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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 30 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: vocals versions of instrumentals
From: Robert R. Radil
2. US music in 1963
From: Mike Edwards
3. Thanx To Austin and Others - Love This Group!
From: Mark Hill
4. Re: Dylan & Wilson
From: Susan
5. Re: life in Tulsa al la '70s
From: Phil Milstein
6. Re: Spector Biography
From: Gary Spector
7. Olde Time Radio Convention
From: Ed Rambeau
8. Gerry Granahan; Van Trevor; Luvs; Spoonful lyrics; Porpoise Song; Eddie--and Marcy; more
From: Country Paul
9. Re: vocals versions of instrumentals
From: Howard
10. Apple cd's
From: Eddy
11. Re: Austin Roberts Live?
From: Laura Pinto
12. Album stories
From: Dan Hughes
13. Re: spine-shiver songs
From: David Coyle
14. '50s Diners
From: David Coyle
15. Hooray For Hazel vs. The Little Black Egg
From: David Coyle
16. Re: New @ S'pop Recommends - Rev-Ola's Phantom Jukebox
From: Joe Foster
17. Steve Tudanger & the 4 Evers
From: Mike Miller
18. Re: K-Tel/Ronco compilations
From: Mark Hill
19. Re: The Zombies live on
From: ModGirl
20. Re: stroboscoping / Emitt Rhodes
From: Kim Cooper
21. Re: budget vinyl / Elvis' Sun master tapes
From: Mikey
22. Re: There Is No Greater Sin
From: Clark Besch
23. Johnny Tillotson answers
From: Dan Hughes
24. Re: styrene vs plastic 45s
From: Steveo
25. Re: "I Think We're Alone Now" sdrawkcaB :eR
From: Joe Nelson
26. Re: Austin Roberts live?
From: Austin Roberts
27. Re: Ed Rambeau/My Own Two Feet
From: Clark Besch
28. Re: strobe bars
From: Michael Godin
29. Re: spine shiverers
From: Austin Roberts
30. Re: Biggest record label blunders
From: Fred Clemens
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 03:36:09 -0000
From: Robert R. Radil
Subject: Re: vocals versions of instrumentals
Tony Waitekus wrote:
> The Electric Indian had a hit with the instumental Kemosabe.
> I have a vocal version by Len Barry. The music track of that
> song is the exact same track that became the Electric Indian
> hit.
Could it be made available as an MP3 on musica ???
Bob Radil
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 03:44:38 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: US music in 1963
Paul writes:
> Although I love (some of) the American pop of 1963 it was filled
> with the likes of Bobby Vinton and Bobby Vee and all those other
> Bobbys and Frankies. Rubber Ball, bouncy bouncy. The Beatles
> practically killed that style off.
There was a lot more to American pop music in 1963 than you imply. It
was a top quality year. Consider the following artists/genres:
Girl groups – Lesley Gore, Peggy March, the Essex, the Chifons, the
Ronettes, the Crystals, the Jynettes, Ruby & The Romantics, the Angels
Vocal groups – the Beach Boys, the 4 Seasons, the Cascades, the Tymes
Folk – Peter, Paul & Mary.
Surf – the Beach Boys, the Chantays, the Surfaris, Jan & Dean
R&B/Motown – Barbara Lewis, Stevie Wonder, the Miracles
Pop – Jimmy Gilmer/"Sugar Shack", Steve Lawrence/"Go Away Little
Girl", Dion/"Ruby Baby", Nino Tempo & April Stevens/"Deep Purple",
Bobby Vee/"The Night Has A Thousand Eyes"
Garage – Kingsmen
All the above artists had big sellers in 1963. In fact that what's
pretty much what the year was about. There were also many wonderful
records with lower chart placings. Ok, there were a couple of duds: I
could have done without "Dominique" , for example.
The Beatles didn't kill off Bobby Vinton. He continued regardless,
having a # 1 with his version of Buddy Greco's "Mr. Lonely" in late
1964.
I guess the other Bobbys would be Bobby Darin and Bobby Rydell but
the chart action of both these artists had cooled before the Beatles
arrived in the US. (Although Bobby Rydell put in a late entry with
his glorious "Forget Him" which was recorded in the UK with Tony
Hatch in 1963.)
