*DECEMBER 21, 2005* The Wall Street Journal printed an intriguing article last week by Ethan Smith that documents the possibility of thousands of hours of '60's rock audio and video surfacing from the acrhives of Bill Graham. According to the article (excerpted): "Two and a half years ago, a Minneapolis entrepreneur named Bill Sagan spent more than $5 million to buy a treasure trove of rock 'n' roll memorabilia: millions of T-shirts, posters, handbills, photographs, concert tickets and other items from the archives of Bill Graham Presents, the legendary San Francisco rock promoter that virtually invented the modern concert business in the mid 1960s.
But what neither Mr. Sagan nor the seller, Clear Channel Communications Inc., realized at the time was that the archives contained an even more valuable bonus: more than 5,000 live audio and video recordings made between 1966 and 1999, featuring artists varying from the Doors to Nirvana. The recordings were made at rock concerts that the late Mr. Graham ran or promoted. They were uncataloged and collecting dust when Mr. Sagan acquired the archive.
Today, the 55-year-old Mr. Sagan controls what may be the most important collection of rock memorabilia and recordings ever assembled in one business. Called Wolfgang's Vault -- from Mr. Graham's given name, Wolfgang Grajonca -- the company has a staff of 14, projected sales this year of $3 million, and nearly 20 million separate items in its San Francisco warehouse.
Having set up a business selling vintage rock T-shirts and concert posters on the Web, Mr. Sagan is only now turning his attention to the audio and video assets, where he faces a tremendous challenge.
He is in the early stages of complex negotiations with artists, their representatives and record labels over the rights to sell the recordings on discs and as downloads. In the meantime, Mr. Sagan plans to begin "streaming" some of these recordings as Internet radio feeds on his company's Web site, which involves little more than paying royalties to organizations that represent songwriters.
But the music and video recordings are the most intriguing and commercially promising. Mr. Graham's company made the recordings partly for posterity's sake, and, in some cases, for a more base motive: adjacent to the Fillmore West was a restaurant owned by Mr. Graham. Rather than lose customers when concerts started next door, Mr. Graham installed a closed-circuit video system that let diners watch the show live -- and also captured it on videotape.
When, or even if, the general public will ever hear or see many of these recordings is unclear, however.
The recordings were made legally; Mr. Sagan has a filing cabinet filled with documentation to prove it. But selling them will require various permissions and revenue-sharing deals -- not only with the artists themselves, but often, too, with whatever record label they were signed to at the time of the show, or its corporate successor. In the case of dead performers, permission is required from their
families or other heirs.
Mr. Sagan's employees have already digitized more than 1,000 audio recordings and sent them to engineers to have the sound quality cleaned up. Now they are in the process of seeking clearances to release the music. Mr. Sagan says he is in active discussions with two major record labels, and believes he is close to a deal for at least some music with one of them, although he declines to name either."
We'll of course report on any major announcements regarding the '60's recordings and video in this space...
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*DECEMBER 17, 2005* A new book by Dickie Peterson - drummer for The Kingsmen on "Louie Louie" - has just been published. "Worldwide, scores of millions of people recognize the opening strains of ‘Louie Louie’ the instant they hear them. Whether listening to The Kingsmen blasting away on the radio or CD or tape or watching actors performing in countless movies like Animal House or Mr. Holland’s Opus or Dave, people of all ages and backgrounds break into smiles the moment that primal riff first tickles their ears. On a multitude of levels, ‘Louie Louie’ has embedded itself deep within our collective consciousness and become a permanent element of our cultural identity. Yet few know the true story behind this legendary recording and its aftermath.
Since The Kingsmen’s release of 'Louie Louie' in 1963, a controversy over the questionable lyrics remains unresolved. Untold millions of copies have been sold and well over 1,000 cover versions have been recorded, giving the recording iconic status while crowning the band the 'fathers of garage rock' and bestowing The Kingsmen with the title of 'America’s Party Band.
Forty years ago, as a member of The Kingsmen, I lived through, or perhaps I should say 'survived', the original pandemonium that surrounded the song. Back then, following an extensive FBI investigation personally directed by J. Edgar Hoover, a federal judge found that our version of the song was 'unintelligible at any speed.' His declaration gave the youth of America the nebulosity necessary for the growth of the rumors and accusations that helped create the legend of 'Louie Louie'.
Herein the humorous, sometimes unbelievable, details of what really happened to The Kingsmen and 'Louie Louie' are revealed for the first time. The never-ending controversy that lies at the heart of this tale is more than just once-upon-a-time history; the legend, the mystery, the wonder of 'Louie Louie' live on today."
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*DECEMBER 13, 2005* Press Release: "On Friday, October 7th, a tragic fire in Lawrence destroyed a 76-unit apartment building, including the residence of the President of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, Bill Lee. The Lee apartment provided temporary storage for the Hall of Fame memorabilia until a permanent home could be found, but all was lost in the fire. Thousands of record albums, singles and tapes, plus pictures, articles and other memorabilia were destroyed.
Since the KMHOF is in its inaugural year, Bill and other local musicians realize there is an abundance of memorabilia throughout the midwest remaining to be discovered. It will take an investment of time and money to find, attract and accumulate a similar collection worthy of display at the KMHOF. Proceeds will go to the KMHOF and Bill Lee to help rebuild the collection and fund a permanent home for the organization. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Gary Sebelius 'The First Dude' of the Governor of the State of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius.
To support this initiative, musicians from throughout Kansas will come together to perform at 6pm on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Liberty Hall in Lawrence. The venue was once home to The Red Dog Inn, wellspring of the great midwest rock showbands of the '60's and '70's. The all-star lineup will include KMHOF inductees, a big band tribute to the swing era and other leading area musicians, including: The Roarin' Red Dogs (2005 Inductee), Rodney and the Blazers (2005 Inductee), King Midas and The Muflers (upcoming 2006 Inductee), The Blue Riddim Band (1986 Grammy nominee), The Common Few (KMHOF nominee), NeonBlue, The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra with a boogie-woogie tribute to Big Joe Turner.
Tickets available through TicketMaster or group sales of 20 or more at Liberty Hall (785) 749-1972. For information or contact Don Hatfield (phone: 913-219-5391)."
*DECEMBER 8, 2005* Mouse and The Boys CD and DVD recordings of the Ramona Pavilion Concert are now finally available for ordering. "Every single minute of this wonderful reunion concert and dance is included in this giant 3 disc DVD set! It was filmed with six digital cameras and created with the professionally recorded and mixed soundtrack so watching this DVD is almost like being at the Ramona Pavilion on that special night. Each DVD disc has a song selection menu so you can navigate around the program song-by-song...(The CD set) is the Pavilion concert soundtrack which was professionally recorded and studio mixed to capture all of the live excitement of a Mouse and The Boys dance and party. Each track includes overlap of live concert sound to create a truly live sounding listening experience in your home or car stereo." Ordering information is available via the band's website.
