Friday, May 27, 2011

The Friday Flash!

A few "quickies" before we start the long holiday weekend ...


re:  LAST CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF RON SMITH'S NEW ROCK AND ROLL CALENDAR BOOK, "EIGHT DAYS A WEEK: BIRTHS, DEATHS AND EVENTS EACH DAY IN OLDIES HISTORY":

This is your LAST CHANCE to enter to win a copy of Ron Smith's latest book. 
Ron will be randomly selecting a birth date on Saturday ... the entry with the closest birthday to that date will win a copy of his hot new book.  So if you haven't entered yet, you need to do it NOW!!!  Just email your birthday to:  forgottenhits@aol.com ... for YOUR chance to add this "must have" book to your collection.  (kk)

... and, speaking of hot new books ... we just got this email from Ed Pond, our most recent book winner:

I've been enjoying my Monkees book, and watching their shows again, and listening to their music.  I wish I could see them in Tacoma, but alas, no.
Ed
We're hoping to catch one of the nearby local shows here this summer.  Eric Lefcowitz's book is quite entertaining ... and reading it DOES make you want to put some Monkees music on (or cue up some of your favorite TV episodes!!!)  I was flipping through the TV channels this weekend and happened to catch the end of the Captain Crocodile episode ... always liked that one because it was the first time we ever heard "Valleri", a song they wouldn't officially release until almost a year later.  (Of course for the complete TRUE story of the song "Valleri", you've just GOT to check out our website:


All the details are covered in Chapter Six of our well-read series!  (kk)


re:  FOR ALL YOU RADIO FANATICS OUT THERE:
Dear Friends of Old Time Radio,
Well, this is going to be our last convention and the surviving stars of the golden age of radio along with loyal friends of the convention are pledging their support in droves.
Considering that it is only May, we have an AMAZING line-up of stars scheduled to appear and we seem to be adding more (and more exciting) guests every day.
Paul Evans (singer / songwriter) Many songs to his credit!!!!!; Michael C. Gwynne (D.J. / Actor); Gloria McMillan (Harriet on Our Miss Brooks); Arthur "Lucky" Anderson; Richard "Theater Five" Herd; David "WYXZ" Parker; Dick "I Remember Mama" Van Patten; Nan Warren of Let's Pretend; Wendy Foy, daughter of Fred; Rosemary Rice of Archie; Diana Canova, Judy's Daughter; Leslie Shreve, a terrific local voice actress; Christina and Larry Conroy; Corinne Orr of Speed Racer; Announcer Bill Owen; Craig Wichman of Quicksilver Radio Theater; Elaine Hyman of WXYZ; Kevin Scullin, another terrific local actor; PEG FREAKIN' LYNCH of Ethel & Albert, doing two of her classic domestic comedy routines with co-star Arthur Anderson; Ivan Cury of Bobbie Benson; Will "Sugarfoot" Hutchins; Joe "King of Nostalgia" Franklin; Bob "Big Hooter" Gibson; Cliff Carpenter of Terry and Pirates; Jean Rouverol of One Man's Family; Russell Horton of Theater Five and the Trix Rabbit; Lynne Rogers of The Guiding Light; Tommy Cook of Red Ryder; X Minus One legendary writer George Lefferts; Mae Granito, of Horn & Hardart Hour and the last surviving original Rockette; And Galactic traveler extraordinaire, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy star Simon "Arthur Dent" Jones!
I could go on about the great shows we have planned, like Theater Five and Let's Pretend, but really, this event is about the guests and what an amazing list we have so far. 
Please go to the Ramada Plaza Hotel Website and book your room right away.  You do not want to miss this truly once-in-a-lifetime array of golden age of radio talent.  Also, please
find our Facebook page and "like" us to get up-to-the-minute updates.
October 20 to 23
My music panel is on Saturday afternoon Oct 22nd.
DJ Stu Weiss


Got this link from one of our readers ... another great site dedicated to keeping alive the music we all know and love ... check it out here:


This book got excellent reviews at Amazon.com -- dB
Texas radio: Fans of Top 40 radio of the '60s and '70s may enjoy "Dead Air: The Rise and Demise of Music Radio," by Bill Young, who programmed Houston's powerhouse KILT-AM from 1966 to 1981. But the book, which is available on Amazon, is a perfect example of "You can't judge a book," etc. The book has nothing to do with the decline of music radio - at least not after the first dozen pages. The rest is all about the rise and survival of Young, and his perspectives on the birth and first boom of Top 40 radio.
Young, a former DJ who won induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, spins a good story, which should be of interest to radio fans.
As for the "demise" of music radio, most listeners already know that sad story. Young draws a unique parallel of its decline with that of rock 'n' roll's biggest idol. As he wrote: "The Elvis metamorphosis from the courteous, soft-spoken, hip-shakin' rebel from Tupelo to the overweight, zoned-out, dispassionate Las Vegas performer of 22 years later closely tracks the changing cycles of popular music itself."
"All things have a way of doing that," Young told me, "when the economics get big. The newness and spontaneity wear off."
-- Ben Fong-Torres 


