out HG he will have some good insight. Later fella.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 30, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        Makar is getting there but, yeah, deep playoff runs need the help you describe.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 30, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        From what I seen against Vegas they had one undersized guy and another light weight. The guy Reeves took out. cant have it in the playoffs. Makar is the real deal.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 30, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        He really is, hope he stays healthy. Speaking of Reaves, he went to the Rangers today.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 30, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Didnt know that about Reeves. I hate to criticize but the coach in Vega just doesnt do it for me. Im a fan of Gallant.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 30, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        Me too. And Vegas seems to be unable to treat players right. Look what happened to Fleury. Wonder if he’ll play in Chicago or if he’ll retire.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 30, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I think he still has some hockey in him.

        Like

      • keepsmealive
        July 31, 2021
        keepsmealive's avatar

        I agree, but it said he was talking to his family so who knows, maybe he wants time with his kids while they’re young – I can’t argue with that.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. the press music reviews
    September 2, 2021
    the press music reviews's avatar

    To Live And Die in LA completely rules. A young Willem Dafoe is quite menacing. Forget that Friedkin had directed it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      September 2, 2021
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      It stood up pretty good. Lots to like in it. Friedkin is good. You ever seen The Sorcerer?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • the press music reviews
        September 15, 2021
        the press music reviews's avatar

        Actually I saw The Sorcerer many many years ago and may have struggled but should revisit. Speaking of revisit I saw The Exorcist again recently and still a great flick. Perhaps not as scary as when I was 14.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        September 15, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        I missed the Sorcerer first time around and really enjoyed it when I caught it.. Tangerine Dream did the soundtrack.
        The Exorcist is just a good film period. Ellen Burstyn is so good in it.

        Liked by 1 person

      • the press music reviews
        September 17, 2021
        the press music reviews's avatar

        That’s spot on. Ellen Burstyn’s performance makes the movie all so much scarier. Will revisit the Sorcerer asap. Any other Friedkin movies you would recommend (apart from the classic French Connections) CB?

        Like

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        September 17, 2021
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        FC is a fave. Just watched ‘Live and Die in LA’ held up pretty good. Not in the same league as those top two but worth a watch.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. glyn40wilton
    June 16, 2024
    glyn40wilton's avatar

    Green Onions is really a kind of Mod Rockers anthem. The tune is tremendous.

    Like

    Reply
  15. Val
    April 16, 2025
    Val's avatar

    This was always being played on the radio here in the UK. I still love it.

    Your blog is really interesting. I’ve been by many times, usually via your comments in Max’s blog. Am looking forward to catching up with some of your older posts. It’s okay to comment on them still, is it?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      April 16, 2025
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      You’re back in the vaults. Green Onions is just timeless stuff.
      I stepped back from posting. Just got tired of repeating myself. The “Live Cuts” I’m doing now are still inspiring me. I have one coming up on John McLaughlin I think you’ll dig if I guess some of your tastes right plus era.
      Feel free to comment. It will start conversation on things I really dig. Plus nudge me to revisit. Pam (allthinsthriller) is doing that right now on some posts. Thanks for the interest Val.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Val
        April 17, 2025
        Val's avatar

        Thanks. And I visited Pam’s site for the first time yesterday. I’ll be going back there to listen to one of her podcasts.

        Mmm… John McLaughlin’s not really me. I’ve pretty wide tastes in music (and a lot else) but very little jazz. Exceptions are some of Sting’s later stuff (sort of fusion, I guess) and going back quite a way to some of Stomu Yamashta. My ‘era’ is pretty much sixties to now with favourite period late 6os/early 70s. I made a promise to myself when I was 14, after getting very fed up with the older people around me of the WW2 generation who only listened to things they liked when they were teens/twenties, that I’d not go that route, so I’ve tried to keep up as much as I can with newer stuff as it’s come along (or, to be more realistic to myself, have caught up with stuff a few years later!) I am 73 now, so there are a lot of years..!

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        April 17, 2025
        cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

        Pam is an interesting person with good insight and angles.
        You might be surprised with the John Mac take. Cool for a lot of reasons.. I have some Stomu/Winwood with Go. same page there Val. I’m all over the map and still feel like a youngster when I listen to music. Blogger 1537 says I’m good to keep rocking until I’m 86. I like that.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Val
        April 17, 2025
        Val's avatar

        I’ll give it a listen, thanks.

        Only 86?!

        Like

    • cincinnatibabyhead
      April 16, 2025
      cincinnatibabyhead's avatar

      PS. Max is a good guy. I also checked out your site and we were kinds on the same path except I found some more inspiration. Totally get where you’re coming from. Respect that mindset. Cool one Val.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Val
    April 17, 2025
    Val's avatar

    Yes, he is. We’ve been exchanging a lot of emails lately, so I’ve got to know him a bit better, too.

    And thanks about the blog. It can be really difficult keeping up with blogging and I was doing it on and off (in different blogs) since 2004. People who don’t blog or who’re new to it probably aren’t aware of how much effort goes into it. I do miss the social interactions, though.

    I’ve actually been wondering about putting some of my past posts from the various blogs into hidden pages with links to them from the info page, as some new people visiting it otherwise haven’t a clue who I am or what my blog content was! I backed up most of the blogs before I deleted them. Anyway, I’ll see.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. Val
    April 17, 2025
    Val's avatar

    If I ever get them posted, I’ll let you know somehow.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. Vinyl Connection
    May 27, 2025
    Vinyl Connection's avatar

    Amen, Brother.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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This entry was posted on July 25, 2021 by in 1962 singles, Booker T And The MG's, Rock and Roll, Rock instrumentals and tagged , , , , , , .

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