Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand

Song: Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand
Artist: Hoagy Lands
Written: Bert Russell / Wes Farrell
Year : 1964
Album/Single: Atlantic # 2217

Cobra's Version
Song: Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand
Released: January 18, 2005
Album: Baby


I have not found out much about Hoagy Lands. Born in New Jersey in 1936, he was 28 when today's selection was released. It was the flip side to what is considered his finest release - "Baby Come On Home" (having heard both sides I much prefer today's selection - the B-side). Hoagy recorded sides for many different labels but this was the only one released on Atlantic. Not sure why it's his only Atlantic release, since he often was produced by Bert Berns, and Berns did a lot of work for Atlantic (he took over as lead producer and songwriter from Jerry Lieber / Mike Stoller in 1963).

Which brings us to the next point. Not only did Bert Berns produce the song, he also co-wrote it. His middle name is "Russell" and often used the alias of "Bert Russell" for his song writing credits. But then again, Bert Berns didn't really write it (very Led Zepplinish of him to take credit, however). It was 'adapted' from a folk-blues song covered by Bob Dylan eponymous first album, credited to Eric Von Schmidt, Dave Von Ronk & the Reverend Gary Davis. Eric Von Schmidt claims to have nicked it from a Blind Boy Fuller song called "Baby, Let Me Lay It On You". Who knows where he got it from. Maybe he wrote . . . somebody had to! As far as the Cobra's version is concerned, however, it is obviously a take on the Hoagy Lands version.

The song was also covered by the Animals in 1964. They changed the name - "Baby Let Me Take You Home" - and lyrics a bit. They also blues'd it up a lot, skipping the a cappella intro. I suspect it was out of the range of the growl of Eric Burdon vocals. They did add a very cool 'bump & grind' in the middle, however.

Lyrics:
I've seen a lot of pretty girls
In my time
I never really paid them any mind

And baby when I saw you
Somehow I knew
That you were the loving kind

Baby, let me hold your hand
Baby, let me hold your hand
Let me feel it right there
and I'll take you anywhere
If you only let me hold your hand

(Oh, my hand is right there
if you take me anywhere
you know, baby you can hold my hand)

Baby, let me be your man
Baby, let me be your man
Let me hold you real tight
Let me love you all night
I just want to be you man (that's all, baby)

(You can hold me real tight
You can love me all night
Oh yeah, you can be my man)

Now I want you to listen to me (looky here):

Now I want you to be
a full time love
'Cause the kind of love I got for you
is really strong

Now these arms are made
for just your size
So get home, baby,
where you belong

Now you know I don't mind
(??? unintelligible) when a kings a leave flirt (??? unintelligible)
Every man has to go through some of that

But I'm here to let you know
personally, baby
exactly where it's at

Baby, let me take you home
Baby, let me take you home
Oh, the walk will do you good
You know'll talk the way I should

(Oh you talk the way you should
and the walk will do me good
Come baby, you can take me home)

Come home, baby (Come home, baby)
Come home, baby (Come home, baby)
Come home, baby (Come home, baby) . . .

Now, if you try to follow these lyrics with the Cobra's version you'll get lost. Not only do they change the gender, but they reworked the lyrics quite a bit, to their advantage. To me, the most interesting part of the Hoagy Lands version is the guitar intro after the a cappella intro. Reminds me of Jackie De Shannon's "When You Walk In The Room". But since I can play the guitar, what the hell do I know.

It is one of two songs on "Baby" with "baby" in the title ("Baby Help Me"). Must be where they came up with the title . . .

Download it now:
Hoagy Lands - Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand - 1964 - Atlantic # 2217
Available on - nothing! I paid a guy $3.00 to rip it from his vinyl copy.

Bonus - Download it now:
The Animals - Baby Let Me Take You Home - 1964 - The Animals
Available on "The Complete Animals"

Extra Bonus - Download it now:
Bob Dylan - Baby Let Me Follow You Down - 1962 - Bob Dylan
Available on "Bob Dylan"

Buy "Baby" by the Detroit Cobras

Stupidity

Song: Stupidity
Artist: Solomon Burke
Written: Solomon Burke
Year : 1963
Album/Single: Atlantic # 2196

Cobra's Version
Song: Stupidity
Released: May 1st, 2001
Album: Life, Love and Leaving


HEY ! EVERYBODY !

