Goggle Eyes Brown And The Oglers - Mind Your Business

 Goggle Eyes Brown and the boys have recorded another cover of a Big And Tall Records artists' song. This time it's Melvin Peckerwood's song Mind Your Business. We at Big And Tall Records enjoy it when one of our artists does a cover of another artists song. Everybody always stays above board with it, the cover group always asks permission, and it's always an interesting take on the same material. Of course, Goggle Eyes changes the song to more their style, but it works! 

As we've said in another post, Goggle Eyes Brown and The Oglers have pretty much quit touring, only play local gigs once in a while. So that gives them the freedom to do more recording. Here's Goggle Eyes telling like it is:

Yeah man, we're all gettin' too damn old to keep tourin'. It's a rough life, a new venue every night, different motel, different food and all. If we were one of them big budget bands, we'd have us a tour bus, a big tour bus! Big 'nough for a bed for us each, our own cook, and all that happy shit. But man ,ya'll know how much one of them big things cost? And how much to run? Shit, we'd have to be on the road all the time to try and keep our old gray heads 'bove water, and we'd still go broke! Naw, we're happy to slow down, give us more time to write songs and practice! Don't give a damn how good ya are, still gotta practice and rehearse, 'specially new material!

So there you have it, from Goggle Eyes himself. Next time we have some time with him, we've got to ask him how he got that name! His eyes don't look so goggly to us!  

When I'm mindin' my business 

And some nosy dude 

Sticks his big nose into my space 

And begins to get rude 

I'll tell him 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

 When you're talkin' to friends 

Enjoying each other 

And some pain in the ass 

Starts being a bother 

This guy just don't learn! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

What's your problem? 

Say you got no friends? 

Well, you sure won't have 

If you don't make amends 

 

Sittin' playing some cards 

Havin' fun drinking suds 

And then a butt hole 

Starts acting like he's a bud

 I HATE that! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

My girl and I are sitting, 

Getting ready to smooch 

And then some shit head 

Wants some money to mooch! 

Don't ever DO that! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

What in hell's wrong with you? 

Go bother somebody else before I brain you! 

 No! You can't be my friend! No! NO! 

Percy McCoy - Take Things Slow

 Percy McCoy's got a new love for sure, and he's singing about it in this new song Take It Slow. That's not only the title of the song, but sounds like some good advice. Percy's been known to fall in love pretty quick, and jumps in with both feet. Sounds like he's learned something from 4 failed marriages and an unknown number of other failed relationships. Take your time indeed. Make sure isn't merely lust. If it is, recognize it as such and act accordingly. A lasting relationship has to have more going for it than a physical attraction. 

Last time we talked to him ,he was telling us the ramifications of dating a woman that's so much smaller than you. At 6'4", Percy's a lot of man for any regular sized woman, but for a little person that's 3' 9" has to have a lots of different situations and issues to overcome. But this is about the most mellow and happy song we've heard from Percy since we've been recording him at Big And Tall Records. And it isn't just the lyrics, but there's a nice lilt to the melody as well, with a nice harmonica commentary throughout. 

We're hoping the best for Percy and his new love. No doubt he'll be telling us more about it in songs as it develops.  He's come a long way since his first song for us, Fishin' For A Big Mouth Carp and all of it's borderline perversions,  and this new song.

Been seein’ that little person every weekend 

And I must admit, ain’t like all the rest 

Feels so different, don’t know how it’ll end 

We keep passin’ every lovin’ test 

She sure is little, can’t argue that 

But that hasn’t caused any trouble 

We automatically accommodate

 Each other on a steady level 

 

Could this be as real as it seems? 

She looks like the girl of my dreams 

Pretty, intelligent, and wise 

She’s let me drop my disguise 

 

Always in the past made a big show 

Had to be superior to a woman 

Tried to impress with all that I know 

It was just a dumb illusion 

She’s a hell of a lot smarter I know 

Really well read, but not condescendin’ 

We discuss things and never go low 

There’s not been any offendin’ 

 

Can I be in love with a little person? 

Hard as I’ve tried, can’t find a reason 

Why it can’t be a real thing 

With all that each other brings 

 

 She told me the other night 

She's a trained para legal 

And she's havin' to really fight 

Because her ex is damned evil

 He's poisoned all his lawyer friends 

Against givin' her a job 

On doin' retail jobs she depends 

On account of the vindictive slob!

 

 That's why she did midget bowlin' 

Her cash all dried up, quit flowin' 

But now she's got some opportunities 

To make a livin' on her legalese 

 

I really do admire her spunk 

For leavin' her ex goin' on her own 

Told me he was an abusive drunk 

And used to beat her down 

She took a course in self defense 

Wasn't gonna take any more 

She shoved his head through a picket fence 

Then dragged him bleedin' on the floor! 

