In May of 1966, the unknown singer Jack Wood recorded two songs at Great Lakes Studio in Sparta, Michigan. These unique, otherworldly songs “Born to Wander” and “So Sad” would be self-released by Wood on his own Lawrence Records imprint in an edition of 100 copies. Going nowhere and being quickly forgotten, it would take Wood ten years to pay back the $250 he borrowed for the entire endeavor. Fast-forward to the 21st century and the deepest of record collectors are intrinsically moved by the power behind Wood’s single, vacillating between Northern Soul, garage, big band and country music all within the same song. An unexpected placement in a major ad campaign for Bacardi Rum was a major boon for the burgeoning awareness of these timeless songs. Third Man Records is proud to reissue “Born to Wander” and “So Sad” as part of its November 27th Black Friday opening.
Both songs are now available to download on iTunes and “Born to Wander” is available on most streaming services, and the 7" will be available via Third Man Records' online store in the coming weeks.
Catch the Bacardi ad below, and have yourselves a VERY happy Thanksgiving:
Love both songs, sad that they sat hidden for so many years.
Holy cow this is so far up my alley it hurts. I can’t wait!
Im not sure why…. but this video seems like it might have been inspired by this recent trip that TMR is making to install its new home in Detroit… Something about moving an entire house and turning it into one giant party… Yeah thats it… Congrats again Detroit and Best of Luck up there!!!
dig!
Very Fresh on the scene… the video is fun too…glad this little single found a home
This is also how Nick Drake was rediscovered about ten years ago.
Have to thank you all again for the continuing musical education. Such a fantastic, danceable tune, can’t wait to spin it in my living room.
Wow too cool I need this. Curious if anyone knows the Michigan artist from the Luther area. My grandmother used to play him for me I only remember one line from a song “The little town of Luther on the little Manistee.”
Another item to add to my wishlist :)
Everyone have fun in Detroit! Wish I could be there, but working retail makes Black Friday a necessary evil.