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Jamie LePage (1953-2002)
http://www.spectropop.com/Jamie.htm
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There are 19 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Recordland & Smile
From: Kingsley Abbott
2. April Stevens, Spector 5CD sessions
From: Alan Gordon
3. Jeff Barry/Lisa Hartman
From: Will George
4. Re: the Tammys
From: Paul Payton
5. Re: IT'S MY PARTY
From: Niagara
6. Kangaroo and Barbara Keith
From: Paul Payton
7. Re: Niagara's list
From: Niagara
8. Re: It's My Party
From: Will Stos
9. Posting to musica
From: Ian Chapman
10. Re: Grass Roots - Who Were They ?
From: Billy G Spradlin
11. Re: the Tammys/Lou Christie
From: Gregg Luvoxx
12. Leader Of The Pack
From: Ken Silverwood
13. Re: Smile
From: richard hattersley
14. Kangaroos
From: Lindsay Martin
15. Various versions of "Why Don't You Do Right?"
From: Niagara
16. Greetings from Italy!
From: emily
17. Re: Jeff Barry/Lisa Hartman
From: niagarafalls
18. Re: Spector production
From: Frank
19. Re: Ruthann Freidman
From: luis suarez
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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 17:42:31 +0100
From: Kingsley Abbott
Subject: Recordland & Smile
Hello again y'all
Been away for awhile, with computer crashes work across the pond (Hi Mike R -
Thanks so much for the message - sounds like you drive some sort of Big Rig
RV!!! - I'm sure 5th Ave is wide enough!!!)
Whilst in the land of the yee-haw recently (Calgary at stampede time) I
happened upon a nice record shop that I must recommend. It is in the Inglewood
area of the city, and is called Recordland. I needed two hits during which I
found both Goldbriars (15/10) albums, the 2nd Love Generation (3), Jay &
Americans, Exciters, Neon Philharmonic (8), Barry Mcguire (Precious time 15),
Little Peggy March (6), 3x We Five (10,10,8), Donna Loren (15), Diamonds (Prod
by Curt B & autographed 10), Cowsills (8), Don & Goodtimes (5), Tommy Roe
(Winter's Day 10), Poppy Family (5). I didn't have time to hit the singles
(mostly 4 up), but can you imagine what may be there! They prices above are
Canadian dollars and vary mainly on condition, so I got the Love Generation and
Don & the Goodtimes mainly for the interest and having A copy. Anyone who wants
full contact details mail me direct.
Checking back thru the postings I saw Country Paul's speculation about a Brian
Wilson Smile tour. In June I raised that very possibility with a couple of his
band and from what I gather the thought has crossed their minds. Set wise they
are already edging towards it with the extended H&V etc, and it certainly would
be a logical extension of what Brian is doing now. Now wouldn't we all like to
be a fly on the wall at THAT initial rehearsal and planning meeting when they
put it all together. Imagine the great instrumental sections his band could
put together! I am more than happy to await the obvious musical integrity of
Brian and messrs Foskett, Sahanaja, Gregory et al. If I was a betting man, I'd
reckon it was pretty short odds...and with another live album at the end of it.
Cheers to all, and hope to see some of you at the party which I hope to get to.
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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:35:44 -0700
From: Alan Gordon
Subject: April Stevens, Spector 5CD sessions
Most likely was the original. It sounded pretty jazzy.
At first I thought it was Ann Magnuson doing a retro thing.
Anyway, thanks for all the answers. Now I'll have to try to
find an inexpensive CD of it.
There are 2 CDs of Nino and April's stuff out that I know of.
A 2fer on Collectibles and a best of on Varese. Both very good
and fun.
I know this group does not support the proliferation of bootlegs...
but if anyone has copies of the Spector 5CD sessions tapes, could
they please contact me privately (off list).
albabe
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Message: 3
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 15:33:55 EDT
From: Will George
Subject: Jeff Barry/Lisa Hartman
The Lifetime cable network had an "Intimate Portrait" episode last
week featuring singer/actress Lisa Hartman (now Lisa Hartman Black),
a very underrated singer IMO. Jeff Barry produced her first album,
and was interviewed during the show. I'm sure it will be rerun, so
check your listings.
