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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 17 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Roberta Day
From: Richard Havers
2. Re: Ellie's Birthday
From: Mac Joseph
3. Mike Smith
From: Steve Harvey
4. Mike Smith Press Release
From: Norman
5. Jackie Lee
From: Mick Patrick
6. Re: Roberta Day
From: Steve Crump
7. Mariya Takeuchi
From: Bill Reed
8. Sandy Posey RPM disc review
From: Patrick Rands
9. Re: Roberta Day / Vince Hill in Bert Russell shock
From: Mick Patrick
10. Re: To know him is to love him.......in court
From: Paul Underwood
11. EMI / Capitol labels
From: Frank
12. Dean Martin p/c
From: Joe Panzarella
13. Joanie Sommers / Before And After / Hullaballo tv show 1965
From: Steve
14. Re: Sandy Posey RPM disc review
From: Jim Allio
15. Manhattan Transfer on musica
From: Michael Edwards
16. Faux Shangs / Lynn Coleman
From: Mick Patrick
17. Re: Joanie Sommers / Before And After / Hullaballoo tv show 1965
From: Phil Milstein
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Message: 1
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 09:42:46 +0000
From: Richard Havers
Subject: Re: Roberta Day
Mick Patrick wrote:
> ...I require songwriter, arranger, producer and publisher
> information for the following record: Roberta Day "Someday"
> (United Artists 792, 1964).
Mick
It was composed by Roberta Day and published by EMI UNART Catalog Inc.
That much I can tell you.
R
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Message: 2
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2003 10:00:45 -0800 (PST)
From: Mac Joseph
Subject: Re: Ellie's Birthday
Joe Somsky wrote:
> Thank You ALL for attending the Lou Christie Show at the Bottom
> Line in Manhattan on Tuesday night. Among the audience celebs were
> the Shepherd Sisters! Billy J. Kramer, Jay Seigel, Fan Club Members
> and many record collectors. The Ellie Greenwich Fan Club will be
> celebrating our 20th anniversary in January! What a treat knowing
> all of YOU for so many years! A very happy birthday today to our
> wonderful legendary lady!
Hello, Spectropoppers;
Got a question for you folks. Can anyone give me or send me some info
on joining Ellies Fan Club? I ,too am an admirer of her music and
would be very nterested in joining. Thanks much, guys (and gals).
Mac Joseph
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Message: 3
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2003 11:25:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Mike Smith
Mike Smith's son died in a diving accident last summer. I think he
was trying to aid some other divers in trouble, in Spanish waters.
Mike lives in Spain and that's where his fall happened. Too much
tragedy for one family.
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Message: 4
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 07:27:43 +1030
From: Norman
Subject: Mike Smith Press Release
Hello Spectroppers,
re: Mike Smith
courtesy of Lynn Briggs, here is a update on Mike Smith
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR MIKE SMITH TO TAKE PLACE IN NEW
YORK CITY
A benefit and tribute concert for Mike Smith, lead
singer of the legendary 60's British rock group The
Dave Clark Five, is being planned for New York City
according to his agent, Margo Lewis of TCI. Smith, who
sustained spinal cord injuries resulting from a fall
outside his home in the south of Spain on September
12, 2003, was transferred by air ambulance to an
undisclosed hospital in London on October 15, 2003
where he remains in very serious condition in an
intensive care unit. The event is being organized by
Lewis with the help of Smith's friends, including
"Little" Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band, and
Paul Shaffer of the Late Show with David Letterman.
Details of the event will be announced soon.
Smith's long time physician, Dr. Keith McKee, reports
that Smith is currently paralyzed from the waist down
and there is no movement of his right arm. Since there
was mobility in this arm immediately following the
accident Dr. McKee is hopeful that functionality will
return with the passage of time. Smith's use of his
left arm is limited. Dr. McKee also reports that
because the spinal cord was affected, numerous problems
have arisen including difficulty in breathing.
Accordingly, Smith was given a tracheotomy to
facilitate better use of a ventilator.
