Keep On Chooglin Vol. 32 - Angry Blues

Inspiriert von Compilations wie Country Got Soul, Delta Swamp Rock oder Country Funk wird auf Keep On Chooglin' ein musikalischer Eintopf gekocht, der allerdings noch um einiges schmackhafter ist, als die eben erwähnten Sammlungen. Die Zutaten sind Cozmic Boogie, Deep Fried Gumbo Rock, Swamp Grooves, Country Soul, White Line Fever, Southern Funk, Greasy Blues und mehr. Zeitlich geht es hier um die Phase von zirka 1968-1974 (mit einigen Ausreissern nach oben, wenigen nach unten). Beim Wort Funk keine Angst haben, damals bedeutete das noch Groove und nicht „dicker Daumen“. Vorher hatte man das noch nicht drauf, danach geriet der Sound oft zu slick und poliert.
Mit oben genannten Compis gibt es nur minimalste Überschneidungen, dazu ist die Mischung aus alten Klassikern und echten Fundstücken kaum zu übertreffen. Tief haben wir gegraben und lange probiert, bis der korrekte Flow erreicht war. Muffige Tracks (Produktion oder mangelhafter Vinyl-Rip) haben wir mastern lassen.
Volume 32/Angry Blues kommt wie alle als CD-R, hat 23 Tracks und ist mit 79 Minuten prall gefüllt. Die CD kommt mit Covercard und Traycard in einer normalen Jewelbox. Das CD-Label ist bedruckt. Limitiert auf 50 Exemplare.

1. Cowboy - Living In The Country
1970 on ATCO. Soon they would move to the Capricorn label. A nice and mellow opener by Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton’s band, who later would also function as Gregg Allman’s backing group (see: The Gregg Allman Tour).
2. Everly Brothers - Mr. Soul
Wow, what a great take of the Buffalo Springfield classic. I am pretty sure that the Brothers’ catalogue offers a few more of these surprises. Have to do some digging. Apparently this can only be found on two compilations and Hard Workin Man: The Jack Nitzsche Story, Vol. 2.
3. Barbara Keith - Detroit Or Buffalo
You might know this from Neal Casal’s Fade Away Diamond Time debut. Originally written and recorded by Barabara Keith. This track appears on her 1973 album on Reprise. There is also a pretty good version recorded by Melanie.
4. Wayne Berry - Indian Woman From Wichita
A nice midtempo track from Mr. Berry. Taken from his 1974 debut Home At Last, released on RCA Victor and recorded at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Featuring the impressive line-up of Jeff Baxter, Barry Beckett, Jackson Browne, Kenny Buttrey, Jesse Ed Davis, Pete Carr, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Reggie Young and others from the Swampers posse.
5. James Taylor - Angry Blues
Even soft balladeer James Taylor can deliver a nice groovy tune. Taken from Gorilla, his 1975 Warner Brothers album. By the way, you should check out the albums by James’ siblings - Livingston, Kate (the great Sister Kate album) and Alex, whose two albums With Friends And Neighbors and Dinnertime (both on Capricorn) are killer Southern-Rock records.
6. Patchwork - You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
Country rock band formed in 1970 in San Antonio, Texas. This nice cover version of a Dylan/Byrds-tune was taken from their only album - self-titled and released 1972 on RCA Victor.
7. Bettye Lavette - Heart Of Gold
1972 on ATCO. Looks like another one that only appeared on 7”. Love the soulful version of the Neil Young classic.
8. Roebuck “Pop” Staples - Black Boy
What an irresistable groove! And what a silky voice. I love that man. This only appears as the A-side of a 7” single - released 1970 on Stax Records.
9. Lee Webber - Your Love’s So Good
Not much is known about Mr. Webber. He released a 7” in 1968 on Chess and another one in 1973 on Excello featuring this track and a version of Seventh Son (not the Willie Dixon tune, but the one by R.C. Grier) - which is quite funky.
