Joe Simon - "The Whoo Pee" (Vee Jay)

Well, looks like it's time for a Friday post from me, too. I've had this one in the works for a few weeks now and the time has come to finish it. It's time to lay down a sweet, danceable groove from one Mr. Joe Simon.

Soul afficionados know Joe Simon for his smooth R&B voice on hits like "Drowning in the Sea of Love," "The Chokin' Kind," "Pool of Bad Luck," "Get Down Get Down (Get On The Floor)" and many others. Well, here's a side you might not expect from Joe, a hip-shakin' instro floor filler called "The Whoo Pee."

This cut is the B-side of Joe's 1965 record "Let's Do It Over," which was his first showing on the Billboard R&B Charts, coming in at #13 that year. "Let's Do It Over" is a slower, more ballad-like number that would seem more of what you'd expect from Mr. Simon. But little did you know that a party'd be going on when you turn the record over.

Now, I'm not claiming to be an expert on Joe Simon or anything like that, but as I've said more than once, I know what I like when I hear it. And this one's got a hot groove. Simon doesn't actually sing on this side, more of a call and response type of thing. He starts out by yelling "Awwright, let's do the Whoo Pee!" and with that, the party's off and running, complete with a few kids cheering on the sideline.

Simon lets out the call to "put your hands on your hip and let your backbone slip" that you've no doubt heard a million times before, but back then, it wasn't quite a cliche yet, if you know what I mean. It's all part of the fun, y'know? Simon also mentions doing the Twine at one point, and this wouldn't be a too shabby companion piece with that Alvin Cash classic, since they're both pretty much in the same vein. Add to this, a frenzied organ solo and you've got yourself a winner, sure to help you get through your Friday the 13th blues. I hope you dig it, anyhow.