Episodes

  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 48

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 48
    Mar 31 2024
    It’s 1958 and the Ginger Kid is transported to Ramsgate and Barnett’s emporium to purchase some magical black discs. 1. As Long As I’m Moving - Ruth Brown 2. Your Cash Ain’t Nothing But Trash - The Clovers 3. Smack Dab In The Middle - Amos Garrett, Doug Sahm, Gene Taylor Band 4. Back In The Night - Dr Feelgood (This month’s earworm) 5. Cruisin’ - Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps 6. Lonesome Train (On A Lonesome Track) - Johnny Burnette And The Rock ‘N’ Roll Trio 7. Poor Jenny - The Everly Brothers 8. Take A Message To Mary - Bob Dylan (This month’s death song) 9. Keep A Knockin' - Bobby Fuller Four 10. Keep A Knockin' - Chuck Willis 11. Working For The Man - Roy Orbison 12. Nighthawkin’ - Tim Buckley 13. Dreamboy - Theo Lawrence & The Hearts 14. Not In Nottingham - Theo Lawrence & The Hearts 16. Shama Langa Ding Dong - Lloyd G. Williams 16. He’s So Fine - The Chiffons 17 Zenizenabo - Miriam Makeba Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1972) WELL JENNY HAD HER PICTURE IN THE PAPER THIS MORNING, SHE MADE IT WITH A BANG. ACCORDING TO THE PAPER THIS MORNING, JENNY IS THE LEADER OF A TEENAGE GANG. Poor Jenny - The Everly Brothers / written by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant Some thoughts on Nighthawkin’ by Tim Buckley: I don’t often publish the full lyrics to a song, but in this case, because it’s so unusual I felt it worthwhile. On the original gatefold sleeve of Greetings from LA, the lyrics as presented by Tim Buckley were sparse and incomplete. In live performances,Tim Buckley changed and added extra lyrics, enlarged performances with extra verses, and it is suggested that he published only what he had at that given moment. More likely, to avoid censorship, Tim avoided writing down anything that might frighten off record executives, after all Greetings From LA is an album full of steamy sex - except that is, for it’s shortest song, Nighthawkin’. As I hint at in the podcast, Nighthawkin’ does seem autobiographical, an interchange between a cab driver and an unhinged, dangerous customer. The last part of the song is a crazed account by the drunken passenger, a Vietnam war veteran of his boast to murder a “Gook” (a derogatory term for a S.E. Asian) Buckley’s final riposte is tongue in cheek - basically, the things I do to earn a dime! I was a-nighthawkin' in my taxi On a cruise below the deadline. My fare was a shaky ol' lush, So I kicked it over and took off. Then he whipped out this switch blade Straight outta nowhere, level to my throat. He said, "You ever been over to the war boy" I said "Man I was a combat paratrooper daddy." Well then he slumped back cool and he pocket that steel. He said "Take me down to Fourth and Main." Ah that paratroop bluff always cools those red-eyed geezers down. Man - that last block - that cat was singing, Oh - Man he was sittin' in the backseat singing to me this song' “I got my B.A.R boy, I got my M1 on my hip, right. You better listen, Mr. President, Oh boy, don't you mess with my war. I wanna do, I wanna do, Lord, I wanna do the Blood Boogaloo. I'm just a Redneck son of a gun, I wanna kill me a gook before dawn." Ah, nighthawkin' - Ah for my change. Notes: On the album sleeve, the published lyrics for Nighthawkin’ finished at “Fourth and Main” and thereafter the song’s lyrics (see above) would invite censorship, and are not printed. B.A.R is the older Browning Automatic Rifle, and the M1, the Garand M1 carbine, a semi-automatic, extensively used in the Korean and Vietnam wars. I love Buckley’s ability to “feel” a song, his vocal asides, whoops and cries, adding to the absolute funk and melody that would never be apparent in reading the lyrics - lyrics that do not rhyme, but sound simply like a conversational verbal account, perhaps to a friend in a bar. Don’t forget to check in with our sister show, Johnny Corsair’s Bright Lights Big City for R&B, old and new, Gospel, Soul and Blues over at: https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/ And to get further information and musings on this podcast or my music collection, email me at: smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com Episode 48 Illustration: It's 1958 and Small Town Talk’s younger self, the Ginger Kid drops in at his favourite haunt, Barnett's at 15 Queen Street, Ramsgate to pick up some late 50’s Rock ‘n’ Roll.
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 47

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 47
    Feb 22 2024

    In which the Ginger Kid’s Time Machine crashes in on probably the greatest Rock & Roll song ever.

