Small Town Talk

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 68

In which Ginger Baldy explores early Fats Domino, Gene Pitney, Hank Ballard, the Moody Blues and Ritchie Valens, who never got past early and finally pays tribute to a Yardbird.
 
1.   The Fat Man - Fats Domino
2.   The Fat Man - Billy Bland
3.   Harmony - Billy Bland
4.   I Wanna Love My Life Away - Gene Pitney
5.   Get It - The Royals
6.   The Slummer The Slum - The “5” Royales
7.   Rack My Mind - The Yardbirds
8.   It Sounds Like My Baby - Bessie Banks
9.   Go Now - The Moody Blues
10. A Quiet Place - Garnet Mimms
11. His Eyes - Johnny Dollar
12. Needle Of Death - Julie Felix   (This month’s death song)
13. La Bamba - Ritchie Valens   (This month’s earworm)
14. Come On Let’s Go - Dion
15. Some Kind Of Hero - Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey
16. Santa’s Got A Mean Machine - J. D. McPherson
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
I can't get no sleepIn this noisy streetI've got to move (I've got to move)I've got to find me a quiet place
Track 10  “A Quiet Place” - Garnet Mimms (1964)
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays old stuff like me, but if you wanna hear something a bit more current, he’s the man for you.
 
Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes have played their final gigs, but the best of the Welsh Wizard can be found along with loads of great R&B and Blues at the Last Music Co - check them out here:
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
 
Check out the best ever Christmas album here:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/socks
 
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, it’s an open book:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 65 illustration: Small Town Talk takes a look at Chris Dreja’s cover of the Yardbirds sole studio album.
 
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 67

In which poor sinner Ginger Baldy almost joins the enlightened with a “Joliet Jake Blues moment”, but sadly, this time his wretched soul is not saved.
 
1.   Do Right Baby - Billy Gayles with Ike Turner’s Kings Of Rhythm
2.   Bad Seed Sown - The Bellfuries
3.   Your Love (All That I’m Missing) - J. D. McPherson
4.   Mary Don’t You Weep - Annie & The Caldwells
5.   Ain’t That Loving You Baby - Elvis Presley
6.   Ain’t That Loving You Baby - Betty Everett & Jerry Butler
7.   Bad Girl - The Fabulous Denos
8.   I’m A Bad, Bad Girl - Little Esther
9.   Soy De San Luis - Texas Tornados
10. Marie Provost - Nick Lowe   (This month’s death song)
11. Hold Back - Geraint Watkins featuring Little George Sueref
12. Catfish - Little George Sueref
13. Rhythm Rockin’ Boogie - John Lee
14. Liar Liar - The Castaways   (This month’s earworm)
15. The Zombie - C. W. Stoneking
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
Up in my 59 I'd drive around the town
I'll pretend you're in it
I ain't got your love
It's all that I'm missing
 
Track 3 “Your Love (All That I’m Missing)” From the album “Signs & Signifiers” - J. D. McPherson (2010)
It was written by Joey Simeone and first recorded by his band the Bellfuries on their debut album “Just Plain Lonesome” in 2001
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
And win the brand new Nina Simone CD, “Let It All Out"- Selected Singles 1961-1978:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/let-it-all-out-selected-singles-1961-1978-1
 
The stunning Annie and the Caldwells can be found here:
https://annieandthecaldwells.com/
And if nothing else watch the video for “Wrong”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DATemNjEwW8
Annie and the Caldwells on Jools Holland:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0m8r49c/later-live-tracks-annie-the-caldwells-i-made-it-later-with-jools-holland
 
It’s a bit overblown but find out about Marie Prevost here:
https://www.factinate.com/people/marie-prevost-facts
Note that Nick Lowe spells Marie’s name “Provost”
 
Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes with Little George Sueref remaining gigs here:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/geraint-watkins
 
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:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 65 illustration: Mack Sennett bathing beauty and silent movie star, Marie Prevost.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 66

In Which Ginger Baldy gets in the time machine and heads on down to 1969 to see Eddie Hinton at Muscle Shoals.
 
1.   What About Love. - Nick Curran
2.   Mama, Mama, Mama (Look What Your Little Boy’s Done) - Warren Storm
3.   Walking To New Orleans - Bobby Charles
4.   Bad Luck And Trouble - Fats Domino
5.   The Shape You Left Me In - Jimmy Donley
6.   Everybody Needs Love - Drive By Truckers
7.   Cover Me - Eddie Hinton
8.   Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen
9.   Oh La De Da - The Staple Singers
10. Tell Mama - Etta James
11. Let It Be Me - Betty Everett & Jerry Butler
12. Baby (You Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton
13. Do You - Aleighcia Scott  taken from the album “Windrush Baby” - 2023
14. Ghost Riders In The Sky - Marty Robbins  (This month’s death song & earworm combined!)
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
Mama, you taught meAbout the bees and the birdsMama, you taught meThe meaning of a lot of wordsBut there is one thing, mama, I just got to knowMama, what about love?
Track 1 “What About Love” From the album “Player” - Nick Curran 2004
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at :
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
And win the Charlie Gillett Radio Picks Volume 2 CD
 
