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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Keep On Singing
From: Bill George
2. Re: Eleven of the best / Carl Hall
From: Christian Gordon
3. Re: Eleven of the best: Lakeside
From: Robert R. Radil
4. Davy Jones / hard-to-find gems
From: Jim Shannon
5. Re: Arbors day
From: Mikey
6. Re: Gerry and Pacemakers
From: Billy G. Spradlin
7. Re: Teacho Wiltshire, session players
From: Al Kooper
8. Main Street by Gary Lewis
From: Clark Besch
9. Re: "Sandy"
From: David Coyle
10. Re: The Collector / fake Zombies
From: David Coyle
11. Re: Arbors day
From: Austin Roberts
12. Re: Arbors day
From: Andrew C. Jones
14. Gene Hughes memorial and benefit
From: Ed Salamon
15. Re: Lownly Crowde
From: Alun Hill
16. <<<< Spectropop London Party >>>>
From: S'pop Projects
17. New Yahoo Group - Beatlemania40
From: Laura Pinto
18. Re: Teacho Wiltshire, session players
From: Artie Butler
19. Re: Eleven of the best / Aldora Britton
From: Martin Roberts
20. Re: Connie Francis - Lipstick
From: Paul Bryant
21. Re: bogus Vogues
From: Jake
22. Re: Arbors day
From: Paul Richards
23. Re: Lownly Crowde
From: John Berg
24. RIP Gene Hughes; Sandy Songs; Respectable; Happy together
From: Bob Rashkow
25. Re: Al Kooper & The Surfer Girls
From: Janet Bonica
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Message: 1
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 01:07:52 EST
From: Bill George
Subject: Keep On Singing
Austin: This holiday season, my parents surprised me with a very special
gift. It was a CD containing musical performances from my sister and I
when we were kids. One of the tracks was me singing along to Helen
Reddy's single of Keep On Singin. I might have been six years old? It
brought back a lot of memories. I can't say I still sound the same though.
Ha!
Bill
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Message: 2
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 21:31:12 -0500
From: Christian Gordon
Subject: Re: Eleven of the best / Carl Hall
Speaking of Carl Hall's association with Alan Gordon, he also sang lead
on "Sad Girl" -- a smooth, soulful ballad, one of my personal AG favs.
Carl could sure bring it.
CG
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Message: 3
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 14:03:28 -0000
From: Robert R. Radil
Subject: Re: Eleven of the best: Lakeside
Al Kooper wrote:
> Lakeside - I Want To Hold Your Hand - (Solar 47954-A) I love soul
> Beatles covers!!! This is a great arrangement you would never
> expect. I'm cheating cause it's 70's, but you'll love it.
I was working at WNHC, New Haven, CT when they played it. It had to
be early 1980s. It was interesting. Devout Beatle fans may "thumbs
down" it, but you have to be open-minded.
Bob Radil
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Message: 4
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 18:03:59 -0000
From: Jim Shannon
Subject: Davy Jones / hard-to-find gems
I happened to be working with Country Paul during the time he
interviewed Davy Jones (WHCN-FM) and can verify his position
as "actor first and muscian second". In fact, he was playing in
one of the dinner theatres that very same night. Still think
"Wanna Be Free" was their "Yesterday", and used to sneak it in
once in awhile on air. Always liked Davy's voice.
Came across a hard-to-find gem from my pop archives the other
night, Don Grady's "The Children of St. Monica". Nice vocals, and I
believe it charted into the Top 20 in '66. Another forgotten gem
that I still have in my collection, a georgous song called "Don't Let
The Rain Fall Down On Me" by The Critters. Got small airplay in some
markets and, of course, you'll never hear it anywhere these days.
Jim Shannon
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Message: 5
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 17:17:22 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: Arbors day
Boy do I love The Arbors!!!
I think "A Symphony For Susan" is one of the best songs of
the '60s. Just total beauty from start to finish. Those classical
piano 1/4 notes really make the song. And the guys' harmony
is just breathtaking. Even The Lettermen, the MASTERS
at this sort of record, couldn't do a better job on it than
The Arbors did.
Mikey
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Message: 6
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 02:07:45 -0000
From: Billy G. Spradlin
Subject: Re: Gerry and Pacemakers
Clark Besch wrote:
> Jim, That great song is on Gerry & Pacemakers great Legendary
Masters
> Cd on Capitol. Deleted now, but likely to be found many places.
> Could be a Collectibles reissue?
