Friday, September 3, 2021

ABBA IS BACK!

So, for the most part we were relatively right regarding our expectations surrounding the big ABBA announcement yesterday …

There WILL be a brand new album featuring all four original members of the band … Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.  It’ll be titled “Voyage” (just like this whole big announcement campaign) and be available November 5th.  (The first two tracks from the new LP are available NOW for streaming and download … and I’ve gotta say, these guys sound JUST like ABBA!!!)

When one considers that their last release of new material was exactly forty years ago … and the bulk of those forty years were spent insisting that a reunion like this would NEVER happen … it really IS quite amazing.

(Check out the two new tracks for yourself below):

I Still Have Faith In You:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAzEY1MfXrQ

Don’t Shut Me Down:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWGWFa3jznI

The hologram / avatar (or would that be ABBAtar?) concert performance was also officially announced … but it won’t be a tour … at least not just yet.

It will first open in May of 2022 as an exclusive residency at a brand new, custom-built London arena with a show put together by a team of 850 people from George Lucas’ company, Industrial Light And Magic, utilizing state-of-the-art motion capture technology.  The new show will in effect (via SPECIAL effects) create the illusion of a live ABBA concert performance, featuring music from the new LP performed along with most of their best-known hits.  (They are currently envisioning a 90 minute set of 22 songs.)  Images of a youthful ABBA will perform their music along with a live ten-piece band.  It is all said to be quite extraordinary (and I’m sure several “touring companies” will be out performing this music live again all over the world before the year is over.  I would expect a live concert video to be part of the long-term plan as well.)  Which means that the music of ABBA will live on forever … it’s conceivable that within the same week in the same city one might be able to attend not only the new ABBAtar concert but also a live stage production of their ENORMOUSLY successful “Mamma Mia” musical!  The entire concept is nothing short of revolutionary.  (Betcha The Beatles are wishing they would have come up with it first!  Lol)

While I wasn’t able to watch the live presentation and announcement (it happened here at 11:45 am Chicago time yesterday and I was shoulder-deep in work crisis at the time!) the band spoke collectively and individually about the new project, already 2-3 years in the making …

“It’s been a while since we made music together. Almost 40 years, actually. We took a break in the spring of 1982 and now we’ve decided it’s time to end it. They say it’s foolhardy to wait more than 40 years between albums, so we’ve recorded a follow-up to The Visitors. To tell the truth, the main inspiration to record again comes from our involvement in creating the strangest and most spectacular concert you could ever dream of. We’re going to be able to sit back in an audience and watch our digital selves perform our songs on a stage in a custom-built arena in London next spring. Weird and wonderful!  To all of you who patiently have followed us in some way or another these past decades: Thank you for waiting — it’s time for a new journey to begin.  We simply call it Voyage and we’re truly sailing in uncharted waters. With the help of our younger selves, we travel into the future. It’s not easy to explain but then it hasn’t been done before.”

Benny Andersson:  “It’s hard to say what’s been the most joyful thing for me with this project, if it’s the involvement in creating the concert together with everyone or being back in the studio together again after 40 years. I think hearing Frida and Agnetha singing again is hard to beat. When you come to the arena you will have the four of us together with an absolutely glorious 10-piece band. And even if not in the flesh, we will be right there, thanks to the work of the creative team and ILM.”

Anni-Frid Lyngstad:  “Those first sessions back in 2018 were such fun and when Benny called and asked if I’d consider singing some more, I jumped at it! And what songs!!! My respect and love go out to these exceptionally talented, truly genius songwriters! Such joy it was to work with the group again. I am so happy with what we have made, and I dearly hope our fans feel the same.”

Agnetha Fältskog:  “When we got back together in the studio I had no idea what to expect … but Benny’s recording studio is such a friendly and  safe environment, and before I knew it I was really enjoying myself! I can hardly believe that finally, the moment has come to share this with the world!”

Finally, Björn Ulvaeus shared, “They’re such amazing singers, those two, I was completely floored by the way they delivered those songs. They’re true musicians; totally unimpressed by pop star glamour but still having a great time being creative in a recording studio. The Voyage project has injected new life into us in more ways than one.”

Jointly, they concluded, “So, again, thanks for waiting! We hope to see you in the ‘ABBA Arena’ and yes — see — because we have infused a good deal of our souls into those avatars. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we’re back.”

And they’re pulling out all the stops with this new album release as well.

You’ll be able to buy it with four unique album covers (because, of course, you’ll WANT four copies of this same CD), one with each ABBA member pictured on the cover … or as just a standard “group” CD … or as a CD box set (with an exclusive poster, art cards and a sticker sheet) … or as a CASSETTE (that’s right folks, cassettes are back … Ringo Starr’s new release will also be available in this format!) ... and those cassettes will also be available with four unique covers, a standard cover AND an alternate cover … an orange vinyl LP version (available EXCLUSIVELY thru Amazon.com) as well as green and white vinyl editions through the ABBA-Store (where all of this material is available now!), a vinyl single of “I Still Have Faith In You” or a CD-single of BOTH new tracks, “I Still Have Faith In You” and “Don’t Shut Me Down.”  (Meanwhile, you can download and/or stream both sides of the new single now thru all the usual sources.)  In addition, two picture discs of the new LP sold out within minutes of their broadcast announcements!  

