"Shake" #7 2/27/1965

This was the first posthumous single released by RCA after the passing of Sam Cooke, which happened a few months earlier under very curious circumstances. He was one of those who influenced those who influenced everybody else that came along later. Truly one of the great R&B singers of all time.

Sam Cooke - Shake

"Tell Her No" #6 2/27/1965

Some intricate stuff going on with this record by the Zombies. It's not your standard British Invasion stuff. Love the electric piano by Rod Argent. Oddly, this didn't even crack the Top 40 in the UK.

Zombies - Tell Her No

"Lemon Tree" #20 2/20/1965

Here's one that Peter, Paul and Mary had a hit with in the early 60's, and re-done by Trini Lopez with a touch more electrification. It was later used in a TV ad for Lemon Pledge furniture polish when that came on the market.

Trini Lopez - Lemon Tree

Happy Birthday, George Harrison! "What Is Life" Bonus

George was always my favorite Beatle. Until the latter days of the Fab Four, he was always elbowed out by John and Paul. Their last few albums showed that George could compose some extraordinary stuff. His solo work proved what he was capable of, like this track, which was a Top 10 record in the US but never a single in the UK. Eric Clapton appears, playing...rhythm guitar.

George Harrison - What Is Life

"Heart Of Stone" #19 2/20/1965

Kind of a country-sounding tune from Mick and the boys. I'm not 100% sure where the video is from, but I believe it's the Stones' appearance in the T.A.M.I. show movie, along with James Brown and a boatload of other stars.

Rolling Stones - Heart Of Stone

"Laugh, Laugh" #15 2/20/1965

Lots of American groups took on English-sounding names to ride the coattails of the British Invasion, of which this San Francisco-based band was an example. And who can forget their appearance on "The Fintstones" as the Beau Brummelstones? Produced by Sylvester Stewart, whom we would know in a few years as Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone.

Beau Brummels - Laugh, Laugh

"Twine Time" #14 2/20/1965

I'm a sucker for the instrumentals from back in the day. Done by a group with one of the best band names ever - Alvin Cash and the Crawlers. This record was part of a musical movement in the UK in the 70's and 80's called Northern Soul, featuring lesser-known American R&B tunes. Great stuff.

Alvin Cash and the Crawlers - Twine Time