Title: Roll the Old Chariot Along
Written by: Traditional 

Imagine a whaling expedition set in the icy realms of the 19th century Arctic. Join the crew of the Volunteer as they embark upon a perilous quest in pursuit of precious whale oil. But beware, dear friends, for danger lurks upon these tempestuous waters.

You’ve guessed it… Here is the third and final chapter in my EP inspired by and dedicated to the epic TV show that is “The North Water”.

I finish the project with a salty reworking of the sea shanty, "Roll the Old Chariot Along”. It’s not done in a sea shanty style and I changed the lyrics, but other than that you can almost smell the seagulls… ;-)

Sea shanties were work songs sung by sailors during their arduous tasks aboard ships. They were used to help coordinate collective efforts, synchronize movements, and maintain morale while performing physically demanding tasks like hoisting sails or hauling anchor. The rhythmic nature of shanties aided in providing a steady tempo for tasks, fostering a sense of unity among the crew. Beyond their functional role, sea shanties also served as a form of entertainment, storytelling, and a means of preserving maritime traditions.

“Roll the Old Chariot Along” is derivative of an older sea shanty called “A Drop of Nelson’s Blood” which is a reference to the rum that was used to preserve Admiral Nelson’s body for transportation back to Blighty after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The chorus of “Roll the Old Chariot “ was a popular term in the early 1800s signifying the work of spreading of the word of God.

I dropped the Nelson reference and instead introduced one of my own, incorporating a little of the Greenland Sound, which the Whalers would have had to pass to get to arctic whaling waters.

The story goes that this song began life as a spiritual number that grew into a becoming a sea shanty. I take it a step further in its evolution away from the shanty into some sort of folk number.

Roll The Old Chariot Along

Title: You’re Dead
Written by: Norma Tenega
Appears on album: Norma Tenega - Walkin' My Cat Named Dog (1966)

I generally try to steer clear of cover songs, but here's a tune that I just can't seem to get out of my head. Maybe if I can bury it deep enough in the ground it will stay there? Fucking hell, I don't think so!!!!! Ha ha. Here I murder a wonderful tune by the wonderful Norma Tenega that features on the wonderful film/series "What We Do in the Shadows". If you haven't, you really should. Shit! I think I might have just torn my face! For those who need to know these things.... Open G.... BAT!!!!!

"What We Do in the Shadows" is a dark comedy film released in 2014, written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The mockumentary-style film follows the lives of four vampire roommates living in modern-day Wellington, New Zealand. It humorously explores their struggles with mundane tasks, such as paying rent and navigating the complexities of the modern world. The film received critical acclaim for its clever humour and unique take on the vampire genre.

The success of the film led to the creation of a television series with the same name, which premiered in 2019. The TV series, also created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, follows a different group of vampires residing in Staten Island, New York. Like the film, the series adopts a mockumentary format to delve into the daily lives and misadventures of the vampire roommates. The show expands on the original concept, introducing new characters (Kayvan Novak as Nandor the Relentless, Matt Berry as Laszlo Cravensworth, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja of Antipaxos, Harvey Guillén as Guillermo de la Cruz, Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson) and further exploring the comedic dynamics within the vampire household.

Both the film and the TV series offer a hilarious and offbeat take on the vampire genre, combining elements of horror and comedy to create an entertaining and often absurd world.

Norma Cecilia Tanega was an American folk and pop singer-songwriter, painter, and experimental musician. She was born on January 30, 1939, in Vallejo, California, and passed away in 2019. Norma wrote songs for Dusty Springfield and other prominent musicians during her career. She is known for her breakthrough hit single "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog".

In an attempt to further her music career in the 60s, Norma Tanega moved to Greenwich Village, New York City, where she was involved in the folk music scene and political activism. It was during this time that she wrote the song "You're Dead," which was intended as a sarcastic criticism of the competition and consumerism endemic in the New York folk scene at that time. The sardonic macabre imagery of the lyrics inspired Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi who obtained permission from Tanega to use the song in the "What We Do in the Shadows" film adaptation and later in the television show.

