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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 16 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Hit Parader scans
From: Phil X. Milstein
2. Re: Ron Dante/The Spirit
From: Bob Rashkow
3. Re: Phil Spector Gold Star acetate
From: Billy G Spradlin
4. Re: Ron Dante/The Spirit
From: Ron Dante
5. Re: Verdelle Smith Goes Zonk!!
From: Steve Crump
6. Jason D. Williams
From: David Walker
7. Happy Birthday Paul Evans
From: Dave O'Gara
8. Re: Ron Dante / The Spirit
From: Laura Pinto
9. Re: turntables & 78s
From: Phil X. Milstein
10. "If My World Falls Through"
From: S.J. Dibai
11. Bobby Vee's "Gates, Grills And Railings" LP
From: S.J. Dibai
12. PS sessions
From: Phil X. Milstein
13. Re: John Beland on Big Tree
From: Clark Besch
14. I am SMILEing
From: James Botticelli
15. Re: Roctober
From: Phil X. Milstein
16. The Tammys Go Zonk!!
From: Mick Patrick
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 11:24:29 +0000
From: Phil X. Milstein
Subject: Re: Hit Parader scans
I think I may've figured out what's going on with the Tokers and Paris
Sisters articles I posted to the Photos section, which several people
have said were not large enough to read. Yahoo Photos, under certain
circumstances at least, actually creates TWO additional levels of photo
sizes (both of them successively smaller than the original scan), so
that when one clicks the thumbnail version to go to the individual page
for that scan one still (again, in certain cases) won't be seeing the
fully-sized version. To get to THAT one, click on the View: Full Size
button (which is only available on those scans which offer the three tiers).
As far as I can see on my end, viewing the the two scans I've tagged
with "txt" at the end of their names in Full Size mode will make them
quite readable, but if that's still not the case, please let me know --
as Burt Reynolds once sang, I'm gonna keep on doin' it till I get it right.
--Phil M.
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2004 11:16:12 EST
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: Re: Ron Dante/The Spirit
Laura Pinto:
> I bid for this very record on eBay a couple of weeks ago......
Yeah, Laura, it really is great -- sorry you couldn't get it and wish I
could play it to musica for you. Maybe someone else has it who knows how?
It's an expertly crafted piece of 1967 pop mysticism complete with bells,
tambourine and absolutely super lead vocals and group harmonies in the
background. Haunting minor chord and the grim but hopeful lyric starts,
"Preacher's on the corner/Yelling "Doomsday's on its way"...." (...No time
to rhyme, no time to reasonnnnn -- Need your love, need your love RIGHT
NOW!!!") Why this didn't catch on is a mystery to me, but I know it's one
of Ron's efforts with Frost/Greenlight Music on Roulette, and I think he
penned and produced several more of these groups around that time
too. Maybe Ron still has a copy of it and can spin it for you!
Bobster
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Message: 3
Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2004 21:39:54 -0000
From: Billy G Spradlin
Subject: Re: Phil Spector Gold Star acetate
I have seen an acetate of radio from the '50s that was cut just like that.
Looks to me like it they set the cutter for 45 rpm but ran out of 7" blanks,
so they subsituted 10".
I hope this is the unreleased Crystals version, which is better than the
released Ronettes version. If any Spectropopper wins it, PLEASE play
it to musica for us! :)
Billy
http://listen.to/jangleradio
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Message: 4
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 04:43:11 -0000
From: Ron Dante
Subject: Re: Ron Dante/The Spirit
Bob Rashkow wrote:
> Ron Dante, I was listening to The Spirit on Roulette earlier
> today. You co-wrote a great, great song called "No Time To Rhyme"
> in approximately 1967? I've always loved this record, at least
> as much as I love the group of the same name with Jay Ferguson,
> Mark Andes et al.
I haven't heard this song since it was released back then. If anyone
can send me an MP3 I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.
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Message: 5
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 20:47:45 -0000
From: Steve Crump
Subject: Re: Verdelle Smith Goes Zonk!!
Mick Patrick:
> Anyway, to get to the point, the version of "Tar And Cement"
> contained on the "Girls Go Zonk!!" CD is about 30 seconds longer
> than the original 45. Some of you can now have endless fun
> spotting the edits on your old Capitol singles. I'm ashamed to
> say that I've never heard the Adriano Celentano version. There
> again, I've never had a Pot Noodle.
Hi there Mick,
I'm glad that the long version Tar and Cement is FINALLY released
on CD! This is the version that was a single in Australia, and hit
#1 for a while in 1966. When you're used to hearing the "original
single", the shorter version comes as a shock!
Adriano Celentano's version is much more folky & reflective, with
just a guitar strumming in the background. I love it, but it lacks
the big build up that Verdelle's version has.
