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ROCK MUSIC
SOUL & FUNK
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RK-SL1 United States 1974
THE BERTHA BUTT BOOGIE (PART I & II)
Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental – Caveman Pic Cover
Comp: Jimmy CASTOR & John PRUITT (RK-LY)
Arr: Jimmy Castor
Rts: Jimpire Music (BMI)
Perf: THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH
Jimmy Castor (vocal, tenor sax)
Gerry Thomas (keyboards)
Jeff Grimes (guitar)
Doug Gibson (bass)
Ellwood Henderson (drums)
Lenny Fridie, Jr. (conga drums)
Prod. Co: Castor-Pruitt Productions
Matrix: (Part 1) 29701 & (Part 2) 29702
Rel. Date: Nov. 1974
Time: (45) (Part 1) 3:10 & (Part 2) 2:58
(LP) 6:20 & (CD) 6:11
A. American Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic SD-18124 (stereo)
12" 33rpm (Sd
2. Single 45 (from album): (Parts 1 & 2)
Atlantic 45-3232
7" 45rpm (Sides 1 & 2)
3. Single 45 (from album): (Part 1 only)
Atlantic 3232 (DJ Promo)
7" 45rpm (mono & stereo)
4. Reissue Single 45: (Parts 1 & 2)
Atlantic 13189
5. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE BEST OF THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH (1995)
Rhino 72209 (Tk 7)
B. Canadian Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE (PC-CM# )
Atlantic SD 18124
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (1974)
Atlantic AT 3232
C. British Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE…(1975) (PC-CM# )
Atlantic K 50120
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2)
Cartoon from back of LP jacket cover
Atlantic K 10554
D. French Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic SD 18.124A (stereo)
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (1975)
Atlantic 10554 (stereo)
E. Belgium 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (Pic Sleeve) (1975)
Atlantic 10 554
F. West German Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic ATL 50 120 (stereo)
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (Pic Sleeve)
Atlantic 10592
Flip Sd: E-Man Boogie
G. Spanish Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE…(1975) (PC-CM# )
Atlantic HATS 421-159 (stereo)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2)
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (1975)
Atlantic 45-1194
3. Compilation LP: HITS AND SOUL – VOL. 10 (Part 1 only) (1975)
Atlantic HATS 421-182
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 4)
H. Italian LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic W 50120 (stereo)
I. Greek Releases:
1. LP: BUTT OF COURSE (PC-CM# )
Atlantic A 0102
2. Single 45: (Sides 1 & 2)
Atlantic 10 101
J. Turkish 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (1975)
Atlantic 75501
K. Brazilian LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic 3-17-404-016 (stereo)
L. Chilean 45: (Sides 1 & 2) (1975)
Atlantic (?)
M. Australia LP: BUTT OF COURSE… (PC-CM# )
Atlantic SD 18124 (stereo)
Notes: This is the third in a series of "caveman" songs done up by the Jimmy Castor Bunch, the only group
to have ever created a whole family of caveman characters and written songs around them. "Jimmy studied
anthropology while in collage and has always been a horror and monster movie fan." (Pruitt 1979)
Actually this one of the very few songs about a "cave woman." Bertha Butt was first introduced in another
JCB song, "Troglodyte (Cave Man)." Here, in Part 1, she is the star of the show, as she works out her
boogie dance. It begins with the rhythmic grunting of the chorus –
Bum, bum, baba, dum
Ba, bum, bum, bum, baba, dum"
A good funky beat is laid down behind the narrator but the instrumentation remains just as sketchy as it
was on the other two JCB "caveman" songs. The story (see Rock Song Lyrics for text) is interrupted three
times by the chorus singing –
When Bertha Butt did her boogie
She started, "The Bertha Butt Boogie
Which is followed by the rhythmic grunting –
Bum, bum …
Eventually the troglodyte makes an appearance in the story and tries to bother Bertha again. In the end we
are told –
The Troglodyte, Leroy, Luther an' the Butt sisters all knew
That the Bertha Butt boogie was now the thing to do.
Leroy was a character already introduced in other JCB songs but he's not really a caveman; he's the son of
the creature from the Black Lagoon.
Part II on the flip side is just a repetitive instrumental version with the deep grunting sounds and the two
lines of chorus in the appropriate places. The LP combines the two parts seamlessly and runs for 6:20.
A critic of 70s soul music wrote – “There had never been a groove this fat blasting out of AM radio. Castor's
approach to prehistoric sexism was so obviously tonque-in-cheek and full of good humor that even in those
heady years of social outrage and the women's movement, nary a ferri complained, to the contrary, the
song's central figure-Bertha Butt (one of The Butt Sisters) – would become (along with the aforementioned
Leroy) Castor's most beloved character.” (Anon. n.d.)
“In ‘Bertha Butt Boogle (sic),’ Bertha, her sisters, the Troglodyte himself, and Leroy are all reprised against
a funky wash of guitars and percussion (Jeff Grimes had replaced Harry Jensen on guitar). It kicked off a
string of R&B hits that lasted for five years. ‘Bertha Butt Boogie’ rose to #16 on the pop charts in late 1974
and is featured on the classic LP Butt Of Course.... whose garish cartoon cover depicts Jimmy in his E-Man
costume (much like Superman's suit) chasing down Bertha.” (Anon. n.d.)
