*DECEMBER 22, 2006* Sundazed's January releases feature three interesting titles:
Ain't It Hard! Garage & Psych from Viva Records (CD and LP): The short-lived Viva Records label was one wildly eclectic outfit. Helmed by hitmaker Snuff Garrett, this Los Angeles-based imprint targeted the teen marketplace with a series of extraordinary garage / psych / pop singles. The label’s command of popular styles prevailed across these Top 40 hopefuls, ranging from the stomping beat of the Shindogs to the psych-fuzz nirvana of the Sound Sandwich. And there’s Class of ’66 garage-grunge from the Wailers and the Second Helping (yes, that’s a teenage Kenny Loggins howling at the moon on the positively snarling “Let Me In,” among other selections). With a supporting cast led by Leon Russell and J.J. Cale and bolstered with choice Snuff Garrett Productions like Gypsy Trips and Sunday Servants, Ain’t It Hard! stands as an essential anthology of Sunset Strip sixties sounds!
Introspection: A Faine Jade Recital (CD and LP): The brilliant psychedelic rock 'n' roll of Faine Jade passed through the orange-colored skies of 1968 like a pink and lavender comet, then was gone... Fortunately Jade left behind a wondrous album to detail his amazing, one-way voyage through the night skies. Introspection: A Faine Jade Recital details every deliciously enigmatic, Syd Barrett-inspired twist and turn of the short but sweet career of this mysterious artist. Since the hideously rare original LP now requires a mortgage from your bank, Sundazed, with the full cooperation of the artist, presents the perfect Faine Jade package, taken from the absolute master tapes with rare photos and liner notes based on a recent interview with Faine Jade, himself.
Gandalf 2 (CD only): The exotic, mindbending sounds of Gandalf have long been one of the great lost treasures of the first psychedelic era. Featuring the breathy vocals and lysergic guitar of Peter Sando, the band's only album, a delight from start to finish, has generated a fervent demand for more of the same. Gandalf 2, is a return trip to the band's garden of earthly delights. A thorough search of Sando's tape vault revealed a fabulous stash of spellbinding demos and acetates, unheard for decades! |
*DECEMBER 21, 2006* According to Alam Peppard in the Dallas Morning News: "Closer to home, bands that rocked the Dallas club scene in the '60s are gathering for their second annual Legends reunion. The Dec. 30 show at Poor David's Pub will feature veterans from long-gone nightspots like the Cellar and the Studio Club. At last count, the lineup included Kenny and The Kasuals, The Excels, The DeVilles, The Nightcaps, The Novas, The American Classics, The Dead Pyrates Society and Nitzinger." |
| *DECEMBER 17, 2006* Not a whole lot of information here, other than that it's available via CD Baby: "The Fabulous Chancellors existed from 1959 to 1967. They were from Boise, Idaho and had several Northwest regional hits. Members included: Rich Crowley, Dale Rich, Terry Call, Tom Lowe, Monte Saxton, Russ Bice, Phil Volk, Eddie Heuman and Dennis Swindle." | |
| *DECEMBER 15. 2006* Rhino Records is currently readying Summer of Love: The San Francisco Music Scene (1966-1970) for release in 2007. The four CD set features all the big names from the Frisco scene, as well as several local groups that never dented the national scene. Look for songs by Country Joe & The Fish, Beau Brummels, Vejatables, Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Sons of Champlin and other hitmakers along with tracks by The Mystery Trend, Golliwogs, Tikis, Otherside, Teddy & His Patches, Harbinger Complex, New Breed, Generation, Chocolate Watchband, Stained Glass and many, many others. We'll print more info as it becomes available. |
*DECEMBER 14, 2006* Arf Arf's latest release looks to be a good one from The Victors!: "“Before there was The Litter, there were The Victors. Including two future members (bassist Jim Kane and vocalist Denny Waite) of that fab Minneapolis combo, The Victors didn’t have the psycho-destructo stage show, fiery sound, and psychedelicized pyrotechnics of their successors. But their repertoire of British Invasion covers laid the groundwork for The Litter, and they had the teen garage sound that propelled them to battle of the bands victories and into the hearts of garage fans when five unreleased recordings were first unearthed by Arf! Arf!
Victorious expands the Victors’ legacy with not only those five, but also 21 previously unreleased tracks, including eight relics from their beginnings as a surf-styled band, a stunning seven-song demo tape, five spirited covers from a 1966 rehearsal, and a raw romp through 'Gloria' (or 'G-L-O-O-R-A,' as they erroneously spelled it!) straight off an acetate. It also includes the now legendary 1965 Scotty single, 'Beer Bust Blues' b/w 'Scotch Mist,' in which four-fifths of the band (billed as The Scotsmen) romped as their friend Pete Lokken did his best 'Surfin’ Bird'/'The Crusher' vomit-tone into the mike.
Victorious traces the evolution of the Excelsior, Minnesota miscreants from a ’64 surfy combo (named after a Dick Dale song, 'The Victor') following in the footsteps of The Trashmen and fellow Minnetonka high school pals The Ready Men and The Yetti Men to a British Invasion-styled combo covering Them and the Yardbirds in 1965—before it was cool.
It was all over for The Victors by 1966, but their legacy lived on when Kane and Waite joined former members of The Tabs to form The Litter, a band that grew from garage Yardbirds roots into one of the most innovative hard rock bands on the scene by the late ’60s—and that has been documented on four Arf! Arf! CDs. Victoriousadds to that legacy with 31 stompin’ tracks and an extensive 20-page book featuring tons of archival photos and graphics, a band history by Doug Sheppard of Ugly Things magazine, and recollections from their producer, Warren Kendrick, the man who wrote and produced the Litter’s definitive version of 'Action Woman.'” |
*DECEMBER 9, 2006* It has been announced for quite a while now, but one of our most anticipated upcoming releases is now scheduled for January. Since we've received more information on the CD, here is the skinny on Gear Fab's Palace Guards: The Complete Recordings disc: "What everyone remembers about this Metarie, Louisiana garage band are their 5 great 45’s released on the White Cliffs, rAe, and U-Doe labels. What everyone didn’t know was they also recorded three alternate versions of these 45s as well as 10 previously unreleased tracks from June, 1966 through April, 1969. These alternate versions and never before heard tracks reek of the fuzzed out garage sounds so prevalent through those years. Taken from the master tapes of the Sideshow, Custom Sound & Bradley Barn recording sessions, as well as other tapes in the band’s possession." There's a total of 23 tracks (71:33 running time!)...look for it January 23rd. |
*DECEMBER 3RD, 2006* We're really excited about the upcoming Elastik Band CD compilation, and are pleased to be able to present the cover art. We'll be featuring a really great interview with member David Cortopassi in the January updates, and should have ordering information at that time. Until then, here is the update that we printed in October:
Here's some very cool news, directly from the band's MySpace page: "The Elastik Band, best known for its 1967 cult single "Spazz", will soon be releasing the full album recorded along with the single. Salvaged from original master tapes, the album will feature liner notes, previously unreleased band photographs, and a true rarity...a late '60s recording of an Australian DJ who stopped playing the Spazz mid-stream, saying it was offensive, was sure everyone else thought so too, and refused to continue playing it! Tentative release date is late 2006/early 2007." The website also reports that "the UK's Record Collector Magazine will be featuring the ultra-rare 1967 EMI Stateside promo release of the Elastik Band's infamous 'Spazz' single in an upcoming article covering 'the most collectable/interesting/best American singles to be issued in the UK during the late 1960s psychedelic era.' A subsequent issue of Record Collector will feature an exclusive interview with David Cortopassi, singer and songwriter of 'Spazz', complete with band pictures." |
*NOVEMBER 28, 2006* Super Oldies' Affection Collection CD has made it to the pressing stage, and orders are being accepted at their website. The disc includes the Idaho band's lone LP, rare 45 tracks, seven previously unreleased songs, and two newly recorded tracks - along with an 8-page booklet with rare photos. All songs are from the original Norman Petty Studio masters. We look forward to receiving our copy.
