________________________________________________________________________
______________ ______________
______________ ______________
______________ S P E C T R O P O P ______________
______________ ______________
________________________________________________________________________
Jamie LePage (1953-2002)
http://www.spectropop.com/Jamie.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 15 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. half-songs
From: Phil Milstein
2. Re: What's for Dessert Ma??/??
From: James Botticelli
3. Burt Bacharach, Johnnie Walker and Jimmy Breedlove
From: Mike Edwards
4. Re: Pitney, Sedaka & Wine
From: Mick Patrick
5. Toni Wine Discography (from Philately # 7)
From: Mike Edwards
6. Re: The making... and remaking... of a HIT
From: Antonio Vizcarra
7. Peter James/PJ Proby
From: Ian Chapman
8. Re: Sedaka/Pitney
From: Andrew Jones
9. Win a Date with the Bubblegum Queen
From: Kim Cooper
10. PJ Proby and Peter James
From: Mike Edwards
11. Toni Wine, Jeff Barry and The Archies
From: Stuffed Animal
12. Helen Shapiro; Pual Evans-Fred Tobias
From: Mike Edwards
13. Re: Peter James Proby?
From: Richard Tearle
14. Thanks, Way to go Ian and PJ = PJ?
From: Martin Roberts
15. Hallucinating over.....
From: Bob Rashkow
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 20:49:10 +0000
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: half-songs
In the Trends I Sure Hope Don't Catch On dept.: A
Boston-based radio station I heard while sitting in a
cafe today, broadcasting an uninspired yet inoffensive
program of "smooth jazz" oldies such as George Benson,
AWB, Sade and Bill Withers, was restricting all its
material to HALF-LENGTHS ONLY! They were smooth, alright
-- smoothly segued one to the other as if to obscure the
fact that the songs were all severely truncated. I even
stuck around well past the eating of my cookie, drinking
of my tea and reading of my article just to make sure
this was no brief aberration but rather station policy.
Suffice to say that if the former were the case I wouldn't
be writing this URGENT WARNING now.
Perhaps if they played a more exciting mix of music, their
listeners might be expected to have attention spans long
enough to allow for the completion of three-minute songs.
Compare this to a station I heard in New Hampshire last
week, which was playing occasional five-song sets suggested,
via e-mail, by its listeners. The difference between the two
is a bit apples-and-oranges, I admit, but they represent
tangibly differing directions in commercial radio
programming.
--Phil M.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 21:26:17 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: What's for Dessert Ma??/??
JB:
>> What did you do when "Strawberry Shortcake" was recorded?
Artie Wayne wrote:
> James.......Sorry...I don't remember.
short term memory...second to go!
long term though? thimk! thimk!
Jes' funnin' y'all...We be doin' the Inconsequentalia on this
dancefloor on one level. But for pure history, Spectropop cain't
be beat.
jb / wearin' WalMart glasses to read e-mail these daze~!
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 04:46:38 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Burt Bacharach, Johnnie Walker and Jimmy Breedlove
The Hitmaker Archive is a very detailed listing of all of Burt
Bacharach's songs but there are a couple of titles I do not see
listed that I would appreciate your input on.
"Rain From The Skies" was released by Adam Wade on Epic in early
1963 and makes the list. It is a Bacharach-David song for which
Burt Bacharach did the arrangement. Another version of this song
by Johnnie Walker on Tollie 9017 (1964) is not listed. Is this
the former Radio Caroline and current BBC2 DJ? I e-mailed him but
got no reply. Does anyone know of a UK release for this version?
The summer 1974 edition of Bomp Magazine has a Tollie label listing
and Greg Shaw describes Tollie 9017 as "a good Beatle imitation
(prod. by Bacharach & David)"
"You're Following Me" (Bacharach-Hilliard) was released by Perry Como
in late 1961 and this too makes the list, as does a UK cover version
by Peter Gordeno (UK Parlophone). There was another version released
in the UK by US R&B singer, Jimmy Breedlove, on Pye International
7N25121, which is not in the Hitmaker Archive. Does anyone know of
a US release for Jimmy's version?
Toni Wine wrote a lot of excellent material recorded by the
Mindbenders (I thought I'd try to get current!). "Ashes To Ashes"
and "Can't Live With You" were great records. The Mindbenders had an
earlier UK hit with Wayne Fontana entitled "Stop Look And Listen".
The writers are Jim Breedlove and Patricia Brown. Is this the same
Jimmy Breedlove as above?