Taika Waititi married Rita Ora in 2023.

You're Dead

Song: Roxette
Written by – Wilko Johnson
Appears on single: Dr Feelgood - Roxette / (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 (1974)
Appears on album: Dr Feelgood - Down By The Jetty (1975) 

Today’s offering is a spirited take on the timeless Dr Feelgood classic, "Roxette!" As I dive headfirst into my epic harmonica-learning journey, this rendition aims to capture the raw energy and tension of the original. Sadly my main harp broke seconds before recording, but I refuse to be beaten! Armed with my trusty Windsor "doorstop" harmonica, you get 5 quid’s worth of gritty edge that aims to do Lee Brilleaux proud! And I have to say, this new telecaster keeps impressing me with its fantastic signature sound, letting me channel that unmistakable Wilko Johnson vibe. I should have got one years ago!

Back in 1974, Dr Feelgood unleashed "Roxette," introducing the world to the Thames Delta Blues—a stripped-back, rollicking rhythm and blues revolution that echoed throughout every pub in the '70s kickstarting what would soon be known as “Punk”. Produced by the legendary Vic Maile, probably at London's Olympic Studios, this mono recording became the crown jewel in their acclaimed debut album, "Down by the Jetty." Then, in 76, a blistering live version from Southend-on-sea hit the airwaves as a single, finding its rightful place on the chart-topping masterpiece, "Stupidity."

I’m going out for a bit now. You better be here waiting when I get back…

If you are interested in hearing more songs from this project, please check out my playlist “Inspired by Dr Feelgood” where I present my take of some of the music created by Dr Feelgood. I even lay down some of my own compositions to mix it up a bit. My focus is predominantly on those very early formative years of the band and trying to capture some of the passion and raw energy of the music that they were creating at that time. Have I got the chops to capture the magic of a Dr Feelgood live performance? Have a listen and you be the judge!

If you’re interested in hearing more of the music that originally inspired and influenced Dr Feelgood, listen to the following Artists: The Rolling Stones (the band that first turned Wilko and Lee onto the Blues); Bo Diddley (whose signature rhythm guitar inspired Wilko’s distinctive “choppy” style); Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker (whose music inspired Wilko’s songwriting); Howlin’ Wolf (the artist who inspired Lee with his stage presence and growling vocal style); Chuck Berry (the artist whose “duckwalk” inspired Wilko’s very own “springwalk”); Little Walter, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson I (whose cross-harp playing styles inspired Lee’s spine-tingling delivery); Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (whose fast and furious live 3-piece energy and all-in-one rhythm and lead guitar presence inspired Wilko).

Dr Feelgood were labelled as being leaders in what is often referred to as “Pub Rock”, a phenomenon than revolved around a tight-knit set of bands playing a regular circuit of venues in and around London in the 1970s. It’s a term that’s always felt a bit derogatory to me, but today you’ll hear it used to refer to the style of music that started to emerge from this scene. If you’re interested in hearing more British “Pub Rock” from notable contemporaries of Dr Feelgood, check out some fantastic music from the following artists: Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nicke Lowe; Nine Below Zero; The 101ers; Lew Lewis; Chris Spedding; The Inmates; Steamhammer; Kilburn & The High Roads; Ducks Deluxe; Eddie & The Hot Rods; The Count Bishops; The Kursaal Flyers.

Roxette

Song: Back In The Night
Written by – Wilko Johnson
Appears on single: Dr Feelgood - Back In The Night / I’m A Man (1975)
Appears on album: Dr Feelgood - Malpractice (1975) 

Having now truly got the Dr Feelgood drug in my system I felt the need to do another version of Back in the Night. This time I wanted to play my new telecaster and why not do Lee’s slide in the correct tuning this time? (Open E if you're interested). Oh, and while I'm at it, how about an improv harp solo or two. Ha ha. I'm going for the live Wilko-on-speed vibe here. Oh, I do hope he likes it!

