-------------------<
Paul, would you happen to know where this song is available
in mono on CD? As far as I know, "Wonderful Summer" is out
on a half-dozen CDs, only in stereo.
--MFW
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-= MusicTrax, LLC | on rock, pop, & soul." =-
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--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Diane's backing girls - Jean Thomas, Mikey etc.
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: IAC, iandXXXXXXXXlnet.co.uk
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Jimmy...
Are you confusing Jean Thomas with Jean King? It was the latter
who was a Blossom, and they operated mainly on the West Coast.
Diane mentioned recently that one of the other girls who was
with Jean Thomas was a girl called Mikey. This would have been
Mikey Harris, who, along with Jean, was quite a prolific session
artist on the East Coast. Heard of a version of "Stop. Look &
Listen" on Laurie by Les Girls? That was Mikey, Jean Thomas and
Ellie Greenwich - Ellie and Jean at one point had considered
forming a "real" group (as opposed to a session group), and Les
Girls was the rather short-lived result. They called in Mikey to
add "bottom" to their sound. Mikey was from Sarasota in Florida,
as was Jean. Mikey continued to do sessions with Ellie right
into the 70s (Bette Midler, Blondie) along with Hilda Harris,
who was related to Mikey, possibly her sister.
Diane...
The third girl from the Rag Dolls....does the name Susan Lewis
ring any bells?
Ian Chapman
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: playin hard to get
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: john rausch, jXXXXXXXXnet
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
To Jack Madani:
What a great cd it is, I have had it for a few years and
agree with you 100%
Some of my faves are:
you`re so fine-dorothy berry(great spector sound)
mr. loveman-yvonne carroll
and muscle bustle-donna loren
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Playin' Hard To Get comp
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: IAC, iandXXXXXXXXlnet.co.uk
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Hi Jack...
That particular set was compiled by Mick Patrick, who used to be
the editor of the 80s UK Spector fanzine "Philately", and its
sister mag, "That Will Never Happen Again" (which covered
similar musical genres to Spectropop). He's also co-compiled
many other girl-group sets for various UK labels, including the
"Here Come The Girls" series on Sequel.
Ian Chapman
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Re: Playin' Hard To Get/Anne Kaye
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: WILLIAM STOS, wsXXXXXXXXt.com
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
> I've played this disc a zillion times in the past four days but
> have only glanced at the booklet. This disc is a total winner.
> Anyone else heard of this compilation?
I bought that compilation about a year ago, and it's one of my
favourites too! The Galens' "Chinese Lanterns," is my personal
favourite. The lead singer of that group actually sang lead
on those sides because they were trying to get a "paris sisters"
sound. Anyone who hasn't heard this song must!
The best tracks on the collection for me are the five tracks by
the Delicates (not the same as the Angels group). Their stuff is
killer. "I've Been Hurt," aches with some of the most soulful
singing I've ever heard. The spoken rant in the middle brings
chills to me. Read about them on my site at
www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Frontrow/2301/delicates.html
Renee Medina's "He's A Big Deal," is pretty good too. And then,
Dorothy Berry's "You're So Fine," is totally Spector influenced.
Jimmy Cresitelli's fav on that collection I believe : )
Finally, the Francettes track is pretty strange. It was pulled
off a 45, but you can't really tell. It's sounds like a
Butterflies track at the start, but then has sort of a Secrets
feel to it with cha cha rhythms.
Buy it if you can!
One other thing. This might be going out of the scope of this
group, but has anyone ever heard of R&B artist Anne Kaye "Don't
Stop The Wedding?" Killer song related to George Goldner. Did
she record much more?
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: The Gordian Knot
Received: 02/13/99 12:01 pm
From: Javed Jafri, javedjaXXXXXXXXt.ca
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
I have a cassette copy of what I believe to be the only album by
The Gordian Knot. I think it came out on Verve records in 1968.