Today's selection is a dance number by the King.
No, not that King, the real King.
King Solomon.
Solomon Burke.

"Stupidity" was the flip side to "Can't Nobody Love You" (a classic country soul ballad) in 1963. It followed a couple of Burke's biggest hits - "Just Out of Reach" and "Cry To Me". Solomon was signed to Atlantic Records to replace Ray Charles, who had just left the label. Big shoes to fill. But then again, Solomon is a big man. Solomon's success was credited for keeping Atlantic afloat in this period.

Solomon was originally a preacher in Philadelphia, which no doubt influenced and assisted in the shouted introduction to today's selection. Apparently, the Stupidity was intended to be a dance, something along the links of "The Swim", "The Duck", etc. I don't suspect it was very successful.

Lyrics:
Hey! (Hey!)
Everybody! (Everybody!)
All around the world
Every boy and girl
Taking lessons from me
Do The Stupidity

My Momma she says it's silly
My Poppa says "you look like a fool"
But, baby, I don't mind the criticism
Because were doing it every day in school

Come along with me
See how much fun it can be
While watching me, baby
Do The Stupidity

My Momma she says it's silly
My Poppa says I look like a fool
But, I don't mind the criticism
Because were doing it every day in school

Come along with me
See how much fun it can be
Watch it on TV
Oh, baby, thats The Stupidity

Solomon's version is a full fleshed out R&B dandy, complete with rolling keyboards a wailing horn arrangement. The Cobra's version, of course, replaces all that with with their classic garage guitar crunch.

Solomon is still recording these days. I have yet to hear his last album - "Nashville" - but can highly recommend his 2002 album - "Don't Give Up On Me".

Download it now:
Solomon Burke - Stupidity - 1963 - Atlantic # 2196
Available on "Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke"
Buy "Live, Love & Leaving" by the Detroit Cobras

I'll Cry

Song: I'll Cry
Artist: Reigning Sound
Written: Greg Cartwright
Year : 2004
Album/Single: Too Much Guitar

Cobra's Version
Song: Tonight
Released: Never
Album: Peel Sessions 09.14.2004

A little change up for this week's post - it was never released by the Cobras. They did perform it during their second Peel Session, September 14th, 2004. Rumor has it that the Cobra's took a shot at recording this in the studio as well but weren't happy with the results. I find that hard to believe since they nailed it on Peel.

The Reigning Sound have quite a few ties with the Cobra's. The founding member, Greg Cartwright, was a member of the Oblivians, whose song, "Bad Man" was covered by the Cobra's as "Bad Girl". Greg Cartwright also co-wrote "Hot Dog" with Rachel & Mary. Carol Schumacher, the Cobra's current bassist, was also a member of Reigning Sound.

Lyrics:
I saw you out on there on the dancing floor
You were romancing with another boy
Now don't you call and say you'll be my friend
In fact, don't you ever call me again, all right

Now don't you hand me no apology
'cause they don't mean a damn thing to me
I'm hurting, baby, can't you see

Tonight, I'll cry, tonight
I'll cry, tonight, baby I'll cry

You think he'll love you like I once did
Oh baby who are you trying to kid?
And when you realize what you have done
Oh baby, I'll have some fun, tonight

Now don't you hand me no apology
'cause they don't mean a damn thing to me
I'm hurting, baby, can't you see

Tonight, I'll cry, tonight
I'll cry, tonight, baby I'll cry

When you said you'd never let me go
then you turned around and hurt me so
Well you said you never set me free
Oh baby I guess some things got to be

I saw you out on there on the dancing floor
You were romancing with another boy
Now don't you call and say you'll be my friend
In fact, don't you ever call me again, all right

Now don't you hand me no apology
'cause they don't mean a damn thing to me
I'm hurting, baby, can't you see

Tonight, I'll cry, tonight
I'll cry, tonight, baby I'll cry
I'll cry, tonight, baby I'll cry
I'll cry, tonight, baby I'll cry

Musically, both versions are similar. I have to give the edge to the Cobra's version, if only for the call and response during the chorus. When I first heard it I assumed it was a lost classic from the Shangri-La's. It has that whole bad ass girl thing going on. Which is ironic, since Greg Cartwright subsequently went on to assist Mary Weiss, the lead singer from the Shangri-Las, on her solo project. Check it out for yourself on her MySpace page.