 

 What a goddam coward, worthless ass 

To do that to such a cute little lass

Part of his problem, he's still embarrased 

To have a little person kick his ass! 

 

 We've agreed to take things slow

 Both of us been through enough 

See which way the wind will blow 

See if things turn out rough 

We just enjoy bein' together 

We call each other every day 

We've found in each other a shelter 

To keep our loneliness at bay 

 

We did make love last night 

It was wonderful, so damned good 

It actually felt so very right 

To be with one that understood

 

 

Tugboat Jackson - The Crows

Tugboat Jackson continues with his songs that are similar to protest songs of the 1960's. They deal with some constants in human existence to particulars of the modern age. This song is an apocalyptic vision of when Earth is destroyed by greed, and gets so uninhabitable, even the most opportunistic of animals, crows, are no longer in existence. All that's left is mud, bugs, and slugs. Tugboat has gotten a lot of criticism for his content, and probably just as much positive comment for the content. But there's no disagreement about his quality of guitar playing. 

He's one of the most recorded artists here at Big And Tall Records, and it looks like there's no letting up!  It's hard to tell what motivates Tugger to go to all the effort and work to record these songs of social protest and content. He's worked hard all his life, still works part time in his old hardware store that he sold to his son, is semi-retired. He could just sit back, go fishin' and take life easy and no one would blame him. But he's got the inner fire still burning brightly within him, and we're proud to have him as one of the artists that has chosen Big And Tall Records as his recording company!

Bit after bit, it’s the same damn shit 

Don’t seem to learn nothin’ from the past 

I got a desire, are you for hire 

Or shall I just take it from you at last 

 

Might be a port, or a resort 

But if one wants it they get it any way 

Could be in store, yet another war 

Don’t matter, I want it my way! 

 

It’ll keep goin’ ‘til the earth 

Is drenched in blood 

Tell me, what is that worth 

To turn our planet into mud 

 

So many societies, are built over bodies 

It’ll take a way your breath 

Ain’t no fun to take a life with a gun 

And cause so much senseless death 

 

 It’s the same ol’ swill, the king of the hill 

Calls the shots, takes what they want 

Ain’t no bother, if ya slay each other 

It’s all the power they flaunt 

 

 Not enough left to bury ‘em, 

Leave it all for the crows 

And whatever else eats carrion 

The river of blood flows 

 

When they’ve finally stole, enough for their goal 

They have everything of their own 

They’ve played the fool, nothin’ left to rule 

Even the crows have flown 

 

All that’s left are the bugs, the snakes and the slugs 

Everything else will swiftly die 

But they’ll do the same thing, 

make their pocket book sing 

But there’s nothing left to buy 

 

They don’t know any better thing 

Gotta be something else to fight 

Bugs, snakes, garbage, and filth 

Might finally make it right I

 

 could call them sons of bitches 

But that's not strong enough 

Can't think of a word or phrase 

To degrade all their stuff 

 

Finally resort to ask God 

how could we afford 

Why were they allowed to be ruling 

But God only said as he hung his head 

 

Sorry son, wasn't none of my doin'.....

 

 

Sheila Jonsmithe - Big Daddy

 For those who may not know, Sheila Jonsmithe is the wife of Big Marv, our resident piano player extraordinaire. She uses her maiden name because she has her own Cajun food catering business and wanted to keep things straight between her and her husband's finances for tax purposes. This is only the second time she's recorded for us. She used to have the prefix 'Big' before her name, kind of like keeping it close with her husband's use of it. But the gal has been on a diet, and over quite a few months, has managed to drop a considerable amount of weight. So she doesn't use 'big' anymore, although she isn't a little woman either. She comments on that, and the song she sings:

I had to lose weight for health reasons. I'm diabetic, and my Doctor had a serious talk with me  about the risks of heart disease being higher with diabetes, and all the other things that can go wrong. So I went on a weight loss program of just eating less, cutting down on my portions, and watching how much I eat when I'm cookin' Ya know when ya cook, ya gotta taste how things are goin', but that doesn't mean I need to slurp ladle full of what I'm tastin'! Didn't have to increase my activity much, cuz cookin' is hard work! I did start to take a walk every day, and that helped. Big Marv went on the program too, and he's dropped a good chunk of weight. But he likes his beer, and it's hard to keep off the weight with beer! And he loves my cookin' too, but he's learned  to take smaller portions. He quit smoking too, which has made me really glad. So this song was written by one of his band members with input from me with the lyrics. I surprised him with it after I got through cookin' at a wing ding. He was a little embarrassed I think, but he ended up bein' really touched. It's the way I feel about him. My life has been so good with him, and I hope we've got a lot more years together!