Don't know anything about the band except that Jim Weatherly
(guitar & vocals) was a member. The record is rather schizoid and
I hear shades of everyone from Paul Revere & The Raiders to the
Grass Roots. The one influence that stands out, however, is the
Association. A track called "We Must Be Doing Something Right"
could easily be mistaken for the Association. My favorite song
on the album is called "The Year Of The Sun' and it's a minor
soft rock classic. That's all I know but hopefully others will
chime in.
Javed
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Re: Gordian Knot
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: David Bash, BashXXXXXXXXom
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
> Subject: The Gordian Knot
> The other day I was listening to a very cool new indie group,
> who will remain nameless for reason that will come to understand.
> The group's new album is filled with cool beats, indie vocals
> and some really nice samples. Well, after listening to one of
> the tracks I was sure that the sample used was an early 8Ts song
> called "Box Set Go" by a British band called The High, when I
> asked one of the members of the band they assured me that I was
> wrong and rather it was by a group called The Gordian Knot...so
> my question is...who were the Gordian Knot?
Hi Matthew,
Wow, I was waiting for someone to mention these guys! The
Gordian Knot were a band from Southern California by way of
Mississippi, who released one excellent soft pop album on Verve
(of all labels!), called "Tones". Most of the songs on the album
will remind you of The Association, as the multi-part harmonies
are absolutely beautiful. This is one album that I wish was
released on CD, and is a perfect candidate for a Japanese label
who is into soft pop. One of Gordian Knot's members, Jim
Weatherly, had a fairly successful solo career in the '70s,
doing more of a songwriter/countryish thing.
--
Spectropop Rules!!!!!
Take Care,
David
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: re.Gordian Knot/Sagittarius
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: harvey.williXXXXXXXXe.com
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Matthew Kaplan wrote;
'Who were the Gordian Knot?'
Checking the sleevenote from their LP, it seems that they were a
5 piece from the south who released at least one LP (and
associated 45s) on Verve around 1968. 'The turning point of
their career was a party given by Nancy Sinatra. She liked the
group so much she asked them to accompany her on a USO trip to
Viet Nam.' (it says here). Draw from that what you will. I
really like the LP itself; great harmonies, good (all
selfcomposed) tunes, dare I say soft rock? I think I dare... So
who is the band responsible for sampling them, Matthew?
Re. Sagittarius' 2nd LP; I get the impression that Curt's
involvement in 'The Blue Marble' was minimal. There's only one
Curt-penned tune on the LP, 'From You Unto Us' (also recorded by
Eternity's Children..) and Curt's helium vocalising is sadly
lacking. Again, someone ought to be reissuing it. In fact, the
whole Together Records catalogue needs investigating....
Regards,
Harvey Williams.
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Re: The Millennium on Revola
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: David Bash, BashXXXXXXXXom
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
> Subject: Millennium's "The Begin"
> From: Ron Weekes, WeekXXXXXXXX.edu
> I've got the Sony issue of this CD, the complete LP with four
> bonus tracks. I know Rev-ola has reissued this CD but I think it
> has 22 track's instead of Sony's 16 tracks. Can someone tell me
> what the additional tracks are? I'm not sure if I want to pay
> big bucks for six more tracks.
Hi Ron,
The six extra tracks are stereo single edits of several of the
songs on the album, including "It's You," "To Claudia On
Thursday," "There Is Nothing More To Say" (called "There Is No
More To Say" on this CD, for some reason), "5 AM," "I Just Want
To Be Your Friend," and "Prelude". These are merely the same
versions as on the album, sans the music that connects them to
the other tracks on the album. It's certainly not worth picking
up the Revola reissue just for these versions (had they been in
mono, then we'd have been talking!), but it is most definitely
worth picking this disc up to get the great liner notes by Dawn
Eden, as well as the generous supply of photographs.
> I know Gary Usher and Curt Boettcher are discussed from time to
> time on this list. This is my preferred order of Usher/Boettcher
> collaborations:
> Sagittarius: Present Tense
> The Ballroom: Preparing for The Millennium
> The Millennium: Begin
I have to agree with you there, although being #3 on this list
is no shame, believe me!
--
Spectropop Rules!!!!!
