Wishing a Happy Easter Sunday to Everyone ...
We've got another GIANT EDITION of The Sunday Comments (and some REALLY good stuff this weekend, too, if I do say so myself ... and I just did!)
re: APRIL FOOL'S DAY CALENDAR:
>>>If you think the Beatles
entry confused people, you might try looking at the April 1st edition of my
calendar online (Ron Smith)
>>>Clever April Foolery ... I actually figured on
90% of these without the use of my special Bat Decoder Ring ... so I felt pretty
good about that! (kk)
Linking to the calendar only brings you that day.
The April Fools calendar is gone.
Ron
The April Fools calendar is gone.
Ron
I was afraid that might be the case - is there
another link that's still accessible? (kk)
No ... once it's gone,
it's gone. But this is sort of what it looked like.
(Boy I'd like to see someone rip those entries off.)
Ron
(Boy I'd like to see someone rip those entries off.)
Ron
(click to enlarge)
re: THE BYRDS:
>>>Here's a GREAT pic that was emailed to me of a young
Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman and the late Clarence White ... I'm thinking circa
'68? I sent it to Roger and Chris requested a print that I just got off to him
today. Thought this might be a good pic to share with everyone. The pic is so
rare because I've NEVER seen a pic of just Roger, Chris and Clarence. (Wild
Bill)
April
fools?? Where's the picture ?? LOL
Tom
Another
downside of me trying to cram two hours of work into 45 minutes so I can get a
new edition of Forgotten Hits out in the morning before I have to leave for
work!!! Here it is (kk) :
re: FREDDIE AND THE DREAMERS:
I
ALSO forgot to include the song clip for the Freddie and the Dreamers'
version of "Lonely Boy" that was mentioned in The Friday Flash ...
you'll find THAT one if you scroll back to Saturday's HELPING OUT OUR
READERS posting. Honestly, there are weeks that I just can't keep up
with this anymore!!! (kk)
Hey
Kent,
Thanks to you and Tom Diehl for putting "Lonely Boy" by Freddie and the Dreamers online to hear again. Freddie's great tenor voice really comes through on "You Were Made For Me". Unfortunately, he was known more as a showman, than a singer. I did know he passed, six years ago. Also, another member of the band, Bernie Dwyer left us, too. He was almost as funny as Freddie, and another underrated drummer. Bernie was what we call a "switch-hitter", changing from matched grip (Ringo-style), to military grip (like most jazz drummers use). I hope classic pop radio stations will think about playing more of their hits, besides "I'm Telling You Now".
Thanks to you and Tom Diehl for putting "Lonely Boy" by Freddie and the Dreamers online to hear again. Freddie's great tenor voice really comes through on "You Were Made For Me". Unfortunately, he was known more as a showman, than a singer. I did know he passed, six years ago. Also, another member of the band, Bernie Dwyer left us, too. He was almost as funny as Freddie, and another underrated drummer. Bernie was what we call a "switch-hitter", changing from matched grip (Ringo-style), to military grip (like most jazz drummers use). I hope classic pop radio stations will think about playing more of their hits, besides "I'm Telling You Now".
- John
LaPuzza
I liked all of Freddie and the Dreamers' hits ... and always felt
that it was their own undoing as to why they were never taken seriously as a
musical act. Too bad ... because they WERE quite talented. Here's another one
of my favorites ... "A Little You" from 1965. (This one JUST missed The
National Top 40, peaking at #41 in Cash Box Magazine).
kk
re: THE
BEATLES:
Kent,
I for one, want to go with April 4,
1964, for that anniversary date because it was my 8th birthday!!! Anyway, the
story of WIBG (as much as I LOVE WLS) being the first to play a Beatles record
in the US could be true. However, you can view most all of the WIBG Top 99's
for years at this site: http://surveys.philaradio.com/wibg.htm
Although it has a plethora or FH's
listed in the 99 tunes every week, no Beatles tunes in the early 1963 time
frame, as has been noted. One would think that WIBG would have enough in their
99 to suffice NOT playing "extras" but apparently Alex knows better, so that is
even more amazing! Even if WLS was the hometown and a big supporter of Vee Jay
in '63, WIBG certainly broke records by charting 99 songs and it is likely Vee
Jay knew this and would try to get an add there as soon as
possible.
I think Alex could easily be correct, as I often wrote down the new songs being aired by Ron Riley on his Sunday nights "Preview" hour long show at 7 PM on WLS (which preceded his "British Billboard" top 10 show at 8). He often featured songs that were new on the Silver Dollar Survey, but also some brand new tracks not yet on the chart. Add to that the fact (as pointed out) that WLS' chart usually said the record had been played weeks before it actually would chart on the survey, based on the "weeks played" listing on the right side of the surveys back in '63.
Also, I obtained a hand written notebook years ago by a Silver Dollar Survey fanatic who used to write down the top 30 off the air weekly from 1961 thru 1964, adding notes on each page as her life went on through high school. She often listed up to three "WLS Specials" or extras that Bob Hale (pre-64) and Dex Card (post 63) played during the week on their survey shows, as well as their spotlight LPs. On her hand-written lists for (according to the "weeks played" part of the WLS survey) Feb 22, 1963, she had listed the "WLS Specials" as "Castaway" by Haley Mills, "Blue" by Jack Reno and "Yellow Bandana" by Faron Young. This is kind of interesting since the latter two of these three would actually chart two weeks later when "Please Please Me" would also first appear. The next week, the Mills track would finally chart.
I think Alex could easily be correct, as I often wrote down the new songs being aired by Ron Riley on his Sunday nights "Preview" hour long show at 7 PM on WLS (which preceded his "British Billboard" top 10 show at 8). He often featured songs that were new on the Silver Dollar Survey, but also some brand new tracks not yet on the chart. Add to that the fact (as pointed out) that WLS' chart usually said the record had been played weeks before it actually would chart on the survey, based on the "weeks played" listing on the right side of the surveys back in '63.
Also, I obtained a hand written notebook years ago by a Silver Dollar Survey fanatic who used to write down the top 30 off the air weekly from 1961 thru 1964, adding notes on each page as her life went on through high school. She often listed up to three "WLS Specials" or extras that Bob Hale (pre-64) and Dex Card (post 63) played during the week on their survey shows, as well as their spotlight LPs. On her hand-written lists for (according to the "weeks played" part of the WLS survey) Feb 22, 1963, she had listed the "WLS Specials" as "Castaway" by Haley Mills, "Blue" by Jack Reno and "Yellow Bandana" by Faron Young. This is kind of interesting since the latter two of these three would actually chart two weeks later when "Please Please Me" would also first appear. The next week, the Mills track would finally chart.