Big Marv and Sheila got together in the studio with the band and put this recording together. We really like it, and hope Sheila gets the urge to record some more! And it ain't no lie- we've had this ladies' cookin', and it's the best! 

I thought it was going to be just me my whole life 

My younger days were not so hot 

Being a big lady, and a little shy 

Didn’t think I had much of a shot 

 

One night I was cookin’ away

 Had lots of pots on the fire 

Real good black beans and rice 

And some out a sight Jambalaya 

 

 When I looked out the kitchen door 

To see who was wailin’ the stage 

A big man playin’ the piano

 Really got the crowd engaged 

 

 It was big Daddy! Yes, my big Daddy! 

In good form, playin’ up a storm 

Smiling while he played

 I was no longer forlorn 

 

There was an instant attraction 

He held himself so well 

Sat up straight, played it straight 

As clear and bright as ringin’ a bell!

 

 It was big Daddy! Yes, my big Daddy! 

Playin’ with the band, Groovin’ Dixie land 

A command of the eighty eights 

 Had the crowd in the palm of his hand 

 

Got through cookin’, cleaned up the mess 

Band kept playin’ on and on

Then he was playing by himself 

Soulful as the day you were born!

 

 Fell in love with Big Daddy, my Big Daddy 

The more I heard play, more I saw him sway 

I went out and sat at the bar 

And he looked over my way! 

 

When the band took a break 

He came strolling over my way 

Said he loved all my food 

And asked me if I could stay 

 

Man, I was so tired from cookin’ 

Sweatin’ from the heat, tired in my feet 

But no way was I gonna leave 

From this big guy that's so sweet 

 

That was years ago, never did leave! 

I'm still cookin', he's still playin' 

We are in love even more now 

Without no hestitatin' 

 

Ya'll know him as Big Marv 

But he's my Big Daddy to me 

His heart is the biggest part of him 

Cuz he's Big Daddy to me

Toothless Mabel - Feelin' Sorry For Myself

 Mabel Hicastle, aka Toothless Mabel, shares some of the mental anguish and physical stress of her journey with cancer. No doubt the disease not only plays with your body, but your mind as well. She worked as an RN, and got the bad news that she probably won't be able to go back to her job because of permanent disability from the cancer and treatment. This song is her story, from bitterness to resignation of her fate, sung in her melodious voice and guitar solo. 

She has told us she needs to keep busy regardless of her disability, and is looking into any possibilities she may have to utilize her training as a nurse in some capacity. And she's conveyed her desire to increase her recording activity, and we here at Big And Tall Records encourage her to continue as she is able! She's a fine voice in the blues community that brings a woman's viewpoint to a genre that can be male dominated. 

I admit, was feelin’ sorry for myself 

Yeah, really feelin’ sorry for myself 

Why was it me that hard luck would find 

But did I have anyone else in mind? 

 

 Chemo, surgeries, hospital stays 

Treatments, procedures, hospital stays 

Seemed it never would quit 

Made me throw a real fit 

 

Instead of seeing what it was I still had 

I saw what I lost, it made me mad 

I had plenty of things to say 

Lookin' back, wasn't the right way. 

 

Lost all my teeth, don't ya know 

Lost all my damn teeth don't ya know 

Went overnight from a good looking woman 

To a prune faced, wrinkled up crow 

 

Ended up loosing most my foot as well 

Got only half my foot left as well 

Everything made me sick, felt weak and abused

Told most folks in my life to go to hell 

 

 Instead of seeing what it was I still had 

I saw what I lost, it made me mad 

I got nasty, unruly and loud 

And for that, I sure ain't proud 

 

Took a while to get my head screwed on straight 

My head needed to be screwed on straight 

Things kept building and building 

I wondered what would be my fate 

 

But now I see all that I've still got 

Discarded most my brain rot 

Never again be a nurse 

But it still could be worse 

 

 Lots better, but still have my moments 

Try not to slip back to the old refrain 

One thing about it, when I go off on a tear 

I'm still alive...

To complain

 

 

Craic Agus Ceol - Get Up Aloft

Another Sea Shanty style song from the Irish group Craic Agus Ceol. This time they tell the tale of going to sea with a cruel Captain, and after the crew reaches the breaking point, they devise a plant to drive the Captain insane. Seems the Captain is already 'real close to daft' as the song says, so they push  him over the edge by making noises down below to draw his attention. The Captain has a problem with hearing strange noises on the ship, and the obsession of finding out the cause. The plan finally works, the Captain has flipped his lid, and has to be put in the brig so he doesn't leap overboard. And as they complete the voyage, they find the Captain dead in the brig.

