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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Voice of Bob
From: Paul Bryant
2. Re: Nouns Into Verbs
From: John Fox
3. Re: Orpheus / Bosstown Sound
From: Mark Frumento
4. Re: Del Shannon
From: Scott Swanson
5. Re: Burt Bacharach / Trini Lopez
From: Steveo
6. Ed Cobb
From: Bob Hanes
7. Re: Dirty Water
From: Steve Harvey
8. Ed Cobb
From: Phil Milstein
9. Re: Orpheus / R&B
From: Tom
10. Re: Snuff Garrett
From: Bill George
11. The Chapman LP
From: Eddy
12. Left Banke
From: Austin Roberts
13. Made In Paris
From: Eddy
14. Jim Croce
From: Artie Wayne
15. Judith or Judy Powell
From: Ken Mortimer
16. Re: The Orlons As Backup Singers
From: Jeffrey Mlinscek
17. Re: Ruby and the Romantics
From: Mac Joseph
18. Re: Good Lines
From: Mike Rashkow
19. Re: Burt Bacharach's First Production
From: Richard Havers
20. Re: Beatles covers - "I'll Be Back"
From: ACJ
21. CO & CE Records
From: Greg Matecko
22. Re: Beatles Covers
From: Scott Charbonneau
23. Apple's iTunes Top 10
From: Mike Edwards
24. Re: Orpheus / Bosstown Sound
From: James Botticelli
25. Re: Beatles covers
From: Artie Wayne
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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:57:37 -0000
From: Paul Bryant
Subject: Voice of Bob
S.J. Dibai wrote:
> I know what you mean about Dylan. Just listen to his version of "Mr.
> Tambourine Man"--fascinating lyrics delivered in a dull style with
> the singer mumbling his way through and mangling the melody. But The
> Byrds seized upon the best apsects of the song and transformed it
> into something special. This is why I like Dylan's songs more than
> his recordings. His vocal style doesn't appeal to me often, and the
> arrangements, well
Can't let this go by! Dylan has many vocal styles, not one. I'll not
list them all, but there's clearly a big difference between the angry
young folkie of "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" and the zonked
Yogi Bear impersonator of "Visions of Johanna", and the country
crooning of "I Threw it all Away" and the impassioned grieving of
"You're a Big Girl Now". So if you don't like his drug period, try
Blood on the Tracks. He really sings on that one.
Having said that, his original "Mr Tambourine Man" is to me one of his
strongest vocal performances - I hear a yearning for something better
than this poor quotidian existence, and a brief ecstatic vision of the
something better (to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand
waving free). I also love the Byrds' version, but I could argue that
they turn the song into a hit by pouring on those soulless bland (if
beautiful) harmonies, and rob the song of its real life. I could argue
that, but like I say, I love both versions, and that Rickenbacker
break propels the whole thing into a different dimension, one Bob
couldn't find.
Who are the real geniuses of 60s music? Lennon, McCartney, Brian
Wilson and Bob.
ever contentiously,
pb
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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 18:47:01 EST
From: John Fox
Subject: Re: Nouns Into Verbs
> I love nouns made into verbs. Once I again I go to Laura Nyro:
> "Can you surrey, can you picnic?" One of my favs.
On the same subject, a word ("to party") which some believe only
came into use as a verb in the 1980s, actually made an appearance
in 1962 in Claudine Clark's "Party Lights":
Oh mama dear, Oh tell me do you hear
They're partying tonight
Any earlier examples of this noun-as-verb?
John Fox
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Message: 3
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:00:17 -0000
From: Mark Frumento
Subject: Re: Orpheus / Bosstown Sound
Steven Prazak wrote:
> A big thanks to all S'poppers for alerting me to the wonderful
> Orpheus. I had purposely avoided anything even remotely connected
> to MGM's notorious "Bosstown Sound" for decades, although time
> has since done a fair share of that music a good service.
Another interesting little LP from Bosstown is Chamaeleon Church.
The band's main distinction was that Chevy Chase ranked among it's
members (don't laugh, he's actually quite good and even contributes
a credible pop vocal on one song). I would never compare CC to
Orpheus but the LP has a nice baroque pop sound with fairly
accomplished songs.
Vareses' The Best of the Boston Sound is worth getting if you're
heart isn't up for a whole LP of the stuff. One of the better songs
from the CC LP is on that CD. Also the great "Bright Lit Blue Skies"
by Rockin' Ramrods.
