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Spectropop - Digest Number 965



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               SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 22 messages in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

      1. Re: Brook Benton
           From: Tom Taber 
      2. Re: Brook Benton
           From: Mike Edwards 
      3. Re: The 4 Seasons - Genuine Imitation LP
           From: Steve Harvey 
      4. Brian Hyland
           From: Mike  Edwards 
      5. Who Is Patti Lace????
           From: Tony  Leong 
      6. The Roemans
           From: Michael Gessner 
      7. RIP Celia Cruz
           From: Stuffed Animal 
      8. Re: Watertown
           From: Phil Milstein 
      9. Fwd: Muscle Shoals recording studios for sale on eBay
           From: Neb Rodgers 
     10. Connie Francis on musica
           From: Mike Edwards 
     11. Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
           From: Art Longmire 
     12. Jack Nitzsche Updates
           From: Martin Roberts 
     13. Re: Inner Views
           From: Jon 
     14. Re: Inner Views
           From: Art Longmire 
     15. Re:  Muscle Shoals for sale on eBay
           From: Mike Rashkow 
     16. Re: Chordettes
           From: Doug 
     17. O Mary , O Betty,  where are yous?!
           From: Sean 
     18. Re: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
           From: Bill Craig 
     19. Muscle Shoals
           From: Mike Edwards 
     20. The Tammys/Lou Christie
           From: Denise Ferri 
     21. Shangri-Las
           From: Michael Edwards 
     22. Edwards on Hyland
           From: Bob Rashkow 


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Message: 1
   Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 17:23:13 -0700 (PDT)
   From: Tom Taber 
Subject: Re: Brook Benton

Lindsay Martin wrote:

> Is anyone else here nuts about Brook Benton?  
 
I think he's great - thought I'd found a 3 CD set for
$11 that had his hits and the Dinah Washington duets,
and her hits (heck, the flea market guy was playing
it!); I get it home - hers are original, THEIRS are
original, and his are all re-recordings!  They
recorded for the same company, for heaven's sake! I
want one CD with his 28 (or so) greatest hits.
"Shadrack" is a mostly forgotten gem.  

Tom Taber     




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Message: 2 Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 22:00:45 -0400 From: Mike Edwards Subject: Re: Brook Benton Lindsay Martin writes re: Brook Benton – > His reissues seem to be a bit patchy: has there ever been a > comprehensive collection? The best one was put out by PolyGram/Mercury in 1989, "40 Greatest Hits". It covered most of his significant Mercury sides ("Endlessly" etc) and included "Rainy Night In Georgia". Used copies are still available on amazon.com. Sound quality is excellent. A couple of quick points: (1) Brook's version of Bacharach-David's "A House Is Not A Home" tops that by Dionne Warwick and not too many performers did that. Although it's a big production, the feeling of loneliness Brook puts across is heartbreaking. (2) The b-side of "Hotel Happiness", "Still Waters Run Deep" is a big popcorn favorite in Belgium. There was a UK album version by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas. In spite of what I said above, Nana Mouskouri sings the definite version of this song in French as "L'Eau Qui Dort". No US Hot-100 hits for Nana but worldwide she has sold more records than Streisand. Pick up this double CD of Brook's, Lindsay and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 3 Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 20:18:24 -0700 (PDT) From: Steve Harvey Subject: Re: The 4 Seasons - Genuine Imitation LP Kurt wrote: > I picked up a copy of The 4 Seasons album, "Genuine Imitation > Life Gazette" at a garage sale yesterday. Does anybody have any > juicy background, trivia, gossip and/or information on this album? Because of that album Frank Sinatra ended up hiring Bob Gaudio (I think) to produce his album, "Watertown." There was a funny story in Mojo about him building a pool in his backyard for when Frank came over to discuss the album. Got the pool, but never had Frank come over. "Is She Looking At Me?" has hooks aplenty. The same LP has one of the first songs about divorced dads. Early men's lib. -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 4 Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 23:17:50 -0400 From: Mike Edwards Subject: Brian Hyland Clark writes: > I have added Jackie DeShannon and Randy Newman's Brian Hyland > 45 "He Don't Understand You" to Musica for Mike Edwards. I have > really been loving Brian's