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After Ginger Baldy's beard grows strangely long overnight, STT ventures into the world of ghosts, ghouls and Devilish deeds
1. The Witch - The Sonics
2. The Witch - The Rattles
3. Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon
4. There's A Devil On The Loose - Mavis Staples
5. Mexicali Voodoo - Tim Buckley
6. Devil Woman - Marty Robbins
7. The Salem Witch Trial - Kiriae Crucible (This month’s death song)
8. They Caught The Devil And Put Him In Jail In Eudora Arkansas - Tony Joe White
9. The Girl's A Devil - The Dukays
10. The Doors Of Mr Bones - Slink Moss Explosion (This month’s earworm)
11. Spooky - Dusty Springfield
12. Devil In Her Heart - The Beatles
13. Don’t Let The Devil Ride - Leo “Bud” Welch
14. Devilish Mary - Odetta
15. The Devil Is Mad - Dorothea Fleming
16. Black Cat - Tommy Collins
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1973)
Well, the next day a crowd had gathered
Out in front of the Eudora jailhouse
But there was not a trace to be seen of the devil
Now the jailer had been a poor man
And now his pockets were stuffed with money
And he was sitting outside
In a brand new Continental Lincoln.
Track 8: They Caught The Devil And Put Him In Jail In Eudora, Arkansas - Tony Joe White
More tracks, same time, less chat, and still I missed Halloween.
In the meantime, you have two podcasts to listen to. If you haven’t been there yet, get over to Johnny Corsair’s latest Bright Lights Big City Podcast at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays modern R&B as well as the old stuff - you only get the old stuff from STT!
Small Town Talk is here:
https://smalltowntalkrecords4.podbean.com/
There are 73 back episodes to dig into if you are new to STT - they are still available.
If you are a regular listener you will know I regularly play tracks from Ace Records. They are the foremost reissue company in the UK, and the quality of their recordings is top class, always where possible, taken from the original master tapes - which is often not the case with many reissues from other sources.
More than just an online shop, they are enthusiasts who take their love of music seriously and share it with us. Check them out here:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Another British company producing top quality reissues is The Last Music Company. Arriving from Last, via postie Nigel yesterday, was a magnificent 8 disc set - “The Bobby Charles Story”, which I heartily recommend. So look out for some great tracks from our theme tune man in the coming weeks.
I have also pre-ordered from Last Records the vinyl of “The Doc Pomus Recordings 1978”, by The Fabulous Thunderbirds - can't wait:
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 73 illustration: Mr & Mrs STT laugh in the face of danger. We ain’t afraid….
Small Town Talk is late again. Please forgive the caterwauling but we are sure our black cat bone will put us back on track.
1. Alley Cat - The Champs
2. Cat Scratching - Louis Jordan
3. Boss Eyed Cat - Marcel Bontempi
4. Cat Man - Gene Vincent
5. Black Cat Bone - Jimmy Johnson & Band (vocal Hank Alexander)
6. Cat’s Eyes - Godley & Creme
7. Rosewood Casket - Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris & Linda Ronstadt (This month’s death song)
8. Believe It Or Not - Donny Elbert
9. Believe It Or Not - Don Covay
10. She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride) - Taj Mahal
11. The Midnight Special - Odetta (This month’s earworm)
12. A-Train Lady - Mink DeVille
13. Doot Dootsie Wah - Little Isidore & The Inquisitors
14. Slappin’ On My Black Cat Bone - Koerner, Ray & Glover (vocal Dave “Snaker” Ray)
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1973)
Johnny's shedding tears,
Wet behind the ears,
Johnny is as green as the grass that's growing,
Johnny's getting bruised,
Johnny's being used,
Johnny's having fun without her husband knowing.
Track 6: Johnny’s following “Cats Eyes” - Godley & Creme (1983)
Sorry - another delay, but we’re back (fingers crossed) with the usual mixture of the usual and the unusual.
While Small Town talk has stuttered, good ol’ Johnny Corsair has kept the airwaves alive with his Bright Lights Big City podcast over at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
Get over there and see what he’s up to.
Small Town Talk is here:
https://smalltowntalkrecords4.podbean.com/
The massive resurgence of vinyl after it’s reported death is also happening with the humble CD, so don’t be tempted to dump your old silver discs - and remember that if you rely on streamed media, convenient as it is, you don’t actually own it.
