[back to the future] Norma Tanega - "A Street That Rhymes At 6 AM" & "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog" (Walkin' My Cat Named Dog) New Voice 1966

If you've heard of Norma Tanega at all, it's probably for her one hit, "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog"; an excellent folk pop tune that charted at #22 on both the national and UK top 100 in 1966. Unfortunately, the tune granted her what many consider to be a "one hit wonder" status, and the rest of her brilliant debut was largely ignored. This is really a shame, because Tanega's record is one of the best I've heard recently, and has been on constant rotation since I recently picked it up on LP. Her tunes are an expertly crafted combination of folk lyricism and pop atheistic, with some odd times and changes thrown in that set it apart from some of her contemporaries. There really isn't a weak song here, all of them showcasing Tanega's mastery of the simple yet intricate pop melody that will get stuck in your head for days and days.

Though her own success was short lived, Tanega helped singer Dusty Springfield write a number of songs throughout the 60s. Many believe that the singers had an intimate relationship, one that would last many years till Springfield's death in 1999. These days Tanega has largely left music behind to teach art in Claremont California. While her record is somewhat obscure to many listeners, its success in the 60s actually makes it not too hard to find, so I highly recommend you contact your local record store and pick up a copy. I've posted videos for two songs below, the hit "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog," as well as my personal favorite, side B's opener "A Street The Rhymes At 6AM." If you'd like some mp3s of any of the tracks, feel free to email me. Enjoy!

[back to the future] Dandelions/Children of Sunshine - "It's A Long Way To Heaven" (Dandelions )1971

I first heard this tune last Saturday at the MMOSS/Quilt tour kick-off show at The Lilypad. One of our favorite local DJs Jesse Gallagher (Nighttime Gallagher) was blasting some tunes from his computer while the bands were setting up, and when this tune came on I had to stop what I was doing and listen. Dandelions (or Children of Sunshine, depending on who you talk to) were two girls, Tres Williams and Kitsy Christner (10 and 11 years old) who went to some sort of alternative "college" school in the early seventies. Under the direction of their guitar teacher, Jim Curran, the girls began writing and recording songs in 1971 with two hired musicians, drummer Mike Kieffer and upright bassist Wendy Katz. What resulted was a truly amazing record; beautiful minimalist tunes and melodies with the kind of genuine honesty, charm, and innocence that could only be captured by two young girls. Its easily become one of my favorite listens this past week. The record is quite rare, raking in close to $500 at most ebay auctions, but luckily for us, you can listen to the entire album via youtube. If you interested in some MP3s, send me an email and ill send you a link. Check out my favorite tune "It's A Long Way To Heaven" below.

[back to the future] Marijata - "No Condition Is Permanent" (This Is Marijata) Academey / Voodoo Funk, 1976

Been meaning to post about this since I picked it up about a month ago. Marijata's debut "This Is Marijata, " is a taste of killer, raw, Ghanian afro/funk from '76. Apparently this was one of the rarest, most sought-after Ghanian records of its day until the folks at Academy LPs and Voodoo Funk got to work on this seriously awesome reissue. Many consider this record to be one of the best of the genre, and after a few repeat listens I'd have to agree. Check out the mp3 below for closer "No Condition Is Permanent," then head over to Weirdo to pick up a copy.

Marijata~No Condition Is Permanent

[back to the future] Pugh Rogefeldt - "Love Love Love" & "Små Lätta Moln" (Ja, dä ä dä) 1969

Pugh Rogefeldt's 1969 debut "Ja, dä ä dä" is one of the great Swedish psych records of the late 60s. While many Swedish pop groups were releasing songs sung exclusively in English in hopes of some commercial success, Rogefeldt, like many of the best Swedish artists of the day, stood out by singing his tunes in his native language. This may not have granted him the kind of success he truly deserved at the time, but it gave his work a much more genuine vibe that is greatly appreciated when listening to his record today.

Personally, its hard not to listen to "Ja, dä ä dä" without thinking about contemporary psych group Dungen. Not only do both groups sing exclusively in Swedish, but they have a number of tonal and melodic similarities. Nowhere is this more obvious than when comparing the opening drum fills of Pugh's "Love Love Love" with Dungen's "Panda."

Here are a couple of my favorite tracks. "Love Love Love" is easily the most rockin tune on the record, juxtaposed with "Små Lätta Moln," which is one of the most beautiful folk songs I've heard this year. If you are interested in hearing more tunes, shoot me an email.

pugh rogefeldt - 01 - love love love.mp3

pugh rogefeldt - 04 - små lätta moln.mp3

[back to the future] The Sea-ders - "Thanks A Lot" & "I Don't Know Why" (Sea-ders LP) 1966 Groovie Records

pRIMORDIAL sOUNDS "back to the future" series brings you some of our favorite tunes from the past, from long lost greats to recently reissued gems.

I first downloaded The Sea-ders' reissued anthology a few months back, and its been in constant rotation since. Only recently did I finally pick up the actual LP, and it was worth every cent.

The Sea-ders (later "The Cedars") were first formed in 1964 in Beirut. By '66 they had released their first single and quickly became a pop sensation in Lebanon. This caught the attention of executives over at Decca in London, who immediately signed the band. Though ultimately their move to the UK proved unsuccessful, they still released some wonderful singles, which has been compiled for this fantastic Groovie Records release.

In my mind, The Sea-ders music, with its tight vocal arrangements and attention to harmony, can be most easily compared to the Beatles music of the era- but while the Beatles were foreign to the eastern sounds they employed for psychedelic flourishes, The Sea-ders were simply drawing influence from the culture that surrounded them.

Here's a couple of my favorites to check out. If you are interested in more tracks, shoot me and email and I'll see what I can do.

05 sea-ders - thanks a lot.mp3

04 sea-ders - i don't know why.mp3