Smith's mental faculties were unaffected and he is able
to communicate by mouthing words. Determined to return
to the stage someday, his outlook remains positive and
the outpouring of emotional support from his fans
serves as inspiration. Smith's wife, Charlie, is at
his side night and day.
The Royal Theatrical Fund in London, which supports
performers in times of need, provided the air ambulance
from Spain to London. Smith encourages donations to
the fund, which can be made in his name. The Royal
Theatrical Fund will also accept cards and letters to
Mike from well-wishers but not flowers or gifts. Their
address is:
The Royal Theatrical Fund
11 Garrick Street
London WC2E 9AR
United Kingdom
Website: www.trtf.com
2003 marked a bittersweet year for Smith, the man who
Tom Petty calls "one of the best singers of the 60's."
After receiving rave reviews from fans and press alike
during his first US Tour in over three decades earlier
this year, on June 1st, Mike's only son, Jamie, a 23
year old SCUBA instructor, died off the coast of Egypt
while trying to rescue a lost group of divers. In August,
2003, Smith again took to the US stages appearing at
festivals and casinos in Las Vegas and the Mid -West.
Smith's recent US appearances included performances on
Late Show With David Letterman and at the Rock 'n' Roll
Hall of Fame.
------------------------------------------------------
Support the Royal Theatrical Fund Charity which is
helping Mike after his accident.Email me for info.
Mike Smith/Lenny Davidson Official Website and magazine:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Theater/9169/index2.html
Official Messageboard: http://www.voy.com/14321/
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Message: 5
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2003 22:23:52 -0000
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: Jackie Lee
Ken Mortimer asked:
> Anyone know what became of Jackie Lee (ex Raindrops)?
I answered:
> Yes, Jackie married an American millionaire, went to live
> in the USA, and then unfortunately lost her voice. Barry St.
> John told me this, so it's the gospel (ouch!).
Furthermore, I just discovered an entire website devoted to
this Queen Bee of British session singers. Contained therein
are scans of every record Jackie ever made and an excellent
biography. And that's just for starters. Take a look here:
http://www.jackielee.freeserve.co.uk/
Hey la,
Mick Patrick
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Message: 6
Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2003 22:30:08 -0000
From: Steve Crump
Subject: Re: Roberta Day
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Oh dear, my record collection has let me down, just when I needed
> it. So I need some help please. I require songwriter, arranger,
> producer and publisher information for the following record: Roberta
> Day "Someday" (United Artists 792, 1964). Hopefully, someone out
> there has a copy. I don't. Feh!
Hi Mick - how have you been??
Someday - Roberta Day - UA 792
Arr & Cond by Alan Lorber
Produced by Gerry Granahan
Unart Music Corp BMI
Matrix ZTSP 95030
And just to keep the foreign theme going - Italian singer Milva did
this song in 1965 as Ho Ritrovato la Felicita. Same arrangement,
though Milva's vocal is not as strong as Roberta's (on this track
anyway)
BTW Mick, just wanted to join with the others and say congrats on the
Phil's Spectre CD - superb in every respect!!
Ummmmmmmmmm - does this mean that perhaps "Someday" may turn up on a
comp you are working on??? (someday? - perhaps?)
Cheers from Oz
Steve
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Message: 7
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 00:07:54 -0000
From: Bill Reed
Subject: Mariya Takeuchi
The long-time pop star Mariya Takeuchi released her new CD on
Wednesday, and by the following day it was number one on the Japanese
Oricon (think "Billboard) album chart. Takeuchi started out in the
late 70's, and in this part of the world' longtime fan loyalty of
such magnitude is unheard of. . .at least as of late. Not to mention
anti-ageism.
Entitled "Longtime Favorites," the CD is simply that; covers of
recordings, of a wide stylistic range, for which Takeuchi has an
abiding affection. The production---the CD is arranged by her
husband, Tatsuro Yanmashita---should be of particular interest to
subscribers of this list.
