In 1962 guitarist Dick Taylor switched to bass and then quit what would later become the Rolling Stones. He returned to Art College, picked up the guitar again, and in 1963 he and Phil May formed Pretty Things. Originally a British rhythm and blues outfit, they would go on to push the boundaries of recorded music releasing 1968’s S.F. Sorrow- one of the first concept records, and considered by many as the first “Rock Opera”. 

“She’s a Lover” is from their 5th album Parachute which was also recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios. It’s their first release without founding member Taylor, and showcases May’s pop writing sensibilities with soft psychedelic undertones. Although maybe not my favorite song of theirs, I still think it’s a nice introductory track and potential single.
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Pretty Things never received much chart success on either side of the Atlantic, but for fans of psychedelic music, they have left us several notable albums. Other songs of theirs that are well worth listening to are: "Mr. Evasion," "Talkin' About the Good Times," "Walking Through My Dreams," “Peace,” "Balloon Burning," “The Letter,” “You Might Even Say,” “Send You With Loving” and "Alexander." 

In 1981, independent trade magazine publisher Tom Silverman borrowed 5 thousand dollars from his father and started Tommy Boy Records. It would go on to become one of the greatest Hip Hop and Electronic record labels, helping to establish the careers of 808 State, Afrika Bambaataa, De La Soul, House of Pain, Information Society, Naughty By Nature, and Queen Latifah.

Fresh Gordon’s “Gordy’s Groove (Mayberry Mix)” is a prime example of Tommy Boy’s early promotion of Electro-Funk, Electro-Hip Hop and Dance. Recorded and released in early 1985, it was originally a B side to the Choice MC’s “Beat of the Street” and features the melody from The Andy Griffith Show opening theme song "The Fishin' Hole".

I adored this track back then, the Roland TR 808 or 909 beats were spacy, futuristic and would make the needle skip. The falsetto vocal sample also added some depth, and I found it much more interesting than the heavy-handed A side.
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Fresh Gordon would go on to produce the Fat Boys, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Chill and King Tre, and although he never found success as an artist, he is fondly remembered by some for this early Tommy Boy release.

​I loved the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s version of "The ‘In’ Crowd" as a kid and wore out grooves in the vinyl from overplaying that song and album. I was particularly drawn to the rhythm section of Holt and Young’s lighthearted and soulful performances. They of course scored their own hits with "Wack-Wack" and “Soulful Strut,” but before the latter was released it was originally recorded in 1968 as “Am I the Same Girl,” and featured the vocals of Barbara Acklin.

Written by Acklin’s husband Eugene Record and Sonny Sanders, this version was shelved in favor of the instrumental. It would prove to be a smart business move by producer Carl Davis and Brunswick Records. Eventually this song was released, but it never did as well as the instrumental. I still think it’s an underrated gem and a heartfelt, if not notable, performance by Acklin.

ZZ Top achieved success over the years with catchy songs, style, humor and some classic guitar riffs. Few will forget Gibbons and Hill’s beards and the triad of attractive ladies slinking out of that 1933 Red Ford coupe. But before their rise to fame in the 80’s, this band actually had links to mid-60’s psychedelia with the influential 13th Floor Elevators, Moving Sidewalks, and American Blues. 

Recorded between 1971 and 72 with few overdubs, “Just got Paid” is for the true guitar hero, fortified with bluesy hooks, rolling basslines and Frank Beard’s funky beats. It’s just a great old school rocking song.
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ZZ Top’s own success has overshadowed some of their great early work, and what made this power trio a real force for nearly 50 years. While “classic” rock radio stations smother you with the sparkling hits, here is one of the more muddier tracks to appreciate.

I’m a sucker for the perfect pop song, with short sweet harmonies and catchy lyrics you can’t flee. I also love to find sounds that take you off the beaten path; disparate music that evokes emotion, especially when the lyrics are muffled and washed away. For many people this can be disconcerting, but for me it’s thankfully un-obvious, a cherished feeling you can always depend on.
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I know little to nothing about this group. I just think this single is the perfect mix of quirky, playful and mysterious enough to listen to over and over. Give it a chance; it goes well with a sunset.