I got a letter this morning...

Artist: FINNIGAN AND WOOD
Album: CRAZED HIPSTERS
Song: DEATH LETTER

FROM THE BOY: A couple of years ago Salon.com declared that The White Stripes had recorded the definitive cover of Son House’s “Death Letter.” I don’t remember the article’s author, but I do know he made an eloquent case for the Detroit duo’s sloppy, up-tempo, first-take blast of guitar licks and nasal vocals. I damn near agreed. But I knew it was wrong. WAY wrong. You only need to listen to the first twenty-five seconds of Finnigan and Wood’s “Death Letter” to know that Jack and Meg left out a lot of the pain, the suffering, the angst that is so central to this song’s enduring popularity. Hell, The White Stripes cut out two of the song’s most emotive verses. That ain’t gonna cut it when we’re talking definitive versions.

Besides, Jack White isn’t ever going to be known as a great “singer.” Oh, he can play the guitar, but the guitar is only half of the blues. You gotta be able to sing the blues, too, and “Death Letter” is a song that just begs to be SUNG. As you’re about to hear, Mike Finnigan can sing. So well, in fact, that I’d nominate this for placement in the Top Ten White Boy Blues Cover Songs of all time. Not that that is a particularly prestigious list, mind you. But my point is this: This is one hell of a vocal performance. The kind that makes the girls in the bar forget about the singer’s stringy hair and half-assed beard and get down. I have no doubt that Mike Finnigan got laid. A lot.

So naturally, you’re asking, “Who the hell are Finnigan and Wood?” They were two guys from Wichita who led a San Francisco-based band of displaced Kansans (recurring theme alert!). Finnigan played Hammond and guitar, Jerry Wood played guitar and they split lead vocal duties. They recorded two albums for a label called Blue Thumb in the early 70s, though only “Crazed Hipsters” was ever released. I got turned on to it by a friend of mine who spent an evening spinning his dad’s old records during one of those “I hope mom and dad don’t notice I’m getting stoned in the basement during Christmas break” visits to Wichita during his senior year in college. He brought it back to KC, and though the vinyl is a tad dusted, we made an acceptable CD bootleg. If anybody is interested in obtaining a burned copy, e-mail and we’ll talk. (Of course, we'd actually have to have readers for that, wouldn’t we?)

FROM THE GIRL: Based on the cover art, I expected "C.W. McCall meets Loggins and Messina." Part of me was hoping for it, in fact. But what I discovered is that this track is absolutely unlike any pairing of artists I could ever fabricate. Dirty hippie jokes aside, it's brilliant. I liked it immediately, which I can only say for a dangerously small percentage of the music I end up liking. Music has to win me over, and that usually takes multiple cycles on "repeat."

Great blues music makes me exhausted. It fuels that emptiness in me and magnifies it. Or more accurately, it gives it focus, puts a hard edge on it. And not in that pathetic, woe-is-me way. But in a way that makes it feel great to feel bad. And this feels really, really good.

Having never heard The White Stripes version, I'm going to postulate that neither the vocals nor guitar could even be considered in the same realm of music as this. I also found myself appreciating the gritty harmonica solo, the harmonica being my least favorite (and the most overused) instrument in contemporary music. Artists use it, many badly, in an attempt to jazz up a bridge (read: Alanis Morissette). So hearing it in the intended format is refreshing for a change.

The only element missing for me is the full-blown, scratchy hiss of the record player behind this track, which got lost in the conversion. So much for technology being an improvement. Though unlike a cd, a record would make a ridiculous beverage coaster.

Comments

[John Tenney]

Just another note about Finnegan: I believe he recorded as a sideman on Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland," maybe on Voodoo Child.

[THE BOY]

I believe you're right. He also went on to lead the backing band for CSN&Y at some point, too. Thanks for posting.

[david giddens]

please notify me of how i may obtain a copy of a crazed hipsters cd

[Leo]

I was able to find a crappy sample of Dead Letter on the 'Net and quite a bit of info about Mike Finnigan. Here is a URL with some info about him. The page also contains a link to a nice little Q&A. Otherwise there isn't much to be found.

http://www.lawrence.com/bands/mike_finnigan_and_the_phantom_blues_band/

I've always thought it a shame that albums such as Crazed Hipsters aren't made more available. Many years ago I actually started a one man e-mail campaign to get both Bill and Ted movies released on DVD. I doubt I had much to do with their eventual release (I only sent 2 e-mails) but maybe I should try the same thing with Blue Thumb Records...

[The Boy]

Leo... did you realize you can download all the songs on this blog? I'm assuming people are downloading, but recently, we've had some feedback that the link is hard to see.
Click on the song names in the entries and enjoy.
Also, check the "Death Letter" song window thoroughly for links. A nice little pay off awaits in there.

[Leo]

Guess what? I didn't realize that... it sure makes commenting on the songs a lot easier now.

I can't use Firefox to download because I don't have a plug-in to view the embedded MP3 file but it seems my OS comes with some sort of other browser... Internet Explorer?

[Steve Hauck]

Mike Finnegan is a living legend here in the heartland. When he came through town recently to play a benefit for the historic orpheum theater, the only song he played from crazed hipsters, was, in fact, Death Letter. What does that tell you. I have been listening to this album since it came out and it is a fresh and emotive today as ever.

