Editor’s Note: The early North Country rock and roll scene has recently been brought to vibrant life due to the diligent research of Will Shade. In addition to documenting the histories of several of the more noteworthy bands from the scene - including Mike & The Ravens, The Thunderbolts, and The Vistas – Shade is also responsible for the recent Dionysus Records’ release of Hearts So Cold (a North Country compilation) and Mike & The Ravens: Nevermore: Plattsburgh ‘62 & Beyond CDs. Shade’s effort, in fact, has been so complete and thorough that it has inspired many of the musicians that helped create the scene to reunite and perform live again more than 40 years after first leaving their musical mark. Now, with very special thanks to Shade, 60sgaragebands.com is pleased to be able to add further pieces to the puzzle by documenting 1) A timeline on the historical North Country scene; 2) A partial but detailed discography of the many groups that recorded; and 3) A personnel listing of the scene’s top rock and roll groups. So, without further adieu, let’s head to Rollerland!
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| Aches & Pains aka The Thunderbolts |
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Eveybody’s Goin’ To Rollerland! A Timeline & Itinerary
By Will Shade
Summer/Fall 1960: Boyhood friends Mike Brassard, Peter Young and Brian Lyford of Northfield, Vermont met Stephen Blodgett of Stowe, Vermont. The four formed a band dubbed Mike & The Throbs. Lineup consisted of Brassard and Lyford on guitars, Blodgett on piano and Young on drums. Group appeared at high school and Company F Armory in Northfield.
Saturday, December 24, 1960: Band played at Nichols Barn Christmas Eve Dance. Billed as “rock and roll specialists.” Show started at 8:30 pm.
Friday, December 30, 1960: Mike & The Throbs appeared at Memorial Auditorium in Stowe, Vermont, playing from 10:45-2 am. Admission was 75 cents.
April 1961: Mike & The Throbs made their first television appearance on Teen Age Barn, a show broadcast by WRGB out of Schenectady, New York. Band performed Stephen Blodgett’s “Dum Duvey.” By this point, Blodgett had abandoned the piano for guitar.
June 10, 1961: Group appeared on television for a second time, playing “Dum Duvey” on Dance Date, a program on WCAX Burlington, Vermont.
Summer 1961: Brian Lyford joined military. Band went on hiatus. Returned to performing on Labor Day Weekend. Stephen’s brother, John Blodgett, joined group at that time. Renamed Bo Blodgett, John was a lead guitarist. Eddie Jones, an aspirant bassist, joined shortly thereafter. Mike Brassard quit playing guitar to concentrate on his vocals.
February 1962: Band recorded demo for Ed Kissack, A & R man for Monument, at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA. Session engineered by Herbert Yakus, co-writer of Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang” as well as “Old Cape Cod.” Ace was most renowned as the studio where Freddie “Boom Boom” Cannon’s first hit, “Tallahassee Lassie,” was recorded. Mike & The Throbs recorded five originals; Bo Blodgett’s “Git Home,” Stephen Blodgett’s “Dum Duvey” and “So Lonely,” along with Mike Brassard’s “On The Road” and “Two-Ton Jenny.” Kissack subsequently rejected demo.
March 1962: Group changed name to Mike & The Ravens.
April 1962: Mike & The Ravens signed to Empire Records out of Plattsburgh, New York. Label owned by WIRY DJ Peter B. Guibord.
April 1962: Band returned to Ace to record for Empire Records during Stephen Blodgett’s high school spring vacation. “Mr. Heartbreak,” “I’ve Taken All I Can” and “Biggest Fool Around” were caught on tape. First two songs mastered by Art Ford at Bell Sound, New York City. Tapes were sent to Kama Production in Utica, New York to be pressed into singles.
May 1962: Empire 45 consisting of “Mr. Heartbreak” b/w “I’ve Taken All I Can” released. Distributed by Trinity in Connecticut. Single reviewed in Billboard with the flipside garnering more praise than the ‘A’ side.
Thursday, June 21, 1962: Grand Opening of Rollerland, a roller-skating rink on North Beekman Street in Plattsburgh, New York. Rollerland owned by Ray Bushey.
