Hot damn…  not sure which version I heard of this song first but man what an earworm.  Classics IV was formed in the mid-60s in Jacksonville, Florida, and released a handful of hits with “Spooky” being released in 1967.  Originally released as an instrumental in 1966 by saxophonist Mike Sharpe, lyrics were added by the band featuring a “spooky little girl” and the song hit number three on Billboard’s Hot 100 in early 1968.

While the instrumental version is a fine piece of jazz lite, the Classics IV version is well deserving of hit status- slinky groove, echoey “oohs” in the background, spooky sound effects, and great sax solo (possibly a tip of the hat to Sharpe?).  However, it’s Dennis Yost’s sly and cool vocal and clever lyric that really makes this one memorable-  not much of a stretch in range but that’s not the point… keep it in the pocket, no need to belt, throw in a semi-growl during “love is kinda crazy”, and let those lyrics speak for themselves.  The song was used to great effect in the Kevin Costner cult classic “Fandango” during the scene where they meet the two young girls at the drive-in restaurant (great movie, highly recommended!).

So what about the ARS “cover”?  I say “cover” because Atlanta Rhythm Section included two original members from Classics IV, who decided to revive “Spooky” and give it a more modern spin.  Their version, released in 1979, is a bit more straight on rock and features some extremely tasty guitar solos Barry Bailey and JR Cobb-  Bailey takes two original runs as he weaves in and out of the melody with some steamy licks and grooviness while Cobb tosses out the jazzier chords towards the latter part of the song.  Also thrown into the mix is a nice keyboard solo from Dean Daughtry to even things out.  Great version; a shade faster, slightly more rocking and, although I prefer the original, very good in its own right.

What do you think?