May 16, 2022

1968 - August: The Jeff Beck Group “Truth”

30 minutes

Jeff Beck left the Yardbirds in 1966, and recorded several singles in 1967. In 1968 Beck released his first solo studio album, Truth, which would come to be regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums released. It would also feature a number of talented artists in his band called The Jeff Beck Group, including Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Mickey Waller on drums, all of which would go on to achieve stardom as rock soloists and/or musicians in other groups.

Beck started this group as a means to expand his guitar interests, and the album reflects a lot of diversity. There are traditional covers and blues songs, heavier rock numbers and instrumentals, and of course a lot of guitar effects. The tracks for the album were recorded very quickly - within two weeks - and the album would go to number 15 on the U.S. charts.

Jeff Beck has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - once for his work with the Yardbirds, and once for his solo work.

Wayne brings us this 60's rock album, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence for this episode.

Greensleeves

The song that starts side two of the album is a classic - a Tudor classic! Greensleeves dates back to 1580. This traditional song would find its way into the Christmas season as "What Child Is This?" with different lyrics.

You Shook Me

American blues musicians Willie Dixon and J.B. Lenoir penned this song that Jeff Beck covers. Led Zeppelin also covered this song on their first album which appeared 5 months after Beck's album. John Paul Jones is on the Hammond organ for this one.

Beck's Bolero

This piece is considered one of the great Rock instrumentals, and brings in some high caliber session musicians - Jimmy Page on 12-string guitar, Jon Paul Jones on bass, and Keith Moon on drums. Moon had contractual issues at the time and was credited on the album as "you know who."

I Ain't Superstitious

Another traditional blues song, this one was originally written by Willie Dixon. This really shows off Rod Stewart's vocal chops and Beck's fuzzy guitar work. These effects are done well before the vocoder was available, but Jeff Beck creates a nice facsimile of a vocoder on his own.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The main theme from the motion picture “Hang 'Em High”

This Clint Eastwood western made its appearance in 1968. It was the first production from Eastwood's own The Malpaso Company.

STAFF PICKS:

Jackson by Johnny Cash

Bruce was out, so guest John Lynch brings us a classic from Johnny Cash, which also features June Carter on duet prior to their marriage. The song was recorded in 1967 and debuted in 1968. They would win a Grammy for the Best Country & Western Duet. The song is about a husband wanting to go to Jackson because of all the women, and the wife wanting to go to Jackson to laugh at the husband for making a fool of himself.

Hitch It To the Horse by The Fantastic Johnny C.

You might think Brian's staff pick is from James Brown, but the Godfather of Soul wasn't the only one doing soul funk fusion in the late 60's. Johnny Corley came out of a gospel vocal group in Philadelphia, and was persuaded to sing secular songs by producer and songwriter Jesse James. This is from his sole solo album, “Boogaloo Down Broadway.”

Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens

Rob's staff pick is a serious song from Stevens, who would become better known for his comedy songs. This track from his third album cautions Mr. Businessman to take care of the important things in life rather than focusing all his time on his career.

Journey to the Center of the Mind by the Amboy Dukes

Wayne brings us a psychedelic hit from a 19 year-old Ted Nugent in his original group. This song sounds more like the Moody Blues than the Motor City Madman, but it is a sonic blast. Nugent was 15 when he formed the Amboy Dukes. The Amboy Dukes were invited to perform at Woodstock, but they declined because Nugent "didn't like hippies or the promoter."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Soul Limbo by Booker T and the M.G.'S

You can't go wrong with a little instrumental limbo to finish off this 60's podcast.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings