The Florida Spiritualaires: I Remember When
From 7″ (Ernie’s Record Parade, 1976)
First time I heard this 7″, the first thought that came to mind was, “wow, it sounds like the Spiritualaires are recording a low rider jam.” The way the song opens is pure “Suavecito”-era soul which may not have been as surprising if this had been, say, The Whittier Spiritualaires but it’s not a sound I instantly associate with Floridians.
Of course, what I should have realized was that “I Remember When” belongs to that particular category of “gospel songs that remake R&B songs.” In this case, my friend Hua – a big Intruders fan (obviously more than I!) was able to instantly point out that this uses “Cowboys to Girls“. The main difference – besides the obvious change in the lyrics to fit a gospel context – is that the Spiritualaires leave out the telltale “shoot ’em up/bang bang/baby” line that opens the Intruders’ song so distinctively.
Either way, still a great groove and a lovely gospel cover.
chatter