Philips/Dot/Uni era stuff lately. Thank you, Clark. I also got a copy from a fellow collector who has put together a double CDR of Brian Hyland stuff that is not on his MCA "Greatest Hits" CD, so I now have all the titles you referred to in your recent commentary on Brian. My favorite of Brian's Philips output was "Run Run Look And See" with J J Cale on that chug-a-chug guitar backing. As you note, it was written by Ray Whitely who wrote just about everything for that great group, The Tams. "What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am)", "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me", "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" being fine examples. You mention "Stay And Love Me All Summer" and that was Brian's 5th title about the current season. The others: (1) "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" (Kapp, 1960). A US #1 but only reached #8 in the UK. Not to worry, exactly 30 years' later, an outfit called Bombalurina took it to #1 in the UK. (2) "Sealed With A Kiss" (ABC, 1962) – an absolute classic and his best. Not the original version of this Gary Geld-Peter Udell goodie, though. That honor went to the 4 Voices on Columbia in 1960. Brian's version was back on the UK charts in 1975, reaching #7. (3) "Summer Job" (ABC, 1962) – the b-side of SWAK and another great ode to the season. On this one, Brian's "got a summer job, working hard on the one he loves". No fool, him. (4) "Save Your Heart For Me" (ABC, 1963) – the b-side of the #63 US hit, "I'm Afraid To Go Home". And we all know where this ended up. Snuff Garrett recognized the song's potential and cut it on Gary Lewis & The Playboys for a #2 US hit in the summer of '65. I do like the way the Playboys harmonize with Gary on the fade – otherwise, this is Brian's song. His may not have been the original, though, as Michelle Scotti released a version in '63 on the other side of "The Boys' Camp Is Just Across The Lake From The Girls' Camp". Don't you just love summer titles? I wonder if Jason got any subliminal messages from this title. There is a Brian Hyland website at: http://www.brianhyland.com/pages/501965/index.htm Not surprisingly, it recognizes Brian as "The Voice Of Summer!" Finally, if anyone wants a solid collection of Brian's work across all labels from "Itsy Bitsy..." to "Gypsy Woman", I would recommend the MCA "Greatest Hits" CD. Right now, amazon.com has it for $10.99 with used versions form $6.98. Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 5 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 04:04:45 -0000 From: Tony Leong Subject: Who Is Patti Lace???? Hi Group: I have seen the name Patti Lace and the Petticoats, but does anybody out there know anything about this group?? I once read that they were involved in the recording of the first Reparata and the Delrons LP. Were they connected somehow with World Artist records, or the recording studio in Brooklyn where the "Whenever A Teenager Cries" LP was cut?? Does Patti Lace still sing??? Tony Leong -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 6 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:46:10 -0400 From: Michael Gessner Subject: The Roemans Does anyone have any of the ABC singles by The Roemans? I know that Barry Oakley and Bertie Higgins were in this back-up band to Tommy Roe. In 1967 they released a local hit in FL called "When The Sun Shines In The Morning". Really nice soft rock. Can anyone play it to musica or to me? Anyone have any other info about the Roemans? Thanks, Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 7 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 17:22:57 +0000 From: Stuffed Animal Subject: RIP Celia Cruz Celia Cruz, known throughout the world as the Queen of Salsa, died Wednesday of cancer at her home in New Jersey. A huge star of stage, screen and records in her native Cuba and all of Latin America, she emigrated to the United States in 1960 with her backing musicians, La Sonora Matancera. A public wake was held for her in Miami (home of most Cuban exiles) that lasted over nine hours; thousands attended. She was one of the last surviving Latin music stars who came to fame during the 1950s. Others included Tito Puente, Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Miguelito Valdes. All of these artists figure in Spectropop's Tico Records retrospective, "Mambo Gee Gee" (written by yours truly): http://www.spectropop.com/tico/index.htm Stuffed Animal -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 8 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 13:39:32 -0500 From: Phil Milstein Subject: Re: Watertown Steve Harvey wrote: > Because of that album Frank Sinatra ended up hiring Bob Gaudio > (I think) to produce his