Artist: John E. Sharpe And The Squires
Title: Maybelline
Year Of Release: 1966
Country: South African
Label: CBS – ALD 6962
Genre: Beat, Garage rock
Quality: FLAC | lossless
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Sharpe and bassist Les Goode had previously been in the Johannesburg-based The Deans. Inspired by The Beatles and The Stones in 1963 the two formed John E. Sharpe and the Squires. A popular draw on the city's club scene, in 1965 they were signed to CBS South Africa.
Their sole LP, 1966's "Maybelline" offers up a sterling set of pop and raging garage rockers. All hyperbole aside, musically the album rivals anything put out by their better known US and UK contemporaries. Sharpe has one of those snotty voices that's perfect for the band's commercial moves which include one of the earliest Paul Simon covers I'm aware of ('I Am a Rock'). Also be sure to check out their weird pseudo-polka cover of Chuck Berry's title track. His voice is even better on tougher garage numbers like the catchy 'Monkey Shine' and their blazing cover of Bo Diddley's 'I'm a Man'.

Tracklist:
A1. Monkey Shine 2:26
A2. What's Your Name 2:12
A3. Maybelline 2:35
A4. LSD 2:56
A5. I'm A Man 4:00
A6. I Am A Rock 2:28
B1. Walking The Dog 2:21
B2. She's Fine, She's Mine 4:20
B3. Bo-Diddely 3:59
B4. I Gave My Love A Diamond 2:13
B5. Back Door Man 2:55
B6. Folsom Prison Blues 3:07