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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. "Morning Girl"
From: John Fox
2. Re: "This Time Tomorrow"
From: Billy G Spradlin
3. Hullabaloo!
From: John H
4. Bill Haley's "Memphis"
From: Steve Harvey
5. "Just Come Home"; Connie Conway
From: Country Paul
6. Philly history; Jimmy Bell; Cowsills; oldies radio on line; Lesley Gore; "Probe" music
From: Country Paul
7. Re: "Susan"
From: Joe Nelson
8. Re: BoxTops at my local Tastefest?
From: Dave Marheine
9. "Jack in the Bob"; Sherman & The Teenagers; "That Thing"; Steve Greenberg
From: Country Paul
10. Re: pre-fame Neil Young
From: Dave Marheine
11. Re: "Susan"
From: Chris
12. Re: "This Time Tomorrow" / More April Young, Please!
From: S.J. Dibai
13. Re: "Phil's Spectre II: Another Wall Of Soundalikes"
From: Ray
14. Re: Bill Haley's "Memphis"
From: Gary Myers
15. Re: pre-fame Neil Young
From: Steve Harvey
16. Re: "Morning Girl"
From: Nick Archer
17. Re: pre-fame Neil Young
From: Steve Popkin
18. Obie Benson, R.I.P.
From: Ray
19. Re: Chicago Bands / "Susan"
From: Clark Besch
20. Raspberries / Mike Smith
From: Clark Besch
21. RIP Obie Benson, Luther Vandross
From: Country Paul
22. Bright Tunes
From: Phil X Milstein
23. Burdonsome
From: Phil X Milstein
24. "Happy Together," the gift that keeps on giving
From: James Cassidy
25. Re: Bright Tunes
From: S'pop Projects
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 14:17:26 EDT
From: John Fox
Subject: "Morning Girl"
Reading about the "long" version of Susan by the Buckinghams reminds
me of this:
Has anyone ever heard the "long" version of Morning Girl by the Neon
Philharmonic? I downloaded it from Napster a few years ago and just
listened to it a few days ago (surprised by not knowing that there
was more than the single version, which I always felt was too short a
song--now I know why). The long version includes much more
instrumental stuff plus an entire extra verse, bridge and verse, with
even stranger (or should I say more creative?) lyrics than the first
verses. Someone was probably right to cut it!
John Fox
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 22:10:45 -0000
From: Billy G Spradlin
Subject: Re: "This Time Tomorrow"
Phil X Milstein on the two versions of "This Time Tomorrow" at musica:
> What a great find! Terrific song, and both versions have their
> virtues. April Young's features a rippin' guitar solo, but my vote
> goes to Andrea Carroll's, for its hamfisted attempt at the Wall of
> Spector, led by a drummer who sounds like he's pounding his shoe on
> the recording console -- in perfect time, no less. This song kicks.
> Are there other versions out there?
There should be a "The Brightest of Bright Tunes" comp. There's
several comps on the Tokens but not much on their outside production
work besides the Chiffons and singles scattered on various comps.
They did a great job on those shoestring budgets small labels like
Laurie, Jubilee and Big Top gave them.
Billy G.
http://listen.to/jangleradio
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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 01:46:41 -0000
From: John H
Subject: Hullabaloo!
Hey there Spectropoppers,
I was just lucky enough to receive the Hullabaloo Vol. 5-8 dvd in the
mail, and I have to say - wow. I love everything about this show. The
art direction, choreography, music, and energy in each episode are
just amazing.
Of course, the best part of these packages are the curiosities and
one-shots that slip in between the big stars and performances we've
already seen a million times. I mean the likes of Dick Kallman's
wonderful Motown rip, "Looking Around," Kim Weston's "Take Me In Your
Arms" (bizarrely cool staging), Baby Jane Holzer's so-bad-it's-good
"You're Gonna Hurt Yourself," and even two solo singing turns by Hulla
dancers, Patrick and Lada Edmund, Jr. That last one is a real kick,
thanks in large part to a spunky, sexy starlet and her ample Boots
knockoff. (Billy Strange should have sued for his horns back.)