*NOVEMBER 21, 2006* Teenbeat Mayhem is on the Air! From Mike Markesich, author of the highly anticipated new '60's garage band "bible": "If you are around a computer, and far away from the Southern Connecticut area, have a listen on Friday evening, November 24th at 6:00PM EST pronto!...I will be guest hosting on my long-time pal Jim Abbott's FM radio broadcast show. For just over 30 years, Jim has hosted the best all around '60's show heard anywhere on the dial or 'Net, and he has graciously allowed loud-mouthed MopTopMike to spin records numerous times over the years. Well this Friday night will be four hours of TeenBeat Mayhem - A show plugging my forthcoming book and all the various kinds / styles of teenbeat garage sounds we love from the USA! I'll be sure to air things you might not have heard before. Before you ask, no, the book isn't ready yet, but if you'll listen, I'll give you all the details on what to expect." To "tune in" visit:
http://wnhu.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=39. |
| *NOVEMBER 8, 2006* The Acid Archives by Patrick Lundborg, Aaron Milenski and Ron Moore will be available shortly. "Expanding on the popular and highly renowned Acid Archives website, which has over 15,000 visitors per month, this book version adds hundreds of albums and reviews not listed on the web, as well as lots of images, rare band photos and LP sleeves. The book features release details and in-depth reviews for more than 4,000 obscure LPs from the USA and Canada, 1965-1982, including reissue data and value ratings. The main genres are psychedelia, garage, folk and folk rock, hippie rock, progressive rock, and hard-rock. There is also a wide selection of interesting and rare singer-songwriter, harmony pop, soft rock, lounge-rock, avantgarde and 'outsider' albums. This is the first ever comprehensive guide to the vintage musical underground of North America, and opens up a gigantic field of outstanding music that has previously been exclusive and hard to grasp. There’s also a buyer’s guide, a glossary, a historical background, fun Top 10 lists, and much more. 280 pages, perfect-bound quarto with thick full color soft-cover, and a foreword by Mike Stax of Ugly Things magazine." Click here for more information. |
| *OCTOBER 26, 2006* After a very long wait, Greg Hayne's definitive book on beach music, Hey Baby Days, is now available for ordering. And, trust us, this one is a monster. Retailing for $59.95, the book contains 552 tabloid pages and includes an index and over 800 photographs (it weighs ten pounds!). Included inside the book (see image to right) are three CDs housed in a specially designed art card affixed to the back cover. Although the difference between some of the beach groups and garage bands are seemingly miles apart, there are many instances where the bands (and therefore much of the music) segue nicely into each "genre". Some of the bands represented on the packaged CDs and featured in the book include The Box Tops, Swinging Medallions, Mark V, Tropics, Prophets, Candymen and Mouse & The Boys. It was also recently announced that the CD series has been expanded to 14 discs (compiled by Ripete Records) and totaling 286 songs. The book is a true must have for anybody slightly interested in the history of '60's music. | |
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*OCTOBER 24, 2006* Ugly Things' Bush CD (Got Bush If You Want It: The Savage Young Bushmen of Rialto, 1965-1966) is due out within the next week or so. The vinyl will follow in about four weeks. The CD features 27 tracks, including all six of their 45 sides (including "Feeling Sad & Lonely" and "To Die Alone") plus 21 previously unreleased tracks, all recorded in 1965-1966 and sourced from acetates, master tapes and a '66 rehearsal tape. The CD has a fat 20-page booklet with lots of cool full-color photos.
The LP has 16 tracks: the four best 45 cuts plus 12 unreleased tracks - all killers, including several never before heard originals. The LP comes in a full-color "old-style" tip-on jacket with a glossy insert with full liner notes and, again, lots of photos.
The CD and LP can be ordered from the Ugly Things website beginning next week, or interested customers can email Mike Stax now and he'll send ordering details just as soon as pricing, etc. has been figured out. |
| *OCTOBER 23, 2006* One of the most eagerly awaited compilations of this (or any year) will be available for ordering on November 6th. Hans Kesteloo's Wayback Records is close to releasing Scream Loud: The Fenton Story, "61 prime slabs of mid-'60's Michigan teen punk." The limited edition set will be available as either a double-digipack CD set or as a 3-LP set, and features 32 bands. Some of the great groups include Tonto & The Renegades (who actually recorded for the Fenton offshoot label, Sound of the Sceen), JuJus, Jades, Aardvarks, Plagues, Quests, Penetrations, Mussies, Fugitives, Me & Dem Guys, and Barons (and more). Visit the release's webpage for photos, tracklistings, and more! |
*OCTOBER 21, 2006* At long last, a CD release of almost the complete singles by The Moonrakers is now available. Apparently compiled by the band, the CD includes 15 songs (all from their single; looks like the only missing song is "He's A Coming My Way Lord") and retails for $15.00. "The Moonrakers were huge in Colorado and many other areas at the time. The band consisted of Van Dorn, Denny Flannigan, Bob Webber, Joel Brandes, and Bob MacVittie. They were known for their excellent performances of cover versions of songs by The Byrds, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones as well as their own compositions that topped the charts on Denver's Fabulous KIMN radio! 'You'll Come Back' knocked the Kingsmen classic 'Louie, Louie' out of the Number 1 spot. This set consists of all of the extremely rare killer Moonrakers' Tower singles, including their cover of the Stones 'I'm All Right,' all produced by Richard Russell and Roger Christian (known for his work with Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys) along with several of their excellent Shamley tracks that were produced by Frank Slay and J. C. Phillips. Also included are two radio advertisements from the sixties that are a real time trip. This is an excellent disc, and is the only authorized release of these songs on CD." It's available on eBay, as well as at the band's website. |
*OCTOBER 16, 2006* Bill Nowlin, whom has authored numerous books on the Boston Red Sox, is currently writing a book about The Standells. Scheduled for release in around April 2007, the book is "centered more on the song 'Dirty Water' and its connection to the Boston Red Sox." We'll provide updates as we receive them.
*OCTOBER 15, 2006* Bruce Tahsler has a new website devoted to his book (The San Francsico East Bay Scene: Garage Bands From The '60's Then & Now) and other topics of interest on the East Bay scene. The page on The Rear Exit is worth the price of admission by itself. Check it out!