Hi Kent.
I gave a listen earlier to 104.3 K-HITS, the new "oldies" station here in Chicago, after seeing a commercial on TV. I gave it about a half hour. They advertise 60's, 70's, and 80's. Same 60's and 70's songs you hear everyday, with a little more variety from the 80's. Why even bother?
Rich
VERY heavy on the '80's (and very heavy on the repeats).  I will say that the line-up is shaping up pretty well ... honestly the ONLY guys I cannot listen to are Eddie and Jo-Bo in the morning ... there may not be anything less listener-friendly on the dial these days!  (kk)


Good morning Kent,
I wonder if this could fly. Since the History of Rock and Roll shows will probably never be played on regular radio again, maybe they could be donated to ReelRadio.com where, for the price of the donation to Reel Radio, one could enjoy them at his or her convenience?
I know this is out of left field, but what the heck.
Bill
I haven't quite given up on The History Of Rock And Roll just yet ... I've got a few ideas churning in the back of my head ... but you're right ... this WOULD be a neat way for folks who really want to hear it again to be able to do so.  Even if they ran some kind of "limited edition" airing ... and promoted the heck out of it ... I'll bet an awful lot of us who be checking this out.  (kk)

re:  HERMAN'S HERMITS:

Kent,
For those of us who enjoy hearing the original versions of songs that later were hits for others --- the newly released "Hold On!" soundtrack CD has the Hermits' original of P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri's "Where Were You When I Needed You," a No. 28 hit for the Grass Roots in 1966.
Henry McNulty
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Yep!  Peter Noone himself pointed that out to us shortly after we interviewed him a few years back ... and then sent us a copy of The Hermits' version to share with our readers.  (Here it is again!)  kk

Hi, Kent,
The new Herman’s Hermits CD pairing the “Hold On!” and “Mrs. Brown” soundtracks is incredible.  Abkco actually went back to the multi-tracks.  Everything is in stereo except “Mrs. Brown” itself (and there’s a bonus track which is a rehearsal session for the song).  The CD includes “There’s a Kind of Hush” in stereo for the first time ever, and stereo remixes of the “Hold On!” tracks with a great new stereo mix of “A Must to Avoid.” 
Michael
And, speaking of Peter Noone ...

re:  CHARLIE GRACIE:
We've been telling you for close to a year now about the brand new Charlie Gracie album ... produced by Al Kooper (and featuring '60's favorites like Graham Nash and Peter Noone), it's a much-anticipated recording event.  Well, it sounds like it finally found a home ... and will soon be available!  (And how fitting that ABKCO, the same company that owns all of Charlie's old Cameo / Parkway recordings, is the label releasing this new CD!)  Hmmm ... I wonder how Peter Noone feels about having his most recently recorded work being in ANY way, shape or form associated with Allen B. Klein!!!  Read on.  (kk)
abkco Records & Music to release NEW CHARLIE GRACIE CD!
***The renowned label that owns and recently released digitally remastered compilations by Sam Cooke, Phil Spector, the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, the Kinks, Billy Preston and the Cameo-Parkway catalog, is taking on Charlie Gracie's new CD -- produced by AL KOOPER and Quentin Jones.  Gracie, now 75, was the first Rock & Roll artist from Philadelphia to attain national and international stardom with a string of late 50's hits -- which got the Cameo-Parkway label off the ground ... effectively launching what became known as the "Philly Sound." The new Gracie album is a who's who of Rock & Roll with guests: GRAHAM NASH, PETER NOONE, DENNIS DIKEN, CRAIG ROSS, JIMMY VIVINO, AL KOOPER, EDDIE ANGEL, DAVE FERRARA, TOM T-BONE EDMONDS and more. 
STAND BY FOR MORE INFO COMING SOON!
PIC: Jody Klein -- president of ABKCO and Teri Landi -- chief engineer with Charlie Gracie.
CHARLIE APPEARS ON WHYY -- TV-12 (pbs) a 2-hour special: SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH. 8 PM
Stay tuned for more details!