I’ll finish with some words from Wilko Johnson himself from an interview with Songwriting Magazine:

“I remember when I wrote Back In The Night – I sat up all night writing that fucker – and I was so chuffed with it, and I went to the rehearsal the next day and played it to them and they just sneered at it. Well, they didn’t sneer. They just went, ‘Oh, it’s alright’. You know, ‘You bastards, it’s really good!”

I agree Wilko. It IS really good!

If you are interested in hearing more songs from this project, please check out my playlist “Inspired by Dr Feelgood” where I present my take of some of the music created by Dr Feelgood. I even lay down some of my own compositions to mix it up a bit. My focus is predominantly on those very early formative years of the band and trying to capture some of the passion and raw energy of the music that they were creating at that time. Have I got the chops to capture the magic of a Dr Feelgood live performance? Have a listen and you be the judge!

If you’re interested in hearing more of the music that originally inspired and influenced Dr Feelgood, listen to the following Artists: The Rolling Stones (the band that first turned Wilko and Lee onto the Blues); Bo Diddley (whose signature rhythm guitar inspired Wilko’s distinctive “choppy” style); Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker (whose music inspired Wilko’s songwriting); Howlin’ Wolf (the artist who inspired Lee with his stage presence and growling vocal style); Chuck Berry (the artist whose “duckwalk” inspired Wilko’s very own “springwalk”); Little Walter, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson I (whose cross-harp playing styles inspired Lee’s spine-tingling delivery); Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (whose fast and furious live 3-piece energy and all-in-one rhythm and lead guitar presence inspired Wilko).

Dr Feelgood were labelled as being leaders in what is often referred to as “Pub Rock”, a phenomenon than revolved around a tight-knit set of bands playing a regular circuit of venues in and around London in the 1970s. It’s a term that’s always felt a bit derogatory to me, but today you’ll hear it used to refer to the style of music that started to emerge from this scene. If you’re interested in hearing more British “Pub Rock” from notable contemporaries of Dr Feelgood, check out some fantastic music from the following artists: Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nicke Lowe; Nine Below Zero; The 101ers; Lew Lewis; Chris Spedding; The Inmates; Steamhammer; Kilburn & The High Roads; Ducks Deluxe; Eddie & The Hot Rods; The Count Bishops; The Kursaal Flyers.

Back in the Night

Song: Take A Tip
Written by – Lee Brilleaux/ Gypie Mayo
Appears on single: Dr Feelgood - Down At The Doctors / Take A Tip (1978)
Appears on album: Dr Feelgood - Private Practice (1978) 

Today’s latest posting in my Dr Feelgood project is a song called “Take a Tip”. Whilst I’ve been focussing predominantly so far on a selection of the Wilko Johnson era tunes, it is time to wander into Gypie Mayo territory. Gypie replaced Wilko in 1977 and boy did he have some big cuban heels to fill! Everyone (except for Lee Brilleaux it would seem) was wondering how on earth he was going to cope with the high bar that Wilko had set. Actually, in the end, Gypie made it look easy. He took to the stage with his trademark sneer, churning out songs that would bring Dr Feelgood even greater chart success. Gypie brought a rockier edge to the music which divided many dyed-in-the-wool fans, but which opened the doors to a new audience.

Sadly, 4 years of constant touring finally took its toll and Mayo himself called it a day. What a legacy he leaves behind! In my opinion I think Gypie’s real genius lay in his ability to hold true to the vision the band had first set out with on their quest to create uncomplicated cut-back music. This was a band whose first instincts were to record live in mono, a single take, straight down to a single track if they could only get away with it! “Take a Tip” is perhaps one of the least well known of his songs, but I think it’s a real hidden gem and up there in my favourites! I heard it first as a b-side to the “Down at the Doctors” single. My version has shades of Motorhead, but really I’m playing the guitar more like Mick Green might have rather than Gypie Mayo. My rendition stays fairly true to the live version the band would perform, with the addition of a murdered harp solo being the main deviation from the original. I'm trying for a live, blow-the-roof-off, volume at 11, runaway train version. Let me know if I succeeded!