*OCTOBER 11, 2006* The first annual San Jose Rocks benefit and awards dinner is Friday, October 20th, at History Park. Scheduled performances include Jefferson Airplane (Paul Kantner), Syndicate of Sound, Count Five, John Tristao with The Groove Kings and The New Arrivals. There will also be a live and silent auction of rock and roll memorabilia. You can get all the details and more here. |
| *OCTOBER 4, 2006* We don't know how we missed this one (it was reportedly released at the end of June) other than to say it's a Collectables release. Flavor: Sally Had a Party (Singles Collection) compiles the band's three Columbia singles plus 15 (are you kidding me?) previously unreleased 1968 tracks by the Maryland trio. There is also a song titled "Love", which is most likely a later version of a song recorded when the group was known as The Bad Boys. It's nice to know that there is still hope for full CD reissues by obscure '60's groups with little to no fanfare. Keep 'em coming...even if released by Collectables. |
*OCTOBER 4, 2006* According to Spin CDs, Swordfish Records will release "Newly discovered recordings never previously available from the creators of the ultimate psychedelic masterpiece "Trip Thru Hell!" In January 1971 legendary Minneapolis psychedelic band The C A Quintet, creators of one of the most celebrated and sought-after underground albums of the '60's, "Trip Thru Hell," decided to call it a day and play a final swan-song at Lake Pepin High School. Three tracks from this gig were issued by the band in a hasty fahion in the early '80's in a response to a bootleg copy of "Trip Thru Hell" that had then recently surfaced. Whilst many then thought that this would be the last anyone would ever hear of the band again earlier this year two surprising events happened - 1) The original master tape of the gig was discovered; 2) It was found to include material far stronger than that on the old live album and also include previously unheard original songs. The band perform storming versions of '60's classics such as "'Born to be Wild" and "Badge" alongside originals "4:00am in New York City" and the closing number "China Clipper" - the final song ever performed by The C A Quintet. This will be a limited edition one-off custom pressing featuring new liner notes specially written for this issue by founder band member and leader Ken Erwin. All material has been fully re-mastered."
*SEPTEMBER 29, 2006* Gary Myer's follow-up to his excellent book on the '50's and '60's Wisconsin rock and roll scene (Do You Hear That Beat) is now available for odering. Titled On That Wisconsin Beat: More Pop/Rock/Soul/Country in the 50's & 60's "is 352 pages of biographical information, quotes, record listings, musicians' names and more - a continuing encyclopedic compilation of Wisconsin's contributions to the first 20 years of the rock 'n' roll era."
On That Wisconsin Beat covers:
- Bands and artists we couldn’t find the first time
- An amazing number of additional artists and records that have since turned up
- More famous and varied Wisconsin-related musical discoveries
- Discography and personnel additions and corrections for Do You Hear That Beat
- Photos, discographies and more
To order On That Wisconsin Beat: $31.95 ea. California residents add 8.25% sales tax: $2.64 per book. Shipping/Handling: Priority: $5.75 or Media Mail: $2.25. Mail check or money order to: MusicGem, PO Box 4777, Downey, CA 90241-1777, or visit Gary's website. |
| *SEPTEMBER 20, 2006* The E-Types (a long time favorite band of 60sgaragebands.com) have a new CD available titled Some Time Soon. Spearhedaded by original member Bob Wence, the CD also features the contributions of bassist Danny Manigold and drummer Reg Shaffer (both original members), lead/rhythm guitarist Brian Johnston, background vocalist John Snell and keyboardist John Silva. The CD is only eight songs, but has many highlights, including '60's E-Types-type pop in "All That I've Got Left To Do", "I Am Told (Ode to Daniela)" and the very catchy "She Didn't Say No"; a solid and faithful cover of Lennon-McCartney's "I'll Be On My Way"; the short but Buffalo Springfield-ish "First One"; and "Some Time Soon" and "It's What You Do To Me" (our favorite), two garage rockers that will appeal to anybody reading this. In addition to the CD, Wence has compiled a DVD of many rare photos from the '60's of The E-Types, and $20 will get you both the CD and the DVD. Send payment to The E-Types, P.O. Box 808, Moss Landing, CA 95039, or contact Bob directly. |
*SEPTEMBER 18, 2006* A new film/CD project that we've recently become aware of is Fargo Rocks. David Meiers is currently trying to get the documemtary into additional film fests, and a special edition DVD will hopefully be available around Christmas-time. In addition to the film, there is an accompanying CD that features the music of several of the featured artists. Here is the official press release:
FARGO ROCKS TELLS FASCINATING TALES OF AREA ROCK AND ROLL SCENE
Ten years after the release of “Fargo,” the story of Fargo-Moorhead’s rich rock and roll legacy is told in a new 90-minute documentary about a fondly remembered, bygone music era.
FARGO, N.D. – DDM Films and Mike Bullock Productions present Fargo Rocks, a must-see documentary for everyone who ever danced and partied to their favorite bands at the Crystal Ballroom, the Halstad LRC, the DL Pavilion or Herb Johnson’s Barn.
From Bobby Vee and Terry Lee to The Phones and The Blenders, Fargo Rocks tells the story of Fargo-Moorhead’s first four decades of homegrown rock and roll. Telling this remarkable story is the musicians themselves, many of whom relocated to the Twin Cities to seek their springboard to national success, including The Phones, The Michael James Band, The Metro All-Stars, Johnny Holm, The Newz, The Blenders, Brenda Weiler, Jonny Lang and more.
Interviews feature Bobby Vee, Bob Becker (Poor Boys), Davey Bee (Sonics), Dave Prentice (Unbelievable Uglies), Richard Torrance (Trade Winds 5), Ted Larsen (Big Bang, Lamont Cranston Band), Paul Hubbard (Treasures), Johnny Holm, Ronnie Kerber and Ritchie Jacobson (Mods), Jeff Cerise (Phones), Brenda Weiler and many more of what Vee called “a wonderful cast of characters.”
“I thought the film was enjoyable and it was fun to see the way it was put together,” Cerise said. “It was really fun to hear the stories. I had no idea that The Yardbirds played the Detroit Lakes Pavilion with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck! That’s just wonderful stuff.”
This 90-minute film features the original historic recordings, interwoven with the photographs, anecdotes and tales that effectively bring Fargo-Moorhead’s rock and roll history to life, starting with the tragic 1959 plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson and Ritchie Valens en route to a performance at the Moorhead Armory. When the call came out for local bands to fill the concert void, Terry Lee and The Poor Boys – North Dakota’s first rock band – stepped forward. So did an unnamed group featuring brothers Bill and Bobby Velline, and a 6-and-a-half-year-old boy named Ronnie Kerber.
The concert didn’t necessarily launch Bobby Vee’s career, but “Susie Baby,” a self-penned single released five months later, did well enough in the Midwest to get the Fargo Central sophomore a contract with Liberty Records. In Fargo Rocks, Vee speaks fondly of those early days on the Midwest circuit, along with many of his contemporaries.
Also featured in the documentary is The (Early) Bob Dylan Story, as told by Bobby Vee and Bob Becker (a.k.a. Terry Lee), the two bandleaders who briefly employed the future icon.
Throughout the 1960s, other bands took their stab at recording success, like Davey Bee and The Sonics, The Treasures, The Mods, The Unbelievable Uglies, and The Pawnbrokers. All of them were practically unknown to the rest of the nation, but were all you needed for a rockin’ good time in and around the Red River Valley. All aspects of the Fargo-Moorhead rock and roll scene are explored – the early days, the Vietnam era, memorable gigs, the talent level, and the battles of the bands. And they all recount the trials and tribulations of making a go of rock and roll as a career choice.
