Get Involved blog

Daddy Cleanhead – Something’s Goin’ On In My Room

It’s about time I posted up something on the Specialty label. I’ve got loads of great singles on the label - by the likes of Larry Williams, Little Richard, Don and Dewy and Wynona Carr… but Something’s Goin’ On In My Room from 1955 remains one of my favourite 45s of all time. The groove, supplied by Chuck Higgins and his band, is undeniably infectious and the lyrical narrative is gloriously ridiculous: What exactly is going on in Daddy Cleanhead’s room? A right commotion, that’s what. And the cause of this commotion? Turns out, Mr Cleanhead’s old lady got high and is amusing herself noisily with a broom. As you do. “Rock it like a rowboat shake it like a raging sea… When I get in, you better have something for me!” Genius.

Eddie Bo – Shake, Rock and Soul

No other musician from New Orleans has cut more records than the legendary pianist and vocalist Eddie Bo – except for Fats Domino. During the 50s, Bo led a group of musicians that backed such legends as Ruth Brown, Lloyd Price and Big Joe Turner and he’s produced records for Irma Thomas, Robert Parker, Art Neville and Chris Kenner, to name but a few. I’ve got a couple of 50s 45s which he cut on Ace Records (his first record was I Love To Rock and Roll, Ace 555) which I will always treasure so when I spotted this when having a rummage up in Manchester’s excellent Beatin’ Rhythm shop a few weeks ago, I snapped it up without hesitation. And I’m glad I did - this track, from 1963, is both groovy and soulful in equal measure - and Eddie’s voice is amazing. Check out the phrasing of the opening verse: if you can listen to this without clicking your fingers or clapping your hands, then you’ve got some serious issues with your mojo…