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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. re: Playboy Records
From: Harvey Williams
2. Re: Youm made me love you
From: Paul Balser
3. The Aladdin label
From: Richard Havers
4. Re: Baby Jane Holzer
From: Steve Harvey
5. Re: Rosco Gordon
From: Richard Havers
6. Remembering the Ozark Jubilee
From: Don Charles
7. Re: Sue Raney / Margo Guryan
From: Patrick Rands
8. Re: Jim Fairs from the Cryan' Shames
From: Karl
9. Re: Jim Fairs from the Cryan' Shames
From: Scott Charbonneau
10. Re: Baby Jane Holzer
From: Bill Reed
11. Re: Kenny Who?
From: Andrew Jones
12. Instrumental hits
From: Phil Milstein
13. Re: Youm / My Boyfriend's Woody
From: Phil Milstein
14. Earl-Jean; Kenny O'Dell; UNI; Aladdin/blues; Connie & the Cones; "Woody"
From: Country Paul
15. Re: British Blues
From: Richard Williams
16. Re: Kenny Who?
From: Greg
17. Re: Playboy Records
From: Austin Powell
18. Donna Lynn
From: Andres
19. Re: Fading Yellow CDs
From: Martin Jensen
20. Re: Jim Fairs and the Cryan Shames
From: Clark Besch
21. Re: Richard Perry / Tiny Tim
From: Phil Milstein
22. Re: Richard Williams - Out Of His Head
From: Martin Roberts
23. Re: Playboy Records
From: Bill Brown
24. "refusing to play a chart topper"
From: Tom Taber
25. Re: Roscoe Gordon
From: TD
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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 22:36:53 +0100
From: Harvey Williams
Subject: re: Playboy Records
Has anyone mentioned the fact that the earliest US Abba records
(when they were still working under the name "Bjorn & Benny with
Anna & Frieda") were issued by Playboy in 1972/73, pre-Eurovision
win?
harveyw
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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 17:36:39 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
From: Paul Balser
Subject: Re: Youm made me love you
David A. Young:
> The provocatively named Paul Balser requested information about the
> CD availability of the song "(You Can't Take) My Boyfriend's Woody"
> as recorded by The Powder Puffs and The Angels. The latter version
> appears on their Polygram "Best of" collection, which at this time
> appears to be available on cassette but out of print on CD (!?).
> To my knowledge, The Powder Puffs' version has yet to appear on a
> legit CD, although it is found on the "gray area" compilation "Surf
> Bunnies and Hot Rod Honeys" -- and, for now at least, in musica,
> alongside its backing track, released as "Youm" by Bassett Hand.
Thanks for the info.
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Message: 3
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 22:47:24 +0100
From: Richard Havers
Subject: The Aladdin label
Mike Rashkow wrote:
> I think Shirley and Lee out of New Orleans were on Alladin, which I
> beleive was a Chess sub label. One of the first 78's I owned was
> their "I'm Gone". Everyone remembers "Come On Baby Let The Good
> Times Roll", I'm not sure what label that was on--perhaps Imperial.
Aladdin was an LA label, that started out as Philco, and sold out to
Imperial in 1962. Started by Eddie and Leo Mesner they set about
signing some of the best Jump Blues artists in Southern California,
including, Amos Milburn and Charles Brown. Aladdin were one of the
first labels to issue R&B albums. Shirley and Lee were also on Aladdin.
'I'm Gone' dates from 1952, 'Let the Good Times Roll' from 1956 but it
was rereleased on Imperial after they bought the Aladdin back catalogue.
Richard
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Message: 4
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 15:00:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: Baby Jane Holzer
Mark wrote:
> Anyone know anything about her? I have an episode of a 60s rock show,
> maybe Hullaballoo but I'm not sure, with her doing a nice song. All
> I've found on vinyl is 1 45 on Atco that's pretty> good. Was she a
> model who tried singing, ala Twiggy?
She was one of Andy Warhol's starlets. Her singing "ability" made Nico
> sound like friggin' Caruso in comparison.