10. Albert King - She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride)
A Taj Mahal tune recorded in 1971 at Muscle Shoals Studios - 3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield, Alabama. Featuring Tippy Armstrong and Wayne Perkins on rhythm guitar and David Hood, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins on bass, keys and drums respectively. Released on the Lovejoy album on Stax.
11. Crimson Tide - The Funky Side Of Town
From their 1978 album. From Birmingham, Alabama the band featured guitarist Wayne Perkins, who recorded with the Stones, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell and a ton of others. Was asked to join the Stones and Skynyrd, but declined.
12. Syl Johnson - Take Me To The River
Originally by Al Green, but the Syl Johnson version is a little rougher and thus more along my alley. And what a sound! The Hi Records studio band sure rivals the Stax crew and Willie Mitchell was such a great producer.
13. Nolan Porter - Iron Out The Rough Spots
Here’s a little funky Soul for ya. Backed by Jimmy Carl Black and Richie Hayward (drums), Bill Payne (Keyboards) and Lowell George amongst others. Taken from his first (of two) album No Apologies - released 1970 on Lizard.
14. Orphan - I’ve Been Working
This Boston band is rather known for Soft- and Country-Rock. But as the last song of their third and last album (More Orphan Than Not - 1974 on London Records) they deliver a killer version of the Van Morrison classic. Almost as good as the Bob Seger version on Back In `72.
15. Cates Gang - When Love Comes
From their 1972 album Come Back Home (their second of two abums). Three years later Ernest and Earl Cate started the Cate Brothers. Levon Helm introduced them to Asylum Records where they released three very fine albums that mix Soul with Southern roots. Check out the next bargain bin, because that’s where you can find those beauties. The brothers are still around.
16. Memphis Slim - Losers Weepers
Another track that I first heard courtesy of master digger Senor Mick via the Whiskey Preachin’ radio show. This one originally appears on Going Back To Tennessee from 1975.
17. Clean Living - Congress Alley
A record that I found in a bargain bin because it looked like Country-Rock and was from the first half of the 70s. Never listened to it. Recently I ran across this track in a mix and was blown away. Boston Band. 1972 release on Vanguard.
18. Charley Musselwhite Blues Band - My Buddy Buddy Friends
Opener of the 1968 album Stone Blues on Vanguard. Charlie was Charley back then. I always had a soft spot for that man and I am happy that he is still around, recording and touring.
19. George Hatcher Band - First Things Smoking
I love George Hatcher. So many great tunes. Though born in Florida, Southern Rock vocalist and songwriter George Hatcher was forced to relocate to England to form a permanent backing band. The first two records Dry Run (1976) and Talkin’ Turkey (1972) are highly recommended if you are into Southern Rock.
20. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Preacher’s Daughter
This is taken from Skynyrd’s earliest demos, recorded at Muscle Shoals and released after the plane crash as First And Last. Unlike most of the other demos this tune never made it onto their original albums. Too bad. Skynyrd still is in the top-3 of my fave Southern Rockers.
21. Travis Wammack - Greenwood, Mississippi
Not For Sale, the 1975 Capricorn release by this master guitar slinger is a desert island disc for me. Southern Rock never sounded better. Little Richard had a good version on his Rill Thing album and Tom Jones called his version Greenwood County. But the Wammack version is the one.
22. Rustix - Hard To Handle
I agree, the flamenco opening and mexican rap is kinda weird, but when this Otis Redding penned tune starts rolling it is quite cool. The band is from Rochester NY and this track is on the second of two albums - Come On People from 1970 and released on Rare Earth, a Motown sub-label that was intended to release psychedelic and underground rock. Named after the band Rare Earth.
23. Charlie Daniels - Funky Junky
Not taken from the 1975 Nightrider album. This version is different, faster and appeared on Uneasy Rider from 1976, an album with a “heavy R&B influence” (Allmusic Guide). Uneasy Rider consists of material previously released under the title "Honey In The Rock".

