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Jamie LePage (1953-2002)
http://www.spectropop.com/Jamie.htm
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There are 25 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Weekends
From: Simon White
2. Re: Villard / Morali / Belolo
From: Frank
3. Re: Joe Melson
From: Peter Lerner
4. Re: Ketty Lester / 4 Seasons
From: Ron
5. Re: Famous Last Wirtz
From: Paul Richards
6. Re: Falsettos
From: Stuart Miller
7. Re: The Strangeloves
From: Marc
8. Finders Keepers
From: Mike Edwards
9. Re: Ian Whitcomb
From: Stewart Mason
10. Frank Ifield
From: Norman
11. Re: Pretty Lies, Pretty Make Believe
From: David Bell
12. Re: Bagley / Villard etc
From: Vincent Degiorgio
13. Jesse Gee / Ronnie Milsap
From: Matt
14. Re: Frank Ifield
From: Mike Edwards
15. Re: Eddie Holman/Stevie W
From: James Botticelli
16. Re: Falsettos
From: Vincent Degiorgio
17. Re: On The Real Side
From: James Botticelli
18. Falsetto class
From: Kingsley Abbott
19. Ian Whitcomb
From: James F. Cassidy
20. Weekends
From: Ian Chapman
21. Falsettos etc.
From: Bob Rashkow
22. Barbara Mills
From: Ian Chapman
23. Phil Spector now...
From: Alias
24. Re: Quotes, and also Ronnie Springsteen
From: Jack Madani
25. Be My Multilingual Baby
From: David A. Young
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 09:10:15 +0000
From: Simon White
Subject: Re: Weekends
Ian Chapman wrote:
> And talking of the Newbeats-styled falsettos, is anyone
> going to put in a good word for the Weekends' copycat
> version of "Canadian Sunset"? So close to "Run Baby Run",
> you couldn't slip a plagiarism suit in between 'em.
Well, Ian, it gets the nod from me for it's sheer audacity.
Didn't you say it was the same lead?
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 10:36:58 +0100
From: Frank
Subject: Re: Villard / Morali / Belolo
Leonardo Flores:
> In my quest to find pre-Richie Family/ Village People (pre-73) music
> written by French producer Jacques Morali, I recently discovered that
> he wrote music for French artist Herve Vilard. does anybody know
> about this artist? His co producer Henri Belolo...
Herve Villard was a very very big French singer who had lots of hits in the
60's and 70's. He was particularly popular too in Brasil. He still does the
odd nostalgic concert with amazing success. Henri Belolo is still a very
important record producer here in France, and still specializing in disco
and club stuff doing very well indeed. Morali who was a long time friend did
write many songs prior to Village People but his main income job was writing
stuff for the strip tease club "Crazy horse Saloon".
Frank
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Message: 3
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 11:47:16 -0000
From: Peter Lerner
Subject: Re: Joe Melson
Dan wrote:
> I'd love to know more about Mr. Joe Melson. Is he still with us?
> Did he write the lyrics to Roy (Orbison)'s tunes? Did he ever put out
> any of his own records?
There's a song by Joe Melson on the recent (and excellent) Bear Family
compilation "The Drugstore's Rockin' Volume 1". It's "Barbara" from the
Hickory label, recorded 1960. The usual impeccable BF liner notes say that
Joe is best known as a co-writer with Orbison around 1960/1 (Uptown, Only
the Lonely etc), later writing "Run Baby Run" as we know, and later still
re-uniting with the Big O for MGM and Virgin albums. "Despite the fact that
he looked like a star and sounded like a star, his story remains yoked to
the half-dozen classics written long ago with Roy Orbison". "Barbara" is
what I would call a pleasant light rocker.
Peter
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Message: 4
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 12:48:20 -0000
From: Ron
Subject: Re: Ketty Lester / 4 Seasons
I have an album by Ketty Lester called "Anthology" on the AVI label
from 1983. It was produced by Ed Cobb. The only "hit" on the set
is "But Not For Me". I always wondered if this was a reissue of some
of her Era tracks or new recordings. "But Not For Me" sounds like it
may be the original.
Did the Four Seasons rerecord or remix their hits? I have a version
of "Ain't That a Shame" that sounds like the original but little
things are different. It is most noticeable at the ending where the
group sings the word "shame" over and over but without Frankie's
singing in between as I remember he did on the 45. I'm too lazy to
dig out my single.
Ron
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Message: 5
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 07:56:13 EST
From: Paul Richards
Subject: Re: Famous Last Wirtz
I agree, I loved the 1st volume of Popworks, great tracks, great
mastering. Cheers Mark & Mark.