Ref: Anon. n.d., Seventies Dance Music Page, Jimmy Castor Bunch, 70disco
The Bertha Butt Boogie, Wikipedia
Groia, Philip 1978, Castors Well Oiled, Black Music, v. 5, Issue 51, Feb. 1978, London, p. 10-11
Jimmy Castor, Bio, Wikipedia
Jimmy Castor Bunch, The Bertha Butt Boogie, Parts 1 & 2, All countries, Discogs
Jimmy Castor Bunch, The Bertha Butt Boogie, (6:15), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Butt Of Course… LP, All countries, Discogs
Pruitt, John, Personal letter dated Dec. 7, 1979, New York, NY
_____________________________________
RK-SL2
United States 1967
CAVE MAN – 1 & 2
Soul – Funk – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Bill McCLOUD
Rts: Helt Music (BMI)
Perf: Vernon
GARRETT (vocal)
(with electric guitar, bass, congas, & drums)
Prod: Bill McCloud
Prod. Co: Open-G Records; Los Angeles, CA
Rec. Co: Ted Brenson Studio; Washington Blvd.; Los Angeles, CA
Matrix: OPG-809 & OPG-810-A
Time: (Sd 1) 2:10 & (Sd 2) 2:10
Label: Open-G OG-401
Spec: 7" 45rpm (Sides 1 & 2)
Notes: One of the best caveman songs. One of those obscure, completely
unknown great records, which when you hear it for the first time a big smile
comes across your face and you can't help wondering why this one didn't
make it. It didn't go anywhere because the lyrics were a bit too rough-edged
for general acceptance at that time and it simply didn't get any decent
promotion or airplay.
From the late 50s right into the 80s, Vernon Garrett recorded at least 20
singles and 6 albums, mostly rhythm 'n' blues and soul music for several
small independent record companies (all of them in the Los Angeles area) –
labels such as Modern, Kent, Watts U.S.A., Venture, Kapp, etc.
Garrett also toured in Europe and in 1994 I had the pleasure of hearing him
live and talking with him at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club of the Meridien
Hotel in Paris. I showed him my transcription of McCloud’s lyrics to have
him verify that I got all the words right, but he told me he couldn’t sing it for
me because the backing combo he was with didn’t know the piece.
This 45 single has been seen listed by three different sellers on the Web for over $100.
This song was used for the "Cavers' Hop" at the 1995 Old Timers' Reunion in Randolph County, West
Virginia.
Ref: Danchin, Sebastian 1994, (Interview with Vernon Garrett), Soul Bag, n. 134, Printemps 1994 (Article not seen)
Mohr, Kurt & Arniac, Jean-Pierre 1994, Vernon Garrett Discography, Soul Bag, n. 135, Été 1994, p. 22-24 (This
discography does not include this 45 single)
Nickols, Pete 2009, Vernon Garrett, Mid-Tempo Deep Soul, sirshambling
Unknown Author, Soul Bag, n. 22/23, Janv.-Fév. 1973, (Article not seen)
Vernon Garrett, Cave Man 45, 45cat
Vernon Garrett, Cave Man 45, Discogs
Vernon Garrett, Cave Man 45, (2:14), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Vernon Garrett, Discography, Soulful Kinda Music, soulfulkindamusic
_____________________________________________________
VARIOUS VERSIONS OF
CAVEMAN BILLY
In chronological order of release
RK-SL3
United Kingdom 1971
CAVEMAN BILLY
RK – Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Tony WILSON & Errol BROWN
Rts: Rak Publishing Ltd.
Perf: HOT
CHOCOLATE
Errol Brown (lead vocal)
Tony Wilson (vocal & bass guitar)
Harvey Hinsley (lead guitar)
Patrick Olive (conga drums &
percussion)
Ian King (drums)
Prod: Mickie Most
Prod. Co: Rak Records Ltd.
Rel. Date: Aug. 1971
Time: 3:59 & (LP – B2) 4:02
Errol BROWN
A. British Single 45:
Rak RAK 118
Flip Sd: I Believe (In Love)
B. American Releases:
1. Single 45: Rak ZS7-4506
2. Reissue on LP: CICERO PARK (1974)
Big Tree 89503
2X12” 33rpm (Disc 2 - Sd 1 – Bd 6)
3. Reissue on CD: A’S B’S & RARITIES (2005)
EMI Music 5602172 (Tk 8)
C. Irish Single 45:
Columbia IDB 791
D. German Single 45:
Columbia 1C-006 92 811
E. Dutch Single 45:
Columbia 5C-006 92 811
F. Greek Single 45:
Columbia (?)
Spec: (Nos. A, B1, C, D, E, & F) 7' 45rpm
Flip Sd: (All 45 Singles) I Believe (In Love)
Notes: Not a particularly noteworthy addition to the assemblage of "caveman" songs. The lyrics (see Rock
Song Lyrics) perpetuate the familiar myth regarding the sex appeal of prehistoric cavemen and also
manage to get a small dig at a current topic of that period – woman's liberation. The flip side reached No. 8
on the British charts.