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Message: 4
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:12:55 -0800
From: Scott Swanson
Subject: Re: Del Shannon
C Ponti writes:
> Just yesterday I was in a shop where this quirky Willburys' boot
> was being played. One of the tracks, "Theme From....." (I get it
> mixed up with the Jack Bruce or Mountain song), was playing. It
> was an instrumental that had the Willburys playing behind this
> amazing analog effected Fender guitar, which I assumed was George.
> I learned while there it was a track they cut with Del.
Hmmm. This sounds like it might actually be "Theme For Something
Really Important" by Duane Eddy, which features at least 2 of the
Wilburys (Harrison & Lynne) but not Del.
I do know of 4 Wilbury-related Del Shannon recordings, though:
1. Hot Love (with Lynne, Petty & Harrison)
2. Lost In A Memory (with Lynne & Petty)
3. I Got You (The Bird's Song) (with Lynne & Petty)
4. Walk Away (with Lynne & Petty)
The songs were recorded c. 1989, and the sessions were a likely
catalyst in the rumors that he was about the replace Roy in the
Wilburys.
Hope this helps,
Scott
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Message: 5
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 16:17:34 -0800 (PST)
From: Steveo
Subject: Re: Burt Bacharach / Trini Lopez
Phil Milstein:
> Speaking of Burt & Hal, I caught a movie on TCM last night, "Made
> In Paris," starring Ann-Margret at her prime (c.'66?), that
> featured a Bacharach-David title theme, sung by Trini Lopez.
> Despite making it a practice to try and catch every pre-accident
> A-M flick, I'd never heard of this one before, and wonder if the
> song is well-known, released on record, covered, etc.
Phil, The song by Trini was released on Reprise but was a bomb. It
is well know to Bacharach collectors.
Steveo
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Message: 6
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 17:41:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Bob Hanes
Subject: Ed Cobb
Ed Cobb, the producer of the Standells was a Four Prep, Not a
Freshman. As a Prep, the first two, (sorta) live albums were done
at UCLA with Lincoln Mayorga and the Capitol Records Orchestra
(whoever that was). The third live lp I believe was indeed done
in Boston, but I could be wrong, about the location on that last
one.
The Right Reverend Bob, dumb angel chapel,
Church of the Harmonic Overdub
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Message: 7
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:01:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: Dirty Water
I always heard the "Dirty Water" had to do with the Boston
Strangler ("I'm a wishing and a hoping - Dusty where are you? -
that just once those doors weren't locked"). Reinforced by the
line "with lovers, buggers and thieves" for further criminal
elemental flavoring.
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Message: 8
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:28:07 -0500
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Ed Cobb
Contrary to my earlier statement, Ed Cobb was actually in The 4
Preps, not The 4 Frosh.
--Phil M.
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Message: 9
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 03:39:04 -0000
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Orpheus / R&B
Steven Prazak wrote:
> I do pick up a real nice breezy R&B vibe not unlike a Friends of
> Distinction or a Main Ingredient would appropriate a few years
> hence.
I think you're right on target with that observation. It's fine to
note similarities to The Association, early Jimmy Webb or any other
sunshine pop artist, but if you focus too much on it, you tend to
miss the fact that this band had some real soul.
Listen to Darius Rucker of Hootie & The Blowfish belting out "Can't
Find The Time" or the great Lee Andrews and Congress Alley performing
the Orpheus song from which they took their name and you'll see what
I mean. In addition to being sophisticated pop artists, Orpheus was
also an R&B group! That's probably why Bernard "Pretty" Purdie fit in
to the mix so well.
One other thing, I just noticed that the chords to "Can't Find The
Time" are nearly identical to the 1964 Billy Stewart classic,
"Sitting In The Park" - and you can't get any more soulful than that.
Tom
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Message: 10
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:41:21 EST
From: Bill George
Subject: Re: Snuff Garrett
Mark T. wrote:
> My taste is towards ultra-commercial, over-produced pop.
So we'll agree to disagree. While my tastes are extremely catholic,
I am a huge fan of raw, primal 50s rockabilly, post-punk 80s,
alternative country, etc. So we just come from different places.
Bill
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Message: 11
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:28:17 +0100
From: Eddy
Subject: The Chapman LP
Scott:
> I saw some guy on the Today Show a couple of weeks ago pawning the
> Chapman LP. It was kind of nausiating to see the pitch, though the
> guy didn't seem bothered by the concept at all. I forget how much
> they were expecting to get for the album, but it was pretty
> stunning.
It's supposed to go for about $ 500.000. I forget what the asking
price was first time around, but it sold for $ 100.000+. Moments in
Time claimed it had gone for $ 500.000 just to get more publicity. So
after that the original owner got to claim the rest of his payment
from MiT, thinking he was conned out of $ 400.000.
