Small Town Talk

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 64

In which Ginger Baldy has mixed thoughts about Dallas, and plays some early sixties girls who need some reappraisal.
 
1.   Musta Notta Gotta Lotta - Joe Ely
2.   Dallas - Joe Ely
3.   Dallas - Johnny Winter
4.   Crosscut Saw - Albert King
5.   You’ll Lose A Good Thing - Barbara Lynn
6.   It’s Your Voodoo Working - Charles Sheffield
7.   Angel of the Morning - Billie Davis
8.   (You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am - Kiki Dee
9.   I Feel So Good - Jo-Ann Kelly
10. Going Back - Goldie
11. The Death Of J. B. Lenoir - John Mayall & The Blues Breakers    (This month’s death song)
12. Someday Baby - Cyril Davis & The All Stars
13. Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow - The Rivingtons    (This month’s earworm)
14. What’s So Good About Goodbye - The Miracles
15.  More Life In A Tramp’s Vest - Stereophonics
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
You know that I ain't evil, just want to have some fun
There's so much shit in Texas, I'm bound to step in some
Goin' back to Dallas, take my razor and my gun
If there are people lookin' for trouble, sure gonna give 'em some
 
Track 3 - Johnny Winter - Dallas  (From the album Johnny Winter (1969) but still available on a 5 CD box-set - Original Album Classics, for about £20)
 
You can find Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
His latest episode is due any minute now.
 
Also visit the brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month, three in this episode - tracks 4, 5 & 6.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Don’t be shy, contact me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 63 illustration: Two Texas boys, Joe Ely & Johnny Winter visit Dallas.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 63

In which Small Town Talk heads South To Louisiana
 
1.   I’m Twisted - Cookie & His Cupcakes
2.   Sea Of Love - Phil Phillips
3.   Jambalaya - Hank Williams
4.   South To Louisiana - Johnnie Allan
5.   Betty And Dupree - Shelton Dunaway & The Cupcakes
6.   Saturday Night In Oak Grove, Louisiana - Tony Joe White
7.   Let Them Talk - Mitty Collier
8.   Let Them Talk - Dan Penn
9.   John Henry - Hugh Laurie with Irma Thomas    (This month’s death song)
10. BGMOSRNR - J D McPherson
11. American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
12. I Worship The Ground You Stand On - Etta James
13. He Ain’t Gonna Do Right - Barbara Lynn
14. Silly Thing _ Graham Parker & The Rumour
15.  Mathilda - Cookie & His Cupcakes    (This month’s earworm)
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
They paddled through the marshlands and the swamps of LouisianeWith the handles of the hand-made oars making blisters in their handsBut they had to get to Thibodeaux so they went on through the swamps'Cause tonight they were taking their Cajun girls to a crawfish sauce piquant
Track 4 - Johnnie Allan - South To Louisiana
(Johnnie Allan - Promised Land still available from Ace Records on CDCHD 380 - see below)
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at :
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
Then answer his simple question to win this:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/new-breed-money-talks
If you win and don’t want it send it to me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Also visit the brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and check out playlists from the likes of Phil Jupitus and their knowledgeable staff and contributors.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Want to chat about the music, correct my mistakes, criticise the choices? Don’t be shy, contact me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 63 illustration: The magnificent J D McPherson.
Everybody should own his debut album, Signs And Signifiers:
Try this for starters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZGn4LncY0g

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 62

In which OK Jive’s Datsun Cherry becomes a one-man band
 
1.   I Gotta Know - Cliff Richard & The Shadows
2.   His Latest Flame - Del Shannon
3.   Little Sister - Elvis Presley
4.   Get Rhythm - Ry Cooder
5.   Sunshine Getaway - J D McPherson
6.   Lollie Lou - T-Bone Walker    (This month’s earworm)
7.   Zindy Lou - The Chimes
8.   Georgie Lou - Cajun Gold
9.   Wanda Lou - Tim Buckley
10. Take It Easy - OK Jive
11. Take It Easy - Jackson Browne
12. Judge Jeffries - Julie Felix    (This month’s death song)
13. I Ain’t Mad At You - Bobby “Mr Blues” Merrell
14. Mr Bobby - Manu Chao
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
Oh, neighbour, drag me out of the state I'm inI need a tropical breeze over sun-kissed skinIn the crystal blue seas where the palm trees swayI'm stuck in the middle of the USA
Track 5  - J D McPherson  (From the current album, Nite Owls)
Small Town Talk will be at JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th. Latest news is that there are a few tickets still available, and there are still tickets for the remaining UK and European tour gigs  Go here for info and check out what he’s up to:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
Then answer his simple question to win this:
https://acerecords.co.uk/whos-making-love-the-stax-singles-1966-1970
If you really don’t want it send it to me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
The hanging Judge, George Jeffreys' name is spelt Jeffries in Julie Felix’s song. If anybody knows about songwriter Chris Plail, I would be grateful for information. In Felix’s notes she claims he was a student pharmacist who handed her a bunch of papers which included the song, Judge Jeffries, and claimed it was a traditional song, but she believes it was an original. If you know more, or better then please email me at the above.
 