re:  BOB DYLAN:
http://soundcloud.com/tim-moore-1/happy-birthday-mr-dylan/s-OUO2u 
Catchy tune and lots of references to Dylan songs.
Done by Tim Moore, of "Second Avenue" fame.
David Lewis
Funnily enough, I had "Second Avenue" by Tim Moore scheduled as "Today's Forgotten Hit" this past week and then bumped him at the last minute.  Lots of attention being paid to Dylan's #70 this past week!  (kk)

re:  THE MONKEES:
Who would have guessed the Monkees influenced the Beatles. I would have thought it'd be the other way around! -- dB
The Monkees were one of the first bands to fall in love with Moog products, he says, adding that drummer Micky Dolenz then introduced Paul McCartney and John Lennon to Moog.Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/15/BUOQ1JFUP6.DTL#ixzz1N7nhbjRG
As I recall, Micky Dolenz owned one of the first three Moog synthesizers ever made!  (I say that because at various times over the years I've heard that he owned the first, second and third Moog ever sold!)
The Monkees used it to pretty good effect on the track "Daily Nightly" from their "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones, Ltd." LP ... and a very cool black and white video clip featuring this piece ran as one of the episode tags.  (kk)



re:  VEE JAY RECORDS:
Kind of interesting that I received both of these emails this week ... 
Kent ...
I think Pookie Hudson & The Spaniels were the first act to record for Vee-Jay.
That's not their claim to fame. Click to find out.
Frank B.
Hello,
I have a rare Beatles VeeJay recording I bought in 1963.  One person said it is worth about $200 but the publisher VeeJay says $1000 (It's not quite mint but close.) I have it on ebay selling soon but I don't know what it is worth.
Do you have an opinion who is right.
Thanks,
Peter Simmons 
Hello Peter,
This single has a value of $1000 in Mint condition. Your single is manufactured by Monarch Records.
Regards,
Konstantin--------------
Here is my ebay ad.
This is a very rare 45 RPM never seen before.
It is a VeeJay recording VJ522
63 - 3218
Flip side " Thank you Girl"
63 - 3219
I am a musician / song writer and have owned this record in my private collection since 1963 when, as a little boy.  I purchased it myself.  I have kept it ever since in a special box and plastic sleeve. You can view the record in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NfXNGdgVTg
I have decided to sell it to help raise money to create more music and help endangered species.
Thanks for look.
Peter
Well according to a couple of record price guides that I have, they put it right around $500 in Mint Condition ... so good luck to you.  (Let us know how the auction turns out!)  kk

Enjoy your weekend ... limited postings to follow (but we WILL have our usual Sunday Comments Page ... so be sure to check it out.)  Meanwhile, check out this awesome clip:
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Monday, May 23, 2011

Concerts

Thanks to our readers for continuing to send us the latest concert news and reviews!

re:  CONCERTS:
Hey Kent
The concert was great last night!
Here is photo of me with Sonny Geraci and Dennis Tufano!  Then one with Barry McGuire and another with Pete Rivera of Rare Earth!
Mickey Cooksey



That was a killer line up!  Man, Dennis looks like George Clooney in this shot!  (lol)  kk

Just wanted to drop a line about a spectacular concert by what by my reckoning is the Best "Six Man Band" of Hits, Forgotten and otherwise in History!
I saw The Association in a benefit concert for The Tyrone Pennsylvania Library. After nine years of Doo Wop fundraising concerts the Tyrone Library fundraising committee acted on an audience members request and brought the Association to Tyrone. Raising 35 thousand dollars with audience members coming from all over the east coast and Canada to see the lads. 
The Association did not disappoint. Playing their biggest hits and in Act II rolled out a super medley of songs they self admittedly said, "they used to warm up to but back in the 60's cuz' it wasn't "cool" to play them in concert." They rattled off a 20 minute set with everything from the Temptations to the 5th Dimension and all in between.
The band is now made up of original members Russ Giguere, Larry Ramos and Jim Yester, with magnificent back up of Bruce Pictor on drums, Larry's brother Del Ramous on bass guitar. and Jordan Cole son of Brian Cole (former Association original member) on keyboards guitar and penny whistle for "Windy."
Even though the sound from the stage in the Tyrone high school auditorium seemed to only be emanating from the monitor speakers, these guys still got the guitar chops and harmonies for voices of these rock and rollers easily entering their 3rd act of life.  If you get a chance and they're near you. Go see them! 
check them out at http://www.theassociationwebsite.com/lineup.html
Travis Medcalf
WDZN  Romney WV / Cumberland MD 
And there'll be PLENTY of chances to catch The Association this summer ... they've been added to this year's Happy Together Again Tour!  Check the website for concert dates and appearances near you.  (kk)


Saw Tony Orlando in concert last night in Atlantic City for the umpteenth time - still puts on the best show! I was so excited for his encore, he came back out as we all rushed the stage and sang "Bless You" and "Halfway to Paradise" and everyone remembered them! 
By the way, that is Toni Wine who plays keyboards with his band - she of songwriting fame - Groovy Kind of Love, Candida, Black Pearl, Sugar Sugar, etc ...
Eileen