Monday, July 9, 1962: Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones, The Monterays, The Lonely Ones, WIRY’s Ben Everest and Mike & The Ravens. Organized by Ray Bushey and WIRY DJ Ben “Never Rest” Everest; emceed by Everest and WIRY DJ Gordie “Who’s He” Little. Everest owned Rondack Records. The Monterays recorded “Why Do You Cry” b/w “Sun Set” for Rondack.
Monday, July 16, 1962: Second Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones, Mike & The Ravens, WIRY’s Ben Everest and a Twist Contest. Stephen Blodgett wrote “(Everybody’s Goin’ To) Rollerland!” in between sets. Mike & The Ravens played it upon taking the stage again. Band recorded it later that week at Rollerland sans crowd with bassist Billy Pajonas of The Stratatones subbing for Eddie Jones. Other songs recorded were Mike Brassard’s “Moonlight Couples Only” and Bo Blodgett’s “Riptide.” Songs were never released.
Monday, July 23, 1962: Third Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones, The Monterays, WIRY’s Ben Everest and a Twist Contest.
Late July 1962: Eddie Jones sacked. Replaced by ex-Throb, Brian Lyford, who played bass and provided backing vocals from this point on.
Monday, July 30, 1962: Fourth & Greatest Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Brian Hyland with The Strataones, Mike & The Ravens, WIRY’s Ben Everest and a Twist Contest. This was Brian Lyford’s first Rollerland appearance with Mike & The Ravens.
Monday, August 6, 1962: Fifth Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones, Mike & The Ravens, WIRY’s Ben Everest and a Twist Contest. A band called The Saturday Nights cancelled.
Early August 1962: Second Ravens recording session for Empire. Band recorded new version of “Biggest Fool Around” by Stephen Blodgett. Band was unhappy with results and the version of song from their last visit to Ace is spliced together. Also recorded “One Of These Days” and “Baby, Please Don’t Leave Me” for sophomore single.
Tuesday, August 14, 1962: Sixth Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Linda Scott with The Stratatones and Mike & The Ravens.
Monday, August 20, 1962: Seventh Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Belmonts, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones.
Tuesday, August 21, 1962: Giant Rock-A-Rama at Montpelier City Hall, Vermont – The Belmonts, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones. Emceed by Mike Brassard. All Vermont Rock-A-Ramas organized by Ray Bushey and Peter B. Guibord.
Monday, August 27, 1962: Eighth Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Monday, August 27, 1962 – Tommy Roe, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones. Roe was promoting “Shelia,” which had hit #1 two weeks previously.
Tuesday, August 28, 1962: Second Giant Rock-A-Rama at Montpelier City Hall, Vermont – Tommy Roe, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones.
Wednesday, August 29, 1962: First Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Burlington’s Memorial Auditorium, Vermont – Tommy Roe, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones.
Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2, 1962: Stephen Blodgett, Brian Lyford and Peter Young broke into Stowe Community Church at midnight, blaring rock ‘n’ roll album over steeple’s high fidelity carillon system at 2 am.
Monday, September 3, 1962: Trio turned in by Stephen’s mother, Alice Blodgett.
Tuesday, September 4, 1962: Stephen Blodgett, Brian Lyford and Peter Young arraigned in Lamoille Municipal Court.
Tuesday, September 4, 1962: Roy Acuff & The Smokey Mountain Boys at Montpelier City Hall. Also appearing were Duke & His Swingbillies (with future Raven Bobby Lavigne).
Saturday, September 8, 1962: 9th Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – lineup lost.
Friday, September 14, 1962: Third Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Montpelier City Hall, Vermont The Duprees, Mike & The Ravens and The Stratatones.
Saturday, September 15, 1962: 10th Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Ray Peterson, Mike & The Ravens, Stratatones and a Twist Contest. Mike Brassard missed this show. Band fired him after his absence.
Friday, September 21, 1962: Joey Dee & The Starliters appeared at St. John’s Auditorium in Plattsburgh along with Rondack Records’ The Thunderbolts. The show was promoted by Ben Everest. Plattsburgh’s mayor declared it “Joey Dee Day.” Key to city given to Dee.
Saturday, September 22, 1962: Joey Dee & The Starliters appeared at Burlington Memorial Auditorium along with The Thunderbolts.