Of interest, the actual March 15
(click here to follow my notes: http://www.oldiesloon.com/il/wlsind63.htm), Silver Dollar Survey would show the Beattles song as
played for 4 weeks, Reno's and Haley's at 5 weeks and Young's at 6 weeks. When
I look back at the handwritten 2/15 list, it shows "specials" for the Mills and
Reno songs that week, too. The Young one does not appear on her handwritten 2/8
list, but she only lists two "specials" that week, so she likely never heard it
when it was played that week. This pretty much proves that the "weeks played"
notations were pretty close to accurate on the surveys. SO, the Beattles track
could have been played as early as the Friday, 2/22 survey date on WLS as she
likely wrote the lists on the Friday afternoon dates that the survey premiered
on the Bob Hale show -- that is certainly the day I most tried to listen.
Sadly, she must have not caught much on WLS for the 3/1 week as she listed nothing for "Specials" that week, but again listed the next week's three songs. So, I am summarizing that the WIBG early play could have been true, but also, that WLS might have aired the song even earlier in March.
Another possibility is getting a UK 45 of the record. It COULD have happened even back then. In 1980, a close friend and I were going through her records and I came across a UK import 45. She told me her sister had been in the UK in 1961 and brought this record back for her. It turned out to be "Forget Me Not" by Eden Kane. Like the Beatles 45, this was a top 10 record in the UK and never charted here, but I love the record. In the 80's my brother traveled to Canada and brought me a big Canadian hit, "The Queen" by Nannette Workman. Never hit the US, but shows these things did happen and it could have beaten the US release by coming from overseas to someone at WIBG.
Sadly, she must have not caught much on WLS for the 3/1 week as she listed nothing for "Specials" that week, but again listed the next week's three songs. So, I am summarizing that the WIBG early play could have been true, but also, that WLS might have aired the song even earlier in March.
Another possibility is getting a UK 45 of the record. It COULD have happened even back then. In 1980, a close friend and I were going through her records and I came across a UK import 45. She told me her sister had been in the UK in 1961 and brought this record back for her. It turned out to be "Forget Me Not" by Eden Kane. Like the Beatles 45, this was a top 10 record in the UK and never charted here, but I love the record. In the 80's my brother traveled to Canada and brought me a big Canadian hit, "The Queen" by Nannette Workman. Never hit the US, but shows these things did happen and it could have beaten the US release by coming from overseas to someone at WIBG.
The theories are
endless.
WLSClark
The thing about the Philly claim is that it was
INSISTENT on the fact that it was a Vee Jay Record, HAND-DELIVERED by Jerry
Butler to the station. Had something been said about an import single being
brought over, one could suspect that "Please Please Me" theoretically COULD have
been played in January of 1963 after it was released in Great Britain ... after all, that's what happened with "I Want To Hold Your Hand", forcing Capitol Records to release the record here sooner than originally planned ... but
what set me off was the claim that they played the Vee Jay record of "Please
Please Me" in 1962 ... which quite simply isn't possible. After countless hours
of research on this topic, my main focus was to have this erroneous information
removed from their website as it's absolutely misleading and BOGUS to have it
there. (kk)
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I could eat them up.
(baaaaaad, I know).
Date discussions are constant around my
neck of the woods. The Declaration of Independence was READ to the people in
Philly on July 4th, 1776, but took days (before or after?) to get everyone
together to sign. Some eye witness accounts say the Declaration reading was
started on July 3rd. ??? The final effect is the same, no matter what the date.
It is not just random that I chose that example as we speak about The 60's
British Invasion :-) Anyway, I sent twelve 5th graders (who are vocal to a
fault when they feel they have new information) out into the world with your
date. So, just maybe ... you will be changing history. ;-)
Shelley J.
Sweet-Tufano
Kent,
You're absolutely right about the week ending, as opposed to the
week beginning. As you know, in Chicago, WLS' survey was week beginning and for
much of the life of the WCFL surveys, it was week ending. You're also right
about 1965. While I haven't looked at the national charts, one look at WLS and
you'll see it was 1965 when the British Invasion kicked in. It was the end of
1965 when American bands, inspired by the Beatles & others, started
reclaiming the charts.
Jack
Many of the charts fluctuated over the years as to "week beginning"
and "week ending" ... which lends even more credence to the importance of these
dates. That's why I felt certain that declaring March 29th as the date The
Beatles first assumed the top five positions was the most accurate way to
present this piece of history.
I
didn't run any stats for 1965 ... but clearly 1964 was a HUGE year for British
artists as well, as evidenced by the list of chart hits compiled by some of the
forerunners of The British Invasion. Without question, that whole era of 1964 /
1965 was ruled by The British on our American charts. (kk)
>>>(What, you
thought I was kidding about rerunning this?!?!) Hey, if this is the date
people want to see, then this is the date we'll go with.
(kk)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ground Hog Day 1964??
By the way, the average person needs to hear something 54 times before they have it stored to memory. So ... do I hear another 52 times coming?
Shelley J. Sweet-Tufano
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ground Hog Day 1964??
By the way, the average person needs to hear something 54 times before they have it stored to memory. So ... do I hear another 52 times coming?
Shelley J. Sweet-Tufano
We heard a couple of jocks discussed our date
dilemma on the radio ... 'cause TECHNICALLY we're right, ya know!!! (Hey, I'm
holding on to that for as long as I can!) But, as I said, if April 4th is the
date you wanna celebrate, go for it. In fact, this week's issue
of Billboard Magazine saluted the anniversary, too ... again citing
April 4th as the date it happened ... so who are we to argue???
(kk)
http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/news/April-4-1964-the-beatles-make-hot-100-history-1005110532.story
Do you know why the Beatles records were released by several different record companies? The top 5 you listed were on Capitol, Swan, Tollie, and VeeJay.
Mark
Do you know why the Beatles records were released by several different record companies? The top 5 you listed were on Capitol, Swan, Tollie, and VeeJay.
Mark
Capitol Records (which is owned by EMI, for whom The Beatles recorded in
Great Britain) turned down all of these other releases as not being commercial
enough for the American audience ... so EMI placed them with other record
companies in an effort to launch The Beatles here in The States. Once Capitol finally
relented and released "I Want To Hold Your Hand", the floodgates opened ... and
all of these old singles (which were first released to virtually NO reaction whatsoever here in
1963) quickly shot up the charts. Capitol eventually sued and stopped further
distribution of these other labels ... but for a brief few months in 1964, you
could find The Beatles on Capitol, Swan, Vee Jay, Tollie, MGM and Atco
Records! (Vee Jay also snuck out a number of re-releases on their Oldies 45 label.) And, if you include LP's into the mix, you can add United Artists to this list, as they issued the original soundtrack album to "A Hard Day's Night"! (kk)
http://wcbsfm.radio.com/2012/04/03/paul-mccartneys-son-hints-at-formation-of-next-generation-beatles/
Kent
...
He looks like his father. Can he
sing like his father?
What should we call them: "Baby Beatles"? "SOB = Son Of Beatle"? Or "Beatle Juniors"?
Frank B.
