________________________________________________________________________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ S P E C T R O P O P ______________ ______________ ______________ ________________________________________________________________________ Jamie LePage (1953-2002) http://www.spectropop.com/Jamie.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are 17 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1. Old Hobbits Die Hard? From: Bobster 2. Bob Gaudio From: Adam Guida 3. Re: Disbanded but not forgotten From: Nick Archer 4. Re: McGuinness Flint From: Javed Jafri 5. The Bunch - Rock On From: Norman 6. Re: Soul Harmony Book From: Paul Lewis 7. Re: 4 Seasons, Bob Crewe, Eddie Rambeau From: Rosemarie Edwards 8. It's My Party - 40 years later From: Patrick Rands 9. Jerry Cole's "Midnite Mary"/4 Seasons Soundalike From: Jeffrey Glenn 10. Hit Man - Learn to love the tyrant who made Motown. From: Neb Rodgers 11. All American Boys/Walker Bros From: Ron Weekes 12. The Stephen Crane Village From: Stuart Miller 13. Re: It's My Party - 40 years later From: Phil Milstein 14. Re: McGuinness Flint From: Peter Lerner 15. River of Salt From: Steve Harvey 16. Re: Nick DeCaro on 45 / The Grads From: Don Hertel 17. Re: River of Salt From: Ian Chapman ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Message: 1 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 18:42:30 -0500 From: Bobster Subject: Old Hobbits Die Hard? Sylvain, I wish you the best of luck on your quest. I hope there is a 3rd Hobbits LP, and a 4th, and a 5th, and..... I don't believe there is anything quite like the powerful beauty of Fairport Convention's 1st American album ("Fotheringay", "No Man's Land", etc.). Long live McGuinness Flint. "When I'm Dead and Gone" b/w "Lazy Afternoon" is one of my very favorites from the early 7Ts. Recently purchased the "Happy Birthday, Ruthy Baby" album and was displeased for the most part, tho' there's good stuff to be had especially on Side 1 - I've never heard the 1st album in its entirety, I'll bet it's a lot more interesting. I tend to like that folksy Band-like sound. Speaking of similar- sounding groups, can any Spectropoppers recommend McKendree Spring's 1st and 2nd albums? Have been wavering as to whether to get those - have heard good things, but not actually heard any of their stuff. Just to get "13 Questions" back again, I bought the Seatrain (Capitol) LP a couple of years ago. The chart single plus "Midnight"-something-or-other (again, great folksy-blues sound a la Robbie Robertson) are my 2 favorites on that one. Like Javed I, too, was not all that impressed with Matthews Southern Comfort's version of 2Woodstock", having loved Joni and CCNY's versions both. Don't get me wrong - Ian Matthews is a groovy composer, singer, and musician. Ciao for now, Bobster -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 2 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 16:31:20 -0800 (PST) From: Adam Guida Subject: Bob Gaudio Kingsley Abbott: > We, quite rightly seem to have agreed of the worth of Bob > Crewe as an excellent producer...BUT...in terms of the > Seasons, what about the worth of Bob Gaudio? Yeah, I agree. Anybody who's thinking of pitching in on the Crewe/Seasons thread oughta check out the Charles Calello interview at the Genuine Imitation Life website first. http://www.genuine-imitation-life-gazette.com/ Charlie gives his opinion on the influences of everybody involved, and he sure holds Bob Gaudio in very high regard. Also interesting to hear that Nick Massi had more of an influence on the group than you might think. --Adam G -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 3 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 20:38:35 -0600 From: Nick Archer Subject: Re: Disbanded but not forgotten > I remember Batdorf and Rodney. There seemed to be a virtual > explosion of folksy duos in the wake of the success of Seals > and Crofts/Brewer and Shipley. Does anyone recall Vigrass and > Osborne or Tufano and Giamarese (ex Buckinghams) or Aztec Two > Step or Cashman and West. As a DJ in the 70s, it was hard to keep up with the duos. One station that I worked for played Batdorf & Rodney, Deardorf & Joseph, Cecilio & Kapono, Gallagher & Lyle, Mouth & McNeal, England Dan & John Ford Coley, and LeBlanc & Carr, not to mention the Neilson-Pearson Band, the Larsen-Feiten Band, the Tarney-Spencer Band, the Sanford-Townsend Band, and the Pousette-Dart Band. Lucky that you could put the album up next to the board to announce it. And what about the brother groups? Addrissi Brothers, Allman Brothers, Curtis Brothers, Winters Brothers, Hudson Brothers, Wilson Brothers, and a member of both groups, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver. Nick Archer Check out Nashville's classic SM95 on the web at http://www.live365.com/stations/nikarcher -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 4 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 22:57:46 -0500 From: Javed Jafri Subject: Re: McGuinness Flint Justin asked: > Anybody remember McGuinness Flint? Justin, I sent quite a long reply to your original post but I missed your PS and guess what I have - the McGuiness Flint single of "When I'm Dead and Gone". This actually made the lower rungs of the Billboard Hot 100, based mostly on FM airplay. A very nice early 70s record and one that