album, "Watertown." There was a funny > story in Mojo about him building a pool in his backyard for when > Frank came over to discuss the album. Got the pool, but never > had Frank come over. Frank's all-time worst-selling LP, by the way. Maybe if it'd sold better, Frank would've deigned to dunk his toes in Gaudio's pool after all. --Ph.M. -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 9 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 12:06:09 -0700 (PDT) From: Neb Rodgers Subject: Fwd: Muscle Shoals recording studios for sale on eBay Gee... I guess you can truly buy just about anything on eBay these days! -Neb MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND RECORDING STUDIOS http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2335666678 Item Description: Legendary, world-renowned recording studio located in Sheffied, Alabama, on the banks of the Tennessee River. Situated in the heart of the Muscle Shoals area which includes Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, Alabama. The facility includes 2 complete recording studios, multiple offices, kitchen and dining area, recreation lounge, indoor parking and over 10,000 square feet of undeveloped floor space suitable for audio/video facilities, additional offices, or living quarters. Equipment includes a Neve 8068 32x16 console in Studio A and a Neve 8088 40x16 console with GML Series 2000 automation in Studio B, 02 Studer A820 24-track recorders with Dolby SR, an extensive inventory of outboard gear, microphones and keyboards. Included in the keyboards are 2 Hammond B-3 organs and a 9ft. Baldwin concert grand piano. The facility is currently operational. Clients have included: Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Glen Frey, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Melissa Etheridge, Sawyer Brown, Toby Keith, Delbert McClinton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Julian Lennon and a host of others. For More Information, visit http://www.mssound.com $650,000 FIRM -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 10 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 20:01:36 -0000 From: Mike Edwards Subject: Connie Francis on musica I knew Connie Francis did rock and roll songs for 45s and standards for albums but it was not until I got the 1987 Polygram CD, "Rocksides (1957-64)" that I realized what a strong contribution she made to the girl-group genre. Brian Gari wrote the notes for each of the 24 tracks on this wonderful CD and Ellie Greenwich contributed the sleeve notes. Three of the songs were by Barry-Greenwich ("Look At Him", "Waiting For You" and "Don't Ever Leave Me") and the remainder by the likes of Sedaka-Greenfield, Hank Hunter-Stan Vincent, Pomus-Shuman and John D. Loudermilk. Connie's recorded output in the early 60s was such that she could not release everything. Consequently "Robot Man" ended up with Jamie Horton in the US (it did make it to #2 in the UK as a double-sided hit with "Mama") and "Happy New Year Baby" with Jo Ann Campbell. The best track has to be "Don't Ever Leave Me"; Brill Building pop at its finest. The US b-side, "We Have Something More (Than a Summer Love)" has not made it to CD, so I am going to play it to musica as part of the "Keeping The Summer Alive" series, which started with Chubby Checker's "Dancin' Party". The UK b-side of "Don't Ever Leave Me" was the above-mentioned, "Waiting For You" from Jeff and Ellie. Connie recorded two versions of this song; one double tracked for the US and a single voice version for the UK. The US version was not released until its inclusion on the "Rocksides" CD. I hope you get to enjoy "We Have Something More (Than A Summer Love)" but it will take a couple of spins. Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 11 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 20:18:16 -0000 From: Art Longmire Subject: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views" Kurt mentioned that he picked up a copy of Sonny Bono's "Inner Views" LP recently. That album is a favorite of mine, too...but I get the creeps every time I look at my copy. The reason is - I got it (at a thrift store) the day before he was killed. In fact, I hadn't listened to it yet and was watching TV the next day when I thought I heard somebody on a news bulletin say that Sonny Bono was reported killed in a skiing accident. I remember thinking I had misheard but later found out that sure enough he was gone...creeped me out big- time. So I guess I listen to his album with a bit more reverence - I really like it. I first heard of it way back in the 70s in an entry in Lillian Roxon's Rock Encyclopedia. It appears to be his effort at an "underground" album and is one of the most whacked-out classics I've ever come across (it would be interesting to compare this LP to the David Hemmings LP that I mentioned earlier). With song titles like "Pammie's On a Bummer" you can't go wrong! Best, Art Longmire -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 12 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:07:09 +0100 From: Martin Roberts Subject: Jack Nitzsche Updates The Record Of The Week on the home page http://www.spectropop.com/JackNitzsche/index.htm is over 5 minutes long, sung in Japanese and dates from 1974. Despite this(!) it is FAB! 