Eddy
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Message: 12
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 01:39:56 EST
From: Austin Roberts
Subject: Left Banke
In my humble opinion, the Left Banke was a very innovative force
at a time when Rock and pop were flexing their muscles. Walk
Away Renee, Pretty Ballerina, Desiree and a couple of their other
cuts were an unusual as important combination of great melodies,
different, absorbing lyrics, terrific lead singing but most of all,
I think Mike Brown's combination, classical, rock pop arrangements
(his father was a violinist with the New York Phiharmonic, I
believe), were so unique and the perfect marriage to the songs that
they developed their own niche. Not to degrade any covers, but
these were the genuine articles. As I said, one man's opinion.
Best wishes for a great holiday season to all, Austin Roberts
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Message: 13
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:42:12 +0100
From: Eddy
Subject: Made In Paris
Phil Milstein:
> Speaking of Burt & Hal, I caught a movie on TCM last night, "Made
> In Paris," starring Ann-Margret at her prime (c.'66?), that
> featured a Bacharach-David title theme, sung by Trini Lopez.
> Despite making it a practice to try and catch every pre-accident
> A-M flick, I'd never heard of this one before, and wonder if the
> song is well-known, released on record, covered, etc.
Phil, The song is available on the 3cd BB set The Look of Love as
well as on The Reel BB, a compilation of movie themes. The only cover
version I have been able to find is one by Bobby Byrne on his 1966
album Magnificent Movie Themes.
Merry Christmas one and all!
Eddy
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Message: 14
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 02:25:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Artie Wayne
Subject: Jim Croce
Austin........How ya' doin'? I'd be happy to send your best to
Patti Dahlstrom. I'm sure you must have some great stories about
Jim Croce......we'd all love to hear some of them!!
Wishing you the best for the holidays, Artie Wayne
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Message: 15
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:54:55 -0000
From: Ken Mortimer
Subject: Judith or Judy Powell
Hi Spectropoppers,
I wonder whether anyone can help. I've always taken a keen
interest in session singers and have gathered quite a good
knowledge about the work and careers of most of them. One name
from the '60s is a complete mystery to me - Judith (or Judy)
Powell. She seems to have been around the '60s session scene in
London but I can find nothing about her. Can anyone help.
Also, I'm really interested to know whether the Martha Smith who
recorded for Pye in the mid '60s and the Martha Smith who
recorded a one off single for RCA in 1976 ('Open Up Your Heart')
are one and the same.
Finally, does anyone know what became of 60's singer (and one
time member of the Piglets), Barbara Kay?
Merry Christmas everyone
Thanks
Ken
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Message: 16
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:43:16 -0500
From: Jeffrey Mlinscek
Subject: Re: The Orlons As Backup Singers
S.J. Dibai" wrote:
> Hello, Spectropoppers! I've read that The Orlons did some session
> singing before making their own records. Does anyone know of any
> specific recordings they sang on? For example, it sounds
> suspiciously like them on Bobby Rydell's "Good Time Baby."
The Orlons were supposedly also singing backup on those great comic
horror LP's by labelmate Zacherle.
Jeff M
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Message: 17
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 05:38:31 -0800 (PST)
From: Mac Joseph
Subject: Re: Ruby and the Romantics
Justin McDevitt:
> It's good to see some postings on this group regarding Ruby and
> The Romantics. My favorite song by this wonderful harmony group
> is When You're Young And In Love. Although I enjoy the
> Marvellettes early 1967 version of this track, R and The R's
> slower, softer treatment really brings out the essence of the
> lyrics, without that Motown edge.
Dear Justin, Just curious, is that the same "When you're young and
in love" that Dick and Dee Dee sang?
Mac Joseph
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Message: 18
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:52:38 EST
From: Mike Rashkow
Subject: Re: Good Lines
If I have not come to late too the fair, I'd like to offer this
chestnut as one of the best:
...there's no love song finer
but how strange the change from major to minor
every time we say goodbye.
Not being a musician, I've never been certain if they actually go
from a major key to a minor key at the appropriate juncture, by I
surely hope they do.
Di la,
Rashkovsky
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Message: 19
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:36:03 +0000
From: Richard Havers
Subject: Re: Burt Bacharach's First Production
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Here's a poser for all you Bacharach experts. What was the first
> record on which Burt was credited as producer? No prizes for the
> correct answer, except my admiration.
Phil Milstein:
> Lou Johnson?
Mick:
> Not correct. Bacharach's first credited production is earlier.