There's even a charming Lesley Gore performance of "My Town, My Guy
and Me" wherein Ms Gore starts off a little nervous then works up to a
full, confident belt. It's quite exciting to watch.
Does anyone know whatever came of Lada Edmund, Jr.? She seems like
someone who would have made it in the business, come hell or highwater
pants!
-John H.
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Message: 4
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:07:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Bill Haley's "Memphis"
Phil's post about Tom T Hall's "That's How I Got To Memphis" hits
home around here in Haley country. A lot of people don't know that
importance of that song. Haley was recording another tune when he did
that tune back in 1970. He wasn't wild about the song, but did record
it. It made Top Ten on the country charts. As a result of its success
he was offered a chance to join the Grand Old Opry. All he had to do
was show up for the show once a week and do two numbers, a country
tune and a rock and roll tune. It would have been good exposure at
the time considering Bill was mainly earning a living on the oldies
circuit. Unfortunately he turned down the offer and the rest is
history.
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Message: 5
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 22:19:02 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: "Just Come Home"; Connie Conway
Catching up again....
Me earlier:
> Hugo & Luigi's "Just Come Home" is (as I learned here) a US remake
> of an Italian hit.
Joop replied;
> According to the next link "Just come home" has French origins:
> http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/discog_detail.asp?exhibitId=233
> If "Just come home" is written by Marguerite Monnot and Carl
> Sigman, then it is possibly a translation of "C'est l'amour qui
> fait" a song written by Marguerite Monnot and Edith Gassion (which
> is Edith Piaf).
I apologize for identifying the wrong country. I remembered, reading
your post, that someone (perhaps you?) had mentioned Piaf earlier
regarding this song.
S'pop team:
> A track has also been posted to musica: Denny Reed "No One Cares"
> (Trey 3014, 1961); Written by Norma and Connie Conway, Arranged
> and Conducted by Connie Conway.
It's the one I would have played to musica if I could. When I get the
capability, I'll play Connie Conway's "Nothing Is Forever" (an early
Jamie release) for you - it's really beautiful, too.
Country Paul
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Message: 6
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:28:41 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: Philly history; Jimmy Bell; Cowsills; oldies radio on line; Lesley Gore; "Probe" music
S. J. Dibai, re: Philly acts post-1963?
> Here's my list so far, roughly in order of when they made
> records that had an impact:
> Diane Renay
> April Young
> Len Barry (straddles the fence between pop and soul to my ears)
> The Spokesmen
> The Kit Kats
> Keith
> The Magic Mushrooms (I know, but they ARE legendary)
> Jim and Dale (Did these guys have any hits? I know they have a cult
> status among collectors.)
> The Nazz
> Any historically important acts missing?
The Four J's {"Here Am I Broken Hearted"} and Ernie &The Halos {"Angel
Marie") had Philly hits in the mid 60s. Also, was bandleader Bobby
Gregg a Philadelphian? "The Jam" (Cotton records) was a national hit.
Shawn Nagy:
> Someone on this board had previously sent me a CD of JIMMY BELL
> (She Wears My Ring) off master tapes. Now that I'm releasing
> Canadian artist CDs, that track would be of interest for a future
> release.
My favorite version; I have the Hickory 45. I didn't know he was
Canadian.
> Also, I must mention, with all the talk of losing oldies stations
> lately - my http://www.superoldies.com station....very few
> Spectropoppers seem to have visited it.
It defaults to RealPlayer, which my computer doesn't seem to want to
support. (There is an alternate which someone here forwarded to me
that I have yet to check out, but will.)
Mike Bennidict:
> If I'm not mistaken The Cowsills were from Connecticut.
Actually, Newport, RI. The four brothers used to play at fraternity
parties at my college (Brown in Providence) before and around the
time of "Most of All" (on Philips, dist. by Mercury, not the Mercury
label itself). They were really good live!
Steve Harvey Re: Oldies Radio:
> It's time for regional radio. That's where the station becomes a
> particular station in the 50s and 60s and plays that city's playlist
> for that day. Ft. Worth today, Minneapolis tomorrow, Wilmington the
> next. All the tunes in their hot 100. Always liked to hear what made
> it in one area, but not another.