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*DECEMBER 6, 2005* Just released in hardcover (Harper Collins, 304 pages) is a novel by Bill Scheft titled Time Won't Let Me. According to Publisher's Weekly, "Author of the Sports Illustrated column "The Show" and a former Late Show with David Letterman writer, Scheft (The Ringer) returns to fiction with a laugh-out-loud story of aging rock stars reclaiming their musical ids. After their whimsical anthems took their classmate at Chase Academy by storm in the late '60s, the Truants, a Kinks-style garage band, made a record, disbanded and faded into musical oblivion, becoming an asterisk on the long list of good-but-not-great garage bands. Fast-forward three decades when a German record collector shells out $10,000 for a rare copy of their album, and, to everyone's surprise, their five minutes of fame seem poised for extension. A potential gig at their 30th high school reunion gives Scheft a welcome opportunity to make fun of their lives: John, a dermatologist repulsed by strangers' requests to "look at this" or that skin ailment; Richie, a sleazy divorce lawyer who beds his clients; gay Latin (the language) enthusiast Brian; uxorious drummer Tim; and Jerry, who's addicted to gambling and the sugar substitute Equal. Add a hapless sibling eager to reunite the gang, an expletive-driven record connoisseur, an anatomically blessed baker, a knitted plot of dark humor and daffy scenarios, and a unique jocular style, and this sophomore novel hits all the right notes." Scheft's brother was in The Rising Storm (!) and the book is based on his experiences...
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*DECEMBER 5, 2005* Beverly Patterson's Twist & Shake website has been updated with a couple of new and excellent interviews: Mike Lassandro of The Tea Party (conducted by Patterson) and Craig Moore of Gonn (conducted by Katy Levy). Scheduled upcoming interviews include Jim Peterik of The Ides of March, Peter Rechter of Aussie band The Tol-Puddle Matyrs, and Jimmy Walker of The Knickerbockers so it's a site we plan to bookmark and visit often.
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*DECEMBER 4, 2005* Bruce Tahsler is currently putting the final touches on an as yet untitled book (hopefully available by spring 2006) on the ‘60’s East Bay rock and roll scene. The book is a guide to nearly 300 garage bands in the East Bay during the mid-to-late sixties. A member of The Talisman, Bruce was able to interview 46 bands, including The Harbinger Complex, Gotham City Crime Fighters/Tower of Power, The Spyders, The Immediate Family, Barry Carlos, Bill Quarry, Peter Wheat & The Breadmen, Stanley & The Fendermen, The Shillings, The Staton Brothers, and more. Also included will be band pages for these groups with musician names and the instrument they played, a Clubs & Venues page, and a discography of original songs (whether recorded or not). If that isn’t nearly enough, the book will be issued with a corresponding CD, compiled by Alec Palao, of songs by many of the bands covered. Needless to say, this is an eagerly anticipated book but you can click here to read an exclusive chapter preview on The Baytovens!
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*DECEMBER 4, 2005* In order to present "both sides of the story" on the MC5 legal battle, here is an unsigned email that we just received:
"The self-serving press release which has been issued by one side of this action doesn’t ring with much authority. In fact, Judge Feikens ruled on jurisdiction alone, simply dismissing this as a Federal claim, noting 'I find I lack jurisdiction to hear the case' and that 'these legal claims are properly understood as an action for an accounting arising under state law.'
He then addressed the defendant request to recover $67,273 in attorney fees and costs: 'Defendants move for attorney fees and costs, in part based on the argument that Plaintiffs claims were frivolous and objectively unreasonable… I find there is little to support the contention that these claims were either frivolous or objectively unreasonable.
'I have not ruled on the merits of any of the claims, merely on whether I have jurisdiction to hear them… Both sides concede Plaintiffs have an ownership to the MC5 mark. My finding that no federal cause of action existed, but that the infringement claims were properly understood as a state law action for an accounting… given this, it was reasonable for Plaintiffs to bring this case to federal court.'
Interesting ‘win’, one might say. Wonder how outspoken Mrs. Kramer will be once this matter is finally resolved in a Michigan state court? Misrepresenting the federal ruling is one thing; slandering Rob Tyner’s widow is an entirely different matter.
Jackson Smith @ MotorCityRocks.com: 'The suit is for good reason. It seems people have a hard time remembering that there are people and families behind the MC5 name. God forbid that they may have real problems and issues with each other...'
The MC5 risked everything to make great music, even their lives and careers. As businessmen they were epic failures. Now a fresh flurry of ugly business squabbles swirls around the MC5... against a backdrop of controversy and infighting, subjects with which the band became intimately familiar in its first go-round. A seven-years-in-the-making documentary about the band's exploits, MC5: A True Testimonial, has been derailed in the 11th hour over music licensing issues. Once again the band is a house divided, with the families of the late Rob Tyner and Fred 'Sonic' Smith pitted against Kramer, Davis and Thompson...
Kramer's battle with Thomas and Legler's corporation, Future/Now Films, has divided the MC5 camp. Tyner's widow, Rebecca Derminer, agreed to license her husband's share of the songs to the filmmakers and joined in their motion against Kramer in bankruptcy court. Also upset is Patti Smith, the second wife of MC5 guitarist Fred 'Sonic' Smith, who died of heart failure in 1994.
'It's a shame,' says Patti Smith, who had two children with the guitarist. 'I understand from my son [Jackson] that it's a wonderful movie, and I support it. It's being blocked by Wayne Kramer, and I think that's unfortunate. My son is one of the true guardians of his father's name, and he felt that the movie served his father well, and he was hoping that it would come out. These things are always a shame, when someone is trying to do something good and it gets tainted by greed.' (from a column by Greg Kot - Chicago Tribune - 30 May 2004)."
More on MC5 - A True Testimonial...
*NOVEMBER 29, 2005* Press Release: "United States District Court Judge John J. Feikens of the Eastern District of Michigan dismissed a federal lawsuit filed by the widow and children of the late Rob Tyner (aka Robert Derminer), former lead singer of the MC5, against the band's surviving members and managers. Mr. Tyner died in 1991.
The judge's ruling is a victory for the group's surviving members Michael Davis, Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson as well as their managers and respective companies.
Ms. Derminer claimed the MC5's surviving members had infringed copyrights, and the MC5 trademark, which is jointly owned by Ms. Derminer and the surviving members. He ruled that Ms. Derminer failed to prove her ownership interest in the alleged copyrighted works. He also determined that Ms. Derminer could not bring trademark infringement claims against the co-owners Davis, Kramer and Thompson.
Judge Feikens' ruling follows the July 2005 denial by Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub of Ms. Derminer's request for a preliminary injunction against the group. Magistrate Judge Majzoub issued a 24-page opinion stating, among other things, that Ms. Derminer possessed 'unclean hands' with respect to her claims of exploitation of the group's copyrights, trademark and accounting revenues, and that, as a result, Ms. Derminer and her family were unlikely to succeed on the merits of their case.
