Screamin' Jay Hawkins

[fange]

Fighting off a mild hangover on the bus this morning, my grey and rainy Monday morning was immeasurably brightened by 'Alligator Wine' popping up on the i-pod courtesy of a shuffle.

Some of you might not remember this song, or perhaps it's just been a while. If that's the case, please play the clip below, preferably at a nice loud level...



It's fucking wonderful, at least for me. The band are smoking and the Leiber and Stoller touches are a huge part of it, but sweet Jesus what a vocal performer - that huge baritone bawl, the grunts, the screams, the garbled noises. Just brilliant.

What about Screamin' Jay? Is he your cuppa wine, or too much to take? Got any fave songs?

[naughty boy]

Love him.

And apart from the really obvious choice (which I adore), there's this:



Fabulous.

[fange]

Wonderful!

[Charlie O.]

[fange]

^^
What a voice he had when he sang 'straight', but his ability to sell the mad side and presentation of what he did was even more impressive. Captivating.

[fange]

The B-side of 'I Put A Spell On You', featuring the inimitable Mickey Baker on guitar...

[Muskrat]

[mission]

I have the Frenzy compilation put out in the early 80s and it is highly recommended - in that it avoids the furburgers and constipation jokes dumb stuff and consistently shows him in his best light.

Dude wasn't just a novelty item. There is rocking good times to be had and some well executed schlock ..."When the deep purple falls..."