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Message: 5
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 23:06:15 +0100
From: Richard Havers
Subject: Re: Rosco Gordon
Art Longmire wrote:
> Speaking of Vee Jay, I think that was the label that Rosco Gordon
> recorded on-there was a nice segment on Rosco where he went into a
> record store and said "Hey, wait a minute-my records aren't in here!"
> I really dug the part where he and his band played his great 50's hit
> "No More Doggin'".
'No More Doggin' originally came out on RPM in 1952, but was rereleased
on Vee Jay when Roscoe had a 1960 hit with 'Just a little Bit (on Vee
Jay). Neither were Roscoe's biggest hits, in 1952 'Booted' got to No.1
on the R&B charts. A couple of years ago I was in Memphis with a
friend and one afternoon we went to the basement of a small downtown
shopping Mall where there was to be a Blues festival that weekend. As
we walked down the steps we heard the unmistakable sound of Just a
Little Bit . Roscoe himself was at the piano rehearsing with a small
band and we sat and listened for about twenty minutes until Roscoe
finished. My friend asked him if we had missed him playing Booted.
“Man I don’t play that song no more. In fact I ain’t played it since
1953. I toured with BB King around the chittlin’ circuit for 6 months
and played that song six times every night, I got so fed up I ain’t
played it ever since.” Can you imagine another artist refusing to play
their only chart topper?
Roscoe had been a feature of the Memphis Blues scene for most of the
late 1940s and 1950s, he recorded with Sam Phillips. He played what
became known as 'Rosco's Rhythm', as much a shuffle as it was a boogie,
it had elements of Jamaican Blue Beat about it. Sadly Roscoe died last
year in New York.
Richard
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Message: 6
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 22:16:53 -0000
From: Don Charles
Subject: Remembering the Ozark Jubilee
This is a little off-topic, but I want to alert anyone at Spectropop
who's a fan of vintage country music to the publication of a great
new book.
REMEMBERING THE OZARK JUBILEE was written by my friend Reta
Sylvester. It's a beautiful coffee table-sized book that chronicles
the history of the "Ozark Jubilee" TV show which ran from 1953 to
1961 under various titles. An offshoot of the old barn dance radio
shows of the 1930s and '40s, "Ozark Jubilee" originated from
Springfield, Missouri, and was hosted by country legend Red Foley
(father-in-law of Pat Boone).
It was the first nationally-broadcast country music variety show in
the United States. Several future country stars appeared
on "Jubilee," most notably Porter Wagoner, Brenda Lee and Mel Tillis,
but there were established stars, too, like Patsy Cline, The Carter
Sisters, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, Ferlin Husky, Pat Boone, Carl
Smith and Rex Allen. There were also lesser-known talents such as
Tommy Sosebee and Speedy Haworth, whom Reta profiles extensively.
Reta's book contains numerous interviews with "Ozark Jubilee" cast
and crew, and she's packed it with loads of celebrity photographs
that depict the Golden Age of country music. Cowboys!
Squaredancers! Unforgettable hairdos! There's a shot of cowboy icon
Tex Ritter that alone is worth the purchase price, but in addition to
the photos, REMEMBERING THE OZARK JUBILEE is a great read and a
wonderful slice of Americana. The book was privately published; Reta
is currently looking for a national distributor. Copies of the book
can be ordered directly from her ($20.00 + $3.00 shipping and
handling). Anyone interested can reach her via snail mail:
Reta Sylvester
1845 South Pickwick Avenue
Springfield, Missouri 65804
You may have seen the "Ozark Jubilee" documentary that's been airing
on selected PBS stations . . . now you can own a little piece of that
history.
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Message: 7
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 23:55:14 -0000
From: Patrick Rands
Subject: Re: Sue Raney / Margo Guryan
Sue Raney's performance of the Margo Guryan composition Sunday
Mornin' is now playing in musica. Enjoy!
