If you’re a fan of that circle of music that overlaps country, hillbilly and rock n roll, this is an album you should dig into. 11 tracks packed into this release that is available again as a reissue via Mississippi Records. The names aren’t mainstream and the tunes get a bit messy at times but that’s is part of the appeal, right?

Five tracks stand out for me including the opening title track from Bob Fryfogle. Then there’s the Mystery Trio and “Willie Joe” which was the first record ever issued by the Sacramento, CA label Camelia. The instrumental cut “The Lost Safari” is another standout track from the former house band for Sam Salyer and WCHO in Wilmington, OH, The Ramblin’ Rebels. On the flip side of the vinyl there’s “Misery 1959” from Jacky Lee and he is joined by session-man J.B. Brinkley who adds lead guitar. “A Woman’s Mind” from Jimmy Merrill & The ??? is another standout track. Yes, the band is named ??? and this one was recorded in Ontario, Canada. I agree with the liner notes that Merrill’s voice reminds me of Neil Young

The album comes with great liner notes and the quality of the vinyl itself was of good quality. Mississippi Records on the reissue and they are located in Portland, OR. If you are ever in town, you should stop in and see them.

TRACK LIST
Side A

1. Six Feet Under – Bob FryFogle – 1964 – Wedge SR-1017
2. Willie Joe – Mystery Trio – 1959 – Camelia 45 100
3. The Lost Safari – Ramblin’ Rebels – 1962 – Dess 7634
4. Mystery Train – Johnny Waleen – 1964 – Coulee KB 4177
5. Dark Mood – Bartlett Brothers and the Country Paupers – 1958 – Empala EMP 107

Side B

1. Kentucky Fandango – J.P. Dunn – 1965 – Dixie 1144
2. Misery – Jacky Lee – 1959 – Teen-Ager 1001
3. He’s Headin’ South – Evelyn Hopper – 1965 – REB-BEL -1
4. A Woman’s Mind – Jimmy Merrill & The ??? – 1960 – Quality 1239X
5. Ghost Train – Electro-Tones – 1961 – J-B 126
6. If You Love Me (I Want To Know Tonight) – Johnny Fortune – 1959 Emmy 1001