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Message: 6
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 12:58:26 -0000
From: Stuart Miller
Subject: Re: Falsettos
I am surprised, with all the falsetto chat, that no one has chosen
(thankfully) to mention the worst proponent of them all - Demis
Roussos. Surely an oversight somewhere.
I was surprised by the support that Russell Tompkins had. Compared
to the sweet soul of the Delfonics, this was chicken in a basket nite
club stuff. Did the guy ever sing in anything other than alto? He
seemd to be stuck up there permanently.
It is an interesting point when you think of it, that the male voice
forced into a higher register, can produce such an attractive sound
that it has permeated popular music and had an influence as profound
and as prolonged as it has.
Stuart
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Message: 7
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 11:06:35 -0500
From: Marc
Subject: Re: The Strangeloves
Richard re:
> I just picked up an October 16 1965 Billboard off ebay. There is
> a wonderful full page ad for The Strangeloves. It's headed 'Bert
> Berns and Julie Rifkind say "the Strangeloves are hot!!!"'
So YOU'RE the one that outbid me! Did you get any of the other ones
that were for sale?
Marc
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Message: 8
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 11:03:51 -0500
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Finders Keepers
I noticed a 45 in my collection a few weeks’ back: “Don’t Give In To Him”
(wr: Gary Usher) by Finders Keepers on Challenge from 1967. It is the same
song, as done a couple of years’ later by the Union Gap.
Segue to Martin Roberts’ instructions for finding Dave Walton’s “Every
Window In The City” and we find a discography of that song’s producer,
Irving Martin. Included are two titles by Finders Keepers: “Friday Kind Of
Monday” and “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”
Segue again to Stephen McParland’s Book, “The Musical Biography of Gary Lee
Usher – Vol. III” where we find that Jerry Fuller “recorded the song as a
master for Challenge Records, with the Wolverhampton (England) based group,
Finders Keepers, who prior to Fuller’s intervention had bee produced by
expatriate Americans, John Maus and Scott Walker”
Is this the same group as the one produced by Irving Martin? How did they
come to be hooked up with Jerry Fuller who appears to have been based on
the West Coast at this time?
Dave Walton’s “Every Window In The City” is a fine record with a big
production sound. The sound quality is excellent. Martin Robert’s Irving
Martin page is well up to his usual standard.
Mike Edwards
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Message: 9
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 12:05:24 -0500
From: Stewart Mason
Subject: Re: Ian Whitcomb
Previously:
> I think I read somewhere that Whitcomb was doing a serious recording
> session and finished before his time ran out. So for the last few
> minutes he just did some goofing around, and "wrote" that song on the
> spot as a joke. So of course it was the hit....
That's the story I've heard as well. "You Turn Me On" is quite unlike Ian
Whitcomb's true musical interests, which concentrate on pre-rock music hall
and Tin Pan Alley songs. Currently, Ian Whitcomb is living in Los Angeles
and playing ukelele and singing in my dear friend Janet Klein's band, the
Parlor Boys ( http://www.janetklein.com ), a perfect vehicle for his talents.
(You should also check out his marvelous book AFTER THE BALL, a fine history
of the early days of popular music.)
Janet once told me that Ian showed her a videotape of himself performing
"You Turn Me On" on SHINDIG or WHERE THE ACTION IS or one of those shows
and pointed out how many of the vocal and performance mannerisms in that
song were direct ripoffs of Al Jolson.
S
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Message: 10
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 04:41:05 +1030
From: Norman
Subject: Frank Ifield
Hi Spectopoppers,
Several post back we were giving mention to Frank Ifield. Well, here is the
latest from down under were The Tamworth Country Music Festival is under way.
It makes interesting reading: http://www.countrymusic.asn.au/news/news.html
Norman
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Message: 11
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 13:23:43 EST
From: David Bell
Subject: Re: Pretty Lies, Pretty Make Believe
And I'd like to put in a comment that Connie Francis' version of Van
McCoy's "Pretty Lies Pretty Make Believe" is an equally stunning version.
A previously unreleased track from circa 1966, it appeared on an obscure
South African cd in the mid 90s. That's one beautiful song sung
beautifully by both Ketty Lester and Connie.
David.
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Message: 12
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 11:01:01 -0800
From: Vincent Degiorgio
Subject: Re: Bagley / Villard etc
For Leonardo re Ben Bagley, Herve Villard, Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo:
It might be an idea to reach out to Can't Stop Productions in Paris. They
may have a more in depth list of his works..