God, let's hope not ... it just wouldn't be right. (But I have to admit that it WOULD be kinda cool to see the four offspring put something together for a one-off performance for charity or something ... JUST to hear what they'd sound like!) kk
re: SUKIYAKI:
What should we call them: "Baby Beatles"? "SOB = Son Of Beatle"? Or "Beatle Juniors"?
Frank B.
God, let's hope not ... it just wouldn't be right. (But I have to admit that it WOULD be kinda cool to see the four offspring put something together for a one-off performance for charity or something ... JUST to hear what they'd sound like!) kk
re: SUKIYAKI:
Kent,
I have got to be honest with you. I
had never heard of Clyde Beavers, much less that he had a version of the Kyu Sakamoto song Sukiyaki. I am
probably in the minority about of
never hearing of him. Thanks for posting his version. Oh, by the way,
I'll take Kyu Sakamoto's version
any day.
Larry Neal
Larry Neal
And, to be completely honest with you, too, I had
never heard it before either ... in fact, until the morning that we posted that
piece, I had never heard it ... but the ever-reliable Tom Diehl came through
with a copy for us just in the nick of time and we were able to include it in
our website piece. Many thanks, Tom, for always coming through for us in a
pinch! (kk)
And, speaking of Tom Diehl, he's come up with another version ... by "The Birds And The Bees" guy no less! (kk)
No mention of Jewel Akens' version of the song, My First Lonely Night? Try finding THIS one on a 45 ... it'll set you back a nice chunk of change!
Tom
And another version ... from the soul side!
(kk)
Hey Kent,
I thought you might like to hear Bobby Caldwell's "souled" take on "Sukiyaki".
- John LaPuzza
Hey Kent,
As always enjoying your site immensely.
Two things:
First: Presently an ex grade school classmate from Evergreen Park is organizing an 8th grade graduation reunion for our Class Of 63. I have been throwing together what I call “You're older then dirt if ... ”
My first entry is ... You're older then dirt if ... Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto was the # 1 song on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey the week you graduated.
Checking out that survey from June 7, 1963, has been a real blast from the past. How appropriate to have “Your Graduation Means Goodbye” by The Cardigans at #32 that week. Looking over the Top 40 I can see about six songs I can’t recall from that survey:
#22 Kentucky - Bob Moore
#23 The Bounce - Olympics
#25 Manhatten Spirtual - Santo & Johnny
#30 Summer’s Comin’ - Kirby St.
#34 Not Me - Orlons
#37 There Goes My Heart Again - Fats Domino
What a great era it was for music when you could have Kyu Sakamoto, Bobby Darin, Jimmy Soul, Bill Anderson, Nick Noble and Nat King Cole all on the same Top 40 survey. It’s funny to think how a few year later there would be much less integrated surveys and many more categorizes for these artist music. You would no longer see these same great artist on the same survey. In a way, doesn’t it seem we took a step backward???
My second “You're older then dirt if ...” The Beatles had yet to make the US charts when you graduated from St. Bernadette’s Class of '63.
Little did we know we were heading for more music categories with the British Invasion and Beatlemania. When you read about all these great artists and they mentioned artists that influenced their music, you will see a wide variety of artists and music. I bet their list would read similar to these great artists and surveys from the 50’s and early 60’s.
Second: A while back we were trying to determine which Chicago DJ may have played “Hair” by The Cowsills prior to it nationwide release.
Kent, your guess was it might have been WGN’s Roy Leonard. I think you may be spot on. There is a picture at Roy’s web site of him, at what appears to be his radio station interviewing a group that looks like it could be The Cowsills. I blew it up but it was still too fuzzy to make out for sure. I kind of eliminated The Brady Bunch because there appeared to be no ”Marsha Marsha Marsha” or Jan. I was also able to eliminate The Partridge Family because there didn’t appear to be a Susan Dey in site.
Check it out and tell me what you think.
Hey Kent,
As always enjoying your site immensely.
Two things:
First: Presently an ex grade school classmate from Evergreen Park is organizing an 8th grade graduation reunion for our Class Of 63. I have been throwing together what I call “You're older then dirt if ... ”
My first entry is ... You're older then dirt if ... Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto was the # 1 song on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey the week you graduated.
Checking out that survey from June 7, 1963, has been a real blast from the past. How appropriate to have “Your Graduation Means Goodbye” by The Cardigans at #32 that week. Looking over the Top 40 I can see about six songs I can’t recall from that survey:
#22 Kentucky - Bob Moore
#23 The Bounce - Olympics
#25 Manhatten Spirtual - Santo & Johnny
#30 Summer’s Comin’ - Kirby St.
#34 Not Me - Orlons
#37 There Goes My Heart Again - Fats Domino
What a great era it was for music when you could have Kyu Sakamoto, Bobby Darin, Jimmy Soul, Bill Anderson, Nick Noble and Nat King Cole all on the same Top 40 survey. It’s funny to think how a few year later there would be much less integrated surveys and many more categorizes for these artist music. You would no longer see these same great artist on the same survey. In a way, doesn’t it seem we took a step backward???
My second “You're older then dirt if ...” The Beatles had yet to make the US charts when you graduated from St. Bernadette’s Class of '63.
Little did we know we were heading for more music categories with the British Invasion and Beatlemania. When you read about all these great artists and they mentioned artists that influenced their music, you will see a wide variety of artists and music. I bet their list would read similar to these great artists and surveys from the 50’s and early 60’s.
Second: A while back we were trying to determine which Chicago DJ may have played “Hair” by The Cowsills prior to it nationwide release.
Kent, your guess was it might have been WGN’s Roy Leonard. I think you may be spot on. There is a picture at Roy’s web site of him, at what appears to be his radio station interviewing a group that looks like it could be The Cowsills. I blew it up but it was still too fuzzy to make out for sure. I kind of eliminated The Brady Bunch because there appeared to be no ”Marsha Marsha Marsha” or Jan. I was also able to eliminate The Partridge Family because there didn’t appear to be a Susan Dey in site.
Check it out and tell me what you think.
Jerry Kamper
Some of those "mystery songs" on your list fared better
on our local Chicagoland chart than they did nationally ... which is why they
may be tough to remember. Then again, with SO much music from 1963 and earlier
ignored by radio these days, more and more of these tunes continue to permanently fade from our
memories. In order:
#22 Kentucky - Bob Moore
The follow-up to his Top Ten Hit "Mexico", this one went to #14 here in Chicago ... but failed to make The Billboard Hot 100. (It did reach #75 in Cash Box Magazine however.)
#23 The Bounce - Olympics
"The Bounce" peaked at #19 here in Chi-Town ... and snuck into Billboard's Top 40 AT #40.
#25 Manhatten Spirtual - Santo & Johnny
Definitely not the HIT version of this tune, I don't show this one charting nationally at all ... but it went to #20 on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey.
#30 Summer’s Comin’ - Kirby St.