does not sound dated to my ears. Now by Spectropop standards, I probably have a very small record collection (and have simply frittered away a lot of freebies and promos) but I'm amazed at how many of the same records we share from that era. McGuiness Flint were Manfred Mann alumni and so this post is not too far off topic. Javed -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 5 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 19:15:55 +1030 From: Norman Subject: The Bunch - Rock On Javed Jafri: > Ian Mathews was a alumni of Fairport Convention and I'm > trying to recall an album by Sandy Denny and The Bunch > (??) from the early 70s which was comprised of covers of old > rock'n roll songs. I remember hearing some tracks on CHUM FM > and wanting to buy the album but never did. One of my favourite albums is this. "Rock On" by the Bunch. 12 tracks and my favourite is "The Loco-Motion". Here is a run down of the album. Artists appearing: Richard Thompson (gtr) Gerry Conway (drums) Dave Mattacks (drums) Tony Cox (piano) Ian Whiteman (piano) Pat Donaldson (bass) Sandy Denny (vocals) Linda Peters (vocals) Trevor Lucas (vocals) Ashley 'Tyger' Hutchings (vocals) Dundee Horns - Roger Bell (sax) Mollie (sax) and Mike Rosen (trumpet); Produced by Trevor Lucas Recorded during January 1972 at The Manor Tracks: Side 1 Crazy Arms That'll Be The Day Don't Be Cruel The Loco-Motion My Girl In The Month of May Love's Made a Fool of You Side 2 Willie and The Hand Jive Jambalaya (On The Bayou) When Will I Be Loved Nadine Sweet Little Rock'n'Roller Learning The Game Island Records 1972 (Australian issue through Festival Records) SIL 934574 (ILPS 9189) Regards, Norman -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 6 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 11:40:39 +0000 From: Paul Lewis Subject: Re: Soul Harmony Book Phil Milstein and Mick Patrick, Thanks for the information about where to buy this book. I know it will be a good resource. Thanks Paul -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 7 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 13:54:23 -0000 From: Rosemarie Edwards Subject: Re: 4 Seasons, Bob Crewe, Eddie Rambeau Re. 4 Seasons/Bob Crewe debate: Ken, I have asked Ed if he wanted to add anything and he said: "Are they aware that one of Bob Crewe's biggest hits as a writer was 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'...he also recorded 'The Girl Watcher's Theme' with the Bob Crewe Orchestra. My only hit record was not produced by Bob Crewe himself, but his arranger Charles Callelo ('Concrete and Clay')." Eddie Rambeau http://www.edrambeau.com via Rosemarie -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 8 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 17:10:34 -0000 From: Patrick Rands Subject: It's My Party - 40 years later It's been called to my attention that Lesley Gore's smash hit "It's My Party" will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its release date on March 30th. Anyone have any ideas if there's any parties goin' on in honor of this fact? Any great ideas on how to celebrate? I think a bash (crying about it or not!) of some sort is in order. :Patrick -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 9 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 09:17:28 -0800 From: Jeffrey Glenn Subject: Jerry Cole's "Midnite Mary"/4 Seasons Soundalike I've just played Jerry Cole's version of "Midnite Mary" to musica in response to an off-list request (sorry it took a few days, Mike, but I've got my computer back!). The full credits from the single are in the description on the musica page. And another great 4 Seasons soundalike that hasn't yet been mentioned is "Hey Summer" by The Stephen Crane Village (Metromedia MM-132) from 1969. It sounds like a cross between an early 4 Seasons hit and The Ragamuffins' Gary Zekley-produced "The Fun We Had"! Written and produced by Denny Randell, and arranged & conducted by Charles Calello. Already have an mp3 ready to play to musica once there's enough space. Jeff -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 10 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 10:05:02 -0800 (PST) From: Neb Rodgers Subject: Hit Man - Learn to love the tyrant who made Motown. From Slate.com, a review of a book that actually has positive things to say about Berry Gordy! http://slate.msn.com/default.aspx?id=2076709 -Neb -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 11 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 11:42:19 -0700 From: Ron Weekes Subject: All American Boys/Walker Bros Fellow list members, Here's the latest tome from Stephen J McParland. I haven't received a copy of it yet, but as soon as I get it, I'll post a review. Ron Weekes http://www.garyusher.com FROM CMUSIC BOOKS ....... ALL AMERICAN BOYS: The Walker Bros. Genesis by STEPHEN J McPARLAND 200 pages, 200x265, glossy coloured cover ALL AMERICAN BOYS is just that ... a story of a group of American individuals, three of whom emerged in England during 1965 as the hit recording group known as The Walker Bros. However, this is not a story of The Walker Bros. per se, but rather the story of them as separate entities, of their various friends, acquaintances and fellow musical associates and the product they jointly produced circa 1957-1965. Many of these releases involved Scott Engel as a