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Message: 4
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 13:29:27 -0400
From: Paul Payton
Subject: Re: the Tammys
Will Stos wrote:
> The group that has everyone doing the "Egyptian Shumba" are
> profiled this week at the Girl Group Chronicles web site....
http://www.geocities.com/williamstos/tammys.htm
FYI, yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, Gaylord Fields played the
song on WFMU and announced it as the best record ever made.
Joey Stec, you may want to check out http://www.dustbury.com
and e-mail the list owner to find Ruthann Friedman. See my
earlier posts for why.
Country Paul
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Message: 5
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 22:21:37 -0000
From: Niagara
Subject: Re: IT'S MY PARTY
Mick,
Thanks for the very interesting data about "It's My Party" and
the various versions of the song. I had not heard most of those
things before, BTW.
Niagara
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Message: 6
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 13:20:49 -0400
From: Paul Payton
Subject: Kangaroo and Barbara Keith
Denis Gagnon, welcome. You cite "The Kangaroo" by The Kangaroos.
This note isn't about "your" Kangaroos, but your query reminded
me of a late 60s album by a group called Kangaroo, fronted by
Barbara Keith, on MGM or a subsidiary (possibly Verve Forecast).
N. D. Smart (also of Barry and the Remains, Hungry Chuck and
Bo Grumpus among others) was the drummer, and I believe the
guitarist was a kid (check the cover picture) named Jimmy Spelios,
who played glorious out-of-control psych leads. My favorite
track is a beautiful Barbara Keith composition called "Daydream
Stallion"; she later recorded a definitive version of "The Bramble
and The Rose".
Prodded by the memory of this, I occasionally wondered "what
happened to Barbara Keith". Now, the answer: check out
http://www.stonecoyotes.com which is a family band with her
husband and stepson! Seems they renounced the major-label life
and Los Angeles and moved to western Massachusetts where they
record largely in a home studio and play cool clubs like the Iron
Horse in Northampton. According to the band bio, they became the
inspiration for the Elmore Leonard book, "Be Cool", which is
dedicated to them and includes some of their lyrics.
Sure would love to go to the London party - but it's 3000+ miles
and an ocean from here in the New York metro, so unless plans
change dramatically, I must RSVP in the negative. Perhaps someone
with more available time and resources could organize a similar
gathering near New York; if so, sign me on to be there.
Country Paul
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Message: 7
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 22:35:32 -0000
From: Niagara
Subject: Re: Niagara's list
Ian, thanks for the welcome and the listening suggestions.
It's just great to have found this group where people are so well-
informed about the world of pop/rock/etc.
I had never really thought about what "(Won't You) Marry Me Again?"
would have sounded like with the Wall of Sound, but I'm sure it would
have been wonderful. Of course, it was wonderful the way it was, as
a quieter type of record. I thought that the words were just
perfect, and the singing was glorious.
I have never seen a copy of "Boys'Town". I saw it listed years ago
in a Goldmine publication, but I guess I was rather put off by the
title. I didn't think it would have anything to do with THE
Boys'Town, but the title did not intrigue me. Now that I have read
some posts about it, I think I will try to find it.
I have been a Tempo-Stevens fan for many years, and I like their duo
records best of all. Of Nino's instrumental works, I particularly
like the "Come See Me 'Round Midnight" LP, which is pretty much hard-
driving, metro jazz with some rock elements. My favorite cut on that
LP is "Roll It". I always loved April's voice, but thought that she
overdid the vamping on a lot of her solo numbers. I often wondered
if she was really aware of how fine her voice was. She never needed
any gimmicks. I preferred when she just sang, as that was more than
great enough.
BTW, when you and others put "posted to Musica", what do you mean???
Niagara
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Message: 8
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 23:34:16 -0000
From: Will Stos
Subject: Re: It's My Party
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Fanita James of the Blossoms sowed the first seeds of doubt:
> "We learned it and we were doing it slow - we would `drag' it.
> .... In fact, Phil got us to do "It's My Party" in the same
> style as my version of "Chapel Of Love".