Saturday, September 22, 1962: 11th Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland– Curtis Lee, Mike & The Ravens, The Stratatones and a Twist Contest. Brassard reinstated in lineup.
There is no 12th Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland. They screwed up the count!
September 29, 1962: 13th Gigantic Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Mike & The Ravens, The Stratatones and a Twist Contest.
Friday, October 5, 1962: Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Mike Clifford, Mike & The Ravens, The Stratatones and a Twist Contest. Last Rollerland show with Stephen Blodgett.
Tuesday, October 16, 1962: Stephen Blodgett, Brian Lyford and Peter Young sentenced to two days in jail for trespassing on church property.
Thursday, October 18, 1962: Headline in edition of Burlington Free Press read, “Three Youths Sentenced In Lamoille Court.” Stephen Blodgett left Ravens fold after two-day stint in jail. Bobby Lavigne arrived. Lineup now boasted dual lead guitar players.
Friday, October 19, 1962: Most Fabulous Rock-A-Rama Of The Year! at Rollerland – Dion, The Stratatones and The Exceptionals.
Late October 1962: “Baby, Please Don’t Leave Me” b/w “The Biggest Fool Around” from second Ace Recording session released as single. Promo posters featured Bobby Lavigne and Mike Brassard although the former didn’t play on the songs.
Sunday, November 11, 1962: Veteran’s Day Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Mike & The Ravens, The Exceptionals and a Twist Contest. First Rollerland show with Bobby Lavigne.
Friday, November 23, 1962: Thanksgiving Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – Tommy Roe & His Band, The Stratatones and Battle of the Bands featuring Tommy Roe’s band versus The Stratatones.
Friday, November 30, 1962: Week-End Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones and Mike & The Ravens. Last Rollerland show for Brassard & Co.
December 1962: Bo Blodgett, Brian Lyford and Peter Young departed. New lineup coalesced, consisting of Mike Brassard, Bobby Lavigne, Jim Ricker and Marc Chapman.
Saturday, December 8, 1962: Week-End Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Stratatones.
Sunday, December 30, 1962: Gala New Year’s Eve Shower Of Stars at Rollerland – Freddie Cannon, Janie Grant, Bobby Comstock, Dean Christie, Jenny Jordan and The Stratatones.
Friday, January 11, 1963: Rock-A-Rama at Rollerland – The Duprees, The Stratatones and The Jazzmen Trio.
Besides Rollerland, Mike & The Ravens were booked by J. Malcolm Associates to play various universities and nightclubs throughout New England, New York and Quebec. In the Plattsburgh area, the band also played the Officer’s Club and NCO Club on the US Air Force base as well as Brodi’s, The Saxony and St. Armand’s Beach amongst other venues.
January 1963: Mike & The Ravens held down a residency at The Cave, Burlington VT.
January 1963: Both incarnations of Mike & The Ravens recorded at joint session at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA. Subsequent single, “Goodbye To Mary Jane” b/w “Living In A Dream” released in the spring. The former boasted three guitars in the arrangement including two lead guitars. Two other songs from session sat in the can until 2004, most notably “Oobie Doobie Do,” a rave-up showcasing Bobby Lavigne’s blistering guitar work.
Spring 1963: Bobby Lavigne and Jim Ricker quit and joined The Thunderbolts; lineup shuffle ensued. Brassard soon departed and Chapman retained Ravens name before finally joining The Thunderbolts in late ‘63. The Thunderbolts later appeared as Sandu Scott & The Scotties on the Ed Sullivan Show in December 1964. A few weeks later, as The Thunderbolts sans Scott, they recorded two Anglophile tributes, “There Was I” and “Heart So Cold.”
Spring 1964: Peter B. Guibord signed “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters to Empire Records. They recorded Stephen Blodgett’s “(Everybody’s Goin’ To) Rollerland!” which was released on their first single. In the 1990s, Untamed Youth recorded and released the song on CD.
1965-69: Mike Brassard and Stephen Blodgett continued to work intermittently in the music business, recording for RCA Victor, Compass, Decca and Mercury.