Also visit the brilliant Ace records. Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and check out playlists from the likes of Phil Jupitus and their knowledgeable staff and contributors.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
Episode 61 illustration: The one-derful Datsun Cherry in his incarnation as a one-man band

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 61

In which Ginger Baldy has trouble with the birds.
 
1.   Little Pigeon - Chuck Sims
2.   My Pigeon’s Gone - The Five Keys
3.   Lonely Weekends - Charlie Rich
4.   Sowed Love And Reaped The Heartache - Sandra Rhodes
5.   Sweet Dreams - Esther Phillips
6.   Hi-Heel Sneakers - Tommy Tucker
7.   June - Donnie Fritts
8.   Go Home Girl - Arthur Alexander
9.   Crazy Baby - Gene Maltais
10. Crazy Baby - Doug Sahm
11. Maybe Baby - The Crickets     (This month’s earworm)
12. Moody River - Chase Webster     (This month’s death song)
13. Bus Stop - The Hollies
14. Look Through Any Window - The Hollies
15. Flying On The Ground Is Wrong - Buffalo Springfield
16. Please Don’t Tell My Baby - Mickey & The Milkshakes
17. First Snow - Colby T. Helms
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say
"Please, share my umbrella"
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
Track 13  - Graham Gouldman
 
If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s  new album, Nite Owls at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be at JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th but it is sold out. However ATM there are tickets for the remaining UK gigs.
 
Johnny Corsair’s podcast can be found at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
But specifically if you are interested in the excellent output from the FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios check out this link:
https://acerecords.co.uk/features/label-profiles/fame
 
Episode 61 illustration: My Pigeon’s gone

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 60

In which Ginger Baldy revisits the Graham Gouldman songbook.
 
1.   Race With The Devil - Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps
2.   Sweet Gene Vincent - Ian Dury
3.   Styrofoam - The Tyla Gang
4.   Less Than Zero - Elvis Costello
5.   I’m Sorry - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
6.   I’m Sorry - Los Lobos
7.   Gimme Little Sign - Brenton Wood
8.   Willie And The Hand Jive - The Johnny Otis Show     (This month’s earworm)
9.   Make Me Your Baby - Barbara Lewis
10. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance - Gene Pitney     (This month’s death song)
11. Soul On Fire - LaVerne Baker
12. No Milk Today - Graham Gouldman
13. You Stole My Love - The Mockingbirds
14. This Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis And The Playboys
15. I Wonder - The Gants
16. Going All The Way - The Squires
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
No milk today, my love has gone awayThe bottle stands forlorn, a symbol of the dawn.
Track 12  - Graham Gouldman
Check out the full lyrics here:
https://genius.com/Hermans-hermits-no-milk-today-lyrics
Graham Gouldman’s comprehensive and informative web site is here:
https://www.grahamgouldman.info/
 
Elvis Costello’s lyrics for the original “Oswald Mosely” version of Less Than Zero are here:
https://genius.com/Elvis-costello-less-than-zero-lyrics
Lyrics for the Lee Harvey Oswald version, (Dallas version) is here:
https://genius.com/Elvis-costello-less-than-zero-dallas-version-live-lyrics
 
If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th
 
I wouldn’t mind winning this one myself!  - Go to Johnny Corsair’s website. The prize - a brand new Ace Records compilation, “Hit & Run - More Motown Guys Rare and unreleased tracks.
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Episode 59 illustration: Graham Gouldman, composer extraordinaire, the real meaning of influencer.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 59

In which Ginger Baldy meets a certain girl down in the basement.
 