Consisting of six members from various parts of the West Indies and England, this important group on the
British soul-rock scene was organized in 1970 by Errol Brown. Another drummer replaced King in 1973 and
the group continued performing right through the 90s.
Ref: Anon. n.d., Hot Chocolate, Caveman Billy, 45cat
Hot Chocolate (band), Bio, Wikipedia
Hot Chocolate, Caveman Billy 45, Four releases, Discogs
Hot Chocolate, Caveman Billy 45, US release, 45cat
Hot Chocolate, Caveman Billy 45, (3:57), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Hot Chocolate, Cicero Park LP, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)
Young, Jon 1983, Now’s the Season for Hot Chocolate, Trouser Press, v. 10, n. 5, July 1983, New York, p. 12-14
_____________________________________
RK-SL4
United Kingdom 1973
CAVEMAN BILLY
RK – Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Tony WILSON & Errol BROWN
Rts: Rak Music
Perf: I.
P. O. H.
Hamilton King [aka. Ken Jeffers] (vocal & organ)
Don Gillies (guitar)
King Rollo (bass)
Jim (congas)
Ken Reynolds (drums)
Prod: Tony Wilson
Prod. Co: Rare Music Ltd.
Time:
A. British Single 45: Pye 7N.45215
Flip Sd: Doggy
B. Portuguese Single 45: (Pic Cover)
Pye PATS 7027
Flip Sd: Doggy
Spec: (A & B) 7" 45rpm (stereo)
Notes: The I.P.O.H. also recorded a single for CBS Records with a song
entitled, “In Pursuit of Happiness,” and the initials of this title were used
as the group’s name.
King Rollo remembers – “In 1970 met Hamilton King who allowed me to
help hump his Hammond organ and Leslie tone cabinet around London
to all manner of gigs with a six-piece band we put together called I.P.O.H
(In Pursuit Of Happiness)…. The most exciting thing we did was in meeting up with Tony Wilson, the
original bass player with Hot Chocolate, and Mickie Most. The first
time I met Mickie he was seated at a piano in some studio which I
can't recall the name of, and I found him the most likeable person
I've ever met in the music business.” (King Rollo 2008) It was no
doubt through this meeting that I.P.O.H. got hold of this song.
“Our single 'Caveman Billy' was released, or I should say,
escaped in spring 1973 on the Pye label rather than RAK and
after a few radio plays it slithered down the door of destiny without
the slightest attempt to stick. It's the only thing I have in my
archive left from that era. The balance is appalling…
“I remember popping in to see Mickie again about ten years later
in his new Berkeley Square offices. Just as friendly and
considerate as before, he asked me if I minded waiting a bit as he
wanted to try out some expensive-looking leather motorcycle
suits… When I'd finally got his attention I pulled out the 'Caveman
Billy' single, ‘I think the time might right to have another look at
this.’ He played it for about thirty seconds. ‘I think not’ is all he
said handing it back to me.” (King Rollo 2008)
The photos here going from top left clockwise: Don Gillies, King
Rollo, Ralpho (timbales – not on this single), Jim, Ken Reynolds, & Hamilton King.
Their cover version was produced by one of the song’s writers.
No British regular stock copies of this single 45 have ever been seen or found by the author.
Ref: Anon. n.d., I.P.O.H., Caveman Billy, 45cat
I.P.O.H., Caveman Billy, Portuguese Single, Discogs
King Rollo 2008, Archive – Sing a Song of Sixpence, king-rollo.co.uk
King Rollo 2009, Archive, King Hamilton & I.P.O.H., king-rollo.co.uk
_____________________________________
RK-SL5
United States 1973
CAVE MAN BILLY
RK – Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Tony WILSON & Errol BROWN
Rts: Buddah Music (ASCAP)
Perf: FOXTROT
Prod: Ed O'Loughlin & Bob Gilligan
Prod. Co: Midland Music International
Time: 2:49 (Intro – 0:18)
Label: RCA Victor APB0-0169 (stereo)
Flip Sd: These Passing Days
Spec: 7" 45rpm
Notes: One of the few cases where a cave rock song originating in
England was later recorded in the States. The Hot Chocolate version had already been issued by Rak
Records in the U. S. Here only one minor change has been made in the lyrics in stanza I, verse 2 –
But I'm jealous of Caveman Billy
becomes – But I'm just a Caveman Billy
The chorus is sung only once each time instead of being repeated as in the original.
One critic wrote – “Cave Man Billy is one of the many Glam Era Bubblegum Obscurities released on RCA
at the time. It's a silly yet compelling tune with a nice Fuzz part and Sweet–like vocals. It recalls a more
frothy Neanderthal Man and is another pure Bubbleglam delight.” (Wills 2008)
Ref: Foxtrot, Cave Man Billy 45, 45cat
Foxtrot, Cave Man Billy 45, Discogs
Wills, Robin 2008, Foxtrot, Cave Man Billy, purepop1uk.blogspot.fr
_____________________________________________________
RK-SL6 United States 1981
CAVEMAN BOOGIE
RK – Boogie – Funk – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Lesette Denise WILSON
Perf: Lesette
WILSON (vocal & keyboards)
Bill Dotts (bass)
Michael Campenni (drums)
Prod: Lesette Wilson
Prod. Co: Headfirst Records Inc.; Los Angeles, CA
Rec. Co: Northlake Sound Studios; White Plains, NY
Time: 7:30
A. American LP: NOW THAT I’VE GOT YOUR ATTENTION
Headfirst HF-9708
12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)
B. British Releases:
1. LP: NOW THAT I’VE GOT YOUR ATTENTION (2002)
Soul Brothers LP SBCS 16
12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)
2. 12” Maxi 45:
Soul Brothers (?)
