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Jamie LePage (1953-2002)
http://www.spectropop.com/Jamie.htm
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There are 22 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Liking Bad Music
From: Jeff Lemlich
2. Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
From: Mikey
3. 8 Mile
From: Mike Edwards
4. Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
From: Neb Rodgers
5. blacklisting
From: Don Lonie
6. Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
From: James Botticelli
7. Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
From: Ron Weekes
8. REALLY bad music
From: "Neil Hever"
9. Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
From: Mikey
10. Re: REALLY bad music
From: Mikey
11. High Noone...?
From: Bob Rashkow
12. Re: Johnny G.
From: Peter McDonnell
13. Re: blacklisting
From: Steve Harvey
14. Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
From: Steve Harvey
15. That's Me, I'm the Brother
From: sheila
16. Distant Drums
From: Steve Harvey
17. Re: REALLY bad music
From: Javed Jafri
18. Re: to the Max!
From: James Botticelli
19. Re: REALLY bad music
From: Dave
20. Re: Johnny G.
From: Rik
21. '60s pop groups doing Coca-Cola ads
From: zombie7123
22. Re: blacklisting
From: Eddy Smit
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 13:47:05 -0000
From: Jeff Lemlich
Subject: Re: Liking Bad Music
> Jeff Lemlich wrote:
> ...............I'm completely captivated by Donna Lynn's
> Capitol label stinker "That's Me, I'm The Brother", which
> has no redeeming qualities outside of being, well,
> irresistibly bad! And then there's "Into Outer Space With
> Lucia Pamela"...........
Phil C:
> Any chance of playing your two to musica, Jeff,
Lucia is out on a CD so I probably need to pass on that, but I
seriously doubt anyone has comped the Donna Lynn track! It's
on the flip of her Capitol 45, "Ronnie", and tells the story of
"Rita, Conchita, Chiquita, Rosita, Marquita, Juanita, Lolita,
and Joe" - with Joe's voice obviously spliced in (and poorly, too).
To put it mildly, this record is pointless, and amazingly flawed!
- yet I keep going back to it!
At least Donna doesn't put on a fake Spanish accent (a la "West
Side Story"), unlike the woman who does the "Madre Mia" part at
the beginning. So let me get this straight - the singer isn't
Latino and neither is "the brother" Joe, but the 7 sisters with
the cliched names are! And if Joe is a little boy, then why do
Donna's dates have to find a date for HIM? (All eight siblings
come along on the "double dates").
And SO WHAT if she has a little brother - the main point of the
song is her not being able to "see the moon" without the other
eight along, not just the fact that one of them isn't named
"Joe-ita"!
You can hear this train wreck on musica now. As irrational as
it might sound, I find this irresistible!
Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com
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Message: 2
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 10:55:45 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
Dave Swanson
> So Dave Clark didn't play drums on the records; so what.
Blatantly not true!! Dave played drums on every DC5 disk.
He may not have played on the Dave Clark and Friends LP,
but thats it. this rumor started because Dave produced
some records for Christie and Mike D'Abo on which he used
Clem Cattini (Tornados) on drums.
The Dave Clark Drum sound is unmistakeable!!! And it's on
just about every record.
Mikey
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Message: 3
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 15:48:46 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: 8 Mile
Those of us with at least a mild interest in the evolution of
pop music will be intrigued by the biggest movie in the US right
now, "8 Mile" starring the rap star, Eminem. His character
("Rabbit") lives in a trailer park in a pretty run down part of
Detroit, works in a sheet metal shop and hangs out with African
American buddies. He competes in local hip hop contests and plans
to record a demo of his material. The plot basically looks at a
week in his life and culminates in the big contest, when it's
Rabbit versus three different dudes, against whom he has built
up some animosity, in a key contest. The contest involves each
participant verbally insulting the other in rhyme with a DJ
supplying a backing track. I would have liked more music at this
stage. There are also a few romantic interludes.
This is well in keeping with the spirit of most Rock `N' Roll
films. Didn't "Rock Around The Clock'", "Don't Knock The Twist"
and "Saturday Night Fever" have a weak story line culminating in
the big "music"/dance finale. Rabbit is Tony Manero, 25 years
later: a guy in a dead end job with some talent he believes will
take him somewhere. Stephanie from SNF becomes Alex (Brittany
Murphy), Rabbit's love interest in "8 Mile".
