DJ Rantor's super spins

In a household containing significant quantities of music on vinyl platters, DJ Rantor's super spins may be the first of a continuing series. Some of these haven't been heard in a while, and in These Times of Turmoil, when a person doesn't really want to turn on the radio for fear of what might be going on, dusting off some oldies can be a helpful distraction. So here are some of the recent listens, with brief comments in some cases. (1) The Temptations Sing Smokey (Gordy 912, 1965). Here's the track list, with samples. The Tempts do best with their own songs, but anybody can sound great with "What's So Good About Good Bye." "Well, if leavin' causes grievin' and to part can break your heart, tell me what's so good about good bye (I could have done without it)" or "and another thing I would like to clarify is how can farewell be fair?," best in the voice of Mr. Robinson himself, of course. All these have altered backup arrangements from the versions as recorded by the original artists, where different. Nobody does the Miracles as well as the Miracles, in general. (2) A Collection of 16 Original Big Hits Volume 2 (Tamla 256). The best of these are Hitch Hike, Mary Wells doing Bye Bye Baby, Shake Sherry (the Contours), Buttered Popcorn (the Supremes), and that soon-to-be-current-again number Greetings (This is Uncle Sam). (3) A Collection of 16 Original Big Hits Volume 3 (Motown MT-624). On this, among the best is "What's So Good About Good Bye." (4) The Fabulous Miracles when Claudette was still with them (Tamla 238). On this one You've Really Got a Hold on Me was the hit; Happy Landing is a favorite. (5) The Soul Album, Otis Redding (Volt 413). Best on here are Scratch my Back (a different take from Slim Harpo's, which is still around here on a 45 rpm), 623-5789, and Chain Gang. (6) Jerry Lee Lewis, Original Golden Hits Volume 2 (Sun 103). This is Jerry Lee at his rip-roaring wildest, including I'll Sail My Ship Alone, I Could Never Be Ashamed of You, and much, much more. (7) The Country Way, Charley Pride (LPM 3895, RCA Victor). Favorites on this one are Crystal Chandelier ("are the marble statuettes still standing stately in the hall?); Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger (When You Go Out at Night)?; Gone, on the Other Hand; and Life Turned Her That Way (containing the immortal line "and I hate to admit it, but the last footprint's mine") .