Actually, Kirby St. Romain, who went all the way to #19 with this record here in Chicago. Nationally, it peaked at #49
#34 Not Me - Orlons
Definitely the biggest hit on your list ... "Not Me" was The Orlons' fourth of five straight Top 20 singles, peaking at #12 on the national charts. That's one better than it did here locally, where it peaked at #13.
#37 There Goes My Heart Again - Fats Domino
This one reached #35 here in Chicago ... but crapped out at #59 nationally.
ALL of these tunes have been long forgotten by radio ... but judging solely by the stats, "Not Me", a #12 national hit, certainly deserves a spin now and again ... so let's feature that one today. (Maybe you'll remember it when you hear it?!?!?) kk
The follow-up to his Top Ten Hit "Mexico", this one went to #14 here in Chicago ... but failed to make The Billboard Hot 100. (It did reach #75 in Cash Box Magazine however.)
#23 The Bounce - Olympics
"The Bounce" peaked at #19 here in Chi-Town ... and snuck into Billboard's Top 40 AT #40.
#25 Manhatten Spirtual - Santo & Johnny
Definitely not the HIT version of this tune, I don't show this one charting nationally at all ... but it went to #20 on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey.
#30 Summer’s Comin’ - Kirby St.
Actually, Kirby St. Romain, who went all the way to #19 with this record here in Chicago. Nationally, it peaked at #49
#34 Not Me - Orlons
Definitely the biggest hit on your list ... "Not Me" was The Orlons' fourth of five straight Top 20 singles, peaking at #12 on the national charts. That's one better than it did here locally, where it peaked at #13.
#37 There Goes My Heart Again - Fats Domino
This one reached #35 here in Chicago ... but crapped out at #59 nationally.
ALL of these tunes have been long forgotten by radio ... but judging solely by the stats, "Not Me", a #12 national hit, certainly deserves a spin now and again ... so let's feature that one today. (Maybe you'll remember it when you hear it?!?!?) kk
Can't blame people who didn't buy the Kenny Ball
version. He's the feel-good-Dixieland-jazz-style kind of artist, and this is a
downer kind of song. Not a good idea to make it this way. Meanwhile, the
country singer did an admirable job.
-- BOB FRABLE
-- BOB FRABLE
I think Kenny Ball stayed true to
himself as an artist with his version ... and "Sukiyaki" has such a strong
melody, the record label probably figured it would work in ANY style ... judging
by all the material we've covered here, we've seen a Dixieland attempt, a
country attempt, a soulful attempt and a couple of vocalcentric versions from
recent years, none of which quite measure up to the Kyu Sakamoto original
version ... but it just goes to show you how powerful a melody this really is,
to be adapted into so many different styles and interpretations. (And I've
already lost count as to how many different languages and sets of lyrics this
song has gone through! lol) kk
re: THE ANIMAL STORIES NEWS
TEAM:
>>>Big news in
Chicago this week that Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards have teamed up again to
create a series of public service advertisements as part of The Animal Stories
News Team. Folks who grew up listening to these guys in the '70's and '80's
know what a HUGE phenomenon this was here in Chicago. As exciting as all of
this is (and should be), it's almost anti-climactic ... simply because the ads
themselves aren't any good!!! Truth is, they sound SO staged and mechanical as
to be embarrassing ... all of the spontaneity of this dynamic duo playing off of
each other is gone ... in fact, UNREHEARSED, fresh read-throughs would have been
FAR more entertaining if only because they likely would have flubbed a line or
two here and there! Instead we get a rushed, watered-down version of what truly
is magical radio chemistry, all of which has been lost in this new campaign.
(Fans will truly be disappointed ... and left to wonder "what might have been"
had the duo simply been allowed to be themselves in these spots.)
kk
Mother Weber used to say “You can’t reheat a soufflé!
Mother Weber used to say “You can’t reheat a soufflé!
Clark
Weber
RE: Uncle
Lar & Little Snot-nosed Tommy ... I used to LOVE Animal Stories. I used to
pull over to the side of the road to listen while I was delivering mail on a
rural route in north central Michigan. I couldn't concentrate on my job while I
was laughing. They had great chemistry and kicking the wastebasket always seemed
to make things even funnier. I managed to acquire their fist two l.p.s but have
not yet been able to find the 3rd. I had to tape both of them for my teenage son
in the mid nineties after he heard them one night (My record room was next to
his bedroom). Like the Marx Bros., that was once-in-a-lifetime stuff that we
were fortunate enough to experience.
Dube
It sounds like this stuff is available on CD now ... there's a link on the website that takes you to Tommy Edwards' site where you can order copies of all these classic bits. In fact, FIVE CD collections are now available! Check it out here: http://www.animalstoriescd.com/
It sounds like this stuff is available on CD now ... there's a link on the website that takes you to Tommy Edwards' site where you can order copies of all these classic bits. In fact, FIVE CD collections are now available! Check it out here: http://www.animalstoriescd.com/
Here's a vintage Animal Stories bit from their hey-day ...
Now go listen to ANY of these new public service announcement clips. Can you tell the difference?!?!? (kk)
re: THE MONKEES:
Now go listen to ANY of these new public service announcement clips. Can you tell the difference?!?!? (kk)
re: JOHNNY
MAESTRO:
Kent ...
I think this 1 hour & 10 minute
concert will go well with Irene Brodsky's book Sixteen Candles Shine Forever In
Memory Of Johnny Maestro
Frank B.
Hi Kent --
I still find it hard to talk about The
Brooklyn Bridge without sadness, now that Freddy Ferrara has also passed. Johnny
and Freddy were wonderful people, as are the remaining members. As well as
amazing entertainers they were great friends and I was able to spend many
wonderful times with them.
I was fortunate to sing with them 24-30
times through the years doing the bass on "My Juanita" ... but my greatest
memory by far was having them sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" at my wife Carolyn
and my wedding in 1977!
Danny Guilfoyle
Two very
different Johnny Maestro memories come to mind ...
One is Johnny
in the 70s doing a Hair Club for Men commercial. I had never really noticed that
he wore a hairpiece, but I never looked at him again without noticing his
hair.
The second was
one of the best evening entertainment of any kind I have ever seen.
In the 90s
Johnny and the Brooklyn Bridge played for a Christmas party given by Bo Deitl, a
former New York City detective, who was a regular on Don Imus' radio show. I was
invited because Westwood One was syndicating Imus' radio show at the time. I
didn't know a lot of people there, so I just stood
by the side of the stage and watched Johnny and the Brooklyn Bridge - for HOURS
- while they they played a wide variety of music one never gets to see them
perform at the package shows where they just get to do their hits. I only wish
that I had the opportunity to see more of my favorite artists do such extended
shows.
Ed
Salamon
re:
JIM MARSHALL:
Here's more on the passing of
amplifier extraordinaire Jim Marshall, courtesy of FH Reader Ken Voss
...