The complete ABBA “Voyage” CD track list is as follows:  I Still Have Faith In You; When You Danced With Me; Little Things; Dont Shut Me Down; Just A Notion; I Can Be That Woman; Keep An Eye On Dan; Bumble Bee; No Doubt About It; Ode To Freedom  

ALL (other than the Amazon exclusive LP) are available for pre-order purchase now thru the Official ABBA Store:  https://shopmusicus.abbavoyage.com/

(You’ll also be able to purchase your concert tickets here as well … in fact, they’re already taking pre-orders now and the concert hall isn’t even totally built yet!  That being said, you'll still be on your own when it comes to airfare and hotel accommodations!!!  Of course, perhaps that, too, will soon be part of ABBA taking over the universe!!!)

Explaining why now, after all this time, the group decided to reunite, perhaps it was Benny who put it best:  “We wanted to do it before we were dead.”

Bjorn added:  “There is an old saying in the music business. Never leave more than 40 years between albums.”

I agree.  (kk)


Thursday, September 2, 2021

Thursday This And That

>>>The worst K-tel album 'hack job' ever was on an album called 22 Explosive Hits (Volume One).  It featured a less than two minute cut of Layla by Derek and the Dominoes!   (Phil Nee – WRCO)

>>>Now I wanna hear the two minute version of “Layla”!!!  (kk)

You asked for it!

Here is your K-tel version of Layla.

Phil


 

Kinda like what “Hey Jude” would have sounded like without the “Na-Na’s”!  (kk)

 


All these box sets... Bachman-Cummings... Steppenwolf... Alan Parsons

Live Project...

My head is spinning!

--Bpb Frable

Now add in All Things Must Pass, the new Let It Be box and The Beach Boys’ Feel Flows - I need to get a second job just to rebuy all of the things I already own.  
kk

 

Beginning in the 7:00 hour Friday evening, we’ll be kicking off a Final Fling of Summer Labor Day Weekend, spotlighting the greatest hits of summer one more time.

Rick O’Dell

Me-TV-FM

We have always bookended Summer with Memorial Day and Labor Day … must go back to what used to be the standard school year when we were growing up … so a Last Blast of Summer sounds pretty good to me right now (as does a cooling off of about 15-20 degrees!!!)

Thanks for letting us know, Rick … we’ll be listening!  (kk)

 

Today’s the day!

Shortly before noon Chicago time, ABBA will make their big announcement via streaming thru ABBAVoyage.  We hope to have more details for you shortly.  (kk)

 

And, speaking of ABBA ...

 

September 6th, 1978 - the ABBA tune "Summer Night City" is released in Sweden, as a single.  That tune has gotten me into a number of arguments, but I have to share my story.
Early in 1982 I was at a friend's place, and he was a HUGE ABBA fan.  He was playing their "Greatest Hits" LP when the phone rang.  He threw me his headsets and cut off the speakers so he could continue the call.
At the trail-off of the tune, the last part of the refrain is "Walkin' in the moonlight, lovemakin' in the park, summer night city."
ABBA repeats those words three times, but by the time they're heard doing it for the THIRD (and last) TIME, the audio has been potted down by the engineers to the point where you have to crank your audio level up to max to hear what they're saying. 

Well, with headsets on, I didn't need to do that - that last line says "f**k*ing in the moonlight.
My buddy listened to it and his jaw was on the floor.  Everyone to whom I related this story said I was crazy.
MANY years later, I found the piece below on the Net.  Read the part at the bottom ("Getting past the radar").
I found it quite interesting.
Mike

 

(tell the truth ... you all just went on YouTube to listen to this, didn't you???)  kk

 

kk …

Let’s chip in and buy it!

FB


I’m good for a buck three eighty!  (kk)

 

By the way, Frank B also told us that Wild Wayne did a two-hour tribute to The Everly Brothers on his Sunday Night Rock ‘n’ Roll Memory Machine on Sunday Night … and posted this awesome Everlys autograph photo …

 


And then this … from Cousin Brucie’s interview with Joey Dee …

 

kk:

The Peppermint Lounge was owned by The Genovese Crime Family.  Roulette Records was run by Morris Levy. Joey Dee was surrounded by The Mob.

He told Cousin Brucie he made $13,000 off his Number One Hit "PEPPERMINT TWIST." One night he was driving home to New Jersey from The Peppermint Lounge and he heard his song on the radio for the first time. He pulled over and cried. 

Ronnie and The Ronettes asked if they could sing with Joey.  At the time they were 16 years old and shouldn't have been allowed into The Peppermint Lounge. He gave them a chance and they were great. He had to travel to Harlem to get their parents’ permission.  The girls’ Aunt Helen traveled with them as a chaperone.

October 26, 1963 = The Beatles opened for Joey Dee in Stockholm, Sweden. They were about to come to America.  At that time, they were doing mostly cover songs of American Artists. 

The Book is called "PEPPERMINT TWIST CHRONICLES."

FB

Well, that last bit’s not entirely accurate … but eventually true.

Ironically, The Beatles were just flying back to London from their tour of Sweden when Ed Sullivan witnessed the massive crowd of fans waiting at Heathrow Airport to welcome them home.  Not knowing anything about how Beatlemania had already infected all of Europe, he just assumed that some member of royalty, perhaps even The Queen, must be landing … but when informed that it was a British pop group called The Beatles that everyone had come out to see, he immediately made arrangements to sign them for THREE appearances on his Sunday Night program.  (The Beatles had earlier agreed that they would NOT come to America until they had a #1 Hit here.  It just so happened that when “I Want To Hold Your Hand” hit #1 Stateside on January 25th, the boys were in Paris when they got the announcement, already booked to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show two weeks later on February 9th.  Timing is everything, as they say!)

