Winter Sun

The 2024 Singles Album

         

Mick writes:

Here's a collection of recent single releases from early 2024 and a couple from 23. Plus the brand new 'Winter Sun'.

Winter Sun For family reasons I recently found myself spending a lot of time in my old haunt of South London. Strolling the streets of sunny Streatham one January day I was inspired to write 'Winter Sun', adding in some made up stuff about someone having trouble with his girlfriend..(not me)!

Just Dropped In has become a personal favourite, and has also turned out to be a popular streaming track, particularly on the US platform 'Pandora'. Written by American songwriter Mickey Newberry it was a hit back in the 60s for Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, and was featured in the Coen Brothers' cult movie 'The Big Lebowski'. It's basically a drugs song, but I think the lyric can apply to a variety of mental conditions, and I think the track has a solid groove which I like.

I Like It Like That An R&B classic by Chris Kenner, much covered in the UK in the sixties by popular beat combos such as the Dave Clarke Five and Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers. Or, as my good friend Mick Hawksworth once announced loudly (in Cliff's presence).. it's Cliff Bennett and his Rebel Trousers!

I was amused - I don't know if Cliff was. But a few drinks had been taken. Anyway, I put this out just before Christmas 2023 - sounded like party music to me.

River's Invitation Percy Mayfield's song, but I think I first heard it by Alexis Korner, and I've included his riff in my version. I did jam with Alexis once.. I think we did 'Kansas City'. But it was in a strange little place in Bagshot, Surrey, called 'Pantiles'. A sort of coffee house atmosphere.. Alexis was just there with a bass player.

Don't Wanna Boogie Aah, this is one of mine. You can tell by the silly lyrics. But it is fun and it does rock. Slide guitar on my 1930s Harmony archtop with the Elmore James pickup. All good.

You Shook Me Muddy's classic of course, much covered by blues rockers including Zeppelin. Well I'm no Muddy Waters, but the track does get some steam up as it goes along.. not bad.

Strongo Written for an imaginary strongman.. why not? A guitar instrumental inspired by Freddie's ' The Stumble'. Good little jam I think.

Digging This Trench From a chance remark by my friend Mac McDonald. Blues Rock, and none the worse for it.

Union Road Here's a song I wrote in my sleep about my adult youth in South London, circa 70s / 80s. Maybe not 'the blues' but it's an honest statement - it rocks and I like it. Recently remastered for this collection.

Saturday Nite at the Duck Pond The moment I remembered this track I knew I had to have a go at it. I used to buy loads of daft instrumentals like this when I was young.. I still enjoy them. Originally by a very under rated band called the Cougars, from Bristol. Good stuff.

I hope you enjoy this very eclectic compilation.. all my influences are in there somewhere.. blues, rock, daft instrumentals. Keep Rockin...

Artwork from a 'hand drawn antique sun' licensed from Vectorstock.