Here's The Detroit Emerald's Version Of ODE TO BILLY JOE

[Boogiedown]

From their Ric-Tic days , this can only be found as the "b" side to one of their singles [[SHADES DOWN). It won't appear on any album of theirs, but then they didn't put out any LPs under that company.



I feel like I shouldn't be liking this hip version, it's just too upbeat for the storyline . Yet here I am listening , and once again bopping my head the entire time. Love the gruff approach and the quick ending. Good stuff.

[roger]

I used to own this 45 but I thought "Ode To Billy Joe" started off as the "A" side .. "Shades Down" was a San Remo Strings instrumental and so was hardly a good vehicle to highlight the group's vocal talents.



Even 45Cat is showing "Shades Down" as the "A" side ...

http://www.45cat.com/record/rt138us

Either way, this version of "Ode To Billy Joe" has certainly been airbrushed from history and I've yet to see it on a CD. Not "Soul" enough I suppose, and yet the BOBBY GENTRY original of the song actually made the Top 10 of Billboard's "R&B" singles chart back in 1967!!

Curious ...

Roger

[Boogiedown]

SHADES DOWN is terrific , I like it as well , but ya it hardly makes sense , a Detroit Emeralds instrumental at all , much less as their "A" side ????
As for "ODE" not being "soul" enough ...let them try telling that to Joe Tex



that's soul food on that table y'all!

[phil]

"Ode To Billy Joe" is a great song, period.