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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 23 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Jordan & Wayne's "Find A Little Happiness"
From: Artie Wayne
2. "I Fell In Love So Easily"
From: Ed Rambeau
3. Re: Wayne Newton's "Better Now Than Later"
From: Artie Wayne
4. Re: The Chiffons
From: Will Stos
5. Re: Birdlegs & Pauline
From: Dave Monroe
6. Re: Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
From: Ed Salamon
7. Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
From: Rob Pingel
8. Re: Kerri Downs
From: Country Paul
9. Re: Frequently misheard lyrics: the case of 'He Is The Boy'
From: Hans Huss
10. Dante and the Evergreens
From: Gary Myers
11. Re: Solomon King
From: Simon White
12. Busy, busy . . .
From: Al Kooper
13. Smokey Will Sing Praises Of Product In Hub
From: Phil X Milstein
14. Re: Kerri Downs
From: Artie Wayne
15. "Please let him love me" @ musica
From: Peter Andreasen
16. Re: A Vogues Question
From: Mikey
17. Re: A Vogues Question
From: Bill Mulvy
18. Re: Besame Mucho
From: Norman D
19. Re: "Dick Fox's Golden Boys"
From: Laura Pinto
20. Re: Clair, "My Orange Room"
From: Dave Monroe
21. Re: Hawaiian "Talking" Guitars
From: Dave O'Gara
22. Re: Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
From: Dave O'Gara
23. Re: "Please let him love me" @ musica
From: Will Stos
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 10:48:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Artie Wayne
Subject: Re: Jordan & Wayne's "Find A Little Happiness"
Tom...How ya' doin'? Thanks for posting my first release as an artist
on Diamond records teamed up with Danny Jordan.
When I was released from Aldon music as a writer in 1962, the first
office I walked into was owned by writer/producer Paul Vance. I had
seen his name on records as the co-writer of "Catch a Falling Star",
"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini", etc. and I hoped
he would like my style of pop/country/r+b. He not only co-wrote with
me but encouraged me to write with other writers that were coming
around at the time, which included Cirino Colacrai, Al Byron, Ellie
Greenwich, Ben Raleigh and his nephew Danny Jordan [who later became
one of the Detergents].
One day, singer Frankie Sardo, a friend of Danny's came by looking
for material. He had a minor hit with "Fakeout" but was best known
for having been on the last Buddy Holly Tour. After a strong B.S.
session, which included Frankie telling us that he gave up his seat
on the plane to Buddy the night of the fatal crash, the three of us
started writing a song, "Find a Little Happiness".
The next day, we finished the song and played it for Paul. He was so
excited that he ran us down the hall to play it for Joe Kolsky who
owned Diamond records. Joe flipped out as well and suggested that
Danny and I record it as a duo.
Initially, this didn't really sit well with Danny or myself since we
both were aspiring to be single artists. I knew Joe was a dynamite
record promoter since I had an earlier release on Diamond that I
co-wrote with Paul, "Mommy and Daddy were Twistin'" by Susan Summers
...but I was still aprehensive.
Paul was pissed off that we didn't jump at the chance to record for
the man who was behind some of the biggest hits at Roulette records
...so Danny and I reconsidered.
Although our record wasn't a hit,I made a lot of contacts at record
hops that would later payoff in cover records with Brian Hyland and
Patti LaBelle.
My relationship with Joe Kolsky grew and I produced several artists
for him over the years. He even got Ronnie Dove to record one of my
favorite songs, "Wish I Didn't Have a Heart".
regards, Artie Wayne http://artiewayne.com/
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 19:49:21 -0000
From: Ed Rambeau
Subject: "I Fell In Love So Easily"
Steve Fuji:
> I've been listening to a song called "I Fell In Love So Easily" from
> Eddie Rambeau's "Concrete and Clay" album which credits songwriters
> as: Al Kooper-Bob Brass-Irwin Levine. It's a beautiful recording
> somewhat reminiscent of the Little Anthony and the Imperials style,
> which is not typical of either Rambeau or Kooper's work. If Al or Ed
> see this message, do either of you have any recollections regarding
> this song?