Still, I’d like to read Joey’s book … as I’m sure YOU will, too.  I’m sure that some of these early stories are absolutely fascinating. (And if Tommy James’ movie finally happens to come out during the next ten years, we’ll get even more mob action to talk about!)  kk

 

Frank also sent us this photo tying The Beatles to The Crickets (definitely a source of inspiration for their name.)

We’ve run it before but it’s worth another spin …

 


It really is amazing how much impact Buddy Holly and the Crickets had on their British audience in such a short period of time.  In addition to The Beatles taking their name as a similar insect with a double meaning, The Hollies have long since acknowledged that THEIR name came from Buddy’s last name … and even Herman’s Hermits, who recorded Buddy’s song “Heartbeat,” were The Heartbeats before they were The Hermits.  Now consider that Paul McCartney, a HUGE fan, owns Buddy’s publishing and one has to wonder if perhaps Buddy was held in higher regard overall than even Elvis Presley (who didn’t write his own songs.)  kk

 

>>>Jim Yester of The Association went into the hospital in Indianapolis with covid this past weekend. He is on the Happy Together Tour. After three days, he was put in ICU and it is not looking good. His brother Jerry (The Lovin’ Spoonful) is asking for thoughts and prayers.  (Shelley J Sweet-Tufano)

>>>So sorry to hear that.  We do wish Jim a speedy recovery.  Clearly Covid has raised its ugly head yet again.  We really need to come up with a more permanent solution to this!  (kk)

 

I saw the story on your blog about Jim Yester, but I cannot find it anywhere else, including his brother's Facebook page.  I just want to confirm with you before I post anything to my site asking for prayers.

Thanks,

Glen Fisher
Doo Wop Revival

 

Because we couldn’t find anything listed online about Jim Yester being hospitalized either, I asked Shelley if she had heard any more about his condition. 

 

These were the original posts she saw, posted by Jim’s brother Jerry of The Lovin’ Spoonful … it was then reposted by a DJ friend who knows both brothers, who is asking for prayers below …

 

From The Lovin’ Spoonful and their family …

Prayers are needed for Jim Yester of The Association. 

The following is a post by his brother Jerry:

Hi Folks,

My brother Jim was on the road with the Happy Together tour and ended up in the Hospital in Indianapolis with Covid. His third day there, he was put in ICU, and it's not looking great. So, I'm asking whoever can, or would like, to send out good thoughts; Quantum Physics Intentionality, or good old fashioned prayer his way. He needs all the good vibes he can get right now. Thank You.

In addition, I am also asking for prayers for my dear friend Jim Yester from The Association and his brother, Jerry Yester.

 

When I followed up with her later today, I was happy to receive this notice, again confirmed by two people close to the situation …

Yes, it’s true.  Jerry is saying that Jim is getting better and is supposed to get out of ICU today if all goes well.

 

So it sounds like Jim is now out of the ICU and slowly on the mend.  We wish him a speedy recovery.  (kk)

I am glad to report that Jim is still on the mend.  Tomorrow he will be out of ICU!  So many thanks to all of you who have sent their good wishes and support.  We all really appreciate it so much!

Everybody be well, be careful.

--Jerry Yester

 

And a few more prayers …

I was able to find these posts on Jim's Facebook. Each line is from a different friend. This may not have gotten press due to the fact that The Happy Together Tour is still going on. Somebody wanted it handled with quiet dignity it seems. Shelley

Praying for the legendary JIM YESTER!!! I pray that he is well and out of the hospital soon.

You’re in my prayers, Jim Yester.

Praying you’re surrounded by loved ones giving you support and positive energy!!!

Praying for your recovery.

You got this.

Jim – Lots of good mojo coming your way!!!

Praying for you, my old friend.

C’mon Jim … get well really soon.

It sounds like Michael McDonald may be the latest touring musician to get Covid.  The Doobie Brothers played a concert without him on August 31st and stated that McDonald "wasn't feeling well" and was "recuperating and isolating at the moment."

While they never actually came right out and said that Michael had Covid, they did acknowledge that a member of their crew had tested positive and, as such, were postponing their next four show.  Again, they reiterated how everybody connected with the show had been tested and vaccinated.

Ironically, prior to heading out on tour, Michael told The Associated Press, "It’s a crapshoot, really, whether we’ll make it to the end of this or not, but I hope we do.  The main thing I think is if we start to see that anything that we’re doing has a potential of being a super-spreader. I don’t think any of us are worried so much about getting sick ourselves. We’re all vaccinated. But if we test positive, that means all the people in our workplace are being exposed.”

It’s a crapshoot, really, whether we’ll make it to the end of this or not, but I hope we do,” the singer confessed to the Associated Press. “The main thing I think is if we start to see that anything that we’re doing has a potential of being a super-spreader. I don’t think any of us are worried so much about getting sick ourselves. We’re all vaccinated. But if we test positive, that means all the people in our workplace are being exposed.”


Read More: Doobie Brothers Postpone Four Shows After McDonald Misses Concert | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/michael-mcdonald-recuperating-isolating-doobie-brothers/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=UCR&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

And it doesn't stop there.  A couple of days later, Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply issued a news release that he, too, now has Covid … kinda makes me think that just maybe we might need a stronger (and more reliable) vaccine, eh?  Sadly, it’s also making me less likely to get too enthusiastic about going to a show and sitting with thousands of strangers, many of whom may very well believe that they don’t need to get vaccinated at all. (kk)

Kent,

I just found out that original member of the Harptones, Willie Winfield, has died. He had hits from mid-fifties like LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.