Into the 1970s and 1980s, the story continues with Overland Stage, Johnny Holm, The Phones and The Newz. When the boy band sound swept the music scene in the 1990s, The Blenders were there at the ground level, doing it better than many of their more famous contemporaries. When blues began to enjoy a renaissance in popularity, one of the key players was Jonny Lang and The Big Bang. As Brenda Weiler makes her mark as a singer/songwriter, "North To Emerson" epitomizes the spirit that keeps the music alive from generation to generation. Fargo Rocks features them all.
David Meiers, president of DDM Films, is the executive producer of Fargo Rocks. In 2000, Meiers served as associate producer, writer and consultant for the regional Emmy Award-nominated documentary One Shining Moment: The History of the North Dakota State B for Prairie Public Television.
For information about showing Fargo Rocks, contact David Meiers, executive producer of Fargo Rocks, at (701) 361-1812, email DDMFilms@aol.com or visit www.fargorocksthemovie.com. |
*SEPTEMBER 17, 2006* Norton Records has announced some interesting upcoming releases: Arthur Lee & The Amercian Four - 'Stay Away' / Arthur Lee & The Grass Roots - 'You I'll Be Following' - "Unissued 1965 demos from Arthur's pre-Love gangs! Dig this posh package (interview notes w/Johnny Echols!) of surly unknown bad mood anthem plus early pre-Elektra version flip! This black wax version will be available at Norton! Super limited color vinyl version still available exclusively at www.thelovesociety.com; The Alarm Clocks: 'Marie'/'Gloria' - Yeah! Cleveland's wildest rock n' roll no-counts are back with their first record since 1966, two snarly fuzz-fledged originals that defy all odds! A-side is from upcoming album The Time Has Come, and the B-side is unavailable any place else!; Figures Of Light: 'Lame'/'I Jes Wanna Go To Bed' First time re-ish of totally unknown supa-rare 100-press local New Jersey teen snot home dub dud blows the doors off the garage and into the viaduct with this pair of total thud get-lost anthems! The Sonics: 'Busy Body'/'The Witch' - Brutal unissued live recording burners from Nov. '64 Tacoma Sports Arena battle of the bands blast! Dig this tease from scorchin' upcoming live Sonics full-length - clear a path!; The Jades: 'Surfin' Crow'/'Blue Black Hair'/'Little Marlene'/'Shake Baby Shake' - Two-pair 1964 Minneapolis double shotters hit hep hi-fis by popular demand! Wailin' Trashmen style tempo-tramplin' wild ones - The bird is the word but you'll have it made with The Jades!" And in November, as teased by the 45 release, comes The Alarm Clocks: The Time Has Come - "Unreal new recordings...gotta hear this to believe it! Fourteen flipped hits including a dozen tough originals inked by Mike Pierce, the genius behind the immortal 'No Reason To Complain' Dig 'It's About Time'/'More Money'/'Don't Get Left Behind' and a snot filled 'Like A Rolling Stone' and more! Recorded in true Nortofonic sound in Freddy Fortune's basement studio. You wanna hear a sixties band actually come back from the grave? Yeah!! Wake up to The Alarm Clocks! Now! 'Twill be available on footlong LP and also handy CD pocket rocket!"
*SEPTEMBER 7, 2006* Alan Brackett of The Peanut Butter Conspiracy informed 60sgaragebands.com that Steve Smith from KDOC-TV (The Beat Goes On, Channel 56) is producing a show with members of The Conspiracy and members of Clear Light performing on one show - "all old friends that used to jam together a lot! If Dallas (Taylor) is well, and he says he will be, he'll be our drummer, and Cliff de Young is gonna sing - hopefully Doug (Lubhan) will fly in from Florida and then there's Ralph Shuckett and of course John Merill, Me, Mike Kollander and our new singer, Karen Mitchell. It should be great!" In other news. Alan's book on his Peanut Butter Conspiracy days is now "off the burner because I have so much else going on with all the commercials (just did 40 days straight on McDonalds, Suzuki, Honda and AGF for France) and everything else. I just wrote a great 'holiday' song and need somebody like Barry Manilow to do it."
*SEPTEMBER 5, 2006* The Swinging Medallions will be performing in Columbia, South Carolina this Friday (September 8th) for the Border Battle Bash. It's a huge party for the Georgia/USC game and will be held at the Columbia Metro Convention Center. In other Medallions news, Secrets of the South Magazine commissioned a documentary film crew to capture the story of the band. It was filmed at Jekyll Island in August and is now in post-production. It will include interviews with many past and present members, plus concert footage. For more Medallions news, visit their website.
*SEPTEMBER 4, 2006* It's still not too late to order tickets for the September 16th Orlando Reunion Concert, featuring We The People, Birnam Wood, Covington Tower and other Florida area groups. The event will be hosted by Mal Thursday from Florida Rocks Again, and more information is available here.
*AUGUST 27, 2006* Powell St. John (13th Floor Elevators, Mother Earth) has two performances coming up at the Ivy Room in Albany, California (858 San Pablo @ Solano Street) on Wednesday, August 30th and Saturday, September 2nd (with his new band with members from the band Roky and The Aliens, along with the band The Flakes). Both performances start at 10:00. The performance on August 30th will be solo acoustic and Greg Ashley from the band The Gris Gris (along with some others) will be on the same bill. Check the Ivy Room's web site for more info.
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| *AUGUST 21, 2006* Pat Craig of The West Coast Natural Gas is offering a CD of the band's "lost" album: "Digitally re-recorded from original unplayed studio master acetates, these are the lost but not forgotten cuts from the never released West Coast Natural Gas album! West Coast Natural Gas was known as one of the hottest psychedelic bands of the '60's in Seattle...After making their mark playing with such bands as The Daily Flash and Buffalo Springfield, they came to San Francisco in July of 1967 for a gig and ended up staying for a year. During that time they recorded these cuts at old Coast Recorders on Bush Street. In 1968 they returned to Seattle and broke up shortly thereafter. The tapes, however remained in San Francisco, and in 1969, several of the songs were placed on a well-known San Francisco music compilation album, wrongly credited to Indian Pudding & Pipe, a later band that did have two West Coast Natural Gas members in it. Members of the band went on to play with Indian Pudding & Pipe, Timber, Van Morrison, Joey Covington, Tazmanian Devils, Paul Kantner, Chris Isaak, Malo, Buddy Miles, and others." The CD includes seven songs plus their Levi's radio spot and a promo spot from their appearance at the Galaxy Club in Seattle. "It comes in a plain package with a representation of the famous Bob Freid poster from the Avalon Ballroom featuring West Coast Natural Gas and Charles Lloyd on the jewel case cover." The total cost including shipping is $18.00, and you can order it via eBay or directly from Pat at pecraig@aol.com. |
| *AUGUST 18, 2006* The Lightning Tree label is reissuing the Daily Flash I Flash Daily LP to CD in October, with the addition of some live bonus tracks. According to Spin CDs, "One of the genuine legends of the US '60's, Seattle's The Daily Flash were the city's first alternative rock band. Best remembered for containing Doug Hastings, the guitarist who briefly subbed for Neil Young in Buffalo Springfield and went on to join Rhinoceros, and for recording two obscure yet highly collectable singles the band are rightly hailed as one of the best groups of the era, combining folk rock with the high octane energy and surreal improvisation of the psychedelic dance halls of mid-'60's America. Lightning Tree is proud to announce the official reissue of the one and only album by The Daily Flash, I Flash Daily which originally appeared in the mid 1980's on the Psycho label gathering together material from the band's brief career between 1965 and 1967. The Daily Flash were regular fixtures on the West Coast circuit playing legendary venues such as The Whiskey A-Go-Go in L.A. and San Francisco's Avalon Ballroom with the likes of Country Joe and The Fish and Quicksilver Messenger Service. The Daily Flash appear on a number of classic San Francisco Psychedelic Rock Posters. I Flash Daily has been totally re-mastered from the original tapes and now features previously unreleased recordings including some stunning live material. With the addition of detailed sleeve notes and wonderful period photographs, this is the ultimate document of one of the great U.S. West Coast bands of the 1960's." |
*AUGUST 17, 2006* Georgia's The Bushmen, who have had an excellent website for a couple of years now, are now offering CDRs for sale. The two that will be of primary interest to visitors of this site are Deep In The Vaults: Buried Treasure Volume 1 and Deep In The Vaults: Buried Treasure Volume 2. Both CDs contain songs recorded by the group from 1964-1970. The discs are very resasonably priced at $5.00 each, plus $1.00 per for shipping and handling. Be sure to also swing by the newly updated Southern Garage Bands sister website for some great photos and other cool info.