The repertoire includes: "It Hurts to Be Sixteen" (orig. Andrea
Carroll), "Where the Boys Are" (Connie Frances rec. most of her big
U.S. hits in impeccable Japanese, and almost without exception they
were equally popular in that country) "You Don't Know" (Helen
Shapiro), "Johnny Angel" (Shelley Fabares),"Footsteps" (Steve
Lawrence), a duet with Yamashita on "Walk Right Back" (Everlys); a
duet with the legendary J-pop producer Eiichi Ohtaki (the Phil
Spector of Japan) on "Something Stupid," and "The End of the World"
(Skeeter Davis, though I think Julie London also had a hit with it in
Japan). There are also few MOR numbers (Shadow of Your Smile and
Windmills), a couple of Europop salutes, including homages to Mina
and Gigliola Cinquetti (the latter's 1964 San Remo winner "Non Ho
L'Eta'").
Takeuchi sings some of the songs in English; others are renedered in
Japanese translation. There doesn't appear to be much of a pattern.
Then on a separate disc, several of these same numbers are performed
in alternate languages.
Obviously Takeuchi's Japanese is up to code, but so too is her
English pronunciation ("L"'s are "L",s, "R"'s are "R"'s) as well as
her French and Italian.
When called for, strings are parcelled into the mix: a huge symphony
orchestra recorded at Abbey Road, with arrangements by Katsuhisa
Hattori. But the more Brill-ish tunes--Footsteps, etc.--- are
performed with suitably spare, verissimilitudinous backing.
Yamashita goes into great detail on his wife's web site as to how and
why he approached the arranging of each song, and the justification
for his (mostly subtle) deviation from the original charts. For
example, "Walk Right Back" is heard with a small brass band,
including tuba (!) unlike the Everly verion. Quite charming.
The second disc also includes a sprinkling of karaoke, and one
accapella reduction ("Footsteps").
I love this disc more than any other I've purchased in quite a while.
The problem is, of course, that like most Japanese imports, this one
is fairly pricey. So what if I have to skimp on my anti-seizure
medication for a week! So, big deal! It is all just tooooo nutty,
eccentric, ecclectic, personal. . .and wonderful.
Bill Reed
http://www.cllrdr.com
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Message: 8
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 01:57:36 -0000
From: Patrick Rands
Subject: Sandy Posey RPM disc review
I recently tweaked the Sandy Posey RPM disc review I originally
wrote in July of this year, please read the review and let me know
what you think!
http://www.gullbuy.com/buy/2003/7_29/poseysandy.htm
:Patrick
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Message: 9
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 12:03:13 -0000
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: Re: Roberta Day / Vince Hill in Bert Russell shock
Steve Crump:
> Hi Mick - how have you been??
> Someday - Roberta Day - UA 792
> Arr & Cond by Alan Lorber
> Produced by Gerry Granahan
> Unart Music Corp BMI
> Matrix ZTSP 95030
> Ummmmmmmmmm - does this mean that perhaps "Someday" may turn
> up on a comp you are working on??? (someday? - perhaps?)
> Cheers from Oz
Hey Steve, old mate. Thanks for the info. What great credits.
No wonder the record is so good - up there with Alder Ray and
Clydie King, if you ask me. Yes, if I have my evil way, there's
a good chance the Roberta Day track will be included on a CD in
the new year. Not before time.
Simon White:
> British uber-crooner Vince Hill did a song called "Push Push"
> written by Bert Russell (Berns) and Phil Medley. Whose is the
> original version - assuming this isn't it?
Hi Simon, how was Rio? The original version of "Push Push" was
by Austin Taylor on US Laurie 3067, a small hit late in 1960.
Is either version out on CD? Just wondered. Good singer, Vince.
Hey la,
Mick Patrick
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Message: 10
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 16:43:58 +0100
From: Paul Underwood
Subject: Re: To know him is to love him.......in court
Just a few more details about the "To know him is to love him" case.