Download them now:
Reigning Sound - I'll Cry - 2004
Available on "Too Much Guitar"
Detroit Cobras - Tonite - 2004
From the Peel Sessions 09.14.2004

Hittin' On Nothin'

Song: Hittin' On Nothin'
Artist: Irma Thomas
Written: Naomi Neville (Allen Tousaint)
Year : 1963
Album/Single: Minit # 666

Cobra's Version
Song: Hittin' On Nothin'
Released: February 24th, 1998
Album: Mink Rat or Rabbit


Today's selection is from the sweet soul queen of New Orleans - Irma Thomas. Irma is probably best known to most as the original artist for the song "Time Is On My Side" which, of course was later covered, with much success, by the Rolling Stones. She has many other great songs just as great as "Time Is On My Side", though I do recommend searching her version out. The Cobras obviously think highly of her as well, since they have covered 4 of her songs to date ("Break A Way", "Cry On", "It's Raining" and of course "Hittin' On Nothin'") with seemingly a fifth coming on the forthcoming "Tied & True" album - "The Hurt's All Gone". In fact, they have joked about being just an Irma Thomas/5 Royales cover band.

Today's song was written by Naomi Neville, which is a nom de plume for the great Crescent City producer / songwriter / piano man Allen Toussaint. Toussaint's talents has touched many a great song, from Ernie K-Doe's "Mother In Law", Lee Dorsey's "Working In A Coal Mine" and "Ruler of My Heart" which was 'adapted' by Otis Redding as "Pain In My Heart" (which was also covered by the Rolling Stones). Naomi Neville was apparently his mother's maiden name.

Since we seem to have a Rolling Stones theme happening here I'd like to point out that today's song is the perfect companion piece to their "Under My Thumb". That songs misogynistic undertone is completely matched by the misandristic tone here. Odd, considering it was written by a guy . . .

Check out the lyrics for yourself :

Lyrics:
You can keep your sweet talk,
keep your lies
Keep all of your promises
save that jive

You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

You know you promised me diamonds,
I'll never forget
I ain't seen hide nor hair
of a diamond yet

All I get is (talk, talk, talk)
Get your papers and (walk, walk, walk)
You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

You know you promised me a mink coat,
for my birthday
I ain't seen mink, rat or rabbit
Make it any old way

I'm tired of your (talk, talk, talk)
Hit the road, Jack (walk, walk, walk)
No no more talk (talk, talk, talk)
Get your bags and walk (walk, walk, walk)

You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

Hey, Hey
You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

Ah-Huh
You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

Hit the road
You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me

Hey, Hey
You ain't hittin' on nothin'
unless you got something for me


The Cobra's version follows the above lyrics almost perfectly, with one interesting change. Rachel twists the mink, rat or rabbit" lyric to "mink, rabbit and rat". Why is that so interesting? The name of the album the Cobra's released it on was "Mink Rat or Rabbit". They did not twist the actual title of the song like they have been known to do (unless you came across the song via the Sympathy For The Record Industry compilation "Alright This Time Just The Girls" on which it was titled as "Ain't Hittin' On Nothin'"). Givin the number of apostrophes it would have been easy to do.

The interesting thing about the original is that it is a guitar based song, from a writer primarily known for his keyboard work. Check out the very Beatlesque guitar solo, which, considering it was a year before the Beatles crossed the pond, if very interesting indeed.