*AUGUST 17, 2006* Fred Cantor, producer of the upcoming Remains documentary (see July 28 Nugget), is searching for footage of the group performing in the '60's - even if home movie footage. Or, if you have (or have access to) any Remains' memorabilia or photos that you would be willing to let the production use, you can contact Fred directly to work out the details at canfre@yahoo.com. The documentary has already filmed several of the band's recent highly lauded performances, so if you can help with the vintage era, please do.
*AUGUST 12, 2006* The East Bay '60's Garage Band Reuinon is tomorrow, and here are two news reports deatiling the stories and events. The KGO-TV site includes a new report, while InsideBayArea.com features a nice, lengthy article. |
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| Shipping in mid-August from www.ugly-things.com! |
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| *AUGUST 11, 2006* Wolfgang Voekel's Break-A-Way Records has a Guilloteens' CD compilation lined up for October 15th (despite the upcoming ad in Ugly Things announcing the date as September 15th). The disc will include all the band's singles, and the CD bonus cuts are six single sides by The Le Sabres as well as The Memphis Marks 45 (Laddie Hutcherson plays on this), a 45 side where The Guilloteens back Nino Tempo & April Stevens and The Buddy Delaney solo recording of "Girl". The CD will include 20 tracks in all. |
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| Sundazed September Release |
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*AUGUST 11, 2006* Sundazed has several titles of interest slated for September:
Introducing The Gants - "The Merseybeat sound even reached the Mississippi delta in the form of a teenaged group called The Gants. The band hit big with a cover of BoDiddley's 'Road Runner,' signed to Liberty Records, and, over the next few years, guitarist/leader Sid Herring penned a string of exceptional Beatles-inspired tunes, including My Baby Don¹t Care' and 'I Wonder' (see our dynamite Gants Best of collection, SC 11078). However, before signing to Liberty, the group headed to Sam Phillips' studios in Nashville to make their first recordings, in late '64. This treasure trove of lost Gants music, the Nashville recordings (sourced from the only surviving acetate of the session, rare single-only sides and a vintage radio broadcast) makes for an eye-opening set filled with originals and choice covers that will give Gants fans a priceless glimpse into the early development of this uniquely gifted garage band."
The Butterfield Blues Band: Keep on Moving - "One of the last truly fine outings by the band that started the avalanche of electric blues outfits is now available as a high-definition, exact- replica LP! The Butterfield Blues Band had reloaded by the time 1969's Keep on Moving was released on Elektra Records (Paul Butterfield startled the world with the addition of guitarist Buzzy Feiten, a man whose take-no- prisoners style turned out to be a muscular combination of the sound of his two predecessors, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop). Led by Butterfield wailing on lead vocals and his patented Southside of Chicago harmonica licks, the band sounded as powerful as ever with a new horn section that included David Sanborn on alto sax, Gene Dinwiddie on tenor and Keith Johnson on trumpet. It wouldn¹t last forever, but Paul Butterfield proved with Keep on Moving he had plenty of Hi-Octane gas left in the tank and Keep on Moving fired on all cylinders."
The Ugly Ducklings: Somewhere Outside - "When you¹re talking about undisputed sixties garage band kings (of their respective north of the border teen scenes), it was hands-down The Haunted in Montreal and in Toronto, the legendary Ugly Ducklings. In their '66 prime, either combo could have given the Rolling Stones a run for their money in the long-haired, unruly looks department. But in snarling, punkish sound, The Ugly Ducklings were, at their best, even more over the top than their UK heroes. You can hear it for yourself on this devastating BeatRocket LP (the first-ever legit reissue of the Uglies' impossibly rare album, Somewhere Outside, featuring pounding garage classics like 'Nothin'', 'Just in Case You Wonder, 'Do What You Want,' 'Hey Mama (Keep Your Big Mouth Shut),' '10:30 Train,' 'Windy City (Noise at the North End)' and more!"
Southwest F.O.B.: Smell Of Incense - "Southwest F.O.B. was a groovy, harmony-laced Dallas, Texas combo that owed as much to The Association as it did to the trippy new sounds of The Strawberry Alarm Clock and the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. Shining a multi-hued spotlight on the heavenly harmonies of Dan Seals and John Colley (soon to become the chart-topping duo of England Dan & John Ford Coley), Southwest F.O.B.'s only album, Smell of Incense, also laid on
plenty of Country Joe-like Farfisa. This hefty exact replica of the original 1968 Hip Records LP will immediately transport you to a ballroom full of sweet smoke with kaleidoscopic patterns flashing on the wall, free apples at the door and people swaying everywhere to totally irresistible rock 'n' roll. Next stop, Nirvana!"
The Five Americans: Early Americans - "The Five Americans, five Oklahoma kids who blew the roof off the national charts when they moved to Dallas in 1966 and cut smashes like 'I See the Light' and 'Western Union,' recorded plenty of swaggering garage material just before their chart-topping days at Abnak Records. With the full cooperation of the band, Sundazed has unearthed a Texas-sized load of fuzzy 'n primitive Americans sides that have never seen the light of day, as well as the master tapes for the band¹s ultra-rare Jetstar singles, circa '64-'66. Put 'em all together and you have our new Early Americans compilation, a powerhouse, high-definition BeatRocket LP that's guaranteed to get anyone in the vicinity dancing till dawn¹s early light."
NRBQ: Ludlow Garage 1970 - "NRBQ, the combo that¹s been the epitome of eclecticism over the past four decades has finally agreed to unleash its stunning live concert, Ludlow Garage 1970, on compact disc by Sundazed. Sketchy cassettes of this epic engagement have been circulating ever since it occurred, and now the real story can be told, direct from the original soundboard masters! Ludlow Garage 1970 catches the dynamic original lineup of NRBQ (lead singer Frank Gadler, keyboard man Terry Adams, guitarist Steve Ferguson, bassist Jody St. Nicholas and drummer Tom Staley) at the peak of their powers, as they shift gears wildly from their own unique originals, to the interplanetary sounds of New Thing jazz, to frantic covers of Wilson Pickett, Little Richard and others. With special focus on Ferguson's absolutely astounding six-string technique, here's the very best material from a four-night stand at the fabled Cincinnati nightspot, as personally selected by Adams, with the full story recounted in the liner notes by longtime band pal Chandler Travis (Incredible Casuals). It's no damn wonder NRBQ has been described as nothing less than a band that always wove its own magical musical-tapestry. |
*AUGUST 7, 2006* The next issue of Oxford American, a magazine that features the best of the South, will include an article by Jim Ruland on We The People. Past issues have featured great articles on The Gants and The Swingin' Yo Yos...so expect this to live up to their high standards. The issue will be available at all major newsstands towards the end of August.
