Zero to 180 – Three Minute Magic

Discoveries of a Pop Music Archaeologist

“Hello L.A., Bye-Bye Birmingham”: The Other John(ny) Marr

Love the soulful harpsichord that opens this track from the only album ever recorded by John Randolph Marr:

Hello L.A., Bye Bye Birmingham

John Randolph Marr (1970)

Such a memorable title for a tune few people have ever heard of – and yet this song has been recorded by Artie Christopher (1968); Kin Vassy; Gainsborough Gallery; Larry Henley & The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (1969); Nancy Sinatra; Eve; Mac Davis; Blue Cheer; Juicy Lucy; Goodness & Mercy; Nick Anthony & Smokestack Lightnin’ (1970); Dave Kelly & Max Merritt and the Meteors (1971); The Platters (!) & Bobby Whitlock (1972); John Dummer’s Oobleedooblee Band (1973) – and, more recently (2013), The Chris Robinson Brotherhood.  Therefore, it would seem that I am the one who’s rather late to the game.

John Randolph MarrWould you believe Nilsson produced this funky thing?

Such an obvious A-side – particularly given the many cover versions – and yet Warner Brothers felt it unworthy of even the flip side of the only single issued from this album.

How amusing/annoying to discover that the 8-track version of this album would cleave the song into two parts, hence, the forced fade at the end of part 1, at which point the 8-track would audibly “click” over to the next track of tape, followed then by the fade in of part 2 — in no way dishonoring or degrading the musical experience for the listener whatsoever.

John Randolph Marr 8 Track label

I am eternally grateful to A Light in the Attic for bringing this song to my attention.

Funky16Corners nobly attempts to nail down who recorded the original version.

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LINK to Country Funk +/- Soul on Zero to 180

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