Vincent
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Message: 13
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 19:03:44 -0000
From: Matt
Subject: Jesse Gee / Ronnie Milsap
Hi all,
Love this group although I don't get to check in as often as I
would like. Got 2 frustrating (for me anyway) searches on songs/
musicians and was wondering if anyone could impart any info.
Briefly, I have 2 45s:
Jesse Gee: 'Don't Mess With My Money' (Barry)
Ronnie Milsap: 'A Thousand Miles From Nowhere' (Scepter)
Both are very fine (in my opinion) R & B type tunes. I'm sure
everyone here has heard of Ronnie Milsap (this particular single pre-
RCA obviously). The other by Jesse is by twists and turns a laugh
riot. Both were found in the dumpster years ago and lucky for me the
legible sides (they were stuck together by some sort of glue) were
visible. Nothing turns up on any of the file sharing services I use
and I'm most interested if they are on CD form.
Thanks so much!!
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Message: 14
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 15:09:20 -0500
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Re: Frank Ifield
Thanks Norman for letting us know that Frank Ifield will be inducted into
Australia's Country Music Roll of Renown. Good to see him doing so well.
Frank Ifield's best 45: the b-side of "I Remember You", "I Listen To My
Heart", which Frank wrote himself back in 1962. I wonder why it took
Australia so long to get around to inducting him. Based on that song, I
would have put him on the slate the same year it came out.
Mike Edwards
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Message: 15
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 14:59:56 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: Eddie Holman/Stevie W
Simon White wrote:
> I don't think I know "I'll Be There" - is it a flip side?
Flip of "I'll Be There" (written by Schuman & DeAngelis, who
I think wrote "Hey There Lonely Girl") is called "Cause You're
Mine Little Girl" written by Sheila Holman. The first is
ABC AMP 45 15999, the flip is ABC AMP 45 16002.
> For me, Eddie's best ballad is "This Can't Be
> True" on Parkway.
Great huge wonderful! The only problem for me with that tune
is its lack of a bridge, but these days that hardly matters
I s'pose.
JB/Mr. Nit-Pik
Stratton Bearhart wrote:
> "Jesus Children Of America" from "Talking Book"
I think that one was from "Inner Visions", not that it
REALLY matters.
JB/Mr Nit-Pik backatcha
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Message: 16
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 12:37:55 -0800
From: Vincent Degiorgio
Subject: Re: Falsettos
Stuart Miller wrote
> I was surprised by the support that Russell Tompkins had.
> Compared to the sweet soul of the Delfonics, this was chicken
> in a basket nite club stuff. Did the guy ever sing in
> anything other than alto? He seemed to be stuck up there
> permanently.
Interesting point by Stuart on Russell Thompkins, but I'd
say have a listen to "Children of The Night" on Round 2...
sweetness in both registers...the guy is amazing in my books...
Vince
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Message: 17
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 15:10:39 -0500
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: On The Real Side
Simon White wrote:
> And I think I have one by Frankie Gee [who was he?] and
> also a version of "Mixed Up Shook Up Boy" [Girl]. But we're
> dangerously into disco territory now....
....not that there's anything wrong with that....Frankie Gee's
version (no idea who he was) was the one that actually kicked
off the discos playing the song. Then the jocks (here in Boston,
anyway) found Eddie's LP original track from '72 and played it
either from the LP or the 45 version, which I think was only mono
in late 75/76.
JB
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Message: 18
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 21:05:29 -0000
From: Kingsley Abbott
Subject: Falsetto class
Don't quite know I forgot the big fella, but any current
discussion on classy falsettos should include Jeff Foskett,
currently with Brian Wilson's band. His is effortless, soaring
and with a quality that truly recreates Brian at his best. His
own stuff is also excellent, and any of his albums, especially
'Thru My Window' should have a place on a Spectropopper's shelf
Kingsley
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Message: 19
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 16:04:09 -0500
From: James F. Cassidy
Subject: Ian Whitcomb
Ian would be the first to admit that "You Turn Me On" was a
lark. In fact, he *was* the first. He documented his one-hit
wonder saga in his very entertaining book, "After the Ball,"
an eccentric history of popular music, and other writings.
He also earned instant Spectropop hero status for producing
Mae West's rock 'n' roll album on Tower in the mid-'60s.
Jim Cassidy
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Message: 20
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 01:59:06 -0000
From: Ian Chapman
Subject: Weekends
Ian:
> And talking of the Newbeats-styled falsettos, is anyone
> going to put in a good word for the Weekends' copycat
> version of "Canadian Sunset"? So close to "Run Baby Run",
> you couldn't slip a plagiarism suit in between 'em.