At least you have WPEN in Philly, Steve, playing a fairly decent 50s-
60s format. The same owners also have WMTR in Morristown, NJ, serving
northeastern NJ with a pretty decent mix of the same era. With 'CBS-
FM's departure, they have been deepening the music mix, although
still staying to the approximately-pre-Beatles era. (They're also
streaming online at www.wmtram.com and can be heard just west of the
Hudson River at 1260 (24 hours) or 1170 (daytime only).
David A Young:
> [B]rand-new extensive Lesley Gore interview...featuring lots of cool
> photos (including a much better current head shot of her than the
> one on the cover of her new CD):
> http://www.afterellen.com/People/2005/6/lesleygore.html
I've been enjoying "Ever Since," the new CD. Title track is the best,
to my ears, but the whole thing is quite good. Very introspective and
moody for the most part.
Phil M:
> new at Probe: http://www.philxmilstein.com/probe
> That's How I Got To Memphis in triplicate
Just heard the Bill Haley version - he makes a credible countrypolitan
singer!
> Early April (Stevens)
"Don't Do It" is pricelessly sexist - she's so much better than the
material. The flip side only played for 4 seconds. (And by the way,
how old IS she, anyway?)
Country Paul
(now just a week behind)
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Message: 7
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 22:03:50 -0400
From: Joe Nelson
Subject: Re: "Susan"
Clark Besch:
> In answer to your "Susan" question, no WLS did not play the edited
> 45 version. They played the whole song fromthe very beginning of
> its hit status to end.
Michael Thom:
> I expect Clark knows this, but Columbia did issue a special
> promotional 45 of "Susan" with the middle part edited out. I
> tracked down a copy several years ago. It's an awkward edit, which
> may explain why stations didn't play the edited version. Or maybe
> it's just because the complete version is so good!
IMO, the complete version loses something in stereo. I always prefered
the mono since it hides the fact that the sound effects section was
all punched into one track and thus the track goes into mono at that
point.
Joe Nelson
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Message: 8
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 13:29:48 -0000
From: Dave Marheine
Subject: Re: BoxTops at my local Tastefest?
Rob wrote:
> BoxTops at my local Tastefest?...on July 4th...so apparently
> they've re-formed and are touring...I'm wondering if I should get
> excited...any reviews of any recent shows?
I just missed them in Wisconsin last weekend. We heard "The Letter"
from a distance as we were entering the Expo Grounds. So, I know Alex
Chilton is with them, but I have no idea who any other members of the
band are. Or were, for that matter, without doing some research
(which is made more difficult by the fact that I haven't been able to
access allmusic.com for several weeks, now). The Box Tops were
opening for the Raspberries, who are touring with original members
Eric Carmen, Wally Bryson, Dave Smalley and Jim Bonfanti. They did a
nice set of hits and album tracks from their four Capitol albums.
Dave
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Message: 9
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:27:36 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: "Jack in the Bob"; Sherman & The Teenagers; "That Thing"; Steve Greenberg
Will Stos on transitioning in radio:
> Jack/Bob, which was started up here in Canada a few years ago,
> constantly surprises listeners because their playlist is so much
> bigger than usual....[D]espite losing great people like Cousin
> Brucie, there are a lot of duds we've been spared from. These
> stations play more music and less advertising, and certainly
> less inane babble. If you like that stuff, tune into talk radio.
"Inane babble"="talk radio"? Agreed. Also, too many DJs indeed
babbled - I think I did a time or two when I was on the air, too -
but the enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge of the best of them is
unparallelled and enhances the listening experience. If I want to
shuffle some miscellaneous tunes, I'll load my own iPod or burn my
own CD (when I can) and hear stuff I want. What I hear on Jack in New
York is a somewhat broader range stylistically of shallowly-
programmed oldies; so instead of the "Jukebox From Hell" in one
format, we now have the "hell" of a dozen formats. Yawn. Groan.
Change the station.
> The best thing about these stations is that they quickly become
> the most popular in their markets. They prove people don't like
> hearing the same 40-50 songs repeated over and over, and that
> genre-specifc stations are getting too dull. Give us variety!