July 2004: Bacchus Archives released Heart So Cold: The North Country ‘60s Scene, featuring songs by Mike & The Ravens, including the previously unreleased “Oobie Doobie Do.” Three songs by the Bobby Lavigne, Marc Chapman, Jim Ricker version of The Thunderbolts also appeared on the compilation. Other North Country acts, including “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters and The Monterays appeared as well.
August 2005: Bacchus Archives released a two CD set by Mike & The Ravens and alumni. Entitled Nevermore: Plattsburgh ’62 & Beyond, the set contained a staggering 41 original songs, 32 of which had never been released.
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| The (Original) Thunderbolts |
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North Country Discography
Rock, Rock, Rocket Ship (Boyd)
Performer: The Rockers
Recorded: September 1958
Released: Mark M135
Vocal
June Dance (Boyd)
Dusty Boyd & The Rockers
Recorded: September 1958
Released: Mark M135
Vocal
Blending (Danville)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: June 1961 at Delphi Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Rondack #4-7546
Instrumental – 2:28
Thunder Head (Danville/Everest)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: June 1961 at Delphi Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Rondack #4-7546
Instrumental – 2:06
Why Do You Cry (Bushey)
Performer: The Monterays
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: December 26, 1961 at Columbia Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Rondack #5-8657
Vocal
Sun Set (Everest)
Performer: The Monterays
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: December 26, 1961 at Columbia Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Rondack #5-8657
Instrumental
Blending (Danville)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Rondack #6-9768
Vocal – 2:35
I’m Sorry (Ram)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Rondack #6-9768
Instrumental – 2:09
Wild (Danville/Blaise)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Instrumental – 2:39
Twista (Danville/Blaise)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Vocal – 3:06
Summer Song (Coviello)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: B. Everest
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Vocal – 3:03
She’s My One And Only Girl (Castaine)
Performer: Shawn & The Sunnys
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9769
Vocal
The Fisherman (Cammy)
Performer: Shawn & The Sunnys
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9769
Instrumental
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| The Waysiders |
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The S.O. (Stuffed Olive) (Currie/Hemingway/Stillinger)
Performer: The Sydells
Producer: S. Hemingway
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9772
You Are The One (Cummins)
Performer: The Sydells
Producer: S. Hemingway
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9772
Swing Down Chariot (traditional; arranged by Tom Chapin)
Performer: The Waysiders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: RO6-9773
Vocal – 1:55
Daddy Roll ‘Em (Gibson)
Performer: The Waysiders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1963 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: RO6-9773
Vocal – 3:05
Cry Of Atlantis (Sutphen/Kenny)
Performer: The Persuaders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9775
Instrumental – 2:12
Stormy Sunday (Kenny/Patnode)
Performer: The Persuaders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9775
Instrumental – 2:50
Let Him Dry His Own Tears (Edwards)
Performer: Duke Edwards
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9776
I Got A Feelin’ (Edwards)
Performer: Duke Edwards
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9776
Please Don’t Go (traditional; arranged by The Corvets)
Performer: The Corvets
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9777A
Vocal
Sticky (James)
Performer: The Corvets
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9777B
Mojo Workout (Bright; arranged by The Persuaders)
Performer: The Persuaders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9778-A
Vocal
Summer’s Almost Gone
Performer: The Persuaders
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1964 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO6-9778-B
Instrumental
Torquay (Tomsco)
Performer: The Tyros
Producer: B. Danville
Recorded: date unknown/Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9780-A
Instrumental
Tryin’ To Get To You (McCoy/Singleton)
Performer: The Tyros
Producer: B. Danville
Recorded: date unknown/Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9780-B
Vocal
Restless Tides (Morrow)
Performer: The Infernos
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: date unknown/Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9782-A
Instrumental
The Fugitive (Josie)
Performer: The Fugitives
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1965 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9783-A
Instrumental
I Like It Like That (Kenner)
Performer: The Fugitives
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: 1965 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9783-B
Vocal
One Of These Days (Sawyer/Morgan/Waite)
Performer: The Kon-Taks
