In which OK Jive’s Datsun Cherry becomes a one-man band

1. I Gotta Know - Cliff Richard & The Shadows

2. His Latest Flame - Del Shannon

3. Little Sister - Elvis Presley

4. Get Rhythm - Ry Cooder

5. Sunshine Getaway - J D McPherson

6. Lollie Lou - T-Bone Walker (This month’s earworm)

7. Zindy Lou - The Chimes

8. Georgie Lou - Cajun Gold

9. Wanda Lou - Tim Buckley

10. Take It Easy - OK Jive

11. Take It Easy - Jackson Browne

12. Judge Jeffries - Julie Felix (This month’s death song)

13. I Ain’t Mad At You - Bobby “Mr Blues” Merrell

14. Mr Bobby - Manu Chao

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

Oh, neighbour, drag me out of the state I'm in I need a tropical breeze over sun-kissed skin In the crystal blue seas where the palm trees sway I'm stuck in the middle of the USA

Track 5 - J D McPherson (From the current album, Nite Owls)

Small Town Talk will be at JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th. Latest news is that there are a few tickets still available, and there are still tickets for the remaining UK and European tour gigs Go here for info and check out what he’s up to:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

Listen in to Johnny Corsair’s podcast at:

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

Then answer his simple question to win this:

https://acerecords.co.uk/whos-making-love-the-stax-singles-1966-1970

If you really don’t want it send it to me at:

smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

The hanging Judge, George Jeffreys' name is spelt Jeffries in Julie Felix’s song. If anybody knows about songwriter Chris Plail, I would be grateful for information. In Felix’s notes she claims he was a student pharmacist who handed her a bunch of papers which included the song, Judge Jeffries, and claimed it was a traditional song, but she believes it was an original. If you know more, or better then please email me at the above.

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. Go and check out playlists from the likes of Phil Jupitus and their knowledgeable staff and contributors.

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Episode 61 illustration: The one-derful Datsun Cherry in his incarnation as a one-man band

In which Ginger Baldy has trouble with the birds.

1. Little Pigeon - Chuck Sims

2. My Pigeon’s Gone - The Five Keys

3. Lonely Weekends - Charlie Rich

4. Sowed Love And Reaped The Heartache - Sandra Rhodes

5. Sweet Dreams - Esther Phillips

6. Hi-Heel Sneakers - Tommy Tucker

7. June - Donnie Fritts

8. Go Home Girl - Arthur Alexander

9. Crazy Baby - Gene Maltais

10. Crazy Baby - Doug Sahm

11. Maybe Baby - The Crickets (This month’s earworm)

12. Moody River - Chase Webster (This month’s death song)

13. Bus Stop - The Hollies

14. Look Through Any Window - The Hollies

15. Flying On The Ground Is Wrong - Buffalo Springfield

16. Please Don’t Tell My Baby - Mickey & The Milkshakes

17. First Snow - Colby T. Helms

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

Bus stop, wet day, she's there, I say

"Please, share my umbrella"

Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows

Under my umbrella

Track 13 - Graham Gouldman

If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be at JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th but it is sold out. However ATM there are tickets for the remaining UK gigs.

Johnny Corsair’s podcast can be found at:

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

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. Go and see:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

But specifically if you are interested in the excellent output from the FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios check out this link:

https://acerecords.co.uk/features/label-profiles/fame

Episode 61 illustration: My Pigeon’s gone

In which Ginger Baldy revisits the Graham Gouldman songbook.

1. Race With The Devil - Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps

2. Sweet Gene Vincent - Ian Dury

3. Styrofoam - The Tyla Gang

4. Less Than Zero - Elvis Costello

5. I’m Sorry - The Fabulous Thunderbirds

6. I’m Sorry - Los Lobos

7. Gimme Little Sign - Brenton Wood

8. Willie And The Hand Jive - The Johnny Otis Show (This month’s earworm)

9. Make Me Your Baby - Barbara Lewis

10. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance - Gene Pitney (This month’s death song)

11. Soul On Fire - LaVerne Baker

12. No Milk Today - Graham Gouldman

13. You Stole My Love - The Mockingbirds

14. This Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis And The Playboys

15. I Wonder - The Gants

16. Going All The Way - The Squires

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

No milk today, my love has gone away The bottle stands forlorn, a symbol of the dawn.

Track 12 - Graham Gouldman

Check out the full lyrics here:

https://genius.com/Hermans-hermits-no-milk-today-lyrics

Graham Gouldman’s comprehensive and informative web site is here:

https://www.grahamgouldman.info/

Elvis Costello’s lyrics for the original “Oswald Mosely” version of Less Than Zero are here:

https://genius.com/Elvis-costello-less-than-zero-lyrics

Lyrics for the Lee Harvey Oswald version, (Dallas version) is here:

https://genius.com/Elvis-costello-less-than-zero-dallas-version-live-lyrics

If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th

I wouldn’t mind winning this one myself! - Go to Johnny Corsair’s website. The prize - a brand new Ace Records compilation, “Hit & Run - More Motown Guys Rare and unreleased tracks.