I’ve noticed that CDs, even some released in the last few years, once sold out, have gained in value in the second-hand market.
Checking out four of the above tracks on Ace Records, I discovered Hop Wilson's original of Black Cat Bone on his album, Steel Guitar Flash is sold out! Luckily I already have it!
I recommend Ace’s website, not just because of the excellent selection of music on vinyl and compact disc, but for all the other information available. More than just an online shop, they are enthusiasts who take their love of music seriously and share it with us. Check them out here:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 73 illustration: She caught the Katy (and left me a mule to ride). That hard-headed woman has left Ginger Baldy to wait for the slow train. Will he ever catch up?
Small Town Talk is back.
We’d like to thank all of our beautiful friends all over the country
For all the beautiful vibrations. We love you.
1. I’m Tore Up - Ronnie Dawson
2. Got Love If You Want It - Andy Fairweather Low
3. Baillando - Texas Tornados (vocal Augie Meyers)
4. Mendocino - Sir Douglas Quintet (This month’s earworm)
5. You’re Gonna Miss Me - Sir Douglas Quintet
6. You’re Gonna Miss Me - Muddy Waters
7. Spasms - Little Willie John
8. Sweet Cocaine - Fred Neil
9. Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss
10. What Do You Want the Girl To Do - Boz Scaggs
11. Big Iron - Marty Robbins (This month’s death song)
12. Sugaree - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
13. Shake For Me - John Hammond
14. No Money Down - Chuck Berry
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1973)
Mendocino, Mendocino,
Where life's such a groove.
You'll blow your mind in the mornin'
We used to walk through the park,
Make love along the way in Mendocino.
Track 4 “Mendocino” - Sir Douglas Quintet (1969)
We have a bit of catching up to do at Small Town Talk, - four month’s worth. Hopefully we can get back into the swing of things over the next few episodes. At the top of this page, the written intro to this episode, appropriate as it is, was appropriated from Doug Sahm’s spoken introduction to the gloriously cheerful “Mendocino”, track 4.
While we’ve been away I sincerely hope you’ve all been listening in to Johnny Corsair’s “Bright Lights Big City” podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
Even if you haven’t, as with Small Town Talk, the great news is that all episodes, from day one, are still available to listen to again and again, and for free!
Small town Talk is here:
https://smalltowntalkrecords4.podbean.com/
Also visit my favourite record company, the brilliant Ace Records:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 72 illustration: My favourite band, The Sir Douglas Quintet. (Drawn mostly from the cover of the 1969 album Mendocino - from left to right, Doug Sahm, Johnny Perez, Augie Meyers, Frank Morin and Harvey Kagan. Note: the image of Augie Meyers is drawn from a different source, since Augie’s features are mostly hidden in the shade or bleached by the sun on the original album cover photo.
In which it seems Ginger Baldy’s been transported back to 1967 and He-Feels-He’s-Fixing-To-Die all over again.
1. I Got My Mojo Working - Joyce Harris & The Daylighters
2. My Good Pott - Doc Pomus
3. Lonely Avenue - Taj Mahal
4. Because The Night - Patti Smith Group
5. I’m On Fire - Soccer Mommy
6. Gonna Make It Alone - The Bellfuries
7. Tell Her No - The Zombies
8. Night Life - Roy Orbison
9. Night Life - B.B. King & His Orchestra
10. Me And Paul - Doug Sahm & Band
11. I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixing-To-Die Rag - Country Joe & The Fish (This month’s combined earworm & death song)
12. Kiss My Ass - Country Joe & The Fish
13. Something's Got A Hold On Me - Etta James
14. The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry) - Richard Berry with Etta James & The Peaches.
15. Sixty Minute Man - Billy Ward & The Dominoes
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles (1973)
At the airport at Milwaukee
They wouldn’t let us board the plane at all
Well they said we looked suspicious
But I think they like to pick on me and Paul
Track 10 “Me And Paul” - Doug Sahm & Band (1973) Written by Willie Nelson
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s fifth birthday edition of “Bright Lights Big City” podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
Also visit the brilliant Ace records:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Find Alec Paleo’s Country Joe McDonald obituary here:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/news/2026/country-joe-mcdonald
And details of the excellent album, “Ladies Sing The Boss” here:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/ladies-sing-the-boss
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 70 illustration: Small Town Talk plays a track from his treasured “Good Rockin’ Mama” LP on pink vinyl.