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: September 1966 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9788
Vocal
Money (Barry/Gordy)
Performer: The Kon-Taks
Producer: B. Everest
Recorded: September 1966 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Rondack RO7-9789
Vocal
Rovin’ (Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Engineer: Brian Harwood
Recorded: September 15, 1958 at WDEV, VT
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Dum Duvey (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Throbs
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: February 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Git Home (John Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Throbs
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: February 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
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| The Twiliters at The Saxony |
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Two-Ton Jenny (Michael Brassard)
Performer: Mike & The Throbs
Producer: Michael Brassard
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: February 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
On The Road (Brassard)
Performer: Mike & The Throbs
Producer: Michael Brassard
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: February 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
So Lonely (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Throbs
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: February 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Mr. Heartbreak (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: April 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-1
Vocal
I’ve Taken All I Can (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: April 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-1
Vocal
Baby, Please Don’t Leave Me (Brassard/Cole/Lucero)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: Douglas Cole
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded mid-1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-2
Vocal
Biggest Fool Around (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: April1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-2
Vocal
Goodbye To Mary Jane (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: January 1963 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-3
Vocal
Living In A Dream (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: January 1963 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Empire E-3
Vocal
Oobie Doobie Do (Brassard/Lavigne)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: Michael Brassard
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: January 1963 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 1197
Vocal
I Turned And Ran (Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: January 1963 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Vocal
Ballad Of A Square (Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Recorded: summer 1962
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
(Everybody’s Goin’ To) Rollerland! (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Douglas Cole
Recorded: July 1962 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Moonlight Couples Only (Brassard)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: Michael Brassard
Engineer: Douglas Cole
Recorded: July 1962 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
No Man’s Land (John Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Recorded: summer 1962 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Garbage Truck (John Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Recorded: summer 1962 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: unreleased
Baby Talk (Michael Brassard/Douglas Cole)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Recorded: summer 1962
Released: unreleased
Vocal
Hey, Luana (Michael Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Recorded: summer 1962
Released: unreleased
Vocal
Baby, Please Don’t Leave Me (Brassard/Cole)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: Douglas Cole
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded summer 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102 alternate take
Biggest Fool Around (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: summer 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased alternate take
One Of These Days (Brassard)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producer: Michael Brassard
Engineer: Herbert Yakus
Recorded: summer 1962 at Ace Recording, Boston, MA
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
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| Freddie & The Freeloaders |
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Can’t You Feel The Pain (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: September 19, 1962 at WIRY, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Riptide (John Blodgett)
Performer: The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: September 19, 1962 at WIRY, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
I’ll Get It From You (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: September 19, 1962 at WIRY, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Phlegm In Kentucky (John Blodgett)
Performer: The Ravens