All I can say is that I'm glad it was never released! I loved
most of what Phil produced, but I don't know what he was thinking
with Darlene's "Chapel of Love". She sounded like she already
wanted a divorce! What was it, an arranged marriage to a total
geek? Maybe it would have sounded okay if not for the Dixie Cups'
version, and maybe the Blossoms' "It's My Party" would have sounded
good if we didn't all know and love Lesley's version, but I doubt it.
BTW, whatever happened to all those demos Barbara English recorded?
Would they just be thrown out once the song was pitched and accepted?
I know some have seen the light of day, but what about the others?
Will : )
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Message: 9
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 00:07:34 -0000
From: Ian Chapman
Subject: Posting to musica
> BTW, when you and others put "posted to Musica", what do you mean???
> Niagara
Niagara,
If you click on the "Files" link on the Spectropop Members Home Page,
you'll be taken to the area where members can post items of interest
that are generally too unwieldy to go in a regular message, such as
discographies, articles, interviews and pictures. Within the initial
files page, you'll see the "musica" folder. This is specifically for
the posting and downloading of mp3 music tracks that are perhaps
currently under discussion, or which have perhaps been put there to
promote some discussion. Usually, these are songs that are obscure
or hard-to-find items - it's against Spectropop policy to post tracks
that are known to be already available commercially on legit CDs, and
the tracks are there for a limited time only. musica has restricted
space, so from time to time the mp3s are cleared to make way for new
ones.
Ian
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Message: 10
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 00:33:31 -0000
From: Billy G Spradlin
Subject: Re: Grass Roots - Who Were They ?
> Bill Fulton actually WAS the lead singer on the Dunhill 45 of
> "Where Were You When I Needed You" which charted. His version
> is on the now out-of-print Grass Roots CD "Their All Time
> Greatest Hits". P.F. Sloan's version appears on the CD's
> "Anthology" from Rhino and "The Millenium Collection" on MCA.
Huh, So theres 3 different versions of this song?! I always thought
it was Rob Grill who re-recorded the vocal for the "Lets Live For
Today" LP's. (BTW I think Grill's vocal is the best)
Another GS single version that sounds quite different from the stereo
LP version is "Tip of My Tounge"...which sounds like it has more
vocal overdubs, a louder fuzz guitar and is compressed extra hot.
Great song!
Billy
PS: 'Bout time someone did a webpage on this great group!
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Message: 11
Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 19:02:48 -0700
From: Gregg Luvoxx
Subject: Re: the Tammys/Lou Christie
Lightnin' Strikes - Lou Christie.
MGM Records stereo 1964 (?)
One of the most intense records I own and one incredibly lucky thrift
store find. Side one is six covers: Bacharach/David, Lennon/McCartney,
'Heatwave'(a super swinging lounge version), 'Since I fell For You' -
tough tune - he nails it, 'Goin' Out Of My Head'. It's intense in how he can
cover the older pop material while maintaining his rock and roll edge,
phasing baritone into falsetto and upping the ante for pop singer chops.
Side 2 is all originals penned by Lou and his 'svengali' Twyla Herbert:
'Trapeze' (funky, Four Seasons-ish), 'Diary' ("I want to burn burn burn, burn
my past away"), 'Jungle' (monkey sounds courtesy The Tammys), 'Crying In The
Street' (more Tammys here - the streets are a jungle I guess), the
exquisite 'Baby We Got To Run Away' (who is that saying "I love you Lou?")
and the number one smash title song. With the exception of 'Lightin'
Strikes' these tracks are not released on CD. Produced by Charles Calello,
no musician credits.
GL
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Message: 12
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 08:49:20 -0000
From: Ken Silverwood
Subject: Leader Of The Pack
Dear fellows,
Whilst listening to my copy of the 3 cd set " Chapel of Love" &
other girl group greats,(all original recordings!!) I started to
think about "Leader of the Pack". I recall buying my copy (in
England) 1965 on the Red Bird label, I next came across it on a
Buddah sampler "Leaders of the Pack" along with Sopwith Camel,
Brooklyn Bridge, Lou Christie hits.
Then it reappeared on Kama Sutra in 1972 & re-charted, was this
the truncated version, what section was left out, I know it
didn't make sense, why was it done?