'We are pleased with the judge's decision. Becky Derminer's repeated harassment of our clients is tiresome and disingenuous,' said Margaret Saadi Kramer, Wayne Kramer's long-time manager. 'Angela Davis and I will continue to defend our clients' right to work.'
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the MC5 composed and recorded three full-length albums, but are best known for their controversial hit 'Kick Out The Jams.' The last performance of the original lineup was in December 1972.
In recent years, the surviving members of this influential band have reunited to perform concerts throughout the world. They also periodically release recordings of their work, most recently last year's successful DVD Sonic Revolution: A Celebration of the MC5.
'This is a vindication of our clients' position. Their intellectual property rights have been upheld,' said J. Michael Huget of Butzel Long, the Detroit-based firm which represents the surviving members."
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*NOVEMBER 21, 2005* Sound From The Woods, Mike Kuzmin's invaluable reference guide to Pennsylania garage rock groups and recordings, has been updated in an all-new second edition. The new edition has been expanded to 164 pages with many more photos, records and trivia included. Copies are available in the U.S. and North America for $15.00 postpaid, and for $19.00 in Europe and $20.00 in Asia and Australia. Mail orders to Mike Kuzmin, P.O. Box 52, Avonmore, PA 15618-0052. You can also contact Mike directly for more information.
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*NOVEMBER 20, 2005* The 2006 Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductees were officially announced last night, and those honored that are of interest to this website were Gene Clark (of The Byrds, from Kansas City); Eric & The Norsemen (from Lawrence); The Jerms (from Topeka); King Midas & The Muflers (from McPherson); and Spider & The Crabs (from Lawrence). The induction ceremony is planned for March 18th in Lawrence.
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*NOVEMBER 16, 2005* Tom Muller of The New Arrivals is working on a project with History San Jose to honor all '60's garage bands from San Jose in a Hall of Fame (and in conjunction with the Southbay Hall of Fame). Any members of bands from the era may contact Tom at the New Arrivals website. In related news, The New Arrivals will be performing at Lou's Village in San Jose on November 26th, along with Sal Valentino of The Beau Brummels. Again...more information is available at the band's website.
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*NOVEMBER 13, 2005* Thanks to Matt Hoffman for informing us that a 2-CD set and a separate DVD are now available to commemorate the 2004 Infernofest - the 5th annual concert reuniting garage bands from the Mansfield, Ohio area. Bands that played and are represented on the CD and DVD include Sir Timothy & The Royals (pre-Ohio Express and their first gig together since 1967), Ohio Express (with all surviving members), The Es-Shades, The Wildlife, and Owen-B. You can contact show organizer Nancy Wasen for more information.
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*NOVEMBER 11, 2005* We know they didn't have either the look or sound of a "garage band" in the '60's, nor will they ever be mistaken for one...but we've always had a soft spot for many of the hits by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Just opening up on Broadway - to smash reviews no less - is Jersey Boys, a musical featuring several of the group's best and biggest hits. Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe, who also wrote most of the band's best songs, contribute the music and lyrics (obviously). Directed by Des McAnuff, the musical stars John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, Christian Hoff as Tommy DeVito, and Daniel Reichard as Bob Gaudio. It's currently playing at the August Wilson Theatre in New York...
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*NOVEMBER 11, 2005* Don't get too overly excited if you stumble upon "new" Nuggets volumes by Rhino Records. Two new U.K. editions of the popular Nuggets series are in actuality retitled versions of previously released Rhino Handmade limited editions with slightly different track listings. The U.S. Come To The Sunshine: Soft Pop Nuggets From the WEA Vaults has been retitled A Whole Lot of Rainbows: Soft Pop Nuggets From the WEA Vaults and replaces songs by The Street Corner Society and The Coronados with songs by Jan & Dean and Aliis; Hallucinations: Psychedelic Pop Nuggets From the WEA Vaults has been retitled My Mind Goes High: Psychedelic Pop Nuggets From the WEA Vaults and replaces another song by The Coronados with one by Noel Harrison. If you missed these limited edtions the first go 'round, now might be the time to pick them up, however.
*NOVEMBER 8, 2005* Hans Kesteloo's Way Back Records is currently preparing a 2-CD and 3-LP release of the Fenton Records Story. The Michigan label is highly collectable among '60's garage band collectors and released 45s by The JuJus, Sheffields, Jades, Scavengers, Quests, Plagues, Aardvarks, Pedestrians and more - as well as The Beaux Jens and Tonto & The Renegades via their Sound Of The Sceen offshoot label. The set will be mastered by Mark Taylor and reportedly sounds incredible. It will be distributed in the U.S.A. and Canada by Allegro / Nail Distribution and in Europe by Clear Spot. Watch this space for details...
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*NOVEMBER 7, 2005* Coming soon...a CD of unreleased demos from 1965-1966 by New York's Jagged Edge (later to be known as The Offset)! The disc will include four never-before-heard demos as well as an alternate take of the great "A Change Is Gonna Come" (different than the other alternate take on Gear Fab's Psychedelic States: New York CD). We'll have an exclusive interview with the Edge's Art Steinman in time for the December updates, and should have ordering information at that time. Watch this space for details...
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*NOVEMBER 1, 2005* Joey D.'s Frantic Records' eagerly awaited North Valley Garage: Up From The Grave CD has been pushed back to (likely) a January release, but the track listing indicates that it will be worth the wait. Included are singles, demos, or home recordings but such great Northern California groups as Boy Blues, Drusalee & The Dead, Psycho, Mystic, Next Step, Caretakers, Graveyard Five, Madd Inc., Statics, Custer & The Survivors, and more. We'll provide updates as they become available...
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*OCTOBER 29, 2005* Our interview with Rick Morinini and Bruce Clawson of The Dovers led to our ace researcher Billy Rollins hooking up with Ernie Joseph Orosco of (another great '60's Santa Barbara rock group) Ernie & The Emperors. Ernie is a veteran of several noteworthy rock groups of the '60's and in addition to Dovers' comrades Ernie & The Emperors has also formed Giant Crab and Big Brother Featuring Ernie Joseph as well as played with SAC with Greg Mumford (original voclaist on "Incense & Peppermints"). Through the years Ernie has performed with a "who's who" of musical artists, and we are pleased to learn that he is still performing with The Brian Faith Band (aka Ernie & The Emperors). He has established SRS (Songwriters Recording Studio) and Hit Records Network and with brothers Cory and Brian and bassist Jeff Armstrong (aka "Johny Podz") has recorded an album titled Good Times. Featuring contributions from Cornelius Bumpus (Doobie Brothers), Floyd Snead (Three Dog Night), Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge), Hubert Tubs (Tower of Power), Kenny Cetera (Chicago), Mike Hamilton (Kenny Loggins Band), Gary Window (Tubes / Todd Rundgren), Dennis Marcellino (Elvin Bishop Band), Chuck Wild (Missing Persons), Dave Muse (Firefall), Burleigh Drummond (Ambrosia), and Peter Hoorelbeke (Rare Earth), the CD and collector's vinyl is scheduled for release on December 15, 2006. The Brian Faith Band (aka Ernie & The Emperors) has since added singer/actress Malia Mathis and Karen Perry (of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER fame) to the fold and she, along with Cory Colt Orosco, Brian Faith and of course Ernie Joseph Orosco, forms the core of the band. We hope to have more information on Ernie's '60's band in the upcoming months.