Thanks, Mike Edwards
[PS - Thank you Martin for playing Peter James' Stage Door to musica]
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 08:35:38 -0000
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: Re: Pitney, Sedaka & Wine
John Rausch:
> I read a recent thread on another website referring to Neil
> Sedaka making a demo of "It Hurts To Be In Love", which was
> ultimately given to Pitney who recorded on the mono track
> with drums added and it was mentioned that one can hear Neil
> in the background on the mono version. Now that I read this
> it makes sense to me that this could have been a Neil Sedaka
> recording, since it sounds like the same groove of many other
> Sedaka hits of the era. Anyone?
Allow me. The following is in the words of Gene Pitney, as told
to my pal Roger Dopson, from the massive foldout booklet that
comes with Sequel NEECD 380, "Looking Through Gene Pitney - The
Ultimate Collection". It's the best Pitney interview I've ever
read:
"...My next really big one was "It Hurts To Be In Love", which
came about as a result of one of those things that happen to you
in your career, over which you have no real control, but which
exert a really strong influence. I'd gone to see Don Kirshner at
Screen Gems Music...Don was very good because he was one of the
few successful publishers who, instead of playing things which
sounded as close as they could to your last hit, would play
things which were different, that took you down other avenues.
He played me the Neil Sedaka demo of "It Hurts To Be In Love",
and I said to him,'That's a hit song...why are you playing that
for me?' He said that Neil had just changed producer, and his
new people didn't want any baggage coming with him from his
previous deal, and they'd thrown it out! So I told Don, 'I'll
take it - and the backing track is so good, can you get me that
also?' Don called me back later and said, 'You got it'. I took
the track into the same studio where Neil had cut his demo, and
I brought in the same girl who'd done the background vocals on
the demo, Toni Wine - she went on to become a successful
songwriter - and I did the song exactly as Neil did it. That
record was Gene Pitney singing Neil Sedaka!..."
For the record, "It Hurts To Be In Love" was written by Howard
Greenfield and Helen Miller, who are also the accredited joint
producers and arrangers on the original single. I do not own a
stereo version of this track, but I can confirm that there is no
trace of Neil Sedaka's original demo vocal on mono pressings.
Toni's backing vocals ("to be in lurve") are dee-lish. Maybe
Allan could get her side of the story for us.
MICK PATRICK
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 05:28:55 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Toni Wine Discography (from Philately # 7)
I set up a folder in the photo section of the members' area
entitled "Toni Wine Discography" in which I placed two jpeg
image scans of her recorded songs and compositions from issue
#7 of Philately magazine. In terms of completeness, there are
probably a few titles missing – for example, I don't see all
of Toni's Mindbenders' songs listed here. It was, though, an
awesome achievement by J.D., as in the '80s he would not have
had anything like the access to information that we have today.
One other point – the first page features a couple of very
attractive pictures of Toni.
Enjoy,
Mike Edwards
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 12:25:51 +0100
From: Antonio Vizcarra
Subject: Re: The making... and remaking... of a HIT
Billy:
> And the interesting thing is that Snuff cut two versions of
> "Sure Gonna Miss Her" with Gary - the mono single version
> features the horns but never was mixed into true stereo until
> EMI's 1990s "Legendary Masters Series" CD......I kind of like
> the second version better than the single, there's some really
> tasty drum fills (by Jim Keltner?) that are missing from the
> single version.
The first time I heard the true stereo mix was on a Rhino vinyl
compilation of Gary Lewis and the playboys released in the mid
eighties and I agree with Billy that the stereo version is much
better than the mono mix, specially the drum fills.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 22:10:54 -0000
From: Ian Chapman
Subject: Peter James/PJ Proby
Martin (who else?!) said:
> When Ian was a young lad, for the sake of musical
> appreciation in later years, his mother would lock him in
> a darkened cellar for hours at a time. Of course this did
> have its drawbacks. Many are the times when he's had to be
> coaxed down from lamp fittings where his ankles had
> happily suspended him. BUT it did have the desired effect
> of educating his hearing to sounds that most mortals cannot
> hear. I know of many vocalists singing under group names or
> aliases that he has correctly identified. But the notion that
> P.J. Proby moonlighted under the name Peter James for at least
> seven singles is a new one to me. The time frame fits: first
> record in 1960 for Silver, 02 on Liberty, 03 on Reprise and a
> final 1966 release for Warner Brothers. I've got another
> Reprise Peter James 45 (sadly not the Nitzsche produced "You
> Won't Forget Me") and yes, I'd say it could be him. But what
> about the danger of detection – I can't think Liberty in the
> UK would have been too happy if they'd found out – and why
> didn't the master of vocal styles attempt to disguise his
> voice?