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: September 19, 1962 at WIRY, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: unreleased
Like A Fire (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Recorded: October 5, 1962 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Shakin’ All Over (Heath)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: early 1964 live at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-4
Vocal
(Everybody’s Goin’ To) Rollerland (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: early 1964 live at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-4
Vocal
You Are The One (Lett)
Performer: Earl Lett & The Blendaires
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: 1964 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-5
Vocal – 3:00
Monkey’s Tail (Lett)
Performer: Earl Lett & The Blendaires
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: 1964 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-5
Instrumental – 2:30
The Girl From Liverpool (Kennedy)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: November 1964 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-6
Vocal
Move It (Samwell)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: P. Guibord
Engineer: Roy Urbinas
Recorded: November 1964 at Rollerland, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Empire E-6
Vocal
Mary Lou (Hawkins)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: B. Everest, P. Guibord and W.H. Kennedy
Engineer: Ben Everest
Recorded: 1965 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Venture V-1000-A
Vocal
Billy Billy Went A Walking (The Beau-Marks)
Performer: “Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters
Producer: B. Everest, P. Guibord and W.H. Kennedy
Engineer: Ben Everest
Recorded: 1965 at Rondack Studios, Plattsburgh, NY
Released: Venture V-1000-B
Vocal
Something That You Do (Chapman/Lavigne/Ricker)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: The Thunderbolts
Recorded: 1964 at The Colony, Burlington, VT
Released: Bacchus Archives 1197
Vocal
There Was I (Lavigne/Chapman)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: L. Vallins
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Allied AR-6337
Vocal
Without A Song (Youmans)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: L. Vallins
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Allied AR-6337
Vocal
Heart So Cold (Chapman/Lavigne/Ricker)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: E.F. Auchter
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: V-22158
Vocal – 2:10
A Taste Of Honey (Marlow/Scott)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: E.F. Auchter
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: V-22158
Vocal – 2:28
Bandstand (Nash)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: L. Vallins
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: unreleased
Vocal
In My Room (Usher/Wilson)
Performer: The Thunderbolts
Producer: L. Vallins
Recorded: January 1965 at Stereo Sound Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: unreleased
Vocal
There’s A Tear (Dumas)
Performer: The Falcons
Producer: R. Hamms
Recorded: November 13, 1965 at the UNH Durham radio station
Released: Strafford SRM-6504
Vocal
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| The Vistas |
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I Gotta See Her (Kains)
Performer: The Falcons
Producer: R. Hamms
Recorded: November 13, 1965 at the UNH Durham radio station
Released: Strafford SRM-6504
Vocal
Look Out, Hawaii (Cannizzaro/Moorby)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Recorded: early 1964 home recording
Released: unreleased
Vocal
Don’t Run Away (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzao
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Vocal
Undercurrent (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Instrumental
Proceed With Caution (Savage)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Instrumental
Barbara Ann (Fred Fassert)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Instrumental
The Lonely Sea (Don Wilson)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Instrumental
Keep A Knockin’ (Richard Penniman)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Engineer: Herb Yakus
Recorded: early 1964 at Ace Recording Studios, Boston, MA
Released: unreleased
Vocal
I Want A Cadillac (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: K. Ayoub
Recorded: late 1964 at Melbourne Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Melbourne 3191
Vocal
Silly Girl (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: K. Ayoub
Recorded: late 1964 at Melbourne Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Melbourne 3191
Vocal
She Turns Me On (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: K. Ayoub
Recorded: early 1965 at Melbourne Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Melbourne 3210
Vocal
Don’t Know (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Produceer: K. Ayoub
Recorded: early 1965 at Melbourne Studios, Montreal, Quebec
Released: Melbourne 3210
Vocal
No More Time (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Recorded: late 1965 at UNH Durham radio station
Released: unreleased
Vocal
I Want You (Cannizzaro)
Performer: The Vistas
Producer: J. Cannizzaro
