I am very excited to unleash another track from the Rockin’ Dogs’ legendary AccuSound sessions, and a personal favorite in the Che Underground canon. “Back of Your Heart” has me hooked; the Link Wray chicken-scratch lick just before “Your bo-o-oy” is another addictive Dogs signature, Cole Smithey’s drumming is especially sharp on this number, and I love the call-and-response on the chorus.
Listening to all these great recordings from that era, the Rockin’ Dogs’ background vocals are a welcome anomaly. Does anybody remember why so few of us were singing together in those days? Was it the shortage of mics in our garages, teenage reticence or a fear of coming across like Spinal Tap’s graveside rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel”? Whatever was stopping us, I wish more of us had put our voices together as effectively as Sam and Dave.
The lineup on “Back of Your Heart”: Sam Wilson (vocal, guitar); Dave Ellison (bg vocal, guitar); Cole Smithey (drums); Jane Bunting (bass).