Sorry, Will - I ain't buyin' the most-popular line, at least in New
York. I agree with your conclusion regarding variety, but I'll be
mighty surprised if Jack becomes ratings-dominant in New York. Right
now, in fact, the hottest new thing on the dial here isn't even in
English; a Spanish-language station [WCAA, 105.9 FM] has gone all
reggaeton, which is Puerto Rican rap. They're repeating a little
material a lot (some songs hourly, in fact, like the old WABC Music
Radio 77 did), and are apparently "the" buzz on the street, even with
some English-speaking 18-34s. (Source: the New York Times - I haven't
heard them yet....)
By the way, one of the broadcast trade papers had an interview with
the guy who made the switch to Jack in New York and Chicago. There
was no staff notification, period. He came off in the article as one
arrogant and insensitive jerk, much like the personification of the
Jack promos. I agree, Will, radio formats change, music changes,
audiences change; but that kind of arrogance is always offensive. May
the wheel of karma roll over this guy soon, less for the format
change, and more for how he regards people, especially those who
worked for him.
In a later post, Will, you respond to some other comments made in
reaction to yours, particularly about music of certain eras.
Personally, I maintain that there's always good music being made -
and bad music, too. In some eras, it's easier to find than others,
but it's there if you search in the right places.
Now back to catching up, and apologies if I re-answer some already-
answered questions....
Mick Patrick asks about:
> "The Draw" recorded by Sherman & the Teenagers on Columbia 4-42054
> in 1961. Has this track ever been released on CD? If so, details
> please. Does anyone have a copy of the 45, perhaps? I'd love to hear
> it.
Add me to the list of eager ears. This release is news to me, but I
assume it's Sherman Garnes, one of the original members of Frankie
Lymon & The Teenagers.
Clark Besch:
> We celebrated at the local "Haymarket Heydays"...by seeing the
> band named "That Thing You Do!" Their ad said "featuring music
> from the movie". On stage, the announcer claimed they had
> written some of the movie soundtrack songs. I know some of the
> writers had a band after the movie, but not by that name.
Didn't a couple of members of Fountains of Wayne have something to do
with the band that *was* playing in the movie? It's sad to read that
they weren't having fun - the music on the soundtrack was absolutely
joyous.
Bob Rashkow on Steve Greenberg's "Big Bad Bruce":
> It seems to me that recordings of this type were easier to
> appreciate back then--am I alone in thinking this?! I think
> nowadays things like this are done more out of ignorance and
> hostility, while in 1969 Greenberg's only purpose was to
> entertain, not to mention put forward yet another parody of the
> Jimmy Dean hit.
Agreed, Bobster. We were less politically correct, less thin-skinned,
and a lot more innocent. (Maybe the times weren't better, but I think
people of all sorts of 'deviation from the norm' tolerated a lot more
stuff before becoming offended - for better or worse.) That said,
it's hard for me to imagine Patti Page busting loose in this vein,
what with her "good girl" image and all. Despite his wholesome mein,
Jimmy Dean is indeed a "good ol' boy," so I can imagine his take on
it.
S. J. adds;
> I've always wondered who Steve Greenberg was and what ever happened
> to him.
As Frank M noted, he could have been the President of Atlantic
Records, although I asked my Atlantic rep back then if they were one
and the same, and he denied it. But being at the Trip label (this was
Trip 3000) was distributed by Atlantic, I'd think so. FYI, a sample
and label scan can be found at
http://www.queermusicheritage.com/jun2004bj.html; scroll about 40%
down the page. A whole battalion of Big Bad John satires is
catalogued there as well.
Then again, Phil Milstein adds:
> I don't know for certain, but I assume this is the same Steve
> Greenberg as the creator of Lipps Inc.'s giant 1980 (+/-) hit
> "Funkytown." Greenberg currently runs Designstein, a successful Web
> design and hosting firm based in Minneapolis (which hosted my site
> for a number of years).
His 16-year-old son, Nile, is to be the subject of an MTV (?) series
as he trains to be a rapper. (Let's hear it for reality TV....)
Again, the source is the New York Times; it seems these days I get
most of my current music news there.
That's enough for one dispatch....
