Night Owls Aht Uh Mi Med / Put On Train

When looking for classic soul cuts to revamp it was only a matter of time until Night Owls turned their attention to fellow Angeleno Shuggie Otis. This brand new 45 kicks off with a punch launching you straight into an irie dub infused version of Shuggie’s “Aht Uh Mi Hed” featuring Fishbone veteran John Arthur Bigham on lead vocals. Taking Otis’s lyrical poetry to new heights, Bigham delivers a performance that unearths the deep underbelly of the original while Night Owls fill a sonic landscape of whirling organs, skank guitar, heavy bass, and tingly dubbed out percussion to match. On Side-B we find a reggae-fied version of Gene Harris and The Three Sounds instrumental “Put On Train”which many from our generation know from The Beastie Boys’ “What Comes Around” from Paul’s Boutique. A slightly grittier and more upbeat take than the original, this Night Owls signature version is complete with its standout “moo maker” honk and New Orleans inspired elements lead by Roger Rivas on acoustic piano. This cut will hit hard on the dance floor and is surely one to leave a smile on your face.

Produced by Dan Ubick and Night Owls. Recorded and Mixed by Dan Ubick for DanUbe Productions at The Lions Den in Topanga, CA.