:Patrick
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Message: 8
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:07:50 -0000
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Jim Fairs from the Cryan' Shames
Martin Fensen:
> I've recently bought the Cryan' Shames first two albums, and love
> the songs of Jim Fairs. I was particularly won over by the mellow B-
> side 'The Warm', which he singlehandedly recorded and sang lead &
> harmonies on. Now, does anyone here know what he went on to do after
> quitting the Shames around 68? It seems to me that he was really up
> to something great...
In 1969 Jim Fairs recorded with Tom Rapp and Pearls Before Swine on
their album These Things Too.
Karl
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Message: 9
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:07:57 -0000
From: Scott Charbonneau
Subject: Re: Jim Fairs from the Cryan' Shames
Martin Jensen wrote:
> I've recently bought the Cryan' Shames first two albums, and love
> the songs of Jim Fairs. I was particularly won over by the mellow B-
> side 'The Warm', which he singlehandedly recorded and sang lead &
> harmonies on. Now, does anyone here know what he went on to do after
> quitting the Shames around 68? It seems to me that he was really up
> to something great...
Jim is listed as producer, or at the very least co-producer, of
Pearls Before Swine's These Things Too LP (Reprise 1969)
Scott
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Message: 10
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:08:16 -0000
From: Bill Reed
Subject: Re: Baby Jane Holzer
Mark wrote:
> Anyone know anything about her? I have an episode of a 60s rock
> show, maybe Hullaballoo but I'm not sure, with her doing a nice
> song.
Holzer was a major figure in the Andy Warhol "Factory" scene of the
1960s. Essentially, she was famous for being famous. The first Warhol
Superstar---in his silent movies only---very attractive and
sophisticated New York socialite, and was written up by Tom Wolfe in
his Kandy Koated, etc. I have always been under the impression that
she never did anything. . .much less sing.
And, oh yeah, she took Andy to the Proust Ball.
Bill Reed
http://www.cllrdr.com
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Message: 11
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 23:30:13 -0400 (EDT)
From: Andrew Jones
Subject: Re: Kenny Who?
Mac Joseph: I can tell you Kenny's last name - it's Nolan.
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Message: 12
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 20:33:08 -0400
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Instrumental hits
The late 1950s to early '70s saw a vast array of instrumental songs
clank around the U.S. charts. Off the top of my head I can think of Dave
B. Cortez's "Happy Organ" and "Rinky Dink," The T-Bones' "No Matter What
Shape," Cliff Nobles' "The Horse," Vince Guaraldi's "Cast Your Fate To
The Wind" and The Brass Ring's "The Disadvantages Of You." I'm sure
there are dozens more.
However, with these songs lacking any lyrical mnemonics and me lacking
any innate musicality, I often have trouble conjuring a riff from the
song's title, or, conversely, conjuring the song's name upon hearing it.
In an effort to create a personal reference guide to the great '60s
instrumental hits, I've decided to whip up a compilation CD of them.
Here is where y'all come in: I could use some help compiling a list of
such titles.
Are you ready, boots? Start listing ...
--Phil Milstein
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Message: 13
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:05:17 -0400
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Re: Youm / My Boyfriend's Woody
David A. Young wrote:
> To my knowledge, The Powder Puffs' version has yet to appear on a
> legit CD, although it is found on the "gray area" compilation "Surf
> Bunnies and Hot Rod Honeys" -- and, for now at least, in musica,
> alongside its backing track, released as "Youm" by Bassett Hand.
Wow, what a great rockin' record! Amazing that FGG could build two such
diverse atmospheres out of the same basic tracks. Anyone know if The
Powder Puffs was a real group or studio concoction?
--Phil M.
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Message: 14
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:53:37 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: Earl-Jean; Kenny O'Dell; UNI; Aladdin/blues; Connie & the Cones; "Woody"
>From Mac Jospeh:
> Whatever became of Earl Jean McCrae, the sultry, sexy voice behind the
> original "I'm into Somethin Good", shortly thereafter covered by Hermans
> Hermits?
