THE POPPIES, "HE'S READY" C/W "HE'S GOT REAL LOVE" (EPIC 10019, REL. 7/1966)

 
Hey—check out the first “Mini-Pod,” which debuts today! It’s 18 minutes of music and chit-chat—perfect for your on-the-go jet-set schedule!

The Poppies were one of several Black girl groups who emerged in the wake of The Supremes’ success. Diana Ross and her group became mainstream musical stars in late 1964 and their sound influenced other female performers and groups to a remarkable degree.

There are beaucoup Supremes soundalikes; some of them, like The Toys, got Top 10 hits with their stylistic mimicry. The Poppies went Top 60 with their 1966 Epic single “Lullaby of Love.” This sired an LP of the same title, but none of their follow-ups made a grade. This turned a couple of them—today’s single included—into Northern Soul favorites. They were made to order: danceable, soulful recordings that were miserable failures when first released. Today’s single got up to #109 on the national pop charts…not a hit but not an utter flop.

The group recorded in Nashville—a hotbed of Black music, despite the dominance of white country in the world-famous Music City. Billy Sherrill produced their Epic recordings, and he co-penned the A-side of today’s offering. “He’s Ready” is a bright, airy and happy song that checks many of the “Fauxtown” boxes but delivers a sweet-but-not-cloying sound that feels radio-friendly to me. With so many fine recordings quarreling for attention, 1966 was a tough market for lesser-known groups. The majority of the 1966 singles I own are non-hits: there are thousands of unknown records in that year. If 10% of them are any good, that accounts for several hundred lost gems that await someone to discover their existence.

Hear it >>>>> HERE. <<<<<

On the B is a song penned by musical siblings Cliff and Ed Thomas. They recorded three 45s for Sun’s sister imprint Phillips International. The Thomas brothers then penned a sheaf of r&b/soul material and their names are on many big-ticket Northern Soul favorites. “He’s Got Real Love” is their work and is the big surprise of this single.

This more earthy and soulful song inspires a more fervent performances from these three women (Dorothy Moore, Petsye McCune and Rosemary Taylor) in an arrangement closer to the sound of Stax and Hi Records out of Memphis. Though “He’s Ready” has light pop appeal, this flipside carries more weight and is a real winner in our book.

The brothers penned a solo single for Dorothy Moore that recently sold for over 400 bucks. I was happy to purchase this record for two dollars.

Hear it >>>>> HERE. <<<<<

Tomorrow: a special Chet Atkins treat—four tracks; three unissued until 2013 when they appeared on a Record Store Day EP.