Jim Marshall, Maker of Marshall Amplifiers, Dies at 88
By DOUGLAS MARTIN, New York Times
Published: April 5, 2012
Jim Marshall, who made rock ’n’
roll rawer and noisier by inventing the amplifier that helped define guitarists
from Jimi Hendrix to members of countless garage bands, died on Thursday at a
hospice in London. He was 88.
His death was announced by the
company he founded, Marshall Amplification. The Associated Press said the cause
was cancer.
Mr. Marshall was part of the
English music scene as a drummer, drumming teacher and owner of a store in
London that sold
drums as the new rock music was gathering momentum in the early 1960s. Musicians
urged him to add guitars and amplifiers to his wares. One of them, Pete
Townshend of the Who, said he told Mr. Marshall that he wanted something “bigger
and louder.”
“I was demanding a more powerful machine gun” to “blow people away all around the world,” Mr. Townshend told NPR in 2002. “I wanted it to be as big as the atomic bomb had been.”
With his sixth prototype, Mr. Marshall and his helpers came up with a harmless-looking black box with a speaker inside and controls on top. It would become the basis for the formidable wall of amplifiers used by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and almost every other major rock guitarist in the ’60s and ’70s and by the next generation of guitarists as well, including Kurt Cobain, Eddie Van Halen and Slash.
This acoustic artillery came to be called the “wall of Marshalls” or “Marshall stacks.” Mr. Marshall became known as “the father of loud.” The Marshall amps were cheaper than the ones made by Fender, which produced a more precise sound. But the emerging rockers wanted something rougher and rowdier. In a tribute on Twitter, Mötley Crüe’s bassist, Nikki Sixx, said Mr. Marshall had been “responsible for some of the greatest audio moments in music’s history — and 50 percent responsible for all our hearing loss.”
James Charles Marshall was born in London on July 29, 1923, to parents who owned a fish-and-chips shop. He was stricken with tuberculosis of the bones and spent much of his early youth in a plaster cast from his knees to his armpits. When he was 13, sinking family fortunes forced him to take jobs in a scrap-metal yard, a jam factory and a shoe shop. Having learned to tap dance at 14, he was hired as a dancer and singer with a 16-piece orchestra. He took up drumming and rode his bicycle to performances, pulling his drum kit in a trailer.
During World War II he worked at an engineering firm after failing his draft physical and read engineering books on his own. After the war he taught drumming and eventually had 65 students.
He used his teaching profits to buy his music store. One of the musicians who came into the store regularly was Ken Bran, who visited with his band, Peppy and the New York Twisters. Mr. Marshall hired him as a service engineer.
Mr. Bran suggested that they build their own amplifiers, and brought in a young engineer, Dudley Craven, to help them. They collected ideas from musicians about creating a fuzzier, more rambunctious sound then in demand. The sound became known as “the Marshall crunch.”
The first model, made in 1962, attracted 23 orders the first day. Two years later Mr. Marshall had 16 people in a factory making 20 amplifiers a week. Exports began in 1964 with an order from Roy Orbison. More growth followed as the company supplied mammoth sound systems to acts like Deep Purple and Elton John.
One of Mr. Marshall’s biggest breaks came in 1967 when Hendrix visited his showroom. In just months Hendrix would have a huge hit with his album “Are You Experienced,” but at the time, Mr. Marshall recalled, he thought the guitarist was “just another American chap wanting things for free.” Hendrix assured him that he intended to pay, and ultimately bought four complete stage setups.
“He was our greatest ambassador, without a doubt,” said Mr. Marshall, who considered Hendrix the best guitarist ever.
Mr. Marshall is survived by two children, two stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, The A.P. reported.
I always found it amazing that Jimi Hendrix's middle name was Marshall ... talk about kismet! (kk)
“I was demanding a more powerful machine gun” to “blow people away all around the world,” Mr. Townshend told NPR in 2002. “I wanted it to be as big as the atomic bomb had been.”
With his sixth prototype, Mr. Marshall and his helpers came up with a harmless-looking black box with a speaker inside and controls on top. It would become the basis for the formidable wall of amplifiers used by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and almost every other major rock guitarist in the ’60s and ’70s and by the next generation of guitarists as well, including Kurt Cobain, Eddie Van Halen and Slash.
This acoustic artillery came to be called the “wall of Marshalls” or “Marshall stacks.” Mr. Marshall became known as “the father of loud.” The Marshall amps were cheaper than the ones made by Fender, which produced a more precise sound. But the emerging rockers wanted something rougher and rowdier. In a tribute on Twitter, Mötley Crüe’s bassist, Nikki Sixx, said Mr. Marshall had been “responsible for some of the greatest audio moments in music’s history — and 50 percent responsible for all our hearing loss.”
James Charles Marshall was born in London on July 29, 1923, to parents who owned a fish-and-chips shop. He was stricken with tuberculosis of the bones and spent much of his early youth in a plaster cast from his knees to his armpits. When he was 13, sinking family fortunes forced him to take jobs in a scrap-metal yard, a jam factory and a shoe shop. Having learned to tap dance at 14, he was hired as a dancer and singer with a 16-piece orchestra. He took up drumming and rode his bicycle to performances, pulling his drum kit in a trailer.
During World War II he worked at an engineering firm after failing his draft physical and read engineering books on his own. After the war he taught drumming and eventually had 65 students.
He used his teaching profits to buy his music store. One of the musicians who came into the store regularly was Ken Bran, who visited with his band, Peppy and the New York Twisters. Mr. Marshall hired him as a service engineer.
Mr. Bran suggested that they build their own amplifiers, and brought in a young engineer, Dudley Craven, to help them. They collected ideas from musicians about creating a fuzzier, more rambunctious sound then in demand. The sound became known as “the Marshall crunch.”
The first model, made in 1962, attracted 23 orders the first day. Two years later Mr. Marshall had 16 people in a factory making 20 amplifiers a week. Exports began in 1964 with an order from Roy Orbison. More growth followed as the company supplied mammoth sound systems to acts like Deep Purple and Elton John.
One of Mr. Marshall’s biggest breaks came in 1967 when Hendrix visited his showroom. In just months Hendrix would have a huge hit with his album “Are You Experienced,” but at the time, Mr. Marshall recalled, he thought the guitarist was “just another American chap wanting things for free.” Hendrix assured him that he intended to pay, and ultimately bought four complete stage setups.
“He was our greatest ambassador, without a doubt,” said Mr. Marshall, who considered Hendrix the best guitarist ever.
Mr. Marshall is survived by two children, two stepchildren, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, The A.P. reported.
I always found it amazing that Jimi Hendrix's middle name was Marshall ... talk about kismet! (kk)
re: AT ANY
SPEED:
>>>In regards to what some of your readers said
commenting on the record by the Roosters being
played at a different speed, the
first thing I thought of was a record that came out in 1955 on Decca
Records called OPEN UP YOUR HEART (AND LET THE SUNSHINE IN).