Simon:
> Well, Ian, it gets the nod from me for it's sheer
audacity.
> Didn't you say it was the same lead?
Not me, Simon. Yes, it has a bit of the Dean and Mark
about it, but I don't think there's anybody who could
sound quite like Larry!
Ian
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Message: 21
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 20:13:33 -0500
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: Falsettos etc.
Stuart Miller:
>...the worst proponent of them all--Demis Roussos....
I always figured the great Roussos to be singing totally
within his range of, say, 04 octaves. I absolutely love the
work he did with Aphrodite's Child, both on the Virgin comp
and on "666." Could Stuart be commenting on how he possibly
not so much croons but "dramatizes" the music....?! Anyone
else as helplessly in love with Roussos' voice as I am?
I take it melisma is that variance of notes within one single
note that everybody's been into in the last decade or so?
Agreed, it grates on my nerves. Stevie and Smokey among several
others perfected it, let's let them have it all for themselves!
(At least with rap, you don't...never mind!)
Finally I hope everybody who's had the chance to dig Full
Treatment enjoyed "Just Can't Wait" - thanks Jeff G for
posting it and I agree it's one of the best ever.
Bobster
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Message: 22
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 01:08:55 -0000
From: Ian Chapman
Subject: Barbara Mills
Barbara Mills, the lady responsible for the northern soul
perennial "Queen of Fools", and five other fine sides for
Hickory in '65/'66 (and yes, Larry's sister), is due to
undergo coronary bypass surgery tomorrow. I'm sure all
Spectropoppers will join me in wishing her a full and
speedy recovery. Her daughter tells me she's in need of
some cheering up right now, so if anyone has any get-well
messages they would like to send, please feel free to send
them to my email address and I'll be happy to forward them.
Ian
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Message: 23
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 03:17:48 +0100
From: Alias
Subject: Phil Spector now...
What is Phil Spector up to these days? Where does he live?
alias
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Message: 24
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 23:22:22 -0500
From: Jack Madani
Subject: Re: Quotes, and also Ronnie Springsteen
> I like it when quotes are used imaginatively, to enrich the
> meaning of a song. One of my favourites is by Springsteen:
> "Summer's here and the time is right/For racing in the street."
> A double quote, actually, because the music is based on the riff
> from "Then He Kissed Me". It works because the sombre mood of the
> song (by contrast with the source materials)
This immediately brought to mind a recent similar example, from Brian
Wilson's Imagination album. On the song "Lay Down Burden," he quotes "Be
My Baby" by singing "If I had the chance I'd never let you go." Only in
Brian's song the melody is extremely elegaic, quite sombre. And of
course, the effect is triply electrifying for those of us who are aware of
Brian's obsession with that Ronettes song.
The Springsteen reference gives me a chance to bring up something that's
been percolating in the back of my mind (hah! my very own Brian quote in
the middle of my quote!), towit: I remember reading long ago how Bruce's
Born To Run album was supposed to pay tribute to Phil Spector's Wall of
Sound, and while I could sort of squint real hard and tilt my head to one
side I could sort of kind of hear what people were talking about, still I
never really felt all that certain about the validity of the claim. But
recently I heard the song "Born To Run" on the radio in my car, and
finally I heard it, loud and clear: there's tons of Spector in that song
especially. Like the sax solo is straight out of a Crystals song, only
sped up to a manic tempo. But the clearest, most direct example of
Springsteen's attempt to get Spector into his song comes in Bruce's own
singing. He's aping Ronnie just as hard as he can manage. The most
obvious example of that comes at the very end of the song, where he's
singing his doubletracked "whoah ho ho's." It's all so Ronnie Spector, I
can't believe I never heard it before.
I guess the problem was that because I didn't hear the Be My Baby drum
riff or the clean Hal Blaine fills, I couldn't hear the Spector influence.
But I sure do now.
Jack
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Message: 25
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 04:32:23 -0000
From: David A. Young
Subject: Be My Multilingual Baby
A number of folks have already responded to Guy Lawrence's request for
information about French-language versions of "Be My Baby," and since
the conversation has expanded to include all non-English versions,
here are a few more:
Tarika "Malalako" (English, French, and Malagasy)
Sophie "Reviens Vite Et Oublie" (French)
Chance "Reviens Vite Et Oublie" (French)
Mieko Hirota "Watashi no Baby" (Japanese)
Suzanne Doucet "Sei Mein Baby" (German)
Cheers,
David
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End