The only recollection I have is that when Bob Crewe played the song
for me I really liked it and gave it the big okay to record as one of
the tunes in my Concrete and Clay album. And it's still one of my
favorites. You're right about the Little Anthony style...that it
does have. Thanks for your interest.
Ed Rambeau
http://www.edrambeau.com
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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 11:17:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Artie Wayne
Subject: Re: Wayne Newton's "Better Now Than Later"
Julio ...How ya' doin? I'm glad you liked "Better now than Later" by
Wayne Newton. The title came from what I said to a girl in an ill-
fated relationship, "If You're gonna' say goodbye...Better Now than
Later...If you're gonna" make me cry...Better Now than Later".
Ben Raleigh and I wrote it in about an hour and as soon as we finished
it we ran over and played it for Bobby Darin who cut it and put it on
the b-side of "Danke Shoen". It was the only cover we had on the song.
regards, Artie Wayne http://artiewayne.com/
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Message: 4
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 20:10:28 -0000
From: Will Stos
Subject: Re: The Chiffons
A while back I was chatting with Michael "Doc Rock" Kelly about
the Angels' version of "He's So Fine," which can be found on their
Best of Mercury set. Obviously, with the exception of the lead and
some over dubs, the Angels do not provide the "doo langs" or "oh
yeahs." It certainly sounds like the Chiffons, but not the single
version of the song. Does anyone know beyond a doubt that the Angels
used the Chiffons' demo? Futhermore, the Chiffons claimed they
recorded "My Boyfriend's Back" to get back at the Angels for stealing
their track. But the version released didn't come out until 1966, and
certainly sounds as if it was recorded that year. Did they really
wait that long for vengence, or does anyone know if they cut an
earlier version in '63 that might have been left off one of their
albums, or remains unreleased?
And while I'm on the topic. Does anyone know if Laurie/BT Puppy has
any unreleased material by the group still in the vaults. Ace's
Greatest Recordings CD had the superb "He's A Bad One," but I haven't
heard of any other previously unreleased track coming out since their
1975/76 come back until this one or since. Regardless, I think it's
high time the good folks at Ace re-release their 1990 CD (perhaps
expanded to two cds to include more cuts from these pretty popettes!)
Will : )
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Message: 5
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 13:29:42 -0800 (PST)
From: Dave Monroe
Subject: Re: Birdlegs & Pauline
Gary Myers wrote:
> Yes, please do! I haven't heard of it in the past 12
> yrs of WI music research. I've spoken with Sidney
> (Birdlegs) many times (just last week, in fact), so
> maybe he doesn't even know of it. ("Spring" was on
> both Cuca and Vee Jay. Could that be what you're
> thinking of?)
>
> Pauline (Chivers) had 4 releases on Expo and Opex.
Sorry, false alarm. Bobby & Pauline. Can't recall
title/label (deep burgundy colored, with silver
print?), but I've picked up a pile of stuff in the
past week or so, so ... so pardon me for not knowing
(though various friends are hardcore local funk, soul
and garage diggers and reserachers), but I'm in
Milwaukee, are you anywhere nearby? Did You Hear That
Beat? That's you, I'm assuming. Will look into it, I
imagine at least an acquaintance or two has it, 'cos i
can't find a copy either at the library or on sale
(let me know otherwise). But pardon any inconvenience ...
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Message: 6
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 19:52:41 -0000
From: Ed Salamon
Subject: Re: Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
Ray's obit is in the Tennessean on line. They use an old bio that shaved
his age for the teen market, so have him at 65 rather than 69. Link:
http://tennessean.com/obits/archives/05/01/64663336.shtml?Element_ID=64663336s
I just returned from Ray Peterson's funeral at the Smyrna Assembly of
God Church, near Nashville. I sat next to S'popper Steve Jarrell. Former
Beach Boys manager Fred Vail, who booked Ray to open their 1964 tour,
spoke. Ray's daughters sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". At the end of
the service, they played Ray's version of "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Ed Salamon
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Message: 7
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 19:38:40 -0000
From: Rob Pingel
Subject: Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
So many memorable recordings by this great artist. My favorite would
be "Goodnight My Love" which was a staple sign-off song for numerous
late-night DJs. One of the few cases where a re-make equalled or
eclipsed the original record.