Frankie is probably the much-maligned Mr. Avalon but history shows
that his last 60s' Hot-100 entry was "A Miracle" in July 1962 – a
full 18 months before the Beatles showed up. (A very worthy 45 btw,
co-written by Teddy Randazzo with an arrangement by Don Costa)
Spectropop focuses on the 60s and US music in 1963 is a huge reason
for that. So why the Beatles in 1964? Clearly their personalities
were unlike those of any contemporary artist(s) but musically it was
simply a continuation of the good times. So why Paula Abdul with 6 #
1s in 1989-91? Well, I guess the bon temps didn't last forever.
Mike
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Message: 3
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 22:55:25 -0500
From: Mark Hill
Subject: Thanx To Austin and Others - Love This Group!
I'm *WAY* behind in reading and responding to responses to posts
and want to give notice before it's any later. The output here is
overwhelming, but I'm not complaining. I'm inhaling it all.
I just want to thank Austin and others who have answered or commented
on my questions.
This is a fantastic web group for followers of pop and bubblegum music.
I feel as if I'm participating in a living history of the music we here,
fan and performer alike, so clearly love.
It's great the way the original writers and performers of these songs
are so willing to set the record straight for all who ask.
Sincerely,
"Dr. Mark" Hill
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Message: 4
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 23:38:41 EST
From: Susan
Subject: Re: Dylan & Wilson
> Try as I might, I just couldn't see Dylan as a Beach Boys fan in any
> significant way, nor vice versa, as their perspectives, styles and
> attitudes just seemed so remote from each other's. And yet here is
> evidence that even that pair had some crosstalk, albeit minor.
> I actually have a photo of Dylan & Wilson together that I made into
> a tee-shirt that says: Separated At Birth????
Yin and yang, perhaps, and never really separated at all...?
Susan
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Message: 5
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 23:46:51 -0500
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Re: life in Tulsa al la '70s
Bob Bailey wrote:
> While spending high school years and adulthood in the Tulsa area, it
> was always a quest for us psuedo-groupies to see if we could meet
> those stars that regularly lived or visited in Tulsa. This was a very
> time consuming process, as you might guess -- a lot of beer and zig-
> zags went into this effort over the years.
Any sign of Denny Cordell at that time and place?
--Phil M.
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Message: 6
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 22:45:11 -0700
From: Gary Spector
Subject: Re: Spector Biography
> Anyone know anything about the new Spector biography called "Wall
> of Pain" by Dave Thompson? Strange kind of title though.
Hello All,
I too would appreciate any information on this.
One of my Brothers and I had done an interview for some UK TV channel
last September but I never heard when the show would be aired and I
have yet to get a copy of it prior to the airing as promised so I
wonder if is still in the making and if this it what is being asked
about.
Specter
Not just another P.S. Fan...
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Message: 7
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 01:04:44 EST
From: Ed Rambeau
Subject: Olde Time Radio Convention
Country Paul:
> Have I properly said "welcome" to Eddie Rambeau? Thanks to Mike
> Edwards, I got to meet and hang out with Eddie and his partner Bud
> Rehak at the Old Time Radio Convention in Newark, NJ, earlier this
> year. A true pair of gentlemen. Eddie, thanks for the great day -
> and the autograph! Glad you came aboard with S'pop.
Thanks for the warm welcome, Country Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed the
day at Old Time Radio Convention. I did as well. Diane Renay was
really surprised and it was fantastic to see her after 40 years.
Hope to see you someday again soon.
Ed Rambeau
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Message: 8
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 01:42:33 -0500
From: Country Paul
Subject: Gerry Granahan; Van Trevor; Luvs; Spoonful lyrics; Porpoise Song; Eddie--and Marcy; more
Andy:
> I worked with Gerry Granahan back in the late 7T's,
> doing those "great" (not) songs along with his hit
> "No Chemise, Please", some stuff by the Fireflies
> and a few of the Angels songs.
You laugh, Andy, but "Click Clack" was a really cool record, "Ne ne Na
Na..." rocked despite the stupid vocal interlude (the flip side, "Flip Top
Box" was fun as I remember), and the Fireflies and Caprice-era Angels were
quite credible. As for "No Chemise, Please," how can I say it - right
sentiment, wrong song.
