The Charmer

'Lloyd Charmers' career (born Lloyd Tyrell) spans some of the most fertile periods of Jamaica's musical history. From the late-'50s era of Jamaican shuffle R&B and the subsequent ska boom, to the rocksteady and roots reggae of the late '60s and early '70s, Charmers made valuable contributions not only as a vocalist, but as a session musician and producer, as well. Unfortunately, not much is known about Charmers' whereabouts after his successful stint as a producer in the first half of the '70s. Whether he is still working or even still alive is a good question.' Here are a couple of his more soulful tracks.

Lloyd Charmers: Just My Imagination

Here's a very easy going cover of The Temps' classic. Charmers' voice is smooth and as sweet as guava jelly.

This track can be found on Trojan's Soulful Reggae box set.

Lloyd Charmers: For The Good Times

This Kris Kristofferson cover offers a desperate plea, 'Make believe you love me...'. Charmers voice aches on this one taken from the somewhat ridiculous Elvis Reggae compilation from 2006 All Shook Up: A Reggae Tribute to the King.

Listen Here

I've returned from my trip to NoLa with loads of goodies to share with you all. God bless The Music Factory on Decatur! Here is the first batch in no particular order.

Valorie Keys: Listen Here

I've absolutely fallen in love with this tune. It may be the easy going swing or the fluttering flute or maybe it harkens back to my childhood watching The Electric Company. This 1967 cover of an Eddie Harris track can be found on the BGP UK import FunkSoulSisters.

Bo Diddley: Ooh Baby

This 1966 Checker release is a house party favorite. The creativity Bo so often displayed is inspiring. He truly did his own thing with glorious results. Check out Bo's collection The Chess Box.

T.K.O.s: Fat Man

I guess I'm in an easy going mood this morning because here's another swinger. I don't have too much info on this piano driven track. If anyone has some insight please share. The liner notes list its release 1967, but the track list says 1965. Lets call it 1966 and just dig it!

Going Back To New Orleans

Well folks, I'm off to New Orleans for a few days and I hope to return with a slew of new music for you all. Until then, here are a couple gems from an Excello compilation that I picked up on my last visit to New Orleans. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Kip Anderson: You'll Lose A Good Thing

Actually recorded in South Carolina in 1967, this single broke the Billboard R&B Top 40 charts. Unfortunately his heroin addiction forced Excello to drop Anderson a couple years later. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1977 where he formed a gospel group. He later hosted a a daily gospel show on an AM radio station.

Jerry Washington: Right Here Is Where You Belong

I love the scene acted out at the start of this track recorded in 1972. This was a minor hit for Excello but the biggest hit for Washington.

Both of these tracks can be found on The Excello Story, Vol. 4: 1961-1975

New Summer Playlist Launched

Are you ready for the summer? You are now! The Buffalo West Music Summer 2007 playlist has been submitted for your approval. Just click the big green play button to the right ===>, crank your speakers, go outside, light the grill, crack open a cool beverage of your choice and enjoy these sweet and soulful summer classics courtesy of your friends at Buffalo West and FineTune. ==========>

Prince Rocks!

Never pigeonhole Prince. Just when you think you've got him figured out, he throws you a curve ball. It seems that lately he's been having more fun being Prince than ever before. As a student of music's history, he embraces the past all the while pushing his sound forward creating music that is pure Prince. Constant creation of music has left a back log of recordings that will last for years after he has left this world. Here are a few rarities from various bootlegs and DVD's of Prince putting his own twist on some rocking classics.

Prince: Honky Tonk Woman

Opening with a super crunchy guitar, Prince still manages to keep it funky on this Stones cover.

Prince with Lenny Kravitz: Fly Away

This track is taken from Prince's 2000 New Years Eve show and features Larry Graham's thumping bass. "Don't hurt nobody, Larry!"

Prince: A Whole Lotta Love

I was shocked when I first saw this Led Zeppelin track listed on Prince's Live at The Aladdin DVD. I'll call this one interesting and leave it at that. The concert is great, but the DVD features horrible video quality and worse audio. You may have to turn up your speakers for this one.

Curtis!

Happy belated 65th birthday to the great Curtis Mayfield!

It's Alright with The Impressions in 1965...


Freddie's Dead around 1973


People Get Ready with Taylor Dayne & David Sanborn in 1989

It was 40 years ago today...

...Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play

They've been going in and out of style

But they're guaranteed to raise a smile.

So may I introduce to you

The act you've known for all these years,

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Jimi Hendrix: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

One of Jimi's favorites to play live. He premiered his cover of this song at a show attended by Paul McCartney the very week that Sgt. Pepper was released.

Natalie Cole: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

Originally appearing on her 1978 LP Natalie Live! this edited version can be found on her 2000 greatest hits collection

Wes Montgomery: A Day In The Life

This track was recorded the same month as Sgt. Pepper's release. It is the title track of the guitarist's 1967 release.