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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 17 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Dolly Parton at the Wrong Speed
From: David Walker
2. Re: Good Vibes changes
From: Richard Havers
3. Re: Claude Francois
From: Frank
4. Re: Weighing in on Smile
From: Richard Havers
5. Re: Tony May
From: Mike Rashkow
6. going to see Smile
From: Susan
7. Re: Bessie Banks
From: Simon White
8. Re:Good Vibes changes
From: Richard Hattersley
9. Michael Rabon & Choctaw
From: Brent Cash
10. Re: Nothing takes the place of you on a rainy night in Georgia
From: Barry
11. Pick a Lollipop - any flavour you like
From: Davie Gordon
12. The Ubiquitous Floyd Cramer (and Darlene Love)
From: John Fox
13. Re: Chilling Lyrics
From: Al Kooper
14. Carol Jarvis
From: Joe Rickstone
15. Sylvan
From: Mark Maldwyn
16. Re: Weighing in on Smile
From: Bob Rashkow
17. Tell me Ringo what are your plans for Yom Kippor.
From: Claire Francis
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Message: 1
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 09:39:40 +0930
From: David Walker
Subject: Dolly Parton at the Wrong Speed
When I first bought the single "Coat of Many Colours" by Dolly Parton
I had accidently left the switch on 33rpm. Interesting sound. I
reckon with a few tweaks here and there it could have been released
as a counter to the original. Needless to say I still play it at the
wrong speed.
David Walker
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Message: 2
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 12:35:10 -0000
From: Richard Havers
Subject: Re: Good Vibes changes
I wrote:
> .......and last of all, changing the lyrics to 'Good Vibrations'
> is pointless and stupid.
Kingsley Abbott:
> One good thing about it is that it has finally got Tony Asher's name
> on the writing credits - something I feel should always have been
> the case as, let's not forget, he was very much involved with the
> early conception and building of the song in the Pet Sounds sessions.
No argument with Tony Asher getting his name on the credits Kingsley,
but my point is about revisionism. Brian rejected some of the lyrics
back then and gave us what we know to be Good Vibes. It was his call
at the time and I for one prefer it that way. It's not a critiscm of
the original lyrics.
Richard
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Message: 3
Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004 12:23:04 +0200
From: Frank
Subject: Re: Claude Francois
I knew Claude François quite well (I still remember one fateful day we
spent three hours locked in a studio and he tried to make me change my
mind about his records). As for his writing credit they were purely
due to some habit (not unknown in the US I admit) of asking for credit
for the songs he sang in order to get author royalties. He could impose
this to the writers who wrote for him because he was a really big
seller and if you wanted to write something for him you had to give him
co-writer credit. I don't know if they are the same tracks than the
English ones you mention but I also remember once releasing a full LP
of English songs by Claude François.
Frank
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Message: 4
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 12:58:40 -0000
From: Richard Havers
Subject: Re: Weighing in on Smile
Thanks to Richard Williams for saying it so well. I think of all the
posts on Smile you have hit the nail.... as they sometimes say! For
me the missing BB voices on record are there for the hearing. In
concert things always sound so different, somehow you can't transfer
atmosphere to the tape!
As I said in an earlier post, I have no problem with what Brian's
doing here. It's great that a whole new bunch of people will be
turned on to his genius and will hopefully go back and explore some
more of the original catalogue. I just struggle with the idea of
this 'being Smile'. I struggle even more with the revisionists in
the world who want to spin history into a vision of their own making.
No single writer, producer or performer has given me more pleasure
over the 40 plus years than Brian Wilson. I love it that he is
receiving recognition for what he does, and has done. But there is
an underlying thrust in a number of posts on the list that wishes to
set things up as a Brian vs the Beach Boys. Sure there have been
issues, good guys, bad guys, ups and downs but none of us know the
truth of what has gone on. Let's not try and dish the dirt on the
other BBs, mostly of course Mike, let's just marvel in their
comnbined musical legacy.
We'll not see their like again.