>From oldies.com, this capsule:
[Born] Ethel "Earl-Jean" McCrea, North Carolina, USA. Together with Margie
Hendrix and Pat Lyles she formed the Cookies, who first recorded on Lamp in
1954. They joined Atlantic Records in 1955 and were heard singing backing
vocals on many hits on that label in the mid-50s. They had their own Top 10
R&B hit in 1956 with "In Paradise" and shortly afterwards went to work with
Ray Charles under the name the Raelettes. Earl-Jean re-formed the group with
new members Dorothy Jones and Margaret Ross in 1962, and signed to Goffin
And King's Dimension label as both artists and session singers. They had US
Top 20 hits with "Chains" (later recorded by the Beatles) and "Don't Say
Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)". In 1964 Earl-Jean went solo on Colpix and her
first single, "I'm Into Something Good", another Goffin and King
composition, became her only US hit, reaching the bottom of the Top 40. A
year later, the song became a UK number 1 hit for Herman's Hermits.
Earl-Jean's follow-up single, "Randy", failed to chart, and although she
continued to record as Darlene McCrae, she was unable to achieve consistent
success.
...plus the superb write-up at http://www.spectropop.com/gg/cookies.html by
John Cook, which notes that Darlene was not Earl-Jean but her sister.
Mac again:
> ...a guy by the name of Kenny...... I think he's the same guy that had
> "I Like Dreamin", anyway it wasn't a remake, he had written a song called
> "Today I Met, The Girl I'm Gonna Marry". The last name will come to me,
> will post it as soon as I Identify him.
Would that be Kenny O'Dell?
Clark Besch:
> Love this (If We Stick Together) song that did chart on Denver's KIMN.
> Kinda "Dylan takes 'Eve of Destruction' and puts opposing twist on it"????
Also a longtime favorite of mine. Several early UNI releases were quite
interesting - this one, the aforementioned Rainy Daze 45, and Fever Tree's
"San Francisco Girls" leap immediately to mind. By the way, I'm sure the
Rainy "Days" misspelling leapt into the discussion because of Justin's
voice-transcription system.
Rashkovsky:
> I think Shirley and Lee out of New Orleans were on Alladin, which I
> believe was a Chess sub label. One of the first 78's I owned was their
> "I'm Gone". Everyone remembers "Come On Baby Let The Good Times Roll",
> I'm not sure what label that was on--perhaps Imperial.
I think they were both on Aladdin, which was an indie out of Hollywood or
LA. By the way, I've only seen part of one episode - the last part of the
Electric Mud/Marshall Chess segment. Forgive me if my opinion doesn't line
up with others here, but I thought Marshall Chess was ego-tripping all over
the place, the original players were very cool, but the hip-hop overlay was
irksome. (And I still think Electric Mud is far from great.) Other friends
tell me that I wasn't watching the best section of the series; thus I
promise to try to catch the inevitable reruns - what you folks are
describing sounds a lot cooler than what I saw.
Ian Slater:
> Connie and the Cones....Does anyone know anything about this female
> lead doo-wop type group, or have any pictures of them? "I See the
> Image of You" is a great favourite of mine.
"Take All the Kisses" (Roulette 4313, 1960) received some airplay in New
York, and is long-time favorite of mine - there's a double lead, a fifth
apart in the intro of each verse of this pretty doo-wop ballad, that's
really unique. I had no idea they did anything else, nor do I know anything
about them. Thus, I never heard your favorite track, but would like to; is
it doo-wop too?
David Young, thank you for the Powder Puffs' "My Boyfriend's Woody!" It's
interesting to hear a melody over the track, and the track really drives
even harder (no pun intended) in the cleaner mix.
Country Paul
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Message: 15
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 10:16:14 +0100
From: Richard Williams
Subject: Re: British Blues
Richard Havers wrote:
> Richard, do you know if the Sister Rosetta and the Muddy footage is
> from the 1964 TV special filmed on Alexandra Park railway station?"
