- Rare Swiss Pressing
J.J. Cale's 'Cocaine' 7" vinyl single, featuring 'Hey Baby' and housed in a picture sleeve, is a rare gem. This original version of 'Cocaine' predates Eric Clapton's famous cover. Notably, this single is a rare Swiss pressing, as indicated by the "+ML+" on the catalog number. With limited production and distribution in Switzerland
The year was 1976. Disco was king, and punk was brewing underground. Yet, amidst the sonic revolution, a small, rare gem emerged – a Swiss pressing of J.J. Cale's "Cocaine" backed with "Hey Baby" on a 7-inch vinyl single. This unique release offers a snapshot of Cale's signature sound at a pivotal moment in music history.
Swiss Twist on the Tulsa Sound
J.J. Cale, the architect of the laid-back "Tulsa Sound," was known for his bluesy rock with a hint of country twang. This Swiss pressing of "Cocaine" showcased that sound perfectly. The A-side, a cover of Eric Clapton's hit, stripped away the bombast, revealing the song's raw groove and Cale's signature laid-back vocals.
The flip side, "Hey Baby," offered a taste of Cale's own songwriting. It's a classic Cale tune – a simple, catchy melody driven by his understated guitar work and a relaxed, almost conversational vocal style. While Cale was always the frontman and creative force, details about the specific band members who played on this single remain obscure, further adding to its mystique.
A Time Capsule of Understated Cool
Released in 1976, the "Cocaine" single predates the wider recognition Cale would achieve through Clapton's covers of his songs. This Swiss pressing becomes a time capsule, capturing Cale's sound before it found a larger audience.
In a musical landscape dominated by flamboyant theatrics, Cale's music was a breath of fresh air. It lacked controversy or the bombast of the era, instead offering a cool confidence and a focus on the music itself. This Swiss single epitomizes that – a testament to Cale's ability to create a compelling sound without resorting to spectacle.
Collector Notes: This is the rare Swiss pressing of JJ Cale's Cocaine, note the "+ML+" printed below the title on the record's catalognr. This pressing has been produced and distributed in Switzerland only, because of the size of the Swiss market, only a small number of these records have been produced. |
Music Genre: Pop, Rock |
| Production: Produced by Audie Ashworth |
| Tracks side 1: Cocaine |
| Tracks side 2: Hey Baby |
Record Label & Catalognr: Shelter 11 662 AT , Audiogram Music |
Vinyl Record Format: 7" Single, PS Picture Sleeve |
Year & Country: 1976 Made in Switzerland |
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J.J. Cale, the architect of the laid-back "Tulsa Sound," was known for his bluesy rock with a hint of country twang. This Swiss pressing of "Cocaine" showcased that sound perfectly. The A-side, a cover of Eric Clapton's hit, stripped away the bombast, revealing the song's raw groove and Cale's signature
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