If you are interested in hearing more songs from this project, please check out my playlist “Inspired by Dr Feelgood” where I present my take of some of the music created by Dr Feelgood. I even lay down some of my own compositions to mix it up a bit. My focus is predominantly on those very early formative years of the band and trying to capture some of the passion and raw energy of the music that they were creating at that time. Have I got the chops to capture the magic of a Dr Feelgood live performance? Have a listen and you be the judge!

If you’re interested in hearing more of the music that originally inspired and influenced Dr Feelgood, listen to the following Artists: The Rolling Stones (the band that first turned Wilko and Lee onto the Blues); Bo Diddley (whose signature rhythm guitar inspired Wilko’s distinctive “choppy” style); Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker (whose music inspired Wilko’s songwriting); Howlin’ Wolf (the artist who inspired Lee with his stage presence and growling vocal style); Chuck Berry (the artist whose “duckwalk” inspired Wilko’s very own “springwalk”); Little Walter, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson I (whose cross-harp playing styles inspired Lee’s spine-tingling delivery); Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (whose fast and furious live 3-piece energy and all-in-one rhythm and lead guitar presence inspired Wilko).

Dr Feelgood were labelled as being leaders in what is often referred to as “Pub Rock”, a phenomenon than revolved around a tight-knit set of bands playing a regular circuit of venues in and around London in the 1970s. If you’re interested in hearing more British “Pub Rock” from notable contemporaries of Dr Feelgood, check out some fantastic music from the following artists: Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nicke Lowe; Nine Below Zero; The 101ers; Lew Lewis; Chris Spedding; The Inmates; Steamhammer; Kilburn & The High Roads; Ducks Deluxe; Eddie & The Hot Rods; The Count Bishops; The Kursaal Flyers.

Take A Tip

Song: Lights Out
Written by – M. Rebennack, S. David
Appears on single: Dr Feelgood - Sneakin’ Suspicion / Lights Out (1977)
Appears on album: Dr Feelgood - Sneakin’ Suspicion (1977) 

Introducing “Lights Out”: a tune so fast that even Dr Feelgood were terrified to play it live! I was in two minds about whether to go with a guitar solo, or harp solo. In the end I did both, and even after all that the song still only comes in at a meagre 2 minutes 16 seconds. That's fast!! The song itself is from 1958, originally performed by Jerry Byrne. I love it! If only I could play it! Ha ha. And yes, I had to break my no plectrum rule here, but only for the solo. Will try harder next time...

I first heard “Lights Out” on the b-side to the “Sneakin’ Suspicion” single. It quickly became a part of the set my band - The Blisters - played in the 80s. If memory serves me right, we played it faster than the Feelgood version, but then we played everything fast. Today’s rendition is closer to the version that Wilko Johnson laid down at Rockfield Studios for the “Sneakin’ Suspicion” album, which went on to spend 6 weeks at number 10 in the UK charts in 1977. Wilko Johnson left the band right about this time but not before he got to play “Lights Out” live with the Feelgoods. There is a recording out there somewhere which is worth tracking down if you’re interested in how he tackles the solo on stage. Enjoy!

If you are interested in hearing more songs from this project, please check out my playlist “Inspired by Dr Feelgood” where I present my take of some of the music created by Dr Feelgood. I even lay down some of my own compositions to mix it up a bit. My focus is predominantly on those very early formative years of the band and trying to capture some of the passion and raw energy of the music that they were creating at that time. Have I got the chops to capture the magic of a Dr Feelgood live performance? Have a listen and you be the judge!

If you’re interested in hearing more of the music that originally inspired and influenced Dr Feelgood, listen to the following Artists: The Rolling Stones (the band that first turned Wilko and Lee onto the Blues); Bo Diddley (whose signature rhythm guitar inspired Wilko’s distinctive “choppy” style); Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker (whose music inspired Wilko’s songwriting); Howlin’ Wolf (the artist who inspired Lee with his stage presence and growling vocal style); Chuck Berry (the artist whose “duckwalk” inspired Wilko’s very own “springwalk”); Little Walter, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson I (whose cross-harp playing styles inspired Lee’s spine-tingling delivery); Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (whose fast and furious live 3-piece energy and all-in-one rhythm and lead guitar presence inspired Wilko).