And to this day, I still walk with a limp.......... But
flattering though your faith in my cochlear ability is Martin,
I can't make up my mind about Peter and PJ. True, the voices
are similar in places on "You Won't Forget Me" - yet the
similarity is less evident on the flipside. But as you
rightly say, PJ was a master of vocal styles, so how would we
know which was the "real" PJ voice anyway? I agree it seems
unlikely. But....*P*eter *J*ames....PJ... it just
seems too tantalising a link.
So I say we throw it open - "You Won't Forget Me" is now up on
musica, guys (along with "Stage Door")- lend us your ears, take
a listen and let us know what you think. Peter or PJ? - or will
it be a case of 9 out of 10 Spectropoppers, when asked, couldn't
tell the difference.......
Ian
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 10:26:01 -0500 (EST)
From: Andrew Jones
Subject: Re: Sedaka/Pitney
John Rausch:
> Now that I read this it makes sense to me that this could have
> been a Neil Sedaka recording, since it sounds like the same
> groove of many other Sedaka hits of the era.
I have a Gene Pitney Fan Club cassette which has a bit of
an interview in which Gene tells how he "stole" the recording from
Neil. Apparently, Neil made that recording just before switching
labels (according to Gene), and neither his old label (RCA?) nor
his new one wanted to release it, so Gene somehow got permission
to use the instrumental track, and the rest is history.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 9
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 09:05:19 -0800
From: Kim Cooper
Subject: Win a Date with the Bubblegum Queen
WIN A DATE WITH THE BUBBLEGUM QUEEN
Do you have what it takes to be crowned The Bubblegum King?
If so, you can be The Bubblegum Queen's special companion
at the Bubblegum Achievement Awards on January 18, 2003 at
the Magic Castle. The winner will be greeted at the Castle
door by his Queen, sit by her side during a glamorous dinner,
and share all her regal adventures during this glittery night
of gummy pink pleasure.
To enter, you'll need to submit an essay of no more than 500
words explaining why you think you should be The Bubblegum King,
and what kind of ice cream sundae you would make for The
Bubblegum Queen on her birthday. You can include a photograph
if you wish. All entries must be received by January 8, 2003,
and the winner will be notified by January 11. Entrants must
be 21 years of age or older and expect to be in Hollywood on
January 18, 2003.
Submit your entry by email or send it to PO Box 461626,
Hollywood, CA 90046-1626. Thank you for playing and GOOD LUCK!
More Bubblegum Awards and Bubblegum Queen info is at
http://www.bubblegum-music.com
regards,
Kim Cooper
Editrix
Scram Magazine
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 10
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 23:36:10 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: PJ Proby and Peter James
My original inquiry re: Peter James was whether or not the song
he recorded for US Liberty in 1963, "Wind Me Up, Let Me Go" was
the same song that was a big UK hit for Cliff Richard about 18
months later. This led to the speculation that Peter James could
have been another alias for PJ Proby.
From what I recall Mr. Proby was not a reticent individual. I
cannot see, how with his residing in England and Cliff Richard
in the top-10 with "Wind Me Up, Let Me Go", that he would not have
let on that he had recorded the original version. We pretty soon
found out that he had written the Searchers' "Ain't Gonna Kiss Ya"!
Now, of course, if Peter James' "Wind Me Up, Let Me Go" was not the
same song as Cliff Richard's, then all bets are off as far as I am
concerned. So, back to my original inquiry.
Mike Edwards
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 11
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 17:47:06 +0000
From: Stuffed Animal
Subject: Toni Wine, Jeff Barry and The Archies
Scanning the BMI database, I came a across a song, "If We Both
Hold On", written by Toni Wine and Jeff Barry. This appears
to be the only song they ever wrote together. Does Ms. Wine
remember anything about the song . . . when it was written,
who it was written for, and if it was recorded?
Also, what is the real story behind why she quit singing on
Archies records in 1969?
Stuffed Animal
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 12
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 23:53:23 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Helen Shapiro; Pual Evans-Fred Tobias
Thanks to the help of fellow Spectropoppers, I was able to track
down the US original versions (or lack thereof) of some key Helen
Shapiro titles. Songwriter Paul Evans has a website and I emailed
him regarding two songs that we were not able to nail down. Paul
kindly responded:
"Re: "When You Hurt Me I Cry" and "No Trespassin'". I wish I could
help more - but I can't. ;-( To the best of my knowledge neither
song was covered. But don't forget, Mike, that's only to the best
of my knowledge - and we're talking about (Oh, m'God) 40 year old
songs here. PS I checked with my co-writer, Fred Tobias, and he
blanks on any covers, too."
