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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 22 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Brook Benton
From: Tom Taber
2. Re: Brook Benton
From: Mike Edwards
3. Re: The 4 Seasons - Genuine Imitation LP
From: Steve Harvey
4. Brian Hyland
From: Mike Edwards
5. Who Is Patti Lace????
From: Tony Leong
6. The Roemans
From: Michael Gessner
7. RIP Celia Cruz
From: Stuffed Animal
8. Re: Watertown
From: Phil Milstein
9. Fwd: Muscle Shoals recording studios for sale on eBay
From: Neb Rodgers
10. Connie Francis on musica
From: Mike Edwards
11. Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
From: Art Longmire
12. Jack Nitzsche Updates
From: Martin Roberts
13. Re: Inner Views
From: Jon
14. Re: Inner Views
From: Art Longmire
15. Re: Muscle Shoals for sale on eBay
From: Mike Rashkow
16. Re: Chordettes
From: Doug
17. O Mary , O Betty, where are yous?!
From: Sean
18. Re: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
From: Bill Craig
19. Muscle Shoals
From: Mike Edwards
20. The Tammys/Lou Christie
From: Denise Ferri
21. Shangri-Las
From: Michael Edwards
22. Edwards on Hyland
From: Bob Rashkow
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Message: 1
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 17:23:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Taber
Subject: Re: Brook Benton
Lindsay Martin wrote:
> Is anyone else here nuts about Brook Benton?
I think he's great - thought I'd found a 3 CD set for
$11 that had his hits and the Dinah Washington duets,
and her hits (heck, the flea market guy was playing
it!); I get it home - hers are original, THEIRS are
original, and his are all re-recordings! They
recorded for the same company, for heaven's sake! I
want one CD with his 28 (or so) greatest hits.
"Shadrack" is a mostly forgotten gem.
Tom Taber
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Message: 2
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 22:00:45 -0400
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Re: Brook Benton
Lindsay Martin writes re: Brook Benton –
> His reissues seem to be a bit patchy: has there ever been a
> comprehensive collection?
The best one was put out by PolyGram/Mercury in 1989, "40 Greatest
Hits". It covered most of his significant Mercury sides ("Endlessly"
etc) and included "Rainy Night In Georgia". Used copies are still
available on amazon.com. Sound quality is excellent.
A couple of quick points:
(1) Brook's version of Bacharach-David's "A House Is Not A Home" tops
that by Dionne Warwick and not too many performers did that. Although
it's a big production, the feeling of loneliness Brook puts across is heartbreaking.
(2) The b-side of "Hotel Happiness", "Still Waters Run Deep" is a big
popcorn favorite in Belgium. There was a UK album version by Billy J.
Kramer & The Dakotas. In spite of what I said above, Nana Mouskouri
sings the definite version of this song in French as "L'Eau Qui Dort".
No US Hot-100 hits for Nana but worldwide she has sold more records
than Streisand.
Pick up this double CD of Brook's, Lindsay and I hope you enjoy it as
much as I do.
Mike
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Message: 3
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 20:18:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: Steve Harvey
Subject: Re: The 4 Seasons - Genuine Imitation LP
Kurt wrote:
> I picked up a copy of The 4 Seasons album, "Genuine Imitation
> Life Gazette" at a garage sale yesterday. Does anybody have any
> juicy background, trivia, gossip and/or information on this album?
Because of that album Frank Sinatra ended up hiring Bob Gaudio
(I think) to produce his album, "Watertown." There was a funny
story in Mojo about him building a pool in his backyard for when
Frank came over to discuss the album. Got the pool, but never
had Frank come over.
"Is She Looking At Me?" has hooks aplenty. The same LP has one of
the first songs about divorced dads. Early men's lib.
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Message: 4
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 23:17:50 -0400
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Brian Hyland
Clark writes:
> I have added Jackie DeShannon and Randy Newman's Brian Hyland
> 45 "He Don't Understand You" to Musica for Mike Edwards. I have
> really been loving Brian's Philips/Dot/Uni era stuff lately.