Richard
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Message: 5
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 08:11:09 EDT
From: Mike Rashkow
Subject: Re: Tony May
Mick Patrick:
> Tony May was a US songwriter whose name is known to me via numerous
> great soul records on RCA, frequently in conjunction with Larry
> Banks. Is there a US version of "Here I Go Again", I wonder?
Al Kooper:
> Tony May was a black engineer at a studio (Adelphi - 1650 B'way) where
> I was an apprentice engineer. He wrote songs on the side and I played
> on some of his demos in exchange for engineering lessons. This circa
> '60-'61. He had something to do with Bessie Banks who did the original
> record of the Moodies "Go Now". A very talented man who deserved
> better.
Tony May was, and still is a friend. The studio to which Koop refers is
more likely Allegro and the years are more likely later 60's since I
replaced him at Sounds on Broadway in 1967 when he went to Allegro--not
important, but simply 4 duh rekkid. Possibly he was ad Adelphi before
going to Costa's studio which was prior to 1967 next door to Bell Sound.
Bessie Banks was his sister-in-law by his marriage to Henrietta, also
Larry Banks brother. He wrote Go Now, I believe.
I have been in touch with Tony recently. He retired about a year ago
after many years at RCA/BMG studios, raised a family of successful,
accomplished children and had a wonderful marriage to a lovely lady who
passed away far too young. He is intelligent, articulate and sensitive.
A good, well grounded man. Deserved better? Well, in my opinion he had
what many would think is a fine life.
Is he disappointed that his music was not more successful, yes, but it
ain't over till the Soul Sisters sing--and he is now devoting himself to
song writing again.
Di la,
Rashkovsky
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Message: 6
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 09:36:42 EDT
From: Susan
Subject: going to see Smile
Al Kooper writes:
> I will be at the 10/14 Boston show out of respect for one of my
> heroes. I learned a lot from Brian...
The CD cannot possibly convey the passion and power and purpose of
the live show. I was there the night it premiered, and the subsequent
two nights, and when the CD was finally in my player I was just a
touch disappointed...because it cannot possibly be as moving as
seeing and hearing the piece live. I will be most interested in your
take on the whole thing after the show.
Susan
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Message: 7
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 15:02:10 +0100
From: Simon White
Subject: Re: Bessie Banks
Al Kooper wrote:
> (Tony May) had something to do with Bessie Banks who did the original
> record of the Moodies "Go Now".
Ah, the UK / US divide. Over here Al, we say "Bessie Banks" and don't
mention the Moody Blues' version. ;-)
BTW Al, I rather like 'Love Trap" by T.D. Valentine - one of your songs.
Tell us the story, go on!
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Message: 8
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 13:32:32 +0000
From: Richard Hattersley
Subject: Re:Good Vibes changes
> .......and last of all, changing the lyrics to 'Good Vibrations'
> is pointless and stupid.
Whoa! I did nae say that, that was someone else's quote. I was
defending the lyric changes :-)
Richard Hattersley
www.wiz.to/richardsnow
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Message: 9
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 13:15:47 -0000
From: Brent Cash
Subject: Michael Rabon & Choctaw
Sam Cooper wrote:
> I'm looking for info about: Michael Rabon & Choctaw
"Mary Miles" by Michael Rabon & Choctaw is one of my favorite songs
of all time. Soft Pop that sounds like a sunrise coming out of the
speakers. Michael Rabon and Jim Wright from this group were in The
Five Americans. Unfortunately,he is listed as "M. Kabon" on the label
of Clark Besch's beloved U.S. Males 45: "Come Out Of The Rain". A
perfect single, both this song & Artie Wayne's A side. Also, on the
back cover of The MR&Choctaw LP, "Abnak" is spelled "Abnack".
Best wishes,
Brent Cash
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Message: 10
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 09:27:57 -0500
From: Barry
Subject: Re: Nothing takes the place of you on a rainy night in Georgia
Pres: Your fondness for "Nothing Takes The Place Of You" is great,
but do you know that there are hundreds of amazing deep soul ballads
that were recorded at that time? I can point out plenty of others
that will leave you breathless.