Collectables (oldies.com) has it for $7.98
http://www.oldies.com/product/view.cfm/id/56292.html
Billy
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Message: 7
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 11:29:25 EST
From: Al Kooper
Subject: Re: Teacho Wiltshire, session players
Artie Butler:
> Piano & organ - Ernie Hayes, Moe Wechsler, Bert Keyes, Kelly Owens
> Sax - Sam "The Man" Taylor, Big Al Sears, Sil Austin, Bill Rommel,
> Georgie Auld, Seldon Powell
Artie -- I feel compelled to make two small corrections to your
considerable knowledgebase. On keyboards would that not be FRANK
Owens instead of Kelly Owens? And on sax would that not be Bill
Ramal as opposed to General Rommell ??
Al Kooper
Studio Statistician
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Message: 8
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 18:48:52 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Main Street by Gary Lewis
Hi, I tried to find the 2 posts on this record, but couldn't, so I'll
just comment. It was a great 45 in '68 after Gary got out of the
army. In '66, the Astronuats did indeed do an excellent version of
this James Griffin (Bread) co-written goodie. A couple of interesting
things about it. One, KIMN in Denver charted both versions when they
came out! Gary Lewis' version can be found in stereo on the somewhat
rare Liberty LP, "Close Cover Before Playing". A really cool LP cover,
because it is made just like a matchbook. The foldover top has a pic
of Gary (not very hip-looking for 1968), and when you open the foldover
top, it reveals a full LP-size photo of matchbook matches as they look
inside a matchbook. A really cool idea, I thought.
The LP also contains his hit "Rhythm of the Rain" as well as another
Griffin-Z. Gordon song, "Apologize," as well as the writing team
Proffer-Marmalzat on "Picture Postcard". One other thing on Snuff
Garrett's produced "Main Street" production, the cool drum solo that
starts the song on Gary's version is a dead-on perfect rendition of the
later PAMS jingles intros to some of the "Rock Of" jingles!! Cool
intro! Also, Gary performed this on the Sullivan show in a really
cool clip.
Take care, Clark
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Message: 9
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 07:17:11 -0800 (PST)
From: David Coyle
Subject: Re: "Sandy"
"Sandy" by Ronny & The Daytonas was also covered
by the Swinging Blue Jeans in 1966 -- their version
appears on both "Hippy Hippy Shake: The Definitive
Collection" (EMI), "Liverpool 63-68" (See For Miles)
and "The Swinging Blue Jeans At Abbey Road" (EMI).
Although the SBJ are best known as a driving Liverpool
beat group, this is one of their poppier numbers, with
strings and all that. The SBJ were one of those rare
Merseybeat groups that were able to change with the
times, verging on bubblegum by the late '60s.
David
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Message: 10
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 06:44:17 -0800 (PST)
From: David Coyle
Subject: Re: The Collector / fake Zombies
Is the Bluebeats version of "The Collector" the
same song as was recorded by the Everly Brothers on
their "Two Yanks In England" LP? The LP was produced
by several of the Hollies, and this song sounds so
much like the Hollies, I would've thought it
originally appeared on a Hollies record, as did "Fifi
The Flea," another haunting track from said album.
It's interesting to note that this "Collector" was
written by former Cricket Sonny Curtis, who could
write music that was as far removed from the Buddy
Holly sound as one could imagine.
My question about the many "fake" Zombies is this:
When they appeared on TV shows, did they lip-synch to
the "Odyssey And Oracle" tracks? And live, did they
sound enough like the Zombies to fool anyone? I would
think Colin Blunstone's vocals would be hard to
reproduce. Screaming teens could have drowned out any
shortcomings, but by 1968, and with the introspective
style of the album, I would imagine people would be
listening more than screaming.
In some ways it's a shame that the Zombies didn't get
back together to promote the album and the singles,
once "Time Of The Season" took off. The "R.I.P."
album, as heard on the "Zombies Heaven" boxed set,
would have been an awesome followup if the original
group had finished it. But it's the finality of their
decision that makes the Zombies legends 30+ years
after the fact. Had the Zombies carried on, perhaps
overdoing themselves and making lackluster soft pop or
progressive records in the '70s, and died an even
slower death, would we be making such a big deal out
of the Blunstone and Argent tour and album?
I'll throw in my thanks for helping to break "Odyssey,"
Al. Were it not for this album, I might still not have a theme
for my upcoming wedding ("This Will Be Our Year").
David
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Message: 11
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 18:31:10 EST
From: Austin Roberts
Subject: Re: Arbors day
Phil Milstein asked:
> Who were the individual members?