Dr Feelgood were labelled as being leaders in what is often referred to as “Pub Rock”, a phenomenon than revolved around a tight-knit set of bands playing a regular circuit of venues in and around London in the 1970s. It’s a term that’s always felt a bit derogatory to me, but today you’ll hear it used to refer to the style of music that started to emerge from this scene. If you’re interested in hearing more British “Pub Rock” from notable contemporaries of Dr Feelgood, check out some fantastic music from the following artists: Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nicke Lowe; Nine Below Zero; The 101ers; Lew Lewis; Chris Spedding; The Inmates; Steamhammer; Kilburn & The High Roads; Ducks Deluxe; Eddie & The Hot Rods; The Count Bishops; The Kursaal Flyers.

Lights Out

Song: Hard Times
Written by – John King (2023) 

Get ready to experience the thrilling conclusion to my furious recording project! Throughout this journey, I've lived and breathed the captivating world of Dr Feelgood. Their music has been my inspiration, igniting my passion and fueling my creativity. I've explored their incredible discography, dissecting their songs, got under the skin of my heroes and their influencers. I've relived the events that defined them and reignited the fire in me that first sparked when I got to know their music in the early 80s. It's been wonderful! If I've achieved just a fraction of their raw energy and infectious rhythms in my recordings then I'll be a happy man. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey of love.

But now, if you read between the lines, something unexpected and exciting just happened that will be taking up my time! For the climax of this project, a spark of inspiration has lead me to create something new. In this grand finale, I proudly present to you a special tune — a re-imagined version of Dr Feelgood's cover of James Cotton's rendition of Little Walters' timeless classic: 'Everything is gonna be alright.'

Prepare yourself for a rockier twist, a wonderful tune reworked with a double-shot of power and intensity. Alongside this musical transformation, I've crafted entirely new lyrics that feel pretty relevant to me today. It's an amalgamation of homage and a little bit of me.

This, my dear friends, is the culmination of it all — the culmination of countless hours of dedication, love, and respect for Dr Feelgood's legacy. It symbolises the true essence of what this project has been about — an homage to the timeless music that inspires us, the unyielding spirit of rock and roll, and the unending pursuit of creative expression. Enjoy!

If you are interested in hearing more songs from this project, please check out my playlist “Inspired by Dr Feelgood” where I present my take of some of the music created by Dr Feelgood. I even lay down some of my own compositions to mix it up a bit. My focus is predominantly on those very early formative years of the band and trying to capture some of the passion and raw energy of the music that they were creating at that time. Have I got the chops to capture the magic of a Dr Feelgood live performance? Have a listen and you be the judge!

If you’re interested in hearing more of the music that originally inspired and influenced Dr Feelgood, listen to the following Artists: The Rolling Stones (the band that first turned Wilko and Lee onto the Blues); Bo Diddley (whose signature rhythm guitar inspired Wilko’s distinctive “choppy” style); Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker (whose music inspired Wilko’s songwriting); Howlin’ Wolf (the artist who inspired Lee with his stage presence and growling vocal style); Chuck Berry (the artist whose “duckwalk” inspired Wilko’s very own “springwalk”); Little Walter, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson I (whose cross-harp playing styles inspired Lee’s spine-tingling delivery); Johnny Kidd & The Pirates (whose fast and furious live 3-piece energy and all-in-one rhythm and lead guitar presence inspired Wilko).