Fred Clemens, thanks for the lead to your column on Bob Shannon's website -
http://www.bobshannon.com/fred/2003.htm Interesting to see Van Trevor
mentioned. He was from Vernon or Rockville, CT, I believe (real name: Dan
Boulanger). Started rock, went country in '66 (very successfully). One of
his bigger rock hits was "Satisfaction Is Guaranteed" from '64, which is at
the crux of one of Fred's stories regarding Bob Shanno. The record sounds
pretty tame now, but it was kinda nifty back then. My favorite of his rock
era was "Girl from The Main Street Diner," on Canadian American, a kind of
loping rocker with a good girl-group back-up, as I remember it. On the
country side, his first biggie was "Our Side," a version of which he sang
as a jingle for me at WHIM in Providence, RI, my first full-time
professional radio gig in '66-'67.
And while folks are touring the above site, click on and listen to The Luvs,
"We Kiss In The Shadows," a Pittsburgh-only hit, a girl-group doo-wop ballad
of early Spectorian majesty. Never heard this before - wow, it's awsome!
(Thanks for posting the whole song, Fred and Bob.)
Mike McKay brings up the Lovin' Spoonful again. Such a great underrated
band, and one that knew how to say "I live you" without saying it. Examples:
"Darling Companion" (itself a great phrase: the lyric "A frosty mare like
you could use a steed"; or in "Darling Be Home Soon," "...for the great
relief of having you to talk to." I think this is their most under-rated
hit, and that line still induces shivers.
Billy G. Spradlin:
> ...[S]everal Monkees singles have superor mixes than the stereo
> versions. "Steppin Stone" (which has a longer organ break that
> was edited out of the stereo version) "A Little Bit Me" (added
> handclaps and a tighter mix) and "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (a
> different souding reverb).
My favorite Monkees 45 was "Porpoise Song," the full-length version. I've
only found this long version on the original 45, and only in mono. I know
there's a stereo mix of the "short version" - up to the pause at the II
minor 7 chord dominated by the organ, but I've never found that long
Beatle-ish fade riff (for the not-yet-informed, think "She's So Heavy" is a
major key). Question: does it exist? If so, anyone know where?
David Coyle:
> I've never heard Eddie Rambeau's version of "Concrete
> And Clay". I'm sure it's good, but I'm hard pressed to
> want to like anything other than Unit 4+2's version.
Of the two, I like Eddie's best; it seemed more fully realized to me. Maybe
because I heard it first, Unit 4+2 sounded like a cover - which it was,
albeit a very successful one!
Re: Marcy Jo, "Ever Since Gary Went Into The Navy," I always liked that
song, and own the 45. I know it was a hit in Pittsburgh (that city didn't
have the monoply on cool music in the 50s and 60s, but they held part of the
copyright!). I think it got some airplay nationally as well. And Eddie, I'd
forgotten about the cuts you did with her. (Was she as good looking as she
sounded?)
Dan Hughes:
> Why DO artists recut their old hits? I'm guessing:....
> 4. The artist recorded for Cameo-Parkway and knows his original will
> never see the light of day....
Or, less specifically, it's time for a "greatest hits" package, and the
artist's former label(s) won't allow the current one to have the original
masters. (Inoperable theory if the original hit was on the same label.)
Paul Bryant:
> ...one of my personal faves, "The Martian Hop" by the
> Ran-Dells...
If you didn't see it, there was an extensive website devoted to the story
behind that record. That long narrative seems to be gone now, but
http://www.tsimon.com/ran-dell.htm gives a one-page summary, and there's a
short interview (it got truncated somehow) and a label and pic-sleeve scan
at http://www.mindspring.com/~hagar/chairman.html.
Paul Levinson:
> Ellie Greenwich and Mike Rashkow...signed us to their
> production company -- Pineywood -- and then to Atlantic
> Records, and changed our name to "The Other Voices"....
> The Other Voices recorded...."No Olympian Heights
> (written by Brute Force)....
Omigod! I have that record (!) and played it recently; pleasant, but forgive
me for liking Brute's version better. Nonetheless, many coolness points for
cutting it! Glad to have you aboard; I've got to check out your website,
etc.
