Saturday Matinee – The National Blues Museum, Andy Williams & The Temptations, The Continentals & The Trashmen

The National Blues Museum just opened in St. Louis, Missouri. [via]

In December 1969, Andy Williams (aka Mr. Moon River) got down and funky with The Temptations. He looked mad, dammit. [via]

The Continentals (Richard Frank, Lead Guitar; Robert Sarlo, Rhythm Guitar; Ricky Mangone, Rhythm Guitar; Joseph Messina, Drums and Ralph DiForio, Vocals and Bass Guitar) recorded July 9, 1961 on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour.

I dare you to Lip sync Surfin’ Bird. Now sing it without a backup band. Have a great weekend, folks, and we’ll be back tomorrow with more inanity than you can stand.

Saturday Matinee – Papa Oom Mow Mow

gruberMeyer Kessler, aka Carl Ballantine/aka Lester Gruber/aka Ballantine the Great.

27 September 1919 – 3 November 2009.

Here’s the Beach Boys’ cover of the Rivingtons‘ classic,

…that was coopted by the Trashmen,

…that was covered by the Ramones. For a one chord song, it’s almost impossible to play without a vocal, and without a vocal, it’s not worth listening to.

Even the Oakridge Boys stole the line, but we have more class than to post that one, so here’s an ear cleaner instead.

Bette Midler’s version of the Stone’s “Beast of Burden.” Odd enough.