It was by the Cowboy Church Sunday
School. You played it at 45 rpm where the singers sounded
like very young kids,
but playing it at 33 rpm the singers sounded like the age they
really were. Nothing was said on the label indicating to try to switch to
33 rpm. (Larry)
Vinny B.
>>>Hey, that gimmick worked pretty well for
David Seville! (kk)
I thought you would get a kick out of this.
Enjoy!Vinny B.
Kinda creepy!!! (lol) And actually
this was a pretty big-sized hit back in 1955, going all the way to #8 on
Billboard's Best Sellers Chart! (Of course now I'm still partial to the "sped-up" Atlanta Rhythm Section hit "Imaginary Lover" that warps into Stevie Nicks
when you speed the record up!)
kk
re: CLASSIC TV:
The
Emmy-winning TV series "He and She" was an effort by producer Leonard Stern
("Get Smart," "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster") over the 1967-8 season to build a
sitcom around the married-in-real life couple Richard Benjamin and Paula
Prentiss. She played a social worker; he was a cartoonist whose
creation, superhero "Jetman," had been turned into a live-action TV series (like
"Batman"). One of the show's writers, Alan Burns, later co-created "The Mary
Tyler Moore Show" and patterned its Ted Baxter character after the equally
egocentric oafish actor character Oscar North, who supposedly played Jetman on
TV. The person who portrayed the perpetually annoying Oscar was Jack Cassidy,
who in real life was the ex-husband of Shirley Jones and father of David Cassidy
(David being Jack's son via his first wife, Evelyn Ward). Although the role of
Ted Baxter was written for Jack to play, he refused to accept the role as it was
too close to what he had played on "He and She" -- a one-season flop -- and he
feared typecasting. The part of Ted Baxter was then won by Ted Knight -- who,
after a few seasons, almost quit the show himself because he felt that HE was
getting typecast and the public was assuming that he himself was a vain,
talentless buffoon in real life (confusing Ted Knight with his television
character). A raise, though, kept Knight on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" until
the end of its run and Knight, of course, went on to star in his own successful
sitcom, "Too Close For Comfort." That series remained in production until
Knight's death from colon cancer in 1986. As for Jack Cassidy, once he
discovered how successful "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" had became without him, he
deeply regretted passing up the Ted Baxter role. That's what sparked Alan
Burns to come up with guest shots for Cassidy on the MTM series. They weren't
enough. In his later years, Cassidy grew increasingly bitter and alcoholic.
He died in 1976 in a fire in his West Hollywood apartment. Jack Cassidy was
49.
Gary Theroux
Interesting, too, that after being married to Jack Cassidy, Shirley Jones went on to marry Marty Ingles, who starred, of course, as one half of "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster", the television show topic that started this whole "He And She" discussion! It's funny that Jack Cassidy didn't want to be typecast because it seems that everything I ever saw him in, he portrayed some variation of this pompous, egotistical oaf. (I fondly remember a "Columbo" episode that Cassidy was in.) OK, now I'm Jonesin' for "He And She"!!! (kk)
Concerning the HE AND SHE Jetman character ... I still remember this one show where they decided to put on a (Broadway-type) stage version of JETMAN ... and Jack Cassidy insisted and wormed himself into the role against everyone's wishes ...
On opening nite (they don't show it, just talk about it afterwards) ... they describe the disaster ... how JETMAN (JACK) 'lost-it' and walked to the edge of the stage, sat down, and sang SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ... lol
Gary Theroux
Interesting, too, that after being married to Jack Cassidy, Shirley Jones went on to marry Marty Ingles, who starred, of course, as one half of "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster", the television show topic that started this whole "He And She" discussion! It's funny that Jack Cassidy didn't want to be typecast because it seems that everything I ever saw him in, he portrayed some variation of this pompous, egotistical oaf. (I fondly remember a "Columbo" episode that Cassidy was in.) OK, now I'm Jonesin' for "He And She"!!! (kk)
Concerning the HE AND SHE Jetman character ... I still remember this one show where they decided to put on a (Broadway-type) stage version of JETMAN ... and Jack Cassidy insisted and wormed himself into the role against everyone's wishes ...
On opening nite (they don't show it, just talk about it afterwards) ... they describe the disaster ... how JETMAN (JACK) 'lost-it' and walked to the edge of the stage, sat down, and sang SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ... lol
RENFIELD
>>>A more exciting release to me? I waited forever ... got a
few bootlegged (and expensive) ... but finally the really super PAPER CHASE
series (that started on SHOWTIME then CBS) was released on dvd a few years
back! (RENFIELD)
>>>I never got into "The Paper Chase" ... I
think I just disliked the movie so much that I never gave the TV show a chance.
(kk)
PAPER CHASE? THE
MOVIE DID SUCK ... IT'S UN-WATCH-ABLE ...
but the tv series is way different ... basically an ensemble cast ... the study group ... 2nd season ... malcolm in the middle mom (hot actually) was Hart's girlfriend ... a little dated now, technology wise ... but a great great tv show ... if you ever get the chance ... watch a few ... the pilot is a good one ... and John Houseman really hit his stride as the lofty PROFESSOR KINGSFIELD (no daughter, no lindsay wagner ... she was horrible) ... good college stuff from the viewpoint of a law school ... surprised it hasn't been re-done or the setting used again
gary
I remember being shocked at the time that John Houseman would actually reprise the role on television ... TOTALLY unexpected (but who else could fill those shoes?!?!?) Some of this stuff is SO dated now ... try watching a few episodes of "Room 222" ... one of my favorites back in the day ... they're HORRIBLE!!! (kk)
but the tv series is way different ... basically an ensemble cast ... the study group ... 2nd season ... malcolm in the middle mom (hot actually) was Hart's girlfriend ... a little dated now, technology wise ... but a great great tv show ... if you ever get the chance ... watch a few ... the pilot is a good one ... and John Houseman really hit his stride as the lofty PROFESSOR KINGSFIELD (no daughter, no lindsay wagner ... she was horrible) ... good college stuff from the viewpoint of a law school ... surprised it hasn't been re-done or the setting used again
gary
I remember being shocked at the time that John Houseman would actually reprise the role on television ... TOTALLY unexpected (but who else could fill those shoes?!?!?) Some of this stuff is SO dated now ... try watching a few episodes of "Room 222" ... one of my favorites back in the day ... they're HORRIBLE!!! (kk)
re: AND NEW TV, TOO!:
Although I don't think ANYONE
will ever confuse this with "Classic TV", a brand new Wilson Phillips reality
Television Series kicks off tonight on The TV Guide Channel. The reunited group
also have a brand new CD out called "Dedicated", paying homage to their famous
parents by covering nothing but Beach Boys and Mamas And Papas
songs.
The track listing is quite
impressive:
Dedicated To The One I Love
(which features a guest vocal by Cass Elliot's daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell);
California Dreamin'; Good Vibrations; Don't Worry Baby; God Only Knows; Wouldn't
It Be Nice; Monday Monday; I Can Hear Music; Fun Fun Fun; Got A Feelin'; Twelve
Thirty and Do It Again.
