Pussy - Come Back June (1968)

Originally known as Fortes Mentum, this group released only one album in 1969 titled Pussy Plays. Ranging from cat meows and space sounds to heavy keyboard solos and guitar instrumentals, this group was surprisingly able to put out a good album. In 1968, before the album’s release, the group released a single with the A-Side “All of My Life” and the B-Side heard below.

As just mentioned, this song was the B-Side to their 1968 single release. Both songs were later included on their album for its 1969 release and this song was its opening track. Once you get past the cat’s meow, I’m hoping you’ll be as pleasantly surprised, as I was, with this unknown group’s great work.



Pussy - Come Back June (1968)

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Lyrics:

My world’s breakin’ in pieces
My world’s breakin’ in two
My heart’s breakin’ in pieces
My heart’s breakin’ in two

Come back, June
Come back, June

My world’s breakin’ in pieces
My world’s breakin’ in two
My heart’s breakin’ in pieces
My heart’s breakin’ in two

Come back, June
Come back, June
Come back, June

Come back, June
Come back, June
Come back, June

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire (1968)

Before the flamboyant and theatrical styles of Marilyn Manson, George Clinton, KISS, and Alice Cooper, there was Arthur Brown. Primarily remembered for his hit heard below, this artist got his start with The Ramong Sound, which eventually went on to become the soul group The Foundations. His most notable stunt while performing was wearing a metal helmet on stage, while singing, and setting it on fire. He was also known to wear makeup all over his face, have himself lowered to the stage on cables, and on occasion strip naked while performing. The latter stunt quickly had him arrested and thrown out of Italy. He and his group disbanded on a US tour in 1969.

This song, his most popular, was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. It was produced by Kit Lambert and Pete Townshend, of The Who, and sold over a million copies. It features an electronic organ and many brass instruments, but no guitar or bass guitar. The mono version of the song (not heard here) featured no brass instruments at all. It has been covered by Pete Townshend, supergroup ELP, Ozzy Osbourne, and many others.



The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire (1968)

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Lyrics:

I am the god of hell fire
And I bring you

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn
I'll see you burn

You fought hard and you saved and earned
But all of it's goin’ to burn
And your mind- your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now's your time to burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind

Oh no, oh no, oh no
You’re gonna burn

Fire
To destroy all you've done
Fire
To end all you've become
I'll feel you burn

You've been living like a little girl
In the middle of your little world
And your mind- your tiny mind
You know you've really been so blind
Now's your time to burn your mind
You're falling far too far behind
Ooh

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn

You’re gonna burn
You’re gonna burn
You’re gonna burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn (burn)
Burn!

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
I'll take you to learn

Fire
I'll take you to burn
Fire
Fire

The Cadillacs - Speedoo (1955)

Known as The Carnations at their start in 1953, this group released their first single, the widely covered “Gloria,” in 1954. A small hit for the group, it can be heard being sung by Billy Joel in “The River of Dreams,” near the end as the song fades out. The group has featured numerous members, numerous break-ups, and just as many reunions.

Released in 1955, this particular song was a narrative about, and sang by, their lead vocalist Earl “Speedoo” Carroll. It was a major progressive step forward in music as it played a large role in attracting white audiences to black rock and roll music. Important in the emergence of “mainstream” rock and roll, it was this group’s largest hit and has sadly become little more than a footnote to the history of music.



The Cadillacs - Speedoo (1955)

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Lyrics:

Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’
Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’
I’m known for meetin' brand new fellas
And takin' other folkses’ girl

Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
'Cause I don't believe in wastin' time
Well, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
'Cause I don't believe in wastin' time
Well, I've known some pretty women
And I taught them to change their mind

Well now, some may call me ‘Joe’
Some may call me ‘Moe’
Just remember ‘Speedoo’
He don't never take it slow

Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’
Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’

Well now, some may call me ‘Moe’
Some may call me ‘Joe’
Just remember ‘Speedoo’
He don't ever take it slow

Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’
Well now, they often call me ‘Speedoo’
But my real name is ‘Mr. Earl’
And now they got to call me ‘Speedoo’
'til they call off makin' pretty girls