Right click on the illustration to get a full size image.
In which Ginger Baldy plays Hide & Seek, watches the golden sparks from the Smokestack, and won’t keep away from Runaround Sue.
1. Hide & Go Seek - Bunker Hill with Link Wray & The Raymen
2. Cryin’ & Pleadin’ - GA-20
3. Smokestack Lightnin’ - Howlin’ Wolf
4. Evil (Is Going On - Canned Heat
5. You Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover - Dion
6. Runaround Sue - Dion
7. Steamboat - The Drifters
8. Run, Run, Run - The Supremes
9. Run, Run, Run - The Third Rail
10. Good Lovin’ - The Young Rascals
11. I’ve Got My Mind Set On You - James Ray with Hutch Davie Ork. & Chorus
12. St James Infirmary - Bobby Bland (This month’s death song)
13. My Boy Lollipop - Millie (This month’s earworm)
14. Boogie Rock - Laurel Aitken
15. At The Party - Derrick Morgan
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
Track 6 “Runaround Sue” - Dion DiMucci (1961)
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s “Bright Lights Big City” podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays old stuff like me, but if you wanna hear something a bit more current, he’s the man for you.
Also visit the brilliant Ace records:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Track 11 comes from the brilliant 24 track “You Heard It Here First, Vol 2” - The more obscure, but often better originals of hit songs. Volumes 1 & 2 still available here!
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/you-heard-it-here-first
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 70 illustration: Small Town Talk digs out a Bunker Hill 7 inch.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
In which Ginger Baldy plays Tim Buckley’s most lascivious track and after a significant birthday, contemplates sweet memory and the passing of time.
1. Devil Eyes - Tim Buckley (From the album “Greetings From L.A.” 1972)
2. Roscoe - Midlake (From the album “The Trials Of Van Occupanther” 2006)
3. Shelly’s Winter Love - Bill Kirchen with Nick Lowe & Paul Carrick (From the Album The Proper Years 2020)
4. White Bird - It’s A Beautiful Day (From the album “It’s A Beautiful Day” 1967)
5. Boxcars - Butch Hancock (From the album “Eats Away The Night” 1994)
6. Enough Of You - Swamp Mama Johnson (From the album “Fresh Raw & Live” 1999)
7. It All Went Down The Drain - Boz Scaggs (From the album “Come On Home” 1997)
8. Sweet Memory - Godley & Creme (From the album “Goodbye Blue Sky” 1988)
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
I was so bothered by those balmy breezes
Track 1 “Devil Eyes” - Tim Buckley, taken from the album ”Greetings from L.A. 1972)
This track, indeed the whole album “Greetings from L.A” apart from the song “Nighthawkin’” steams with unabashed raunchiness. Notably, the original gatefold album sleeve came with abridged lyrics, containing none of the bawdy stuff. A carefully worded proviso explained the lyrics were as provided by Buckley, and the nature of Tim's work was continual improvisation, with songs evolving each time he performed them, so for “Devil Eyes” only the first verse and two lines from the second were published, so any record executives would have been unaware of the provocative nature of the finished work prior to release.
For those who want to singalong to Butch Hancock here are the lyrics to Boxcars:
I gave all my money to the banker this month.
An' I got no more money to spend.
She smiled when she saw me comin' through the door,
When I left, she said: "Come back again."
Well, I watched them lonesome boxcar wheels,
A-turnin' down the tracks out of town.
An' it's on that lonesome railroad track,
I'm gonna lay my burden down.
I looked for my little lady in the lost an' found,
But she had already been claimed.
Now I'm gonna find me a ticket to ride,
To a town that never had no name.
Nobody may care where I go tonight,
But they may, the truth be told.
I'm goin' down to the railroad tracks,
To watch them lonesome boxcars roll.
I was raised on a farm the first years of my life.
An' life was pretty good, they say.
An' I'll probably live to some ripe ol' age,
If that dirty dog death will stay out of my way.
This world can take my money and my time,
But it sure can't take my soul.
An' I'm goin' down to the railroad tracks,
Watch them lonesome boxcars roll.