Bill George, re: best albums, I'm with you on Fountains of Wayne. And what's
this I see - Bonnie Hayes, "Love Among The Ruins"?!?!? I didn't know she had
a new one out. More details, please! I've got her first 45 with her
"punk"/new wave group, The Punts, doing the original, longer, and I think
better version of "Shelley's Boyfriend," her first hit (eventually, on
Slash).
> /signed/ Davie Gordon - even further behind than Country Paul :-)
I don't think so, Davie; I just caught up to your note today!
Country Paul
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Message: 9
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 02:27:45 -0500
From: Howard
Subject: Re: vocals versions of instrumentals
Sammy Davies Jr. did a vocal to Hawaii 5-0 which was an album track,
but I'm damned if I can remember the title of either now.
Spectropoppers - help :-)
This track gained a certain amount of 'fame' due to spins at the
Wigan Casino.
memories fading... Howard
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Message: 10
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 08:58:17 +0100
From: Eddy
Subject: Apple cd's
Apparently things weren't quite clear on which cd's were actually
re-issued by Apple on cd in the mid 90's. Here's the list (with
UK ref #'s) :
James Taylor - James Taylor - Sapcor 03
Modern Jazz Quartet - Under The Jasmin Tree - Sapcor 04
Mary Hopkin - Postcard - Sapcor 05
Jackie Lomax - Is This What You Want? - Sapcor 06
The Iveys - Maybe Tomorrow - Sapcor 08
Billy Preston - That's The Way God Planned It - Sapcor 09
Modern Jazz Quartet - Space - Sapcor 10
Badfinger - Magic Christian Music - Sapcor 12
Doris Troy - Doris Troy - Sapcor 13
Billy Preston - Encouraging Words - Sapcor 14
John Tavener - The Whale - Sapcor 15
Badfinger - No Dice - Sapcor 16
Radha Krisna Temple - Radha Krisna Temple - Sapcor 18
Badfinger - Straight Up - Sapcor 19
John Tavener - Celtic Requiem - Sapcor 20
Mary Hopkin - Earth Song/Ocean Song - Sapcor 21
Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days - Sapcor 23
Ravi Shankar/Ali Akbar Khan - In Concert 1972 - Sapdo 1002
Badfinger - Ass - Sapcor 27
On top of that the following are scheduled for re-release on cd in
a few months :
Billy Preston - Encouraging Words
Billy Preston - That's the Way God Planned It
Mary Hopkin - Earth Song - Ocean Song
Mary Hopkin - Postcard
The Modern Jazz Quartet - Space
The Modern Jazz Quartet - Under The Jasmin Tree
The Radha Krishna Temple - The Radha Krishna Temple
Eddy
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Message: 11
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 11:44:26 -0000
From: Laura Pinto
Subject: Re: Austin Roberts Live?
Austin Roberts wrote:
> I'll probably get the bug again and maybe do some more dates
> since my 3 kids are grown now. Also, I'm interested to see if I
> can remember any lyrics. Ha, who knows, but I used to love
> performing.
Hi Austin,
I'd LOVE to see you in concert! Please consider it once you get
settled.
Laura
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Message: 12
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 08:22:37 -0600
From: Dan Hughes
Subject: Album stories
Got any stories about albums that surprised you?
I bought BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD AGAIN after reading about it in Hit Parader
magazine. Hated it first time through, but continued playing it and it
got better with each listen. Now I love it.
I bought the first 13th Floor Elevators album because I was intrigued by
the bizarre liner notes ("explaining" horizontal vs. vertical knowledge)
...on the strength of their first two albums, they are still my favorite
group.
Barry McGuire looking out from that sewer on his first Dunhill album
...first album I ever bought, and because it had a couple of Bob
Dylan songs on it I bought BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME. Changed my
life....
---Dan
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Message: 13
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:27:39 -0800 (PST)
From: David Coyle
Subject: Re: spine-shiver songs
"The End" by Earl Grant
"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace
David
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Message: 14
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:37:36 -0800 (PST)
From: David Coyle
Subject: '50s Diners
A short diversion about classic diners...
Here in Chillicothe, OH, Carl's Town House opened
after a hiatus of a few years having been moved intact
from where it sat for 50 some years. The structure was
fixed up and cleaned up, but otherwise all the
original fixtures are there from its decades as a
classic burger joint. It was actually built in the
'30s for one of the World's Fairs, as a prototype
"modern" filling station.