Flip Sd: Look into Tomorrow
3. Reissue on CD: NOW THAT I’VE GOT YOUR ATTENTION (2002)
Soul Brothers CD SBCS 16 (Tk 1)
Notes: Starts slow and easy then kicks into funky beat. Consists short repeated nonsense lyrics (sounds
like “Lotty, lotty, low”) interspersed with keyboard improvising.
This album “included the track 'Caveman Boogie', which is now highly collectable on the U.K. rare groove
scene.” (Anon. 2015)
Ref: Anon. 2015, Lesette Wilson, Bio, last.fm
Lesette Wilson, Caveman Boogie (7:38), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Lesette Wilson, Now That I’ve Got Your Attention CD, Sample on Spotify, Allmusic
Lesette Wilson, Now That I’ve Got Your Attention, Discogs
________________________________
RK-SL8
United States 1997
CAVEMAN BRAIN
RK – Blues – Funk – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Will BRADY
Perf: Will BRADY (vocal)
Prod. Co: Will Brady
Time: 4:47
CD: CAVEMAN BRAIN
Will Brady (?) (Tk 1)
Notes: A decidedly funky offering that rides very
nicely.
He starts out saying – Ever since the dawn of time
We’ve had too many bullies cry
He then goes on to talk about the “family tree” and other stuff ‘til he come to the third stanza –
Jungle king standin’ in the rain
Tryin’ to think with a caveman brain
It was unfortunately not possible to transcribe all the lyrics.
Ref: Will Brady, Caveman Brain CD, CDBaby
Will Brady, Caveman Brain CD, CDUniverse
Will Brady, Caveman Brain CD, Google (◄INCOMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
________________________________
RK United States 1988
THE CAVES OF ALTAMIRA *
Soul – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Walter BECKER & Donald FAGEN
Arr: Perri & Jon Baker
Perf: PERRI
FOR FULL ENTRY SEE UNDER JAZZ ROCK
_____________________________________
RK-SL9
United States 1972
LUTHER THE ANTHROPOID (APE MAN)
Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental – Caveman Pic Cover
Comp: Jimmy CASTOR, John PRUITT, & Jerry THOMAS
Arr: The Jimmy Castor Bunch
Rts: Jimpire Music (BMI)
Perf: THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH
Jimmy Castor (vocal)
Gerry Thomas (trumpet)
Harry Jensen (guitar)
Doug Gibson (bass)
Bobby Manigault (drums)
Prod. Co: Castor-Pruitt Productions
Rec. Co: RCA Studio; New York, NY
Matrix: BPKS-6618
Time: (LP – includes intro) 3:20
(45) 3:08
A. American Releases:
1. LP: PHASE TWO (PC-CM)
RCA Victor LSP-4783 (stereo)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 3)
2. Single 45: RCA Victor 74-0763
Flip Sd: Party Life
3. Reissue 45: RCA Victor (Gold Standard Series) AMHD-0120
Flip Sd: Troglodyte (Cave Man)
B. French 45: RCA Victor 41-031
Flip Sd: Party Life
C. Canadian, German, & Australian LP: PHASE TWO
RCA Victor LSP-4783
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 3)
D. German & Dutch Single 45: (1972)
RCA Victor 74-0763
Flip Sd: Party Life
Spec: (Nos.A2, A3, B, & D) 7" 45rpm
Notes: The follow-up to the Jimmy Castor Bunch hit, "Troglodyte
(Cave Man)" (see just below). Done in the same narrative style
(which was a precursor of rap and hip-hop styles), it tells the story
of another caveman, Luther the anthropoid. On the LP album this
cut is presented with a short spoken intro –
You know everybody learned the meaning of
Troglodyte so quickly that we figured we'd throw
Anthropoid at 'em. "Anthropoid" was the link
between man and the apes.
You could say the missing link.
Then the rhythm section starts to lay down the beat –
You know, back in the days when dinosaurs ruled the earth
There was a disco that not many people knew about
… Now Luther loved to dance, ya know
He would come in every night
To do "The Caveman" and "The Breakdown."
Among the regulars, there was Betty Breakdown, Dancing
Dora, and Fat Fanny. Luther picked out the first girl he saw,
Betty Breakdown, but she broke right down.
That was nothin' to Luther
He went into his caveman thing
He said, "Uughh!"
Cartoon from back of Bertha Butt LP jacket cover
Then he left mad and eventually came to a big house with a big peephole in the door.
… He started a saying back then
That we use today
We just got it a little mixed up, ya know.
When he put his eye to the peephole
You know what he said –
"Power to the peep-’ole!"