Larry

Winfield died July 27th.  (We covered it briefly in FH)  I was most amazed by the fact that he performed with the group continually from 1951 thru 2019!  That’s 68 YEARS!!!

But I was equally surprised that The Harptones never had much of a presence on Billboard’s Pop or R&B Charts over the years.  Looking back to 1942 (when their R&B Charts began), I couldn’t find a single chart entry for The Harptones in Joel Whitburn’s book.

“Life Is But A Dream” and “A Sunday Kind Of Love” are all over YouTube.  On his Harptones Page, Manny Mora had this to say about the group …

 

The Harptones are an American doo-wop group, which formed in Manhattan in 1953. The group never had a top forty pop hit, or even a record on the national R&B charts, yet they are still considered one of the most influential doo-wop groups, both for their lead singer, Willie Winfield and their pianist / arranger, Raoul Cita.

The Harptones recorded for various labels, including Coed Records. The Harptones may have been the first doo-wop group to number a full-time arranger among their members, and Cita knew how to work to Winfield's strengths. Their best-known recordings include "Sunday Kind of Love" (1953), "Why Should I Love You?" (1954), "Life is But a Dream" (1955), and "The Shrine of St. Cecilia" (1956).

In 1956, they recorded some songs for the film Rockin' the Blues: "Mambo Boogie", "Ou Wee Baby", and "High Flying Baby". The song "Life is But a Dream" was featured in the 1990 film GoodFellas, and can be found on the film's soundtrack.

-Manny Mora

 

Best Classic Bands remembers The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl, 1965 …

https://bestclassicbands.com/beatles-hollywood-bowl-1965-interviews-8-27-155/

 

Tom Cuddy sent us this one … it looks like Bachman Cummings weren’t the only act putting on a disappointing show last week …

 

Hall & Oates leave out hits on setlist at Milwaukee show https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/08/29/hall-oates-leave-out-lot-hits-short-milwaukee-show-marred-sound-problems/5597306001/

 

Burton and Randy last weekend in Canada (closer view than Facebook)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alrn70MyE4Y

 

Was the Charlie Watts / Mick Jagger / My Drummer / My Singer story a bit exaggerated?  (I dunno … if so, it sure makes for a better story in my opinion!!!)

Here’s the way Keith Richards tells it in his autobiography …

http://www.noise11.com/news/fact-check-did-charlie-watts-say-to-mick-jagger-youre-my-fucking-singer-20210828

(I think Keith’s accounting sounds a little bit embellished as well … but is SURE would have been a fun sight to see!)  kk

Hi Kent,

I found another radio survey from July of 1971 showing Maggie May. 

This one comes from KREM in Spokane, Washington.

Paul Haney

Record Research

 


Interesting to see that the most popular "hit" on the chart in Paul and Linda McCartney's "Ram" album!!!  Just goes to show you how many AM Top 40 radio stations were jumping on the album rock concept to keep their listeners tuned in.  (kk)

Kent,

Are you familiar with the song BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN? I don't know who wrote it originally or anything about it without going online to find some info on it. This weekend on the pro football exhibition games, there was a commercial, I believe, for a Ford truck with the song being played and heard in the background. I don't know who it was, but it wasn't Dorsey Burnette.

Larry

I don’t remember it at all … but I can see why.  Dorsey Burnette’s version was the only version to chart … and even then, it never actually made Billboard’s Hot 100 … the best it could do was “bubble under” at #102 in 1960.  (He also cowrote the tune with Barry DeVorzon.)  It was the B-Side of Dorsey’s #48 hit, “Hey Little One,” a track later recorded by Glen Campbell. (Glen’s version went to #54 in 1968 while Dorsey’s hit #48 in 1960. I always did kinda like that song.)

Once again, we’re mystified by which songs are being selected for commercials these days.  SOMEBODY had to remember “Big Rock Candy Mountain” … but the fact that it barely raised an eyebrow at the time makes it all that much more confusing!  (kk)

 

Say it isn’t so …

A new reissue release celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Spice Girls’ first LP is slated for October 29th.  (25 years?!?!  How can that possibly be???)

I have to admit that I found them fun to watch for those first couple of years.  (I even took my daughter Kris to see them once!)  And, I stock-piled a boatload of Spice Girls memorabilia that’s been sitting in boxes in the garage ever since … anybody interested in any of this stuff???  (I guess that market just never took off the way I had hoped it would!)

In any event, all five Girls issued a comment in regards to their fans and their 25 year legacy …

Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) said: “From the first wannabe baby steps to conquering the whole world with a team of Spices, thank you doesn’t seem enough to all of you who have supported us, followed in our footsteps, walked in our great big shoes and who have shared our dreams. It’s been 25 years of pure magic. Spice Girls forever!!!”

Geri Horner (Ginger) commented: “To our diehard and loyal fans; without you there is no us – sending endless love and gratitude. Whoever you are, whatever your dreams – live them, be them. The Spice Girls motto is testament to that.”

Melanie C (Sporty) said: “25 years, wow! I have so many wonderful memories of writing, recording, promoting and touring this album and so many people to thank. This is the record that set us off on our incredible journey. A huge thank you to our fans and family all around the World. Thank you for always being there with your unrelenting support and making our dreams come true. My love and gratitude always.”