Aleighcia Scott’s excellent album "Windrush Baby" is still available: check her out here:
https://aleighciascott.com/
And check out her radio show on BBC Wales here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00160d1
 
Simply use your favourite search engine to check out Eddie Hinton. The man plays on just about every great soul record from out of the South. He is the guy standing to the right of Ginger Baldy in this month’s illustration.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
 
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. You can check out Johnny Corsairs prize album there:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 65 illustration: STT photobombs the Swampers and special guests down at the Muscle Shoals Studio in Sheffield, Alabama.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 65B The Long Song Show

In which the things that Ginger Baldy used to do, Lord he won’t do no more.
 
1.   The Things That I Used To Do - Doug Sahm    from the album Hell Of A Spell (1980)
2.   Niki Hoeky - Swamp Mama Johnson    from the album Wetlands (1995)
3.   Blues With A Feeling - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band    from the album The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1965)
4.   Marquee Moon - Television    from the album Marquee Moon (1977)
5.   The Free Mexican Airforce - Peter Rowan    from the album (Flaco’s Amigos) 1988
6.   Across The Borderline - Ry Cooder    from the album Get Rhythm (1987)
7.   Shanghai Lady - Theo Lawrence & The Hearts    from the album Homemade Lemonade (2018)
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
 
When you reach the broken promised landEvery dream slips through your handsAnd you'll know it's too late to change your mind'Cause you pay the price to come so farJust to wind up where you areAnd you're still just across the borderline.
Track 6 - Across The Borderline - Ry Cooder
 
Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez, who features on tracks 5 & 6, and died on the 31st of July was one artist I remember fondly from his many trips to the UK, with Ry Cooder in the late 70s and throughout the 80s with Peter Rowan and Su Conjunto. He played in pubs and smaller venues and was always approachable.
He was a virtuoso button accordion player, known for his tejano conjuto style, a fusion of German and Polish Polkas with traditional Mexican music. He was a master of Norteña (northern mexico) music where the accordion and the bajo sexto (a twelve stringed guitar) are the essential instruments.
But Flaco was also adept at rock music and spent his later years in The Texas Tornados, a veritable super group, along with Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers, playing norteño, rock, blues and country. I’ve played many of their songs in past episodes.
Over the years, many musicians have sought out Flaco, needing his input on their songs. They are too numerous to list, but you can check him out for yourselves below:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/aug/11/flaco-jimenez-obituary
And here are a selection of videos - but there are loads more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsw-RW77zHg&list=PLE50FEDCD0FBAEF11&index=15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TphoKBScfM&list=PLE50FEDCD0FBAEF11&index=20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOMRNSmwa3U
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s essential podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.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. Check it out here:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
And don’t be shy, contact Small Town talk here:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Episode 65 illustration: The trusty old Revox signifies the latest in our occasional longer-songs bonus show.

SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 65

In which Small Town Talk heads down that Lost Highway.
 
1.   The Nazz Are Blue - Yardbirds
2.   I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom - Robert Johnson
3.   I Believe My Time Ain’t Long - Fleetwood Mac
4.   Before The Beginning - Fleetwood Mac
5.   Someday Baby - Otis Spann
6.   Someday Baby - B.B. King
7.   Tower Of Song - Tom Jones
8.   Lost Highway - Hank Williams
9.   Back In The Game - Stone Foundation with Paul Weller
10. Soul Girl - Jeanne & The Darlings
11. Dirty Man - Laura Lee
12. Better Off Dead - Bill Withers    (This month’s death song)
13. The Clapping Song - Shirley Ellis    (This month’s earworm)
14. I Looked Away - Derek & The Dominos
 
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles 
 
Now, boys, don't start your ramblin' round
On this road of sin or you're sorrow bound
Take my advice or you'll curse the day
You started rollin' down that lost highway
 
Track 8 - Lost Highway - Hank Williams
 
Track 1, The Nazz are Blue is from the studio album, Yardbirds (also called Roger The Engineer)
This classic album has been re-released and available in a variety of formats.
I heartily recommend the recent Yardbirds documentary, You can watch it on Sky Arts or NOW TV if you're in the UK. For U.S. audiences, keep an eye out for its upcoming release.
Check out the official site:
https://www.theyardbirds.com/
 
There’s a fair bit of Lord Buckley online -
 The Nazz (beat poem):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0x5x8lyON8
- On Ed Sullivan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIx5C94EDRw
 
Check out Stone Foundation here:
https://www.wipeoutmusic.com/roster/stone-foundation/
 
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at :
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
 
And you can email me at:
smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com
 
Also visit the brilliant Ace records:  Every time I look at their website, my mouth starts to water. I can't get enough. Unfortunately the Jeanne & The Darlings album has sold out, otherwise I could have completed my collection:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
 
 
Episode 65 illustration: Ginger Baldy holds in his hand the greatest country record ever, probably.

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.