Evidently the song is based on an actual 19th century occurrence on a sailing vessel, but the group emphasizes that it is an original song of their own composition, as are all of  the Sea Shanty style songs. 

There were a sea cap’n, mean as a snake 

I went to sea with him once 

Most the rest of the crew were ol’ salts 

He kept callin’ ‘em stupid an’ dunce 

 

Dis Cap’n was real close to daft 

And the crew ‘had enough his abuse 

So we ‘ad a secret meeting, down below 

To come up with a plan we could use 

 

Get up aloft ya dumb bastard! 

Handle the ropes, man the winch! 

Whoever said ya was a sailor 

Were a lyin’ son of a bitch! 

 

After a while the crew figgered his soft spot 

He always was listenin’ for strange sounds 

With an ol’ sailin’ ship in them times 

Odd sounds would be goin’ ‘round 

 

He been to sea for many years 

Knew what the ship noises should be there 

So the crew decided to make noises 

Make ‘em all over, loud, and queer 

 

 Get up aloft ya dumb bastard! 

Handle the ropes, man the winch! 

Whoever said ya was a sailor 

Were a lyin’ son of a bitch! 

 

 We all did it when we was off watch 

The crew on deck played right along 

We worked all the nooks and crannies 

Tappin’, and rollin, along 

 

He always grabbed a tar on the deck, 

And ask if ‘e ‘eard the sound too 

But the swab would always say no sir 

Then into a rage the Cap’n flew 

 

Get up aloft ya dumb bastard! 

Handle the ropes, man the winch! 

Whoever said ya was a sailor 

Were a lyin’ son of a bitch! 

 

One day after a sleepless night 

He hollered, screamed , ran forward 

He were makin’ no sense with is talk 

And he almost took a leap overboard 

 

The first mate and some swabs grabbed him 

Wouldn't let him go! 

We ‘ad to put him in the brig 

An’ keep him hold up below 

 

We heard him scream through the night 

THIS SHIP BE HAUNTED!, he’d beller 

It were sad and horrible to hear 

He was now an insane feller 

 

The first mate took control of the ship 

And got us through to finish the round 

The crew got back to doin’ their work 

Then one day, the dead Cap’n they found….

 

 

The Noir Players - Dirge Of The Dead

 The Noir Players stay true to form and submit the Dirge Of The Dead. The leader of the group Thomas Fauren brought together an ever changing ensemble of singers and instrumentalists to perform macabre, sometimes gruesome songs and mini-cantatas.  We don't know much about the group or Mr. Fauren outside of that. But we here at Big And Tall Records like variety, and publish all different kinds of artists and music! 

It is within us all to die 

It is hardwired within 

The moment we're born 

Our death begins 

 

 We sing the dirge of the dead 

We sing to our common fate 

We know what lies ahead

 For we will all await 

 

Our lives play on as they will 

Whether short, whether long 

Whether fruitful or wasted 

We sing our own song 

 

We sing the dirge of the dead 

We sing to our common fate 

We know what lies ahead 

For we will all await 

 

It strikes fear in some of us

 To know what is our fate 

But live your life fully now 

Before it is too late 

 

We sing the dirge of the dead 

We sing to our common fate 

We know what lies ahead 

For we will all await 

 

So accept the inevitability 

You return from whence you came 

The question if there is anything else 

Will be revealed to all the same 

 

We sing the dirge of the dead 

We sing to our common fate 

We know what lies ahead 

For we will all await

Melvin Peckerwood and The Mama's Boys - Mind Your Business

 Since their first recording for Big And Tall Records, Melvin Peckerwood and The Mama's Boys has produced a string of, at the very least, interesting songs. They can play in different styles from 1950's style Rock and Roll to more modern pop. All of the group members are singers as well, and they take their turn in the solo vocal department, which gives their recordings a great deal of variety.

The group has always had an open invitation to other musicians interested in playing with them. When a piano player is needed, Big Marv steps in to fill in for their ill keyboardist. They have a first class sax player now as well. With this latest song, Mind Your Business, they had a guitarist from Goggle Eyes Brown and The Oglers sit in playing rhythm guitar and backup vocals. Harry Keeler was impressed with the group, and has suggested Goggle Eyes do a cover of the song. So that's forthcoming. 

The song deals with something that is a real annoyance; a guy that sticks his nose into your business, even when you're trying to smooch with your girlfriend! 

When I'm mindin' my business 

And some nosy dude 

Sticks his big nose into my space 

And begins to get rude 

I'll tell him 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

 When you're talkin' to friends 

Enjoying each other 

And some pain in the ass 

Starts being a bother 

This guy just don't learn! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

What's your problem? 

Say you got no friends? 