Melanie B (Scary) said: “All I ever wanted was to be accepted and to make everyone around me – gay, straight, brown, black, shy or loud like me – to feel they can celebrate who they are and to be free to be themselves. All I hope – 25 years on – is that message has been heard loud and clear. It’s true that in the end love IS all you need so I thank everyone who has ever bought a Spice Girls record or stood in the rain to greet us or got dressed up in pink, in a tracksuit, a ginger wig, a leopard print catsuit or put on Vic’s iconic pout!”

Victoria Beckham (Posh) added: “We couldn’t let 25 years pass without thanking the fans for their incredible support. There are so many people who have played a part in the success of the Spice Girls throughout the years, you know who you are and we thank you.”

The new release offers up a couple of previously unreleased tracks and remixes on several others.  When the LP was first released in 1996, it topped the charts in 13 countries worldwide, including here in The States.  It has gone on to sell over 23 million copies worldwide (including going ten times platinum in the UK alone!)

If you wanna(be) spice up your life, here is the track listing for the new “Spice 25” anniversary set:

CD1

1. Wannabe

2. Say You’ll Be There
3. 2 Become 1’ (Single Version)
4. Love Thing
5. Last Time Lover
6. Mama
7. Who Do You Think You Are
8. Something Kinda Funny
9. Naked
10. If U Can’t Dance

CD2

1. Wannabe (Dave Way Alternative Mix)
2. Say You’ll Be There (7-inch Radio Mix)
3. 2 Become 1 (Orchestral Version)
4. Mama (Biffco Mix)
5. Love Thing (12-inch Unlimited Groove Mix)
6. Take Me Home
7. Last Time Lover (Demo)
8. Feed Your Love
9. If U Can’t Dance (Demo)
10. Who Do You Think You Are (Demo)
11. One of These Girls
12. Shall We Say Goodbye Then?

The new mix of “Say You’ll Be There” is available now.  (It sounds like a totally different vocal track and the familiar harmonica part has been replaced by a saxophone solo instead.)  kk

Meanwhile, a 50th Anniversary Edition of The Doors’ landmark LP “L.A. Woman” is also coming.  (Once again, only in Forgotten Hits will you find The Doors, The Spice Girls, The Beatles, ABBA, The Everly Brothers, Joey Dee and the Starliters, Elvis, Hall and Oates, Elton John and The Harptones covered in the same issue!!!  If only radio was this interesting!!!)

The 3-CD collection offers up over two hours of previously unreleased material and studio outtakes experimentation.  (It also shows the band working with outside musicians, including bassist Jerry Scheff, father of Jason Scheff, who performed with Chicago for a couple of decades, and also was part of Elvis Presley’s TCB Band.)

TRACK LISTING (note:  * = previously unreleased)

CD 1: Original Stereo Mix Remastered

The Changeling
Love Her Madly
Been Down So Long
Cars Hiss By My Window
L.A. Woman
L’America
Hyacinth House
Crawling King Snake
The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)
Riders On The Storm

Bonus Tracks
Hyacinth House – Demo
Riders On The Storm – Sunset Sound Version *

CD 2: L.A. Woman Sessions, Part 1

The Changeling *
Love Her Madly *
Riders On The Storm *
L.A. Woman (Part 1) *

CD 3: L.A. Woman Sessions, Part 2

L.A. Woman (Part 2) *
She Smells So Nice *
Rock Me Baby *
Mr. Mojo Risin’ *
Baby Please Don’t Go *
L.A. Woman (Part 3) *
Been Down So Long *
Get Out Of My Life Woman *
Crawling King Snake *
The Bastard Son Of Jimmy & Mama Reed (Cars Hiss By My Window) *
Been Down So Long *
Mystery Train *
The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat) *

It looks like Elton John was busy during lockdown, too.

He has just announced another new Duets album, coming October 22nd.

And he’s put together quite a “guest list” for this one …

    1. Elton John & Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)  Elton’s current hit single (and first chart hit in 21 years!

2.   Elton John, Young Thug & Nicki Minaj – Always Love You 

3.   Surfaces feat. Elton John – Learn To Fly

4.   Elton John & Charlie Puth – After All

5.   Rina Sawayama & Elton John – Chosen Family

6.   Gorillaz feat. Elton John & 6LACK – The Pink Phantom

7.   Elton John & Years & Years – It’s a Sin

8.   Miley Cyrus feat. WATT, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo

      & Chad Smith – Nothing Else Matters

9.   Elton John & SG Lewis – Orbit

10.   Elton John & Brandi Carlile – Simple Things 

11.   Jimmie Allen & Elton John – Beauty In The Bones 

12.   Lil Nas X feat. Elton John – One Of Me

13.   Elton John & Eddie Vedder – E-Ticket

14.   Elton John & Stevie Wonder – Finish Line

15.   Elton John & Stevie Nicks – Stolen Car

16.   Glen Campbell & Elton John – I’m Not Gonna Miss You

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

More Bachman-Cummings ... and a Few Other Goodies!

BACHMAN CUMMINGS:

Kent –

What concert were YOU at??? 

They have been entertaining us since they were 18 years old. 

They got out there ... one more time, one more time

They are not 18 years old …

None of us are …

That is just how it is...

Let’s remember that Burton Cummings is coming up on his 74th birthday.  (He was born December 31, 1947.)

At Age 70 (May 18th, 2018), he was in a car crash while driving in Los Angeles, involved in a collision with another car.  He suffered minor cuts to his arms and a severe concussion.  The other driver ran a red light, as proven by neighboring security cameras, with his family and child in the car, and broadsided Cummings, forcing Cummings' car into a Street Pole. Though he was wearing a seat belt, Cummings hit his head on the windshield. 