My conclusion? Helen Shapiro cut the originals as part of her
"Helen In Nashville" album and a very nice job she made of them.
Regarding one of his own 45s, Paul went on to say:
"Thanks for your comment on "Fish in the Ocean". That was originally
supposed to be an "A" side. It wound up, however, on the "other"
side of "Happy Go Lucky Me" and "Happy Go Lucky Me" wound up in the
Top Ten on the Billboard charts."
Three cheers for Paul! You've gotta love it when guys take out some
time for the fans. A more than just a "Roses Are Red" type of guy!
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 22:42:24 -0000
From: Richard Tearle
Subject: Re: Peter James Proby?
Ian Chapman:
> I can't make up my mind about Peter and PJ. True, the voices
> are similar in places on "You Won't Forget Me" - yet the
> similarity is less evident on the flipside. But as you
> rightly say, PJ was a master of vocal styles, so how would we
> know which was the "real" PJ voice anyway? I agree it seems
> unlikely. But....*P*eter *J*ames....PJ... it just
> seems too tantalising a link.
Just to add something to this message, after PJ's 'fall from grace' -
ie the trouser splitting incident - he appeared on a British 'talent'
show called Opportunity Knocks billed as 'The Mystery Singer' and
wore a mask to stop him being identified - however, the movements
and the voice gave him away immediately. So obvious that I doubt he
even tried to disguise himself! Spectropoppers everywhere will be
able to confirm for me the two 'myths' about PJ: 1) that he used to
'demo' for Elvis, and 2) that he wrote "Walk Don't Run" for the
Ventures under the name of Jim Smith...
Recording under different names is certainly not new and almost
always for contractual reasons - arguably John Lee Hooker could
accrue the most credits under different names..
Cheers
Richard
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 14
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 23:19:35 -0000
From: Martin Roberts
Subject: Thanks, Way to go Ian and PJ = PJ?
Marvellous to read all these musical riddles being solved on
the site: We've got Louise from the (Phil Spector) Lovelites,
Artie Wayne, Toni Wine, Marc Wirtz, just too many to name check
them all. But thanks so much for your input. What are the chances
of Phil popping in for Christmas? Slim, very, very slim, but no
harm in wishing!
Great to hear Peter James 'You Won't Forget Me" playing on musica,
thanks Ian. I have it on tape or CD somewhere but still use my
record player for my main musical pleasure. I do hope this isn't
getting boring for our American cousins but I've just played PJ's
"Opportunity" to musica. What, not another one! Along with Mick's
mention of "People Say" this is another strong PJ (confused? I am)
sounding vocal.
Am I right to assume that P.J. Proby is held in a much higher regard
in the UK/Europe than the US? While checking it was 'safe' to play
certain tracks to Spectropop there seemed to be no US reissues of
his work. In Britain I can easily think of three or four recent ones.
In his pre 'STAR' days he wrote some great songs and although some
of his later 60s work might be described as 'middle of the road' he
would always throw in a track that would have you singing in the aisles.
Hopefully in a week or so I might have some info on 'is he or isn't he'
but don't hold your breath!
Martin
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 15
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 19:25:28 -0500
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: Hallucinating over.....
Thank you Stewart and Jimmy Bee, the Hallucinations sound like
a fab experience & with Wolf's musical tastes, must have had an
intriguing sound.
I'm really glad Pitney did "IHTBIL" altho I have the utmost respect
both for the Great Gene and for Sedaka. '62 must have been the year
that Neil Sedaka switched from Screen Gems to forming Aldon Music
with Greenfield (am I getting this right?! I'm aware he stayed on
the RCA label until approx. '67 as a singer!)
I'm also glad, sorry Artie Wayne, that the Keep The Ball Rollin'
arrangement stuck; if I can't groove to Strawberry Shortcake KTBR
will do instead!!! BTW I recently found out that KTBR was used as
recently as 1978 or so as a pro football team's theme song! Pretty
clever...
While we're still on Bobbie Gentry let's not forget "Fancy", a
wonderful little tune that crawled halfway up the chart for her in
Jan. '70 and no doubt was even bigger on the country stations - in
Chicago it debuted at the same time that these 4 guys from New York
were singing about a girl who "lets her hair down when the sun comes
up..."! Singer by the name of Don Young (I think) had a simultaneous
version -- possibly a bigger hit on the West Coast?
Bobster
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
End