While Carl's may not still have '50s prices, they've
managed to remain a very reasonably priced diner, even
with the addition of more dining space and public
restrooms and other amenities. The best deal is the
two-cheeseburger basket, with fat crinkle-cut fries
(with chili and cheese for another buck) for $2.55.
It may also be interesting (and on topic) to note that
the music is all vintage '50s/'60s oldies, and not
just your garden variety "oldies radio" stuff.
If you're ever passing through, look it up.
David
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Message: 15
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:46:26 -0800 (PST)
From: David Coyle
Subject: Hooray For Hazel vs. The Little Black Egg
The strange previously unmade connections a person
makes after working all night...
I was just listening to the Music Explosion's version
of "Little Black Egg" on their excellent Sundazed
best-of, and I realized that the chord progression and
bass line are the same as "Hooray For Hazel" by Tommy
Roe. All one has to do is up the tempo a bit. I don't
know if I'd ever have noticed it the same with the
Nightcrawlers version, because the bassline on the
ME's take is a bit more, for lack of a better word,
involved.
David
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Message: 16
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 19:18:54 +0000
From: Joe Foster
Subject: Re: New @ S'pop Recommends - Rev-Ola's Phantom Jukebox
The S'pop Team wrote:
> New @ S'pop Recommends - Rev-Ola's Phantom Jukebox
>
> Vol I: "In The Garden - The White Whale Story", featuring Liz Damon's
> Orient Express, Nino Tempo & April Stevens, Lyme & Cybelle, Laughing
> Gravy, Dobie Gray + more.
>
> Vol II: "Night Time Music - The B.T. Puppy Story", featuring the Tokens,
> Randy & the Rainbows, Canterbury Music Festival, Beverly Warren, the
> Sundae Train + more.
>
> "The true nature of singles is the pursuit of the hit record . . . .
> Thus, it's fascinating to hear the pursuit of the hit as carried out
> by White Whale and B. T. Puppy, two successful singles-oriented
> independent labels featured on the first two installments of Rev-Ola's
> Phantom Jukebox compilations." (Country Paul)
>
> Paul's review in full:
> http://www.spectropop.com/recommends/index2004.htm#PhantomJukebox
>
> Enjoy!
Why...thank you guys..wonderful reviews!..and thanks on behalf of my
friend and colleague Mr. Fowley...and all the artistes concerned....
Joe
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Message: 17
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 15:56:31 -0500
From: Mike Miller
Subject: Steve Tudanger & the 4 Evers
Mike Edwards:
> ...a phenomenal 4 Evers' CD appeared on the Magic Carpet label in
> the mid-90s. The cover says Steve Tudanger and the 4-Evers produced
> it. The CD features a 12 page booklet and 33 tracks. As well as the
> 4-Evers' titles such as "Stormy", "Be My Girl", "(Say I Love You)
> Doo Bee Dum" and "A Lovely Way To Say Goodnight", we are treated to
> songs on which the 4-Evers sang back-up:
>
> Evan Mitchell – "Pollyanna"
> Evan Mitchell – "Get Back In De Bed" (wr: Eddie Rambeau-Bud Rehak))
> Vic Thomas – "Marianne"
> Tom Crewe (Bob's brother) – "Come On Dream"
>
> The discography in the sleeve notes is very thorough and lists titles
> on which the group sang back-up but which are not on the CD. Two
> relevant listings are:
>
> Eddie Rambeau – "Concrete And Clay"
> Eddie Rambeau – "Come Closer"/"She's Smilin' At Me"
> I wonder if Ed can remember anything about this great vocal group.
>
> Some members have resorted to using upper case letters in their
> messages. I'm not going to, but you need this CD.
> (4-Evers "Forever More", Magic Carpet 1001)
I second that !!! That Four Evers cd is one of my all time favorites.
Such a great collection of songs, and performed so well. I wish these
guys could have had some smashes, as the quality of their material was
that good. Sorry to hear about Steve.