Dunno, but I'll try emailing Figgis to find out. You're right about the
crucial importance of the British blues scene to the way rock developed in
the '60s and '70s. Unfortunately a harsh judgement would also say that it
has to carry the can for heavy metal and Spinal Tap. But none of us could
know that as we watched Long John's Hoochie Coochie Men on stage at the
Dancing Slipper in Nottingham one night in 1964, with Geoff Bradford on
guitar, Johnny Parker on piano, Cliff Barton on bass guitar and Carlo
Little on drums, when Rod Stewart arrived on stage to sing "Dimples" and
blew the place apart.
Richard Williams
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Message: 16
Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2003 23:47:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: Greg
Subject: Re: Kenny Who?
Mac Joseph:
> Back in the seventies, a guy by the name of Kenny...... (I think he's
> the same guy that had "I Like Dreamin", anyway it wasn't a remake, he
> had written a song called "Today I Met, The Girl I'm Gonna Marry". The
> last name will come to me, will post it as soon as I Identify him.
That would be Kenny NOLAN, Mac! If I'm not mistaken, he also wrote "My
Eyes Adored You" recorded by Frankie Valli.
Greg,
who has that Kenny Nolan LP in the archives, somewhere...
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Message: 17
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 07:30:22 +0100
From: Austin Powell
Subject: Re: Playboy Records
Mikey wrote:
> THATS a cool idea for a new Cd...The Best of Playboy Records......
Here in the U.K., Pye released a handful of Playboy singles and at least
the Barbi Benton and Hamilton, Joe Franks & Reynols albums on their Pye
International imprint, but somehow my collection also includes the Playboy
single (# 50018 not released in the UK), "Another Town Another Train" by
Bjorn & Benny with Anna & Frieda released in 1973. The two girls get half-
billing to the guys, so no "Abba". The B side was "I Am Just A Girl".
..and anyone tempted to do a "Best Of Playboy Records" should go knocking
on Sony's door - that company purchased most of the Playboy masters when
the label closed down.
Best to all, Austin
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Message: 18
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 12:46:41 -0000
From: Andres
Subject: Donna Lynn
Check Photos section for a new /old pic of the fabulous Donna Lynn.
All the best
Andres
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Message: 19
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 06:58:17 -0000
From: Martin Jensen
Subject: Re: Fading Yellow CDs
Mark wrote:
> I just picked up Volume 1 and I have to say I'm not impressed. My
> usual way of judging something is if I keep grabbing for the CD case
> and looking to see who did a song that sounds really good. CD 1 - No
> grabs. I was hoping for something as good as the Melody Goes On CDs
> or the Ripples series. Do they get better with subsequent volumes or
> am I looking for a sound (sunshine/harmony pop) that is not there?
I would like to join Mark in asking this question. I've been thinking
about buying the all-American vol. 2 and 3, and also look for
sunshine/harmony pop. Does the stuff on those two cds fit that genre?
Martin, Denmark
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Message: 20
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 16:02:35 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: Jim Fairs and the Cryan Shames
Martin Jensen wrote:
> I've recently bought the Cryan' Shames first two albums, and love the
> songs of Jim Fairs. I was particularly won over by the mellow B-side
> 'The Warm', which he singlehandedly recorded and sang lead &
> harmonies on. Now, does anyone here know what he went on to do after
> quitting the Shames around 68? It seems to me that he was really up
> to something great...
Martin, I would like to think I am the biggest Cryan Shames fan in
the world. Well, at least the biggest that has not set foot in
Chicago since before the Shames were together. I was lucky enough to
write the liner notes for their 1991 Sony comp. Last year Sundazed
reissued all three of their original albums with bonus cuts on Cd! I
suggest all who love the Shames buy these. I was again lucky to
write the notes for those 3 Cds too. Between 91 and 2002, I found a
lot of info including meeting and hearing the group live--finally!
Altho Fairs is not in the group anymore, he joined them last year at
the Chicago Hard Rock Cafe for the placing of group member J.C.
