I missed October. I apologize for those waiting to have new emerging tunes from the faded era of instromania. We here are in mourning, missing Ike, Truman, and Kennedy—leaders from the past era of instros. Not that I was alive then, in this life, but figures like them stand like giants compared to our new guy headed for the White House—a reality star.
Soon we’ll all be getting a stiff dose of reality. Perhaps, as some cyber friend said, these times will feed the creative souls, leading to an emergence of great tunes. Until then, however, we have our instros from the time when people were seeing the cracks in the American facade. The glory of a great America that won big on the world stage against Germany, North Korea. Maybe we do need to have the US to be great again to herald in new music…to end the world by. Alas, until that happens, or as the world ends, we have King Bloodstone’s blog.
We’re going a bit “summer of love" here, after 18 months of hate and divisiveness that unfortunately may continue to play out. Normally I trim away the fat that is late ‘60s instros from my collections, but what better excuse to turn away, tune in, and drop dead? Bring back some loving goddamn spoonfuls of lovey doveyness. Sounds Incorporated and, whom I am assuming is their tripped out alter ego, Sounds Nice, give us their peaceful, hallucinogenic melodies. The Ventures also want to turn on a dead man in this volume with Endless Dream. Hopefully, the nightmare we’ll soon be living will not be without end.
Before you think ol’ King Bloodstone has gone all 5th chakra on ya, the wafting dark fog will promptly drift into our naked city. First off, two evening themed titles are included in V.11. A long Night Walk with Dick D’Agustin will lead you to the warm dark heart of town center. There, be sure to hit a little dive called The Mix. The Rockin’ R’s are the house band. They don’t take gratuities, but you can toss a lit cigarette into the tip jar to show your appreciation. Switchblade by the Playboys and Showdown by Tony March inject some further danger into the night. Call me when you get home so I know you survived. Use a landline—the internet is not to be trusted.
Duane Eddy gives us his version of Caravan here. The Czar of twang sends us on a mission to swing with the mid-East folk. Just don’t tell Mr. Orange we’re going or we may not be allowed back. While we’re Way Out East with Jack Porter, be sure an knock a couple back and attempt a drunken, brassy rip off of Miserlou.
Some good European instros to here, especially the lullaby from the Shadows. I wish I can remember where the hell I first heard Jack’s Good by the Krew Kats. I recall a female DJ with a French accent. I’m almost sure it was back on the East coast, so my best guess is Princeton’s WPRB. Pabpst Blue Ribbon for the mid-Atlantic seaboard. Krew Kats remind me of the Belgian band the Jokers, so, given that a European sent this across the airwaves, I’d say it should be titled Jacques’s Good.
Some good contenders for side-band name of the month: Honorable mention goes to Porky’s Fantabulous 5, but Bill David’s Roommates gets the nod. Or wait, is the band playing Show Down entirely comprised of Bill AND Tony March’s roomies??? Perhaps Bill and Tony weren’t invited to the session.
We close our tidy volume with another touch of late ‘60s psychedelic gleam. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by the Roulettes. Tomorrow never knows, does it? Spin the wheel, because our chances of living after four years is slim. I wouldn’t bet against the (great white) house.
Vote for Volume 11 here!
