Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs performing “Wooly Bully” ; one of my ALL-TIME favorite songs. First heard it as a kid in the opening scenes of Splash. Turns out the lead singer is a Chicano from Dallas, Texas thus explaining the iconic count-off of:
“Uno-dos! one-two-tres-quatro!“
And I think we can figure out what “Wooly Bully” means 
.
More oldies I love after the jump:
This song sounds like it was recording in someone’s living room. So raw and emotional.
And what sort of LA Chicano would I be without putting up this classic song by Rosie N The Originals, “Angel Baby.” Amazing, with out-of-tune guitar and all.
Here’s Bo Diddley, playing the chunkiest guitar I’ve ever heard. Sadly not very acknowledged. Amazing rhythm, absolutely innovative. Looking cool as can be and just rocking that classic beat of his.
This is Sister Rosetta Tharpe singing “Up Above My Head.” Watch @ minute 1:30 where she starts to rip it up. Mind blowing. Admittedly I first saw this video in the French film “Amélie.”
theLD 11:08 pm on June 4, 2009 Permalink
I love the sound of the organ in the beginning of Wooly Bully. Nothing complex but the sound is hugeeeee. Ha! I also love how his voice cracks, real shiiaat right there. Rosetta Tharpe played some smooth riffs. Had some vinyl of hers come my way for free! Too bad my record player is busted
Good jams though. There’s a comp called Pachuco Soul: Sounds of East LA out there. Pretty cool comp, been trying to get my hands on the vinyl version.
Patrick 3:07 pm on June 16, 2009 Permalink
Great vintage recordings – thanks