Mike Miller
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Message: 18
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 21:42:57 -0500
From: Mark Hill
Subject: Re: K-Tel/Ronco compilations
Phil Milstein wrote:
> 24 Happening Hits. // 24 turned out to be a few hits too many to squeeze
> onto one LP, and so the brainiacs // faded all 24 happening hits at about
> the 2/3rds point.
Interesting info. I think I have that one in the archives somewhere. I'm pretty
sure there were other compilations from this era that fade tracks. I always
assumed they paid less for the shorter cuts.
Andrew C. Jones wrote:
> DO IT NOW (Ronco's first album; a charity LP for an anti-drug charity
> called The Do It Now Foundation).
Wasn't DO IT NOW the only (or one of the few) compilations like this,
to ever include a BEATLES track? I think it's "Nowhere Man."
> Two of the seminal records of my childhood were two anthologies
> that were advertised on TV and bought by mail.
The one that started it all for me was K-Tel's "Believe In Music"
(c.1972). That one had GALLERY -- Believe In Music, SLADE -- Mama Weer All
Krazy Now, RICK SPRINGFIELD -- Speak To The Sky, DANIEL BOONE -- Beautiful
Sunday, BULLDOG -- No, MOUTH AND McNEIL -- How Do You Do?, and other early
'70s Top 40 delights. In fact, there was even a different vinyl issue where they changed
1 or 2 cuts. (Licensing?)
It was re-issued on CD (!) in the mid-'90s, with a handful of other
vintage K-Tel compilations, with their original cover art. But each had
only a few of the original tracks and some songs that were not even on
the originals.
Can't imagine what K-Tel'$ motivation wa$.
Dr. Mark
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/popmusicpopculture
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Message: 19
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 15:52:32 -0000
From: ModGirl
Subject: Re: The Zombies live on
Neb Rodgers wrote:
> The Zombies live on. Well, two of 'em, anyway. And they're touring
> the US in Feb.
Yes, and I can't wait to see them in ATL Feb. 15!!! WOO HOO!!!
Patricia aka ModGirl
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Message: 20
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 08:08:17 -0800
From: Kim Cooper
Subject: Re: stroboscoping / Emitt Rhodes
Mention of turntable stroboscopes spurs me to ask--how the heck do these things
work, anyway? My 2nd or 3rd hand turntable has a red light near the stylus that
creates two bands of vertical lines that spin in opposite directions, and no
matter what I do with the pitch switch, they never quite sync up. Is it the top
or the bottom band that is supposed to be adjusted until it's still? Surely a
Spectropopper has the answer!
Also, thought you folks might be interested in the cover story on Emitt Rhodes
that ran in yesterday's CityBeat out here in LA.
http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=583&IssueNum=33
Kim
--
http://www.scrammagazine.com
Scram #18 out now with Emitt Rhodes, the Ramones, Marty Thau, Smoosh and more.
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Message: 21
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 11:48:48 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: budget vinyl / Elvis' Sun master tapes
Wyncote DID use really bad vinyl. It was C/Ps budget label
and I guess they wanted to maximize their profit.
John, one would really have to find original Sun discs and
clean them up a bit to really hear waht Elvis sounded like.
RCA had a "thing" about Elvis -- they added echo to his
records like it was going out of style.
Mikey
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Message: 22
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 07:22:32 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: There Is No Greater Sin
Guy Lawrence wrote:
> Another (Kooper/Levine) favourite of mine is the Byrdsy
> "There Is No Greater Sin" a '65 single by the Boys Next Door.
Al, I did not realize you wrote this song! It is GREAT by the Boys
Next Door, who were out of Indiana. Bobby Goldsboro later produced
them for Atco. I was lucky to help with the Sundazed release, and
that was the main song I wanted. One of those hard-to-find Cameo
records. The Boys Next Door played Omaha a lot, at Sandy's Escape
club.
Clark
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Message: 23
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 05:43:28 -0600
From: Dan Hughes
Subject: Johnny Tillotson answers
Five S'poppers sent me questions for Johnny Tillotson. Here's the note I
sent, followed by his reply:
>From docrockz:
1. Will his first NY version of "Poetry in Motion" ever be released?
2. Was he aware of Bobby Vee's version, recorded, I believe, before his
version (or at least before it's release)?
>From Mike Edwards:
3. A song that a few of us have been raving about is "Cling To Me" from
the "Here I Am" LP. Written by P F Sloan and a great mid 60s pop song.