The girls still sound great
(but these all tend so sound like watered-down versions of tunes so well
embedded in our heads as to be all but unnecessary) ... but that doesn't mean
that I won't still buy it!!! (lol) kk
re: THE
MOB:
Hi Kent -
Great to hear The Mob are
back together again!
Their single I Dig
Everything About You was a great tune. I have their album
and every song is great. Saw them at the old Gi Gi A
go go in Lyons, IL, when they all dressed in black
suits as gangsters.
They were not only good musicians
but great showman. I hope they make the Summer Fest
circuit this year.
Carolyn
Carolyn
Keep checking their website for upcoming
appearances ...
re: GARY LEWIS AND THE
PLAYBOYS:
Kent -
Our Gary Lewis interview is online. You've shown just how dominant The Beatles were on the charts in the mid-'60s, and Gary Lewis and The Playboys were one of the few American acts to join them: seven Top-10 hits from 1965-1966.
Gary told the stories behind many of his hits, giving lots of credit to Leon Russell, Snuff Garrett and the studio musicians (including a professional whistler) who helped their sound. He emphasizes, however, that The Playboys did play on all of their records, contrary to some reports.
At the end of 1966, Gary went into the army, which I find shocking. This would be like sending Justin Timberlake to Afghanistan today. My big question was, "Why did you go?" Musicians like Ted Nugent and Gregg Allman found ways to dodge the draft, and considering his star power and famous father, I figured it would take just a few phone calls to keep him home. Gary, however, spent his whole life avoiding favoritism, so for him it was never a question, and he did his duty (he didn't see action but did go to Saigon - imagine being the poor guy tasked with keeping Gary alive during the war).
Our Gary Lewis interview is online. You've shown just how dominant The Beatles were on the charts in the mid-'60s, and Gary Lewis and The Playboys were one of the few American acts to join them: seven Top-10 hits from 1965-1966.
Gary told the stories behind many of his hits, giving lots of credit to Leon Russell, Snuff Garrett and the studio musicians (including a professional whistler) who helped their sound. He emphasizes, however, that The Playboys did play on all of their records, contrary to some reports.
At the end of 1966, Gary went into the army, which I find shocking. This would be like sending Justin Timberlake to Afghanistan today. My big question was, "Why did you go?" Musicians like Ted Nugent and Gregg Allman found ways to dodge the draft, and considering his star power and famous father, I figured it would take just a few phone calls to keep him home. Gary, however, spent his whole life avoiding favoritism, so for him it was never a question, and he did his duty (he didn't see action but did go to Saigon - imagine being the poor guy tasked with keeping Gary alive during the war).
Here's what he told me:
"I just knew within me it was the right thing to do. Plus, if I fought to get out of it, look at all the bad press. Look at how people would look at me. I'm glad I had the insight to see that at such an early age. I didn't think it was the right thing to try to get out of it at all."
This was before my time, and I would love to know what you and other FH readers thought of his decision: was he foolish for going, making a brave choice, just doing his duty, or something in between?
Here's the entire interview - speaking with Gary was a true pleasure, and very enlightening:
http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/gary_lewis/
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
www.songfacts.com
"I just knew within me it was the right thing to do. Plus, if I fought to get out of it, look at all the bad press. Look at how people would look at me. I'm glad I had the insight to see that at such an early age. I didn't think it was the right thing to try to get out of it at all."
This was before my time, and I would love to know what you and other FH readers thought of his decision: was he foolish for going, making a brave choice, just doing his duty, or something in between?
Here's the entire interview - speaking with Gary was a true pleasure, and very enlightening:
http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/gary_lewis/
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
www.songfacts.com
re: PAUL REVERE AND THE
RAIDERS:
It was cool to see the entry by
Tommy of Paul Revere and the Raiders. Now THERE is a MUST for the RNR Hall of
Fame if ever I knew one. They saw it all. The instrumental rock days of "Like
Long Hair" (top 10 on WLS!!) thru the Beatles era and BEYOND the Beatles era!!
I still am proud to have been a small part of the reissue of their LPs on CD by
Sundazed and always promote their song "Out On That Road" from the "Hard 'n
Heavy" album. I would hope they might play this still today?? It incorporates
all the eras of PR&R up to the release in '68. You can watch them lipsynch
it on a British TV below where you will note the lyrics talk of all the
travelling the band does, how the "girls" are in the different areas (hmm, is
this their "California Girls"??) of the country, but also make use of many, many
of their song titles in the lyrics! There's "Kicks", "Cinderella Sunshine",
"Don't Take It So Hard" and others. They even throw in "Gone -- Movin On" which
would eventually be a 45 A side in 1970 long after it was an LP cut. It also
features Paul pounding a piano solo ala the early "Like Long Hair" days and even
though not seen on these videos, I have one somewhere in my archives that has
Lindsay picking up his sax (he played it in the early days with the band) and
playing it in the sax break in the song! A historic capsule of the band if ever
there was one.
Alternate version with live vocal
track, but omits part of the song as well:
Actually, I wasn't familiar with this one ... and I've
never seen them perform it live. Not one of their best-received albums ... but
a rollickin' track to be sure. (kk)
Now HERE's a rare clip I've never seen before ... The Monkees
(then just three: Micky, Davy and Mike Nesmith!) ... crashing a Paul Revere and
the Raiders performance, circa 1969. NOT something you're going to see
everyday! (kk)
And, speaking of The Monkees ...
re: THE MONKEES:
Kent:
Here is a story from across the pond with some photos of the Davy Jones Tribute:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2125135/Davy-Joness-daughters-join-remaining-Monkees-stage-emotional-tribute-evening-late-man.html
Bob E,
Clearwater, FL
Here is a story from across the pond with some photos of the Davy Jones Tribute:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2125135/Davy-Joness-daughters-join-remaining-Monkees-stage-emotional-tribute-evening-late-man.html
Bob E,
Clearwater, FL
A
VERY good article ... with an awesome picture of Peter and Micky, performing
together live on stage! (kk)
re: LOU CHRISTIE:
I can't find it
on his website yet, but Lou Christie has released a
new cd "The Turquoise Trail". It contains his version of "Queen Of The Purple
Sage", which was recorded by Free Beer. With the rest of the songs, previously
released on various labels, it fits together to make a concept album about a
trip Lou made to New Mexico (described in the liner notes). It's great that
today's technology allows an artist like Lou to execute a creative vision
without record company as gatekeeper. It makes me want to pack my bags and
follow highway 14.