Inspired by such great compilation like Country Got Soul, Delta Swamp Rock and Country Funk!
Comin’ right up, a steaming gumbo of down home, honey drippin’ Voodoo-Soul and rough-fried funky Blues with a large side order of countrified brain salad and gritty Southern Rock. These compilations encompass the elation of gospel with the sexual thrust of the blues, country hoedown harmony with inner city grit. It is alternately playful and melancholic, slow jammin’ and booty shakin’. It is both studio slick and barroom raw. And while these all may seem unlikely combinations at first glance, upon close listen, it all makes sweet sense. Follow the Love Rustler train through the landscape of blues and country with stops in Jackson, Mississippi. Memphis, Tennessee. New Orleans, Louisiana. Big Rock, Arkansas. Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Old Funk, Georgia. The legendary south of country preachers, forgotten jailhouses, rowdy juke joints and jaded dreams of salvation.
The tunes are from the glorious era between 1970 and 1975 with some years plus and few minus. We found the best tunes on albums you thought you knew and searched a lot of relatively unknown bands and releases for exceptional tunage. If sonically imperfect we had the tracks mastered and listened to the bunch endlessly to achieve the perfect flow.
The Love Rustler recommends: “Pour yourself a drink and keep on chooglin’!”
Volume 32/Angry Blues comes as CD-R and features 23 tracks and app. 79 minutes of music. It comes with a cover- and traycard in a normal jewelbox. The CD label is printed. Limited to 50 copies.

1. Cowboy - Living In The Country
1970 on ATCO. Soon they would move to the Capricorn label. A nice and mellow opener by Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton’s band, who later would also function as Gregg Allman’s backing group (see: The Gregg Allman Tour).
2. Everly Brothers - Mr. Soul
Wow, what a great take of the Buffalo Springfield classic. I am pretty sure that the Brothers’ catalogue offers a few more of these surprises. Have to do some digging. Apparently this can only be found on two compilations and Hard Workin Man: The Jack Nitzsche Story, Vol. 2.
3. Barbara Keith - Detroit Or Buffalo
You might know this from Neal Casal’s Fade Away Diamond Time debut. Originally written and recorded by Barabara Keith. This track appears on her 1973 album on Reprise. There is also a pretty good version recorded by Melanie.
4. Wayne Berry - Indian Woman From Wichita
A nice midtempo track from Mr. Berry. Taken from his 1974 debut Home At Last, released on RCA Victor and recorded at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Featuring the impressive line-up of Jeff Baxter, Barry Beckett, Jackson Browne, Kenny Buttrey, Jesse Ed Davis, Pete Carr, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Reggie Young and others from the Swampers posse.
5. James Taylor - Angry Blues
Even soft balladeer James Taylor can deliver a nice groovy tune. Taken from Gorilla, his 1975 Warner Brothers album. By the way, you should check out the albums by James’ siblings - Livingston, Kate (the great Sister Kate album) and Alex, whose two albums With Friends And Neighbors and Dinnertime (both on Capricorn) are killer Southern-Rock records.
6. Patchwork - You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
Country rock band formed in 1970 in San Antonio, Texas. This nice cover version of a Dylan/Byrds-tune was taken from their only album - self-titled and released 1972 on RCA Victor.
7. Bettye Lavette - Heart Of Gold
1972 on ATCO. Looks like another one that only appeared on 7”. Love the soulful version of the Neil Young classic.
8. Roebuck “Pop” Staples - Black Boy
What an irresistable groove! And what a silky voice. I love that man. This only appears as the A-side of a 7” single - released 1970 on Stax Records.
9. Lee Webber - Your Love’s So Good
Not much is known about Mr. Webber. He released a 7” in 1968 on Chess and another one in 1973 on Excello featuring this track and a version of Seventh Son (not the Willie Dixon tune, but the one by R.C. Grier) - which is quite funky.