Cummings has said in interviews that he frequently relived the crash and was considering therapy.  Cummings returned to playing concerts in mid-June 2018.

 

Kent,

These guy's 'Kicked Ass' on Takin’ Care of Business: https://youtu.be/roqXDktaEY0

This particular song has a very special ‘Remember When' factor for me ...

We were right there.  

It was 1973 / 74 and we were playing Brook Park Road in Cleveland.  This night it was The Blue Moon Lounge.  The place was jumping and I had my cow bell and drum stick and we were Takin’ Care of Business, the extended version.

Also check out American Woman:  https://youtu.be/Alrn70MyE4Y

LJ Coon

 

A correspondence between FH Readers Tom Cuddy and Brad Joblin that they shared with me ... and some clarification from yours truly ...

 

Oh dear ...

To hear that Burton was off is hard to fathom.  I’m confused.  At first, I thought Kent was writing this as if he was there at the show but is he saying he watched a stream or broadcast?  Where?  I’d like to see just went wrong.  

I know Randy’s voice is off from recent clips. He’s done a weekly stream with Tal, through the pandemic.  It was nice to see them trying, especially good father / son chemistry.

Tom Cuddy

 

Hi Kent,

Hope all’s well!  

Where and how did you watch this Bachman-Cummings show?  Might the stream still be available?  I don’t enjoy train wrecks but, like you, I really love these guys and in the past ten years have been so lucky to enjoy quality time with them.  I drove Randy from his Ridgefield Playhouse gig to his hotel in New York.  A fantastic one hour conversation.  And Burton played here, too, twice. Both did amazing shows. 
Brad Joblin

 

It was an online stream celebrating Manitoba’s 150th Anniversary last Saturday Night and Bachman-Cummings were the headliners.  (We promoted the show, albeit with very short notice, once we found out that streaming it was an option.)  As it turns out, the stream was only supposed to go out to Canadians, but we found a way to watch it here at home … and then, after all that anticipation, were sorry to report that it was SUCH a disappointment.

I can’t think of anything I’ve looked more forward to than the Bachman Cummings show coming to Chicago for the past two years.  (I word it this way because of all the postponements and rescheduling that happened due to Covid restrictions and delays, as well as their own ability to travel across Canada’s border as a result of Covid protocol north of our shared borders)  We held on to our second row seats and just waited and waited and waited until they finally called off the entire U.S. portion of the tour a couple of weeks ago.

I was heartbroken, figuring that this was going to be my absolute last chance to see them perform together again … so when the Manitoba stream came up, I was all in and jumped at the chance to watch it.

And they just died.

Randy’s never had much of a voice to begin with … but Burton has been letter-perfect every time we’ve ever seen him … so when his voice started cracking right out of the box (and I mean on nearly EVERY line he sang or spoke), I knew they were in trouble.

After viewing this performance, I think it is safe to say that there is absolutely no way they could have possibly sustained a full American tour.  (Scroll back to Monday of this week and you’ll find my full review … along with reader commentary on Tuesday)

On the one hand, I felt a sigh of relief, as we had just received our $330 ticket refund that same afternoon!  Now I was seeing the show for free (and had I actually paid $330 to see and hear a show this bad, I would have been even more disappointed than I already was watching it at home.)

I have yet to see the whole show posted but two really good chunks of it can be found on Burton Cummings’ Facebook Page.  (Interestingly enough, the first four or five songs have been excised from the clip … and for good reason … they truly were God-Awful … and downright embarrassing!)

I love BOTH of these guys and appreciate every note of music they’ve ever shared with us … that’s why this hurt as badly as it did … but honestly, I just hated to see them go out on such a low note.  They deserve better and should be remembered for who and what they really were and not judged by the quality (or lack there of) of this particular show.

It's bad enough that The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame has slighted them for the past thirty years … they just don’t need another black mark against them at this stage of the game.  Still, as Canada’s all-time premier band, they can hold their heads up high and say “Look at all we accomplished” … and then honestly just leave it at that.  (kk)

 

When you talk about your celebrated songwriting teams, Bachman-Cummings put together a pretty impressive list of tunes in a very short period of time. 

 

“These Eyes” (#3, 1969), “Laughing” (#5, 1969), “Undun” (written by Randy Bachman alone, #22, 1969), “No Time” (#3, 1970), “American Woman” (#1, 1970) and its tag-along B-Side “No Sugar Tonight” (#39 … and also written by Randy Bachman only … but probably best known as the Classic Rock Album Medley of “No Sugar Tonight” / “New Mother Nature,” which was written by Burton Cummings only … two totally separate songs that just happened to fit together perfectly!)  … some would say the “hey day” of The Guess Who.  In the scheme of things, their collaborative venture only lasted a couple of years … yet the Bachman-Cummings “team” is still regarded as pure gold magic.  (Surprisingly, and perhaps disappointingly, the duo have never written together again, despite numerous reunions over the past four decades.  Instead, they’ve chosen to let their legacy stand with this impressive body of work that has virtually never been off the radio in over forty years.)

 

Randy Bachman left The Guess Who after the making of their “American Woman” album.  He would reappear a couple of years later fronting Bachman-Turner Overdrive, where he would go on to have some of his greatest chart success … seven more National Top 40 Hits, including the #1 smash “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” in 1974 and the Classic Rock classic ‘Takin’ Care Of Business” (#6, 1974).  Cummings, meanwhile, continued to lead The Guess Who through nine more Top 40 Hits of their own before leaving for a solo career in 1976, where he would score the Top Ten Hit “Stand Tall.” (#5, 1977)

 

ALL of this music is now being highlighted on a brand new Bachman-Cummings 7-CD (and vinyl) box set collection, currently due out in late October.  (It has been “coming” for over years now … but this time it looks like the real deal.)  kk

 


This Bachman Cummings Collectors Box is coming …

And now even on vinyl!