'Classic' Nitzsche and well worth the extra wait while downloading. I was made aware of this release by Yoshinori Otake who supplied the sound file and sleeve scan. A bit closer to home next week, the 'Battle' is between the R'n'B of either the Pleasures or the Entertainers, both released on Jack's and Lee Hazelwood's Catch record label. On The Radio, http://www.spectropop.com/JackNitzsche/radio.htm is playing KHJ6 (Curtain Up) Martin -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 13 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 18:25:32 EDT From: Jon Subject: Re: Inner Views Art Longmire: > Kurt mentioned that he picked up a copy of Sonny Bono's > "Inner Views" LP recently. That album is a favorite of mine, > too...but I get the creeps every time I look at my copy... You actually found an original LP of 'Inner Views'?!?! That's amazing. It did not sell at all, as far as I know and many weren't even aware of its existence until the Rhino Handmade reissue. At least that's the story. Get ready to have your mind blown. 'I Just Sit There' is the archetype of the pop-guy-goes- Psych genre. I love every minute of it. And there's over 12 of them in that one song. Jon -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 14 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:02:17 -0000 From: Art Longmire Subject: Re: Inner Views Jon wrote: > You actually found an original LP of 'Inner Views'?!?! That's > amazing. It did not sell at all, as far as I know and many > weren't even aware of its existence until the Rhino Handmade > reissue. At least that's the story. Get ready to have your mind > blown. 'I Just Sit There' is the archetype of the pop-guy-goes- > Psych genre. I love every minute of it. And there's over 12 of > them in that one song. Hello Jon, I found the copy of "Inner Views" in excellent condition at a Goodwill store for a dollar, never knew it was especially rare... although my copy is the only one I've ever seen so maybe it is a scarce item. I just checked out the website for the Rhino CD and also saw a review of the CD at MSN.com. Most people who have heard it really like it and it definitely is a favorite of mine. The song you mention is great - I love that line "Your mama's cookin' sturgeon, your sister is a virgin!" It's fun to spot the influences on the various tracks, for instance one song's arrangement reminds me of the singer Keith (of "98.6" fame). I also really like this record's unique cover (looks like a woodcut). I'd estimate I've gotten about half of all my records at thrift stores over the years. Best, Art Longmire -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 15 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:03:33 EDT From: Mike Rashkow Subject: Re: Muscle Shoals for sale on eBay > Equipment includes a Neve 8068 32x16 console in Studio A and a > Neve 8088 40x16 console with GML Series 2000 automation in Studio > B, 02 Studer A820 24-track recorders with Dolby SR, an extensive > inventory of outboard gear, microphones and keyboards. Included > in the keyboards are 2 Hammond B-3 organs and a 9ft. Baldwin > concert grand piano. Yes, but the pickers don't come with the deal. And therein lies the problem. Rashkovsky -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 16 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:39:15 -0000 From: Doug Subject: Re: Chordettes Country Paul wrote: > The Chordettes! I've been listening to some of their music > again, and realizing how many hits they had, how many styles > and eras they embraced, what excellent and complementary voices > they had, and just how original and how damn good they were. > Does anyone know if any of the Chordettes are still alive? > Anyone else have anything they can add? I'm a little bit late on this, but I wanted to mention that probably the definitive story on the Chordettes is in Both Sides Now issue #57. Interviews will all the living members (I think; there were a lot of them!), pictures and a complete discography. You can go here to find out how to get back issues: http://www.bsnpubs.com/backiss.html BTW, you might want to check a few of the other issues while you're at it; BSN was a great high quality