We saw Tony Orlando a couple of years ago ... and it was an absolutely AMAZING show!  (Toni Wine wasn't with him then but I understand she performs with him quite a bit ... and with Ron Dante, too, with whom she sang many of those original Archies hits!)  If you get the chance to see Tony, do it ... you will not be disappointed.  (And he's got one of the best back-up bands I've EVER seen!!!)  kk

As you know, I am the ULTIMATE Byrds Fan on the face of the earth and have listened to thousands upon thousands of hours of Byrds recordings ... some good ... and some not so good.
Well, guess what?
WolfGangs Vault has come up with the Ultimate Byrds Concert featuring Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark and Chris Hillman Live at the Boarding House (San Francisco) February 9th, 1978, and halfway through the show in pops David Crosby! The sound is incredible, the vocals are incredible, the instrumentation is incredible and this features the BEST version of Mr Tambourine Man I have EVER heard.  By all means, check this out and crank it up ... you'll LOVE it!
Without a doubt, when you think of the band the Byrds, this sums them up totally.  There has never been a better recording of them together ... EVER!
"Wild" Bill Cody
Thanks for the heads-up on Ron Smith's new book. Nice price but, as usual, whenever I go to Amazon I buy much more than just the book that I want -- this time I spent over $240.00!
I hope all is well in Chicago. We were supposed to open for Felix Cavalleri's Rascals this past Sunday but one of our guys' son is the head Lacrosse coach at Cornell (ranked #2 in the nation) and they had to play Sunday in the National Tournament  so we had to bail. Gene Cornish was a special guest for this event and he came in early and we had lunch on Saturday. They plan another reunion for a number of gigs with the original group together beginning in mid-summer. As you may know, Little Steven was responsible for getting them back together. 
I'm on the road a lot playing ball but I still check in each week. Thanks for continuing to send the link to the Sunday comments.
Danny
We tried to get Felix Cavaliere to give us a "scoop" regarding any upcoming Rascals reunion shows ... but he wouldn't go for it ... too bad ... an AWFUL lot of Rascals fans out there who would LOVE to see this show!  (Felix is still doing "solo" dates, too, with his own band.)  Would love to see them. 
I think we helped to sell a few copies of Ron Smith's new book this past week ... and we'll soon be giving a copy away, too!  If you haven't registered to win a copy yet, just send us an email with your birthday ... and we'll enter you in our special drawing!  (kk)
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Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Sunday Comments ( 05 - 22 - 11 )


re:  STILL HUNGRY???:

OK, so perhaps I missed the irony of running back-to-back stories that involved Franke Previte's song "Hungry Eyes" ... and Rupert Holmes' song about cannibalism ... but sometimes things just happen as unplanned, funny coincidences!!! 

People familiar with "Timothy" at the time it was first released cannot believe that the record label ever tried to sway the audience into thinking it was about the miners' mule ... certainly a better concept / "save this record" campaign could have been developed.  (But let's not go crazy here ... I'm not sure declaring "Timothy" as "the other white meat" wouldn't have worked either ... besides, despite all of the controversy and the banning, we do have to acknowledge that the record DID have a significant impact on the charts ... and even went to #1 in some markets!)  A version with "modified" lyrics also exists ... but once again WE remember the original ... which is the way Holmes intended for his song to be heard.


While we couldn't think of ANY other pop song about cannibalism ... (paraphrasing Charlie Tuna, that would be the epitome of bad taste vs. tasting bad!!!) ... we DID think of a couple of recording artists who enjoyed major success with at least PART of this concept ...

How about Cannibal and the Headhunters ... who took their version of "Land of 1000 Dances" up to #30 back in 1965?  Or Fine Young Cannibals, who scored back-to-back #1 Hits who two of my late-'80's favorites, "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing"?  (They did an interesting version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds", too!)  kk




One other thought on this topic comes from FH Reader Jack Levin ...



I don't know that I can come up with another song about cannibalism either, but there is a Monty Python sketch called Still No Sign Of Land that deals with it.  Apparently the crew members of a boat adrift in the ocean quarrel as to whom they're going to eat. The Captain volunteers, but the rest prefer others and still another crew member objects to the rest of the crew's choice (Johnson), because he's not Kosher. I'm sure someone in FH land has the cut. It's not on my Monty Python compilation.
Jack