Recorded: late 1965 at UNH Durham radio station
Released: unreleased
Vocal
So Fine (Otis)
Performer: The Beau-Marks
Recorded: 1965 in Montreal, Quebec
Released: Quality 1766X
Vocal
Be Bop A Lula (Davis/Vincent)
Performer: The Beau-Marks
Recorded: 1965 in Montreal, Quebec
Released: Quality 1766X
Vocal
There’s No Other Like Your Mother (St. John)
Performer: The Aches ‘n Pains
Producer: Hugo & Luigi
Recorded: 1966
Released: PRE 501
Vocal
Again And Again (Lapham)
Performer: The Aches ‘n Pains
Producer: Hugo & Luigi
Recorded: 1966
Released: PRE 501
Vocal
Comin’ Or Goin’ (Marder/Saliola)
Performer: Mott’s Men
Recorded: 1966 at Loren Records in St. Johnsbury, VT
Released: Loren
Vocal
She Is So Mean (Marder/Saliola)
Performer: Mott’s Men
Recorded: 1966 at Loren Records in St. Johnsbury, VT
Released: Loren
Vocal
Patty (Prue/Simmons)
Performer: Freddie & The Freeloaders
Recorded: 1965 at Sun Studios, Memphis, TN
Released: Laurie 3334
Vocal – 2:07
The Octopus Song (Mitchell/Franzese)
Performer: Freddie & The Freeloaders
Recorded: 1965 at Sun Studios, Memphis, TN
Released: Laurie 3334
Vocal - 2:05
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| The Monterays |
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The New Young American (Vann)
Performer: Steve Blood
Producer: Teddy Vann
Recorded: 1965 RCA Studios, New York City, NY
Released: RCA Victor 47-8711
Vocal
I’m Off To See The World (Vann)
Performer: Steve Blood
Producer: Teddy Vann
Recorded: 1965 RCA Studios, New York City, NY
Released: RCA Victor 47-8711
Vocal
Get In On Life (Michaud)
Performer: The Chosen Few
Recorded: 1966
Released: Takeover 8621184
JTB (Michaud)
Performer: The Chosen Few
Recorded: 1966
Released: Takeover 8621184
Grey Eyes Watching (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Stephen Sargent & The Pride
Producer: Paul Leka
Recorded: January 1967
Released: Compass CO-7001
Vocal
Nobody’s Child (Kiley)
Performer: Stephen Sargent & The Pride
Producer: Paul Leka
Recorded: January 1967
Released: Compass CO-7001
Vocal
Underground (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Fire & Brimstone
Producer: Terry Phillips
Recorded: late 1967
Released: Decca 32297
Vocal
I Could Hear The Grass Growing (Stephen Blodgett/Michael Brassard)
Performer: Fire & Brimstone
Producer: Terry Phillips
Recorded: late 1967
Released: Decca 32297
Vocal
Look (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: The Camel’s Hump
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: August 1969 at Mercury Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Gotta Talk To You, Baby (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: The Camel’s Hump
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: August 1969 at Mercury Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Birmingham (Michael Brassard)
Performer: The Camel’s Hump
Producer: M. Brassard
Recorded: August 1969 at Mercury Studios, New York City, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Greyhound Bus (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Stephen Blodgett
Recorded: 1968
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Tomorrow (Michael Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard & Bo Blodgett
Recorded: 1968
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Lights Of San Francisco (Michael Brassard)
Performer: The Front Burner
Producer: M. Brassard
Recorded: 1971
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Eldorado (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: The Front Burner
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: 1971
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Gentle Wind (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Texas Driver
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: 1973
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Georgia Plains (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Texas Driver
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: 1973
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Truly (Christ’s Lament) (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Texas Driver
Producer: S. Blodgett
Recorded: 1973
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Lady (Michael Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Producer: M. Brassard
Engineer: Marc Chapman
Recorded: 1982 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
No More Beatle Songs (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Stephen Blodgett
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Marc Chapman
Recorded: 1998 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Motorboatin’ (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Stephen Blodgett
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Marc Chapman
Recorded: 1998 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Adorable Gene (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Stephen Blodgett
Producer: S. Blodgett
Engineer: Marc Chapman
Recorded: 1998 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Motivatin’ Blues (Michael Brassard)
Performer: Mike Brassard
Producer: M. Brassard
Engineer: Marc Chapman
Recorded: October 2004 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
No Love To Give You (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producers: Stephen Blodgett & Will Shade
Engineers: Ray Bushey & Marc Chapman