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

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. Go and see:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Episode 59 illustration: Graham Gouldman, composer extraordinaire, the real meaning of influencer.

In which Ginger Baldy meets a certain girl down in the basement.

1. In The Basement Part 1 - Sugar Pie DeSanto & Etta James

2. Have Mercy Baby - Billy Ward & The Dominoes (lead vocal Clyde McPhatter)

3. Marked Deck - Mercy Baby

4. A Certain Girl - Ernie K-Doe

5. Heart Full Of Soul - The Yardbirds

6. Worm And The Rattlesnake - Godley & Creme

7. Down On Me - Big Brother & The Holding Company

8. Down On Me - Robert Bradley & Macy Gray

9. She’s So Tough - Mink DeVille

10. That Makes It Tough (Undubbed) - Buddy Holly

11. Kimbie - Jackson C. Frank

12. Reno - Peter Rowan & Don Edwards (This month’s death song)

13. Tobacco Road - The Nashville Teens (This month’s earworm)

14. Yakety Yak - The Coasters

15. Do I Make Myself Clear - Sugar Pie DeSanto & Etta James

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

I was as jealous as hell 'cause he was just a kid And he could walk on the waltzers like Jesus did He said, "You try it," I said, "It's a piece of cake" But I knew he knew I was a worm not a rattlesnake

Godley & Creme

Worm and the Rattlesnake from the album Birds Of Prey (1983)

Check out the full lyrics here:

https://genius.com/Godley-and-creme-worm-and-the-rattlesnake-lyrics

See how brilliant, sassy and funny Sugar Pie DeSanto was back in Manchester in ‘64:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3E5Rn2cXeo

Jackson C. Frank can be found on Wikipedia, but this Guardian article is a good way to start:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/09/jackson-c-frank-tragic-tale-forgotten-60s-legend

If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th.

You have to enter Johnny Corsair’s competition. The prize - a brand new Ace CD, “Soul Harmony”. Get over to Bright Lights Big City to see what's new.

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

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. Go and see:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Episode 59 illustration: The late great Sugar Pie DeSanto

In which sleuths, Ginger Baldy and Johnny Corsair track down Shirley.

1. Catch That Teardrop - The “5” Royales

2. Shirley - John Fred & The Playboys

3. Honey Honey - Geraint Watkins

4. I Can’t Dance For You - Paul Cebar & The Milwaukeeans

5. Hey Little Girl - Frankie Lee Sims

6. Hey Little Girl - The Electric Flag

7. I Feel Good All Over - Bettye LaVette

8. Never Satisfied - Leon Bridges

9. I Can Only Give You Everything - Nick Waterhouse

10. Times Getting’ Tougher Than Tough - Them

11. I’m Gonna Love You Like There’s No Tomorrow - Peter Rowan & Flaco Jimenez (This month’s death song)

12. Duke Of Earl - Gene Chandler (This month’s earworm)

13. New Blowtop Bues - Dinah Washington

14. Laying Right Here In Heaven - Leon Russell

15. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind - Carol Fran

16. I Ain’t Goin’ Down To The Well No More - Marianne Faithfull

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

Ah well, money's gettin' cheaper, Price’s gettin' steeper. I found a little woman, But I just couldn't keep her ~~ Well I can't afford to live, I guess I'll have to try. Undertakers got a union, And it cost too much to die.

Time’s Getting’ Tougher Than Tough - Them (Written and first performed by Jimmy Witherspoon)

I’m still banging on about JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls check it out at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th

Check out Paul Cebar here:

https://www.paulcebar.com/

Why is this talented guy not universally famous?

Don’t forget to tune into our sister podcast, Bright Lights Big City. It’s over there in:

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

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. Go and see; while you’re there, check out those two albums by The “5” Royales.

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Also buy, download or stream Marianne Faithfull's Broken English, It's a stunning album, but be aware that it contains very explicit language.

Episode 58 illustration: Ginger Baldy visits reputedly the Oldest Record Shop In the world.

In which Ginger Baldy fears the two-pronged crown, drinks a little gin and doesn’t trust your friends.

1. Song For You - Monica Martin

2. Back To The Island - Leon Russell

3. Your Friends - Doug Sahm & Band

4. Break My Heart Again - Peter Rowan

5. The Green Manalishi - Fleetwood Mac

6. Without Love - Mother Earth

7. Drunk Again - The Butterfield Blues Band

8. Gloria in Excelsis Deo/ Gloria - Patti Smith

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

Your friends, your friends say that I'm evil

I hunt the women like the dog hunt a bone

I can't be doing too much wrong baby

Everyday I bring my paycheck home

Your Friends - Doug Sahm & Band 1973

Urgent - short notice:

Geraint Watkins will be at the Ivy House in Nunhead on January 23rd

So will Small Town Talk and friends. See You there.