Rob Pingel
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Message: 8
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 17:51:50 -0500
From: Country Paul
Subject: Re: Kerri Downs
David A Young on Kerri Downs in musica:
> ...described [as] "...perverted lyrics. Very disturbing."
If you don't listen to the lyrics, it's a very credible girl-group
record (except for the rant at the fade). But my goodness, what
were they thinking?!? "Family values"?!?!?
Country Paul
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Message: 9
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 15:12:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Hans Huss
Subject: Re: Frequently misheard lyrics: the case of 'He Is The Boy'
Robert, Thanks for your valiant attempt at solving the riddle. And
thanks for acknowledging the magnitude of the task. Sadly, I don't
think you've got it right. (Though "grade" may well be in there:
"When they gave out grades", perhaps? "When they gave out xxxx, they
xxx xxx hidden his slate..."?) My friend P., a recording engineer,
once suggested that the lines might consist of jumbled words that made
it past quality control onto what was considered a throw-away flip.
That would make sense if the words had appeared in or near the fade,
but as the first verse? Just noticed it's a Gerry Goffin/Dee Irwin
tune, by the way.
Wish I knew the answer and could put it to the list as a quiz. (Mick
Patrick, have you played "He Is The Boy" lately?) Does anyone have
the sheet music?
HH
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Message: 10
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 21:17:17 -0800
From: Gary Myers
Subject: Dante and the Evergreens
Ed Salamon:
> Tony Moon squeezed in some of his Dante and the Evergreens stories.
I'm glad you mentioned that, Ed. I did a story on Dante & the
Evergreens for Goldmine around '89 (all info from Don Drowty
interviews). When I later discovered that one of the records by
Milwaukee's Skunks was produced by a Tony Moon, I thought it might
be the same guy, but I never knew for sure until now.
gem
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Message: 11
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 21:33:25 +0000
From: Simon White
Subject: Re: Solomon King
I wrote:
> A track apparently by him called "This Beautiful Day" was released
> under the name Levi Jackson, to make him seem a bit more 'hip'.
Larry Watts, Jr. wrote:
> This also showed up on EMI's "Talcum Soul 4," and is one of the 5
> songs there, out of 26 total, which has no backstory in the notes.
> It is noted that it was arranged and conducted by Nicky Welsh and
> produced by Bob Barrett. Released in 1970. I've been trying to find
> out what the original label was for close to a year.
A fellow Spectropopper who shall remain nameless (Phil Chapman) and I
listened to it last night and agreed that the voice sounded very high
to be the "She Wears My Ring" Solomon King. I don't know where the
story that it's him originates but it is one that gets repeated often.
I beleive it was released as a Promo copy under the Solomon King name
and then as a full release as Levi Jackson. And don't quote me but I
think the label for the Promo is UK Columbia and the release is EMI
and if that's the case then a mystery is at large. It's a horrible
record with a truely desperate vocal on it. I have a feeling a few
here would like it. I also have a feeling someone will know the real
story.
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Message: 12
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 19:25:29 -0500
From: Al Kooper
Subject: Busy, busy . . .
I apologize to all for suddenly dropping out, but my time got co-opted
by too many projects and I just can't get back right now. I had a great
time and I hope to be back sometime in the future. If anyone needs info
I can provide please email me at al@alkooper.com and I'll see what I
can do. To keep up chronologically there's always the Updates at
http://www.alkooper.com I have a radioshow on Radio Caroline on
Thursday Feb 3rd. See their website for details Y'all keep up the good
work !!!!!
Al Kooper
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Message: 13
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 15:10:24 -0800
From: Phil X Milstein
Subject: Smokey Will Sing Praises Of Product In Hub
Sorry I had to miss Smokey's in-store appearance, at a supermarket of
all places, this afternoon, but duty preceeds pleasure. I've posted a
scan of his product label to the Photos section.
