Southside Johnny

Spending a few hours going over names I wanted to title this blog, I kept getting "this is taken" over and over. I finally won out with "Got The Fever" which is not quite "The Fever" (which I wanted), but I am satisfied enough. So, let's get 'The Fever' going with it's namesake.

Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes: The Fever
From: I Don't Want to Go Home [Sony 1976]

Southside Johnny. Back in the day, what made this band so different from the cacophony of gutter-litter that was so prevelent on the so-called Top 40, was the Stax sound-leaning, horn-driven, rhythm and soul drive that permeated their early albums. Stevie Van Zandt - later jumping ship to Springsteen's band (Springsteen also wrote a few Southside cuts including both featured here) helped pen a lot of the early material. Certain to create a sea of swaying hips on the floor, bobble-heading at the tables and a lot of "Damn, they're good" comments from the most casual listeners, Southside was there to sell soul truth and nobody could deny that.

State's evidence one: The Fever
The late-hour, last-song of the night feel of the single organ note and the crisp piano riff at the beginning joing with the juke joint horns immediatly snap all to attention.

He's alone, memories of her torturing his mind and he thinks:
Well now the days grow longer
And my love just grows stronger
And the fever gets so bad at night

Gut level wrenching that leaves him twisted and tortured in his mind. And who couldn't relate to:
When I turn down all the lights
And when I lay my head on the pillow
I can't stop myself in thinking "Baby, where are you tonight?"
"Where is she tonight?"

I want to know who can be stone hearted enough not to yell out an 'Amen' after he sings the line:
There ain't nothing that a poor boy can do
When he's got the fever for love

Anybody? No? Didn't think so.

State's evidence two: Trapped Again
Bass line that just simply tears flesh, neck-snapping drums, tight horns to drool over, and a lead guitar solo (in a soul song?) that's an addition rather that a subtractor to the mood.

Expertly layers sounds that all come together evoking, yet again, lonliness. But, I could never figure out if he's trapped again because of drug addiction, his cheating ways, never getting a break in life or...? I was never able to crack that.

Listen to him wail:
I can't let my past mistakes
Let 'em bring me down
I ain't waitin' on no angel of mercy
I've tried my best and I can't help myself

Listen to the man give up and plead for help:
Come and rescue me

Southside is still living the touring life and preaching the message. Check their website for more info. Be sure to grab the free downloads including covers of the Stones' "Happy" and Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted".

Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes: Trapped Again
From: Hearts of Stone [Epic 1978]

Alright, it's the first post. You being judgemental? Quit it.