*AUGUST 5, 2006* The documentary on the Fort Worth '60's teen rock and roll scene (inspired by Norton Records' excellent 3-CD Fort Worth Teen Scene series from a few years back) that we first reported on a while ago is gaining steam. Mark Noble's Teen-A-Go-Go project now has its own website, and was recently the subject in a column in the Fort Worth Business Press by Michael H. Price. Those with stories, photos, or film to share may contact Mark via the website.
*JULY 29, 2006* Click here to read a great article in The Graffiti (West Virginia's News Alternative) about The Mind Garage. We'll have an interview with Larry McClurg in an upcoming update. |
*JULY 26, 2006* Sean Anglum has informed us of another intersting reunion taking place soon. Here's the scoop on an upcoming Moonrakers reunion, courtesy of a Denver area webpage: "The Moonrakers are back! Denver's hottest rock and roll act from the mid to late '60's is getting together again for a very special reunion party featuring the Freddi-Henchi Band. You will not want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to hear The Moonrakers' classic tunes and dance to the R&B funk groove of The Freddi-Henchi Band! The 'Rakers played all the high school proms and college parties of the era and their 45's on the Tower and Shamley label were hitting the charts. In those days you could hear their hits on the AM radio - KIMN - during the day and see and dance to their music that night. 'Wild' Bill Cody, FM 102.9 radio personality, will MC the show...The date is August 13th, 2006, The venue is Treo at Lone Tree - a nightclub near Park Meadows Mall. The time is 6:00 p.m. You can read more about The Moonrakers here.
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*JULY 28, 2006* Here's an update on current Remains' happenings...courtesy of Fred Cantor: "The Remains' return to L.a. for the first time in 40 years, since they opened for The Beatles at Dodger Stadium in August '66. They will be doing an in-store appearance at Amoeba Music on August 10. Their gig at Safari Sam's on August 11 will be preceded by an up-and-coming L.A.-based garage band, Sons and Lovers, who LA Weekly recently called 'one of the most exciting bands to come out of Los Angeles in a decade.' They're big Remains fans and have recently been playing 'Let Me Through' as part of their gig list.
'Let Me Through' is the fantastic song that The Remains wrote in the days before their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. They performed it on the show, but then were so dismayed by the bad sound set-up, they never played it again. However, our plans are finally to record this at the gig - and The Remains have given their blessing to Sons and Lovers' performing this.
And, in addition to filming the gig as part of the documentary we're working on about The Remains, we plan to record The Remains' entire performance for a CD - the goal is to finally have a recording that truly captures The Remains' spectrum of songs in the hard-driving style that they love to play on stage!" |
*JULY 24, 2006* The Kenny & The Kasuals website has been revamped to include news on upcoming shows, a nice bio, a page to order CDs (including all their legendary '60's recordings), and a photo archive. The band is currently finishing a new single, which will be available for ordering via their website upon completion. We'll provide updates as they come in...
*JULY 22, 2006* Music archivist and historian Alec Palao always has interesting news to share...and this time it's no different. According to Alec, in addition to the upcoming Music Machine Ultimate Turn On release (see July 21st Nugget below) "there will be another Ace disc coming along shortly that features vintage footage. Don't know if I mentioned it previously, but I've spent many years digging around in the Norman Petty vaults, and forthcoming are several volumes of '60s material. The first is The Fireballs' Firebeat, which comprises their tougher beat/folk rock vocal material from 1965-1968, mostly unissued material (great versions of 'Lies' and 'Louie Go Home') and three performance clips from an Amarillo TV station in 1968. I took these off the original pneumatic master so they are full color and pristine quality (one features a groovy psychedelic backdrop). Following on shortly are three various artists volumes (all from Petty's vaults): That's Swift (instrumentals), Now Hear This (beat/garage) and Groovy Motions (pop-psych). Lots of rarities, and many unissued tracks, all in amazing sound quality from tapes that in most cases hadn't been touched since Norman worked on them...The Lindy Blaskey comps are being finetuned but we hope to have the first released shortly - there is a lot of other exciting stuff in the pipeline...suffice to say you will be interested!" |
| *JULY 22, 2006* Here's a new book we just became aware of: Garage Rock and Its Roots: Musical Rebels and the Drive for Individuality by Eric James Abbey." When British rockers invaded the United States in the 1960s, youths responded by growing long hair and playing electrified music in suburban garages. Garage rock has grown from a hobby of the rebellious to a cultural statement: anything not mainstream, from alternative country to hardcore punk, can be included in the realm of contemporary garage rock. Issues of rebellion, clothing and hair styles, playing styles, nostalgia and "selling out" permeate the modern culture of garage rock. Pure rock from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s and older root styles such as swing and rockabilly have been reasserted in this form, leaving the confines of garages for clubs and other venues where fans' tastes are tuned to the underground.
This study explores garage rock as it evolved alongside mainstream music and examines how it reflects notions of self though the assertion of individuality and rebellion in prosperous postmodern times. Using the Detroit music scene as the focus, the author presents two sections. The first section examines the creation of the scene, the importance of relationships to the past and the appearance used throughout. The second section analyzes the alliances and relationships to society that undergird contemporary garage rock. The author maintains garage rock has developed a place in American cultural history, and its continuation will be based on how the underground situates itself within postmodern society."
It's published by McFarland & Co.
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*JULY 21, 2006* It seems like years since we first reported on this, but Ace Records' Music Machine: The Ulitmate Turn On looks like it's ready to ship in late August or early September: "Fifty track expanded version of the classic Music Machine '66 debut (hence 'The Ultimate' title - it don't get any better than this!) and all the other material recorded by the original, definitive line-up. Disc 1 is the original
album in stereo and mono mixes, plus the four non-LP singles released by the Original Sound label. CD 2 is entirely unissued material such as rehearsal tapes, demos and alternative versions of material intended for the follow up album for Original Sound. As the original personnel split, it never saw the light of day - until now! Also includes two never before seen video clips from late '66 ('Talk Talk' and 'Cherry Cherry' on the rarely glimpsed Boss City show). The booklet has lots of photos and memorabilia, and features new interviews with all the band members and producer Brian Ross. Utterly essential stuff for Machine loyalists." |
*JULY 12, 2006* Here are articles on a couple more scheduled '60's garage band reunions: The Rumbles (from Nebraska) and The High & Mighty (from Colordao).
*JULY 11, 2006* Bands of the ‘60's East Bay - If you were in a band in the San Francisco East Bay area during the ‘60's, there is a website for your group. Click here for further information, please . This website is highly recommended, and has been instrumental in organizing East Bay '60's band reunions for the past few years.