Country Paul
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Message: 10
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 13:49:33 -0000
From: Dave Marheine
Subject: Re: pre-fame Neil Young
Phil X Milstein wrote:
> What is the availability status of recordings by The Squires, of
> Neil Young fame? On a similar tack, have any of the Mynah Birds
> recordings, done (with the future Rick James singing lead) for
> Motown but unreleased (apparently due to the discovery of James's
> AWOL military status) ever emerged?
I believe no copies of the Mynah Birds recordings have turned up at
all. I understand Neil's input was primarily to play 12-string
(acoustic?) guitar; I don't remember if he even wrote any of the
material they recorded. Apparently the band was allowed to make a
few attempts at the songs themselves before they got "Motowned" with
extra musicians, backup singers and footstomp / percussionists
joining them in the studio!
I think a 45 or two of the Squires (recorded at some Canadian radio
station?) turned up a couple years ago, and is now in Neil's
possession. It's projected for inclusion in the next Box Set he gets
around to assembling. This could take a while, obviously. On the
other hand, I never thought I'd live long enough to see a Buffalo
Springfield Box Set released.
(Digression about my amazement and delight when Pearls Before Swine
albums started turning up on CD just barely suppressed.)
Dave
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Message: 11
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 10:08:01 -0000
From: Chris
Subject: Re: "Susan"
Previously:
> Is it true that WLS only played an edit of "Susan" that didn't have
> the weird musique concrete in the middle?
In Chicago in the '70s, FM oldies station WFYR played the edited
version, probably to shorten it enough to jam in another commercial.
They also chopped up Aliota, Haynes & Jeremiah's fantastic "Lake
Shore Drive" - deleting half the refrain because of the "LSD" lyric...
> "I Confess" is one of those records that shouldnt work but does! I
> read they took two songs and combined them together.
I read something similar in a Chicago music newspaper around 1979,
except that they used THREE songs...
- Chris
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Message: 12
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:13:08 -0000
From: S.J. Dibai
Subject: Re: "This Time Tomorrow" / More April Young, Please!
Phil X Milstein on the two versions of "This Time Tomorrow" at musica:
> ... my vote goes to Andrea Carroll's, for its hamfisted attempt at
> the Wall of Spector ...
Funny you should say that, Phil, for it's exactly what I dislike
about her version! Not exactly the most successful pseudo-Spectorian
production. And this doesn't come out of a Philly bias, but I just
find April Young's version more memorable. It's a great display for
her "Lesley Gore with a bad cold" voice and singing style (I mean
that as a compliment, honest). I also love how it has a Charles
Calello sound to the arrangement--did Calello arrange this?
Hey, Mick, thanks for sharing! I hope you'll post more April Young
tracks to musica. I heard "Gonna Make Him My Baby" quite a lot
growing up (it was a big local hit, for those of you who didn't
know), so it's great to finally hear more of her work.
S.J. Dibai
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Message: 13
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 03:38:52 -0000
From: Ray
Subject: Re: "Phil's Spectre II: Another Wall Of Soundalikes"
Julio Niño wrote:
> I've just seen in Ace's brand new webpage that the second part
> of "Phil's Spectre: A Wall Of Soundalikes" is scheduled to be
> released next month. Maybe Mick (who I suppose must be
> responsible for warping such an artifact) could give us an advance
> look at the track list. I love the delight of dreaming of upcoming
> pleasures (in fact I think sometimes I prefer this sensation to
> the materialization of the pleasure).
Mick Patrick:
> Yup, my colleague Tony Rounce and I warped this artifact. It'll be
> out at the end of June. It's as good as Vol. 1, I reckon. The
> booklet is certainly better. Here's the track list:
> "Phil's Spectre II: Another Wall Of Soundalikes" Ace CDCHD 1059
> REPARATA & THE DELRONS: I'M NOBODYS BABY NOW
> With Hash Brown and his Orchestra
> Arranged by John Abbott
> A World United Production
I can hardly wait for this compilation to be released!!!! Volume I is
still on heavy rotation on my CD player. The Reparata track will be
the highlight for me...but I'm looking forward to all the selections.
Any word on a release date????