Download it now:
Irma Thomas - Hittin' on Nothin' - 1963 - Minit # 666
Available on "Sweet Soul Queen of New Orleans: The Irma Thomas Collection"

Buy "Mink Rat or Rabbit " by the Detroit Cobras

I'm Laughing at You

Song: I'm Laughing At You
Artist: Gardenias
Written: Gardenias ?
Year : 1957
Album/Single: Hi-Q # 5005

Cobra's Version
Song: Laughing at You
Released: May 1, 2001
Album: Life, Love and Leaving



Today's selection is going to be short and sweet.
If you thought I had nothing on Bobbie Smith and the Dreamgirls you ain't seen nothing yet.

Here's what we have been able to determine:
The song was release in 1957 on Hi-Q Records # 5005 back with "Houdini".

The only album I have been able to find it on is "Ultra Rare Rockin' & Boppin', Vol. 1", a compilation disc out of the Netherlands.

Dave the Spazz played it on October 25th, 2005 and June 8th, 2006 on his WFMU radio show

Marist College has a copy of the single in box 29 which should be a relief to Steve Palopoli's concern that it wasn't "available in its original form from anyone, anywhere."

Again - I suspect they were a Detroit based group. Hi-Q was a subsidary of Fortune Records. Fortune was a very influential and powerful label in Detroit in the late 50's / early sixties (we'll cover Fortune in more detail on a later post). In looking over some of the other acts on the Hi-Q discography I recognize some other Detroit acts - John Lee Hooker, Eddie Kirk, Dell Vaughn. Then again, there are plenty of other acts that probably did not come from Detroit - Cherokee Chief and his Oaklahoma Rockers, Ralph Davis and the Western Rhythm Boys & Shorty Frog and his Space Cats. So I could be wrong . . .

Lyrics:
Uhh Ohh Baby
Uhh Ohh Baby
You starting laughing
when I told you I love you

Uhh Ohh Baby
Uhh Ohh Baby
You said your love was true
But I'm laughing at you
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh (yeah)
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh

Uhh Ohh Baby
Uhh Ohh Baby
You had your winning spree
and now you say you want me

Uhh Ohh Baby
Uhh Ohh Baby
You said your love was true
But I'm laughing at you
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh (yeah)
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh

I know that when you go
You'll come and let me know
That you were tired of being a fool

Uhh Ohh Baby
Uhh Ohh Baby
You said your love was true
But I'm laughing at you
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh (yeah)
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh

Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh (yeah)
Uhh Ohh Ohh Ohh

While the original is a fast paced (for 1957) piano based R&B, the Cobra's is an even faster guitar based rocker, replacing the original's sax solo with a tasty guitar solo (by Maribel ?), shaving 15% off the total time (1:52 vs 1:35). Which is probably why they shaved the "I'm" from the title when they renamed it "Laughing At You"

Download it now:
Gardenias - I'm Laughing At You - 1957 - Hi-Q # 5005
Available on "Ultra Rare Rockin' & Boppin', Vol. 1" if you can find it . . .
Buy "Life, Love and Leaving" by the Detroit Cobras

If 529 words (is "Uhh" a word?) is short and sweet, watch out when I actually have something to say

Now He's Gone

Song: Now He's Gone
Artist: Bobbie Smith & The Dreamgirls
Written: King/Mack/McKenzie
Year: 1962
Album/Single: Big Top # 3129

Cobra's Version
Song: Now Your Gone
Released: Jan 18, 2005
Album: Baby



Who were Bobbie Smith & The Dreamgirls ?
Damn fine question. No idea.
Can't find out squat about them.

Here's what we do know:
They released 4 singles for Big Top Records
# 3085 - Wanted / Mr. Fine - 1961
# 3100 - Dutchess Of Earl / Mine All Mine - 1962
# 3111 - Here Comes Baby / I Got A Feeling My Love - 1962
# 3129 - Your Lovely Dovely Ways / Now He's Gone - 1962

I have found 2 releases being credited to just the "Dreamgirls"
Twirl # 1002 - Oh This is Why / Break My Heart - 1959 (?)
Big Top # 3059 - Don't Break My Heart / I Could Write A Book - 1960.

I have come across another release credited to just "Bobbie Smith"
American Arts # 2 - "Walk On Into My Heart" - 1967.