This play on the words, "peephole" and "people," can only be appreciated if you are familiar with the African
American way of pronouncing the word "peop-le."
For the full lyrics go to the Rock Song Lyrics section.
One critic wrote – “Phase Two adheres closely to the previous album's formula, right down to using an
orchestral instrumental for its intro and epilogue. As a result, parts of it feel like a re-tread: the standout
example of this problem is "Luther the Anthropoid (Ape Man)," which sports a nice groove but is a merely a
thinly veiled rewrite of "Troglodyte." Despite some uninspired moments like this, Phase Two makes up for
the problem with tight arrangements and an infectiously funky performance from the band.” (Guarisco
2015)
Ref: Guarisco, Donald A. 2015, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Phase Two, Review, (Sample on Spotify), Allmusic
Jimmy Castor, Bio, Wikipedia
Jimmy Castor, Bio, Seventies Dance Music Page, 70disco
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Luther the Anthropoid 45, Discogs
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Luther the Anthropoid, (3:22), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Phase Two LP, Discogs
_____________________________________________________
TROGLODYTE (CAVE MAN)
RK-SL10
United States 1972
TROGLODYTE (CAVE MAN)
Soul – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental – Caveman Pic Cover
Comp: Jimmy CASTOR & Gerry THOMAS
Rts: Jimpire Music (BMI)
Perf: THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH
Jimmy Castor (vocal)
Gerry Thomas (trumpet)
Harry Jensen (guitar)
Doug Gibson (bass)
Lenny Fridie Jr. (conga drums)
Bobby Manigault (drums)
Prod. Co: Castor-Pruitt Productions
Rec. Co: RCA Studio; New York, NY
Matrix: APKM-5761
Time: (LP – includes intro) 3:36
(45) 3:24
A. American Releases:
1. LP: IT'S JUST BEGUN (PC-CM)
RCA Victor LSP-4640 (stereo)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 3)
2. Single 45: RCA Victor 48-1029
Flip Sd: I Promise to Remember
3. Reissue 45: RCA Victor Sp Pro 1106
Flip Sd: P. Harris – The Thing
4. Reissue 45: RCA Victor
(Gold Standard Series) AMHD-0120
Flip Sd: Luther the Anthropoid (Ape man)
5. Reissue 45: Collectables 4598 (1990)
Flip Sd: (We’re Gonna) Bring Country to the City
6. Compilation LP: TROGLODYTE: THE BEST OF JIMMY
CASTOR BUNCH (1975)
RCA Victor ANL 1-0877
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)
7. Compilation CD: NIPPER'S GREATEST HITS –
THE 1970s (1990)
RCA Victor 9684-2-R (Tk 6)
8. Compilation LP: SOUL SURVIVORS (1986)
Topline TOP 151
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2)
9. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE BEST OF THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH (1995) (PC-CM)
Rhino 72209 (Tk 4)
9. Reissue on Compilation CD: 16 SLABS OF FUNK (2002)
BMG Heritage 07863651042 (Tk 7)
B. Canadian Single 45: RCA Victor 48-1029
Flip Sd: I Promise to Remember
C. British Releases:
1. Single 45: RCA Victor 2226
Flip Sd: I Promise to Remember
2. Compilation LP: AMERICAN DREAMS 70s – VOL. 1
Label: RCA Victor (?)
D. French 45: RCA Victor 41-018
E. Spanish 45: RCA Victor 3-10786 (1972)
[Titled: Troglodyte (Cavernicola)]
F. Portuguese 45: RCA Victor 20 061
G. West German 45: RCA Victor 74-16 186
H. Dutch 45: RCA Victor 76-16186
I. Italian Compilation LP: TROGLODYTE: THE BEST OF JIMMY
CASTOR BUNCH (1975)
RCA Victor TLC1-7063
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)
J. Greek Releases:
1. Single 45: RCA Victor 46g 125
2. Compilation LP: TROGLODYTE: THE BEST OF JIMMY
CASTOR BUNCH (1975)
RCA Victor RCLP 20045
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1)
K. South African 45: RCA Victor 42-334
L. Australian 45: RCA Victor 102098
M. New Zealand 45: RCA Victor 48-1029
N. Chilean 45: RCA Victor 48-1029
[Titled: Hombre de las cavernas]
Spec: (Nos. A2, A3, A4, B, C1, D to H, J1, & K to N) 7" 45rpm
Notes: A soul music contribution to the long series of "caveman" songs that had become something of an
institution within rock music. Most of the emphasis is on brute sexual force plus a bit of black humor. The
story of the troglodyte is spoken over the music rather than actually sung as would become the norm, 20
years later, with rap music. On the LP album this cut is given a short spoken introduction and then goes
right into the narrative –
What we're gonna do right now is go back
Way back – back into time
When the only people that existed were troglodytes
Cave men – cave women !
Neanderthal – troglodytes !
Let's take the average caveman at home
Listening to his stereo –
Here the music comes in and the troglodyte starts "doing his thing" by dancing
(see under Rock Song Lyrics for the rest of the text). The rhythm section
handles most of the backup with occasional phrases on the amplified trumpet
or guitar to underscore certain passages. The whole thing winds up with the
grunt sounds that have become practically a standard ingredient of all
"caveman" songs.