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*OCTOBER 28, 2005* Voyages Records has just completed two new volumes in their ongoing CD compilation series: Voyages Into Psychedelia Volume 1 and Voyages Into Rock Volume 1. Just like the first releases in the series lasy July (see the update on this page dated July 2nd) these volumes provide an amazing collection oof non-comped tracks for listeners interested in a specific genre. The Rock volume focuses on material between 1968-1972 and includes a diverse sampling of heavy and light rock and roll tunes. The Psychedelia volume is even more diverse and covers the 1967-1970 timeframe with an eclectic group of top notch tunes that for one reason or another fit under the pyschedelic moniker. The recording quality on this series is excellent and the liner notes are extremely well researched and informative. For those unfamiliar with the Voyages project, the mainstay of the site is a master jukebox list of about 2000 songs that have been digitized and are available for collectors to compile custom CDs with 25 of their own picks. It's definitely the only website of its kind so check it out if you haven't had the opportunity.
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*OCTOBER 24, 2005* Super Oldies' sure to be fantastic JB & the Playboys two-CD set is scheduled to ship on or around November 15th. Containing 59 (!) songs, the set runs 147 minutes and features the Canadian band's entire 1965 RCA LP in stereo, their 45 singles, alternate takes, releases by other group names, including the Jaybees, Carnival Connection, and Peter & the Pipers, as well as unreleased songs, post-Playboys songs by members Allan Nicholls and Bill Hill, Coke jingles and even a TV interview and a 20-page booklet. In short...this is the way a reissue should be handled. It's limited to 500 copies so act quickly. Next up from Super Oldies is Wes Dakus & The Rebels: From the Masters (Volume 1).
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*OCTOBER 20, 2005* Sundazed's Introducing the Gants CD has been indefinitely delayed, but here's what to expect once it is released: "The Merseybeat sound even reached the Mississippi delta in the form of a teenage group called the Gants. After signing to Liberty Records, the group hit big with a cover of Bo Diddley’s 'Roadrunner,' and over the next few years band leader Sid Herring penned a string of exceptional Beatles-inspired tunes (please check your stock on our Gants Road Runner collection! SC 11078). Prior to signing with Liberty, the group headed to Sam Phillips’s studios in Memphis to make their first recordings, circa late ’64. This treasure trove of lost Gants music was recently unearthed via a one-of-a-kind acetate made the day of the session - it’s an eye opening set filled with original and choice covers that will give Gants fans a priceless glimpse into the early development of this uniquely gifted garage band. TRACKS: 'Crying' / 'It's All Over Now' / 'Eight Days a Week' / 'I'm No Good' / 'Dear One' / 'Things We Said Today' / 'Twist & Shout' / 'Taxman' / 'Another Chance'. Includes never-before-seen photos, interviews with the band members by Ugly Things’ Mike Stax and much more."
*OCTOBER 12, 2005* Dave Peifley has compiled another volume of Allentown (Pennsylvania) rock and roll, this time featuring such groups as the Devils, Morticians, Queens Way Mersey, Marigold Circus, Combinations, and Ognir & the Night People. The CD will be premiered on Lehigh Valley radio (WMUH and WLRV) at 2:00pm EST on October 18th.
*OCTOBER 11, 2005* Looks like Sundazed's next batch of releases include Introducing the Gants (with previously unreleased material!) and Link Wray's Law of the Jungle: The '64 Swan Demos. We'll have more information shortly...
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*OCTOBER 10,2005* Two new LP-only editions of Diggin' For Gold are now available: "Diggin' For Gold is back, stronger than ever and returns to mid-'60s USA, picking up the vibes. Snotty garagepunk, moody winners and teen garage par excellence! Volumes 1 to 8 are classic collectors items since years back. After several years absence this series is back in business. A must in every '60s collectors archives along Nuggets, Pebbles, Back from the Grave etc. 16 Trax on wax on each volume with linernotes by garagepunk guru Moptop Mike Markesich about each track. All tracks comped for the very first tyme!" Volume 9 includes songs by Pastels, Intruders, Piggy Bank, and Empty Street and more, while Volume 10 features Long Island Sound, Attila & the Huns, Tidal Waves, Goodies Galore, and more.
*OCTOBER 10, 2005* Gary Myers, author of the excellent Wisconsin '60'-70's book Do You Hear That Beat?, is currently preparing an updated version. According to Gary, "It is not a second edition, but another complete book containing additional information (tons of it!) that we have turned up since Do You Hear That Beat? came out. We are still searching for many bands/artists/record label owners, and we will be happy to offer a discount on our books for any clues that will help us find them." Visit Gary's webpage for more specific information.
*OCTOBER 4, 2005* We've previously reported on Randy Newton and his Broken Guitar projects, and today's Union Recorder (Milledgeville, GA) - courtesy J Thomas - provides some additional information on both Randy and his vision:
"Were you a teenager in the 1960s when a group of musically inclined teens would get together and have jam sessions in their garage?
If so, then you are going to love the new brainchild of Milledgeville native, Randy Newton in his Broken Guitar.
Newton said the idea came to him because he remembers the dances and such that these garage bands played as he grew into adulthood.
'The Broken Guitar is a show that features current bands along with bands from the past, some which never left, and some who have reappeared,' Newton said.
He said he fell in love with music at his parent's restaurant.
'Growing up my family ran a restaurant with a drive-in curb which had a fenced in concrete dance floor along with a radio booth,' he said. 'Weekends were magical with 25 car hops and the parking lot overflowing, I couldn't help falling in love with music.'
He said waiting on tables and hoppin' cars, he soon found out that his comedic skills were a moneymaker.
'I made better tips, or maybe I just wanted people to like me, whichever, I've been performing ever since,' Newton said. 'The restaurant had a jukebox out front with country, pop and rock-in-roll, and the cooks in the kitchen had WLAC blasting R&B on a small transistor radio, and I fell in love with it all.'
Now, his love of music has gotten him a gig on FOX24 at midnight on Saturdays.
'By faith, I've booked a time slot on FOX24 beginning Oct. 1, 2005,' he said. 'Everyone needs to come be a part of the fun and come be a part of the show and I promise you'll have fun.'
He said anyone who is going to be on the show, as an entertainer needs to get people to tune in so that their 'broken dream' might get 'one more chance.'
So, if you know of anyone who was part of a garage band in the Milledgeville area or throughout Middle Georgia, Newton wants to hear from you. He is planning a huge reunion show for those bands, but needs participants.
'The Broken Guitar is searching for contact information on all the bands, country, rock, beach and R&B that were playing this area and Middle Georgia in the 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s,' he said. 'The reunion shows idea is working and will be announced as soon as possible. The variety show is looking for talent as well. We need singers, songwriters, comedians, actors and dancers.'
