Various Artists: The Best of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Vol. 1

 

Genre: New Orleans Rhythm & Blues

Dates: 50's - 60's

They say rock and roll was dead between Elvis' induction in the Army and the arrival of the Beatles, but that's hogwash, and racist-tinged hogwash at that. Not only was America gifted with the glorious girl group sound (mostly sung by black women), Motown pop (owned, operated, and performed by blacks), and the beginnings of soul music (James Brownnone blacker—and Sam Cooke), but the most substantial feel-good dance music in R&B history was riding the airwaves out of the Crescent City. Most of the music in this collection was waxed during that period; most of it was written, produced, arranged, and played (on piano) by the quietest hero of rock and roll's golden age, Allen Toussaint. Highlights: "One Night (of Sin)," by Smiley Lewis, which Elvis bowdlerized into "One Night (with You)"; "It Will Stand," The Showmen's ultimate rock and roll anthem ("Just 'cause they don't understand it/That's why they don't demand it/They're out, tryin' to ruin/Forgive them for THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOIN'!"); the murderous "Over You," by Aaron Neville—before his image makeover; "Come On, Part 1," by Earl King, which caught and changed the ear of a young guitarist named Hendrix; and five of the greatest Toussaint inventions ever: "Lipstick Traces," "Ooh Poo Pah Doo," "A Certain Girl," "Fortune Teller," and the eternal "Mother-In-Law." Prepare to become addicted.

Playlist:

1. Over You - Aaron Neville
2. Lipstick Traces - Benny Spellman
3. One Night - Smiley Lewis
4. I Didn't Want To Do It - Spiders
5. It Will Stand - The Showmen
6. Trick Bag - Earl King
7. Let The Four Winds Blow - Roy Brown
8. I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday - Bobby Mitchell And The Toppers
9. Feel So Good - Shirley And Lee
10. Ooh Pah Pah Doo (part 1) - Jessie Hill
11. Certain Girl, A - Ernie K. Doe
12. Come On (part 1) - Earl King
13. Monkey, The - Dave Bartholomew
14. Wish Someone Would Care - Irma Thomas
15. I Hear You Knocking - Smiley Lewis
16. Fortune Teller - Benny Spellman
17. Time Is On My Side - Irma Thomas
18. Mother-In-Law - Ernie K. Doe










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