Take Care,
David
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: not high enough
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: Doc Rock, docroXXXXXXXXcom
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Unfortunately, not high enough on that particular number; "You
Really Know How To Hurt A Guy" features one of the flattest
notes ever committed to tape on the last word of the line "the
ones that you like are really not your *kind*"!
Jim Cassidy
Jim,
No, that title goes to Dean on the LP cut, "The Gypsie Cried!"
Runner-up on the same LP, "Mr. Bass Man!"
Doc
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: To: Jimmy Crescitelli ~ From: Diane Renay
Received: 02/13/99 12:01 pm
From: Diane renay, CEIInvXXXXXXXXom
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Hi Jimmy:
In answer to your question regarding my background singers.
....I don't believe Darlene Love or Fanta James ever sang on any
of my background vocals. I did work with Darlene Love though, I
think we both performed at the same record hop. Infact, there
were several Song Hits Magazines that were popular in the 60's,
and Darlene Love and I were on the cover along with a DJ and
some other female artist!
Sincerely: Diane Renay <[:>)
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: To: Tom Simon ~ From: Diane Renay
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: Diane renay, CEIInvXXXXXXXXom
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Hi Tom:
So glad that you liked my stories!!
Sincerely: Diane Renay <[:>)
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Speeding!
Received: 02/12/99 7:53 am
From: WILLIAM STOS, wsXXXXXXXXt.com
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
> Yes, a great many oldies were speeded up in the 50s and 60s.
Thanks Doc! I thought they might be one in the same. Two
examples I can give (being a girl group fanatic and all) would
be Andrea Carroll's "The Doolang." On the master it sounds like
a normal song, should have been a hit! But on the single version
she sounds like she pulled a "chipmunks." Super fast, super
high. Also, my favourite recording by the Chiffons "What Am I
Gonna Do With You," have a slow master version, but on the
single, it was pretty fast. I like both of these. I think the
faster one has cool harmonies.
Diane, or Barbara, do you recall this happening. I don't think
Phil would have done that, but Bob Crewe?
Also, question for Carol Kaye. I was listening to some late 60s
Marvelettes the other night. Did you play on any of their later
stuff. Motown insists it was all recorded in Detroit, but you've
told up otherwise. The bass on some of those songs is wild!
Will
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Various
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: Jamie LePage, le_page_XXXXXXXXties.com
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Re: Dionne Warwick Promises, Promises
-------------------------------------
Toby wrote:
>Has Bacharach's "Promises, Promises" (the album) been reissued
>on CD? Can't find it on any format at all...either way, could
>someone please post the tracklisting for the record?
As far as I know this is not available in its original format on
CD. I won't get into a detailed critique of this LP, but suffice
it to say it is not one of my favorites. This comes at the end
of the Bacharach/David peak era, and even though the production
is good on tracks like Promises, Promises and This Girl's In
Love With You, in general the material on this album is MOR and
lacks the bite that make her earlier records so potent. Scepter
SPS 571
Promises, Promises
This Girl's In Love With You
Little Green Apples
Where Is Love
Who Is Gonna Love Me
Whoever You Are, I Love You
Where Am I Going
Wanting Things
Lonely In My Heart
Yesterday I Heard The Rain
Re: Annette
-----------
CLAUDIA CUNNINGHAM wrote:
>Can someone tell me who produced Annette Funicello's records
>when she morphed from adolescent Mousketeer into pop princess of
>the early 60s? I have a nagging suspicion that best pal Shelly
>Fabares may have had record producer hubby Lou Adler produce the
>records for her.
Good guess Claudia, but Adler would have been an unlikely choice
to work with Annette. The reason? Walt Disney. Disney
historically kept most everything in-house, and since Adler
worked outside the Disney circle, he wouldn't have been Disney's
choice to produce their hot teen property with the budding...er...
...talent.
Paul Anka did Annette. There must be a great story here. Obviously
Disney's concerns were to keep their teen idol property pristine,
but apparently tall Paul had a different agenda.