If you have some talent or you once were part of a group of talent, call Newton at 478-451-0751 and you might just find your dream whole again."
*OCTOBER 3, 2005* Stepping outside the garage: Collector's Choice Music has some interesting mid-to-late '60's exclusives staled for October: Peppermint Rainbow: Will You Be Staying After Sunday? (1969 LP featuring the "hit" title track and produced by Paul Leka); Cowsills: We Can Fly (1969 MGM LP); Roxy: Roxy (1969 Bob Segarini post-Family Tree LP); What's Shakin' (1966 Elektra Records compilation featuring four rare Lovin' Spoonful songs and five Paul Butterfield Blues Band songs); and Great Lost Elektra Singles: Volume 1 (featuring the pre-Byrds Beefeaters single, a rare Paul Butterfield Blues Band single and more); and Appaloosa: Appaloosa (1969 acoustic LP produced by Al Kooper)...
*OCTOBER 3, 2005* 13th Floor Elevators - 7" Vinyl Singles Boxset Coming! According to Spin CDs, "Here's one for the New Year, in an 8 x 7" Box Set format, "This must be the ultimate garage/psych artefact! For the first time ever, gathered together, all Seven Elevators US 45's PLUS the megarare pre-Elevators SPADES single! To give you a taste of what to expect, here's what's in this stunning box; 'You're Gonna Miss Me' c/w 'We Sell Soul' (the Spades Zero label 45, different version a-side to the Elevators version), 'You're Gonna Miss Me' c/w 'Tried To Hide', 'Reverberation' c/w 'Fire Engine', 'Levitation' c/w 'Before You Accuse me', 'She Lives' c/w 'Baby Blue', 'Slip Inside This House' c/w 'Splash 1', 'I'm Gonna Love You Too' c/w 'May The Circle Remain Unbroken' and 'Livin' On' c/w 'Scarlet And Gold'. In addition, this time around, every 45 will be faithfully reproduced exactly like the original singles 45 IA and Zero labels with large hole US centres with the exception of ACME catalogue numbers inscribed on the disc run-out grooves. The full colour glossy barcoded box will also come complete with an informative booklet detailing every single release, rare photos and reproduction of their rare French EP sleeve and German pic sleeve single. This official Elevators ACME singles edition has been transcribed from the best sources possible ensuring maximum sound reproduction" Comes in a strict limited edition of just 1000 copies only." Unfortunately no label info is provided, but it's expected out in early 2006.
*SEPTEMBER 26, 2005* FLORIDA ROCKS AGAIN! is now available for your listening pleasure at www.podcast.garagepunk.com. The first segment is the second half of the "I-4 Corridor Battle of the Bands" episode, featuring such great Florida '60s bands as the Tropics, Ron & the Starfires, and the Canadian Rogues.
*SEPTEMBER 24, 2005* The Mustangs (from Riverside. CA) of "That's For Sure" fame have a new website that is loaded with great photos from 1965 and a reunion photo from 2005. The band is currently prepping two upcoming CD releases: One on the Ugly Things label comprised of their 1965 recordings (including many previously unreleased) and one of 2005 recordings. Check the website soon for some snippets of these recordings.
*SEPTEMBER 23, 2005* From the "How Cool Is This? News Department": "Director Michael Stich, who has won two Directors Guild Awards and two Emmy Awards, and actor Ryan Link, who made his Broadway debut as Roger in Rent, are slated for the film adaptation of All Good Things. Based on the true story of The Remains, a little-known band considered by some critics to be the greatest American rock group of the the mid-'60s even though it never had a Top-40 hit, the stage version of All Good Things had its world premiere at the 2004 New York International Fringe Festival.
The show was a hit with audiences and critics: 'Had the audience on its feet'…All Good Things has a heart the size of Madison Square Garden.' (nytheatre.com); 'The show is remarkably fresh in spirit…We were riveted by The Remains’ great, timeless songs played with power and flair.' (The Gothamist); 'A very poignant story of lost possibilities.' (New York Cool); 'If you love great rock rock & roll, and especially The Remains, you just can’t miss this musical…Any artist who feels perpetually on the verge of success will easily relate to this story.' (hybender.com).
Michael Stich’s wide-ranging directing experience includes daytime TV shows such as THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (one of the most-watched shows in the world with over 300 million viewers in 98 countries), the prime-time mini-series, SECRETS (based on the Judith Krantz bestseller), and several music videos. Link had starring roles this past summer in the Kansas City Starlight Theatre’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar and the Barrington Stage Company’s production of Hair. In the film adaptation of All Good Things, Link will reprise the role of drummer Chip Damiani that he originated at FringeNYC.
The screenplay adaptation is by veteran writer Michael Eric Stein, (MIAMI VICE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, among other TV shows), who wrote the book for the stage version of All Good Things.
Ted Winterer, whose movie industry experience includes working as a production and development executive for the directors Mike Figgis and David Ward, has joined the production team of All Good Things as Co-Producer. Fred Cantor, who developed and produced the Fringe Festival world premiere, is the Producer. The filming of All Good Things will begin next summer in New York.
'New England legends who toured with the Beatles and played THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW but never scored a hit record, The Remains have long been touted by those who were there as the great American hard-rock band of the mid-Sixties,' wrote Stereo Review in 1997. That same year, Rolling Stone proclaimed, 'For more than 30 years, the May 1966 Capitol Records audition tape by The Remains has been one of the great unreleased wonders of rock & roll - a legendary studio performance…of such explosive exuberance and muscular force that it has been, for those lucky enough to hear it, a religious totem of all that was manic and marvelous about mid-‘60s pop."
*SEPTEMBER 22, 2005* Phill Marder of Mott's Men (of "She's So Mean" fame) has assembled a new band...now known as Mott's Old Men. The group (Tom Clubb, Steve Johnson, Markie Hutch, and Phill "Mott" Marder) has recorded a new 10 song CD, titled Still Stuck in the Garage, that is a very fun listen. The disc features originals such as "The Calm Before the Storm", "Fat & Stupid", "The Spell", and "Born Again" and, as a bonus, the original 1966 Mott's Men recording of "She's So Mean." Inquiries and questions about Mott's Men may be directed to Phill.