I have to believe that Bobbie Smith and the Dream Girls were from Michigan, if not Detroit. That is due to the songwriters for today's selection - Ira Mack, Tom King & Maron McKenzie.\

Maron McKenzie, who was a staff writer for Big Top, is listed as a co-writer of some of Del Shannon (who was also on Big Top) releases, including one of his biggest - "Little Town Flirt".

Ira Mack & Tom King are an even more interesting story. Mainly because that wasn't their real names. Their real names were Irving Micahnik & Harry Balk. They were white Detroit businessmen. Harry Balk owned movie theaters in black neighborhoods in Detroit. On slow nights he would hold amateur nights. After winning multiple times, Harry Balk had Little Willie John signed to a record deal. In 1958 he started EmBee Productions with Irving Micahnik (a former furier). After finding the Orbits from Toledo and renaming them "Johnny & The Hurricanes" and not being able to find a record company to release their recording "Crossfire" they started their own label - Twirl. They would end up claiming songwriting credits for a lot of the Johnny & The Hurricane's releases. In 1961 Balk & Micahnik hit the jackpot - that's when they signed Del Shannon on the recommendation of Ann Arbor disc jockey Ollie McLaughlin. (A lot of this information came from "Grit, Noise and Revolution: The Birth of Detroit Rock 'N' Roll" by David A. Carson, a terrific book for anyone interested in the workings and dealings of the early days of rock n roll, not just the Detroit scene)

I think it's safe to say that Balk & Micahnik did not contribute a whole lot to writing today's selection. We'll make the assumption that Marom McKenzie is most responsible for the following lyrics:

Gone is your love
and all the times
when you were mine
to have and to hold
I was yours
You were mine
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)

Gone is your arms
filled with tenderness
Your sweet caress
I'll never forget
I'd like to know
where did you go?
You brought me delight
when you held me so tight
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)

Gone is the love
that seemed perfect
I remember we
were sitting under the tree
You leaned over
and kissed me so sweetly
and then you vowed
you know you vowed
our would always be

Gone is your love
and all the times
when you were mine
to have and to hold
I was yours
You were mine
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)
But now you're gone
(Now you're gone)

Rachel and the Cobras follow the above lyrics, with a few minor changes, to a tee. They did drop the chorus refrains (Now you're gone).
Again we have a discrepancy between the titles of the original release versus the name of the Cobra's release - "Now He's Gone" v. "Now Your Gone". In the Cobra's defense, however, the phrase "now you're gone" is very prominent in the lyrics whereas "now he's gone" is not. Still, it makes it hard to do any research when they don't match.

The Cobra's version is slightly faster than the original, nor do they have the xylophone the original had. You just can find good xylophone players these days.

Download it now:
Bobbie Smith & The Dreamgirls - Now He's Gone - 1962 - Big Top # 3129
Available on "Big Top Soul Cellar"
Buy "Baby" by the Detroit Cobras

Shout Bamalama

Song: Shout Bamalama
Artist: Otis Redding & The Pinetoppers
Written: Otis Redding
Year : 1960
Album/Single: Orbit 135

Cobra's Version
Song: Shout Bama Lama
Released: May 1, 2001
Album: Life, Love and Leaving



I thought I would begin where it began for me. I bought a spindle of CDR's & they came with 100 free mp3's from emusic.com. To say emusic's selection is limited would be kind (however, if you are a music freak such as myself, it is a cheap and legal way to explore different genres). I believe I did a search for "Detroit " on a whim & came across an album called "Sympathetic Sounds of Detroit". Pull it up and see the White Stripes listed - OK, I've heard of them. The rest of the bands listed, however, I had never heard of (and I live in Detroit!). The Come Ons, The Hentchmen, Bantam Rooster, The Detroit Cobras . . . ? What the hell, I have 100 mp3's to download I might as well take a flyer on one or two. So I downloaded some of the songs. Burned them to a disc (along with so other stuff I downloaded - Warren Zevon, Brownie & Sonnie, Pretenders . . . ).

I have a 45 minute drive home - about the 40 minute mark I came across "Shout Bama Lama".