Disney relied to a large extent on the songwriting skills of the
Sherman brothers (who wrote Mary Poppins and It's a Small World
to give you an example of their style), and production chores
were given to Paul Camarata (same team that did the Hayley Mills
sides too). I really like Annette's version of "Let's Get
Together" which is used during the record hop scene in Disney's
"The Parent Trap". If Disney hadn't kept Annette under lock and
key, she could have been the coolest girl group era singer ever.
Her double-tracked leads are quite charming; I only wish she HAD
worked with someone like Adler and recorded steamier Brill
Building material. Her later records are really rockin',
particularly the tracks from the beach party films. Check her out
with the Beach Boys on The Monkey's Uncle. Despite every effort
by Disney to keep Annette squeaky clean, underneath all of that
Annette rocked! Too bad she didn't have the chance to record
groovier material.
Re: Speed
---------
Doc wrote:
>The classic girl record that was speeded up was Robin Ward's
>(real name Jackie) "Wonderful Summer." Since she was a
>full-grown woman with a daughter (named Robin, btw), to make her
>sound like a teen, her voice was speeded up.
No complaints here. I love her voice as it sounds on record. I
did want to mention Joe Meek though. Joe more often than not
dropped tape speed during recording and sped it up on playback.
I have a Honeycombs CD with a bonus track of "Hab ich das Recht"
(Have I the Right sung in German over the original backing track).
Joe's original in English has the voice so sped up it sounds
like it's Honey Lantree singing! The German version, apparently
recorded at normal speed, sounds like an entirely different
vocalist.
All the best,
Jamie LePage
<http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/5030>
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
Subject: Diane Renay - "Can't Help Loving That Man" scam!!!
Received: 02/13/99 12:00 pm
From: IAC, iandXXXXXXXXlnet.co.uk
To: Spectropop List, spectroXXXXXXXXties.com
Don't know how many US readers are familiar with UK's Northern
Soul....a long-standing club scene based around 60s American
soul music with a persistent dance beat, similar to and often
including, vintage Motown. Many records played tend to be very
obscure - the mentality generally being "the rarer, the better".
Although still quite active, the scene was at its peak in the 70s,
when many records played in those clubs were reissued, and
crossed over to become national hits, e.g. Tami Lynn's "I'm
Gonna Run Away From You", the Elgins' "Heaven Must Have Sent You",
the Fascinations "Girls Are Out To Get You". A few labels
were set up for the sole purpose of re-releasing some of these
popular club anthems, labels like Casino Classics, Black Magic,
Pye Disco Demand and Grapevine.
In the northern clubs, deejays would enhance their reputations
by creating "in-demand" sounds - this meant finding little-known
US soul records with the right ingredients, and creating a
following for them. To add to the demand, they would "cover up"
the records - meaning they would try to retain obscurity value
by withholding the true label and artist details, and announcing
the record as by a totally different and quite unrelated artist -
sometimes the titles would change too. Thus, many records would
come to be known by the club-goers by these invented titles and
artists. Usually, if one of these records proved popular enough
to gain a legitimate reissue, then the true details would
finally emerge.......but not always. One such "covered up"
record was a late Diane Renay release - "Can't Help Loving That
Man", the Kern/Hammerstein song done with a bouncy,
Motown-styled beat. It was played in the clubs, but "covered up"
as by Laura Greene, a black artist whose "Moonlight Music and You"
had been very popular (it always helped to use the name of an
artist who was already familiar to the clubbers). In 1979, "
Laura's" record was picked up for reissue by Grapevine, an
RCA-distributed company. It was issued in stereo on Grapevine
#135, and backed with "It's A Good Day For A Parade" (can you
recall the original label, Diane? The reissue says Virtue - ?).
Incredible as it may seem, Grapevine chose to stick with the
false name of Laura Greene for the reissue....neither Diane's
name, nor any original producer credits are anywhere to be seen
on the label. Unfortunately, it never sold enough to make a
national hit, otherwise I'm sure Diane would be quite rightly
seeking legal recourse to pursue back royalties...in fact, it's
a shame that never happened - maybe it would have put an end to
such shoddy record company practice.
Ian Chapman
--------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]--------------------
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