This is an amazing single, not only for its music, which is bold and satisfying, but for that picture sleeve. The sleeve reproduces the LP cover from a Cleveland native who wrote and sounded like a guy from the deep south. What's really special about it, I think, is how 1980's it looks... I mean, doesn't that look live a Devo sleeve? In any case, it's quite a shock to realize it was done in 1969, at which time it was promptly ignored. The music is gospel-style soul with a rock beat, and sung like it really matters. Without knowing the whole album, I can't help but wonder if a lot of the religious sentiment isn't sincere, seeing as how this is the guy who became a one-hit wonder a couple of years later under the name of "Daddy Dewdrop." Yes indeed, that was Dick Monda singing "Chick-A-Boom," and he used the moniker off and on throughout his career... which continues to this day, by the way.
His website highlights a recent album release called "This Time." Like every other rocker from the 1960's, though, Monda no longer looks like a young punk... He now looks like an
old one! :-) Great stuff... too bad he didn't pay a visit to the top 40 more often.