Clark Besch

Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings are getting ready to launch The Collection, a special edition box set from these two former Guess Who bandmates.

The illustrious box set from two of Canada’s most celebrated musicians and songwriters includes five albums from The Guess Who from their 1969 – 1971 period alongside material from both Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Burton Cummings. This 7 CD or 7 LP set will include an expanded booklet of rare and unpublished publicity, studio and master tape photography and detailed liner notes. Both LP and CD boxes are available for pre-order now.

Bachman and Cummings rose to international fame as members of the supergroup The Guess Who. Bachman broke from the band in 1970, forming Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Cummings departed in 1975 for a solo career.

The Guess Who laid the groundwork for Canada’s breakthrough songwriting partnership in Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings, as the first three albums of the Bachman Cummings Collection – Wheatfield Soul and Canned Wheat, both released in 1969 – and 1970’s American Woman – attest. The Guess Who’s trailblazing run of U.S. chart and sales successes continued with the albums Share The Land and So Long, Bannatyne. With Toronto-born Jack Richardson working his magic in producing Bachman-Cummings’ hook-filled gems for instant radio appeal, The Guess Who became Canada’s first rock star collective.

As songwriters, there was chemistry: from the moment Burton Cummings sat down at the piano with Randy Bachman “Burton and I would get together every Saturday morning at 10 or 11 a.m. and I would play him ideas I had for songs,” Bachman recalls. “We wrote very quickly. No song was a labour. If it didn’t work, we threw it away.”

Often using Beatles or Chuck Berry songs as starting points, the duo employed a healthy rivalry. “The competition between us made us a pretty good songwriting team. We were force-fed many musical styles and that crept into our work,” adds Cummings.

Whether collaborating or through the individual endeavors of Randy Bachman (like Bachman-Turner Overdrive) or Burton Cummings’ collected work, the body of songwriting is arguably among the best of rock n’ roll history.

Of the legacy, Cummings says, “I’ve lived a pretty full life. I’ve been all over the world. And I’ve realized, better than ever, every year that I go out and sing those songs again, it’s more special to the audience, besides being more special to me”.
Bachman adds, “These songs are bigger than us or any differences that we might have had in the past. Getting together to celebrate the songs is a real triumph for us”.

Bachman Cummings The Collection will be released internationally on October 29, 2021.

TRACK LISTING:

The Guess Who – Wheatfield Soul

These Eyes
Pink Wine Sparkles In The Glass
I Found Her In A Star
Friends Of Mine

When You Touch Me
A Wednesday In Your Garden
Lightfoot
Love And A Yellow Rose
Maple Fudge
We’re Coming To Dinner

The Guess Who – American Woman

Side A
American Woman
No Time
Talisman
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature

Side B
969 (The Oldest Man)
When Friends Fall Out
8:15
Proper Stranger
Humpty’s Blues / American Woman (Epilogue)

The Guess Who – So Long, Bannatyne

Side A
Rain Dance
She Might Have Been a Nice Girl
Goin’ a Little Crazy
Fiddlin’
Pain Train
One Divided

Side B
Grey Day
Life In the Bloodstream
One Man Army
Sour Suite
So Long, Bannatyne

Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Collected

Side A
Hold Back The Water
Stayed Awake All Night
Let It Ride
Takin’ Care Of Business
Rock Is My Life, And This Is My Song

Side B
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet
Four Wheel Drive
Hey You
Lookin’ Out For #1
Down, Down


The Guess Who – Canned Wheat

No Time
Minstrel Boy
Laughing
Undun
6 A.M. or Nearer

Old Joe
Of a Dropping Pin
Key
Fairing Warning

The Guess Who – Share The Land

Side A
Bus Rider
Do You Miss Me Darlin’
Hand Me Down World
Moan for You Joe
Share The Land

Side B
Hang On to Your Life
Coming Down Off the Money Bag
Three More Days

Burton Cummings – Collected

Side A
I’m Scared
Your Back Yard
Is It Really Right
Stand Tall
My Own Way To Rock

Side B
Timeless Love
Break It To Them Gently
I Will Play A Rhapsody
Dream Of A Child
Heavenly Blue
Fine State Of Affairs

It’s a GREAT collection … but good luck finding it!!!

This has been supposedly "coming" (or available) for over almost two years now ... and yet NOBODY has ever had it in stock.  (I've tried to order it numerous times over the past couple of years without success ... but according to what I've read in the past 48 hours, it sounds like THIS may be the actual "official" release ... although Amazon.com still doesn't show it that way.)

I already have all of these recordings ... and then some … but to have them all collected in a neat little box set would be awesome.  I'd still opt for the CD edition over the vinyl, 'tho, as that's just a more accessible option for me right now.

It's been listed on Amazon for over a year ... I've tried to order, pre-order and/or back-order several times and it has never been in stock even once, usually with a disclaimer to the effect of "Don't know when ... or IF we'll have this item in stock again," implying that they DID have it at some point in time.  Apparently not based on this new announcement.

I've even ordering it thru Amazon of Canada (who claim that they can't let me order it because they are not allowed to ship it to me here in The United States!)  

