Dan Penn - Singles & Demos

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Another pot of gold, as far as I'm concerned. And for those of you that read the Peter Guralnick book "Sweet Soul Music", this is about just as good as he made this stuff out to be. Peter said some very, very nice words about Dan Penn and his recordings, including the demos. And here we have some singles (not all, but none released on any regular albums) and demos, mostly from the 60's. And 26 of 'em. I found these files on 'My Blog Too', though I did try to clean them up some. I was very grateful finding them. I hope someone will find the rest soon as well. But until then, what we have here is a bunch of terrific Country Soul music. Some of the vinyl was seriously wounded, but it's still well worth checking out. I mean come on, it's Dan Penn! Creator of some of the finest Southern Soul classics ever. Maybe the people at Bear Family Records could turn this into one of their ambitious projects. That would sure please me. So sit you down, have a glass of red wine and enjoy Dan Penn at his very obscurest. But pretty. Diamonds..

Moonshine - Demos (2010)

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Not a full album, instead this is a three track demo from 2010. Courtesy of E. Anonymous (thanks!). It features one new track and cover versions of "Stand Back" (Allman Bros) and "Cheap Sunglasses" (ZZ Top) Moonshine reformed? Anyway, this is a nice Southern Funky Blues Rock track. What are they spendin' time on?

Joe Sun - The Sun Never Sets (1984)

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Another Joe Sun record for ya! "The Sun Never Sets" is as good as any Joe Sun record. The man just won't ever let you down. Then again, neither will he shock you with anything unexpected. But that's just fine by me. So what you get is another classic Outlaw Country album that can hold its own with the best of the genre. I never tire of his beautiful gravelly voice, nor does his Outlaw Country repertoire ever disappoint me. Quality stuff here. And some hot picking as well! Just goes to show, not everything I like the most is bad for me.

The Outlaws - So Low (2002)

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"So Low" is the last album released by Hughie Thomasson as The Outlaws. Though I've also read it was actually a Hughie Thomasson solo album. Same difference. It's slightly more Country than previous Outlaws records, but there's still plenty to get riled up about. It's been out of print almost as soon as it had its release, so enjoy y'all. What I really had in mind to bring to attention is the legal dispute going on between Henry Paul and Hughie's widow. Apparently the original idea was for Henry Paul to carry on The Outlaws while the latest studio recordings would see their release. But then Hughie's widow had a run-in with Paul and decided it should be a different line-up. Exit Henry Paul and enter Chris Hicks. Rumors about what it's going to be, have been continuing for several months now. Since Hughie's past away, we're all awaiting the release of "Once An Outlaw". But as long as this unholy war is going on we will not see anything, I guess. My suggestion: get both Chris Hicks and Henry Paul in this new Outlaws line-up. I can't see any right minded Southern Rock fan object to that. And then get that album out before the first generation of Southern Rock fans are all dead and buried as well. Well, until they get all that sorted out, enjoy Mr. Cowboy..

Fountainhead - Straight From The Source's Mouth (1982)

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Founded in 1974, Fountainhead are still a touring band today. They released two albums, a live set in 1980 and this album, "Straight From The Source's Mouth", in 1982. It's a very nice record with lots of uptempo songs and it's Southern Rock with the emphasis on rock. Vocally it's not too hot, but they play with lots of enthusiasm which will have you toe tapping in no time. I especially like the songs "Red Hot", "Take Me To The Block" and "Night Of The Hunter". I'd rather not listen too closely to the lyrics, but this is great for a raunchy Friday night with lots of beer. Dang, I'm thirsty already. Cheers!

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Now Hear This! (1990)

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"Now Hear This!" was a cassette only release by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and only sold at their concerts. Close on the heels of their
"Heart Of The Country" and "Modern History" albums, this actually doubles 6 tracks of those albums. Which leaves us with 4 tracks unknown up till that time. "Hilltop Girl", "There Ought To Be A Law", Gonna Buy Me A Car" and "Flame Of Laredo". All good stuff. This version features two bonus track: "Dreams" and "Better Days". Quality overall is pretty good. And the music is as good as ever. I had this provided to me by both Holger and Mark; thanks guys! OMD was always one of the finer bands on the Country side of Southern Rock. In my opinion. Which is one that counts here ;-) Now hear this!

Sea Level - After The Dance (1982)

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Well, praise the Lord and Craig (he got this to me) too! I am very proud to present to you the lost Sea Level album "After The Dance" (I just made that up), which never got released. A single did get released, however, and is being sold at steep prices on the internet. That's the song "Make You Feel Love Again", which is also on the flip side. Vocals on that track were by Blue Miller. And here we have all that was recorded after the "Ballroom" album. Vocal duties shared by Blue Miller and Randall Bramblett, I don't know how it was all meant to turn out, but what we have is wonderful! Luc sent me an answer Chuck gave him when asked about these recordings:
"We did release the single you mentioned, but it died a quick death. We recorded several other tracks for Arista that none of us liked....and the band broke up soon after that. Clive Davis had his own ideas about what he thought Sea Level should be...which was a very commercial concept, and we just did not want to go down that road. Most of what we recorded in those last days was me with some Miami session players, although there was a few tracks we did in Nashville that was the proper band.. It’s a period that I do not look upon with any fondness....and it’s probably best that those tracks have never been finished or released...best, Chuck"
Craig mentioned that: "It featured a new bass player, Paul Brodeur, who sadly died during the sessions. Quality is good - music is a bit "pop" but has some nice moments.".
Well, they may not have been finished and released, but I thoroughly enjoy listening to these tracks. It's a lot slicker than any previous Sea Level album but it's great stuff all the same. It's funky, soulful stuff. I love it. Oh, and there's a bonus track at the end, a song by Jimmy Nalls. I believe it's called "Tribute", and that's what it sound like. But a tribute to who? Shooby doo!