performer, songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. Of the three individuals who became The Walker Bros., Engel was by far the most prolific musical creator, starting out as a 13 year old solo singer before teaming up with high school buddies such as Kevin Bruce, John Stewart and Jonathan Young to record a variety of vocal and instrumental singles that covered a number of different musical styles from rock 'n' roll to novelty to surf! Besides well over a dozen previously undocumented Scott Engel related releases, ALL AMERICAN BOYS also uncovers the facts behind how The Walker Brothers Trio became The Walker Bros. Also included is a full discography of Scott Engel - John Maus - Gary Leeds - The Walker Bros. and associated American released material circa 1957-1967, two colour plates, over 20 pages of "Notes And References", 12 pages of glossy photos and a thorough index. This is a must for all aficionados of '60s music and, of course, all fans of The Walker Bros. -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 12 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 22:46:20 -0000 From: Stuart Miller Subject: The Stephen Crane Village Jeff Glenn wrote: > And another great 4 Seasons soundalike that hasn't yet been > mentioned is "Hey Summer" by The Stephen Crane Village > (Metromedia MM-132) from 1969. Jeff, Strong chance that the Stephen Crane Village was in fact Bobby Valli, Frankie's brother. The name of the group was the housing project in Joisey where the Valli family grew up. Stuart -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 13 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 17:40:49 +0000 From: Phil Milstein Subject: Re: It's My Party - 40 years later Patrick Rands wrote: > It's been called to my attention that Lesley Gore's smash > hit "It's My Party" will be celebrating the 40th anniversary > of its release date on March 30th. Anyone have any ideas if > there's any parties goin' on in honor of this fact? Any great > ideas on how to celebrate? I think a bash (crying about it > or not!) of some sort is in order. An interesting idea, but don't you think somebody at it's gonna wind up in tears? --Phil M. -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 14 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 22:52:53 -0000 From: Peter Lerner Subject: Re: McGuinness Flint Justin asked: > Anybody remember McGuinness Flint? Mr McGuinness still regularly performs, I'm fairly sure, in various combinations of Manfreds and Blues Bands, but what became of Mr Flint? Well, there's a story, and it's true. Disillusioned with the music biz, he found himself in Oxford, where during the 80s he became, anonymously and unremembered, porter in one of the University's colleges. One day a group of undergraduates came into the porter's lodge talking loudly, as undergraduates do, about things they know little about, and one of them happened to remark that Eric Clapton was highly overrated and that some oddly trousered new romantic of the era was far superior. "On the contrary," interrupted the college porter, "I happen to have performed on many occasions with Eric Clapton and he has more talent in his......... oh s**t!" His cover was blown. Peter -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 15 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 15:42:42 -0800 (PST) From: Steve Harvey Subject: River of Salt On Bryan Ferry's first solo LP, "These Foolish Things", he does a tune called "River of Salt". Who did the original? Steve -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 16 Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 23:56:21 -0000 From: Don Hertel Subject: Re: Nick DeCaro on 45 / The Grads Martin: > The Grads...."Everything In The Garden" is the Greenaway > song but the record is more fondly known (at least by Ian > and I) for the B Side, Goffin & King's "Stage Door". Placed > your bid on eBay yet? :) I bid on the Grads 45 on eBay, but I got sniped. I had a feeling I would, as I had a meeting at the same time the auction ended. I also lost the auction for Paula Wayne doing "Yours Until Tomorrow". If anyone here won those, I'd appreciate if you posted them in musica. As you can guess, I'm a big fan of Goffin/King. Don Hertel -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 17 Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 00:22:14 -0000 From: Ian Chapman Subject: Re: River of Salt Steve Harvey asked: > On Bryan Ferry's first solo LP, "These Foolish Things", > he does a tune called "River of Salt". Who did the original? I guess that would be the fabulous and under-rated Ketty Lester. "River of Salt" was found on the flip of her Era (UK London) 45, "You Can't Lie To A Liar" in '62. And what an overlooked gem it surely is. Has there been an official CD Ketty Lester collection? And if not, why not? In a perfect world, there would be a collection pulling together her early Era classics, like "River", "Once Upon A Time" (surely the sultriest version ever) and "Love Letters"; her stunners for Tower, such as "I'll Be Looking Back" and "Secret Love"; topped off with her RCA sides, including the northern "Please Don't Cry Anymore" and "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid". Someone see to it, please. Ian -------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
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