Phil,
There were two sets of brothers, of which two were twins. I believe Charlie
Callelo did the arrangements. This was circa 1973 or 4. I don't remember
their names, only their terrific attitudes. Also, I put some overdrive (ala
fuzz) on a bassoon, which pissed the bassoonist off.
Austin
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Message: 12
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 10:13:17 -0500 (EST)
From: Andrew C. Jones
Subject: Re: Arbors day
Austin: Were you involved with the Arbors' Date single "The Letter" b/w
"Most of All," or their "Isn't Life Strange" medley?
ACJ
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Message: 14
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 16:42:23 -0000
From: Ed Salamon
Subject: Gene Hughes memorial and benefit
Gene's memorial service Monday was packed. Country singer Ed Bruce
sang. Tuesday's Rockin' At The Trap benefit was a huge success. Gary
Talley (Box Tops), Joe Stampley, Buzz Cason, Dickey Lee, Spectropper
Austin Roberts (said his first performance in 25 years -- I hope the
great audience response encourages Austin to do more), Clifford
Curry, Ray Peterson, T. Graham Brown, Freddie Weller, James Griffin
(Bread), Bruce Channel -- I'm probably missing someone -- all well
backed by Steve Jarrell and The Sons Of The Beach celebrated Gene's
life. The night opened with a great film produced by Spectropopper
Skip Woolwine, which combined photos of Gene and Gene's live
performance that Skip shot last year at a benefit for Ray Peterson.
Gene will be honored in Guy Gilcrest's comic strip, Nancy, on
February 26 (if I recall the date correctly). The original art was
presented to Gene's wife at the benefit.
Ed Salamon
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Message: 15
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 23:40:00 -0000
From: Alun Hill
Subject: Re: Lownly Crowde
Harvey Williams wrote:
> I've not been able to find out anything about the "band", but the
disc itself
> was produced by Tom Wilson, the subject of much discussion 'round
> here not too long ago. The flip is an instrumental version of the same
> song. Maybe I'll upload that too if there's any interest.
Hi,
Count me in -- I'd love to hear the instro version of this track. Glad you
posted it. It has been on my want list to hear since forever! Did they do
anything else?
Cheers,
AH
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Message: 16
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 21:13:10 -0000
From: S'pop Projects
Subject: <<<< Spectropop London Party >>>>
Dear Members,
The Spectropop Team and the Actionettes invite you all to
a PARTY to be held in London on Saturday March 27th.
There will be no entrance fee but anyone wishing to attend
MUST have their name on the official guest list.
More details will be announced shortly. In the meantime,
to add your name to the guest list, respond to this message,
or email projects@spectropop.com
See some of you there.
The S'pop Team
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Message: 17
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 17:34:13 -0000
From: Laura Pinto
Subject: New Yahoo Group - Beatlemania40
Hi fellow S'poppers,
You're all invited to join the brand-new Yahoo Group,
Beatlemania 40.
Created in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Beatles'
assault on America and the world, Beatlemania 40 will be
devoted to discussions about the Fab Four and related topics
(i.e., Beatle relatives!) only. Please go to
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Beatlemania40/ and
click on the link to join this new group where we can discuss
everything about the Fab Four, from our 1964 memories to
present-day CD and video releases.
Hope to see you Beatle fans join us!
Laura
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Message: 18
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 12:40:35 EST
From: Artie Butler
Subject: Re: Teacho Wiltshire, session players
Hi Al,
No it was Kelly Owens on piano. Frank was on the scene a little
later. Kelly was a piano player and a good B3 player as well.
As far as the spelling on Bill Ramal, I am sure you are right.
Thanks,
Artie Butler
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Message: 19
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 00:18:35 -0000
From: Martin Roberts
Subject: Re: Eleven of the best / Aldora Britton
Al Kooper poured his praise on Aldora Britton's first Decca 45,
'No Cookies In My Bag' and asked "Anybody else onboard here?"
I must confess that I don't know this record. But from two years
earlier, "Am I Ever Gonna See My Baby Again" (Columbia 44375 '67)
is always there or thereabouts in my own top eleven.
Its 'soul credentials' are supplied by songwriters R.Bailey-R.Clark
-J.Northern. A tear-jerking, BIG soul ballad carried by a voice that
drags every ounce of emotion from the lyric.
It may come as a surprise that the producers are the Jerome Brothers
with John Abbott arranging but it shouldn't. More known for their
'pop' productions but a fair few of their records posses the honesty
and intensity associated with the best 'soul' records.