Happy eatin',
--Phil M.
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Smokey Will Sing Praises Of Product In Hub
by Christopher Cox
Boston Herald
Jan. 27, 2005
What becomes a legend most? How about a price check in frozen foods?
Motown deity Smokey Robinson would like his fans to shop around for his
new line of microwaveable entrees -- The Soul is in the Bowl gumbo, red
beans and rice and jambalaya.
Tbat's a full plate. Country crooner Jimmy Dean only sold sausage. "I
hadn't thought about one-upping Jimmy Dean," Robinson replied in that
sweet, slightly raspy tenor that swayed a million hips. "Rather than
one-up, we'll try to fill up people."
The man is THAT smooth. Judge for yourself tomorrow. Smokey will cruise
into Shaw's supermarket at 4 River Street, Dorchester, from 1 to 3 p.m
for a Black History Month salute to African-American entrepreneurs.
The Detroit native got a taste for down-home cooking from his mother and
father, who hailed from Memphis, Tenn., and Selma, Ala., respectively.
"I grew up eating Southern food," Robinson said during a break from an
L.A. recording session -- he's working on an album of American songbook
standards.
A portion of the proceeds from Robinson's food fine will go to education
programs for minority children. "We want to teach young minority kids
they don't have to be sports figures or entertainers to make a good
life," Robinson said. "They can be entrepreneurs and pursue that avenue."
We second that promotion.
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Message: 14
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 04:52:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Artie Wayne
Subject: Re: Kerri Downs
David...How ya' doin'? Kerri Downs was married to Gerry Granahan
["No Chemise Please"]. In 1962 she recorded a song Ben Raleigh and
I wrote, "4,003,221 Tears from Now" which was covered by Judy Stone
and went top ten in Austraila.
regards, Artie Wayne http://artiewayne.com/
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Message: 15
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 14:32:56 -0000
From: Peter Andreasen
Subject: "Please let him love me" @ musica
Jeff Lemlich wrote:
> The unreleased demos keep on coming. Now playing at musica
> is a Dick Charles Recording 10" acetate of a song called
> "Please Let Him Love Me". There is no artist listed on the
> label, but I have a feeling the Spectropop detectives will
> get to the bottom of this one, too.
I am 99.9% certain that the lead singer on "Please let him love me"
which is currently playing at Musica, is Margaret Ross of the Cookies.
Try to compare it with "Only to other people" and "Softly in the
night" or The Cinderellas single "Baby, baby I still love you" bw
"Please donīt wake me". Does anyone disagree?
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Message: 16
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 12:14:22 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: A Vogues Question
Max Weiner:
> Got a question about the Vogues' "Five O'Clock World". I have two
> versions of this song, one with a string section in the back and
> one without. Personally, I think the strings add something to this
> song, but my question is which version actually was released first?
> Were the strings added later, or were they on first, then
> subsequently deleted. And, this may sound like an odd question,
> but can anyone out there tell me how they came up with, or who came
> up with that very unusual vocal treatment that Bill Burkette gives
> at the end of each chorus? I never heard it before or since on any
> recording?
The Vogues '5 O'clock World' was released on Co&Ce Records in 1966
without the string section.
In 1968, The Vogues signed with Reprise Records and had a string of
"Adult Pop" type hits with full orchestras and string sections.
Soon, Reprise decided to issue a Greatest Hits Lp, and so they bought
the rights to "Youre The One" "5 O'clock World" amd "Magic Town" for
a year and added string sections to each song to make them sound more
like the Reprise Hits. They did a VERY good job...after the hearing
the string added versions, the originals sound naked and bare.
Bill Burket himself came up with that unusual vocal grunt in "5 oclock
World". If you listen to the Vogues records, theres alot of stuff like
that. These guys were truly 4 of the best singers in Rock and Roll.
I hope this helps you!!