As of this moment - just a few tickets left:

https://wegottickets.com/event/642017

If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th

Check out Monica Martin here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijbU0KdoGQM

Don’t forget to tune into our sister podcast, Bright Lights Big City. It’s over there in:

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

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. Go and see:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Episode 57b illustration: The old Revox keeps on churning

In which Ginger Baldy remembers sunshine and hair and digs out some old singles

1. This Little Girl Of Mine - Ray Charles

2. This Little Girl Of Mine - Dion

3. How's The World Treating You? - The Louvin Brothers

4. Leave My Woman Alone - The Everly Brothers

5. She’s Mine - Joe Tex

6. Leave My Kitten Alone - The Beatles

7. I Can’t Go Anywhere With You - J D McPherson

8. Fine, Fine, Fine - The Balham Alligators

9. Empty Trainload Of Sky - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

10. She’s About A Mover - Sir Douglas Quintet

11. Endless Sleep - Jody Reynolds (This month's death song)

12. Ophelia - The Band

13. Do-Wah-Diddy - Manfred Mann (This month's earworm)

14. The World Keep On Turning - Fleetwood Mac

15. LeAnne - Colby T. Helms

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

Well, I know you got your money

And you've got a new fifty-seven too

But if I ever see my little girl in your new car

I'm gonna do some work on you.

The Everly Brothers.

Released in 1957, Don & Phil updated the car to a ‘57 from Ray Charles original, a ‘56, most likely a 1956 Cadillac (but possibly a Chevrolet or a Buick. The Blues Band’s version claims it‘s a Chevy!)

That giant of Welsh rock, Geraint Watkins will be at the Ivy House in Nunhead on January 23rd -

And so will Small Town Talk and friends. See you there:

https://wegottickets.com/event/642017

If you didn’t already, then check out JD McPherson’s new album, Nite Owls at:

https://www.jdmcpherson.com/

The above site also provides The 2025 Tour dates.

Small Town Talk will be JD’s gig at London’s Garage on June 20th.

I’m sorry about the release date for Episode 57 being delayed, but check out the third Long-Song bonus episode later this month, and still get over to Johnny Corsair’s’ podcast. His prize this month another great Ace CD, the third in the series, "Black America Sings Lennon, McCartney & Harrison."

Listen in to Bright Lights Big City and win that album.

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

The brilliant Ace records: Small Town Talk plays a track from an Ace album every month. Their site is so much more than just an online record shop. Go and see:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Please note I only play records from my own record collection except in those cases where such tracks only exist in digital form, in which case I ask permission from the artists or their management team.

In the case of Colby T. Helms, he wants me to play any and all of his music! Please check him out and chase down his 9 UK dates between the 2nd and 12th of February. Find everything at:

https://www.colbyhelms.com/

And feel free to contact and chat with Small Town Talk at:

smalltowntalkrecords@gmail.com

Episode 57 illustration: Small Town Talk steps back in time and digs Doug. - Doug Sahm & The Sir Douglas Quintet that is.

In which Ginger Baldy revisits Roy Orbison and Friends at the Black & White Night.

1. I Got A Rocket In My Pocket - Jimmy Lloyd

2. Riding In My Car - NRBQ

3. Thieves - She & Him

4. Train Train - The Count Bishops

5. He Will Break Your Heart - Kane & Abel

6. He Will Break Your Heart - Jerry Butler

7. Too Hurt To Cry, Too Much In Love To Say Goodbye - The Darnells

8. Laughing Boy - Mary Wells

9. Death Letter - The Alexis Korner Skiffle Group (This month’s death song)

10. Jim Dandy - LaVern Baker

11. Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison (This month’s earworm)

12. Miss Chatelaine - k d lang

13. Third Rate Romance - The Amazing Rhythm Aces

14. Go Back - Crabby Appleton

Theme song: Small Town Talk - Bobby Charles

And I know, and you know too That a love like ours is terrible news

Thieves - She & Him (written by Zooey Deschanel from the album "Volume 2" 2010)

This next link is to the terrific TV performance of Son House performing Death Letter Blues on his National Resonator guitar in 1968:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4QamCLNnmE

This half hour program is worth watching in its entirety, but just for Son House’s Death letter Blues, scroll forwards 3 mins 50 seconds.

Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black & White Night

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3C8JueuPAfPhlH1Q2v9DSuUzRPiVS2vJ

This page features videos of individual songs from this not to be missed concert and a 4 minute behind-the-scenes chat with guests. Oh Pretty Woman is included. Check out James Burton’s astonishing guitar solo.

Just Released! It’s the second CD in Ace Records’ series Black America Sings the Beatles - Black America sings Lennon, McCartney & Harrison, and Johnny Corsair is giving it away in his Bright Lights Big City podcast. Go, listen in and win that album. Somebody will win it. It should be you!

https://johnnycorsair9.podbean.com/

This month eight of the twelve tracks on Small Town Talk can be found on our favourite record label, ACE Records:

https://www.acerecords.co.uk/

Any comments, queries about Small Town Talk's podcast can be fired off to:

smalltowntalktalk@gmail.com

Episode 55 Illustration: The magnificent Roy Orbison, inspired by The Black & White Night (see above)