The Parker Brothers Choir – The Gospel Groove That’ll Save Your Soul (and Maybe Your Feet)
Alright, let’s talk about The Parker Brothers Choir, a gem from 1962 that somehow marries gospel with enough funk and soul vibes to make you wanna clap your hands one second and testify the next. Released on King Records in the good ol’ US of A, this album is like church but with better basslines. It’s got 18 tracks—yep, EIGHTEEN—and while I can’t dive into all of them without losing my voice (or your attention), there are two songs here that stuck to me like gum on a Sunday shoe.
First up: "I Was Moaning When Somebody Touched Me." Now, before you start giggling at the title, hear me out. This track slaps harder than most gospel tunes dare to. There’s an energy here that feels raw, almost like they recorded it live during an actual revival meeting where somebody probably DID get touched by something—or someone. The vocals soar so high you’d think angels were auditioning for backup singers, and the rhythm? Lord have mercy, it’s impossible not to tap your foot. If this doesn’t make you wanna shout “Hallelujah!” at the top of your lungs, then maybe you need to check your pulse.
Then there’s "Dry Bones," which might as well be called "How To Make Ezekiel Cool Again." You know how sometimes you hear a song and immediately picture bones rattling back together in some dusty valley? No? Just me? Okay, fine. But seriously, this tune has a groove that sneaks up on you. It starts slow, kinda eerie even, but builds into this hypnotic chant that could convert an atheist. By the end, you’re half-convinced those dry bones might just stand up and join the choir themselves. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to see THAT?
Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t some slick modern production where every note is polished within an inch of its life. Nope, this is old-school grit mixed with heavenly harmonies, and it works beautifully. Tracks like "The Old Rugged Cross" keep things traditional while still packing emotional punches, and "Somebody’s Knocking At Your Door" sounds like the musical equivalent of a friendly ghost reminding you to answer the call (spiritual or otherwise).
What’s wild about this record is how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out over 60 years ago, but listening to it now feels like stepping into a time machine that smells faintly of incense and vinyl. These songs remind us why gospel music exists—not just to preach but to connect, to heal, and yeah, maybe to bust a move or two.
So if you’re looking for something that’ll lift your spirits higher than last week’s grocery bill, give The Parker Brothers Choir a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself singing “Dry Bones” under your breath at work tomorrow. Or worse, trying to explain what “I Was Moaning” really means to your coworkers. Trust me, awkward conversations are worth it for these soulful vibes.
Final thought? If heaven had a playlist, this album would definitely be queued up somewhere between the pearly gates and the snack bar.