The case seems to have been pretty straightforward and raised no
points of law needing to be reported in the legal press, apart from
the Appeal Court deciding in December 1996 that it was not too late
for the case to go ahead and be heard in January 1997.
Basically, Spector was contending that he signed a contract with
Warman Music in July 1958 and that 3 months later (around the time
that the record reached the American top 40: one wonders what sort
of deal it was) Warman Music assigned its non-USA rights (for 28
years) to Bourne Music. From 1986, Spector claimed, these rights
should return to him.
In December 1996, Spector's lawyers also argued that Warman had
made its agreement with Bourne without telling him, and without
getting the necessary permission from the California courts
(Spector was a minor at the time). It wasn't until the late 80's
that Spector found out about the Bourne-Warman contract. In the
Appeal Court case there seemed to be some scepticism over Spector's
unawareness of this contract for over 36 years, and the issue was
apparently not pursued, given the difficulty of contacting the
people concerned back in 1958.
The case and its outcome were reported in the British press at the
time. Spector won back the rights from the end of the 28-year
agreement. Here is an extract from the Times in January 1997:
> Jonathan Hirst, QC, for Mr Spector, said the song was first
> recorded by a group called the Teddy Bears. In fact, Mr Spector
> had played all the instruments bar the drums and the song's
> success had been the start of his "glittering career".
>
> Mr Justice Ferris, the presiding judge, said the song had failed
> to "ring any bells" with him. He was offered the opportunity of
> taking home with him a CD containing the song. "I think you will
> remember it when you hear it," Mr Hirst said.
Paul
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Message: 11
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 16:49:15 +0200
From: Frank
Subject: EMI / Capitol labels
I'm working on some EMI/Capitol CD releases. I wouldn't want to
miss some of the labels that Capitol acquired over the years. Can
anybody help me out with a list of the labels controlled by CAPITOL?
Frank
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Message: 12
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 15:52:48 -0000
From: Joe Panzarella
Subject: Dean Martin p/c
Does anyone know if there was a U.S. release 45 rpm picture cover for
Deans' "Everybody Loves Somebody"?
Joe "Joeytunes" Panzarella
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Message: 13
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 17:28:45 -0000
From: Steve
Subject: Joanie Sommers / Before And After / Hullaballo tv show 1965
For the gentleman who had a question regarding Joanie Sommers
singing "Before And After" on Hullaballo... You were asking about
a record release of that... I think that she just sang it on the
show as a tribute to the song which was riding the charts by Chad
and Jeremy on Columbia Records. The song was written by the late
Van McCoy.
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Message: 14
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 14:19:33 EST
From: Jim Allio
Subject: Re: Sandy Posey RPM disc review
Patrick Rands:
> I recently tweaked the Sandy Posey RPM disc review I originally
> wrote in July of this year, please read the review and let me know
> what you think: http://www.gullbuy.com/buy/2003/7_29/poseysandy.htm
What a great review! You really placed Sandy Posey's music in
context and did a spot-on analysis of the major songs. I remember
Posey so well from, especially, the summer of 1966 when "Born A
Woman" was a huge Bay Area hit. "You Don't Own Me" and "These Boots
Are Made for Walkin'" were harbingers, not the standard way of
looking at things, and "Respect" was not yet released. My sisters
snapped up the 45 of "Born A Woman" and sang it and its powerful flip,
"Caution to the Wind" for months. The sentiments which seem today
almost masochistic and victim- volunteerish, were in 1966 considered
to be really telling it like it was. The excellent follow-up,
"Single Girl," while a sizeable hit, did not solidify the buzz Posey
enjoyed with the first hit because the image of the sleeping around
secretary just waiting for her looks to go was veiled sleazy and
didn't really connect with the primarily teenage females who bought
the first record. It sure was ahead of its time in its honesty for
pop music. I remember thinking, "What happens to the Single Girl
when her looks go?"