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*SEPTEMBER 16, 2005* Sundazed's September slate is a full one (and we've only listed releases pertinent to our website!): *Peanut Butter Conspiracy: Living Dream (CD): "The incendiary power of the Peanut Butter Conspiracy's jangling 12-string Rickenbackers, exquisitely tight musicianship and gorgeous harmonic vocal chemistry (featuring Sandi Robison's commanding lead voice) made for a formidable combination. Add to that the stellar songwriting of Alan Brackett and John Merrill, along with the studio wizardry of producer Gary Usher, and you have the formula for something truly magical. This first-ever 'Best of' collection is packed with 20 tracks of some of the most accomplished and awe-inspiring sounds to come out of the mid-'60s West Coast. Augmented by a booklet loaded with a full band history, interviews with original Conspiracy members, unseen photos and more, Living Dream arrives just in time for fans reawakening to the PBC's dazzling sunshine sound." *International Submarine Band ("One Day Week " / " Sum Up Broke") "Here's the first ever reissue of ISB's ultra-rare 1966 Columbia Records release, featuring Gram Parsons, cut from the walloping original mono masters and in a gorgeous picture sleeve designed with previously unseen photos!" *Peanut Butter Conspiracy ("Big Bummer" / "Love's Last Ground") "Astoundingly great and unissued PBC studio demos from late '66, produced by Gary Usher. Colored wax, picture sleeve and not on our CD anthology (these trax available here only)!" *Groupies ("Down in the Bottom" / "You Changed Again") "New York's Groupies are best remembered for pounding out their all-time Pebbles-classic, "Primitive" for Atco Records. Leave it to us, however, to unearth a wonderfully nasty, unissued performance from mid-'67-including the two tracks here which DEMAND your attention and loudly demonstrate the band¹s howling blues-based garage insanity." *Sparkles ("No Friend of Mine" / "Hipsville 29 B.C. (I Need Help)" / "I Want to be Free") "Texas' Sparkles released a mighty batch of 45s in '66 and '67 on the Hickory Records imprint. And now, we've proudly corralled the most snarly and fuzz-filled three on this deadly garage 7", cut from the original mono masters and delivered to you with the cool Sparkles picture sleeve that never was." *Counts IV ("Discussion of the Unorthodox Council" / "Spoonful" / "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue") "North Carolina of the mid-'60s was not known for its embracement of long-haired, loud garage rock. But that hardly stopped the Counts IV, a pack of rockin' ex-servicemen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Short of scoring their absolutely scarce singles, this is the place to hear their '66 garage workouts including the incredible 'Discussion of the Unorthodox Council.'" *Jefferson Airplane (Takes Off) "Jefferson Airplanes 'Jet Age Sound' reverberated throughout the ballrooms of San Francisco in 1966. Here, for the first time in nearly four decades, is their stratosphere-shaking debut album in its original uncensored form, taken from the original RCA Victor mono masters. *Jefferson Airplane (Bathing at Baxter's) "How do you follow up a smash hit? If you're Jefferson Airplane, you record the most experimental, non-commercial album of your career! After Bathing at Baxter's the Airplane let loose in the studio in 1967, creating without restraint. Taken from the original RCA Victor mono masters, this is the true sound of San Francisco."
*SEPTEMBER 15, 2005* Don Mangus of the Rhode Runners (Ohio) is currently preparing a new CD release entitled Rhode Runners Revisited. Included will be two original recordings by the band: "Phantom Freighter" (1965) and "Mrs. Mary Jane" (1965). Both songs have also been re-recorded in 2005 by Don. Don has also re-recorded two other early band originals, "Road Runner Baby" and "I Love You Truly". Rounding out the CD will be the original versions of Tony and the Bandits' "It's A Bit of Alright" (1965) and "The Sun Don't Shine Anymore (Now That Your Gone)" (1965) and the Lemon Pipers "Green Tambourine" (1967) plus remakes of all...and two new Mangus songs from 2005, "Have To Be A Reason" and "Am I Losing You". There will be 12 cuts in all. Don is currently setting up the art work and for the label and also for the CD cover, and the disc will be released by his Mild 2 Wild Entertainmet label. Visit Don's website to see how the above bands all tie in together. We'll keep you posted on the CD's eventual release.
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*SEPTEMBER 9, 2005* Press Release: "DuluthRocked Volume 2: Sensational 60’s, a music compilation of regional recording artists from the ‘60s, will be released today. Sixteen songs, all of which received significant regional radio air play are featured on the CD. This is the fourth CD released by the Duluth Independent record label “DuluthRocked.” Previous releases include: '60’s Smash Hits, Radio Play 1970-'81 and A Christmas by the Lake. The songs on the Sensational '60’s compilation cover the time period from 1957 to 1968...(and) 'are some of the biggest from the era but there are plenty more so another Volume (Volume I) was previously released,' said Jeff Jarvinen, co owner of DuluthRocked Media. Jarvinen and long time local promoter/producer Tracy Lundeen are spearheading the project. Songs and the artists performing them on the CD are: 'Sugar Doll' by Johnny Jay, 'Money Honey' by the Dynamics, 'Boo On You' by Vic Martinson and the Three Bears, 'The Revel Twist' by the Reveliers, 'Reveille Rock' by the Titans, 'Primrose Lane' by Johnny Lidell, 'Cry Girl' by the Kan Dells, 'Cloudy Summer Afternoon' by the Tadmen Twins, 'Growin' Pains' by the Vaqueros, 'Walkin' The Dog' by Yes it Is, 'Cry Baby' by the Devilles, 'Boom Boom' by the Soul Seekers, 'Granny Glasses' by Jimmy Luhm, 'Takin' Life Easy' by Lyn Lasalle, 'Action Woman' by the Electras and 'Live For A Real Good Sound' by the Small Society. Sensational '60’s is available at the Electric Fetus, Betty Lou’s Health Foods, Pack and Mail Plus in Spirit Valley and Globe News in Superior. The CD is available for immediate shipment at www.duluthrocked.com as well."
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*SEPTEMBER 7, 2005* Gear Fab's Bittervetch CD is now available for ordering. Comprised of the bands' lone '66 single plus 18 additional demos (by their earlier carnation the Chandells or by primary song writer Rob Hegel), the CD is a fantastic collection of great '60's rock that runs the gamut from garage, surf, pop, and ballads. Highly recommended. You can read the band's story - written by 60sgaragebands.com's Mike Dugo - at Hegel's website.
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*SEPTEMBER 1, 2005* Coming soon - finally - is the long awaited release of an official and legitimate compilation by Question Mark & the Mysterians. ABKCO has announced a 27 song Best Of featuring all their best known songs ("96 Tears", "I Need Somebody", "Girl [You Captivate Me]", "Can' Get Enough Of Your Love") and at least one previously unreleased track, an alternate version of "Midnight Hour". ABKCO has announced multiple titles since the release of the Cameo-Parkway Story boxed set, but so far this is the only one that will interest regular readers to this website.
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*AUGUST 25, 2005* According to Will Shade, "All five members of Mike and the Ravens plus their original manager, Peter Guibord of Empire Records (also home to Wild Bill Kennedy & the Twiliters) will be on WIRY this Sunday August 28 at 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon. The segment will feature interviews plus songs off the new Bacchus release Nevermore: Plattsburgh '62 & Beyond by Mike & the Ravens.