By the way, the great (and under appreciated) Dee Dee Warwick (yes,
Dionne's sister) did a wonderful reply called "Cold Night In Georgia"
that's unbelievable.
Barry
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Message: 11
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 14:29:17 -0000
From: Davie Gordon
Subject: Pick a Lollipop - any flavour you like
I know they've been discussed before but they've been discussed recently
on both the SoulfulDetroit and Motown forums - anybody care to help me
sort out exactly which group is which.
I've listed all the US releases I know of by groups called the
Lollipops, Lolly-Pops or Lollypops except for
1. a group called the Lollipops on Bandbox - my info. is very sketchy
2. a group called the Lollipops from the early seventies with US
releases on Atco - I think they're English going by the available
credits (Mike Hugg as co-writer, Brian Lane producing)
If anybody would like to add missing writer / producer credits it
would be very helpful.
Davie
==============================
THE LOLLYPOPS
Holland 7420 (11/58)
BELIEVE IN ME
MY LOVE IS REAL
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (West Coast - LA?)
Warner Bros. 5122 (11/59)
LITTLE DONKEY
MISTER SANTA
this Warner Bros.group might be connected to Becky and The Lollipops.
==============================
THE LOLLYPOPS
Kandee 6001 (11/62)
DREAM STREET [Lee DeSapio]
DEAR NORMAN [Lee DeSapio]
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (New York?)
RCA 8344 (03/64)
PEGGY GOT ENGAGED
I'LL SET MY LOVE TO MUSIC
RCA 8390 (07/64)
DON'T MONKEY WITH ME (Ronny Douglas,Larry Kusik)
LOVE IS THE ONLY ANSWER (Lonnie Levister,Stanley Ossman)
Prod : Joe Rene arr - Teacho Wiltshire
RCA 8430 (09/64)
BIG BROTHER
BILLY, BILLY, BABY
Prod : Joe Rene ?
RCA 8494 (12/64)
BUSY SIGNAL (Rene Malou)
I WANT YOU BACK AGAIN
Prod : Joe Rene arr : Charlie Fox
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (Philadelphia ?)
Jamie 1283 (08/64) (as THE LOLLY-POPS)
HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY PARTY OF MY LIFE (Harry Moffitt)
TOUGH (Bob Finiz)
Prod : Bob Finiz
Smash 2057 (09/66)
HE'S THE BOY (Carlucci, Grasso, Venneri)
GEE WHIZ BABY (Carlucci, Grasso, Venneri)
Prod : Billy Carl - Joe Venneri
SSS Intl. 777 (08/69)
YOU DON'T KNOW
FEEL SO COMFORTABLE (Ginger Greco)
Prod : Joe Venneri ?
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (Nashville ?)
Mike 1017 mid-60'S
YEAH, YEAH TEARDROPS (Robert Riley)
I'M SO GRATEFUL (Robert Riley)
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (Danish)
Vault 926 (1966)
WHO CARES ABOUT ME
WORDS AIN'T ENOUGH
==============================
THE LOLLIPOPS (Detroit)
probably includes Arenita Walker
Impact 1021 (12/66)
LOVING GOOD FEELING (Duke Browner)
STEP ASIDE BABY (Duke Browner, Arenita Walker)
Prod : Duke Browner arr - Mike Terry
V.I.P. 25051 (10/69)
CHEATING IS TELLING ON YOU (Duke Browner, Arenita Walker)
NEED YOUR LOVE (Duke Browner)
Prod : Duke Browner arr - Paul Riser
[scheduled to be issued as Gordy 7089 around 06/69 but release cancelled)
V.I.P. unissued
LOOK WHAT YOU DONE BOY on CD : Tamla Motown Connosseurs - VOL. 2
LOOK WHAT YOU DONE BOY on CD : Motown : Year By Year 1969
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Message: 12
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 09:43:03 EDT
From: John Fox
Subject: The Ubiquitous Floyd Cramer (and Darlene Love)
Previously:
> And speaking of Brenda--is that Floyd Cramer playing in the
> background on her ballads??