I recommend the film. Just don't try counting how many times the
"f" and "s" words are used.
Mike Edwards
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Message: 4
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 17:27:27 -0000
From: Neb Rodgers
Subject: Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
Dave Swanson wrote:
> So Dave Clark didn't play drums on the records...
Huh?... I didn't know that... so who did actually play drums
on their records?
-Neb
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Message: 5
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 12:18:01 -0800
From: Don Lonie
Subject: blacklisting
From: Dave Swanson
Subject: Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
>Huh. I am assuming those of you who are blacklisting the DC5
>and The Hermits from your ears have never actually listened to
>either group. There is a load of great records between these
>two combos.
I once saw Celine Dion do a good song on TV. But I still think
she's incredibly annoying and if she never made another record,
my life would be a tiny bit brighter.
Even a broken clock is correct twice a day and I've found good
cuts on a lot of records that were otherwise just crap and filler.
That's one of the joys of taking a chance on records. And I think
it's particularly true of the period of music we talk about here.
I've gone through a lot of records in the "soft pop" genre where
I wouldn't defend the group's talent but I still can't completely
dismiss their records. For some reason the name "The Primo People"
comes to mind as an example.
Nobody's blacklisting the DC5 or Herman's Hermits, whatever that
would entail. And I'm not sure anybody's even saying they were
crap. The debate was - originally at least - whether Marianne
Faithful had any justification for dismissing Herman's Hermits
as a minor group. Or maybe she even said "crap". I didn't read
the article. I've heard the good tunes by Herman's Hermits. I've
put them on compilations and surprised a number of people when
they find out who did the tune. But I still understand the impulse
to dismiss them, even if it's based on nothing else but one of the
world's most annoying singles ever, namely "Mrs. Brown...."
I seem to recall that "No Milk Today" was a B-side. I think we
established in a previous discussion that a lot of people never
checked out the B-sides. I think it's cool that people here have
such extensive knowledge but I don't think it's fair to ask
everyone to do thorough research - or even flip the record over
- before they express an opinion.
Don
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Message: 6
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 14:54:16 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
Steve Harvey wrote:
> Don't forget that Max Weinberg thought enough of Dave
> Clark to put him in his book on drummers.
Max needs the support! Not that he isn't competent, but I
certainly wouldn't put it on my resume were I Dave Clark,
that I made Max's book. On the other hand if DC had put
Max in HIS "book on drummers", Max would have something
to smirk about. As of now, his smirk is wasted at this
address. Just an opinion, but this forum offers that option.
JB/dislikes seeing MW perched high above his own band
smirking away on Conan
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Message: 7
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 13:24:06 -0700
From: Ron Weekes
Subject: Re: Dave's 5 Hermits
Dave Swanson wrote:
> So Dave Clark didn't play drums on the records...
Neb then wrote:
> Huh?... I didn't know that... so who did actually play
> drums on their records?
Maybe it was Mickey Dolenz!!!
Landlocked in Idaho!
Ron
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Message: 8
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 21:53:48 -0000
From: "Neil Hever"
Subject: REALLY bad music
Spectros, With all the talk of bad vs. good music and the tendency
for some of us to enjoy sappy or cheesy music, the subject of truly
awful pop music has been given little notice. To rectify this
oversight, I offer three singles for your consideration. The
Churchmice "College Psycology (sp) on Love/Babe We're Not Part Of
Society" is truly bad. The brainchild of Rochester NY House of
Guitars owner Armand Schaubrdeck is incompetent folk rock in search
of a tuned guitar ironically enough! I'm the lucky owner of an
autographed copy. Then there is the execrable waxing by The
Planets "Moon Crazy/Could You, Would You" on Bingo records. This
toxic wax features a tuneless glee club accompanied by a turgid organ
with the added touch of some out of place castanets. The topper
comes courtesy of Kenn Records in Pittsburgh. A really senior
soprano warbles over the nearly competent music of a swing band on ex-
lax about being an "Airline Hostess". It features the killer
line "I'm gonna be a hostess, the one with the mostess!" Better yet,
you can flip it over and sing along Karaoke style if you are in the
mood. If you dare to listen to this stuff I'm sure you'll agree it
is indeed REALLY bad music. There are brave people who keep this
stuff alive around the world but I've never seen these three titles
show up. I'd love to hear about more bad stuff. Best wishes, Neil
Hever
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Message: 9
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 15:17:44 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
James Botticelli:
JB, I think youre off base here. Max is VERY nice and helpful
to young drummers. He's a regular guy, and he COULD be a dick,
but he isn't. When he is at home, you're liable to run into
him at the hardware store or the dry cleaners, and he always
stops to say hi and chat for a bit.