Mikey
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Message: 17
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 09:47:33 -0600
From: Bill Mulvy
Subject: Re: A Vogues Question
Max Weiner:
> Got a question about the Vogues' "Five O'Clock World". I have two
> versions of this song, one with a string section in the back and
> one without. Personally, I think the strings add something to this
> song, but my question is which version actually was released first?
> Were the strings added later, or were they on first, then
> subsequently deleted. And, this may sound like an odd question,
> but can anyone out there tell me how they came up with, or who came
> up with that very unusual vocal treatment that Bill Burkette gives
> at the end of each chorus? I never heard it before or since on any
> recording?
The Vogues had a latter LP release of their greatest hits, with dubbed
in string sections, conducted by Robert Freeman. I especially liked
the orchestra dubbing on "This Magic Town", which gave the song a
much more majestic feel. To my knowledge, this greatest hits version
has never been released on CD.
There is a true stereo version of "Five O'clock World", available on
the Discoveries CD, released about five years ago.
Bill Mulvy
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Message: 18
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 09:36:13 -0800 (PST)
From: Norman D
Subject: Re: Besame Mucho
Gary Myers wrote:
> I recall an instrumental version, in 5/4, being played on LGFJ
> (L.A.) in '63. Does anyone know anything about this?
Was it by Jet Harris (ex-Shadows, bass player)? This was a UK hit
in 1962. I can't recall the time it was in, just the twangy guitar.
Norman D
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Message: 19
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 14:54:44 -0000
From: Laura Pinto
Subject: Re: "Dick Fox's Golden Boys"
Country Paul wrote:
> FYI, "Dick Fox's Golden Boys" - Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby
> Rydell - are playing at the Trump 29 Casino in San Diego, CA, March
> 3rd. This means they're probably on tour at various other venues as
> well.
I love Dick Fox's Golden Boys! Saw them for the first time back in
1986 and have seen them many times since then. I've met Fabian and
Bobby Rydell. Bobby has a wonderful sense of humor, both on stage and
off. It looks like the guys do have other venues lined up for a tour.
Check out Fabian's itinerary and you'll see several Golden Boys dates
listed: http://www.marstalent.com/itinerary_new.htm#Fabian
Thanks for the update.
Laura
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Message: 20
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 08:04:43 -0800 (PST)
From: Dave Monroe
Subject: Re: Clair, "My Orange Room"
A friend put up a label scan and a sound file for me on his blog.
Here's to hoping somebody can tell me something about this. On
Marlo Records, ca. 1972:
http://funkandsoul.blogspot.com/2005/01/clair.html
http://funkandsoul.blogspot.com/2005/01/little-off-subject-clair.html
Thanks for any and all help anyone can give me.
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Message: 21
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 17:41:05 -0000
From: Dave O'Gara
Subject: Re: Hawaiian "Talking" Guitars
Jim wrote:
> Hope someone can point me to a US song which was a hit in Australia
> (and probably elsewhere) around 1963..its catchy gimmick was
> "talking" guitars, where the "vocals" were played on the strings.
Off the top of my head, you might be talking about Pete Drake's version
of "Forever", which was also a vocal hit by the Little Dippers.
Dave 0'
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Message: 22
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 17:46:48 -0000
From: Dave O'Gara
Subject: Re: Ray Peterson, R.I.P.
So sad to hear of Ray's passing. In an earlier post, someone asked to
have a list of essential Ray Peterson songs to look for. I would
mention one from his RCA days that sums up my feelings: "Missing You".
Dave 0'
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Message: 23
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 17:48:57 -0000
From: Will Stos
Subject: Re: "Please let him love me" @ musica
Previously:
> I am 99.9% certain that the lead singer on "Please let him love me"
> which is currently playing at Musica, is Margaret Ross of the Cookies.
> Try to compare it with "Only to other people" and "Softly in the
> night" or The Cinderellas single "Baby, baby I still love you" bw
> "Please donīt wake me". Does anyone disagree?
I definitely hear the similarity (especially on her vibrato), but it
doesn't sound quite as distinctive as the other cuts you mentioned. I
wonder if this was cut earlier and they didn't let her rip into the
end as much as she could have.
Will : )
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
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