Next it turns up again in 1977 and charts again this time on
Charly/Contempo if I'm not mistaken in the shortened version
again.
Listening again today it felt like hearing it anew,now it has
been restored to how it was meant to be. Aaahhhhh.
Ken on the West Coast
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Message: 13
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 10:08:07 +0000
From: richard hattersley
Subject: Re: Smile
Kingsley:
> I am more than happy to await the obvious musical integrity
> of Brian and messrs Foskett, Sahanaja, Gregory et al. If I
> was a betting man, I'd reckon it was pretty short odds...and
> with another live album at the end of it.
I think it would be great to see Brian and co tour the Smile
material. However I hope that Brian's plans for the Smile material
is not another live album. At least not before we have a box set
of the original sessions. I enjoyed your Pet Sounds book by the
way, great stuff.
all the best
Richard Hattersley
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r.hatts/
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Message: 14
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 19:08:26 +0800
From: Lindsay Martin
Subject: Kangaroos
My hunch as an Australian is that this song, "Do the Kangaroo"
by The Kangaroos, is not Australian. It sounds a bit too Aussie
to be an Aussie pop record, if that makes sense.
Of course, the example of "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" can be
cited against me, and it is possible that some band of would-be
Rolf Harrises did record such a song as a novelty, but it sounds
more like something recorded elsewhere. Also, I can find no
reference to it in any of the obvious sources of Australian pop
information.
However, I really liked Phil Chapman's suggestion about football.
I immediately thought of Aussie Rules football team North Melbourne,
the Kangaroos, but - alas! - their team song turns out to be all
hearty team spirit, and not one mention of a kangaroo!
Still, it could be a lead!
Lindsay
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Message: 15
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 14:01:47 -0000
From: Niagara
Subject: Various versions of "Why Don't You Do Right?"
Hi!
I have not yet gotten the Tempo-Stevens CD collection that
includes a version of "Why Don't You Do Right?", which was
apparently recorded in 1996, years after I last heard them
sing together. Can anyone tell me how their voices were on it?
I know that April Stevens was still in excellent voice in 1990
when the wonderful "Carousel Dreams" album was released, but
that was some time ago. I haven't heard any new vocals by
Nino in many years. I understand that there is also a song
from the 1980s, previously unreleased, on that CD collection.
I probably would have already gotten the CD except that I have
all the other songs on it.
I have "Why Don't You Do Right?" by Joanie Sommers (on a 45 rpm).
Joanie sings the song in very jazzy, lively way, and she snarls at
the guy she is addressing in the song. It's a very nice recording
to have. What kind of style did Tempo-Stevens record the song in?
Niagara
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Message: 16
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 13:54:07 -0000
From: emily
Subject: Greetings from Italy!
Hello everyone, I just joined...
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Message: 17
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 14:54:49 -0000
From: niagarafalls
Subject: Re: Jeff Barry/Lisa Hartman
Will George:
> The Lifetime cable network had an "Intimate Portrait" episode
> last week featuring singer/actress Lisa Hartman (now Lisa
> Hartman Black), a very underrated singer IMO.
Oh, yes....I agree that Lisa Hartman is quite underrated as
a singer. I doubt that the general public is even aware that
she has made records. A friend of mine has the Jeff Barry
produced-LP you are talking about. I haven't heard it in years,
but remember that I was very impressed by Lisa's voice and by
the good songs on the album. Jeff Barry did a fine job putting
the album together.
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Message: 18
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 17:38:29 +0200
From: Frank
Subject: Re: Spector production
I've come across a single by THE BLACKWELLS on Jamie which says
on the labels of both A and B side: "Produced by Phil Spector".
Could one of our Phil Spector "living dictionary" give me some
infos on this single ?
Thanks
Frank
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Message: 19
Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 16:25:50 -0000
From: luis suarez
Subject: Re: Ruthann Freidman
I have the Ruthann Freidman LP, "Constant Companion". Fans of
Joe Boyd productions will enjoy this record. It has that
Sandy Denny/Fairports intimate folk feel with a bit more LA
pop magic.
Luis
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