     

    1.   She’s Got It - Little Richard

    2.   Be-Bop-A-Lula - Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps

    3.   Love My Baby - Little Junior’s Blue Flames

    4.   Mystery Train - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

    5.   Important Words - Gene Vincent

    6.   Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl In Town) - Jackie Wilson    (This month’s earworm)

    7.   Reet Petite And Gone - Louis Jordan And His Tympany Five

    8.   Losin’ Boy - Eddy Giles

    9.   Born To Lose - Ray Charles

    10. Born To Cry - Dion

    11. What’s The Matter With You Baby - Christine Ohlman & Rebel Lopez with Marshall Crenshaw

    12. I’m Just A Fool For You - Bettye Lavette

    13. I’m Just A Fool For You - Gene Chandler

    14. Johnny Remember Me - John Leyton   (This month’s death song)

    15. Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night - Doug Sheldon

    16. Bits & Pieces - Dave Clark Five

    17. Welcome To The Working Week - Elvis Costello

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1972)

     

    WELL, OH NOW SHE’ MY CUTIE, MY TUTTI-FRUTTI,

    MY HEART, MY LOVE, MY BATHING BEAUTY,

    SHE’S ALRIGHT,

    SHE’S GOT JUST WHAT IT TAKES,

    SHE’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES,

    AND WITH ME, SHE REALLY RATES.

     

    Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet) - Jackie Wilson (1957)

    Written by Tyran Carlo & Berry Gordy.

     

    Gene Vincent - from the film Girl Can’t Help It:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN3VLv3ZSF0

     

    Dion’s new album “Girlfriends” available on March 8th everywhere, but check it out here:

    https://www.noblepr.co.uk/press-releases/dion/girl-friends.htm

     

    Well, have you ever heard a guy for whom your soul you'd give?

    For whom you'd fight for, cry for, pray to God you'd die for.

    Well he’s Johnny Corsair with the hippest show in town - listen in at:

    https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

     

    And to get further information and musings on this podcast or my music collection, email me at:

    smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

     

    Episode 47 Illustration:  Small Town Talk’s younger self, the Ginger Kid cuts in on Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps for a publicity photo.

     
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 46

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 46
    Jan 30 2024

    In which Small Town Talk realises there's no peace in the barnyard since the Little Red Rooster's been gone.

     

    1.   Baby Workout - Jackie Wilson

    2.   Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile) - Van Morrison

    3.   Stay - Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs    (This month’s earworm)

    4.   Learning The Game - Buddy Holly    (Original undubbed master recording)

    5.   Not Fade Away - The Rolling Stones

    6.   Little Red Rooster - Howlin’ Wolf

    7.   King Bee - Slim Harpo

    8.   I Don’t Know - J. B. Lenoir

    9.   I Don’t Know - Ruth Brown

    10. Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday   (This month’s death song)

    11. Talkin’ Bout A Revolution - Tracy Chapman

    12. Destination Anywhere - The Marvelettes

    13. I’m Sorry - Brenda Lee

    14. A Railroad Trestle In California - Eddie Hinton

    15. B. Santa Ana 1986 - Nick Waterhouse

    16. Apache - The Shadows

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1972)

     

    I'VE BEEN STANDING IN THE WELFARE LINES,

    CRYING AT THE DOORSTEPS OF THOSE ARMIES OF SALVATION,

    WASTING TIME IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINES,

    SITTING AROUND, WAITING FOR A PROMOTION.

     

    Talkin’ Bout A Revolution - Tracy Chapman (1988)

     

     

    J. B. Lenoir:

    The letters J & B are not initials, J. B. was his given name!

