Been So Long by Del Shannon (1968)

Del Shannon had the good fortune and terrible curse of having a major hit single at the outset of his recording career. He would never again have success like he did with the 1960 single "Runaway" as a young man in his twenties. He would, however, soldier on and keep recording music through the 70's and into the 80's. Unfortunately, battling mental illness and alcoholism, Del took his own life in 1990 at the age of 55.

Here is Del from his 1968 concept album, The Further Adventures of Charles Westover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjaBwvw6gsw

A Murder of Crows by Good God (1972)

Good God, the Philadelphia-based prog/fusion outfit made one and only one album. It was their self-titled release from 1972. The album probably leans a bit more fusion than prog, which is the perfect recipe for me. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBbRN5NdErA

Personal Riot by Brutus (2013)

How about some Black Sabbath-inspired hard rock from Norway for your Sunday morning? Well, here is a band that has been around for almost ten years at this point. They are soon? releasing their third album. I have not heard anything off of that, but here is a track off of their last release back in 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe8OJEAFnu8

Here I Go Again by The Eire Apparent (1968)

The Eire Apparent were a power psych rock band from Northern Ireland. They seemed to be, perhaps, slightly ahead of the times releasing this heavy track as the B side to "Follow Me" in January of 1968. The band has the distinction of being produced by Chas Chandler and later Jimi Hendrix. They also toured America with the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Soft Machine. Despite the talent and good fortune, the band was only able to keep it together for one album and a few more singles. They broke up for good by 1970.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRXjH6KtgB0

Hidden Charms by The Delmonas (1985)

Before Thee Headcoatees, there was another Billy Childish-inspired girl group, the Delmonas. In retropect, they were a PG version of Thee Headcoatees. But that's okay. It fits the music. Here they are off of their debut album, Dangerous Charms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPvnpxDE4U

Johannesburg by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson (1975)

I just picked up this little gem of an LP by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, From South Africa to South Carolina. When I picked this up at a yard sale, I thought that I'll probably re-sell it. But after one test listen, it is making the move to my permanent collection. So, what kind of music is it? I would call it "smooth funk", but still far enough removed from disco. Good stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTTIxV-EyW8

How About Me and You by The Carpettes (1977)

For today, I present two minutes and twenty seconds of pure punk pop joy...Here are the Carpettes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYcndxL_728