The J. Geils Band is one of the rare bands that sounded better LIVE than when recorded in studio. Their energy, musicianship and showmanship came through better on their live records – and their recorded, studio albums were pretty damn good, too.

Since Detroit was kind of like the Boston band’s second home, I heard a lot of them growing up and quickly fell for The J. Geils Band style of rock n soul and rhythm and blues. I feel like I’m preaching to the crickets when I tell folks that J. Geils was the ultimate, fun, live band to see and their albums would immediately kick up the energy at a Detroit house party to another level.

Fronted by a former radio DJ, fast-talking Peter Wolf, the original Boston bad boys also stood out with great harmonica solos by Magic Dick and stellar, funky guitar grooves played by the band’s namesake, J. Geils. For those who only know the 80’s J. Geils – the “Centerfold” or “Freeze Frame” era, I feel sorry for you. You’ve missed out on their real greatness – their 70’s music.

And that’s where my weeknight segment comes in…enjoy these forgotten by radio songs on Doc’s Deep Dive at 6:15p this week:

M, “First I Look at the Purse”

Tu, “Lookin’ for a Love”

W, “Somebody”

Th, “Ain’t Nothin’ But a House Party”

F, “Just Can’t Wait”

Doc Watson