How an ‘Antique French Garage Band’ Nailed the Whole Soul Music Vibe

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The Slow Slushy Boys describe themselves as an “antique French garage band converted to soul music.” These two singles show how they nailed the whole thing:

“MOVE YOUR HAND” (2007): A Lonnie Smith mid-tempo composition provides the foundation for a very funky early ’70s sound from the Slow Slushy Boys – and a definite departure from their usual ’60s Brit-soul path. In fact, 2007’s “Move Your Hand” was not really that different from what Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye were doing way back then.

Nice sound, paired with a mid-tempo “Don’t Look Back.” Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronnie White of the Miracles, this b-side finds the Slow Slushy Boys back in familiar ’60s R&B territory but they’ve now landed in Motown. A vintage orange, black and white sleeve completed this fine and fun performance.

“THE DUCK” (2008): A uptempo song was originally associated with the Olympics, “The Duck” was written by Fred Smith and Earl Nelson. In this group’s hands, the track sports a Junior Walker and the All-Stars-inspired groove that chugs along quite well. Its instrumental b-side, Bill Doggett’s “The Worm,” impresses as a cross between ska, R&B and a ’60s spy-movie theme. Quite a description, huh?

You can’t help but wonder why this short-but-sweet tune hasn’t already appeared in a handful of soundtracks by now. The 45 was packaged with a laminated picture sleeve of comic book monster movie-type robotic duck and worm characters on the front, and a played keyboard close up on the flipside. Silly but true: It’s the music that counts and, and this was yet another fun release.

Steve Elliott