WHOA - What the fuck was that?
So I played it again. WOW!

By this point I am home in my driveway, listening for the 5th time before one of my sons come out to leave - spots me in my truck - I invite him in to have a listen with me - he tells me its great (to appease me) and leaves. Kids don't know shit about about music anyways.

Anyways, that was my introduction to the power that is the Detroit Cobras

On with the show . . .

Today's selection was recorded by Otis Redding & the Pinetoppers in 1960. Or was it Otis & The Shooters? Anyways, it was Otis's first record. Or, at worst, his second. The Pinetoppers were a Macon, Georgia band lead by Johnny Jenkins. Johnny saw Otis playing at The Douglass Theater and offered to 'play behind him.' At some point Otis recorded "Shout Bama Lama" with the band and had relative success with the song.

2 years later, Otis drove (yeah - he was also their driver!) the band to Memphis so Johnny Jenkins & the Pinetoppers could lay some tracks down at the Stax studios. By all accounts the sessions did not go well and since there was time left at the end, it was offered to Otis to record a song. "These Arms of Mine" was laid down with Johnny Jenkins on piano and Steve Cropper on guitar. The rest, to turn a cliche, is history.

"Shout Bamalama" starts with some shouts and screams as if they are at a party (very reminiscent of the Temptations "I Can't Get Next to You" or "Psychedelic Shack" - whether "Shout Bama Lama" was the inspiration for this or not, I do not know). Then the up tempo horn & guitar driven riff kicks in at a frantic pace. Being that Little Richard was also from Macon, Georgia, the song is often liken to a Little Richard screamer. Rightfully so.

The Lyrics:
(As best as I can transcribe them . . . )

"He's down in Alabama
I shouting Bamalama
Way down in Louisiana
Well, well, nobody gone set him down

Lord have mercy on my soul
How many chickens have I stole
One last night and the night before
I'm going back to try and get 10, 11 more
(unintelligible)
I love the chicken baby
Shouting Bamalama
Well, well, nobody gone set him down

?? Nine Feet & Ten Feet were going towards the feild ??
?? Nine Feet stepped on Ten Feet's heel ??
?? Ten Feet swung around and knocked Nine Feet's grin ??
He teeth fell out and his tongue stayed in
His captain said so
He got chicken baby
Shouting Bamalama
Well, well, nobody gone set him down

Leo the Monkey told the lion one day
'A bad little gorilla coming down your way'
They way he talk about your family is a crying shame
He say your mother is working on the chain gang
She busting bricks now
(unintelligible)
Shouting Bamalama
Well, well, nobody gone set him down

The preacher and the deacon were praying one day
Along come a bear coming down their way
The preacher told the deacon to say a prayer
He said "lord, a prayer? I want to kill this bear"
I got to make it baby
Shout Bamalama
I've got to run for it
Well, well, nobody gone set him down"

If anyone can fill in the blanks for me - even if it a guess (which is all I have done here) please do not hesitate to share them with us.

I tried following Rachel & company's version to see if I could pickup on any of the mystery lyrics but I am convinced that they don't have a very good handle on the lyrics either. Rachel did tweak the lyrics a bit (reversing the deacon and preacher for one) but pretty much stays on track. By all accounts it was recorded by Jack White (yeah, that Jack White) in his home studio.

It also is a prime example of how the Cobra's take liberties with the names of the songs they cover. The name of the original : "Shout Bamalama". The Cobra's version : "Shout Bama Lama". Minor difference ? Perhaps, unless you are trying to research the song, that is.

So if you are not familiar with the Cobra's version, please buy it (you won't be disappointed). And it goes without saying, if this is first Otis in your library, it won't be the last.

Download it:
Otis Redding - Shout Bamalama - 1960 - Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding

(BTW, I'd kill (not really) to get a copy of the flip side - "Fat Gal")

Coming Soon

Starting January 1st (or there abouts), an in depth study of the songs the Detroit Cobras have chosen to cover . . . along with mp3's of the originals, when available.

As soon as I figure out how to do that, that is . . .