Five Little Known B-Sides from Macon Artists
February 21, 2018
Macon’s rich music history is one of the first things you hear about when you come to the city. Countless hits have been written and recorded in this town, but just as many B-sides and deep cuts have come from the famous acts this area has spawned. Let’s take a quick look at some notable B-sides!
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“Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!” – Little Richard
A-side: “Good Golly, Miss Molly”
Year Released: 1958
A heavily reworked version of Little Willie Littlefield’s 1952 song “Kansas City,” Little Richard’s addition of the titular chorus really kicks this song up a notch, making for a memorable early rock and roll tune. This song actually influenced The Beatles’ cover of “Kansas City” on their 1964 album Beatles For Sale so much that they had to credit Little Richard as a writer.
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“Sweet Lorene” – Otis Redding
A-side: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
Year Released: 1968
A considerably more upbeat companion to Redding’s most famous single, the first ever posthumous single to reach the top of the charts, “Sweet Lorene” tells a tale of torment and love with a soulful horn section and blaring organ for an overall swinging soul classic.
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“Blue Sky” – The Allman Brother Band
A-side: “Melissa”
Year Released: 1972
One of the last Allman Brothers tracks recorded before Duane Allman’s tragic death, “Blue Sky” is a country inspired ode to guitarist Dickey Betts’s wife, Sandy “Bluesky” Wabegijig. With it’s jangly guitars and summery harmonies, the song really evokes its title bringing to mind clear blue skies.
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“Pale Blue Eyes” (The Velvet Underground Cover) – R.E.M.
A-side: “So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)”
Year Released: 1984
While commonly associated with the Athens alternative scene, drummer Bill Berry and bassist Mike Mills first met in Macon before joining up with the rest of the band at UGA in 1980. This cover of Lou Reed’s classic Velvet Underground ballad ads a distinct country twang with Michael Stipe’s warbling vocals and guitarist Peter Buck’s distinct arpeggiated guitar style.
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“Where I’m From” – Jeezy
A-side: “Church In These Streets”
Year Released: 2015
A gritty portrait of the side of Macon most people don’t see, this promotional track released ahead of Jeezy’s 2015 album Church In These Streets finds the trapper recounting stories of his upbringing and association with the Duncan Bloc Crips. Jeezy is noticeably missing from the video shot right off of Napier Avenue, though the chorus does soar over the rattling beat and triumphant synths.