By the way, was the original master used for the Zonk!! compilation,
or is that a cheeky question??
Cheers
Steve
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Message: 6
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 19:43:26 +1030
From: David Walker
Subject: Jason D. Williams
Hi Spectropoppers,
I was asked to chase up info on Jason D Williams or is that Jason
L Williams. If the name rings a bell, I would appreciate your help.
What is he doing now etc.,
thanks
David Walker
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Message: 7
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 10:23:06 -0000
From: Dave O'Gara
Subject: Happy Birthday Paul Evans
Happy Birthday (3/5) and best wishes to "Happy-Go Lucky" Paul Evans!
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Message: 8
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 11:43:42 -0000
From: Laura Pinto
Subject: Re: Ron Dante / The Spirit
Bob Rashkow wrote:
> Ron Dante, I was listening to The Spirit on Roulette earlier
> today. You co-wrote a great, great song called "No Time To Rhyme"
> in approximately 1967?...
MopTopMike wrote:
> I have this record, released in late June 1967...I too would like
> to know if this was a studio group, a real gigging/professional
> group or garage band...
Hi guys,
Is there any way this song can be played to musica? Ron and I were
talking about the record and he'd like to hear it again to tweak his
memory. And me, I'd just like to hear it!
Thanks,
Laura
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Message: 9
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 10:06:23 +0000
From: Phil X. Milstein
Subject: Re: turntables & 78s
Tom Taber wrote:
> If you have never placed a Little Richard 10 inch on a turntable,
> and watched the "Specialty" label spin at breakneck speed while he
> and his band do the same, you have an area of your life which is
> sadly lacking!
Country Paul (who also has 3 turntables) replied:
> Do Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers 78s on Gee count?
Speaking of 78s and turntables, has anyone had any experience with
those new 3-speed turntable boxes being sold at Restoration Hardware
and the like? They're only about $100 (or maybe $78!), and appealingly
retro-looking, but I've hesitated getting one for fear the needles it
uses might be on the harsh side.
--Phil M.
(who remembers turntables with 16-2/3rpm)
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Message: 10
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 17:31:16 -0000
From: S.J. Dibai
Subject: "If My World Falls Through"
Bonjour, Spectropoppers. I was wondering if anyone here has the Rose
Garden's follow-up to "Next Plane To London," which was called "If
My World Falls Through," and if so, how can I get to hear it? I know
this song as done by Bobby Vee, but I'm interested in hearing the
Garden's version.
Thanks,
S.J. Dibai
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Message: 11
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 17:44:35 -0000
From: S.J. Dibai
Subject: Bobby Vee's "Gates, Grills And Railings" LP
Hello, again, Spectropoppers. Last weekend, I pulled out an album
that, with the exception of one track, I haven't listened to in a
few years: Bobby Vee's GATES, GRILLS, AND RAILINGS. I had forgotten
how good this LP was. I can't say with certainty, but I'd guess the
release date to be late '68 or early '69, as it includes his
December '68 charter "(I'm Into Lookin' For) Someone To Love Me,"
which is about as perfect a slice of late '60s pop-rock as you could
ask for. (That's the one track I've played to death.)
In my opinion, this album worked so well because Vee managed to get
in step with the times without sounding embarrasingly out of place.
The album got a little psychedelic here (an arty version of
Nilsson's "One"), a little heavy there ("Jenny Came To Me," the Vee-
composed "Annie Joined The Band"), but never TOO psychedelic or TOO
heavy. Lyrically, it was mature, but again, not so intense that you
forgot you were listening to Bobby Vee. The arrangements were
superb, all of them by Artie Butler except for the aformentioned
single. Artie, if you're reading this, I'd love to know if you have
any memories of this album. The LP was really a refreshing change
from the overly slick Lincoln Mayorga-arranged stuff Vee had been
doing prior to it. It has a nice, warm, friendly feeling to it that
makes it one of my favorites. The weakest track was a cover of the
John Sebastian-authored "Younger Generation," but even that didn't
drag the album down much.
Any thoughts from others who have heard this album? Any sales
figures?
S.J. Dibai
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Message: 12
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 12:08:15 +0000
From: Phil X. Milstein
Subject: PS sessions
Anyone know of a Phil Spector sessionography -- I mean of his performing
work, either as guitarist, pianist, vocalist, etc.? Did he did do that
sort of thing often, or did his appearances on that side of the glass
wane sharply after his early years? Those sessions on which I knew to
listen for his playing, especially on guitar, I've really enjoyed, and
if I can identify enough of them I might want to gather them all in one
place for a more consistent experience. Any guidance toward that end
would be most Spectorifically welcome!