*AUGUST 23, 2005* The newest issue of UGLY THINGS (#23) provide some more information on the magazines forthcoming 2005-2006 '60's garage reissues on their own UT label: Bush - "Top class garage sounds from these moptop teens who ruled over the Inland Empire in 1965-'66. Amazing, newly discovered tracks!"; Light - "Previously unreleased studio and live tracks from 1967 by this immensely talented original band drawn from members of the Bush, the North Side Moss and the Peasants. Riverside's equivilant of the Buffalo Springfield or Moby Grape!"; Mustangs - "More killer Riverside garage-punk sounds from the "That's For Sure" guys. Some great original songs plus tuff covers of "Liar Liar", "Get Off My Cloud" and other nuggets, all recorded in 1966." We'll print more on these highly anticpated reissues as more information is released. And, in addition to an Ugly Things Special Edition Book: The Pretty Things: New Zealand Tour '65 slated for late 2005 release is "another UT Special Edition Book": U.S. '60's Garage Rock featuring reprints of articles from UT #1-15 on Music Machine, Lyrics, Druids of Stonehenge, Gants, Shady Daze, Humane Society, Spectacles, Hangmenn, Montells, and more - along with "bonus material".
*AUGUST 17, 2005* Some news on the Doors front, cortesy of the Strange Days newsletter: "The Doors management has announced a new box set called, Love/Death/Travel which will feature three CDs, a DVD of live footage, hand-signed lithographs by designer Shepard Fairy of Obey Giant and previously unreleased photos of the band from photographer Joel Brodsky's famed 1967 shoot. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, the set which kicks off with "Break on Through," spans the band's entire catalogue - from such obvious hits as "When the Music's Over" and "Soul Kitchen" to the less-predictable inclusions "Land of the Highway" and "Blue Sunday," penned by Morrison and Krieger. Additionally, the DVD will preview three tracks in 5.1 surround sound - "Hello, I Love You," "The Unknown Soldier" and "Riders on the Storm" - from the remastered catalogue, due next year, and feature remixes by British electronica DJs Paul Oakenfold ("L.A. Woman") and BT ("Break on Through"), and L.A.'s the Crystal Method ("Roadhouse Blues"). Only 5,000 copies will be produced, with half going to industry members and half available through Rhino Handmade's Web site. Also in the works, for release in 2007, is a Doors documentary, produced by Law & Order creator Dick Wolf and directed by two-time Oscar winner Bill Guttentag. The film will feature never-before-seen footage of the band."
*AUGUST 14, 2005* The latest issue of Domenic Priore's 'zine (first since '89!) is now available: Dumb Angel #4: All Summer Long. "In there, we've got heap big stories on how Surf music initially developed through things used in 1950's and 1960's Surf movies (a new concept!); a South Bay Surf band family tree drawn by the old Zig Zag guy - Peter Frame; a complete 1964/1965 Brian Wilson sessionography' artists John Van Hamersveld and Shag both write for us in here too; there's Exotica stuff and a thing on Phil Spector during 1956/1966 and lots of Surf instrumentals." Ordering information is available at the website...
*AUGUST 12, 2005* And the Allentown discoveries keep on coming! Neil Hever emailed to inform us that "I just completed digital preservation of six I She and Me tracks. They were an all-girl folk/rock band from the Allentown area. They did release one excellent single on Port Records (a division of Jay-Gee) around 1966/1967 called 'McDougal Street' b/w 'Look'. Amazingly enough, they wrote their own songs! The single is as good as anything recorded by other similar bands of the era. In fact, I'd say that 'McDougal Street' is as good as anything Jackie DeShannon wrote. Luckily, Gina from the band is still around and she located a reel with four songs. We don't know the exact titles of all the songs but three are original and one is Gershwin's 'Summertime'. They have a tight, three-part harmony that is really kind of unique. I'm really impressed by the quality of their writing, arranging and harmonizing. Obviously, this is a rare find since the garage scene was dominated by young men." In addition, a reel of a live recording from 1967 by another Allentown combo, Queen's Way Mercy, has also been recently discovered. Watch this space for possible release updates...
*AUGUST 10, 2005* Thanks to Clark Besch for informing us that Rev-Ola has the New Colony 6: Treat Her Groovy slated for release later this month. While the band's earlier and excellent "garage rock" sides have previously been compiled by Sundazed, this is the best of the Colony's later period songs and includes their two huge hits "I Will Always Think About You" and "Things I'd Like To Say". The collection contains 22 tunes and should prove to be a "groovy" slice of late '60's and early '70's pop.
*AUGUST 8, 2005* David Kerekes, who contributes an interview with the Monks, has informed us of a new book titled Lovers, Buggers, & Thieves: Garage Rock, Monster Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Folk Rock. Other topics of interest include chapters on the Sonics, Australian psych music of the '60's, Charles Manson's LP, Led Zeppelin vs. Iron Butterfly (!), the Stooges, and more...with an introduction by the Monks' own Eddie Shaw. We hope to post a review a bit later...
*JULY 29, 2005* Sundazed has a slew of interesting new releases slated for September release, starting with the Peanut Butter Conspiracy "Best of" that we reported on earlier. Titled It's A Happening Thing, the CD release contains 17 tracks from their rare Columbia LPs, 3 never-before-heard songs, and a "booklet loaded with a full band history, interviews with original Conspiracy members, plus unseen photos, original album graphics and much more!" Also, due on 7" vinyl is "astoundingly great and unissued studio demos (Big Bummer" and "Love's Last Ground") from late '66 available only here, not on our Peanut Butter Conspiracy anthology!" It features colored wax and a picture sleeve. Again on 7" vinyl is the "first ever reissue of International Submarine Band's ultra-rare 1966 Columbia Records release. Cut from the original mono masters and in a gorgeous picture sleeve designed with previously unseen photos" - the songs are "One Day Week" and "Sum Up Broke." Finally, two Jefferson Airplane LPs - "Takes Off" and "After Bathing at Baxter's" - receive a vinyl only reissue.
*JULY 27, 2005* We were contacted by Marsha Jordan about supporting an effort to get the Cowsills inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. While we certainly do not object to the thought, we're hesitant to promote the Hall at all simply due to the fact that 99.99% of the groups that our website covers will never even be remotely considered for election - musical merits notwithstanding. It seems to be a highly commercial endeavor that really doesn't attempt to dig deeper into rock and roll history beyond the Top 40. And it's a frsutrating shame. But possiby the Cowsills will become the first of many worthy groups that aren't currently household names to be elected. So be sure to sign the petition at www.petitiononline.com/tchof05/petition.html. We already have.
*JULY 27, 2005* Joey D. and Frantic Records is preparing a new North Valley Garage: Up From The Grave CD. It will feature 45s recorded by groups from the north of Sacramento, including Drusalee & the Dead, Caretakers, Boy Blues, Psycho, Freddie & the Statics, Graveyard V, Custer & the Survivors, Mystic, D. Witherspoon & Future, Next Step and more. The highlight promises to be four unreleased tunes by Madd Inc. that were recorded on a dictaphone in a living room. We'll provide more info as it becomes available.