10. Albert King - She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride)
A Taj Mahal tune recorded in 1971 at Muscle Shoals Studios - 3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield, Alabama. Featuring Tippy Armstrong and Wayne Perkins on rhythm guitar and David Hood, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins on bass, keys and drums respectively. Released on the Lovejoy album on Stax.
11. Crimson Tide - The Funky Side Of Town
From their 1978 album. From Birmingham, Alabama the band featured guitarist Wayne Perkins, who recorded with the Stones, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell and a ton of others. Was asked to join the Stones and Skynyrd, but declined.
12. Syl Johnson - Take Me To The River
Originally by Al Green, but the Syl Johnson version is a little rougher and thus more along my alley. And what a sound! The Hi Records studio band sure rivals the Stax crew and Willie Mitchell was such a great producer.
13. Nolan Porter - Iron Out The Rough Spots
Here’s a little funky Soul for ya. Backed by Jimmy Carl Black and Richie Hayward (drums), Bill Payne (Keyboards) and Lowell George amongst others. Taken from his first (of two) album No Apologies - released 1970 on Lizard.
14. Orphan - I’ve Been Working
This Boston band is rather known for Soft- and Country-Rock. But as the last song of their third and last album (More Orphan Than Not - 1974 on London Records) they deliver a killer version of the Van Morrison classic. Almost as good as the Bob Seger version on Back In `72.
15. Cates Gang - When Love Comes
From their 1972 album Come Back Home (their second of two abums). Three years later Ernest and Earl Cate started the Cate Brothers. Levon Helm introduced them to Asylum Records where they released three very fine albums that mix Soul with Southern roots. Check out the next bargain bin, because that’s where you can find those beauties. The brothers are still around.
16. Memphis Slim - Losers Weepers
Another track that I first heard courtesy of master digger Senor Mick via the Whiskey Preachin’ radio show. This one originally appears on Going Back To Tennessee from 1975.
17. Clean Living - Congress Alley
A record that I found in a bargain bin because it looked like Country-Rock and was from the first half of the 70s. Never listened to it. Recently I ran across this track in a mix and was blown away. Boston Band. 1972 release on Vanguard.
18. Charley Musselwhite Blues Band - My Buddy Buddy Friends
Opener of the 1968 album Stone Blues on Vanguard. Charlie was Charley back then. I always had a soft spot for that man and I am happy that he is still around, recording and touring.
19. George Hatcher Band - First Things Smoking
I love George Hatcher. So many great tunes. Though born in Florida, Southern Rock vocalist and songwriter George Hatcher was forced to relocate to England to form a permanent backing band. The first two records Dry Run (1976) and Talkin’ Turkey (1972) are highly recommended if you are into Southern Rock.
20. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Preacher’s Daughter
This is taken from Skynyrd’s earliest demos, recorded at Muscle Shoals and released after the plane crash as First And Last. Unlike most of the other demos this tune never made it onto their original albums. Too bad. Skynyrd still is in the top-3 of my fave Southern Rockers.
21. Travis Wammack - Greenwood, Mississippi
Not For Sale, the 1975 Capricorn release by this master guitar slinger is a desert island disc for me. Southern Rock never sounded better. Little Richard had a good version on his Rill Thing album and Tom Jones called his version Greenwood County. But the Wammack version is the one.
22. Rustix - Hard To Handle
I agree, the flamenco opening and mexican rap is kinda weird, but when this Otis Redding penned tune starts rolling it is quite cool. The band is from Rochester NY and this track is on the second of two albums - Come On People from 1970 and released on Rare Earth, a Motown sub-label that was intended to release psychedelic and underground rock. Named after the band Rare Earth.
23. Charlie Daniels - Funky Junky
Not taken from the 1975 Nightrider album. This version is different, faster and appeared on Uneasy Rider from 1976, an album with a “heavy R&B influence” (Allmusic Guide). Uneasy Rider consists of material previously released under the title "Honey In The Rock".

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