Thank you, Clark. I also got a copy from a fellow collector who has
put together a double CDR of Brian Hyland stuff that is not on his
MCA "Greatest Hits" CD, so I now have all the titles you referred to
in your recent commentary on Brian. My favorite of Brian's Philips
output was "Run Run Look And See" with J J Cale on that chug-a-chug
guitar backing. As you note, it was written by Ray Whitely who wrote
just about everything for that great group, The Tams. "What Kind Of
Fool (Do You Think I Am)", "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me", "Be Young, Be
Foolish, Be Happy" being fine examples.
You mention "Stay And Love Me All Summer" and that was Brian's 5th
title about the current season. The others:
(1) "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" (Kapp, 1960).
A US #1 but only reached #8 in the UK. Not to worry, exactly 30 years'
later, an outfit called Bombalurina took it to #1 in the UK.
(2) "Sealed With A Kiss" (ABC, 1962) – an absolute classic and his
best. Not the original version of this Gary Geld-Peter Udell goodie,
though. That honor went to the 4 Voices on Columbia in 1960. Brian's
version was back on the UK charts in 1975, reaching #7.
(3) "Summer Job" (ABC, 1962) – the b-side of SWAK and another great
ode to the season. On this one, Brian's "got a summer job, working
hard on the one he loves". No fool, him.
(4) "Save Your Heart For Me" (ABC, 1963) – the b-side of the #63 US
hit, "I'm Afraid To Go Home". And we all know where this ended up.
Snuff Garrett recognized the song's potential and cut it on Gary Lewis
& The Playboys for a #2 US hit in the summer of '65. I do like the
way the Playboys harmonize with Gary on the fade – otherwise, this is
Brian's song. His may not have been the original, though, as Michelle
Scotti released a version in '63 on the other side of "The Boys' Camp
Is Just Across The Lake From The Girls' Camp". Don't you just love
summer titles? I wonder if Jason got any subliminal messages from this
title.
There is a Brian Hyland website at:
http://www.brianhyland.com/pages/501965/index.htm
Not surprisingly, it recognizes Brian as "The Voice Of Summer!"
Finally, if anyone wants a solid collection of Brian's work across
all labels from "Itsy Bitsy..." to "Gypsy Woman", I would recommend
the MCA "Greatest Hits" CD. Right now, amazon.com has it for $10.99
with used versions form $6.98.
Mike
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Message: 5
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 04:04:45 -0000
From: Tony Leong
Subject: Who Is Patti Lace????
Hi Group:
I have seen the name Patti Lace and the Petticoats, but does
anybody out there know anything about this group?? I once read
that they were involved in the recording of the first Reparata
and the Delrons LP. Were they connected somehow with World Artist
records, or the recording studio in Brooklyn where the "Whenever
A Teenager Cries" LP was cut?? Does Patti Lace still sing???
Tony Leong
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Message: 6
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:46:10 -0400
From: Michael Gessner
Subject: The Roemans
Does anyone have any of the ABC singles by The Roemans? I know
that Barry Oakley and Bertie Higgins were in this back-up band
to Tommy Roe. In 1967 they released a local hit in FL called
"When The Sun Shines In The Morning". Really nice soft rock. Can
anyone play it to musica or to me?
Anyone have any other info about the Roemans?
Thanks,
Mike
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Message: 7
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 17:22:57 +0000
From: Stuffed Animal
Subject: RIP Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz, known throughout the world as the Queen of Salsa,
died Wednesday of cancer at her home in New Jersey. A huge
star of stage, screen and records in her native Cuba and all
of Latin America, she emigrated to the United States in 1960
with her backing musicians, La Sonora Matancera. A public wake
was held for her in Miami (home of most Cuban exiles) that
lasted over nine hours; thousands attended. She was one of the
last surviving Latin music stars who came to fame during the 1950s.
Others included Tito Puente, Machito, Tito Rodriguez and Miguelito
Valdes. All of these artists figure in Spectropop's Tico Records
retrospective, "Mambo Gee Gee" (written by yours truly):
http://www.spectropop.com/tico/index.htm
Stuffed Animal
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Message: 8
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 13:39:32 -0500
From: Phil Milstein
Subject: Re: Watertown
Steve Harvey wrote:
> Because of that album Frank Sinatra ended up hiring Bob Gaudio
> (I think) to produce his album, "Watertown." There was a funny
> story in Mojo about him building a pool in his backyard for when
> Frank came over to discuss the album. Got the pool, but never
> had Frank come over.