Don Bowman - Support Your Local Prison (1969)

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"Support Your Local Prison" is Don Bowman at his very best. Again. This time the theme is prison and Don's sure taking the p**s out of all that heavy s**t. Like "The Top Ten" in which an elderly couple is musing kindheartedly, while looking at a picture of their only son, who just made it to number one in the top ten. The top ten of the most wanted criminals list, that is. This also features a truly hilarious version of "Folsom Prison Blues" and his hit song, "Poor Old Ugly Gladys Jones", featuring Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Bobby Bare. And then there's a 18 minute long parody on the Arlo Guthrie song "Alice's Restaurant". You might as well get high on that. As a bonus I've included a single with the tracks "Another Puff" and, Don looking back on how he got so big to begin with, "I Owe It All To You Chit Akins". Just list-in!..

Point Blank - BBC Rock Hour (1981)

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Another Point Blank live show for ya, and a hot one at that. I know hardcore Point Blank fans may disregard the period after original lead singer John O'Daniel quit, but I love it to bits. I only got to know Point Blank well after they disbanded, and I was quite taken by the "On A Roll" album. I thought new singer Bubba Keith (formerly of The James Gang) was really a wonderful singer. Sure, the music started leaning a whole lot more towards AOR, but, unlike many other Southern Rock bands that made their move towards AOR (38 Special and even Molly Hatchet), Point Blank still had some very good compositions. And, as you can hear here, live they were still one hell of a band. I don't think Bubba's screwing up the old songs (au contraire, mon frère) and he performs beautifully on the new ones. And the band is rocking, oh yeah, they're rocking alright. I prefer the version of "Highway Star" here over the one recorded for the "The Hard Way" album. And this is a great sounding live show too. This is also circulating under other titles, like "Miami Excess", and it's the band promoting the "American Excess" album, which featured their biggest hit, "Nicole". Get in the swing and rock on. Do it all night!

John Porter McMeans of Thunder: Where is he now?

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I was wondering if anybody out there knows what John Porter McMeans has been up to since Thunder and his solo album. I know he's played with Dan Seals. And he's been playing with, one of many bands called, Shiloh: "John Porter McMeans sang with the group Shiloh on a track called “Judgement Day” back in the late 90’s. It was featured on an American Civil War album of some kind.".
Does anyone know of other recordings? Or better, have any to share? Thanks.

Larry Jon Wilson - Sojourner (1979)

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"Sojourner": is the last of the four albums Larry Jon Wilson made for the Monument label in the 70's. And yet again, it is one of the prime examples of classic Outlaw Country. The very best of its kind. Frank sent me this rip (thank you!) and I was pleased to hear that it's every bit as good as the previous three. Great song selection, that wonderful voice of Larry Jon and beautiful arrangements. Yes, sometimes a little mushy but always delicious. It is truly beyond me why these albums are not available on CD. These are timeless classic which should be obtainable at any time. Well, that's how I feel. Hey people, if you dig Outlaw Country and haven't heard of Larry Jon Wilson, do yourselves a favor and get into this. It's just a matter of time.

John Porter McMeans - Vigilante Man

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I had been searching for a long time for this, and here it is: "Vigilante Man", first and only solo outing by former Thunder (80's) front man John Porter McMeans. Thunder made two great albums, the first a bit rootsier than their second (and final), "Headphones For Cows", which was firmly rooted in 80's AOR. And so is this little solo album,, or rather EP. It has 6 track, 4 of which he previously recorded with Thunder. The two new tracks are a welcome addition to the Thunder albums. Fans of AOR and those who don't mind all those Southern Rock bands who started playing a Southern flavored AOR will thoroughly enjoy this. And I do too. Thanks to Steve for this. Last train to paradise.

Toy Caldwell - Toy (1984)

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When Toy Caldwell left The Marshall Tucker Band, it would take up until 1992 before the world would hear a new studio product by one of the finest pickers Southern Rock had brought forth. But he did not sit still. He did work and record in the studio, it just never got released and, according to his widow, it's not about to. Now what we have here must be leaked recordings. Not the best of quality, some muffled sounds (probably from copying tape to tape to tape?), but still a splendid work of art. And the only chance for us fans to hear what Toy Caldwell had been doing all those in between years. This recording is very much a Country thing, but with that unmistakable trademark guitar sound that we so love from those early Tucker albums. Here's a real fine band, doing a real fine record. I don't know who's on it besides Toy, but from what I've been told, this features Norton Buffalo on harmonica, Bruce Marshall did some of the vocals, Ronnie Godfrey had some part in this and Paul Hornsby worked on the production? Here's still hoping this will one day get the release it deserves, sounding as good as it can. But this is still the kind of stuff you can only find at the end of a rainbow. Pure solid Southern gold.

Swallow - Swallow (1973)

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This, the second album by Swallow, was recorded at Studio One in Atlanta, Georgia. Home to the Atlanta Rhythm Section and produced by Buddy Buie. But the Atlanta Rhythm Section-connection doesn't end there. This album also features musical contributions by ARS guitar men Barry Bailey and J.R. Cobb. So, although they hail from Boston, no right-minded Southern Rock fan should pass this one up. Yes, it's a hot little record which spans the horizon from boogie to big-horn-funk. Sounds like Blood Sweat & Tears down South. Ace performances of great songs, which leaves you with a good feeling wanting more. And then you can, of course, always continue this party with their first, "Out Of The Nest". But this is where Southern Rock fans start the journey. A short one, cause after this album it all ended. Let it roll..