In November 1979 I wrote to the Jimmy Castor Organization in New York
asking – “What exactly inspired the JCB to do this whole series of TroglodyteCave Man songs, or, in other words, what originally gave them the idea to
create this unique family of cavemen characters?” Their co-producer, John Pruitt (shown here on left with
Jimmy), bounced back with a list of their albums and this very interesting information – “Jimmy studied
anthropology while in college and has always been a horror and monster movie fan.” (Pruitt 1979) He also
sent a personally dedicated photo of Jimmy with his 3 saxes (by James Kriegmann) and a nice sweat shirt
with “The Jimmy Castor Bunch” printed on the front. The photo of the group above shows (l. to r.): Doug
Gibson, Harry Jensen, Jimmy Castor, Bobby Manigault, Lenny Fridie Jr., & Gerry Thomas.
One critic of 70s soul music wrote – “‘It's Just Begun’ is Castor's masterpiece, the most fully realized
example of his vision and his most successful album to boot. In addition to tapping into his doo-wop and
Latin soul roots, The Jimmy Castor Bunch had developed a relentlessly funky groove, with full-bodied
churning bass, ultra-distorted fuzz-tone guitar, and layered percussion. "Troglodyte (Cave Man)," which
exemplifies this, was one of the monster records of '72, rising to #6 on the pop charts by May (sic) of that
year, as well as being one of the discs that refined that coining funk explosion of the mid -70s… It's funny,
menacing, and funkier than anything that had come before it… Ending with the echo-laden scream 'Hot Hot
Pants!’ ‘Troglodyte (Cave Man)’ is one of the pinnacle moments of '70s funk.” (Anon. n.d.)
In June 1972 this single peaked at #4 on the R&B charts and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a
Gold Record award.
Phil Groia notes that – “At last count, in 1972, ‘Troglodyte’ sold 1,800,000 as part of the ‘It’s Just Begun’
LP, his biggest album.” (Groia 1978)
Donald Guarisco comments – “This 1972 outing set the tone for The Jimmy Castor Bunch’s 1970s success
through an effective and distinctive mix of funk, pop hooks, social commentary, and gonzo comedy. It’s
Just Begun also helped the group score a million-selling crossover hit single with "Troglodyte." This
memorably whacked-out funk jam is built on an infectious fuzz-guitar hook and features Castor detailing the
romantic adventures of a caveman who meets up with Bertha Butt, a comic character that would continue
to appear on his albums for many years to come.” (Guarisco 2015)
“Now on RCA with his new Bunch, Jimmy Castor’s career is once
again glowing in the sheen of success as his single, ‘Troglodyte
(Cave Man),’ bulleted at #7 (sic), and his LP [It’s Just Begun] is also
still in the upwardly mobile stages [#30]. The RCA act’s future looks
bright. There’s a strong light shining in them there caves!” (Anon.
1972)
Jimmy Castor first started recording as "Jimmy Castor & The Juniors"
for the Wing label in 1956. Working with him on getting this first
recording cut was Dickie Goodman, the originator of the break-in
novelty record (see under Novelty Rock – The Creature). And to
close the circle, several selections from "Troglodyte" were used by
The Delegates (a group of Tampa Bay DJs) for their break-in record,
"Convention '72" – 45 single on Mainstream 5525 and on the LP –
Mainstream 100. Between 1972 and 2013 there were 22 songs that
sampled some part of "Troglodyte". (Anon. 2015)
One video clip of this song on YouTube is an entire staging of the
lyrics starting with the caveman dressed in a leopard skin with a long
stick club dancing in a natural cave. He smokes a cigar and has
headsets as he listens “to his stereo.” Then he goes over to the
mirror and says “Gotta find a woman.” The rest of the story takes place with the women down by the lake.
The caveman chases a women into the lake, grabs at her underwater and comes up with a wet wig. On the
shore he encounters Bertha Butt and things go from there.
Another video does a great job with a montage of comic book illustrations, movie clips, prehistoric exhibits,
cartoons, and renditions of prehistoric men & women all smoothly edited and ending with Alya’s face from
the 1986 film, Clan of the Cave Bear.
Ref: Anon. 1972, Jimmy Castor, Front Cover, Cash Box, v. 34, n. 1, June 24, 1972, Cover & p. 4, 7, & 31
Anon. 2015, Troglodyte (Cave Man), The Single 45, Wikipedia
Anon. n.d., Seventies Dance Music Page, Jimmy Castor Bunch, 70disco
Gillet, Charlie & Frith, Simon (Ed.) 1976, Rock File 4, Panther, p. 107
Grendysa, Peter & Whitesell, Rick, Goldmine, n. 26, May-June 1978, p. 30-31
Groia, Phil 1972, Jimmy Castor, Bim Bam Boom, v. 2, n. 2, Issue 8, Dec.1972, Bronx, NY, p. (8-10)
Groia, Philip 1978, Castors Well Oiled, Black Music, v. 5, Issue 51, Feb. 1978, London, p. 10-11
Guarisco, Donald A. 2015, Jimmy Castor Bunch, It’s Just Begun LP, Review, (Sample on Spotify), Allmusic
Jimmy Castor, Bio, Wikipedia
The Jimmy Castor Bunch, It’s Just Begun LP, Discogs
The Jimmy Castor Bunch, 16 Slabs of Funk CD, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte (Cave Man), 45cat
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte (Cave Man), The Single 45, Discogs
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte (Cave Man), Lyrics, songlyrics
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte, Best Video with Lyrics & Notes, (3:29), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte, Video by ghoulardi, (3:25), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Jimmy Castor Bunch, Troglodyte, Live 1973 (3:40), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Nipper’s Greatest Hits: The 1970s, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)
Pruitt, John 1979, Letter dated Dec. 7, 1979, New York, NY
_____________________________________
RK-SL11
United Kingdom 1991
TROGLODYTE HISTORY
Hip Hop – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Jimmy CASTOR & John PRUITT
Arr. & Rewrite: Robi LASKAR & Mark LAYMAN
Rts: Protoons Music Ltd.