The Turquoise Trail - Lou Christie www.louchristie.com UPC 8 84501 69402 5 1. Saddle The Wind 2. Wilma Lee and Stoney 3. Morning Rider 4. You Were The One 5. Riding In My Van 6. Best Way To See America 7. Sunshine Kid 8. Waco 9. Indian Lady 10. Queen Of The Purple Sage 11. There'll Never Be 12. Beyond The Blue Horizon
Ed Salamon
Lou's version of "Beyond The Blue Horizon"
is one of my all-time favorites. Great to hear that he's still making new
music! (kk)
|
re: SOUND ADVICE:
Kent,
You mentioned The Searchers'
recording of Bumble Bee but in my opinion it doesn't even come close to
LaVern Bakers' version. I always
did like DON'T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY.
Larry
Neal
Kent,
Three excellent choices for the Sound Advice column for today. The
first thing that came to my mind when I saw the song by Tennessee Ernie Ford was the
answer song, SIXTEEN POUNDS by singer Gloria Becker. Had to go get it out and play it
after I played your selection by
the "old pea picker himself". Second, you can't go wrong with that selection by
Gene McDaniels. A singer who
undoubtedly was a CHIP CHIP off the old block.
Larry Neal
Kent,
Enjoyed hearing the three songs you
suggested today in Sound Advice. Occasionally on the TOC you will hear the Chris Rea song, but most certainly not
the one by Glen Campbell. You are
right about there being dozens of those type of songs. One of the bigger ones
here in OKC was FOOLS RUSH IN by Brook Benton.
Oh, did I say three songs that you
suggested today? Kent, you don't have to pity me. That last sentence you made in
Sound Advice, whether intentional or unintentional, made me go and get out a
certain record by Bobby "Blue" Bland.
Larry
Larry
I always
preferred the Rick Nelson version of "Fools Rush In" ... I think he did a
fantastic job on that. And I suppose I'd prefer hearing the Bobby "Blue" Bland
version of "I Pity The Fool" over virtually ANYTHING by Mr. T.!!!
(kk)
Thanks for posting "Working on a Groovy Thing" ... this prompted me to get my album out. The album is their "Greatest Hits on Earth" album and "Working on a Groovy Thing" isn't on it. But I did get to listen to another song of theirs that I always liked and had forgotten about ... "Together Let's Find Love" ... so thanks for sparking that trip down memory lane.
Stacee
The Fifth Dimension ALWAYS seem to go down great
in Forgotten Hits ... they had SO many great hits that just don't get airplay
anymore ... and they still sound new and fresh today (if radio will just PLAY
them!!!) kk
Kent,
Thanks again for reminding people
that James Brown had other records besides I GOT YOU (I FEEL GOOD). None of James Brown's other records are
played here in OKC, and
elsewhere I'm sure. Probably the biggest record he had here in OKC was his 1963 song PRISONER OF
LOVE.
Larry
James Brown's records got very little airplay
here in Chicago ... even when they were out! I remember seeing James for the very
first time on The Lloyd Thaxton Show ... seemed like they were ALWAYS giving
away a James Brown album on that show ... and it was a new experience for
me.
Brown placed an incredible 94 songs on
Billboard's Pop Singles Chart between 1958 and 1986 (and I think two or three of
those didn't even have the word "popcorn" in the title! Wonder if The Godfather Of
Soul had some kind of secret deal with Orvill Redenbacher going on or
something!!!) Big as he was, he just never seemed to catch on here in Chicago
... in fact, even HUGE hits like "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You"
didn't make The Top Ten here in Chi-Town. (They peaked at #19 and #21
respectively for the record!) In fact, James' ONLY Top Ten Hits here in
Chicago were his 1968 back-to-back hits "There Was A Time" (#8) and "I Got The
Feelin'" (#6).
re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
Hi Kent,
I've got a question for you which isn't necessarily for the website unless you feel it's worth a discussion. I'm just asking for myself.
All the music you put on your site sounds very clean. I'm curious if your source material is vinyl and if so, how are you cleaning up the sound? Over the past few years I've been slowly recording a lot of my vinyl and saving on the computer. I'm using Adobe Audition and have played with many of the restoration and processing tools but am just not able to clean things up like you have. Perhaps your vinyl is in better condition than mine ... most of mine has plenty of turntable time. Any thoughts or tips?
re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
Hi Kent,
I've got a question for you which isn't necessarily for the website unless you feel it's worth a discussion. I'm just asking for myself.
All the music you put on your site sounds very clean. I'm curious if your source material is vinyl and if so, how are you cleaning up the sound? Over the past few years I've been slowly recording a lot of my vinyl and saving on the computer. I'm using Adobe Audition and have played with many of the restoration and processing tools but am just not able to clean things up like you have. Perhaps your vinyl is in better condition than mine ... most of mine has plenty of turntable time. Any thoughts or tips?
Steve Hotvedt
Actually everything used on the site comes from
CDs and/or MP3's in my collection (or provided by our readers) ... nothing
particularly special about them ... but we DO strive for good sound wherever
possible. (kk)
Just wanted to stop by for a big
HOWDY!!
Hope you have had a chance to stop by on
occasion to check out my VAULT videos!
It is kind of nice to play records for the good
people of y103.9 without the PD breathing down my neck.
It is always fun reading your newsletters as
even with me they bring up artists / groups / songs either I forgot about or,
even better, ideas of records to play in the vault.
Thanks again for doing what you do - keeping the
rock and roll alive !!
Jeff James
Hi Jeff! Great to hear from you. As you'll need
in our next radio installment, rarely a week goes by that I don't hear from a
former Y103.9 listener or two, missing your show on the air (particularly the
Saturday Night At The Oldies program.) Jim Shea, too. Seems as if this Tom
Kent Take-Over isn't sitting well with a good percentage of the listeners (or at
least the ones who read Forgotten Hits.) We've plugged "The Vault" feature
several times in Forgotten Hits and I'm always happy to do so. A chance for
listeners to hear a little something off the beaten path of played-to-death
tunes. (Speaking of which, I would LOVE to team up with you on a couple of
features ... let's do lunch! Lol)
Anyway here's another link to Jeff James' daily
postings ... check it out when you get a chance! (kk)
Hi!
I just discovered your site and was fascinated
with your pages on the history of Last Kiss. I's such an involved story.
You mentioned a previous article "Chicagoland's #1's. Is this still viewable?
You mentioned a previous article "Chicagoland's #1's. Is this still viewable?
Would love to read it.
Cheers
Paul Andrew Smith
Cheers
Paul Andrew Smith
Chicagoland's #1 isn't
available on the website ... it must have been done when Forgotten Hits was
still a newsletter (because I barely remember it!) As time permits, I'll check the
archives to see if anything remains from this series ... but I kinda doubt it.
(You never know 'though ... so be sure to check back often!) Glad you're
enjoying the site. (kk)
I like to read "Forgotten Hits" Sunday night,
while I'm listening to "Wild Wayne's Memory Machine". (6 to 8 PM EDT) I go out with my friends on Sunday
afternoons.
This way, I'll have something to look forward to when I get home. You never
disappoint me. I even
read the parts that aren't about me and WCBS-FM. LoL!!
Frank B.
