Saturday, September 21, 2013

Record #0502: Mule Skinner Blues / Torture – THE FENDERMEN

Soma 1137 (original) USA, May 1960
Words & Music bySide AJimmie Rodgers; Side B – Jim Sundquist, Phil Humphrey
Musicians: Phil Humphrey (lead vocals and Fender Telecaster), Jim Sundquist (lead guitar, Fender Stratocaster), nobody else
Recording sessions: Produced by Amos Heilicher at Kay Bank Studio, Minneapolis, MN, Apr. 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #5, US Country #16

"Mule Skinner Blues" was originally recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1930. The Fendermen re-arranged the song and got their only hit with it. Their version was later covered by Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids on their first single in 1972 (Epic 10930). I recall that Flash Cadillac's version was used in a toothpaste TV commercial in Finland in the late 70's.

The Fendermen first released these two songs for Cuca label (Cuca 1003) in January 1960, but the recordings were from an earlier session, thus this Soma release is not a re-issue. Cuca 1003 is quite rare and listed at $200 in a near mint condition.

List price:  Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25

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