I actually remember this bit, too ... perhaps somebody out there has an audio copy to share???  (kk)



re:  RON SMITH'S NEW BOOK:
Well Kent,
With my passion for including music in everything I teach, this book is a NEED, not a want.  (That's my story and I'm sticking to it)
Shelley J. Sweet-Tufano
Good luck, Shelley.  (Of course you can also ORDER a copy of Ron's hot new book from his webite!!!  lol)  kk
For a great interview with Ron (talking about his new book and radio in general), check out the link below:
Enter for YOUR chance to win a copy of Ron Smith's new Rock And Roll Calendar Book, "Eight Days A Week: Births, Deaths And Events Each Day In Oldies History" by sending us an email at forgottenhits@aol.com ... be sure to include your BIRTHDAY in the email ('cause that's how we're going to pick the winner) ... and we'll be doing that next weekend!  (kk)

re:  ON THE RADIO:
Here's a TOC "MUST LISTEN" ALERT:
Starting Tonight ...
Tune In To The TRUE OLDIES CHANNEL Every Sunday Night
Starting at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT
for CRUISIN' AMERICA …
Spotlighting The Hits From The First Decade Of Rock & Roll --- 1956 - 1966.
CRUSIN' AMERICA … HEAR IT EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT …
ONLY ---> ON THE TRUE OLDIES CHANNEL! 
Yeah Baby!!!  (Guess you really WERE paying attention, eh Scott?!?!?  lol)  
Sounds like a GREAT idea ... but us folks in Chicago will have to listen online ... because while you're playing the greatest hits from the early days of rock and roll, Chi-Town's WLS-FM will be running John "Records" Landecker's "Into The '70's" program.  (Guess that gives listeners a choice as to which decade they'd rather listen to ... so, with that thought in mind, here are "Listen Live" links for both!!!)  kk


Hi Kent!
I thought your readers may enjoy listening to a new internet radio station I just launched.  It's called Hits Of Yesteryear Radio. Not just the hits of course ... it draws on my expansive oldies library that we use for the syndicated radio show and the Hits Of Yesteryear Live.
We are adding songs practically everyday and would love suggestions from your readers.
Here is the direct listen link:
http://loudcaster.com/channels/679-hits-of-yesteryear-radio
Thanks Kent, and keep up the great work with your blog!!
Cheers,
Glenn Sauter
Producer and Host of
HITS OF YESTERYEAR
http://www.hitsofyesteryear.com


Kent ...
Here in New York, WCBS - FM is playing the top 101 Cover Songs.
Last heard #95 ... they played "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Rolling Stones (1974) followed by the original version of the same song by The Temptations (1966).
Here are a few more:
#49 = "Another Saturday Night" by Cat Stevens (1974) / Sam Cooke (1963)
I bought Sam Cooke version.
#46 = "Mocking Bird" by Carly Simon & James Taylor (1974) / Inez Fox (1963)
#43 = "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany (1987) / Tommy James & Shondells (1967)
Frank B.

I checked out the website and a list of the pairings are there.  (Of course for Tommy James remakes and covers, you can also add "Mony Mony" and "Crimson And Clover" ... both were '80's hits all over again for Billy Idol and Joan Jett respectively ... proof AGAIN this Tommy's music is timeless.  (So why isn't HE in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?!?!?!)  kk


If you missed my interview on the Morning Show with Mark and Brian, click on the attachment and you can listen to the 15 minute interview. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Hoss



Makes you wanna run out and pick up a copy of the book, doesn't it?!?!  (Yep ... that's what we were shootin' for!!!  lol)  kk

By the way, next week Phil Nee of WRCO Radio in Richland Center, Wisconsin, will be airing our VERY special "Walk Don't Run Marathon" program.  (And, through the miracle of our Mevio website, we'll have the entire program posted so that FH Readers around the world can tune in and listen, too!)  Stay tuned for more details!  (kk)

re:  THINK RADIO'S REPETITIVE???:
What a GREAT surprise seeing the brand new Target ad campaign the other night ... one of my all-time favorite songs (and one of YOUR Top 20 All-Time Favorite Psychedelic Tunes according to a FH Poll we did a few years back) is being used as the background music ... and it was GREAT to hear "Pictures Of Matchstick Men", the 1968 Hit by Status Quo, used in this way ... that is until they played it for the SIXTH time in two hours!!!  (Why do they have to DO that?!?!?  You come up with a great, new campaign ... catchy as hell ... and then you beat it to death to the point that we're now muting the TV or changing the channel every time it comes on ... which it has AT LEAST two dozen times since!!!  Any momentum you could have built has now been trashed.)  What a shame!  (kk)
For the COMPLETE List of Top 20 Psychedelic Favorites (and some GREAT reading ... including our readers' definitions of just what psychedelic music is ... be sure to check out The Forgotten Hits Website!)  kk







