Steve Cropper (1941-2025)

 

Steve Cropper: the MG, the Cobra, the Royal Spade, the Mar-key, the Blues Brother. A HUGE chapter in one of the greatest record labels ever as a co-writer, producer, and above all, lead guitarist for their legendary house band. An absolute giant! Come to think of it, it's incredible that 'Green Onions' was simply the result of a few guys goofing around in the studio. With a lethal Telecaster in hand, he has produced the most self-effacing, funky sounds ever, with metronome-crisp timing, deadly accurate chops, earth-moving bottom-line riffs and sharp, nasty little licks. So, in the name of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Link Wray, Johnny Thunders and Steve Cropper, let me preach one more time and tell you to keep all these Eric Claptons, Richie Blackmores and Stevie Ray Vaughans to yourselves. Here's to the lean, mean and understated fingers of the best ever. Safe travels motherfucker. 

The Cobras [Memphis] - "Restless" b/w "Shake Up" (Stax, 7" - 1964)

The one and only platter by The Cobras from Memphis TN (not to be confused with the quite many I guess gangs of the era - I know a few garage hoots, too...) was a revelation for the guy this side your computer screen, from the word go! and its first spin ever! Cause you know, what we got here is actually people an another way cool version of the Mar-Keys (Steve Cropper, Donald Dunn and Terry Johnston - not Packy Axton though, as some might still claim) fooling around the studio with an old Link Wray inspired instro-burning riff, dated back (as the legend says) in their high school days and resurrected in 1964 when these guys were among the Stax's hit-making factory hottest players and songwriters. OK now, shape the picture: One of THEE BEST ever Rhythm and Soul acts, are trying to fuck with Linkster... And fuck yes, this is as good and as cool as you might think and even better!!! I mean, even if you're among those hardcore Fred Lincoln Wray, Jr aficionados (I am too, welcome buddy...), in a drunk night you can easily mistake it as an attention of yours escaping gem! B-Side has the equally kick ass "Shake Up" titty-shaker, a dipped up to your throat Memphis rhythm and blues shit kicker full of the well known MGs/Keys grit! Give yourself a good listen and then question yourself how this haven't been yet heavily compiled?!