Well, you sure won't have 

If you don't make amends 

 

Sittin' playing some cards 

Havin' fun drinking suds 

And then a butt hole 

Starts acting like he's a bud

 I HATE that! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

 

My girl and I are sitting, 

Getting ready to smooch 

And then some shit head 

Wants some money to mooch! 

Don't ever DO that! 

 

Mind your business 

Keep yer self out a mine! 

Or we're gonna have an issue 

Each and every time! 

What in hell's wrong with you? 

Go bother somebody else before I brain you! 

No! You can't be my friend! No! NO!

Whiskey Pete Band - Home Wrecker

 Whiskey Pete Band has been going for years with no change in personnel, quite an achievement for the kind of music they play. Blues musicians are notorious for pulling up stakes and moving, so some credit must go to Pete Thornson, the group's founder, lead singer, and lead guitarist. The band members have told us that Pete runs a tight ship, but he's fair and not hoggish about the spotlight. They wouldn't say about his paying practices, but they must be good to keep them together this long.

This recording shows how good of a musician Pete is. A straight-forward blues number with a steady beat, excellent lead guitar work by Pete and a top notch vocal from him as well. We always try to keep up with the band, and we would really love it if they could find the time to record for Big And Tall Records on a regular basis. (Hint, hint...) 

By the way, the cat in the video's name is Blue Spot, Blue for short. He  belongs to Pete (or rather as Pete says, hangs out at his house) and is named after Pete's favorite brand of Irish Whiskey, Blue Spot. Pete is a whiskey connoisseur, hence his nickname.  He's participated in many whiskey tasting demonstrations and tastings. Whiskey tasting is taken quite seriously by the aficionado, with much of the procedure and ritual of classic wine tasting. Pete has a wide reputation in the whiskey tasting community. Whenever the group has a gig, Pete always has a small glass of whiskey that her nurses throughout the night. He very rarely drinks to the point of inebriation, a sign of his passion and restraint in his interests.

She knows how to get what she wants 

She gets it by giving men what they need 

She's quite curvaceous, and also flirtatious 

Once she gets you, you'll never get freed 

 

She's been called a home wrecker 

But she ain't nothin' but a whore 

And she ain't never wrecked a home 

That wasn't wrecked before 

 

She makes the rounds of the bars 

To show off all her wares 

She'll bait the hook and set it

 In men seldom unawares 

 

She's quite a fancy looker 

Dresses nice and clean 

Always ready with the small talk 

And suggestions of things obscene 

 

But don't let her fool ya 

Though she appears mighty fine 

If she had as many stickin' out as in, 

She'd look like a porcupine! 

 

She always attracts the simple man 

Ones that say they're down on their luck

 But the truth be told on them

 They're just lookin' for someone to fuck! 

 

As long as she gets what she wants 

She'll give away her intimacy 

A loser thinks he's got a hot one 

But it sure as hell ain't gonna be free

 

 It'll cost him lots of money, maybe his home 

Maybe his family, maybe his job too 

And if that happens stay away from me..... 

Cuz I don't feel sorry for you! 

 

 You been hangin' in bars, lookin' for strange stuff 

You knew exactly what you were doin' 

So don't come to me cryin' if it happens 

Who in hell ya think that you're foolin'? 

 

 So yeah, you had some fun together 

And now ya gotta pay the price 

She'll drop ya like a hot rock, go on to the next 

Some women just ain't very nice.... 

Some men ain't either!

 

The Alpine Bunch - Skiing In The Alpine Air

 The Alpine Bunch is a group of older men supposedly from Germany and Austria, hence their moniker. We have some doubts about the truth of that, as if they really are natives of those countries, their command of English is really good. And their demeanor on stage just doesn't look right, like it's all an act. But music wise, they are good musicians. We've heard them play traditional European music, and they play it very well. The original songs they write are pretty good. This song is about skiing, mostly a list of the hazards of the sport. They continue to tour in the U.S. with no immediate plans to return to Europe. 

So despite our misgivings, really more of just curiosity as to their origins, we like their music and hope they continue to play and record for Big And Tall Records.

 We come from a country that skis a lot 

In the beautiful Alpine air 

We used to do it too, but gave it up 

And we tell you all to beware 

 

Skiing is wonderful, but what the heck! 

The expense sure isn’t so small 

You take the chance to break your neck 

Or your leg when you tumble and fall! 

 

We’re all aware of a famous maxim 

That drinking and driving don’t mix 

We tell you from experience 

That skiing and boozing are nix! 

 

 Skiing is wonderful, such pretty sights 

Like the view from a mountain pass 

But if you get tipsy and ski at night 

You’re bound to break your ass!

