Friday Freak-Out: Brothers Johnson play "Strawberry Letter #23"

[video link]

Friday Freak-Out: The Brothers Johnson perform "Strawberry Letter 23," circa 1977, available on their album "Right On Time". I selected this song after BB commenter ThomDowting pointed out how the opening notes of Cults' "Go Outside," heard in our video premier Wednesday, recall the lovely 60s glockenspiel intro in Shuggie Otis's original 1972 version of "Strawberry Letter 23," listenable here.

David Pescovitz is Boing Boing's co-editor/managing partner. He's also a research director at Institute for the Future. On Instagram, he's @pesco.

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Anonymous

Music video directed by J. J. Abrams
jfrancis

I forgot I even knew that song.
Anonymous

I remember watching this when I was a kid and thinking, “where the hell is the rest of the band.” Now I just think, “Why the hell was I watching this.”
facetedjewel

‘Is it cool?’ Yes, it is. Man, I miss funk.
scifijazznik

This is one of the very few instances where the cover is at least as good as the original. Even watching them lip synch here, it’s easy to see why they had the nicknames “Lightnin Licks” and “Thunder Thumbs.” You can’t buy nicknames like that any more.

Loves me some Shuggie, loves me some Brothers Johnson. Throw in some Graham Central Station, some Undisputed Truth, and some Spinners to smooth over the rough spots and you have a perfect summer weekend stay home from Carmeggdon and fire up the barbeque mix.
- David Pescovitz
  
  I think our taste overlaps. I’ll bring the chips. See you Sunday.
  - scifijazznik
    
    You better leave on Saturday if you plan to get here by Sunday.
Andrea James

There’s an tracking shot execution scene in ‘Jackie Brown’ that uses this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN-R3eLzauw
- joncro
  
  It’s also in the first scene of ‘Pulp Fiction’ for a second and a half.
Anonymous

I swear he says 22 at 2:46 and not 23
- scifijazznik
  
  Your ears do not deceive. Dig the rest of the lyrics and all will be made clear. Check out the original version while you’re at it. Spiritual enlightenment will ensue.*
  
  *offer not valid in all locations. void where prohibited.
tmccartney

Little-known fact: Lee Ritenour played the guitar solo on the recording.
PimpleAbortion

Now I’m gonna have to listen to some Information of an Inspirational nature. These Friday Freakouts are tasty!
Wingo

Terrific. Sweet phaser action.
dabey

Friday funk. love it.
maxplanar

A song who’s overall lovableness is almost entirely derived from the anticipation of waiting for that fabulous circling, looping, beautiful guitar break. I love this song, and it’s for that reason more than anything.
DG

I could have used a little more cowbell.