Desmond Dekker and the Aces - Too Much Too Soon (1968)
Brilliant soulful early reggae
Your actions are clear that you wanted too much and too soon
Tracks
Otis Clay - That’s How it Is (When You’re In Love) (1967)
Some “rip your heart out” passionate deep southern soul
Guided By Voices - Thank You Jane (2020)
The same Jane as Jane of the Waking Universe? Robert Pollard has written so many memorable melodies, and this another one. Note: The song ends very abruptly.
Conjunto Hitari - Hitari a media noche (196?)
Cool amazonian cumbia cover of Misirlou with that middle eastern sound popular in many Peruvian cumbias. Can’t tell you anything about this song or band as it’s not listed in discogs. But I can tell you to check out the YouTube site Freneticos Peru where I’ve discovered countless great Peruvian groups (cumbia psicodelica, garage, etc.) It’s just absolute treasure.
Limey & the Yanks - Out of Sight Out of Mind (1966)
Yeah, a pretty stupid band name, but this is definitely a fantastic garage rock tune. And yes, their lead singer was actually British.
Sebastião Tapajos & Pedro dos Santos - Munganga (1972)
If you want some crazy bird noises with your cool afro-samba, this is the one. A magical collaboration between guitarist Pedro dos Santos and percussionist Sebastião Tapajos.
Les Lunours - Nous sommes bi-bi-ba-ba-boum-boum (1970)
Moonbears? Ridiculously catchy bubblegum psych pop from Canada, recorded for a Banana Splits inspired kids show that apparently never got off the ground. There’s an English version, but I prefer not understanding the lyrics.
The Parliaments - Heart Trouble (1966)
Before George Clinton headed into the wild funk world of Parliament/Funkadelic, he lead a soul group from New Jersey called the Parliaments. I previously posted a cover of this wonderful song by Eyes of Blue, a Welsh group, but since it’s a fave, I thought I’d post the original.
And I can’t even force a smile
Magazine - Rhythm of Cruelty (1979)
One of my fave Magazine songs
You’re too good looking for your own damn good
The Jazzateers - Natural Progression pt. 1
Here’s a band with a really confusing history - signed to Postcard records originally, they got lost in the shuffle and ended up sounding like 3 or 4 different groups. This is from the first version of the band which featured Alison Gourlay on vocals. Sounding like a mix of bossa nova, and labelmates Aztec Camera and Orange Juice. The coda is lengthy and perhaps should have been edited. Still, the song is very charming.