Ray
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Message: 14
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 02:56:53 -0700
From: Gary Myers
Subject: Re: Bill Haley's "Memphis"
Steve Harvey:
> Phil's post about Tom T Hall's "That's How I Got To Memphis" hits
> home around here in Haley country ... It made Top Ten on the
> country charts.
Neither the song, nor Haley show up in Whitburn's country book.
gem
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Message: 15
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 11:39:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: pre-fame Neil Young
Somewhere I have a tape of the Squires single, "Aurora", and the B-
side. Psuedo Shadows stuff with a voice at the intro saying "Aurora".
Be aware some people have tried pushing the garage band, The Squires,
(from NJ I think) as the Neil Young band. I think they had a tune
calling "Going All the Way", but it has nothing to do with Mr. Young.
Steve Harvey
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Message: 16
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 15:13:35 -0500
From: Nick Archer
Subject: Re: "Morning Girl"
John Fox wrote:
> Reading about the "long" version of Susan by the Buckinghams
> reminds me of this: Has anyone ever heard the "long" version of
> Morning Girl by the Neon Philharmonic?
The extra stuff was the last cut on the LP, "Morning Girl, Later".
The stations that I worked for crossfaded the two tracks to make
something around 5 minutes long. I still play that version on my
streaming station at http://www.live365.com/stations/nikarcher
Nick Archer
Franklin, TN
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Message: 17
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 16:45:06 -0400
From: Steve Popkin
Subject: Re: pre-fame Neil Young
As far as I've ever heard, no Mynah Birds has ever seen the light of
day. There are 2 Squire songs that was released on 45 and a few still
float around. You can hear Aurora and The Sultan on Archive Be Damned
2000, bootleg. Also, a bunch of Squires originals were dusted of and
done with The Blue Notes and possibly other times. In a similar vein,
there is a decent amount of Crazy Horse material from before they
joined Neil and became Crazy Horse. I believe some Rockets records
are available and there is an old kinescope, or something of Danny
and the Memories (a doo wop band).
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Message: 18
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 22:22:37 +0100
From: Ray
Subject: Obie Benson, R.I.P.
Just received the following sad news...
Obie Benson passed away this morning. God gets another super member
of his choir at our expense. RIP Obie, give our regards to everyone.
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Message: 19
Date: Sat, 02 Jul 2005 05:13:52 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: Chicago Bands / "Susan"
Yeah, the Susan edit came on DJ copies with normal/edit sides and
normal/normal sides. It was a sloppy edit. The Bartley edit is
good, but not original edit. I do have an aircheck from January 68
with a Fresno station playing the edit version. The 45 DOES sound
better than all the stereo versions, but mainly because AFTER the
sound effects, all stereo versions have wierd double tracked vocals
that do not appear on the 45.
On Ed Sullivan when they performed it, they actually used a film of
the group outside goofing around when the sound effects came up, but
instead of going back to the song, the effects faded into the intro
of the then unreleased "What is Love" from their next LP!
No matter how anyone edited it, thank God James Holvay gets royalties
either way! Right, James!! :)
Clark
PS. Ides "You Wouldn't Listen" was a rewrite of the chords to Kinks'
"Tired of Waiting For You", according to Jim Peterik who mentions it
in their concerts these days.
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Message: 20
Date: Sat, 02 Jul 2005 05:00:58 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Raspberries / Mike Smith
My brother and I thought about making the trek to Denver this weekend
just to see the Raspberries! 5 other acts, but that would be THE
ONE! My brother hears they are doing no Carmen solo songs--all
Raspberries! Pretty cool if so! Talking with Bob Stroud, he said he
saw the raspberries in Chitown in january and it was one of THE best
concerts he'd ever seen! "Make the trip", he said!
2 years ago, it was Mike Smith who was doing the same concert for
KOOL105's summer set in Denver. Since, he was paralyzed ina fall at
his home in Spain. I don't know much about his condition these days,
but he had been getting better last I knew. I think he may be
paralyzed still, tho. Anyway, heard Paul Shaeffer on Letterman
talking about an upcoming benefit concert for Mike. It will be
August 2 in New York City at BB King's club on 42nd street. Guests
include the Zombies, Billy J Kramer and for the first time in ages,
Peter & Gordon together performing! Pretty cool gig for you New York
people. Hope you go. Mike is one of the great singers and rockers!