re:  THE WAY IT USED TO BE:
>>>Originally, the "Penny Lane" single ended with a trumpet solo which, to this day, is STILL the way I hear it because that's the way I first heard it on the radio. The promo single had the trumpet ending ... but by the time the single was officially pressed and released, The Beatles had substituted more of a psychedelic ending to the tune.  I suppose in hindsight the trumpet ending DOES sound a bit contrived ... but I loved it and, because it WAS the first way I heard the song, will always remember this as the way they had originally intended for the song to sound.  (See, Jersey John ... we really DO remember what we heard way back then!!!)  kk
Want me to remix the tracks with AM radio lightning flashes and in low fidelity mono with a DJ talking over the beginning so it's identical to the way you heard it decades ago!!!?? :-)  LOL!
Best,
Jersey John
Touche' ... but many of us really DO remember what we heard ... and can still tell the difference even 40-some years later!  (kk)

re:  MORE BEATLES-RELATED STUFF:

Paul McCartney will be playing his only-announced U.S. concert in less than three weeks and Liverpool Productions has just six spaces left to see this very special show at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas as part of our equally special mini-vacation weekend getaway for fans, June 10 - 12, 2011. Join us! 
Enjoy 3 days / 2 nights of fun Beatles / McCartney activities in Las Vegas including group seats at The Beatles LOVE® by Cirque du Soleil® show at The Mirage, two nights deluxe Vegas hotel accommodations, guaranteed group seating at a concert by one of the world's most renowned Beatles tribute acts playing on the strip plus backstage meet & greet reception, visit to the Beatles reEVOLution lounge, shopping spree at the Beatles LOVE® gift shop, gala party at the original Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe, and - of course - guaranteed tickets to see PAUL LIVE in concert on Friday night, June 10, just eight days before his 69th birthday. There will be added attractions, but these are the main events.  Open to all ages.
The "2011 Magical McCartney V.I.P. Vegas Love Weekend" package is only $999.00 per person based on double occupancy, including all of the above (transport and meals are the responsibility of the individual). 
CONTACT US IF YOU NEED TICKETS ONLY and not the whole package.
For further info or to book, email LiverpoolTours
LOTS of McCartney news lately ... first of all, he's getting married again.  (Not sure if I totally get that one!!!  lol)  My understanding is that he is adding several more dates to this U.S. Tour ... in fact, I've heard as many as nine or ten more stops will be added.  Next month, the McCartney deluxe reissue series continues with the re-release of BOTH of his truly "solo" albums, McCartney and McCartney II ... both will come in deluxe book editions with ALL kinds of bonus tracks and DVD footage.  Meanwhile, Macca has been working on an album of "standards" ... songs his Dad loved.  (Paul's father was in a big band back in Jolly ol' England ... and is the reason McCartney has such a great appreciation for the music of the '20's, '30's and '40's ... it's also the reason The Beatles recorded early tracks like "Till There Was You" and "A Taste Of Honey" ... and why McCartney was so easily able to knock out a tune like "When I'm 64" or "Your Mother Should Know"!)  But Paul also has ANOTHER album in the works ... word is he's collaborating with David Grohl of The Foo Fighters (who he got to know a little better when he performed at The White House a few months back.)  So LOTS going on in Macca-Land ... which means ALL kinds of stuff to look forward to ... (not to mention some great gift-giving ideas!!!  lol)  kk

BBC News - John Lennon lyrics to Lucy in the Sky sell for £145,000
Kent ...
That translates to = $237,132.
Frank B.




re:  BOB DYLAN TURNS 70:
Thanks for running the item about the ‘It Ain’t Him, Babe, Too’ ... a very special Dylan - birthday edition of my Atomic Cocktail radio show.
And it’s not too late for folks to listen to the show ... archived rebroadcasts can be found here:  Go to www.luxuriamusic.com and click on “Podcasts.”  Luxuria usually puts each show up as a podcast a day or so after broadcast and our show should be the first listed.
LuxuriaMusic is also accessible through iTunes Radio.
Thanks again, Kent!
Gene Sculatti
For a VERY cool blog spotlighting Robert Zimmerman's Big 7-0, check this out:
Scott Paton             




re:  10cc:

Hi Kent -
One more thing regarding Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman of 10cc - they have joined forces as GG06 and have several tracks available as download only on their website: www.gg06.co.uk
Billy




re:  THE GUESS WHO:
Since the Guess Who were only a hundred or so miles from my home town, they even played our area before they were famous. This is the first record that I remember them having with Burton Cummings singing on that was at least a regional hit. I think 1967? Of course their version of Shakin' All Over was before this, but it was also before Burton Cummings. The A side was His Girl, which is sort of a crooner, and the other side was It's my Pride, which is a bit of a rocker. It's one if not the only thing I can think of that Burton Cummings played organ on rather than piano. It even found it's way in one of the Nuggets boxes.  I may still even have my original 45. It wasn't RCA but can't remember who it was.
Bill
Being a big Guess Who fan, I've heard these tracks before (although admittedly not in a long, long time!)  Doesn't look like they chart on CHUM either ... but nice early representations of what the band sounded like before they really took off.  (Don't know if you saw it or not, but we also featured their 1971 Hit "Albert Flasher" in our "Today's Forgotten Hit" segment last week.)  Always a big fan, I was fortunate to see them at least half a dozen times.  Amazingly, some of their biggest hits were recorded right here in Chicago!  (kk)




