We’re pre-recorded this weekend so I can be sure that what I wrote down is what actually plays. We usually change several pieces of music every week–pieces get removed because we’re out of time (talked too much, or I miscalculated), or because I had a brainstorm on Sunday morning before the show (at home–good, I can snag the music and bring it; in the car, not so good, unless it happens to be available from SiriusXM computer system, which given the nature of my brainstorms it mostly won’t be).

Anyway, here’s this week program, devoted to Steve Cropper, the MGs and Lowman Pauling & the 5 Royales to whom Steve’s new album pays homage. I am also a long-time fanatic about the Royales, Lowman Pauling, and indeed, his brother Clarence Paul, as he was known at Motown where he shepherded Stevie Wonder in Stevie’s early days and co-wrote several hit songs including “Hitch Hike.” Early Temptations records produced by Clarence combine vocal harmony and guitars in a way reminiscent of the Royales…and in my opinion, also of the early Rolling Stones. Which makes sense since, and you must hear the original recordings to believe the extent to which this is true, Lowman Pauling pretty much invented the kind of rock’n'roll guitar from the soul era. This isn’t to take anything away from Mickey Baker, Ike Turner, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. But that particular combination of integrated vocal harmony and electric guitar was principally the product of Lowman Pauling. This is even more strongly reflected at Stax–Cropper was a huge fan, and drummer Al Jackson, Jr. and original bassist Lewis Steinberg both did Memphis sessions with the Royales (the tracks from Take Me With You Baby listed below).

I’m going on vacation so the next two weeks are pre-recorded (August 7 Land of Hopes and Dreams should be live though). I’ll try to post those playlists late next week, after we figure out how much too much music I’ve written into the programs and make the necessary cuts–Dave

This is Dedicated to the One I Love, Five Royales CD: 1957 King, The “5″ Royales

Green Onions, Booker T. & the MGs 2:55 CD: Time Is Tight, Booker T. & the MGs

Gonna Change My Way of Thinking, Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples CD: Gotta Serve Somebody–The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan

I’m Gonna Tell Them (1960-1), 5 Royales CD: Take Me With You Baby, The “5″ Royales

Catch That Teardrop (1961), 5 Royales CD: Take me With You Baby, The “5″ Royales

Talk About My Woman (1962?—VJ), 5 Royales CD: Take Me With You Baby, The “5″ Royales

Don’t Be Ashamed, Bettye Lavette & Willie Jones CD: Dedicated, Steve Cropper

Right Around the Corner, Delbert McClinton CD: Dedicated: A Tribute to the Five Royales, Steve Cropper

Messin’ Up, Sharon Jones CD: Dedicated: A Tribute to the Five Royales, Steve Cropper

Help Me Somebody, Steve Cropper CD: Dedicated: A Tribute to the Five Royales, Steve Cropper

Thirty Second Lover, Steve Winwood CD: Dedicated: A Tribute to the Five Royales, Steve Cropper

Boot-Leg, Booker T. & the MGs CD: Time Is Tight, Booker T. & the MGs

Laundromat Blues, Five Royales CD: Monkey Hips and Rice: The “5″ Royales Anthology

I Can’t Turn You Loose, Otis Redding Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding

Come On & Save Me, Dylan Leblanc and Sharon Jones CD: Dedicated, Steve Cropper

Hey Ya, Booker T. Jones CD: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones

Representing Memphis, Booker T. Jones featuring Matt Berninger & Sharon Jones  CD: The Road from Memphis, Booker T. Jones

The Bronx, Booker T. Jones featuring Lou Reed C: The Road from Memphis, Booker T. Jones

Down in Memphis, Booker T. Jones CD: The Road from Memphis, Booker T. Jones

Just a Friend, Booker T. featuring Biz Markie, Matt Berninger & Sharon Jones (bonus track) CD: The Road from Memphis, Booker T. Jones [deluxe edition]

You Left the Water Running, Otis Redding CD: Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding

A Place Nobody Can Find, Sam and Dave CD: Sweat’N'Soul: An Anthology 1965-1971, Sam and Dave

Just One More Day, Otis Redding CD: The Soul Album, Otis Redding

Cigarettes and Coffee, Otis Redding CD: The Soul Album, Otis Redding

Soothe Me (Live), Sam and Dave CD: Sweat’N'Soul: An Anthology 1965-1971, Sam and Dave

Big Bird, Eddie Floyd CD: The Best of Eddie Floyd

 

Tags: Booker T & the MGs, Booker T. Jones, Clarence Paul, Dave Marsh, Dedicated: A tribute to the Five Royales, Eddie Floyd, Five Royales, Kick Out the Jams, Live from the Land of Hope and Dreams, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Stax, Steve Cropper

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