Hooke's "hook" on the wall of the cafe! They sounded great!
Art Longmire wrote:
> I don't really have any info on Jim Fairs, just wanted to say that I
> also am a big fan of "The Warm"-it has long been one of my favorite
> tunes, and I also wondered about Fairs when I first heard the song.
> What's all the more amazing is that he was only in his early 20's
> when he did this wonderful song.
Art, I love "The Warm" and Martin was correct in that it was done
completely by Fairs--all vocals and all instruments. The following
time line of 1968 shows Jim Fairs had quite a year! Christmas day 67
as the Shames 2nd album, "A Scratch in the Sky" was just appearing in
Chicago stores, the group performed the unreleased and unrecorded
Fairs original, "Christmas Song", for the Children's Ward at Cook
County Hospital. Also around this time, Fairs is inspired by Rod
McKuen's new book of poetry, "Listen to the Warm" (released on Cd in
1997), to write his own version, "The Warm".
"The Warm" was first performed by the Shames "live" on February 9,
1968 at Oak Park Illinois River Forest High School. Two days
later, "Greensburg" was to be recorded to be paired with "Young Birds
Fly" for an upcoming single. That single never came to be, with both
songs ending up as their next 2 "A" sides following their then yet to
be released single "Up on the Roof"! It amazes me how long it takes
for songs to become records!
During this period, they got their first taste of national TV,
almost. They performed "Up on the Roof" on an ABC pilot of the Red
Saunders Show. Unfortunately, the show didn't make it to air.
However, the last week of June, they were in Champaign, Ill. filming
on the University of Illinois campus for NBC's summertime replacement
show, "Showcase '68". The host was the ridiculously "uncool" Lloyd
Thaxton. Finally, the Shames had their national debut and they did
great. In what could be considered a 1968 "reality" show, all the
music artists competed for $10000 in music equipment, etc. over a 2
month period. Despite WLS Dj Clark Weber (could he ever pick music
anyway?) being one of the judges, the Shames were beat out on their
show by blues singer Joe Turner (don't think it was the "Big" Joe
Turner tho). Eventually, Sly & the Family Stone won the contest. I
digress....the Shames performed a short harmony laden (of course all
the group were in this vocal rendition vs. recorded version) "The
Warm" as well as the new song yet to be released (6 months before
we'd hear it on vinyl!) "First Train to California".
The show aired in July, a wild month for the group. July 8-11, they
went to New York City to record the three songs, "Greenburg", "First
Train" and "The Warm". Later, they returned to record "20th
Song", "Your Love", "Master's Fool", and "It's Alright". A lot was
going on. Drummer, Denny Conroy, had joined the Navy. The Shames'
management was undergoing changes. Their MG Productions was merging
with fellow Chicago company, Dunwich, under the Bill Traut Dunwich
name. During July, Fairs wrote 15 songs and got some interest in
producing, helping with Atlantic's "Super Hits" LP package. Always
interested in studio wizardry over stage shows, Fairs decided
producing was for him. On July 29, Fairs played his last gig with
the group at the New Place in Algonquin, Il.
In the next month or so, Dave Carter of the recently disbanded
"Saturday's Children" would become Fairs' permanent replacement. Fairs
stayed around to help Dave adjust. In August, Fairs helped with the
producing of albums by Mama Cass and the Electric Flag.
Tho Fairs was not with the group anymore, his great 45 of "Greenburg"
and "The Warm" was released on September 2, 1968. Both sides written
by him. Fairs continued to work in production as other Shames
members would eventually also do. 1968 was most certainly a wild
year for the Shames and Fairs. By January, 1969 the group's third
album was in the stores and hope seemed great. A year later, the
band would fold. Today, the Cryan Shames still perform all their 45s
in concert in the Chicago area with Jim Pilster (J.C. Hooke) at the
helm.
Art again:
> I too would like to find out if he did any further recordings after
> leaving the Cryan Shames. I have seen records by Isaac Guillory, the
> member of the Shames who wrote "Greenburg, Glickstein, etc."-I seem to
> remember hearing that he passed away recently.
