“Strange Changes”

Mike & Leroy

Mike started writing this song coming home late at night from Sweetbay Studios during the Labamba days back in 1977 when some vibrations from his Ford Econoline (Leroy) created such an infectious pulse and rhythm that it begged for him to sing along.   As if by magic some lyrics and a melody emerged a la “I feel like Job hanging out in my robe, broke down and out of cash and feeling mighty low.  Easy come and easy go.  Lord have mercy, I’m looking out below.”  The song became a staple for Labamba then Flipside, and eventually the Muffin Men.   And thanks to Sparky Thorne, Moogie Stewart and Ready Freddie Chester, the Muffins recorded this nugget for the Muffin cassette Havin’ Fun.

Who Owns This Cat?

Back in the mid-70s, singer-songwriter Jim Evans lived around the corner from Mike and his family, so the two buddies and musical brothers started co-writing some of their best songs.  By far, though, Who Owns This Cat was the most requested and popular tune of the batch (or litter).  Jim’s lyrics were the impetus for this infectious ditty that inspired Mike to write some swinging verses, catchy choruses and bridge.  The song was later recorded by Labamba at Sweetbay Studios in Tallahassee for their LP Out of the Blue. This performance is from the Burt Norton “Gathering of Friends” at the Moon in February of 1995.  Burt was the heart and soul owner of Sweetbay.  The concert featured Flipside, Velma Frye, BB Jam, John Paul Walters, Wakulla Band, Meisberg & Walters, Labamba, River Breeze, and Pam Laws.  For this clip Labamba, Flipside, and Pam Laws rekindled this classic cat ditty with a lot of love and passion for their dear friend, Burt Norton.