Frank's all-time worst-selling LP, by the way. Maybe if it'd sold
better, Frank would've deigned to dunk his toes in Gaudio's pool
after all.
--Ph.M.
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Message: 9
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 12:06:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: Neb Rodgers
Subject: Fwd: Muscle Shoals recording studios for sale on eBay
Gee... I guess you can truly buy just about anything on eBay
these days!
-Neb
MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND RECORDING STUDIOS
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2335666678
Item Description:
Legendary, world-renowned recording studio located in Sheffied,
Alabama, on the banks of the Tennessee River. Situated in the
heart of the Muscle Shoals area which includes Florence,
Sheffield and Tuscumbia, Alabama.
The facility includes 2 complete recording studios, multiple
offices, kitchen and dining area, recreation lounge, indoor
parking and over 10,000 square feet of undeveloped floor space
suitable for audio/video facilities, additional offices, or
living quarters.
Equipment includes a Neve 8068 32x16 console in Studio A and a
Neve 8088 40x16 console with GML Series 2000 automation in Studio
B, 02 Studer A820 24-track recorders with Dolby SR, an extensive
inventory of outboard gear, microphones and keyboards. Included
in the keyboards are 2 Hammond B-3 organs and a 9ft. Baldwin
concert grand piano.
The facility is currently operational. Clients have included:
Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Glen Frey, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Johnnie
Taylor, Melissa Etheridge, Sawyer Brown, Toby Keith, Delbert
McClinton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Julian Lennon
and a host of others.
For More Information, visit http://www.mssound.com
$650,000 FIRM
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Message: 10
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 20:01:36 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Connie Francis on musica
I knew Connie Francis did rock and roll songs for 45s and
standards for albums but it was not until I got the 1987
Polygram CD, "Rocksides (1957-64)" that I realized what a
strong contribution she made to the girl-group genre. Brian
Gari wrote the notes for each of the 24 tracks on this
wonderful CD and Ellie Greenwich contributed the sleeve notes.
Three of the songs were by Barry-Greenwich ("Look At Him",
"Waiting For You" and "Don't Ever Leave Me") and the remainder
by the likes of Sedaka-Greenfield, Hank Hunter-Stan Vincent,
Pomus-Shuman and John D. Loudermilk.
Connie's recorded output in the early 60s was such that she
could not release everything. Consequently "Robot Man" ended
up with Jamie Horton in the US (it did make it to #2 in the UK
as a double-sided hit with "Mama") and "Happy New Year Baby"
with Jo Ann Campbell. The best track has to be "Don't Ever
Leave Me"; Brill Building pop at its finest. The US b-side,
"We Have Something More (Than a Summer Love)" has not made it
to CD, so I am going to play it to musica as part of the
"Keeping The Summer Alive" series, which started with Chubby
Checker's "Dancin' Party".
The UK b-side of "Don't Ever Leave Me" was the above-mentioned,
"Waiting For You" from Jeff and Ellie. Connie recorded two
versions of this song; one double tracked for the US and a single
voice version for the UK. The US version was not released until
its inclusion on the "Rocksides" CD.
I hope you get to enjoy "We Have Something More (Than A Summer
Love)" but it will take a couple of spins.
Mike
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Message: 11
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 20:18:16 -0000
From: Art Longmire
Subject: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
Kurt mentioned that he picked up a copy of Sonny Bono's
"Inner Views" LP recently. That album is a favorite of mine,
too...but I get the creeps every time I look at my copy. The
reason is - I got it (at a thrift store) the day before he
was killed. In fact, I hadn't listened to it yet and was
watching TV the next day when I thought I heard somebody on
a news bulletin say that Sonny Bono was reported killed in a
skiing accident. I remember thinking I had misheard but later
found out that sure enough he was gone...creeped me out big-
time.
So I guess I listen to his album with a bit more reverence -
I really like it. I first heard of it way back in the 70s in
an entry in Lillian Roxon's Rock Encyclopedia. It appears to
be his effort at an "underground" album and is one of the most
whacked-out classics I've ever come across (it would be
interesting to compare this LP to the David Hemmings LP that
I mentioned earlier). With song titles like "Pammie's On a
Bummer" you can't go wrong!