1.   In The Basement Part 1 - Sugar Pie DeSanto & Etta James
2.   Have Mercy Baby - Billy Ward & The Dominoes (lead vocal Clyde McPhatter)
3.   Marked Deck - Mercy Baby
4.   A Certain Girl - Ernie K-Doe
5.   Heart Full Of Soul - The Yardbirds
6.   Worm And The Rattlesnake - Godley & Creme
7.   Down On Me - Big Brother & The Holding Company
8.   Down On Me - Robert Bradley & Macy Gray
9.   She’s So Tough - Mink DeVille
10. That Makes It Tough (Undubbed) - Buddy Holly
11. Kimbie - Jackson C. Frank
12. Reno - Peter Rowan & Don Edwards     (This month’s death song)
13. Tobacco Road - The Nashville Teens     (This month’s earworm)
14. Yakety Yak - The Coasters
15. Do I Make Myself Clear - Sugar Pie DeSanto & Etta James
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
I was as jealous as hell 'cause he was just a kidAnd he could walk on the waltzers like Jesus didHe said, "You try it," I said, "It's a piece of cake"But I knew he knew I was a worm not a rattlesnake
Godley & Creme
Worm and the Rattlesnake  from the album Birds Of Prey (1983)
Check out the full lyrics here:
https://genius.com/Godley-and-creme-worm-and-the-rattlesnake-lyrics
 
See how brilliant, sassy and funny Sugar Pie DeSanto was back in Manchester in ‘64:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3E5Rn2cXeo
 
Jackson C. Frank can be found on Wikipedia, but this Guardian article is a good way to start:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/09/jackson-c-frank-tragic-tale-forgotten-60s-legend
 
If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s  new album, Nite Owls at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th.
 
You have to enter Johnny Corsair’s competition. The prize - a brand new Ace CD, “Soul Harmony”. Get over to Bright Lights Big City to see what's new.
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
Episode 59 illustration: The late great Sugar Pie DeSanto

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 58

In which sleuths, Ginger Baldy and Johnny Corsair track down Shirley.
 
1.   Catch That Teardrop - The “5” Royales
2.   Shirley - John Fred & The Playboys
3.   Honey Honey - Geraint Watkins
4.   I Can’t Dance For You - Paul Cebar & The Milwaukeeans
5.   Hey Little Girl - Frankie Lee Sims
6.   Hey Little Girl - The Electric Flag
7.   I Feel Good All Over - Bettye LaVette
8.   Never Satisfied - Leon Bridges
9.   I Can Only Give You Everything - Nick Waterhouse
10. Times Getting’ Tougher Than Tough - Them
11. I’m Gonna Love You Like There’s No Tomorrow - Peter Rowan & Flaco Jimenez (This month’s death song)
12. Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler    (This month’s earworm)
13. New Blowtop Bues - Dinah Washington
14. Laying Right Here In Heaven - Leon Russell
15. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind - Carol Fran
16. I Ain’t Goin’ Down To The Well No More - Marianne Faithfull
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
Ah well, money's gettin' cheaper,Price’s gettin' steeper.I found a little woman,But I just couldn't keep her                 ~~Well I can't afford to live,I guess I'll have to try.Undertakers got a union,And it cost too much to die.
 
Time’s Getting’ Tougher Than Tough - Them  (Written and first performed by Jimmy Witherspoon)
 
I’m still banging on about JD McPherson’s  new album, Nite Owls check it out at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th
 
Check out Paul Cebar here:
https://www.paulcebar.com/
Why is this talented guy not universally famous?
 
Don’t forget to tune into our sister podcast, Bright Lights Big City. It’s over there in:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and see; while you’re there, check out those two albums by The “5” Royales.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
Also buy, download or stream Marianne Faithfull's Broken English, It's a stunning album, but be aware that it contains very explicit language.
 
Episode 58 illustration: Ginger Baldy visits reputedly the Oldest Record Shop In the world.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 57B The Long Song show

In which Ginger Baldy fears the two-pronged crown, drinks a little gin and doesn’t trust your friends.
 
1.   Song For You - Monica Martin
2.   Back To The Island - Leon Russell
3.   Your Friends - Doug Sahm & Band
4.   Break My Heart Again - Peter Rowan
5.   The Green Manalishi - Fleetwood Mac
6.   Without Love - Mother Earth
7.   Drunk Again - The Butterfield Blues Band
8.   Gloria in Excelsis Deo/ Gloria - Patti Smith
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
Your friends, your friends say that I'm evil
I hunt the women like the dog hunt a bone
I can't be doing too much wrong baby
Everyday I bring my paycheck home
 
Your Friends - Doug Sahm & Band 1973
 
Urgent - short notice:
Geraint Watkins will be at the Ivy House in Nunhead on January 23rd
So will Small Town Talk and friends.  See You there.
As of this moment - just a few tickets left:
https://wegottickets.com/event/642017
 
If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s  new album, Nite Owls at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th
 
Check out Monica Martin here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijbU0KdoGQM
 
Don’t forget to tune into our sister podcast, Bright Lights Big City. It’s over there in:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
Episode 57b illustration: The old Revox keeps on churning