re:  JOHN CARTER ... (AND OTHER RECENT LOSSES):
Kent ...
How ya' doin'?
I remember calling Russ Regan’s office at UNI records and telling him I just produced a master that sounds like a hit. He tells me to rush over and when he hears it he says, “You’re right Artie, it sounds like a hit ... I just can’t figure out which hit it sounds like!”
We both laughed and then he played me a new record he was about to put out that REALLY sounded like a hit ... “INCENSE AND PEPPERMINT” by the Strawberry Alarm Clock!”
I found out that this Psychedelic Masterpiece was written by John Carter and dropped by to see my friend Frank Slay, Jr., who produced the record. I wanted to meet this guy who was a unique songwriter destined for success. It wasn’t until a few years later, however, that I was finally introduced to him by my friend Bruce Garfield, who worked with him at Capitol records.
By this time Carter had produced major hits on Tina Turner (“What’s Love Got To Do With It?”, “Private  Dancer”) and I felt honored that he let me hang out. Unfortunately, it was the only time that I was with him."
Here are a few comments from people who really knew him:
Regards,
Artie Wayne 
Our new FH Buddy Bob Lefsetz has PAGES and PAGES of testimonials about John Carter posted on his website right now:  Click here: Lefsetz Letter
Carter was more of a "behind the scenes" guy in the music industry so we didn't post anything on Forgotten Hits regarding his recent passing ... but your email really drives the point home about just how involved he was in the hit-making process ... convincing me that any readers out there NOT familiar with his contributions to the music we all love would do themselves well to read up on it a little bit.  For a real eye-opening education, please check out both Artie's and Bob's glowing testimonials via the links above.  (kk)

>>>Cornell Dupree, a famed guitarist who played alongside Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Cocker, died on May 8 in Fort Worth, Texas. According to Variety, Dupree was 69 years old and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  (Ken Voss)
Most of the obits are omitting perhaps his most recognizable session work: Rainy Night in Georgia.
David Lewis

re:  RICHARD CORY:
Kent,
I just read about the Chicago Loop's follow-up with a song called RICHARD CORY. It seems to me that I had to memorize a poem in high school English literature called Richard Cory by a poet by the name of Robinson.
Larry Neal
Cory was then later immortalized in song by Paul Simon on Simon and Garfunkel's second LP.  According to the (n)ever-reliable Wikipedia:
"Richard Cory" is a narrative poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson. It was first published in 1897.  The poem describes a person who is wealthy, well educated, mannerly, and admired by the people in his town. Despite all this, he takes his own life. Through this story, Robinson introduces the classic theme of not judging people by their appearance; rather, there is more to a man than what appears on the surface. The idea that money cannot buy happiness is also suggested. The speakers are townspeople who admire Richard Cory.  The poem was adapted by the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel for its song "Richard Cory", which has also been performed by Them and Van Morrison. The song has been played live by Paul McCartney and Wings, Denny Laine singing "I wish that I could be John Denver." The Simon & Garfunkel version of the song's ending differs from the poem in that the speaker still wishes he "could be Richard Cory", even after Cory has killed himself.
lol ... I actually saw Denny Laine perform it that way when Wings played here in Chicago back in 1976!  Had forgotten all about it until I read this ... and, if I'm not mistaken, he sang it that way for the "live" "Wings Over America" LP, too!  (kk)





re:  SALUTING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE:
This has been a tough year for folks who, through absolutely no fault of their own, have lost everything due to devastating storms and flooding.  FH Reader David Lewis reminds us ...
Paul Davis had a band down in Mississippi in 1966 - 67 called The Endless Chain, and they recorded this track together.
Ilene Berns signed Paul as a solo act for Bang in 1969.
In the spring of 1973 the Mississippi River flooded seriously, similar to what's happening now. Ilene immediately re-released this song and plugged it heavily with the DJs all across the south and midwest, stating that proceeds from the sale of the record would be given to flood relief organizations. Well, the record didn't take off, but it's still remembered by many who gave it a second or third listen.
David Lewis