Art, in the past year, James Fairs fronts his "The James Band" has
released a new Cd. He is still a visionary in the technical music
world. You can catch up with his current work at his company's
website: http://www.bananawhale.com
Sadly, Isaac Guillory passed away Dec. 31, 2000 of undetected cancer.
In July, 2001, original Shames bassist Dave Purple (nicknamed "Grape")
died also. He won a Grammy for best engineering on Isaac Hayes' "Theme
from Shaft" in 1971. You can read and leave memories at the Shames'
website: http://www.cryanshames.com
Hope all this helps! Now, we all need a nap. Sorry! Take care,
Clark Besch
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Message: 21
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 11:39:41 +0000
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Re: Richard Perry / Tiny Tim
I've just learned that regular Rhino will soon be reissuing Rhino
Handmade's fantastic Tiny Tim's live at Royal Albert Hall CD, which
was music directed and recorded by Richard Perry (who fortunately held
onto the tapes all these years). As far as I'm aware, this is Rhino's
first pickup of a Handmade release. I believe the release date is Nov.
4, and that preorders are now being taken.
--Phil M.
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Message: 22
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 20:29:04 +0100
From: Martin Roberts
Subject: Re: Richard Williams - Out Of His Head
I'm not sure that the earlier mentions of Richard William's book,
"Phil Spector - Out Of His Head" (Omnibus Press) have described its
contents accurately.
I had to seek out a copy of the original book, my Spector collecting
having started after it was first published in 1974 but this was the
first to offer a considered review of Spector's life and work.
Despite not quite having the emotional attachment I have to Rob
Finnis's later tome, "The Phil Spector Story" - who could forget Rock-
On's shop window in Camden, piled high with the brightly coloured red
book? - it makes a marvellous read with first hand interviews and as
to be expected from a writer of Richard William's stature, detailed
and insightful reviews of the music and Spector's influences, plus
thoughtful comments on the people around him.
At first sight I suppose the book could be thought of as a cash-in and
I assume Mr. Spector's current difficulties will not harm the sales
but Richard is a writer whose integrity does not deserve to be hastily
challenged, the book truly is a re-write. Besides the obvious new
pictures and chapter dealing with Phil Spector's later productions, on
reading the book (I'm halfway through now) it is apparent that lots of
the text has been updated and new information added. Who amongst us
would not love to be able to go back thirty years and correct the
'errors' of our youth!
If you have an interest in Phil Spector's music and/or his life and
have not read this book than I'd urge you to get a copy. Likewise if
you read the earlier book get a new one!
In the acknowledgements it's nice to see the Spectropop site get a good
mention, with the late Jamie LePage, Mick Patrick, Phil Chapman, Mike
Rashkow and particularly Ian Chapman getting a personal thank you and
'Country' Paul Payton's excellent Carol Connors interview being singled
out as a highlight.
Martin
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Message: 23
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 12:58:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: Bill Brown
Subject: Re: Playboy Records
Mikey:
> THATS a cool idea for a new Cd...The Best of Playboy Records
If anyone is successful at getting someone to do this, make sure
the CD includes Glenn Shorrock's recordings with the label,
especially "Daydream Sunday".
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Message: 24
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 13:03:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Taber
Subject: "refusing to play a chart topper"
Richard Havers asked:
> Can you imagine another artist refusing to play their only chart topper?
When Bobby Lewis appeared in my little town in the 80's, he had at least
20 minutes on stage, and, for what ever reason, didn't play "One Track
Mind," which I believe was his only other big hit (he did perform "Tossin'
and Turnin'").
Tom Taber
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Message: 25
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2003 16:12:34 -0400
From: TD
Subject: Re: Roscoe Gordon
Art, good story about Roscoe Gordon. I can understand why Roscoe didn't
want to play "Booted" anymore, but the movie maker still should have
played Roscoe's "Booted" and "You Figure it Out".
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