--Phil M.
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Message: 13
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 18:37:35 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: John Beland on Big Tree
Mark wrote:
> Welcome John Beland. I have a single that you did on the label
> that I like and from what I understand there was an unreleased
> LP. Why didn't the album come out and is there any way to get
> a copy?
I assume you have "Banjo Man". I think the Lp actually did come out,
but I do not have it. Maybe John will answer? I personally would
like to have his 60's stuff on Cd, such as the Ranwood 45s and
his "Wake Up Sweet Mary" acetate. John?? -Clark
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Message: 14
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 15:20:35 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: I am SMILEing
A friend who speaks of the Wilson show.
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From: Lounge Laura Taylor
I was mailed a copy of the SMILE concert in London. I had seen this
concert described as one of the most significant events in pop music
history. I prayed it wasn't hyperbole. Have any of you heard this?
It is truly a marvel. And BRIAN sounds better than I have heard him
in forever...his voice was really sweet, high and clear in so many
parts...something I am not sure he could have achieved even two years
ago. I am thrilled to have the boot and look forward to its legit
release!
Laura Taylor
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Message: 15
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 15:25:21 +0000
From: Phil X. Milstein
Subject: Re: Roctober
Frank J wrote:
> Thanks for the link. To be honest, I'm not THAT much into masked
> musicians to buy the roctober issue. Interesting though, that every
> single rock'n'roll phenomena has been put under the microscope
> already.
You ain't just whistlin' Dixie there, Frank: Roctober has done similarly
exhaustive surveys of midget musicians, black punk rockers, one-man
bands, the monkey-rocknroll connection, etc., etc. They've also done a
lot of great, straightforward interviews and career summaries over the
years, as well, many of them of the sort of just-under-the-surface-of-
stardom acts we Spectropoppers love so well.
--Phil M.
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Message: 16
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 20:01:29 -0000
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: The Tammys Go Zonk!!
I wrote about the new "Girls Go Zonk!!" CD:
> View track list here: http://www.geocities.com/antlion7/tammys.htm
Julio Nino:
> Guau !, very interesting web page about The Tammys and the turgid
> Lou Christie. Thanks Mick.
Hola, my Spanish chum with the fab vocab!
Yes, isn't it?! (The page, interesting.) And isn't he?! (Lou Christie,
turgid.)
Girl group anoraks should be aware that the version of the Tammys'
"Egyptian Shumba" contained on the "Girls Go Zonk" CD is a previously
unissued alternate take. That makes three different versions of this
unique track now available on little silver discs. I'm kicking myself
that I overlooked the opportunity to juxtapose it and Tracey Dey's
"Teenage Cleopatra".
To lessen the chances of my middle-aged friends rendering themselves
blind over the booklet, here are the germane inches:
1963 was the year of Elizabeth Taylor's epic Cleopatra. It was also
the year of THE TAMMYS' sophomore 45 EGYPTIAN SHUMBA, a turntable hit
in the Pennsylvania and Ohio areas destined for future cult status in
far off places. The Tammys, or the Charnelles, as they billed
themselves at their first public appearance, had first befriended
local hero Lou Christie after a record hop in 1961. A year later,
thanks to 'The Gypsy Cried', Lou was a national star in need of backup
girls befitting his new status. Enter sisters Gretchen and Cathy Owens
and their pal Linda Jones the would-be Tammys from Oil City, PA.
Christie's sister Amy Sacco was appointed as their manager and
chaperone, while Lou and his songwriting collaborator Twyla Herbert
set about rehearsing the group on a clutch of new numbers. They dubbed
the trio the Twy-Lous and landed them a recording deal with producer
Jack Gold at the United Artists label in New York.
Re-branded the Tammys, the girls debuted in the summer of 1963 with
'Take Back Your Ring', released simultaneously with 'Lost In The Crowd'
on U.A.'s Ascot subsidiary by Ritchie & the Runarounds, alias the
Tammys with Kripp Johnson, ex of the Dell-Vikings. Inevitably, much of
the Tammys' best vocalising was to be heard on great Lou Christie
releases like 'Have I Sinned', 'Back Track' and 'Guitars And Bongos',
to name just a few. The group's third 45, 'Hold Back The Light Of Dawn',
came out on U.A.'s Veep logo and turned out to be their last. Luckily,
both sides of the Tammys' cancelled fourth single were rescued from
oblivion on RPM 330 in 2001. Japanese psychobilly girls Bunny Fuzzy
revived 'Egyptian Shumba' last year, an indication of the Tammys'
lasting and unique appeal.
All together now, Shimmy Shimmy Shimmy Shy-Yi Meece-E-Deece!
Hey la,
Mick Patrick
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