NO - NO - NO - NOBODY:
Kent ...
Once an hour last weekend, WCBS-FM played a Garage Band Song like "Nobody But Me" by the Human Beinz.   DJ says that they say the word "NO" 100 times in this song. I quit counting after 75!
Frank B.
While I've grown tired of this song thanks to saturation airplay over the years (I LOVED it when it first came out ... but this is ANOTHER song that radio has ruined for me due to RIDICULOUS overplay), I really enjoy the music video put together on "The Office" earlier this year!  (kk)

re:  VIDEOS:
Kent ...
Check this one out. Dion, Ben E. King, Frankie Valli + more.
Frank B.
A stellar line-up, actually ... all of the above plus a couple of Temptations thrown in along with a few others.  We've been hearing this song quite a bit around the house here lately.  Our daughter's final concert this school year features the boys doing this tune.  A neat little tribute to Billy Joel (and the YouTube site implies that there's a version of Frankie Valli singing "Uptown Girl" floating around out there somewhere, too ... now THAT I'd like to see!!!)  kk
Trying to recall who performed best live (as in "sounded like the hit") on TV without needing record help. Here's one from the early '70's ... because the group, Chase, was one of the best!


Kent ...
Check out Wild Wayne's clip of the week.  What kind of guitar is he playing?
Never saw one like that before.
Frank B.


re:  GRADUATION DAY:
Yep ... it's coming around again!

Kent ...
It's that time of the year.  This is my favorite version of this old song.
Frank B.


re:  ANOTHER GREAT MEDLEY:
You recently posted a Bobby Darin medley of sorts on youtube. That reminded me of a record which I will get out later on tonight and play and one which I really like.  I am talking about Bobby Vee's 1968 recording of MEDLEY: MY GIRL / HEY GIRL.
Larry
We featured that one WAY back in 2002 I think ... in fact, I remember Bobby Vee commenting on it at the time ... but those comments are LONG gone now.  Still, this medley of two VERY popular '60's songs did pretty well on the charts, ultimately peaking at #17 in Cash Box ... but stalling at #35 in Billboard.  (Let me know what you think after you play it again ... for me, this one hasn't aged well!!!)
I always liked his version of "Beautiful People", too ... another great Forgotten Hit that did chart battle with the Kenny O'Dell Version.  (In fact, we may feature that one as one of our "Today's Forgotten Hit" Two-For-Tuesday Twin Spins!  Stay tuned!!!)  kk



re:  COLLECTORS' 45's:
Hi Kent, 
At one time, I had a collection of thousands of 45's.  The 45 RPM record was one of the most interesting forms of music, and also of odd releases.
Of course we've heard of the Coke and Pepsi commercials, and the recent mention of the Tony Conigliaro records.  I've had 45's of Jimmy Piersall ... something about playing the outfield.  John Wayne also recorded ... and so did Clint Eastwood.  There are too many to mention.  However the absolutely worst record I've ever heard was a 45 by Jack Palance ...
I think it was called Big River.
You might want to hear from some of your readers on other off beat 45's that were released.     
Arnold Kirkbride
More than a fair share of television and movie stars took a shot at expanding their careers in the pop music arena ... some certainly worked better than others.  We recently featured Patty Duke's Top Ten Record "Don't Just Stand There" (kind of a "You Don't  Own Me" clone) in our daily "Today's Forgotten Hit" feature.  Another personal favorite is THIS one by Bonanza star Michael Landon ... it's "Little Joe's" version of "Gimme A Little Kiss".  This record actually charted here in Chicago, ultimately peaking at #34!  (Landon, of course, went to star in a couple of other hit television series ... like "Little House on the Prairie" and "Highway To Heaven"!)  kk


re:  A COUPLE MORE NEW RELEASES ... FROM HENRY GROSS:
After four years of writing and recording, I'm proud to say my TWO NEW ALBUMS, "Rhymes And Misdemeanors" and "Right As Rain" are now available.  Each CD has 21 new songs, once again recorded with the amazing John MacIane in Ft. Meyers, Florida.  I sincerely hope hearing this music brings you the same joy John and I had making it!
Henry Gross
http://www.henrygross.com
 
re:  DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
Hi Kent!
Thanks for all the cool information!
Judi G.


What a great way to start the week ...
Eighteen with a Bullet ... and a contest ... YIPPEE!
I smiled the whole time I was listening to this wonderful song ... thanks!
Stacee

Hi Kent,
I still love reading your blog on a regular basis.    
Mike Ogilvie
Mississauga, ON
Canada


>>>I had forgotten about this hit "The Snake by Al Wilson" and haven't heard it in decades but it was, at the time, a favorite I never bought  (bd poe)
Personally, I never heard it before; found it on a UK compilation, so it must have charted in the UK, too. Cool song!!!!!
Jersey John
GREAT song ... and definitely a list favorite ... seriously, I've received more requests for THIS song than ANY other to date!  So why isn't radio playing it?!?!?  (kk) 
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