zine! Doug -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 17 Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:15:08 -0000 From: Sean Subject: O Mary , O Betty, where are yous?! After reading the article about the Shangs getting together again in 1977, I really think Mary and Betty should do something for the fans, whether it'd be a concert with another person, writing a book, making a movie, or doing a TV interview. Someone should really suggest this to them. There are so many people interested in their story and so many mysteries to be solved. It's very unfortunate and tragic that Marge and Maryann Ganser are both dead now, but I really wish Betty and Mary would do something. I still don't even know why Betty was gone from the group from the end of '64 through half of '65 or why there was always a Ganser missing after 1965. -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 18 Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:52:18 -0000 From: Bill Craig Subject: Re: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views" Art Longmire: > With song titles like "Pammie's On a Bummer" you can't go > wrong! Hi Art, I think "Pammie's On A Bummer" was the B-side to a single. Was it maybe "Laugh At Me"? Regards, Bill Craig -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 19 Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 01:08:18 -0000 From: Mike Edwards Subject: Muscle Shoals Neb wrote in informing us that the Muscle Shoals Sound Recording Studios was up for sale. It brought back a lot of soulful memories to see that famed studio mentioned. The man who founded it, Rick Hall has a short biography at: http://www.alamhof.org/hallrick.htm I have posted one of Rick's early productions from 1962 to musica, Jimmy Hughes' "My Loving Time" for those, like me, who love early 60s' pop/r&b. Terry Thompson and Tom Stafford wrote the song. Terry also wrote "A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues" recorded by another Rick Hall protégé, Arthur Alexander and which later became a beat group favorite. Tom Stafford along with Billy Sherrill and Rick Hall were partners in the "Florence Alabama Music Enterprises" studio and music publishing company which went on to become FAME. This business relocated to Muscle Shoals and opened a studio, which was the forerunner of the studio up for sale today. Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 20 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 21:50:56 -0400 (EDT) From: Denise Ferri Subject: The Tammys/Lou Christie Date: Mon..July 21,2003 from: D.Ferri "Lightning Strikes" and the entire "Lightning Strikes" album was not backed up by The Tammys. The songs "Trapeze", "Diary", "Cryin' in the Streets", Jungle", "Baby We Got to Run Away", "Heatwave", "Goin' Out of My Head", "You've Got Your Troubles" were all sung by three back-up singers: Denise Ferri, Bernadette Carroll and Peggy Santiglia (The Angels).....also, on "Baby We Got to Run Away", Denise, Bernadette and Peggy spoke the words..."I Love You Lou". Denise -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 21 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 22:05:05 -0400 From: Michael Edwards Subject: Shangri-Las Sean writes: > After reading the article about the Shangs getting together > again in 1977, I really think Mary and Betty should do > something for the fans......... Does anyone know who is in the group currently performing as the Shangri-Las? They are due here on Long Island at Hauppauge High School with Lou Christie, Kenny Vance and Bobby Rydell on November 1st. Mike -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 22 Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:59:15 EDT From: Bob Rashkow Subject: Edwards on Hyland What a wonderful storehouse of knowledge is our Mike Edwards! I would have thought for certain that NO ONE could have beat Brian Hyland to the original "Sealed With A Kiss"! Certainly Gary Lewis and Bobby Vinton, among others, tried to measure up to Hyland's smash version later on, but IMHO didn't hold a candle. I'll look for the 1963 single with "Save Your Heart....." on the B side. I love most of what I've heard by Brian H. "Warmed Over Kisses" has a particularly good country-style keyboard arrangement, probably what made it so successful on the charts in '62. I can vaguely recall hearing it as a small boy going down a dark Chicago street......oh, never mind. BTW Mike, I'm still a "Quicksand" (Don Schroeder) fanatic!!! (This is the Florida DJ guy who later produced James and Bobby Purify; he had a shaky recording career of his own first.) Early 6Ts pop at its finest!! Bobster -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
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