I know that BB worked with Vic Damone, as his piano player, around
'53/54. They had met in the army and on returning to civilian life
BB played piano for Damone on cabaret dates. Did it extend to
production?
Richard
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Message: 20
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:56:40 -0500 (EST)
From: ACJ
Subject: Re: Beatles covers - "I'll Be Back"
Speaking of non-copycat Beatles covers: did anyone do their "I'll Be
Back" in waltz time, the way John & Paul originally wrote it? I heard
the Beatles' waltz version on "Anthology 2" and thought it was lots
better than the released version.
ACJ
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Message: 21
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:11:39 -0500 (EST)
From: Greg Matecko
Subject: CO & CE Records
> The Vogues recorded in America on the label CO & CE Records, a
> label formed by Herb Cohen out of Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh, to be precise! The "CE" of CO & CE is Nick Cenci, who
produced many of the label's releases, including early Lou
Christie. As I probably mentioned here before, the backing track
of The Vogues' "You're The One" was actually supposed to be a
release by The Racket Squad, another Pittsburgh band. Singer Sonny
DiNunzio's vocals were replaced by the Vogues, and the rest is
history.
Another interesting CO & CE story - The Swamp Rats' "It's Not Easy"
was also released on the label after it's original release on St.
Clair. The story goes that the Swamp Rats' Producer/Manager/DJ
Terry Lee handed the band over to Nick Cenci in exhange for a
second audition to host a Pittsburgh music TV show in the '60s
called "Come Alive."
Speaking of the Swamp Rats, Get Hip recently released a Swamp Rats
comp on CD, and lead singer Bob Hocko passed away from cancer in
October.
Greg Matecko
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Message: 22
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:11:21 -0000
From: Scott Charbonneau
Subject: Re: Beatles Covers
And let us not forget ESP Recording Artists The Godz and their
reconstruction, or should that be destruction, of You Won't See Me.
Scott
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Message: 23
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:37:11 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Apple's iTunes Top 10
"Music fans have purchased and downloaded over 25 million songs from
the iTunes Music Store. Purchased on December 12, 2003, the 25
millionth song was "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank
Sinatra."
ITunes's top 10 downloads as listed on Apple's website (apple.com):
OutKast – Hey Ya!
Kelis – Milkshake
No Doubt – It's My Life
Nat "King" Cole – The Christmas Song
Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
OutKast & Sleepy Brown – The Way You Move
Chipmunks – The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)
Brenda Lee – Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Burles Ives – A Holly Jolly Christmas
Dido – White Flag
Great to see No Doubt's update of "It's My Life" (originally recorded
by synth band, Talk Talk in 1984) doing well. I was pleasantly
surprised to see some of the vintage Christmas songs doing well. It's
the first time I have seen Christmas records mingled with regular
ones since 1962 - the last year Billboard included Christmas songs on
the Hot-100. Given the stats, they must be "moving" significant
quantities.
Having bought Brenda Lee on 45 on 1962, I look at all this and start
to reflect on all that's happened over the last 40 years or so. The
big shock is Burl Ives but then I guess the folks over at Cupertino,
CA, are as big a bunch of softies as the rest of us! And on that
note, let me wish all our members a very Merry Christmas (however
they're going to celebrate it).
Mike
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Message: 24
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:28:18 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: Orpheus / Bosstown Sound
Mark Frumento wrote:
> Also the great "Bright Lit Blue Skies" by Rockin' Ramrods.
"What is this thing, I call my mind?"
Talk about lyrics! Great tune though. I wuz there~!
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Message: 25
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:20:59 -0800 (PST)
From: Artie Wayne
Subject: Re: Beatles covers
Albabe.........How ya' doin'? I'm glad you brought up "Got to get
you into my life" by Earth, Wind and Fire. It was produced by my
late partner Lou Reizner and was part of of a remarkable album
and film [co-produced by Russ Regan], "All this and World War II"
which was released on 20th Century Fox records and included
performances by the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Helen Reddy, Ambrosia
and Rod Stewart[ who Lou discovered].
With the exception of the recordings by the Bee Gees, which were
faithful to the Beatle recordings [originally destined for the Sgt.
Pepper film but ran into contract problems].......the other songs
were more unique in their arrangements. I suggested that while 20th
Century would have the album rights....let each of the particpating
artists label have the single rights ....promoting the album and
film with many hits at the same time.
As I remember there were 3 or 4 charted singles, including Rod
Stewart's "Get Back"......but the Album or Film didn't click with
the public, unfortunately. If you ever have a chance to see or hear,
"All this and World War II", I highly recommend it.
regards, Artie Wayne
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