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 57

In which Ginger Baldy remembers sunshine and hair and digs out some old singles
 
1.   This Little Girl Of Mine - Ray Charles
2.   This Little Girl Of Mine - Dion
3.   How's The World Treating You? - The Louvin Brothers
4.   Leave My Woman Alone - The Everly Brothers
5.   She’s Mine - Joe Tex
6.   Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles
7.   I Can’t Go Anywhere With You - J D McPherson
8.   Fine, Fine, Fine - The Balham Alligators
9.   Empty Trainload Of Sky - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
10. She’s About A Mover - Sir Douglas Quintet
11. Endless Sleep - Jody Reynolds   (This month's death song)
12. Ophelia - The Band
13. Do-Wah-Diddy - Manfred Mann   (This month's earworm)
14. The World Keep On Turning - Fleetwood Mac
15. LeAnne - Colby T. Helms
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
Well, I know you got your money
And you've got a new fifty-seven too
But if I ever see my little girl in your new car
I'm gonna do some work on you.
 
The Everly Brothers.
Released in 1957, Don & Phil updated the car to a ‘57 from Ray Charles original, a ‘56, most likely a 1956 Cadillac (but possibly a Chevrolet or a Buick. The Blues Band’s version claims it‘s a Chevy!)
 
That giant of Welsh rock, Geraint Watkins will be at the Ivy House in Nunhead on January 23rd -
And so will Small Town Talk and friends. See you there:
https://wegottickets.com/event/642017
 
If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s  new album, Nite Owls at:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/
The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.
Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th.
 
I’m sorry about the release date for Episode 57 being delayed, but check out the third Long-Song bonus episode later this month, and still get over to Johnny Corsair’s’ podcast. His prize this month another great Ace CD, the third in the series, "Black America Sings Lennon, McCartney & Harrison."
Listen in to Bright Lights Big City and win that album.
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
The brilliant Ace records:  Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is so much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
Please note I only play records from my own record collection except in those cases where such tracks only exist in digital form, in which case I ask permission from the artists or their management team.
In the case of Colby T. Helms, he wants me to play any and all of his music! Please check him out and chase down his 9 UK dates between the 2nd and 12th of February. Find everything at:
https://www.colbyhelms.com/
 
And feel free to contact and chat with Small Town Talk at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 57 illustration: Small Town Talk steps back in time and digs Doug. - Doug Sahm & The Sir Douglas Quintet that is.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 56

In which Ginger Baldy revisits Roy Orbison and Friends at the Black & White Night.
 
1.   I Got A Rocket In My Pocket - Jimmy Lloyd
2.   Riding In My Car - NRBQ
3.   Thieves - She & Him
4.   Train Train - The Count Bishops
5.   He Will Break Your Heart - Kane & Abel
6.   He Will Break Your Heart - Jerry Butler
7.   Too Hurt To Cry, Too Much In Love To Say Goodbye - The Darnells
8.   Laughing Boy - Mary Wells
9.   Death Letter - The Alexis Korner Skiffle Group   (This month’s death song)
10. Jim Dandy - LaVern Baker
11. Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison   (This month’s earworm)
12. Miss Chatelaine - k d lang
13. Third Rate Romance - The Amazing Rhythm Aces
14. Go Back - Crabby Appleton
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
And I know, and you know tooThat a love like ours is terrible news
Thieves - She & Him (written by Zooey Deschanel from the album "Volume 2" 2010)
 
This next  link is to the terrific TV performance of Son House performing Death Letter Blues on his National Resonator guitar in 1968:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4QamCLNnmE
This half hour program is worth watching in its entirety, but just for Son House’s Death letter Blues, scroll forwards 3 mins 50 seconds.
 
Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black & White Night
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3C8JueuPAfPhlH1Q2v9DSuUzRPiVS2vJ
This page features videos of individual songs from this not to be missed concert and a 4 minute behind-the-scenes chat with guests. Oh Pretty Woman is included. Check out James Burton’s astonishing guitar solo.
 
Just Released! It’s the second CD in Ace Records’ series Black America Sings the Beatles - Black America sings Lennon, McCartney & Harrison, and Johnny Corsair is giving it away in his Bright Lights Big City podcast. Go, listen in and win that album. Somebody will win it. It should be you!
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
This month eight of the twelve tracks on Small Town Talk can be found on our favourite record label, ACE Records:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Any comments, queries about Small Town Talk's podcast can be fired off to:
smalltowntalktalk@gmail.com
 
Episode 55 Illustration:  The magnificent Roy Orbison, inspired by The Black & White Night (see above)