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From '50s NYC clubland, a Yma Sumac-inspired version of "Babalu" by jazz/calypso singer Phyllis Branch.
Author Archives: Little Danny
Nature Boy
I can think of at least a few reasons for the continued appeal of the song “Nature Boy.” There’s its philosophical, pseudo-mystical message for one. It was heady, if not radical, stuff for 1948, at least as far as pop … Continue reading
Halloween radio special 9-11pm CST tonight
This evening on Lost Frequencies: Two hours of lost ’50s and ’60s bop, mambo, R&B, exotica, soundtracks and oddball surf instrumentals and country. No silly monster novelties, just deep haunted house moods and b-movie atmospherics. KRTS 93.5FM or stream at http://marfapublicradio.org/ 9-11pm CST.
Black night
This is one of those weeks where three records get posted alongside each other not because they share some very specific theme or belong, musically- or culturally-speaking, in the same sub-sub-genre. (Jazz, early rock ‘n’ roll, pop, R&B and country … Continue reading
Feel a whole lot better
The Byrds’ “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better,” first released as a B-side in 1965, was several things. It was, along with its A-side (“All I Really Want to Do”) the much-anticipated follow-up to the group’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” the … Continue reading
Jazz Exotique
A broader, more inclusive idea of exotica – exotica less as genre and more as creative style – is basically the central motive behind the Exotica Project, and a case I’m constantly building around here as well. What has in … Continue reading
UPDATE: “Duke” Dukett
The mystery of one of the more enigmatic 45s here – Duke’s “Runaway Girl” – was cleared up recently when Michelle Moffett, daughter of “Duke” Dukett, contacted me, and filled me in on her father’s life (and “Runaway Girl”). Many, … Continue reading
Girls from other worlds
It’s easy to forget not only how fresh the girl-group sound was in the years leading up to the Beatles’ arrival, but also how dominant it was, even during the British Invasion, as a commercial force. The phenomenon is also … Continue reading
AM Radio Dust
A new, or new to Office Naps, mix this week. AM Radio Dust was my 2009 contribution to the annual CD mix swap over at the Waxidermy forums, the weird id of contemporary record collecting. AM Radio Dust is … Continue reading
