Jim McCall and the Country Royals

“A Rambler and Rover” b/w “Crying”

Vetco Records

The records that sound otherworldly. The records that sound like they should not exist. The records that might as well have been made by a martian. These are what I search out. These are what captivate me. The feelings attached to such recordings and performances are what fuel every single dig, in-the-dark stab, and blind grab that I’ve done on behalf of records in the past ten years. And Jim McCall’s “A Rambler and Rover” is an example unparalleled of such platitudes and designations. The sounds are not necessarily complex or even unheard of, but the particular performance and presentation of them is just so, perfect really, that it stands alone, as if under a spotlight, shining. The minor-key bend to McCall’s vocals is sublime. Just…takes your breath away.

Been all about this one for a while now, but only this week did I manage to actually grab a copy. And at 100 euros, I feel like it was an absolute steal. Cincinnati, 1968…I definitely would have liked to be in the room when this was laid down. Close your eyes and get in the headspace.