I'd also suggest looking out for a one-off release on (20th Century
6610 '66) "For Your Love I'll Die" by Sammy Turner. Two years after
his brief time at Motown it's as if the Jeromes (co-writers along
with Frank Amodeo, as well as the producers) were attempting to have
the 'Motown-sound' hit that Motown never achieved. Pity they 'failed',
but a smashing record nonetheless.
Martin
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Message: 20
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 06:08:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Paul Bryant
Subject: Re: Connie Francis - Lipstick
Dear all,
As Country Paul was discussing Lipstick on your Collar
I wondered if Spoppers knew that the late Dennis
Potter used that title for a major British TV series,
circa 1990 I think.
He did a kind of trilogy of tv series which featured
period music, the first being Pennies From Heaven,
which was later inappropriately remade as a Steve Martin
vehicle - that was the 30s and featured great British
dance band stuff. Then came The Singing Detective, I
believe that's also being/been remade, and that was
40s music. Finally "Lipstick on your Collar", starring
the youthful Ewan MacGregor and featuring many late 50s
hits all mimed zestfully by the characters in the drama.
pb
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Message: 21
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 15:10:45 -0000
From: Jake
Subject: Re: bogus Vogues
David Coyle:
> P.S. I heard that in one instance where the "fake"
> Zombies were on tour, one fan said that the lead
> singer didn't look anything like they remembered from
> the album cover or the magazines, and was told that
> the original lead singer had died in a car crash. So
> who's that bloke touring with Rod Argent now?
The bloke currently posing as lead singer with the
Zombies *is* the lead singer, Colin Blunstone.
Reporting from recent gigs of this tour indicates
that he is better than ever.
Jake
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Message: 22
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 13:44:35 EST
From: Paul Richards
Subject: Re: Arbors day
Totally agree with you Mikey, The Arbors were brilliant.
'Symphony for Susan' is such a great track. I've got a UK
version by The King Brothers from '66 on Page One which is
also pretty fantastic but The Arbors version beats all.
The Arbors voices will be known to most people by the
'Green Giant' 70's ads.
Paul
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Message: 23
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 14:28:48 EST
From: John Berg
Subject: Re: Lownly Crowde
I suspect "The Lownly Crowde" was yet another studio-only
aggregation, but would love to be proven wrong by someone
in the know.
In the meantime, thanks to Harvey for playing this recording!
John Berg
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Message: 24
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 16:56:35 EST
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: RIP Gene Hughes; Sandy Songs; Respectable; Happy together
"Now we can tell him goodbye......" Wish I'd been there.
A toast to you, Gene Hughes, and your wonderful voice.
Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone. Johnny Crawford covered
Larry Hall's "Sandy". But Dion's "Sandy" and Ronny & The
Daytonas' "Sandy" are 2 completely different tunes, right?
According to Whitburn's Top Pop if I'm not mistaken.
Not, of course, to be confused with "Sandy" from Grease--but
that's not a S'pop era tune.
Thank you Fred Clemens for clearing up the info on
"Respectable" and for teaching me a new thing. Didn't know
those oh-so-talented Isleys did the original. Seems like
they inspired dozens of remakes!
My take on the "How is the weather...?" at the end of "Happy
Together" back in '67 was that rain or shine, snowstorm or
tornado, we're in love. Well, after all...I was eleven,
gimme a break! ! !
Bobster
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Message: 25
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2004 22:26:02 -0000
From: Janet Bonica
Subject: Re: Al Kooper & The Surfer Girls
Mick Patrick:
> Hey Al, what can you tell us about the Surfer Girls? As far as
> I know this outfit released just one record, "One Boy Tells
> Another" (Columbia 43001, 1964), written by yourself with Bob
> Brass and Irwin Levine. Steve Venet produced the track and Denny
> Randell was the arranger. What great label copy! And what a way
> cool record. Were the Surfer Girls perhaps another group in
> disguise? We girl group anoraks neeeeeeeeed to know such things.
The Surfer Girls were a Staten Island duo from New Dorp H.S.
comprised of Lorraine Bonica on lead (my cousin) and Janice
Bartholomew. They were originally called the Durettes. When
Columbia signed them on, the record comany changed the name of the
group and added a third voice. Unfortunately, Lorraine passed away
about 15 years ago. I don't know anything about Janice. I think I
heard that she moved to Florida. I still have their publicity shot
from Columbia Records. Draggin' Wagon was the "A" side.
Fellow Staten Islanders Vito Picone (of the Elegants "Little Star")
and Ron Dante may remember more about the group.
Janet Bonica
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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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