Dr Feelgood were labelled as being leaders in what is often referred to as “Pub Rock”, a phenomenon than revolved around a tight-knit set of bands playing a regular circuit of venues in and around London in the 1970s. It’s a term that’s always felt a bit derogatory to me, but today you’ll hear it used to refer to the style of music that started to emerge from this scene. If you’re interested in hearing more British “Pub Rock” from notable contemporaries of Dr Feelgood, check out some fantastic music from the following artists: Graham Parker & The Rumour; Nicke Lowe; Nine Below Zero; The 101ers; Lew Lewis; Chris Spedding; The Inmates; Steamhammer; Kilburn & The High Roads; Ducks Deluxe; Eddie & The Hot Rods; The Count Bishops; The Kursaal Flyers.

Hard Times

I really don't have the opportunity much at the moment for music, but I couldn't resist laying down this tune yesterday. I don't think it will stay here, so listen while you can. I had a couple of play-throughs before having to record and move on. It's raw, ugly and loud, but that's what I love about it ;-) In case you were wondering... a Dr Feelgood cover of a cover

Buddy Buddy Friends (demo)

This is what might have happened if Jimmy Reed had played Humber delta blues

I Let It Roll

A loud unholy mess of a Little Walter cover!!!

Hate To See You Go!!!

Here's a little rocker inspired by James Cotton and his tune South Side Boogie. It imagines what happens when boogie woogie collides with the Humber Delta Blues.

South Side Boogie - North Side Rock'n'Roll

So, can anyone tell me why there is no Blues genre on Soundcloud? The music is a rough tough fast and loose swipe from The Feelgoods. The words are all mine. I don't often knock out guitar solos these days and now you know why! Ha ha. Bring back the harp!

Feelin' Thirsty

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm closing out the year with a shameless rip (prizes will be awarded to anyone who knows the original tune). The lyrics are mine... as is the experimental psychedelic harp outro. Have a bluesy crimbo my friends! Ho ho ho!

I Ain't Got You

A tribute to the late great Lew Lewis with a version of one of his songs I heard on youtube. Don’t know what it’s really called. I added in a third verse. Intended to play it like he does, but ended up just winging it. I think he would have approved of my approach.

Lew's Blues

I recorded this one a number of months ago when I was about to explode. It's a wall of sound cover of an old delta blues classic. This one'll blow your wig off! I never posted it at the time because I didn't want to scare anyone.

Rollin' & Tumblin'

Lew's Blues (Guest Vocals)

Just a snippet of an idea that captured my imagination this afternoon...

Sinkin' (a short Blues interlude)

A John Lee Hooker B-Side for your entertainment…

No Shoes

Do you do voodoo?
I certainly do do voodoo!
Here's a Muddy Waters cover done in the Humber Delta Blues style.
Run for the hills!

I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man

Here's an updated version of Little Buddy Doyle's Hard Scufflin Blues. My version gets you as far as the 70s and that's as far I'm going to take you my friends. Can anyone lend me a tenner?

Hustlin'

Rushing this out as I'm meant to be getting ready for a weekend of fun and frivolity. I wrote this song last summer but never finished it. Well I have now! If I've done this right, this will blow your wig off! Have a good one my friends...

Hot! Hot! Hot!

I had no intention of writing a song today, but look what happened!

That Ain't Right

It took 5 minutes to write and an eternity to get the bloody thing recorded how I wanted it. Was it worth the effort?

Banged Up

This is a demo that a bottle of wine says I must share worh you. Enjoy it while you can! Cheers!

Big Bad John

Another demo for you. I wrote this song last week and finished it off just now. Are you ready to rock and roll? But are you really ready?

Are You Ready To Rock And Roll

This song was orchestrated by an old band-mate.The Woodster lead and I followed with harp in hand and a nervous twitch. We never finished it... that is, until now. Let me know what you think...

Jenny Do

“I'm in a Rock'n'Roll band. We've never recorded a ballad." ~ John King 1976.

John King and the Argonauts are a Humber Delta Blues band with a penchant for hard and fast Rock’n’Roll.

“The Humber Delta Blues is more than just a genre—it's a cultural expression and a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region. It celebrates the resilience, creativity, and passion of the people, making it a truly distinctive and captivating musical experience.”

In case you're wondering where all the old cowboy tunes went... https://soundcloud.com/john-king-frontier

John King and the Argonauts

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