In the golden era of crossover country (1961-1963), it seems like
Floyd is playing on about every other song that hit the top 40. Well,
except "Roses Are Red", where Spectropopper Paul Evans has already
established for us that they deliberately found a Floyd soundalike.
It would be great to have a list of top 40 songs that Floyd played on.
Same for the Blossoms as back-up singers. Anyone wanna start either
list?
John Fox
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Message: 13
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 10:31:27 EDT
From: Al Kooper
Subject: Re: Chilling Lyrics
Lyrics that kill me:
"Bernadette" (Holland-Dozier-Holland)
"...other men they long to control you
But how can they control you Bernadette
When they cannot control themselves
>From wanting you, needing you
But darling
You belong to me !
They want you because of the pride that it gives
But Bernadette I want you
Cause I need you to live!"
The rest of that lyric is as perfect as the above sample.
As a songwriter, I hope that in my life, I can write a lyric
as chilling as the above. Lord knows, I'm always trying.......
Al "I'm Not Worthy" Kooper
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Message: 14
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 21:03:57 -0000
From: Joe Rickstone
Subject: Carol Jarvis
One hit (sort of) "Rebel" b/w "Whirlpool of Love" on Dot Records in
1957. I am interested in any info on her career, recording sessions,
and what she did when the conttracts dried up. I've seen small bio
info suggesting Carol was the daughter of L.A. radio personality Al
Jarvis, but I'm not sure that's true.
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Message: 15
Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 20:21:33 -0000
From: Mark Maldwyn
Subject: Sylvan
Does anyone know the history and whereabouts of Sylvan? She has a
track on the RPM CD Dream Babes 3. A great production with
fantastic etheral vocals about a suicide pact! 'We Don't Belong'...
Thanks, Mark M.
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Message: 16
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 17:21:18 EDT
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: Re: Weighing in on Smile
I just wish I had discovered "Smiley Smile" back in 1967. I didn't
even know "Heroes and Villains" was on the radio! All it takes is
for me to even think about tracks like "Fall Breaks and Back To
Winter" and I'm smiling through my day. Beach Boys are the bomb,
Bobster
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Message: 17
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 21:08:47 EDT
From: Claire Francis
Subject: Tell me Ringo what are your plans for Yom Kippor.
Hi dear S'pop members:
I want to thank all of you who responded to my query about John Bull
Breed. After reading the information you all sent, I realized how
fortunate I am to be able to tap into such a wealth of knowledge about
one of the best eras in music. Each era of music is so important to
the human race and to the growth of each new generation. The great
Shamans and Medicine people of the tribes always handed down the
customs of their tribe to the next generation. In a way, with all the
knowledge you have of the 60's you are all like the shamans of that
generation. Collecting your records and your information is of great
value to people a lot of times.
Take my case for example. I had almost NO memory of my records and you
all just helped me to remember a time in my life that was really very
important. Although there are some records that I would like to keep
forgetting like "Here I Go Again" that is currently playing in musica.
I guess that must have been a "B" side to something I did (if anyone
knows, please tell me or please play it for me), but honestly, I would
never have released it. Ellie Greenwich and the Chiffons have it over
me by a mile. The record is not interesting - it's boring. But I liked
hearing it again because it made me happy and gave me a jolt - probably
because the Universe knew I needed one. It was part of my past and I
loved producing it. The sound was fair. Nothing like I was really
capable of doing. But that sometimes happens when you make records, or
movies, or write books. Some got it - some don't.
