James Ray “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You” (Dynamic, 1962)
(Click title to listen or download)
Listen to this track in Singles Mixer Vol. 5
Most anyone who spends time with soul 45s can probably list their five favorite soul versions of Beatles songs off the top of their head and then list another equally amazing five instrumental organ sides (that’s a post I’ve been meaning to put together for a while). It’s also likely that if you ask six people you’ll get six different lists. The Beatles relationship with American soul and blues is pretty thoroughly documented both in the straight (and in my opinion, often weak) cover version and the (in my opinion, exciting) musical dialogue that developed say, between James Jamerson and McCartney’s melodic bass lines.
Today’s 45 is a tough call for me in some ways. James Ray’s version is without question the superior take on the tune; rhythmically it swings more, the horns are infinitely more expressive opening up the blue parts of the melody and giving the song more depth, I’m partial to his voice which has more stress which gives the opportunity to dial back his performance. All that being said I have a definite fondness for Harrison’s upbeat version despite the clunky 80′s drum programming. I mean, who doesn’t love the singing moose? Further, this single broke the tie George held with John and Paul for solo #1 hits which I think he deserves so it’s important in that ego race.
The original performer Little Jimmy Ray, who earned the creative nickname from his 5′ of height, had a charting hit with his excellent "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" before releasing today’s song. His first LP under the Little Jimmy Ray name and then his second self titled would be his only two releases as he passed tragically early at the age of 23 sometime in 1963 or 1964.
Though his time as a physical body on this plane was brief James Ray’s music was powerful enough to stay with George Harrison until he covered it in the late 80′s and remains powerful in 2016.