There's some big ol' Buicks by the Baptist church,
Cadillacs at the Church of Christ.
I parked my camel by an ol' haystack,
I'll be lookin for that needle all night.
Well, There ain't gonna be no radial tyres,
Turnin' down the streets of gold.
An' I'm goin’ down to the railroad tracks,
Watch them lonesome boxcars roll.
If you ever seen the wheels of a fast freight train,
Beatin' out a beautiful tune.
If you ever seen the cold blue railroad tracks,
Shinin' by the light of the moon.
An' if you ever felt the locomotive shake the ground,
I know you don't need to be told,
Why I'm goin’ down to the railroad tracks,
Watch them lonesome boxcars roll.
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays great old R&B like me, but if you wanna hear something a bit more current, he’s the man for you.
Watch this space in future episodes of STT for news of Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes Chelmsford gig in late May.
The best of the Welsh Wizard can be found along with loads of great R&B and Blues at the Last Music Co - check them out here:
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
Also visit the brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop, it’s an open book: Go browse, see fave tracklists from their expert compilers and indulge yourself in the very best past and present of the finest music on earth.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 65b illustration: The Trusty Revox gets a nice sky blue background.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
In which Ginger Baldy enters an episode of The Twilight Zone and gets away with stealing chickens.
1. Wild Man - The Tamrons
2. The Rockin’ Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Flu - Huey “Piano” Smith & The Clowns
3. Air Travel - Chris Farlowe
4. Just A Little Bit - The Undertakers
5. Just Love Me Baby - Nick Curran
6. The Chicken (Dance With Me) - Rosco Gordon
7. Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens - Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5
8. Sunshine Superman - Donovan (This month’s earworm)
9. Superlungs My Supergirl - Terry Reid
10. Horses Through A Rainstorm - Crosby, Stills & Nash
11. Give Us Your Blessings - The Shangri-Las (This month’s death song)
12. It’s Too Late - Tarheel Slim & Little Ann
13. It’s Too Late - Chuck Willis
14. What Can I Do - Donnie Elbert
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
When he shouted, "Who's there?"
This is what he heard
“There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all"
Track 7 “Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens” - Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5 (Like me, from 1946)
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays a lot of old stuff like me; we're like two poos in a puddle, or similar simile, but if you wanna hear something a bit more current, he’s the man for you.
Well, we thought Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes had played their final gigs, but there’s one coming up in Chelmsford in late May and possibly more. Little George Sueref has also joined the Mosquitoes. I’ll let you know fuller details closer to the date.
The best of the Welsh Wizard can be found along with loads of great R&B and Blues at the Last Music Co - check them out here:
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
Also visit the brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop, it’s an open book: Go browse, see fave tracklists from their expert compilers and indulge yourself in the very best from the past, present and future of the finest music on earth.
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 65 illustration: Small Town Talk delves into the weird and eerie world of late 50’s TV show, The Twilight Zone.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
In which Ginger Baldy explores early Fats Domino, Gene Pitney, Hank Ballard, the Moody Blues and Ritchie Valens, who never got past early and finally pays tribute to a Yardbird.
1. The Fat Man - Fats Domino
2. The Fat Man - Billy Bland
3. Harmony - Billy Bland
4. I Wanna Love My Life Away - Gene Pitney
5. Get It - The Royals
6. The Slummer The Slum - The “5” Royales
7. Rack My Mind - The Yardbirds
8. It Sounds Like My Baby - Bessie Banks
9. Go Now - The Moody Blues
10. A Quiet Place - Garnet Mimms
11. His Eyes - Johnny Dollar
12. Needle Of Death - Julie Felix (This month’s death song)
13. La Bamba - Ritchie Valens (This month’s earworm)
14. Come On Let’s Go - Dion
15. Some Kind Of Hero - Wilko Johnson & Roger Daltrey
16. Santa’s Got A Mean Machine - J. D. McPherson
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
I can't get no sleep
Track 10 “A Quiet Place” - Garnet Mimms (1964)
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
He plays old stuff like me, but if you wanna hear something a bit more current, he’s the man for you.
Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes have played their final gigs, but the best of the Welsh Wizard can be found along with loads of great R&B and Blues at the Last Music Co - check them out here:
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
Check out the best ever Christmas album here:
https://www.jdmcpherson.com/socks
Also visit the brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop, it’s an open book:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 65 illustration: Small Town Talk takes a look at Chris Dreja’s cover of the Yardbirds sole studio album.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
In which poor sinner Ginger Baldy almost joins the enlightened with a “Joliet Jake Blues moment”, but sadly, this time his wretched soul is not saved.
1. Do Right Baby - Billy Gayles with Ike Turner’s Kings Of Rhythm
2. Bad Seed Sown - The Bellfuries
3. Your Love (All That I’m Missing) - J. D. McPherson
4. Mary Don’t You Weep - Annie & The Caldwells
5. Ain’t That Loving You Baby - Elvis Presley
6. Ain’t That Loving You Baby - Betty Everett & Jerry Butler
7. Bad Girl - The Fabulous Denos
8. I’m A Bad, Bad Girl - Little Esther
9. Soy De San Luis - Texas Tornados
10. Marie Provost - Nick Lowe (This month’s death song)
11. Hold Back - Geraint Watkins featuring Little George Sueref
12. Catfish - Little George Sueref
13. Rhythm Rockin’ Boogie - John Lee
14. Liar Liar - The Castaways (This month’s earworm)
15. The Zombie - C. W. Stoneking
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
Up in my 59 I'd drive around the town
I'll pretend you're in it
I ain't got your love
It's all that I'm missing
Track 3 “Your Love (All That I’m Missing)” From the album “Signs & Signifiers” - J. D. McPherson (2010)
It was written by Joey Simeone and first recorded by his band the Bellfuries on their debut album “Just Plain Lonesome” in 2001
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at:
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
And win the brand new Nina Simone CD, “Let It All Out"- Selected Singles 1961-1978:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/let-it-all-out-selected-singles-1961-1978-1
The stunning Annie and the Caldwells can be found here:
https://annieandthecaldwells.com/
And if nothing else watch the video for “Wrong”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DATemNjEwW8
Annie and the Caldwells on Jools Holland:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0m8r49c/later-live-tracks-annie-the-caldwells-i-made-it-later-with-jools-holland
It’s a bit overblown but find out about Marie Prevost here:
https://www.factinate.com/people/marie-prevost-facts
Note that Nick Lowe spells Marie’s name “Provost”
Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitoes with Little George Sueref remaining gigs here:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/geraint-watkins
Also visit the brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at
Episode 65 illustration: Mack Sennett bathing beauty and silent movie star, Marie Prevost.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
In Which Ginger Baldy gets in the time machine and heads on down to 1969 to see Eddie Hinton at Muscle Shoals.
1. What About Love. - Nick Curran
2. Mama, Mama, Mama (Look What Your Little Boy’s Done) - Warren Storm
3. Walking To New Orleans - Bobby Charles
4. Bad Luck And Trouble - Fats Domino
5. The Shape You Left Me In - Jimmy Donley
6. Everybody Needs Love - Drive By Truckers
7. Cover Me - Eddie Hinton
8. Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen
9. Oh La De Da - The Staple Singers
10. Tell Mama - Etta James
11. Let It Be Me - Betty Everett & Jerry Butler
12. Baby (You Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton
13. Do You - Aleighcia Scott taken from the album “Windrush Baby” - 2023
14. Ghost Riders In The Sky - Marty Robbins (This month’s death song & earworm combined!)
Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles
Mama, you taught me
Track 1 “What About Love” From the album “Player” - Nick Curran 2004
Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast.at :
https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/
And win the Charlie Gillett Radio Picks Volume 2 CD
Aleighcia Scott’s excellent album "Windrush Baby" is still available: check her out here:
https://aleighciascott.com/
And check out her radio show on BBC Wales here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00160d1
Simply use your favourite search engine to check out Eddie Hinton. The man plays on just about every great soul record from out of the South. He is the guy standing to the right of Ginger Baldy in this month’s illustration.
Did you know if you right click on the illustration, you can open a full size version!
Also visit the brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is much more than just an online record shop. You can check out Johnny Corsairs prize album there:
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/
All queries and comments to STT. Don’t be shy, contact me at:
Episode 65 illustration: STT photobombs the Swampers and special guests down at the Muscle Shoals Studio in Sheffield, Alabama.
From the publisher's feed