Recorded: October 2004 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released Bacchus Archives: 11102
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| The Tyros |
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Durham (Stephen Blodgett)
Performer: Mike & The Ravens
Producers: Stephen Blodgett & Will Shade
Engineers: Ray Bushey & Marc Chapman
Recorded: October 2004 at Saxony Studios, Rouses Point, NY
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Teen Angel (Wiggins)
Performer: Stephen Blodgett & Bill Kinzie
Recorded: 1977
Released: Bacchus Archives 11102
Recording Lineups
The Thunderbolts (Plattsburgh, NY – 1961-63)
Marshall Blaise: rhythm guitar
Bruce Danville: lead guitar; bass in the studio; switched permanently to bass with arrival of Tusa
Karl Costin: drums
Fred Tusa: lead guitar
Al Roberts: organ
Dean Fesette: drums
John LaPlante: saxophone
Mike & The Throbs (Northfield, VT – 1962)
Mike Brassard: lead vocals
John “Bo” Blodgett: lead guitar
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar and vocals
Peter Young: drums
Eddie Jones: bass
Mike & The Ravens (Plattsburgh, NY – 1962)
Mike Brassard: lead vocals
John Blodgett: lead guitar
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar
Peter Young: drums
Eddie Jones: bass on Mr. Heartbreak and I’ve Taken All I Can
Brian Lyford: bass
Mike & The Ravens (Burlington, VT – 1963)
Mike Brassard: lead vocals
Bobby Lavigne: lead guitar
Jim Ricker: bass
Marc Chapman: drums
“Wild” Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters (Plattsburgh, NY – 1964-66)
Bill Kennedy: lead vocals and lead guitar on Rollerland, Shakin’ All Over and Move It; rhythm guitar on The Girl From Liverpool and Mary Lou
John Sullivan: rhythm guitar on Rollerland and Shakin’ All Over
Tommy Latour: bass
Skip Bushey: drums
Bruce Danville: lead guitar on The Girl From Liverpool and Mary Lou; rhythm guitar on Move It
The Falcons (Malone/Plattsburgh, NY – 1965)
John Kains: bass and lead vocal on I Gotta See Her
Rick Dumas: lead guitar
Fred Passino: harmonica and vocals
Lester Duvall: rhythm guitar
Al Johnson: drums
The Monterays (Plattsburgh, NY – 1962)
John Champagne: guitar; bass on Why Do You Cry
George Rabideau: saxophone on Sun Set
Bob Rabideau: drums
Gary Lambert: guitar; bass on Sun Set
Jimmy Jay Bushey: vocals
The Persuaders (Saranac Lake/Plattsburgh, NY – 1964)
Al Sutphen: lead vocals
Terry Tyler: vocals and drums
John Kains: bass
Doug Kenny: lead guitar
Brian Patnode: rhythm guitar
The Fugitives (Saranac Lake, NY – 1965)
Chuck Collela: vocals
Brian Patnode: lead guitar
Bernie Branch: rhythm guitar
Bumper Branch: bass
Donnie Martell: drums
The Thunderbolts (Burlington, VT – 1965)
Marc Chapman: drums and vocals
Bobby Lavigne: guitar and vocals
Jim Ricker: bass and vocals
The Vistas (Burlington, VT – 1965)
Joey Cannizzaro – guitar and vocals
Steve Hayton – bass and vocals
Gary Savage – organ and vocals
Ron Moorby – drums and vocals
The Beau-Marks (Montreal, Quebec – 1965)
Joey Frechette – piano
Mike Robitaille – bass and vocals
Fred Tusa – guitar and vocals
Dean Trombley – drums and vocals
Steve Blood (New York City – 1965)
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar and vocals
The Aches ‘n Pains (New York City – 1966)
Bobby Lavigne: lead guitar and vocals
Marshall Blaise: rhythm guitar and vocals
Jim Ricker: bass and vocals
Dean Fesette: drums
Freddie & The Freeloaders (on the road – 1966)
Fred Prue: guitar and vocals
Al Roberts: organ
Bob Dennis: guitar
Joe Seta: bass
Dennis Broadbelt: drums
Mott’s Men (Lyndon, VT – 1966)
George Saliola: lead guitar and vocals
Winnie Thomas: rhythm guitar and vocals
Dominick Melchiore: bass and vocals
Phill Marder: drums and vocals
The Kon-Taks (Swanton, VT – 1966)
Rick Waite: vocals
Eddie Morgan: lead guitar
Ezra Mulheron: bass
Ray Bushey: rhythm guitar and organ
Tom Sawyer: drums
Stephen Sargent & The Pride nee The Bushmen (Burlington, VT – 1966)
Stephen Blodgett: guitar and vocals
Chris Kiley: vocals
Fire & Brimstone (New York City 1967)
Mike Brassard: vocals
Stephen Blodgett: guitar
The Camel’s Hump (Burlington, VT – 1969)
Mike Brassard: vocals
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar
John “Bo” Blodgett: lead guitar
Claire Blodgett: backing vocals
The Front Burner (Burlington, VT – 1971)
Mike Brassard: vocals
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar
John “Bo” Blodgett: lead guitar
Peter Young: drums
Claire Blodgett: backing vocals
Terry Hosking: bass
Texas Driver (Burlington, VT – 1973)
Mike Brassard: vocals
Stephen Blodgett: rhythm guitar
Paul Asbell: lead guitar and dobro
Bill Kinzie: drums
Clyde Statz: bass
Doug McClarren: piano
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Song annotation and personnel by Will Shade. Band configurations are how they appear on recordings - noy necessarily their live incarnations.
The full story of "Wild" Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters and Mike & The Ravens can be found in recent issues of Ugly Things.
The full story of The Thunderbolts can be found in Shindig #7.
The full story of The Vistas can be found in Misty Lane #20, available winter 2006.
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| Ben Everest and Johnny Tillotson |
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| WIRY DeeJay Gordie Little |
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