 

 The mountain chalet with it’s roaring fire 

Invites during the chilling cold 

You’ll find plenty of folks to have a good time 

No matter if you’re young or old. 

 

 Skiing is wonderful, but be on your guard 

If you get injured right off the bat 

ou’ll be stuck with the other tubs of lard 

And old widows over-painted and fat! 

 

So despite all of our warnings 

You still feel the urge to ski 

By all means, go, and have a good time 

As long as you can handle the fee! 

 

 Money for the room, 

Money for the skis 

Money for the food 

For the Doctor fees 

Money to tip the waiters 

Money to tip the maids 

Money for the booze 

More money any ways!

Big Marv And The Hodads - Cajun Spring Fling

 Big Marv's been minus his Hodads for a few months as they went to Mardi Gras. He elected not to go, and worked with other groups here at Big And Tall Records in the interim. The Hodads are back, after playing a ton of gigs, drinking beer and eating good Cajun food down in N.O. Truth be told, they've been back for a week, but had to use that time to recuperate! Big Marv threw a big Springtime party to welcome them back, and penned this song to commemorate it. Big Marv's wife, part time singer/full time Cajun chef  'Big' Sheila Jonsmithe did all the arranging and cooking for the party, so it was a spectacular event! Rumor has it that the band got her to sing a few tunes after the cooking was all done, but we haven't seen any evidence of a recording yet. Big Marv talks about the Cajun tradition of Spring Fling:

Every spring the Cajun community likes to get the appearance of nice weather off to a good start with a big party. 'Course, being Cajun means partying with your neighbors no matter what the day is! So while we do traditionally celebrate on certain days of the year, the real tradition for Cajuns is just plain celebratin'!

Sounds good to us! In this recording Big Marv eschews his usual instrument the piano for the double bass. We weren't aware he could play it, but he lays down a solid bass for the rest of the Hodads to follow in this happy tune! 

We going to have us a high ol' time 

We going to be feelin' mighty sublime 

When the party starts at my place 

In the warm air of springtime 

 

From our history in Acadiaa 

We going to sing songs that we known 

Since we was li'l babys 

An until we been all grown 

 

From the haunting refrain 

Of La Belle et le Capitaine 

To songs of such power as

 Here Take This Lovely Flower 

 

 We going to eat plenty Cajun food oh ya! 

Like them Crawfish Étouffée 

And our favorite Jambalaya 

And seafood cooked ever which way! 

 

We going to have us a high ol' time 

We going to be feelin' mighty sublime 

When the party starts at my place 

In the warm air of springtime 

 

Then there's going to be plenty dancing too 

We be pickin' up an layin' 'em down 

Ya'll eat 'till yer belly's full up 

Then dancing will wear it all down 

 

 We going to have us a high ol' time 

We going to be feelin' mighty sublime 

When the party starts at my place 

In the warm air of springtime

Tugboat Jackson - Greed

 An ongoing subject for Tugboat Jackson is Greed, which is also the title of his new song. As is usually the case, the best person to talk about the music is the composer/artist himself:

Might seem like I'm bein' a broken record about this subject, but I think it's an ever increasing problem. I'm not talking about somebody who wants to make enough to have a decent monetary cushion. I did it for years in my hardware business. You make it while ya can, because you don't know when lean times are coming. But there's got to be a limit! When you make decent money and pay your taxes, it shouldn't be looked upon as a negative if you think other people that do the same pay their share as well. Too much emphasis, in my opinion, is tax relief for people who don't need it.  There's getting to be more and more folks at the lower end of the economic scale that don't pay any taxes, only for the reason that they don't make enough. Many of these folks depend on government programs to just exist, and there's a great push to cut or even eliminate these 'entitlement' programs. The whole idea of calling them entitlement programs sticks in my craw! Are people 'entitled' to live? Are people 'entitled' to receive benefits from programs they paid in to? 

The idea of 'Social Darwinism' still wrongly applies, and it is unfair and rewards those who are born into a higher position of society to the detriment of those at the bottom who are only there because they are 'inferior'! If this is what America is eroding to, then it's not the America I believe in! So if that's my broken record, I'm guilty as charged!

We can't add anything to that! Have a listen:

Always hear 'bout the four letter words

 That are obscene and shouldn't be used 

I can think of some words a bit longer 

That cause a hell of a lot more abuse 

 

 Take a five letter word like greed 

Maybe the worst thing on this earth 

Takes hearts and turns them ice cold 

Changes it all in what they think you're worth

 

 If you don't have 'nough money, your cannon fodder

 If you don't have billions and billions 

You're only worth is to be slaughtered 

Along with the rest of the millions 

 

Power is a five letter word too

 But taken in its negative sense 

That is brought about by greed for it 

To covet it there's no defense 

 

There's no amount of greed that's healthy

 If you want way more than you need 

Goes especially for the real wealthy 

For it can turn into evil's seed 

 

Nothing should be magic about money 

Only reason to have it is to live 

If you rate your importance by how much you have

 It can turn your head and heart to a sieve 

 

 The only thing that clogs that sieve 

Is more and more of everything 

The rest of life flows right through it

 If they don't think it's a valuable thing 

 

Ambition goes along with all of it 

That too can be good or bad condition 

Plenty folks used to call me lazy, 

But I just never had that kind of ambition.