A little surprised by the outpouring of UK acts, as I always heard
the DC5 were not well liked by their fellow English rockers. Now,
what can anyone update me on on Dick Clark?
Clark
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Message: 21
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 22:22:13 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: RIP Obie Benson, Luther Vandross
Two pieces of sad news, from the Associated Press. First, of "our era":
-------
'Obie' Benson, of Four Tops, Dies at 69
By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER
Associated Press Writer
DETROIT - Renaldo "Obie" Benson, a member of the legendary Motown
singing group the Four Tops, died Friday [July 1, 2005]. He was 69.
Benson died at a Detroit hospital, said the group's road manager, Fred
Bridges. His death also was confirmed by Craig Hankenson, president of
Producers Inc., one of the agencies that books dates for the Four
Tops. "It was not unexpected. He has been ill," Hankenson said. The
Four Tops sold more than 50 million records and recorded hit songs
such as "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Reach Out (I'll be There)," "I
Can't Help Myself" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love." Benson's
death leaves two surviving members of the original group: Levi Stubbs
and Abdul "Duke" Fakir. The fourth original Top, Lawrence Payton,
died of liver cancer in 1997. They are members of the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame. The Four Tops began singing together in the 1950s under
the name the Four Aims and signed a deal with Chess Records. They
later changed their names to the Four Tops. The group signed with
Motown Records in 1963 and produced a string of hits over the next
decade, making music history with the other acts in Berry Gordy's
Motown lineup.
------
Next, highly influential, although later:
------
R&B Crooner Luther Vandross Dies at 54
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
AP Music Writer
NEW YORK - Grammy award winner Luther Vandross, whose deep, lush
voice on such hits as "Here and Now" and "Any Love" sold more than 25
million albums while providing the romantic backdrop for millions of
couples worldwide, died Friday. He was 54. Vandross died at John F.
Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., said hospital spokesman Rob
Cavanaugh. He did not release the cause of death but said in a
statement that Vandross "never really recovered from" a stroke two
years ago. Since the stroke in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003,
the R&B crooner stopped making public appearances - but amazingly
managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four
Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the
bittersweet "Dance With My Father." Vandross, who was still in a
wheelchair at the time, delivered a videotaped thank you. "Remember,
when I say goodbye it's never for long," said a weak-looking
Vandross. "Because" - he broke into his familiar hit - "I believe in
the power of love." Vandross also battled weight problems for years
while suffering from diabetes and hypertension. He was arguably the
most celebrated R&B balladeer of his generation. He made women swoon
with his silky yet forceful tenor, which he often revved up like a
motor engine before reaching his beautiful crescendos....
(Complete story at: http://tinyurl.com/cd23m )
------
Country Paul
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 22
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 20:35:39 -0400
From: Phil X Milstein
Subject: Bright Tunes
Billy G. Spradlin wrote:
> There should be a "The Brightest of Bright Tunes" comp. There's
> several comps on the Tokens but not much on their outside production
> work besides the Chiffons and singles scattered on various comps.
Good point. However, there is a compilation that comes mighty darn
close. Where Bright Tunes was The Tokens' production company, B.T.
Puppy was their label (the name ostensibly chosen after that of the
Bright Tunes office pet), and naturally there is a lot of overlap
between the two. Thus, "Night Time Music: The B.T. Puppy Story," an
'04 release on Rev-Ola, might almost as well have been subtitled "The
Bright Tunes Story." Tracklist is as follows:
The Sundae Train: Love Affair Of Two Happy People; Sing Sweet Barbara
The Scene: Scenes (From Another World)
We Ugly Dogs: First Spring Rain
The Sundae Train: I Wanna Be
Margo, Margo, Medress & Siegel: Mister Snail
The Sundae Train: Wake Up (Sleepy Girl)
Canterbury Music Festival: Poor Man
Amanda Ambrose: Amanda's Man
The Rock Garden: Sweet Pajamas
Randy & The Rainbows: Oh, To Get Away
The Steeple People: Green Plant; Oh, Kathy
Bob Miranda: Girl On A Swing
Majic Ship: Night Time Music
The Tokens: I Could Be
Beverly Warren: So Glad
Randy & The Rainbows: I'll Be Seeing You
The Rock Garden: Perhaps The Joy Of Giving
The Lollipop Tree: Peace
Great B.T. stuff!