Does Johnny remember this? Would it have made a good 45, given
P F Sloan's name and Johnny's great delivery?
4. Another song I found for my 4 Seasons' related collection is "One's
Yours, One's Mine", an MGM 45 that Johnny wrote. This was arranged
by the great Charlie Callelo. What did Johnny think about working with
Charlie? Was this the only song he and Charlie worked on?
>From Tom Waters:
5. How did you come to be involved in the movie the Fat Spy? I have a
copy of it, and I love the song that you sing while floating on a raft
(the name of it escapes me right now). The movie is very unusual and I
was wondering if you have any funny stories about the shoot. Also, did
you act or sing in any other movies?
6. I'm a big fan of your recordings and my favourite one of all is "I
Rise, I Fall". What is the story behind this beautiful song? How did it
come about? I find it really touching and, as always, your vocal
performance on it is very sensitive and perfect to bring out the beauty
of the lyrics and melody.
>From Ed Silvers:
7. Please ask Johnny if he has any recollection of the Cadence Records
promotion guy in Miami -- Ed Silvers. If so, please give him this email
address. I would love to be in touch with him.
>From "Bobster" (not a question):
8. Hey, Dan! If you have the chance just tell Johnny T thank you so much
for brightening the late fifties and early sixties with his wonderful
voice and songs. Especially, True True Happiness & It Keeps Right On
A-Hurtin' !
Thank you, Nancy and Johnny!
--Dan
And here is Johnny's response:
Regards the Poetry In Motion cut in NY. Johnny doesn't know where that
tape is or if it will ever be released, he thinks it's probably lost by
now.
Johnny has heard Bobby Vee's version of "Poetry In Motion", but believes
it was cut after his.
Cling to Me also appears on the Varese Sarabande 25 all time great hits.
It was released as a 45, but things were winding down at MGM for Johnny
and their focus had shifted to the English productions, etc.
Johnny loved Charles Callelo. They even lived next door to each other
at one time in Beverly Hills. Charlie also arranged the "Gidget" theme
from the Sally Fields TV show.
Johnny wanted to do the Fat Spy because he thought he'd get to work
with Jayne Mansfield, but when he got there and asked about her he
was told she had already left but Phyllis Diller was still there. He
loved Phyllis but it wasn't quite the same thing. He appeared in the
English rock film "Just For Fun" singing "Judy, Judy, Judy", which he
got a chance to write with Doc Pomus and Mort Schuman after he turned
down both "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes", which Bobby Vee recorded
for the film, and "Can't Get Use To Losing You". He didn't really turn them
down so much as put them aside when the guys said how about writing
a song. He also starred in a Japanese film "Goodbye Mr. Tears", made
after his Japanese hit "Namida Kun Sayonara," or in English "Goodbye
Mr. Tears". He also appeared in the made-for-television movie "The Call
of the Wild" with John Beck.
Johnny loves "I Rise, I Fall" also. Johnny's manager Mel Shayne also
managed Paul Hampton, and he passed the song along to Johnny.
Johnny certainly remembers Ed Silvers. Great promotion man in
Miami, who later went to Liberty Records, I believe, as head of their
national promotion. Johnny says he broke Dreamy Eyes in Florida, great
guy, tall and a sharp dresser.
Johnny wants to send the Bobster his sincere thanks for the wonderful
compliment. His best to you all.
Have a great weekend to you all.
Sincerely,
Nancy and Johnny Tillotson
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 24
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 09:23:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Steveo
Subject: Re: styrene vs plastic 45s
Bob Radil wrote:
> As bad as the old ABC Paramount singles or early
> Dunhill stuff? It seems they used recycled vinyl, without
> first removing the labels!
Bob,
lol. You got that right! Once in awhile i would get a
nice vinyl copy of ABC Paramount, but mostly that cheap
styrene crap.
Steveo
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 25
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 13:21:57 -0500
From: Joe Nelson
Subject: Re: "I Think We're Alone Now" sdrawkcaB :eR
Me:
> This is going a little off your topic but "Mirage" by
> Tommy James & The Shondells is based on "I Think We're
> Alone Now" played backwards.