*JULY 23, 2005* As a follow-up to our earlier post on Allentown Anglophile, Dave Peifley (D.B.L.I.T.Y.) - along with assistance from Neil Hever - is offering additional CD collections that will surely interest any regular visitor to this site. The CDs are free to those interested, but there is a $7.95 per disc charge for shipping and handling (in U.S.) and in order to cover additional costs (materials, etc.). The cost to ship overseas will be $14.95. Titles include complete collections on D.B.L.I.T.Y., King's Ransom, Shillings, Scott Bedford Four, and Daddy Licks collection as well as yet to be released collections Absolutely Another Allentown Anglophile Again and Allentown Awfspring. For more information, or to place an order, contact POSITIVELY 19th STREET, 522 N. 19th St., Allentown, PA 18104. Mastercard, Visa and Discover is accepted. You can reach Dave via email or by phone at 610-435-4565 (11AM - 6 PM Monday through Saturday EST). Absolutely Allentown "features even more great bands from the '60s and '70s. Even though it has not been commercially released yet I have sent it to college radio stations that played Allentown Anglophile and it is #17 on WXYC at the University of North Carolina and #39 on WPRB Princeton. Featured on this disc are returning faves King's Ransom, Shillings, and D.B.L.I.T.Y (along with first timers) First time out for the Scott Bedford Four, Rondells, Combinations, Johnny & the High Keys, Young Ideas, Daddy Licks, I, She and Me, and Frantic Freddie Milander." Watch this space for updates.
*JULY 17, 2005* Super Oldies has posted a list of possible upcoming releases on their website, hoping to solicit enough interest from those interested in purchasing the titles to warrant pressing the CDs. If 100 votes of each are received, the'll go ahead and press the CDs. The majority of the titles are completely official releases from Norman Petty Studios - including Affection Collection, Barry Allen, Wes Dakus and the Rebels, a Norman Petty Studios DVD, collections of Canadian bands that recorded for the studio, and the JB & the Playboys Anthology. Be sure to swing on by and cast your vote(s).
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*JULY 16, 2005* SHINDIG #7, featuring Grapefruit, The Ace Of Cups, The Mike Stuart Span, The Thunderbolts, New Buffalo Springfield, The Yellow Payges, The Yellow Balloon, Freakrock, The Barracudas, John Carter's 'Mythological Sunday' and more is finally available for ordering. The CD We Set The Scene: The Gospel According to Shindig!, 24 Choice Cuts 1966-1974 ,compiled by SHINDIG colleagues Andy Morten and Jon 'Mojo' Mills, has been available for months but fits in well with the new issue. Visit the Shindig website for more information.
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*JULY 14, 2005* Ron Bowell of Kansas' Friar Tuck & The Monks has a new website with many great photos of the band. Also available for ordering via the website is a CD containing rare recordings by the band from the '60's (and some from the '90's) and both sides of the group's lone single from 1969: a cover of "Help" b/w "Escape". The CD is "not a bootleg album. All royalties have been paid. The CD comes with a likeness of the nationally recognized Friar Tuck and the Monks poster, along with extensive liner notes about the band, their equipment, and the clubs they played." There's also a live version of an unreleased original titled "Friar Tuck's Music Machine" and covers of popular songs of the day. The CDs are $10.00 and includes free postage. Check it out...
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*JULY 8, 2005* Mike Stax' UGLY THINGS #23 is scheduled for publication latyer this month. Highlights include "a huge cover story on those '60s punk R&B savages the Belfast Gypsies, aka the 'other Them'. Also the continuation of the epic saga of the Misunderstood along with feature stories on New England rock'n'rollers Mike & the Ravens, garage maniacs Mott's Men (by our own Mike Dugo), Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters, and the Checkmates from Singapore. Exclusive interviews with '60s Brum beat heroes Mike Sheridan and Rick Price, French beat icon Ronnie Bird and a previously unpublished conversation with the late Keith Relf. Plus dig the Sacramento's '60's punk scene, Argentinian beat chicks Las Mosquitas, Chubby Checker's lost psychedelic album, Swiss beat mayhem with the Dynamites and Les Sauterelles, a tribute to Charlie Crane, a Phil Milstein essay on Nervous, and the afterlife of the one hit wonder." The first 400 orders will receive a free CD EP with four great '60s recordings by Mike & the Ravens so order now...
*JULY 7, 2005* This courtesy of Sean Bonniwell of The Music Machine: "Alec Palao (Ace/Big Beat) is most certainly a '60's rock historian, and his musical understanding and knowledge of the Music Machine is probably second to none. We spent a Sunday afternoon here in the garage listening... not to the previously released mono, stereo - LP cuts and 45s (28 in all, which comprise Disc One), but rather Disc Two.
How and why he was able to free these secretly hoarded tracks is at best, a mystery; he's unearthed garage rehearsal tapes and alternate arrangements of Music Machine classics as well as one or two all-but-forgotten never-heard originals - a total of 22 unissued alternates, mixed (or remixed) to perfection; especially notable are 'No Girl Gonna Cry', 'King Mixer', 'Dark White', 'Affirmative No', 'I've Loved You', 'Worry', 'Smoke & Water' (believe it or not), and 'The Eagle Never Hunts The Fly' (a jam version lasting over four minutes that absolutely positively blows the back wall down). It's difficult to convey the altogether surprisingly fresh, raw power of the band's performance(s). Recorded with no frills or overdubs, the musicianship shines and sparkles with joyous interplay, defining the intricate arrangements as never before; some of these tracks simply wallop the studio renditions.
There's more - plenty more (including a semi rock version of 'Discrepancy' that's too fast and unengaging, and a bare bones version of 'The Trap'). Perhaps the title of this project says it all; The Music Machine Ultimate Turn On: a double CD set that includes a DVD video of the Music Machine performing 'Cherry Cherry' and 'Talk Talk' courtesy of Brian Ross filming 9th Street West. Also, from Ross's scrapbook, never-seen heretofore unknown vintage Music Machine pics."
Due out later this fall.
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*JULY 7, 2005* Courtesy of Alec Palao comes some exciting news on the Ace Records / Big Beat front: "Due at the end of next month is the long awaited Ace/Big Beat vintage garage punk sampler Uptight Tonight, an all killer, no filler, loud and proud collection heavy on the attitude. Chock full of both classics and classic obscurities, it is aimed as much at the '60s garage novice as the seasoned aficionado, but even the most jaded collector will want this package. Reissue producer Alec Palao has ensured that the sound quality and mastering on Uptight Tonight is second to none, and there are several major 'firsts' on here: classics like 'Suzy Creamcheese' and 'We're Pretty Quick' come legitimately licensed from the master tapes; there are never-before-heard rarities like the full-length version of '99th Floor', and a couple of major vault finds in 'The Animal In Me' (Orfuns) and 'Get Out Of My Eye' (Soul Vendors). The packed booklet features the usual Big Beat attention to detail with tons of pix and plenty of new facts on these '60s punk hall of famers."
Coming soon, also from Big Beat, are "two full discs of material from the much-coveted archives of Albuquerque '60's legend Lindy Blaskey. The material is all dr | |