 

 If you detect any of this within you 

Try to take some action that's bold 

Before it takes over your life 

And steals a way your self control

The Nude Polka Kings - The Undead Polka

 Well, the latest from The Nude Polka Kings is a stretch. We had to say it, but The Undead Polka, while being an original idea, might not take off within the polka community, outside of a Halloween dance. But never let it be said that we here at Big And Tall Records tell our artists what to record! We've had notions about recordings before that turned out to be popular, so who are we to decide? 

The song starts with a lengthy introduction about how the group is bored playing the same old songs at polka dances. We know they're not talking  about their own songs, like Pigs In A Polka, or The Smelly Feet Polka! Hardly anything hum drum about those ditties! More like the old chestnut of The Beer Barrel Polka. In any case, the intro is as long as the titled song. Decide for yourselves:

Playing in a polka band ain't what it's cracked up to be 

The same old songs, same old monotony 

Even when we get the chance to play a nudist colony 

The same old stuff bouncing and jiggling, we get tired to see.

 

 Give us something different 

We're just going nuts

 Oompah, pah, oompah pah 

Naked jelly butts! 

We need to shake it up some

 For variety 

So let's do something strange 

Something differently 

 

Playing in a polka band ain't what it's cracked up to be 

The same old songs, same old monotony 

Even when we get the chance to play a nudist colony 

The same old stuff bouncing and jiggling, we get tired to see.

 

 Give us something different 

We're just going nuts

 Oompah, pah, oompah pah 

Naked jelly butts! 

We need to shake it up some

 For variety 

So let's do something strange 

Something differently

 

The undead polka, dance of mystery

The undead polka, LOOK! A ZOMBIE! 

We will play it, and see if it takes hold 

It's new, it's different, it's really bold! 

 

 If you're a zombie, and want to dance 

Drag your corpse out on the floor 

And we'll sure give you a chance 

But clean up your own gore! 

 

The undead polka, dance with no refrain 

The undead polka LOOK! A BLOODY BRAIN! 

Body parts strewn here and there 

And the stink of zombies everywhere! 

 

You best be a two legged zombie 

You'll have to think to stop

 If you've only got one leg 

All you can do is hop! 

 

 The undead polka, dance without any harm 

The undead polka, IT'S CHEWING ON MY ARM! 

Dragging feet, dripping goo 

The zombie polka might be for you 

 

Chomping on rotting flesh 

On vertebra til it's clean 

Using a finger bone as a toothpick 

Is more than just obscene! 

 

The undead polka, Might seem kind of nuts 

The undead polka,ZOMBIES SUCKING GUTS! 

Not room for anything but zombies with this dance 

But any other kinds of undead might deserve a glance 

 

Leg bone, arm bone, bowel and clot 

Gall bladder, slimy gunk 

Purulent excretia 

Pouring from body's trunk 

 

The undead polka, where do we get off? 

The undead polka MY GOD A FOOT JUST FELL OFF 

Dancers all have had enough 

They're leaving the floor in a huff 

Faces looking white and rough 

The undead polka, is not doing the trick 

All the gore has made the dancers sick!

 

Buzzy Carlyle - Thought I'd Be Dead By Now

 We recently got an email from one of our field associates, and when we opened it we got very excited! It was information, a picture, and a recording by one of our favorite blues men, Buzzy Carlyle! He's recorded just one song for us back when we started. We wanted to sign him up right then and there, but Buzzy at the time was intentionally obtuse about the whole thing. Didn't seem interested. at all, so we let him go his merry way. No one has heard from him for quite a while, and frankly we thought he may have passed on because he was in poor shape when we saw him last.The information our associate gave us told us he just about did! 

He had to have emergency heart surgery, and his cardiologist told him if he kept up smoking, drinking, and doing illegal drugs, the surgery would be a waste of time. He'd be dead within the year! That seems to hit home with Buzzy, and he swore to the doctor that he was off the stuff for good, all of it. So far, he's kept to his pledge to his doctor, and more importantly to himself. 