What I've spent the past hour and a half putting together is hopefully
a little clearer. The two songs don't reverse exactly (i.e. an ABC
pattern in "Alone" doesn't equal a CBA in "Mirage"), so I created
edits of the two songs which did reverse, changing the order of events
around to mesh. These were then synchronized using a combination of
SoundForge and CoolEdit. I'll post the result to musica as soon as I
see a space, and let the members draw their own conclusions.
Joe Nelson
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 26
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 13:12:33 EST
From: Austin Roberts
Subject: Re: Austin Roberts live?
You are definitely one funny dude. How is life down your way? My son flies
in on Thursday night and we pack up and leave for Nashville (Franklin) on
Friday. Got a buddy that lives near here and loves Nashville who's
gonna pull the U-Haul with his truck. Thank God for sons and friends!
AR
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 27
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 17:33:59 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: Ed Rambeau/My Own Two Feet
Ian Chapman wrote:
> Included somewhere in my top ten list of perfect 60s feel-good
> pop records would be Kenny Lynch's "My Own Two Feet," a tune co-
> written by you, Bob Crewe and Bud Rehak and issued in '64.
Ian, I had no idea Eddie Rambeau wrote this song. A great version
that I only have on the video you mention. Was it released on US and
who was this Kenny Lynch guy? Did he record a lot in UK?
Thanks,
Clark
PS. By the way, did they use "water colors" when making
the "Concrete & Clay" labels for the 45s? They wear REALLY bad,
making one wonder when they see a 45 from that label in a 45
bin, "OK which 45 is this? I can't read the label!!!"
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 28
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 09:43:20 -0800
From: Michael Godin
Subject: Re: strobe bars
> Wendy Flynn wrote:
> Hey S'Poppers......anyone know where I can buy a stroboscope
> online? It's a paper circular device you put on your turntable
> to make sure it's playing at the right speed. An English website
> was selling them a few years ago but I cant seem to find
> it now.
The series of compilations released by Art Laboe in Los Angeles, Oldies
But Goodies, had strobe bars on the circumference of the label.
Michael Godin
http://www.TreasureIslandOldies.com
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 29
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 13:28:03 EST
From: Austin Roberts
Subject: Re: spine shiverers
Mike Rashkow wrote:
> I'd like to hang a left on this thread and move it to,
> BRAIN SHIVERERS.
Back to center on this thread: how about the great vocal 'bong' at the end
of Thomas Wayne's "Tragedy" ?
AR
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 30
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 18:38:20 -0000
From: Fred Clemens
Subject: Re: Biggest record label blunders
Bob Radil wrote:
> And then there's the famous 2:74 listing on "Fakin' It" by Simon And
> Garfunkel, but that was intentional.
Your mention of Simon and Garfunkel brought to mind another S&G
record mishap. When "Sounds Of Silence" was initially released as a
single, it came off the duo's WEDNESDAY MORNING 3AM lp (noting it on
the label), that being the acoustic version. When the song was electrified,
some single copies continued to use the same label, (noting the Wednesday ...
LP as the source). Both issues used the same Columbia record number.
Then there are spelling errors that have occurred from time to time.
When Glen Campbell's "Turn Around Look At Me" was issued on the
Crest label, some copies went out spelling his last name as Cambpbell".
On Kyu Sakamoto's "Sukiyaki" Capitol release, a few escaped
as "Sukiyaka". And when the Chaperones' Josie release of "Cruise
To The Moon" took off, a few went out spelling their name as the
"Cahperones" on one side.
That brings to mind yet another spelling error (sort of). When Diane
Renay recorded her first record in 1962 on Atco, "Little White Lies",
her original intention was to be billed as "Renay Diane", that being
a variation on her real name, Renee Diane Kushner. She chose
the "Renay" spelling to keep it from being pronounced as "Ree-Nee",
a nickname she'd been called by her family. But when the first
copies arrived, she realized her name had gotten flipped around. As
took a liking to the misspelling, she decided to leave it that way.
Doing research on "Let's Live For Today" exposed an error that went
uncorrected. When the Living Daylights released their version on the
Philips label in the UK, the flip side was shown as "I'm Real", when
in fact the title should have been "It's Real". The error carried
over even when the record made it Stateside on the Buddah label.
Fred Clemens
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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