    Two clips  of J. B. Lenoir with Steve & Ronnog Seaburg:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbI-NpYFJEg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVzp7IkGUA8

     

    The Seaburgs recollecting their interview with J. B. Lenoir, filmed by Wim Wenders  for his excellent documentary “Soul Of A Man”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQTjhg5LK6A

     

     

    Alan Parker’s film of Roddy Doyle’s “The Commitments”

    https://ww8.soap2dayhd.co/film/the-commitments-11168/

     

     

    Want more R&B, Soul, Funk, Ska, Reggae, Gospel - old and new?  Then visit Johnny Corsair over at Bright Lights Big City on the Breaking Records label:

    https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

     

     

    And to get further information and musings on this podcast or my music collection, email me at:

    smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

     

     

    Episode 46 Illustration: Little Red Rooster’s on the prowl!

     

     
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 45 B - The Long Song show.

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 45 B - The Long Song show.
    Jan 18 2024

    In which Small Town Talk presents the first of the long-song bonus episodes.

     

    1.   Porch Light - Robert Cray Band

    2.   Don’t Answer The Door - Love Sculpture

    3.   Get On Top - Tim Buckley

    4.   Land Of The Navajo - Peter Rowan

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles. 1972

     

    WELL, LIKE A BITCH DOG IN HEAT,

    MAMA, WE HAD THOSE BED SPRINGS A-SQUEAKING

    ALL NIGHT LONG,

    AND DIDN’T YOU HEAR THOSE WALLS A TALKIN’, VOODOO MAMA,

    I FEEL YOU RIGHT, FEEL YOU RIGHT, FEEL YOU RIGHT WITH ME

    OHH -

     

    Get On Top - Tim Buckley

     

    The thing about Buckley, was that he never sang the same song twice.  His songs always evolved  each time he performed them, often adding lyrics, more verses, and in particular, he augmented them with all sorts of vocal nuances - whoops, moans and cries. Get On Top is a perfect example of this, where indeed, as he states in the lyrics, he really does talk in tongues!

    Although this beautiful gatefold album, “Greetings From LA” came with Buckley’s submitted lyrics, all the songs are considerably longer; the published lyrics only represent a small fraction of each song, and many of the suggestive verses are not included. Perhaps he was hoping to sneak them past the  legal staff at Straight Records.

    Greetings From LA is still available on CD and 180 gram vinyl. Treat yourself!

     

    I expect these occasional bonus episodes to average out at about 30 minutes each, but at this moment, I am not committing myself to a regular timetable for publishing.

    Feel free to let me have your views on the “Longer Songs” show.

    The regular Small Town Talk  episodes will continue to find their way on to the world wide webby thing at the end of each month and will have, as you may have guessed, no more  lengthy tracks.

     

    For more short,snappy slices of gratification, continue to tune in to that incomparable disc-spinner, Johnny Corsair over at his Bright Lights Big City podcast:

    https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

     

    And to get further information and musings on this podcast or my music collection, or anything Rock & Roll,email me at:

    smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

     

    Episode 45 B Illustration: My old Revox Reel to Reel, reeling out the really long songs. It’s real gone, man.

     

     
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    28 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 45

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 45
    Dec 30 2023

    In which Small Town Talk celebrates the birth of new grandchild, Leon with some Rock & Roll Lullabies

     

    1.   Come Along - Jimmy Donley

    2.   Think It Over - Bill Kirchen & Austin De Lone

    3.   Think It Over - Buddy Holly

    4.   Blue Bayou - Roy Orbison

    5.   Rock And Roll Lullaby - B. J. Thomas

    6.   Rock 'n' Roll Lullaby - 10 CC

    7.   Pull Away - Leon Bridges

    8.   You Left The Water Running - Otis Redding

    9.   Pushin' Too Hard - The Seeds

    10. The Prom - Del Shannon   (This month's death song)

    11. Half Heaven, Half Heartache - Ral Donner

    12. Outside Woman Blues - Jim McCarty Band

    13. Saved - LaVern Baker

    14. Daydream Believer - The Monkees   (This month's earworm)

    15. Travellin' Light - Cliff Richard

    16. Outro - What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? - The Orioles

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

     

    I USED TO SMOKE

    I USED TO DRINK

    I USED TO SMOKE, DRINK AND DANCE THE HOOCHIE-COO

     

    Saved - Lavern Baker (Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller - 1960)

     

    Simply copy the link below and get transported to Bright Lights Big City on the Breaking Records label The spectacular Johnny Corsair’s podcast can now be found here:   https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/     Small Town Talk collects Ace Records.  Go see for yourself:   https://www.acerecords.co.uk/     Contact Small Town Talk here, always willing to share musical interests:   smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com     Episode 45. Illustration: Just a few hours old, Baby Leon.
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 44

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 44
    Nov 30 2023

    In which Small Town Talk goes a-walkin' hand in hand all along the sand.