He even gave me the name of a drum teacher and told me to use
his name. Not a lot of Rock and Roll pros would bother.
Your Friend,
Mikey
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Message: 10
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 17:03:14 -0500
From: Mikey
Subject: Re: REALLY bad music
Well, if your'e talking REALLY bad music, there is a 45 called
"The Beatnik" which is a blues jam with two Beatniks smoking
pot and getting high. One says "Like, this one's in Orbit, Man"
Your Friend,
Mikey
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 11
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 18:08:16 -0500
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: High Noone...?
Wasn't "No Milk Today" the B-side of "Kind of Hush (All Over
The World)"? Yet when I stack "Kind of Hush" alongside "Mrs.
Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" it's the latter I like
much better. I do agree with a couple of other 'Poppers that
NMT is one heckuva beautiful tune. Fascinating to see what
diverse tastes we all have, both in genres and specific groups
and tunes!
Bobster
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Message: 12
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 14:13:03 -0800
From: Peter McDonnell
Subject: Re: Johnny G.
Rik:
> Yes, and he was due to perform at the Roostertail that evening
> in front of a specially invited audience at a pre- release
> showing of "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" - a film all
> about the Funk Brothers.
Rik,
It's very sad about Mr. Griffith. How terrible that he passed
away on the very day of the special showing of the film. How
bittersweet could that be? I just saw Standing In The Shadows
last night at a local sneak pre. I loved it, and it's great
that these guys are finally getting this (belated) recognition.
I give this film my highest recommendation. The film wisely
concentrates, for the most part, on the Fabulous Funk Brothers,
and not so much on the already celebrated performers, songwriters
and producers of the Detroit-era Motown...Berry Gordy isn't even
in it, except in old photos and film clips. This film is a must-see;
there were moments when I had tears in my eyes. Exhilarating.
friscopedro
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Message: 13
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 16:26:15 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: blacklisting
"Even a broken clock is correct twice a day"
That would be a great lyric to some garage tune. I can hear
Mouse and the Traps singing it now.
> I seem to recall that "No Milk Today" was a B-side.
That's news to me. It must have eventually become an
A-side since it was a hit.
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Message: 14
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 16:31:50 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: Dave Clark to the Max!
A friend of mine, Bruce Egbert, once told me a funny
story about meeting The Boss down in Richmond back in
1972, just before signing with CBS.
Anyway he calls me years later, after watching Conan,
to tell me that Max Weinberg was the same guy he grew
up with in north Jersey back in the 60s. Max had a
group then and use to appear on the local teen TV
show. Never realized he was the same guy who drummed
for The Boss.
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Message: 15
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 19:26:24 -0500
From: sheila
Subject: That's Me, I'm the Brother
I am thrilled that Jeff Lemlich devoted an entire post to Donna
Lynn's B-side, "That's Me, I'm the Brother." because I too, find
this song irresistible!
The sheer silliness of this track is easy to dismiss, but if you
remove the juvenile lyrics and Donna's adorable little brother,
I'd say this is an excellent girl pop song. I find the melodies
are much more interesting than those of the A-side, "Ronnie"
(a fairly typical pop song). And I think the "Rita, Conchita,
Chiquita..." parts are quite hysterical.
Just a slight digression here...... I was asked to DJ a girl
group set at this club in London about 6 years ago (when I was
residing in London) because the promoter of this techno-pop
night wanted to do something a little different. So, I'm playing
a set of British and American girl group 45s to a club full of
very miserable looking people. But it was when I played "That's
Me, I'm the Brother" (to try to liven things up!) that two people
came up to me and said- "We are so sorry to have to say this, but
the set you are playing is just awful. Look at the crowd - they
can't stand this music. Please please can you play some good music,
or have another DJ come on. This song is just so stupid." Needless
to say, they cut me off after that song. And it was only my 2nd DJ
gig ever!
