Get Out of My Life, Woman!
"Get out of My Life, Woman" is an old school funk classic penned by New Orleans producer Allen Toussaint. The song has been covered and sampled several dozen times. It is the epitome of Toussaint's musical legacy. Its influence in the hip-hop realm is enormous.

Thanks to Mo Majid with the hook up on the Q65, Mad Lads and Wilbur and the Dukes scans!!



Lee Dorsey
New Lee Dorsey Amy 1966
Drums: A+ Music: A

This version, along with Solomon Burke's, is the standard by which all others are judged. I'd lay dollars to donuts that this version inspired all the covers.

Solomon Burke
I Wish I Knew Atlantic 1968
Drums: A+ Music: A+

Solomon was the quintessential southern soul singer, and he almost takes the top title away from Dorsey. His version features slicker production, courtesy Allen Toussaint.



Joe Williams
Presenting Joe Williams w/ Thad Jones & Mel Lewis
Blue Note 1966
Drums: None Music: A-

Although I can't dig the vocal performace Joe gives, the music is fantastic, and makes this version a must have. Hands down, this is the best jazz take on this cut, better even than Toussaints own.

Paul Butterfield Blues Band
East-West
Warner Brothers 1966
Drums: None Music: B-

This version is not really worth digging up. It's listenable, and bits of it sound a little like "Cold Feet" to me, but its definately not at the top of my list.



Albert King
New Orleans Heat
Atlantic 1979
Drums: None Music: B+

Like the Jerry Garcia version, this isn't for hip-hop heads, yet definately worth a listen. Nice instrumentation and singing.

Iron Butterfly
Heavy Atco 1968
Drums: B Music: D

Unconditionally, I hate this album. I hate every song on it. Sure the intro is nice, but that damn organ irritates the hell out of me.



Bill Cosby
Horray for the
Salvation Army Band

Warner Brothers 1968
Drums: B+ Music: B-

Just my opinion, but I like the incredibly horrible singing on this cut. And, as a bonus, you get a nice, clean, open drum break, just how we like 'em.

George Semper
Makin' Waves Hubbub 1966
Drums: B+ Music: B+

This is an uptempo jazz take, very busy musically.



Kingsmen
Since You Been Gone
Wand 1967
Drums: A Music: B+

A live version with nice intro drums kick off a rollicking frat-rock version. Of the Rock oriented versions, this is the best.

The Leaves
Hey Joe One Way 1966
Drums: A- Music: B

The word that keeps coming to mind to describe these drums is "Sexy"! Damn fine find, it's unfortunately the only break on an otherwise mediocre album. I can't decide whether or not Mad Lion's "Take it Easy" jacks this beat or not...



Wilmer and the Dukes
Wilmer and the Dukes
Aphrodisiac 1969
Drums: A- Music: B

A late sixties rock and soul band, composed of some of the former members of the Kingsmen. Thier version kinda simmers, just bordering on boiling: you can get away with that every once in a while, and this cut definately does.

Fireballs
Come on React Atco 1969
Drums: A Music: B-

This one passes musically, but leaves everyone's favorite drum line wide open for jacking. Recommended.



John Schroeder
Working in a Soul Mine
Pye 1966
Drums: B+ Music: B

A sweet little take on Lee Dorsey, this is one of the few covers of soul classics this guy didn't f--k up. Mark this one a "diamond in the rough."

Jimmy Smith
Respect Verve 1967
Drums: B- Music: C

This version is on the edge of collectability. Grooves, but doesn't go anywhere. A must for completists, and for most beat diggers, but not all.



Q65
Revolution Decca 1966
Drums: A- Music: B

Rare, and damn hard to find version by a Dutch rock/pop group. Worth escavating.

Dee Dee, Barry & the Movements
Soul Hour MPS 1968
Drums: A- Music: B+

Rare, and damn hard to find version by a soul/jazz group. Still wondering who Dee Dee is.... Thanks go to Palle Zetterstrand for the hook up!



The New Apocalypse
Stainless Soul MTA 1969
Drums: A- Music: B+

Nice version by a very versatile white rock/soul/jazz group. This version does a nice job of going off on a tanget, while not totally disregarding the original.