*July 9, 2006* We've updated the Forum Quorum band bio with a recent submission by later member Roger Calleo. You can read Roger's recollections here.
*July 9, 2006* Click here to read another cliche-filled article by Michael Hill of The Associated Press about the reformation of a '60's garage band...this time Herb Gross' Invictas, of "The Hump" fame. Well...we suppose any publicity is better than no publicity... |
*JULY 9, 2006* Weekend Records, headed by Dale Menten of The Gestures, has compiled a CD collection of songs originally produced by the Candy Floss team between 1967-1969: “The music of Candy Floss was all about carnivals, calliopes, tight harmonies, and hope. The songs were whimsical, not edgy; its instrumental attitudes were fun, not angry. It was Leonard Cohen meets Mother Goose. It was George Martin meets Spike Jones.
Peter Steinberg, Dale Menten, Barry Thomas Goldberg and Gary Paulak - the original Candy Floss song writing team - would sit around the piano in Dove Recording Studios in Bloomington, Minnesota and weave lyrics of fantasy with melodies that 'bounced'. The songs were alive, and they would make you smile. In 1968, with America’s music becoming loud and political with angry agendas and endless drum solos, Candy Floss offered an alternative that some major labels found very refreshing. There were the orchestral productions released on Atco, Parrott, and Sire Records and the lighter, bubble gum tracks released on Mercury and Sire.
But all too quickly America lost its desire to laugh, and suddenly, everything was so serious. So Personal. Somewhere in the middle of 1969, Candy Floss packed up its bag of un-recorded songs, closed its door, and disappeared, leaving behind a legacy that has all but been forgotten. Our goal in releasing Candy Floss - The Lost Music of Mid-Amercia is to provide you with an opportunity to re-live those days of carnivals, calliopes, tight harmonies, and hope. The last number in the compilation, “Bring Back The Carnival”, is something we pulled out of the Candy Floss bag of un-recorded songs. It was 1968. It was Candy Floss. And you really should have been there." The CD is available via CD Baby. |
*JULY 6, 2006* A syndicated Reuters/Hollywood Reporter article reports that there is some major developments happening on the Monks front. Monks: The Transatlantic Feedback, Dietmar Post and Lucia Palacios' documentary on the legendary '60's U.S./German rock group will be shown at this year's Don't Knock The Rock film festival: "Eight years in the making, the film follows the musical transformation of five American GIs who met when they were stationed in Gelnhausen, Germany, during the Cold War. After apprenticing as The Torquays in the same rough 'beat clubs' in which The Beatles were schooled, these strangers in a strange land acquired a pair of managers, the image-savvy advertising men Karl Remy and Walther Niemann, who re-conceptualized the group as The Monks...Post and Palacios are seeking international distribution for their documentary. In the meantime, their production company, Play Loud! is readying a tribute album, Silver Monk Time. And - hold on to your cowls - The Monks are contemplating a late-2006 tour." Click here to read the entire article.
*JULY 6, 2006* Some interesting news, courtesy of a post on the Garage Punk Forums: "Blue Oyster Cult founders Joe and Al Bouchard will reunite their high school garage band for a one off concert for charity in Clayton, New York on July 8th. The band, The Regal Tones, hasn't performed since 1965, but had over 400 performances under their belt prior to that. Reportedly they had a "repertoire of over 220 songs" but will play about 40 during this reunion performance. The performance is "a benefit for two charities: The Ryan Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Research Fund." |
*JULY 3, 2006* More Mind Garage news (see below), courtesy of member Larry McClurg, about a forthcoming book: "Mind Garage - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Woodstock (tentative title) by David Niall Wilson (is) a biographical novel, or pseudo-historical account, about The Mind Garage’s career and the music scene in Morgantown, West Virginia from 1967 to 1970. David already has twelve published novels to his name including a Star Trek Voyager Trilogy. Somewhere he found the Mind Garage’s second album and was selling it on eBay. I bid and won. When he was packing it up to ship, he noticed the name on the album and the name of the person he was shipping to were the same. He said he flipped out, and wrote me to ask if I was the indeed the singer. I admitted it and we struck up a correspondence. I asked if he had ever written a biography before or ever wanted to and without hesitation he said, “I will now".
David sums it up: "These guys had (and I believe still have) that magic spark that super groups carry around with them. Most of them burned it so brightly it eventually became a cinder, leaving them to replay old songs in tired new versions and play oldies shows – Mind Garage didn’t do that, and never will. I think they have nurtured the flame, and I believe when they get back together (soon) and get some new music recorded, you’ll all agree...I have the feeling I’m meeting them in the middle of something, not after the fact, or near the end. I think the story has a ways to go…" You can read more about the book here, and we'll feature an exclusive and comprehensice interview with Larry shortly.
*JULY 2, 2006* The first test of Mother Witherspoon's Mind Garage radio show aired last night on www.rocket88.8m.com. It will air at 10:00PM each night when it finally airs regularly. This show will be a way to catch Goodstock updates after August 2006, when the official announcement of Goodstock occurs. For now it will feature groups that are playing at Goodstock.
Playlists will be posted on www.mindgarage.com and www.rocket88.8m.com and the official Goodstock website to be launched in August. Some musicians who have already been interviewed, or agreed to, are: Bob Yeazel formerly of Sugarloaf and West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band; Jimmy Greenspoon, original and current keyboard player in Three Dog Night. Robert Morgan talked about his brother, Ron, who made several recordings with the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band and The Electric Prunes and was a major contributor to the songs; and Lenord 'Leroy' Silva, will talk about the early days playing in the Fillmore West and his band Mojo Hands. Others we hope will agree to an interview include Bill Quarry, promoter from the ‘60's San Francisco scene; Chuck Leavell, now playing piano with The Rolling Stones; Alec Palao from The Chocolate Wathchband; Jack Sigler of Mercy (“Love Can Make You Happy”) and many more. If you would like to participate in an interview about your band or musical experience in the ‘60s and ‘70s, contact Goodstock here.
We'll continue to provide Goodstock (the largest '60's rock/garage band reunion ever attempted) updates as we receive them.
*JUNE 30, 2006* James and Danny Goode and The Excels ("Let's Dance") are one of the bands being inducted into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame. For more information on the band's qualifications, click here.
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| *JUNE 26, 2006* Dick Stewart's reformed Knights - of Albuquerque's King Richard & The Knights fame - has a new CD scheduled for release in July. Titled King Richard's Red Hot New Mexican Chile Stew (A Southwest Guitar Rock & Ranchero Instrumental Adventure), the CD features 17 mostly origianl compositions ("Ghost Riders" and "Penetration" being the exception) of hot guitar surf/rock action. Players include Dick Stewart, Ritch Stewart, Jason Stewart, Gary Snow, Steve Hudgins, Anthony Lucero, Floyd "Flaco" Gonzales, Jose "Prospero" Montoya, and Little Ralph Pais. Check out the Lance Records website for more information. |
| *JUNE 23, 2006* The Love Society is exclusively offering two previously unreleased demos by groups featuring Arthur Lee. The songs are "Stay Away" by The American Four and "You I'll Be Following" by The Grass Roots (not the late '60's hitmakers; this group eventually became Love). The release is a limited edition on wax vinyl and features liner notes by Love guitarist Johnny Echols. The release will be available only at tonight's Arthur Lee Tribute Show, or via the website. Tonight's show features Robert Plant, Ian Hunter, Ryan Adams, Nils Lofgren, Jonny Echols and more - and proceeds will be put towards Lee's medical expenses. Apparently, this release is conjunction with Norton Records. Check the website for more information. In other Norton news...they've just announced that they've uncovered some previously unreleased live tracks - including versions of "Busy Body", "Tough Walk" and "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" - by The Sonics! |
*JUNE 19, 2006* Some BIG news on The Remains front, courtesy of Fred Cantor (producer of All Good Things, the highly praised musical on the band). The Remains’ will be returning to Los Angeles on the 40th anniversary of The Beatles’ final tour and will perform at Safari Sam's on August 11th. Also in works is They Were How You Told A Stranger About Rock & Roll, a documentary on the band to be directed by Michael Stich, a winner of two Director's Guild awards and two Emmys. The title of the documentary is from a quote written about The Remains by Jon Landau in Crawdaddy. We'll have more information as it is released...