Perf: CAVEMAN
Robi Laskar
Mark Layman
Roger Benou (bass)
Prod: The Principle
Prod. Co: Profile Records Ltd.; London
Rec. Co: Monroe Studios
Time: 1:35 or 1:40
1. LP: POSITIVE REACTION
Profile FILER 406
12” 33rpm 5Sd 1 – Bd 1)
2. CD: POSITIVE REACTION
Profile FILECD 406 (Tk 1)
Notes: Sets down a nice hip hop beat, someone says – “There was a time when men didn’t [….] known as
cavemen, Neanderthal men, troglodytes” – then it samples the entire introduction of Jimmy Castor and
John Pruit’s “Troglodyte (Cave Man)” (see above for text).
Ref: Caveman (group), Bio, Wikipedia
Caveman, Positive Reaction, Discogs
Caveman, Troglodyte History, (1:35), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
Positive Reaction (album), Wikipedia
_____________________________________
RK-SL12
Netherlands 1991
TROGLODYTE (CAVE MAN)
Dance – Techno – Vocal & Instrumental – Caveman Pic Cover
Selections:
Side One – 1. Pre-Historic Remix – Remix by Jan Janssen – 5:45/ 2. Original Mix – 3:18
Side Two – 1. Intro Remix – Remix by Jan Janssen – 0:47/ 2. Free-Style Remix – Remix by Jan Janssen –
4:12/ 3. Name VAC – Mix by Peter Swing – 1:44
Comp: Jimmy CASTOR & Gerry THOMAS
Arr: Jan Janssen & Peter Swingman
Perf: THE
JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH
Jimmy Castor (vocal)
Gerry Thomas (trumpet)
Harry Jensen (guitar)
Doug Gibson (bass)
Lenny Fridie, Jr. (conga drums)
Bobby Manigault (drums)
Prod: Jan Janssen & Bodo Staiger
Prod. Co: Rams Horn Records
Time: (See above)
1. 12” Maxi 33: TROGLODYTE (CAVE MAN) (PC-CM)
Rams Horn RHR 3872
2. Maxi-Single CD: TROGLODYTE (CAVE MAN) (PC-CM)
Rams Horn RHR 4095
Notes: The original Jimmy Castor Bunch single is remixed four different ways for the 1990s dance crowd.
These mixes are also available on 8 inch CD single.
Ref: Jimmy Castor, Troglodyte (Cave Man), Rams Horn Records, Discogs
Jimmy Castor, Troglodyte (Cave Man), JunoRecords, juno.co.uk (◄5 AUDIO SAMPLES)
_____________________________________
See also CAVEMAN – 2001 – by THE NEANDERTHAL (under House & Dance)
_____________________________________________________
RK-SL13
Germany 2002
WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS
RK – Soul – Vocal & Instrumental
Selections:
1. WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS – 3:54/ 2. BAT SONG (THEY FLY HIGH) – 4:49/ 4. WE ARE YOUR
FRIENDS (Long Version) – 4:24
Comp: (1 & 2) Ernest CLINTON (LY# )& (?) JORDT;
(4) E. CLINTON & Regina WUNDERLICH
Rts: Moewen Music Inc. (GEMA)
Perf: Ernest
CLINTON (vocal)
Regina Wunderlich (vocal on Tk 4)
Soulful Dynamics
Nini Uebel (backing vocals)
(with piano, organ, bass, & drums)
Prod. Co: Moewen Productions; Keil, Germany
Liner Notes: (6-page booklet)
Ernest CLINTON
Time: (See above)
CD: WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS (PC-BT)
Moewen LCO 1248 (Tks 1, 2, & 4)
Notes: Clinton tells how these bat songs got written – “Like so many other projects of mine this project
began with a coincidence. My friend Wolfgang Joseph from Bad Segeberg (a town in northern Germany
with a very high bat population) invited me to come to a bat convention. It was so impressive for me. After
the show he said: ‘Why don't you write a bat-song?’ So I said: ‘Ok, why not!’ I produced a song called ‘We
are your friends’ with the help of UN-secretariat EUROBATS.” (Clinton, n.d.)
