Songs Of The Week, 2026: 4/18-4/24

 

Psychedelic Shack- The Temptaions
Tight Turn- The Raybeats
Lonesome Whistle Blues- Freddie King
Pumping- Patti Smith Group
Couchemal- C.C. Adcock
Soul Kiss- Joe Jackson
I Was Just Practicin'- Li'l Queenie & The Percolators

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I've acquired/purchased dozens upon dozens of records collections over the years and there always seems to be a Raybeats record in the middle of it all. (Okay, maybe not "always," but often.) Dig "Tight Turn."

Also, if you've never listened to Freddie King's "Taking Care Of Business," an extensive career spanning box from Germany's Bear Family, I suggest getting on that toot sweet.

I'm still enjoying "Hope & Fury," Joe Jackson's new one and it prompted to me revisit some older records, including "Night & Day II," which is a much better record than I remembered, and "Fool," which felt like a disappointment after "Fast Forward," but last week sounded wonderful. On this mix we go back 40 years to "Big World" for "Soul Kiss," which was my favorite J.J. song through the second half of the 80's.

We close with a beauty, the late, great Louisiana legend Leigh Harris, aka Li'l Queenie. 

Enjoy.

And don't forget to check Now Playing from time to time, for more music and a few surprises. There is a nice little Irma lagniappe over there now.

BW's Saturday #81

 

He's 85. He's A Beatle. And He's Fine.

 

 

 

Ringo's last foray into country with T- Bone Burnett, 2025's "Look Up" was a pleasant enough record, though after two spins, nothing really stuck. That it was better than "Ringo's Rotogravure" was good enough for me. Now, the pair have returned with more and "Long Long Road" is actually quite good.

Ringo's voice doesn't sound that much different than it did on his 70's hits, and with help from Molly Tuttle and Daniel Tashian, the music on "Long Long Road" sounds genuine. In other words, Ringo Starr pulled it off.

Not everything works. "Baby Don't Go," not the Sonny & Cher hit, and "My Baby Don't Want Nothing" can just barely be called songs, with silly lyrics and nothing melodies. But as a whole, "Long Long Road" plays really well and that makes me happy.

Ringo will be 86 in July. Peace and love, Richie. 

 

 

 

 

Helene Smith: Something Good Out Of Miami

 

I discovered Helene Smith "Sings Sweet Soul" about 15 or 20 years ago. A regular customer of mine had asked me to keep my eyes out for a copy and I said, "I sure will," not knowing at the time just how rare the record was. I did track down audio, wanting to hear just why this record sold for $2500. Even beat up copies sold for almost $2000. It's been a favorite ever since, when I remember I have the files, like I did yesterday. A vinyl copy has never made it into my hands.

Helene Smith has been called "Miami's First Lady Of Soul," and the tracks she recorded for Clarence Reid's label Deep City Records are all pretty incredible. It may be sacrilige, but I like her version of "Pain In My Heart" more than I like Otis's version. (Though I like Irma Thomas' "Ruler Of My Heart" more than either.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I Just Hope There's A Chorus"

 

I can't help but think Rick Beato's insides are twisting into pretzels as he struggles to find anything positive to say about the ten songs he is showcasing. 

The title of the video is "The Spotify Top Ten Got Even Worse" and Beato, with his forced smiles and backhanded compliments, is clearly not enjoying what he is listening to. He says things like, "Well written!" Or,"nice change." But every one of these songs, to my ears, sounds exactly the same. He must hear that, as well. There isn't a memorable chorus to be found, or a pure, unaffected voice to be heard. It's all autotuned and soaked in reverb, with melodies that mostly go nowhere.

Rick Beato seems like he doesn't want to come off as the old guy screaming "Get off my lawn," but I have no problem coming across that way because in my heart, I know I'm not. 

These ten songs are godawful. 

Songs Of The Week, 2026: 4/11-4/17

 

London's Brilliant Parade- Elvis Costello
All Behind You Now- Galactic
Too Soon Gone- Jules Shear
Who's Your Boyfriend?- Piper
Ashes By Now- Emmylou Harris
How Can You Baby-Sit A Man- Ned Towns
Blind Girl- Etta James

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BW's Saturday #80