*JUNE 16, 2006* Dan Nowicki of The Arizona Republic (and longtime Arizona garage band music researcher/historian) has written a very interesting blog as part of his Plugged In series. Titled The Tubes' Phoenix Roots, the article delves into the garage band roots of The Tubes, whose keyboardist (Vince Welnick) died earlier this month. Welnick was in several combos on the '60's, including Thackeray Rocke, and the article publishes two fantastic and rare shots of the group. You can read the full story here.*JUNE 10, 2006* There will be a '60’s garage band book release (for The San Francisco East Bay Scene: Garage Bands From The '60's Then & Now) and '60’ band's reunion party on Sunday August 13th at the The Saddle Rack, 42011 Boscall Road, Fremont CA (510) 979-0477. It's open to the public (but there are limited tickets available) and general admission is $10.00 ea. (or book band members/familys $5.00 ea.). Signed copies by author Bruce Tahsler will be available, and Alec Palao of Ace Records and Joey D. of Frantic Records will be on hand. Other guests include '60’s Teens N’ Twenties artist Don Ryder, former promoter and club owner Tom Brown, Barry Carlos of The Night Caps and Bay Town Records, Peter Wheat & The Breadmen, Ken Simms of Just VI, Mark Edlin of Mark & The Uptowners, Mark & Stanley & The Fendermen, and Teens N’ Twenties promoter Bill Quarry. Advanced tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 27th (510) 351-7722. This is also a chance to hear '60’s recordings of East Bay garage bands from a CD to be released later this year by Ace Records.
Performing bands include: Just Truckin, William Penn & His Pals, Just VI , Misanthropes, Crystal Garden, Gin House Blues Band, Spyders and more.
*JUNE 10, 2006* According to an article by AP writer Andrew Ryan, "The song 'Dirty Water' blares at Fenway Park after every Red Sox victory and has become part of the winning soundtrack of baseball-crazy Massachusetts. The band that wrote the 1966 hit says it is used in Budweiser commercials, and the rock 'n' rollers are none too happy.
The Standells filed a federal lawsuit last week claiming that Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. used 'Dirty Water' without permission in commercials to try to tap into the song's connection to the team.
'An advertiser decided to turn an artist into a pitchman without their consent,' the Standells' attorney, Steven Ames Brown, said Friday. 'That's morally wrong.'
The Standells are seeking more than $1 million in compensation from the St. Louis-based beer maker.
Anheuser-Busch said in a written statement Friday that it has yet to receive a copy of the lawsuit and will not comment until it reviews the complaint.
The Los Angeles-based Standells had their first taste of fame with 'Dirty Water,' which hit No. 11 on Billboard's Top 40 chart. The song is an ode to Boston and its once infamously polluted waterways.
'Down by the banks of the River Charles,' drummer Dick Dodd sings in a guttural wail. 'I love that dirty water ... Oh, Boston, you're my home'.
The Standells learned of the Budweiser commercials when their record company received a 'substantial' royalty payment for use of the song, their attorney said.
Royalties are one thing, Brown said, but copyright law requires that advertisers receive permission before using a work in a commercial.
It is unclear where or how often any Budweiser 'Dirty Water' commercials appeared.
Anheuser-Busch has not been forthcoming with those details, which will have to be determined in court, Brown said, adding that the royalty payment proves the company used the song.
The relationship between the Standells and the Red Sox, however, has been amicable. The band, which broke up in the 1970s, has embraced Boston's enthusiasm for 'Dirty Water.'
The band performed the song live at Fenway Park before Game 2 of the 2004 World Series. The Red Sox won."
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*JUNE 7, 2006* Press Release: From The Count Five to Smash Mouth, from Ampex to iPod, the South Bay has enriched the America's largest cultural export – Rock ‘N’ Roll. In 1965, the Grateful Dead’s first performance as the Grateful Dead occurred in a home in downtown San Jose now the site of San Jose’s new City Hall. The Doobie Brothers and Trapt came out of San Jose and Los Gatos, and three of the Beatles jammed at a club in East San Jose following their 1964 performance at the Cow Palace in Daly City.
The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane – were populated mostly by South Bay musicians. Bob Dylan played a show in San Jose before he ever sang in San Francisco. Half of Creedence Clearwater Revival attended San Jose State and honed some chops there. Influential groups from the 60’s such as the Syndicate of Sound, People, Chocolate Watchband and Harpers Bizarre had South Bay roots.
And a new generation of musicians, garage bands and technologists continue to define the rock music scene to this day.
San Jose Rocks is to Rock N' Roll what the San Jose Jazz Society is to Jazz. We're both multi-faced not-for-profit organizations that produce a major event every year. San Jose Rocks, however, has a historic South Bay context to preserve and promote through its concerts and Hall of Fame.
San Jose Rocks is annual dinner/benefit concert celebrating the rich and diverse contributions made by South Bay bands, musicians, business leaders and technologists to Rock ‘N’ Roll. Proceeds benefit History San José, California’s largest regional history center.
The Inagural Concert is October 20th, 2006, at History Park in San Jose. San Jose’s own Count Five and Syndicate of Sound are secured. Discussions are underway with other major acts. The evening will also feature a San Jose Rocks All-Star Band performance, a silent auction and induction of San Jose Rocks Legends Our master of ceremonies is Laurie Roberts, program director at KFOX 98.5, the classic rock experience. In addition to promotional support from KFOX 98.5, the San Jose Mercury News and Community Newspapers of Silicon Valley are donating advertising space. |
| *JUNE 3, 2006* A new book by William R. Hotzapple titled Music Makers From Mid-Michigan & Surrounding Areas 1940's Thru 1970's: Who Were They? is now available online via LuLu. From the online description: "A brief look at some of the recording artists and their work from the Mid-Michigan area. Includes label and picture scans of many records. Interviews and a price guide to some of the more collectible recording artists are included. 1940's-1970's all types of music are covered. 200 pages of color and black and white." The book retails for $39.95 and a quick look at the online preview seems to show that its coverage on '60's groups is heavy. A review will possibly be forthcoming. |
*JUNE 2, 2006* Greg Haynes' Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music is currently being printed and is expected to be ready by Labor Day. According to Haynes, "the book took much longer and was more expensive to produce than we ever imagined. However, we never thought that the book would take on a life of its own as it did. In the end, however, we are very pleased with the results especially with the quality of contributions from the musicians of the era." Retail price for the book is $59.95. It has 55 | |