In those days I never considered my self a "singer" even though I loved
to sing. To me a singer was Arethea Franklin or Patti LaBelle. I can
remember when I heard Patti LaBelle sing "Danny Boy" for the first time,
I was in my car. I had to stop the car! I couldn't go on, it just blew
me away. Now that's a singer! I never considered myself a musician even
though I play the guitar and percussion. But the thing I loved the most
was making waves and crescendos in the studio and bringing together the
harmony of souls. Yeah, those were really great days.
I also wanted to share an experience I had with The Beatles with the
S'pop group. When I first heard the Beatles I went crazy just like
every other person. But I made up my mind the first time I saw them that
I was going to meet them. This was before I was in the music business.
Their music really inspired me plus they were cute. I even cut my hair
like a Beatle Hair cut. Well, when they came to Shea Stadium in New York
for their first appearance, they stayed at a hotel on Park Avenue. At
that time I worked in advertising. I found some rate cards lying around
the office and one was for the New York Post newspaper. I laminated the
rate card and created a Press Pass out of it. I forged a letter from the
New York Post saying that I was on assignment to cover the press
conference. I put three cameras around my neck and went to the hotel
where the Beatles were staying. The barricades held back thousands of
screaming fans. I walked up to a Police man and asked him where the
Press conference was being held. He looked at my badge and pointed and
said "over there." I walked into the hotel and asked another police man
and hotel person where the Press conference was and they all politely
told me to take the elevator up to the 22nd floor. When I got into the
elevator I was freaking out - I was moments away from meeting The
Beatles. Since I had never been in a press conference and had no idea
what goes on, I followed the rest of the crowd and did exactly what
every one else did so's not to look suspicious. Everyone took a seat -
so I took a seat. Everyone took out pen and pad, I rummaged through my
bag and found the same. The dais was set up in front of all the
"reporters." Suddenly The Beatles walk in and take their seats at the
dais. "You may begin the questions" someone says - Everyone raises their
hands - I raise my hand - why am I raising my hand? I have no idea - all
I know is I'm doing what everyone else is doing. Ringo POINTS TO ME!!!
I FREEZE AND STARE AT HIM, CAN'T SPEAK, OH MY GOD. The reporter next to
me pushes me on the shoulder and says "Ask him a question - quick." I
stand up and say the first thing that comes to my mind - are you ready
for this - "Tell me Ringo what are your plans for Yom Kippor. Now for
those of you out there who are Jewish I am sure you know what Yom Kippor
is. But for those who don't, it is a very important Jewish Holiday where
you are supposed to atone for your sins. So Ringo looks at me and smiles
and says "Well I guess I will drink a lot of Coca-Cola." I say "thank
you very much" and sit down. I thought I would die when he pointed at me.
I was so stunned and I could not believe what I said to him. Yom Kippor
of all things - I must have been in shock. After the conference I went
over to Ringo and told him my name and that I really wasn't with the New
York Post. He thought it was a riot. He laughed and said "Don't worry -
I didn't know what Yom Kippor was". I explained it to him and we became
quick crazy friends for a moment in time. I got to take loads of
pictures of the Beatles that day.
Several years later when I left for London to work for Polydor - I
stored a trunk (filled with my collection of papers and photos and
records and even a poem written to me by Jack Kerouac) in the basement
of our building in a storage bin for our apartment. When my mother
moved, she forgot to take the trunk. The trunk is gone. Who knows where.
As fate had it, when I worked at Polydor - I met with John Lennon and
Paul McCartney at Paul's house. I will save that story for my next time.
But I will say that the three meetings I had with John and Paul were
really awesome. I will tell more later. By the way all this is in my
book called "A Song For Every Journey" which will be out soon. So thanks
for listening.
Some time next week my kids will make the CD of "There I Go Again" and
then pleezzze take it out of the musica room. I get embarrassed when I
hear myself sing that one. I would rather hear "I've Got My Own Thing
Going" which at least made the charts in New York and I haven't heard
that one for 37 years. Also, I am looking for anything by Sonny Childe
and John Bull Breed. If you know how to Email these records to me - that
would be great.
Hope you enjoyed the story.
Meanwhile, Love & Light to you all. Claire Francis
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