So DJs - if you want an early night, be sure to give that record
a spin.
Sheila
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Message: 16
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 16:23:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Distant Drums
I got to hang out once with Nick Lowe and band. I
remember someone in the group talking about Dave
playing drums with a real drummer behind the curtain.
He only toured England once so maybe that's why.
Also heard about a bass stand-in for Jet Harris,
also behind a curtain.
Mikey:
> The Dave Clark Drum sound is unmistakeable!!!
> And it's on just about every record.
How do you know that the drum sound wasn't a session
musician to begin with? He could have been used on
all the records like many other pop bands did.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 17
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 17:42:47 -0500
From: Javed Jafri
Subject: Re: REALLY bad music
Neil Hever:
> The brainchild of Rochester NY House of Guitars owner Armand
> Schaubrdeck is incompetent folk rock in search of a tuned
> guitar ironically enough!
Hey I remember Armand and the House of Guitars mostly because
of their wacky ads on both radio and TV and they endeared
themselves to me because their ads ended with the line "we
carry all the Beach Boy albums."
Javed
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Message: 18
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 19:52:38 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: to the Max!
Mikey wrote:
> JB, I think youre off base here. Max is VERY nice and helpful
> to young drummers........
Interesting anecdotal information and a good refutation of my
opinion. It just goes to show you how body language can be read.
Maybe it's a smile, not a smirk. Maybe he's a nice guy, not a jerk.
Maybe its just the position in which he chooses to work.
I'll think twice nex' time...
JB
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 19
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 01:47:29 -0500
From: Dave
Subject: Re: REALLY bad music
Mikey:
>Well, if you're talking REALLY bad music, there is a 45 called
>"The Beatnik" which is a blues jam with two Beatniks smoking
>pot and getting high. One says "Like, this one's in Orbit, Man"
Now, this sounds like something I could really get into!
I love retarded novelties. Who did this?
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 20
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 01:16:30 -0000
From: Rik
Subject: Re: Johnny G.
Peter McDonnell:
> ....This film is a must-see; there were moments when I had
> tears in my eyes. Exhilarating.
I haven't had the chance to see the film yet. It shows for
the first time in the UK Friday and Saturday this week. It
will be on UK general release in Feb/Mar 2003 to coincide with
the Funk Brothers touring the UK at that time.
I am talking to the UK Distributors about a possible screening
prior to its release. Richard Searling (Northern Soul DJ from
Jazz FM) and I would like to show it at a cinema followed by top
Motown DJs playing in the cinema for the audience to dance to
Motown music for the rest of the night. What a great event that
would be!
Rik
Editor
Chatbusters
The only monthly Motown magazine in the world!
http://www.chatbusters.com
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 21
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 04:13:36 -0000
From: zombie7123
Subject: '60s pop groups doing Coca-Cola ads
There's been some discussion here about oldies being used in
TV and radio commercials -- a seemingly modern curse. But I
have evidence that many bands back in the '60s were total
sell-outs (at least by modern standards) even back then. A while
ago I snagged out of the ether a surprising array of '60s pop
groups doing radio ads for Coca-Cola. And, most shocking of all,
it wasn't a bunch of corporate hack bands but rather a selection
of bands and performers that supposedly had a lot of integrity
and credibility: The Left Banke, Mary Hopkin, the Easybeats,
and Petula Clark (OK, she's a bit corporate, but the rest aren't).
My question is: where did these tracks come from? Were these ads
released on a CD some time back (I don't have any CDs or a CD
player so I know little to nothing about the world of CDs)? Does
anybody know their history? For your edification, I have played
three of them to musica (the files are quite small -- all three
combined take up less space than one average 2-minute song). Are
these ads rarities? Or common knowledge? Any background on them
and their origins would be appreciated.
Thanks.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 22
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 06:58:39 +0100
From: Eddy Smit
Subject: Re: blacklisting
> I seem to recall that "No Milk Today" was a B-side.
No Milk Today was a UK A-side c/w My reservation's been confirmed
on Columbia DB 8012 (1966). In 1967 it was issued in the USA as
the B-side of There's a kind of hush on MGM 13681. And although
they have different track listings, it wound up on the Kind of Hush
album on both sides of the Atlantic.
Eddy
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End