Dig,
--Phil M.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 23
Date: Fri, 01 Jul 2005 17:06:01 -0400
From: Phil X Milstein
Subject: Burdonsome
Rob wrote:
> BoxTops at my local Tastefest?...on July 4th...so apparently
> they've re-formed and are touring...I'm wondering if I should get
> excited...any reviews of any recent shows?
Dave Marheine wrote:
> I just missed them in Wisconsin last weekend. We heard "The Letter"
> from a distance as we were entering the Expo Grounds. ... The Box
> Tops were opening for the Raspberries. ...
My experience exactly, only in Boston, and opening for Eric Burdon &
His Current Animals. (I was disappointed to have arrived too late to
catch The Box Tops, as it was them who I'd gone to see in the first
place.) The Animals were fitted out with the same lineup as the
originals (albeit with synthesizer subbing for organ), although, of
course, with entirely different personnel. The band sounded good,
although a bit flash for my tastes. Burdon was in great voice,
although he seems to have lost the top end of it over the years.
However, he was aware of and respected that fact, and rearranged the
melodies accordingly, rather than strain for notes he no longer has
in him. The only time the loss really bothered me was at the
crescendo of "We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place," which is one of my
favorite Animals moments on record.
Burdon and band ran through every hit (save for "San Franciscan
Nights") he'd had with either the original or New Animals, and I was
quite taken with just how deep his hit catalogue runs (at least in
the U.S.), a fact I'd never quite noticed before. They also added a
few newer numbers, which all sounded pretty good, although a bit
generic "veteran blues-rock." One other hit that was conspicuous by
its absence was "Spill The Wine," with Burdon perhaps rationalizing
its omission with "that wasn't by The Animals," as if that fact
would've made a difference to anyone there (including his band) but
himself.
As pleasant as it was to hear the original voice singing so many great
songs, I still had trouble losing myself in the music, because most of
the songs were rearranged, if not drastically so then rarely in ways I
found pleasing. The biggest rearrangement came when he did "Don't Let
Me Be Misunderstood" in reggae style; compounding error upon error,
he ran it up as the second number in his set, squashing his pacing
practically out of the box. I gave the show as a whole a 6 out of 10 -
worth seeing if it's free (as it was here) and you have nothing
better to do, but not quite worth giving up your bridge night for.
Come to think of it, I'll toss in an extra half-point, for wrapping
his encore with a snatch of "Ghost Riders In The Sky"!
Dig,
--Phil M.
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Message: 24
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 18:12:15 -0400
From: James Cassidy
Subject: "Happy Together," the gift that keeps on giving
Alan Gordon will be pleased to know that the Turtles' version of
"Happy Together" is used (apparently intended to be ironic) in the US
trailer for the Isabelle Huppert film "Ma Mere."
Jim Cassidy
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 25
Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 10:15:07 +0100
From: S'pop Projects
Subject: Re: Bright Tunes
Billy G. Spradlin wrote:
> There should be a "The Brightest of Bright Tunes" comp. There's
> several comps on the Tokens but not much on their outside production
> work besides the Chiffons and singles scattered on various comps.
Phil Milstein:
> Good point. However, there is a compilation that comes mighty darn
> close. Where Bright Tunes was The Tokens' production company, B.T.
> Puppy was their label (the name ostensibly chosen after that of the
> Bright Tunes office pet), and naturally there is a lot of overlap
> between the two. Thus, "Night Time Music: The B.T. Puppy Story," an
> '04 release on Rev-Ola, might almost as well have been subtitled
> "The Bright Tunes Story."
Readers, in case you missed it, 'Night Time Music: The B T Puppy
Story' is a featured item at the S'pop Recommends section, to be
found here:
http://www.spectropop.com/recommends/index2004.htm#PhantomJukebox
Enjoy,
The S'pop Team
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
End