[Mike Finnigan]

A friend directed me to this little joint. I appreciate the kind words, with one exception: "White boy sings the blues..." is crap. The blues is all pink on the inside and if see any boys around my bandstand anytime, slap 'em.

[ED WADSWORTH]

please tell me who has crazed hipsters cds for sale.

[Joe Clipner]

Finnegan & Wood. The Jerry Hahn Brotherhood. At least one solo album. And work with CSN&Y, Neil Young, Steve Stills, Hendrix (?) and who knows who else. Mike Finnigan is one of the greatest talents ever on the B3 or the mic. Musicians know him. Some rare and lucky fans know him. Now if we all could just find him.

Having Crazed Hipsters in my possession again is a treat. Thanks.

[Becky Busenbark]

Does anyone know where to get a copy of this album? Thanks!

[sean finnigan]

Mike is one of my two older brothers. All sing, but Mike is a force of nature. From those same sessions check "Hard Times". Jesus he sounds like he's channeling Aretha at the end, and the vibes-under-hammond affect is so intimate and warm it's right there. Mike's harmonica work on this album was spot-on grit. I loved this band as a kid, got to hang out, see lots of performances. I am so proud each time I hear these sides...proud of Michaels legacy and integrity.I sang Death Letter recently, live, acapella, and felt like I was channeling a turn of the century missive. It is as grim and evocative a set of lyrics as exist on the planet. Oh yeah...just for the record, The White fucking Stripes are lighter than popcorn. period. Feckless poseurs, hinting at meaning. Just my humble opinion.

[Joe LaTona]

Hey, my brother John knew Mike F.
many years ago. Now I just want the album..........Crazed Hipsters.
Anyone know where I could get it?
Thanks!
Joe

[Pearl]

Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo! I've been looking for this album for years! Still sounds as good as I remembered. Aloha!

[Pearl]

ps..... You wouldn't by any chance have the Serfs or Jerry Hahn, by any chance, or Black & White???????? A taste of Crazed Hipsters has given me the munchies.....

[Dean Manion]

Lets not forget Jerry Wood, equally as talented but unfortunatly he destroyed his life with drugs and died in 93'. I was fortunate enough to play with Jerry a couple of times at a place called Madam Lovejoys in Kansas City in the 70's along with talented drummer name Ray Bagby that is on the Crazed Hipsters album. Mike sat in a few times and seeing them together was magic. A clip of Jerry aired last night on KCPT in KC after the Bob Dylan documentary and I am trying to get a copy.

[Pearl]

The Jerry Wood Band, of course. I never got to see Mike Finnigan in person but I remember seeing the Jerry Wood Band a number of times. At the River Quay maybe? That was a long time ago. I'd be very interested in a copy of the clip if you can get it. Aloha!

[(L)SD]

I went to K.U. in 1972-73 and saw them several times - still love that album and have two copies. (except some of the fuzz guitar sounds a little dated)Great songs by Lane Teitgen (whoever that was). I have a scan of a F&W Ticket I'd like to share -but how?
Steve Dirkx
Dallas, tx

[mario morales]

i had thi album. crazed hippsters but i need a cd burned can you help me please

[mario morales]

notify me if i can get a copy of crazed hippsters.

[Ed]

Now let's not forget the Yellow Submarine in Wichita where Jerry Wood played often. Who remembers the Bear Valley Blues, etc., with Pat McJimsey (or however you spell it). He was Duane Allman incarnate.

I had many of Mike's albums, Jerry Hahn Brotherhood, Mike Finnigan, Black and White, misc stuff with Dudek and Krueger. Mike played New Year's Eve in Lawrence many a time, too. Who remembers "Cop Rock" when the desk turned into a B3 with Sgt Mike pounding at the keys.

Mike is and always will be a legend. Mike, Bill Lynch and Lee McBee together is quintessential blues!

Ed

[Joe]

Couldn't agree more about the definitive Death Letter Blues belonging to Finnigan. Even Son would have had to agree.

Thanks to One Track Minds for the Crazed Hipster downloads!

I, too, had almost every album the man ever did. Now I'm looking for his rare vinyl in every corner of the world. I'd give anything for CDs and MP3s of his other recordings. (I have Phantom Blues Band). Anyone know where to get DFK and other MF stuff?

[Kyle Gray Young]

Why yes, Mike Finnigan is great! There are a bunch of downloads on my site including Mike's first 45. Just click on the "song of the week" page and poke around, you'll find it. Also, I have a full review of the Jerry Hahn Brotherhood including the full album for download in case anyone is interested.
Peace,
~Kyle
www.KyleGrayYoung.com

[silas]

I got a copy of this album in 1978 from the cut-out bin in a music store in the metro-Detroit area. No one I knew had ever heard of F&W and I usually didn't get an easy turn on the record player at parties and such. When I managed to slide the disc on the turntable I always played Deathletter Blues. It never failed to blow everyone away...even those that didn't like blues. I still have the album. Haven't looked at or played it in years. But I will.....

If any one knows where Ray Bagby is living now please let me know. We went to High school together and last I saw of him was in Honolulu back in the 70's playing in a night club band.
email address is rb4243@bellsouth.net

Thanks