Check out my review of the Lesley Gore tribute CD here if you have a
chance: http://www.gullbuy.com/buy/2001/10_30/index.cfm#top
Jim Allio
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Message: 15
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 20:37:45 -0000
From: Michael Edwards
Subject: Manhattan Transfer on musica
Clark Besch writes:
> Man, Rupert Holmes has been into everything! All the songs he
> wrote. Producing the semi-cool TV show "Remember WHEN" about a
> 30's/40's radio station. I really enjoyed the late 70's/early 80's
> post-"Him" 45s like "Morning Man", "I Don't Need You" and "The End".
> All 3 follow unusual methods and ideas like most of his songs, but
> turn out very good!
Country Paul follows:
> I'm behind again, so if Mike Edwards didn't yet post a note about
> what a superb time we had meeting Eddie Rambeau, Bud Rehak, Rupert
> Holmes and Diane Renay (plus our own Ronnie Allen and Brian Gari) at
> the Old Time Radio Convention in Newark, I will.
Thanks to Clark and Paul for the Rupert Holmes related messages. I
had forgotten that he wrote "Who What When Where Why", which was the
anchor song on Manhattan Transfer's 1978 LP, "Pastiche". Group member
Tim Hauser produced most of this album but they must have believed in
the Holmes' song as they brought in 70s' super-producer, Steve Barri
and session drummer, the late Jeff Porcaro to get that extra edge.
The two also contributed to "Pieces Of Dreams" (wr: Dick and Don
Addrisi) on the same album. I have not heard Rupert's original
version but it was issued on his "Singles" LP (not a greatest hits
compilation, btw) in the mid 70s. Carol "Doctors' Orders" Douglas cut
a disco styled version on one of her 70s' albums.
"Who What When Where Why" fits right in there with "Him" as a Holmes
classic. In the hands of Manhattan Transfer/Steve Barri it became a
timeless piece of pop confection. It was certainly the best thing
that the Manhattan Transfer did and it is now playing on musica.
Enjoy, Mike
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Message: 16
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 16:08:59 -0000
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: Faux Shangs / Lynn Coleman
John Frank wrote:
> In my not-so-humble opinion, of all the inhabitants of Girl
> Group Planet, The Shangri-las reign. Spector and Motown both
> spawned a lot of "copycat" singles -- releases that took the
> sound as a jumping-off point and tried to make a reasonable
> facsimile, resulting in a lot of great music (and a lot of
> crap). The Shangri-las, too, spawned copycat records that
> tried to capture the melodrama and sometimes the attitude of
> the Shangs. I'm listing some I've identified, and would
> welcome more! I'd like to track them down and make a
> compilation. I'm particularly interested in original songs
> ('60s vintage only, please), but am also accumulating a
> listing of covers, parodies and answer songs.
Another one for your delectation: "Viet Nam Diary" by Lynn
Coleman, released on Amigo 117, c.1966 - equal parts "Long
Live Our Love" and "Past, Present And Future". The Amigo label
operated out of Philadelphia. Maybe someone can identify Ms
Coleman's accent for me. Sample lyric: "Dear God, I miss him.
If I had to choose between life and death, I think I'd rather
die." (sniff)
This cheerful ditty is currently playing at musica:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spectropop/files/musica/
Hey la,
Mick Patrick
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Message: 17
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 15:23:33 -0500
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Re: Joanie Sommers / Before And After / Hullaballoo tv show 1965
Steve wrote:
> For the gentleman who had a question regarding Joanie Sommers
> singing "Before And After" on Hullaballoo ... You were asking about
> a record release of that... I think that she just sang it on the
> show as a tribute to the song which was riding the charts by Chad
> and Jeremy on Columbia Records. The song was written by the late
> Van McCoy.
That makes sense -- Hullaballoo had a weekly feature in which the guest
artists performed a medley of cover versions (usually running just a
verse and a chorus, although sometimes longer) of that week's Top 5
records. This led, as you might guess, both to some awkward and some
memorable musical moments.
--Phil M.
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