Best,
Art Longmire
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Message: 12
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:07:09 +0100
From: Martin Roberts
Subject: Jack Nitzsche Updates
The Record Of The Week on the home page
http://www.spectropop.com/JackNitzsche/index.htm
is over 5 minutes long, sung in Japanese and dates from
1974. Despite this(!) it is FAB! 'Classic' Nitzsche and
well worth the extra wait while downloading. I was made
aware of this release by Yoshinori Otake who supplied the
sound file and sleeve scan.
A bit closer to home next week, the 'Battle' is between
the R'n'B of either the Pleasures or the Entertainers, both
released on Jack's and Lee Hazelwood's Catch record label.
On The Radio, http://www.spectropop.com/JackNitzsche/radio.htm
is playing KHJ6 (Curtain Up)
Martin
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Message: 13
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 18:25:32 EDT
From: Jon
Subject: Re: Inner Views
Art Longmire:
> Kurt mentioned that he picked up a copy of Sonny Bono's
> "Inner Views" LP recently. That album is a favorite of mine,
> too...but I get the creeps every time I look at my copy...
You actually found an original LP of 'Inner Views'?!?! That's
amazing. It did not sell at all, as far as I know and many
weren't even aware of its existence until the Rhino Handmade
reissue. At least that's the story. Get ready to have your mind
blown. 'I Just Sit There' is the archetype of the pop-guy-goes-
Psych genre. I love every minute of it. And there's over 12 of
them in that one song.
Jon
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Message: 14
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:02:17 -0000
From: Art Longmire
Subject: Re: Inner Views
Jon wrote:
> You actually found an original LP of 'Inner Views'?!?! That's
> amazing. It did not sell at all, as far as I know and many
> weren't even aware of its existence until the Rhino Handmade
> reissue. At least that's the story. Get ready to have your mind
> blown. 'I Just Sit There' is the archetype of the pop-guy-goes-
> Psych genre. I love every minute of it. And there's over 12 of
> them in that one song.
Hello Jon,
I found the copy of "Inner Views" in excellent condition at a
Goodwill store for a dollar, never knew it was especially
rare... although my copy is the only one I've ever seen so maybe
it is a scarce item. I just checked out the website for the Rhino
CD and also saw a review of the CD at MSN.com. Most people who
have heard it really like it and it definitely is a favorite of
mine. The song you mention is great - I love that line "Your mama's
cookin' sturgeon, your sister is a virgin!"
It's fun to spot the influences on the various tracks, for instance
one song's arrangement reminds me of the singer Keith (of "98.6"
fame). I also really like this record's unique cover (looks like a
woodcut).
I'd estimate I've gotten about half of all my records at thrift
stores over the years.
Best,
Art Longmire
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Message: 15
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 19:03:33 EDT
From: Mike Rashkow
Subject: Re: Muscle Shoals for sale on eBay
> Equipment includes a Neve 8068 32x16 console in Studio A and a
> Neve 8088 40x16 console with GML Series 2000 automation in Studio
> B, 02 Studer A820 24-track recorders with Dolby SR, an extensive
> inventory of outboard gear, microphones and keyboards. Included
> in the keyboards are 2 Hammond B-3 organs and a 9ft. Baldwin
> concert grand piano.
Yes, but the pickers don't come with the deal. And therein lies the
problem.
Rashkovsky
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Message: 16
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:39:15 -0000
From: Doug
Subject: Re: Chordettes
Country Paul wrote:
> The Chordettes! I've been listening to some of their music
> again, and realizing how many hits they had, how many styles
> and eras they embraced, what excellent and complementary voices
> they had, and just how original and how damn good they were.
> Does anyone know if any of the Chordettes are still alive?
> Anyone else have anything they can add?
I'm a little bit late on this, but I wanted to mention that
probably the definitive story on the Chordettes is in Both Sides
Now issue #57. Interviews will all the living members (I think;
there were a lot of them!), pictures and a complete discography.
You can go here to find out how to get back issues:
http://www.bsnpubs.com/backiss.html
BTW, you might want to check a few of the other issues while
you're at it; BSN was a great high quality zine!