Seems that his cardiologist is a big blues fan, and when Buzzy was well enough the doctor brought a guitar for him to practice on! Buzzy had a slow recovery due to his age and the shape he was in, so he was in the hospital for a good stretch. Buzzy said the guitar helped get him through it all. Our associate arranged a recording session with a local studio and as soon as Buzzy was up to it, he recorded this song.Buzzy continues to have health problems and he's in and out of  the hospital a lot. But we hear his spirits are really good, and we wish him good health to come!

Damn, I thought I'd be dead by now 

Goddam, thought I'd be dead by now 

I was fallin' apart, pain in my heart 

But the Doctor pulled me through somehow 

 

Took me to the sick house in an ambulance 

A free ride to the sick house in an ambulance 

Ticker was skippin, bip-itty bippin' 

Weren't sure if I still had a chance 

 

 What ya think 'bout death can be changin' 

When yer coughin' and heavin' 

Now the biggest challenge 

Is to just stay breathin' 

 

Finally they told me the news 

Yes, Doc finally gave me the news 

My ticker was ailin', my life was failin' 

It really gave me the blues 

 

I asked the Doc is there any hope 

Wanted to know if there was any hope 

Doc said I ain't lyin, yer real close to dyin' 

If ya don't stop all the drankin' and dope. 

 

What ya think 'bout death can be changin' 

When yer coughin' and heavin' 

Now the biggest challenge 

Is to just stay breathin' 

 

Only pills for me is what the Doc give 

Yes sir, only what the Doc done give 

No more cigarettes or booze, decided to choose 

What will help me keep goin' and live 

 

 I done lived a long time despite myself 

Don't know how much time I got 

Finally facin' all my demons and it shore ain't easy.... 

It's not! 

 

No preachin' or confessions from me 

Ain't no deep religious rebirth 

No profound philosophy 

Just tellin' my story for what it's worth

Percy McCoy - We Ended Up Closin' The Bar

 Percy McCoy continues his semi-autobiographical song series withe his latest, We Ended Up Closin' The Bar. Percy has been on a real roller coaster of emotion lately. His 4th divorce left him to ponder why things don't work out for him, and he's gotten enough wisdom to know that the common denominator in all of it is himself.  After struggling with being alone, he's met a new woman, who might be short in stature, but long in attraction. He first met this lady a few months ago, and wrote a song about that as well - Somethin' To Do With My Time.  A strange way for people to meet, to say the least. But we'll leave it to the curious to follow the link. 

Percy's music is slowly getting more refined, and the crudeness is a little less often. So he's growing as a musician. He still does music as a sideline. He's a machinist by trade and makes decent money at it, so unless something tremendous like a monster hit happens, he'll most likely keep it a sideline. But that doesn't mean there isn't quality in his music. Sometimes you have to look for it, is all.

When I got there the bartender gave me a hello, 

Gave me a beer, knew what was up 

He said he liked playin’ cupid by givin' her my number, 

He said she talked 'bout me, kept callin’ me hon. 

 

The call I been waitin’ for had came! 

It felt good to hear her voice again. 

We made a date after the workweek 

For tonight, this weekend.

 

 I’m tired of all the same bar talk, 

Tired of all the same bar fits 

Two dudes goin’ outside to fight 

Solvin’ nothin’ the same ol’ shit 

 

She was right on time, walked through the door 

The bar is where she wanted to meet 

Lookin’ real different than the time before 

When she was waitin' to get pitched down the floor 

 

 None of the same bar talk 

No dudes that are deranged 

Nobody goin’ outside to fight 

Mood of the bar seems to have changed 

 

 Now she’s got a slow, sexy walk, 

Her hair done up, pretty face, 

No more of the rough, nasty talk 

She wore a top of pink lace 

 

She had trouble scootin’ up to the bar, 

So I suggested we get a table, 

Be easier for her to sit down 

To talk we’d be more able 

 

She looked at me, gave a grin 

Held the chair so that she could get in. 

Ordered a beer, she said wine cooler please, 

Our talkin’ started with ease. 

 

I looked at her in a different way 

Then with the midget bowlin’ 

She smiled at me the whole time 

On all her words I was a hangin’.

 

 I looked a long time in her eyes 

She said she liked me from the start 

She was smart, forgiving and wise 

And it started moving my heart 

 

We ended up closin’ the bar, 

Took a long drive under the stars, 

We laughed and we roamed, 

Then I said I’d take her home. 

 

 She asked if I’d like to come in 

I surprised my self what I said, 

Asked for a rain check maybe next time 

I’d take a goodnight kiss instead 

 

 She kissed me with her sweet lips 

I had to bend down real low 

She gave me another, hugged my neck 

It was sure worth it, I know! 

 

As I was drivin’ on home, 

I finally seemed to get it

She’s a little person from now on, 

Won’t be callin’ her no midget!