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Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)

by Heatwave

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about

Heatwave, the original group by that name ca. 1969, recorded 'Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)' in Pye Studios, London on 16th October 1970.
Friday 13th November 1970, Larry Page released their single on Penny Farthing Records in England, Germany and Japan.

Heatwave played the Liverpool Cavern Club for a week and is proud of its commemorative brick, 20 rows directly above 'John', in the Cavern Wall of Fame.

Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)', the funky B-side (PEN 738 2F), was still popular in London and Tokyo clubs in 2000 while 'Sister Simon (Funny Man)', the A-side, still receives airplay.

In addition to a solid dance beat and tight vocal harmonies, the group was also known for its pyrotechnic display ... fire-eating by Martin.

6.20.2020, Lori Dean, Program Director, aired 'Rastus' at 6pm PST with an encore at 10pm and added 'Sister Simon' and 'Rastus Ravel' into rotation.
Dusty Discs Radio Canada : www.dustydiscsradio.com

4.20.2020, Richard Griggs officially play-listed 'Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)' and added it into rotation for a period of 8 weeks.
Zone Radio, South Africa : zoneradio.co.za

Y'Tube : www.youtube.com/watch?v=scSQvoI05Og
Spotify : open.spotify.com/album/5XQxw4GEkmKS0Tslc6HpsW

lyrics

RASTUS RAVEL (IS A MEAN OLD MAN)

yeah
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
mama had the time but she didn't have the money
Rastus was a man but he wouldn't take the honey

Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
papa owned a mine but he couldn't pay the bills now
Rastus kept his job ‘cause he wouldn't take his pills now

Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
nothin' on his mind but a dollar sign peepin'
tellin' what to do ‘cause the family wants keepin'

Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man yeah yeah yeah yeah

you take our money
I said you take our soul
said we got no use for livin'
so you might as well be told
get my shotgun
gonna shoot you down
get my shotgun yeah
down on the ground yeah oh yeah

I said you're so mean now yeah ~ get out of my way

mama had the time but she didn't have the money
Rastus was a man but he wouldn't take the honey

Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man

credits

released November 13, 1970
John Edward – Composer / Lyricist / Producer
John Fellows – Fender Jazz bass / backup vocals
Terry Shea – Fender Stratocaster rhythm guitar / backup vocals
Richard Steen – Epiphone Casino lead guitar / backup vocals
Martin H. Samuel – 1970 Ludwig drums & Paiste cymbals / percussion
Peter Allatt – lead vocals / percussion
Doris Troy – backup vocals
Rick Wakeman – piano

Penny Farthing Records 45 rpm single B-side released in England, Germany & Japan.

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about

Heatwave UK

Heatwave released the Penny Farthing Records single, PEN 738, in London 13th November 1970.

'Sister Simon (Funny Man)', the A-side, received frequent BBC Radio airplay while 'Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man'), the funky B-side, is still popular in the clubs.

In addition to a solid dance beat and tight vocal harmonies, the group was known for its fire-eating by Martin.
... more

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