     

    1.   Funnel Of Love - Wanda Jackson

    2.   Chesil Beach - Age Of Reason

    3.   Alley Oop - Hollywood Argyles      (This month's earworm)

    4.   I Got The Blues - Dion & The Belmonts

    5.   I Got the Blues - Geraint Watkins

    6.   Nadine - Dion

    7.   You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry

    8.   Sweet Nuthin's - Brenda Lee

    9.   Ay La Bah - Dolly Cooper & Maxwell Davis & His Orchestra

    10. Big Hunk Of Love - Elvis Presley

    11. Terry - Twinkle      (This month's death song)

    12. I'm Into Something Good - Earl-Jean

    13. Chains - The Beatles

    14. Buzzin' Fly - Tim Buckley

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

     

    AS I GOT ON A CITY BUS AND FOUND MYSELF A SEAT I THOUGHT I SAW MY FUTURE BRIDE WALKING UP THE STREET I SHOUTED TO THE DRIVER, "HEY CONDUCTOR, YOU MUST SLOW DOWN I THINK I SEE HER, I'M GETTING OFF THE BUS."   Nadine - Dion / written by Chuck Berry     Simply copy the link below and get transported to Bright Lights Big City on the Breaking Records label - If you want to win that fantastic Candi Staton CD do it now. The spectacular Johnny Corsair’s podcast can now be found here:   https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/     Small Town Talk collects Ace Records: The best there is. From this episode you can find Wanda Jackson, Dion, Gary S. Paxton of the Hollywood Argyles, Chuck Berry "On the Blue Side" and Brenda Lee.    https://www.acerecords.co.uk/     Check out Geraint Watkins here:   https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/geraint-watkins     For the alternative Christmas playlists, keep scrolling down to episode 20 and then episode 7. You can't miss them. Ginger Baldy is wearing the Santa gear.   Contact Small Town Talk here:   smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com     Episode 44 Illustration: A photo I took in Phuket some years ago seemed to fit those great lines from Tim Buckley's Buzzin' Fly  "A-walking hand in hand, all along the sand, a seabird knew your name. He knew your love was growing...."

     

         
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 43

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 43
    Oct 31 2023

    In which Small Town Talk,  catches the midnight train, sees a bad moon rising and gets his head stuck in a pumpkin.

     

    1.  Honey Bee Bop - Slink Moss Explosion

    2.  She Likes To Boogie Real Low - Jimmy Sutton's Five Charms

    3.  Caldonia - Louis Jordan

    4.  They Raided The Joint - Helen Humes

    5.  31st Street Blues - Dan Burley & His Skiffle Boys

    6.  Wine - The Electric Flag

    7.  You Don't Realize - The Electric Flag

    8.  Midnight Train - The Spencer Davis Group

    9.  Midnight Train - The Johnny Burnette Trio  (This month's death song)

    10. Aphrodite - Edd Donovan

    11. In Brooklyn - Al Stewart

    12. Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles  (This month's earworm)

    13. Bye Bye Love - Madeleine Peyroux

    14. Love Hurts - The Everly Brothers

    15. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1972)

     

    WALKIN’ WITH MY BABY, SHE’S GOT GREAT BIG FEET SHE’S LONG, LEAN AND LANKY AND AIN’T HAD NOTHING TO EAT SHE’S MY BABY AND I LOVE HER JUST THE SAME CRAZY ‘BOUT THAT WOMAN, ‘CAUSE CALDONIA IS HER NAME.

    Caldonia - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five.

     

    I guess most of you listen in on mobile devices, and certainly if you are using our podcast host, PODBEAN, you get a pretty decent looking app. However the display on PC’s and tablets is far superior, with extra graphics and an easily navigated layout. And we are still available on a whole load of other platforms.