Doors
Live at the Matrix Live 1967
Drums: B+ Music: B+

The album pictured doesn't have this cut on it. Very poor sound quality on my copy.



Freddie King
Freddie King is a Blues Master Atlantic 1969
Drums: Obscured Music: B+

Freddie doesn't give the drummer any on this cut, which is bad, cause the drum line is kinda nice. Very nice vibe on this one. Recommended.

Mad Lads
In Action Volt 1966
Drums: A- Music: B+

This version has a good strong intro break, nice horns, bass and piano.



Grassella Oliphant
The Grass is Greener Atco 1968
Drums: None Music: B

Nothing to get excited about on this one. As rare as it is overpriced, nothing on this version really got my juices flowing. Competant, but uninspired. Keep in mind, my opinion differs widely from many others.

Fugitives
On the Run with
Justice Records 1967
Drums: B- Music: D

One of the worst, mushy effects banded with annoying horns, with only passable vocals, its sole saving grace is a nice clean drum intro.



Joe Tex
Live and Lively Atlantic 1968
Drums: None Music: C

I lucked across a copy of this at a local record shop, and the guy behind the counter was nice enough to let me listen to it, stickered at $20. It's still at the store.

Jimi Hendrix
Birth of Success MFP 1970
Drums: None Music: C+

Recorded in 1965 at George's Club 20, located in Hackensack New Jersey, the immortal Jimi Hendrix is backed up by Curtis Knight and the Squires. The sound quality kind of bites and the music is not too inspiring. It is hard for me to take this song seriously.



The Greatful Dead
Live in Concert
Drums: None Music: B+

This is the second live version I have unearthed. This one bumps! It's got a rollicky bassline and shows the versaitility you can get out of covers of this tune. I'm very pleased with this one.

The Believers
45, AOK 196?
Drums: B Music: B-

If you know anything about Garage style rock and roll, you already have a good idea of what this one sounds like. Borderline stiff vocals sung over average playing.



Ant Trip Ceremony
24 Hours CRC 1967
Drums: None Music: D+

What the hell is this? For some reason, this album is considered collectable. I call it a muddled mess.

Racket Squad
Corners of Your Mind Jubilee 1969
Drums: None Music: C-

Two versions on one album. The first is a competant rock version, with a tempo a little too slow for my taste. The second is Popeye singing to Olive Oyl. There's a certain comedy/relief value to that, but no beat...



Allen Toussaint
Single, Bell 196?
Drums: A- Music: A

Chronologically, I think this is the first recording of the song, A 45 released on Bell records in the late sixties, it's a break heavy bonanza of New-Orleans style funk.

Allen Toussaint
Connected NYNO 1996
Drums: None Music: A-

A mix of contemporary Jazz and modern New Orleans funk, this is the only listenable version produced after the late seventies.



Mighty Diamonds
Ice on Fire
Virgin Frontline 1977
Drums: None Music: B+

Recorded in New Orleans, but by a Jamaican vocal group, this cut is a style of it's own. Nice horn arrangement.

Mountain
Live ? 1977
Drums: B- Music: C

I've heard two live versions by Mountain, neither with incredible singing. nor the most capable musicians. One of them has decent drumming.



Roy Head
Boogie Down Crazy Cajun 1977
Drums: None Music D+

In this cold, cruel universe, there exists a perversion of any joy. Here is a rigorous musical proof.

Merrit Doggins & the Bloodhounds
Blues Old & New
Short Stack 1995
Drums: None Music: C

Not the greatest version, it has no drums and only decent music. Certainly not a hole in your collection, pick up only out of a dollar bin, if that.


Others to come:
Black Cat Bone
Blackburds
Bruce Springsteen
Burnt River Band
Byrds
Conqueroo
The Godzillas
Dutch Mason Blues Band
Love Exchange
Jerry Garcia
Jerry Rafferty
Meters
Mourning Reign
Ominous Seapods
Rich Harper Blues Band
Toni Sheridan
S.J. & the Crossroads

Mail me with comments!