Doug
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Message: 17
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:15:08 -0000
From: Sean
Subject: O Mary , O Betty, where are yous?!
After reading the article about the Shangs getting together
again in 1977, I really think Mary and Betty should do something
for the fans, whether it'd be a concert with another person,
writing a book, making a movie, or doing a TV interview. Someone
should really suggest this to them. There are so many people
interested in their story and so many mysteries to be solved.
It's very unfortunate and tragic that Marge and Maryann Ganser
are both dead now, but I really wish Betty and Mary would do
something. I still don't even know why Betty was gone from the
group from the end of '64 through half of '65 or why there was
always a Ganser missing after 1965.
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Message: 18
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:52:18 -0000
From: Bill Craig
Subject: Re: Sonny Bono's "Inner Views"
Art Longmire:
> With song titles like "Pammie's On a Bummer" you can't go
> wrong!
Hi Art,
I think "Pammie's On A Bummer" was the B-side to a single.
Was it maybe "Laugh At Me"?
Regards,
Bill Craig
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Message: 19
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 01:08:18 -0000
From: Mike Edwards
Subject: Muscle Shoals
Neb wrote in informing us that the Muscle Shoals Sound Recording
Studios was up for sale. It brought back a lot of soulful memories
to see that famed studio mentioned. The man who founded it, Rick
Hall has a short biography at:
http://www.alamhof.org/hallrick.htm
I have posted one of Rick's early productions from 1962 to musica,
Jimmy Hughes' "My Loving Time" for those, like me, who love early
60s' pop/r&b. Terry Thompson and Tom Stafford wrote the song. Terry
also wrote "A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues" recorded by another Rick Hall
protégé, Arthur Alexander and which later became a beat group
favorite.
Tom Stafford along with Billy Sherrill and Rick Hall were partners
in the "Florence Alabama Music Enterprises" studio and music
publishing company which went on to become FAME. This business
relocated to Muscle Shoals and opened a studio, which was the
forerunner of the studio up for sale today.
Mike
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Message: 20
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 21:50:56 -0400 (EDT)
From: Denise Ferri
Subject: The Tammys/Lou Christie
Date: Mon..July 21,2003
from: D.Ferri
"Lightning Strikes" and the entire "Lightning Strikes" album
was not backed up by The Tammys. The songs "Trapeze", "Diary",
"Cryin' in the Streets", Jungle", "Baby We Got to Run Away",
"Heatwave", "Goin' Out of My Head", "You've Got Your Troubles"
were all sung by three back-up singers: Denise Ferri,
Bernadette Carroll and Peggy Santiglia (The Angels).....also,
on "Baby We Got to Run Away", Denise, Bernadette and Peggy
spoke the words..."I Love You Lou".
Denise
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Message: 21
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 22:05:05 -0400
From: Michael Edwards
Subject: Shangri-Las
Sean writes:
> After reading the article about the Shangs getting together
> again in 1977, I really think Mary and Betty should do
> something for the fans.........
Does anyone know who is in the group currently performing as
the Shangri-Las? They are due here on Long Island at Hauppauge
High School with Lou Christie, Kenny Vance and Bobby Rydell on
November 1st.
Mike
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Message: 22
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 23:59:15 EDT
From: Bob Rashkow
Subject: Edwards on Hyland
What a wonderful storehouse of knowledge is our Mike Edwards!
I would have thought for certain that NO ONE could have beat
Brian Hyland to the original "Sealed With A Kiss"! Certainly
Gary Lewis and Bobby Vinton, among others, tried to measure
up to Hyland's smash version later on, but IMHO didn't hold a
candle.
I'll look for the 1963 single with "Save Your Heart....." on
the B side. I love most of what I've heard by Brian H.
"Warmed Over Kisses" has a particularly good country-style
keyboard arrangement, probably what made it so successful on
the charts in '62. I can vaguely recall hearing it as a small
boy going down a dark Chicago street......oh, never mind. BTW
Mike, I'm still a "Quicksand" (Don Schroeder) fanatic!!! (This
is the Florida DJ guy who later produced James and Bobby Purify;
he had a shaky recording career of his own first.) Early 6Ts
pop at its finest!!
Bobster
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