“Conservationists, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and international organizations are making
efforts to translate this concern [about the possible loss of flying creatures] into a mass movement where
people are sensitive to species other than their own. And, to take this message forward, UNEP (United
Nations' Environment Programme)/EuroBats has come up with an innovative
musical CD … And, this music CD is an outcome of that effort [to help save
bats] because, as the text written on the CD says: ‘Imagine having a few mates
around on a mild summer evening, eating up to 4000 troublesome insects a
night. And, if you want they could keep coming back for up to 25 years or
longer. Wouldn't that be tremendous?’ It further adds that ill-informed prejudices
about bats and a lack of knowledge about their needs as well as the
degradation of our countryside by humans have caused a dramatic decline in
bat populations. Taking this concern forward in the music composed for the CD,
Ernest Clinton sings in the second song: 'There must be a better way to
preserve their lives. It's up to you and me, let's work together as one.' “ (Anon.,
n.d.)
One French critic remarked – “Avec l’artiste et producteur libérien Ernest Clinton, le Secrétariat
d’EUROBATS a produit un CD remarquable combinant des sons originels de chauves-souris avec une
musique séduisante. Les délégués à la Conférence des Parties à la CMS ont applaudi et accompagné
Ernest Clinton lorsqu’il chantait en direct le refrain « Nous sommes vos amis ». Le CD est disponible au
Secrétariat d’EUROBATS au prix coûtant pour les ministères, les organismes de conservation de la nature,
les musées d’Histoire naturelle et autres institutions oeuvrant pour la conservation des chauves-souris.
C’est un moyen séduisant pour mieux sensibiliser le public à cet égard. Les ONG peuvent revendre le CD
au bénéfice de leurs travaux en faveur des chauves-souris. Le CD est aussi distribué à toutes les stations
de radio européennes importantes.” (Anon. 2002)
[With the Liberian artist and producer Ernest Clinton, the Secretariat of EuroBats has produced a
remarkable CD, which combines actual bat sounds and a seductive music. The delegates of the
Conference of Parties at the CMS applauded and accompanied Ernest Clinton when he sang the chorus
“We are your friends.” The CD is available from the Secretariat of EuroBats at cost price for the ministries,
the organizations for nature conservation, the museums of natural history, and other institutions working for
bat conservation. It’s an attractive method to make the public more sensitive to this problem. The CD has
also been distributed to all the important European radio stations.]
WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS – A mellow soul-flavored song inviting people to understand bats better and
grow to have a friendly attitude toward them. (See under Rock Song Lyrics) For the chorus Clinton is
backed by Nini Uebel in typical soulful fashion. A very successful effort at bringing bats into a more friendly,
favorable space. There are some unnecessary anomalies in the text – In stanza 1 it says that bats are “not
blind,” then stanza 2 starts out with “Imagine they had eyes.” Stanza 2 goes on to say “Imagine they would
look like nightingales,” well, why can’t bats just look like bats. But all ends on a strong note in the third
stanza (labeled “Bridge” in the liner notes) –
All we got to do is to stop the destruction, yeah
Now we don’t say it if we don’t mean it.
BAT SONG (THEY FLY HIGH) – Starts with chirping bird sounds, which are supposed to be bat sounds
(too bad they couldn’t find real bat sounds). A more upbeat song about the bat’s fight for survival (See
under Rock Song Lyrics) with the repeated refrain –
There must be a better way
To preserve their lives
It’s up to you and me
Let’s work together as one.
WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS (Long Version) – The same lyrics as the first song again accompanied by piano.
The operatic singer Regina Wunderlich comes in after the second chorus and sings the chorus in Italian
(See under Rock Song Lyrics for Italian lyrics). It’s doubtful that this over-the-top shrill operatic bit,
completely out of synch with the soul-style, adds anything to the song.
See also Track 3 – KING OF THE DARK SKY – A psychedelic rock song by Alexandra Nagel is included
on this CD. This cut does seem to include some good imitation bat sounds plus some appropriate beepbeep sounds. For more information see under Psychedelic Rock – King of the Dark Sky.
All these songs are a highly commendable effort to do something very positive about protecting the bat
populations not only in Europe but also all around the world. And it has the advantage of appealing to the
younger generation that inherits this planet.
This CD could at one time be obtained by writing to UNEP/ EUROBATS Secretariat in Bonn, Germany or
also, as indicated in the 2003 Eurobat Chat newsletter, online at the NABU-Naturshop in Hannover. Around
2006 I was able to get my copy free at the Bonn address, but today I could find no valid place where it can
be found or purchased.
Ref: Anon. 2002, CMS Bulletin, n. 19, Décembre 2002, p.25 cndwebzine.hcp.ma
Anon. 2003, We Are Your Friends – Radio for Nature – Music for Bats, Eurobat Chat, n. 10, March 2003, p. 5, eurobats
Anon. n.d., TerraGreen; teri.res.in (No longer online)
Bats: We are Your Friends CD, Convention of Biological Diversity, cbd.int
Clinton, Ernest n.d., Projekt, Bats (in German), moewen-music (Original English text no longer online)
Ernest Clinton, Homepage, moewen-music
de Swart, Herman 2005, Letter dated Sept. 1, 2005, Leiden, Holland
UNEP/ Eurobats, eurobats
caveinspiredmusic.com