     

    Yes, He's made it to Podbean too! Published earlier today, Episode 31 of Bright Lights Big City on the Breaking Records label; the majestic Johnny Corsair's podcast can be found here:

    https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

     

    If the cool jazz of Madeleine Peyroux is your thing:

    https://madeleinepeyroux.com/

     

    Check out Edd Donovan here:

    https://www.edddonovan.co.uk/

     

    Don't forget to book up for the Tenby Blues Festival, if you live in Pembrokeshire or nearby. Small Town Talk will be there on Friday 10th November to see the great Geraint Watkins. Come and say Hello:

    https://tenbyblues.co.uk

     

    Also check out Daphne's Flight. Use the link below to access each of the members solo and group projects & see if they are playing near you:

    https://www.daphnesflight.co.uk/

     

    If you aren't using Podbean and want to check it out:

    https://smalltowntalkrecords4.podbean.com/

     

    And finally contact Small Town Talk for info and musings on our podcast:

    smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

     

    Episode 43 Illustration: I carved a pumpkin and wore it to the Halloween Hoedown

     

     

     
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    50 mins
  • SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 42

    SMALL TOWN TALK: Episode 42
    Sep 30 2023

    In which Small Town Talk encounters Whales, Bullfrogs, Chickens, Three Little Pigs and a deadly Water Moccasin snake.

     

    1.   Big Blon’ Baby - Ronnie Self 2.   I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline) - Howlin’ Wolf 3.   In The Pines - The Sir Douglas Quintet  (This month's death song) 4.   I’m Sick Of This Shit - Daphne’s Flight 5.   Roosevelt And Ira Lee (Night Of The Mossacin) sic - Tony Joe White 6.   Three Little Pigs - James Duncan 7.   How You Goin’ To Georgia - Eddie Hinton 8.   All Day And All Of The Night - The Kinks  (This month's earworm) 9.   Pilot Of The Airwaves - Charlie Dore 10. Good Times - Edie Brickell 11. Good Times - Sam Cooke 12. What To Do - Buddy Holly 13. Whale Eyes - Billie Maree 14. The Whale Has Swallowed Me - J. B. Lenoir

     

    Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

     

     

    IRA LEE TURNED TO ROOSEVELT,

    WHEN HE QUIT HIS SCREAMIN' AND KICKIN',

    AND HE SAID,

    "LET'S FORGET ABOUT THOSE BULLFROGS,

    AND GO OUT AND STEAL SOME CHICKENS.

     

    Roosevelt & Ira Lee - Tony Joe White (1969)

    (Disclaimer: Small Town Talk does not condone the stealing of chickens - or anything else for that matter)

     

     

    For Nirvana's unplugged version of "In the Pines" go to:

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEMm7gxBYSc

     

    (Kurt Cobain, of course is wrong. Leadbelly did not write "In The Pines"/"Where Did You Sleep Last Night" - but he must take credit for the most imitated adaptation of this song.

     

     

    This link for the Charlie Dore tour dates, (There are four in October) her latest album “Like Animals” and everything else:

    https://www.charliedore.com

     

     

    Continuing from last month’s Podomatic podpage - The best link for Max ZT and Dan Whitehouse October tour dates:

    https://www.dan-whitehouse.com/live.

     

     

    And for the excellent Billie Maree videos:

    https://linktr.ee/billiemareemusic

     

      

    For the very best in Blues, Soul, Gospel, R&B - old and new, listen in to the great Johnny Corsair at:

    https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/johnnycorsair9

     

     

    OK Pembrokeshire, Small Town Talk will be at the Tenby Blues Festival on Friday 10th November to see the great Geraint Watkins.

    Book up now and come and say hello:

    https://tenbyblues.co.uk

     

     

    Check out Daphne’s Flight here:

    https://www.daphnesflight.co.uk

    Especially check the links to each of the member’s other solo and group projects.

    And if you want their new album absolutely free, I have one waiting - so email me pronto with your address at the link below. First one in my inbox wins!

     

    And to get further information and musings on this podcast or my music collection, email me at:

    smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

     

     

    Episode 42 Illustration: Roosevelt and Ira Lee are about to discover the night will be a bummer.

     

    (Polyvinyl Pete (young and old) is Roosevelt & Ira Lee; apologies to Norman Rockwell, on whose paintings I based the poses)
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    50 mins