Honestly, I wish there was a bit more to it ... a lot of great music has been left off this collection … but this is still a pretty impressive set.  I will continue to try and preorder it.  (Maybe now that it’s officially been announced and is being promoted in the media, Amazon will do a little better as far as actually being able to fill orders for this once it is finally released.)  kk

 

Speaking of new releases, what a year this has been for Beatles fans!!!

The Fest For Beatles Fans just published this list …

Here is what has been or is being released in 2021:
January - McCartney III, released at the end of 2020, began this year at the top of the charts
March -  Ringo - Zoom in
April - John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band 
May - Ram On Tribute CD with Denny Seiwell & Friends
July - McCartney III Imagined
August - George's All Things Must Pass massive release
September - Ringo - Change The World EP
October - Let It Be releases and the Get Back Book
November - Paul McCartney, The Lyrics Book
Thanksgiving WeekendGet Back Film on Disney +
December - What's left????

 

Meanwhile, watch for a very special 8-CD Set commemorating Steppenwolf’s career with ABC/Dunhill Records.

The discs will include EVERY track the band recorded for the label between 1967 and 1971, as well as the special mono single mixes of the hits and a whole bunch of live cuts.

It’s the latest career-spanning compilation from Cherry Red Records and is expected to hit the streets on October 29th or November 5th.  (More details to come)

 

A complete track list is shown below …

Magic Carpet Ride – The Dunhill/ABC Years, 1967-1971 Track Listing

DISC ONE:
Steppenwolf – Released in January 1968
1 Sookie Sookie
2 Everybody’s Next One
3 Berry Rides Again
4 Hootchie Kootchie Man
5 Born To Be Wild
6 Your Wall’s Too High
7 Desperation
8 The Pusher
9 A Girl I Knew
10 Take What You Need
11 The Ostrich
Bonus tracks (Mono Single Versions)
12 Sookie Sookie
13 Born To Be Wild
14 Everybody’s Next One
15 Take What You Need
16 A Girl I Knew
17 The Ostrich
18 The Pusher
19 Berry Rides Again

DISC TWO:
The Second – Released in October 1968
1 Faster Than The Speed Of Life
2 Tighten Up Your Wig
3 None Of Your Doing
4 Spiritual Fantasy
5 Don’t Step On The Grass Sam
6 28
7 Magic Carpet Ride
8 Disappointment Number (Unknown)
9 Lost And Found By Trial And Error
10 Hodge, Podge, Strained Through A Leslie
11 Resurrection
12 Reflections
Bonus tracks
13 Magic Carpet Ride (mono single version)
14 Spiritual Fantasy (mono single version)

DISC THREE:
At Your Birthday Party – Released in March 1969
1 Don’t Cry
2 Chicken Wolf
3 Lovely Meter
4 Round And Down
5 It’s Never Too Late
6 Sleeping Dreaming
7 Jupiter Child
8 She’ll Be Better
9 Cat Killer
10 Rock Me
11 God Fearing Man
12 Mango Juice
13 Happy Birthday
Bonus tracks (MONO SINGLE VERSIONS)
14 Rock Me
15 Jupiter Child
16 It’s Never Too Late
17 Happy Birthday

DISC FOUR:
Early Steppenwolf – Released in July 1969 (Live at The Matrix 1967)
1 Power Play
2 Howlin’ For My Baby
3 Goin’ Upstairs
4 Corina, Corina
5 Tighten Up Your Wig
6 The Pusher

DISC FIVE:
Monster – Released in November 1969
1 Monster / Suicide / America
2 Draft Resister
3 Power Play
4 Move Over
5 Fag
6 What Would You Do (If I Did That to You)
7 From Here to There Eventually
Bonus tracks
8 Monster (single version)
9 Move Over (mono single version)
10 Power Play (mono single version)

DISC SIX:
Steppenwolf Live – Released in April 1970
1 Sookie Sookie
2 Don’t Step On The Grass
3 Tighten Up Your Wig
4 Monster
5 Draft Resister
6 Power Play
7 Corina, Corina
8 Twisted
9 From Here To There Eventually
10 Hey Lawdy Mama
11 Magic Carpet Ride
12 The Pusher
13 Born To Be Wild
Bonus tracks (MONO SINGLE VERSIONS)
14 Hey Lawdy Mama
15 Twisted
16 Corina, Corina

DISC SEVEN:
Steppenwolf 7 – Released in November 1970
1 Ball Crusher
2 Forty Days And Forty Nights
3 Fat Jack
4 Renegade
5 Foggy Mental Breakdown
6 Snow Blind Friend
7 Who Needs Ya
8 Earschplittenloudenboomer
9 Hippo Stomp
Bonus tracks
10 Screaming Night Hog
11 Snowblind Friend (single version)
12 Hippo Stomp (single version)

DISC EIGHT:
For Ladies Only – Released in November 1971
1 For Ladies Only
2 I’m Asking
3 Shackles And Chains
4 Tenderness
5 The Night Time’s For You
6 Jaded Strumpet
7 Sparkle Eyes
8 Black Pit
9 Ride with Me
10 In Hopes Of A Garden
Bonus tracks:
11 For Madmen Only
12 For Ladies Only (single version)
13 Ride With Me (mono single version)

You can also look forward to a brand new Alan Parsons live album in November, recorded in 2019 in The Netherlands …

“The NeverEnding Show: Live In The Netherlands” hits the streets on November 5th.

(It also includes a brand new studio track from which it takes its title, “The NeverEnding Show.”  A new studio album from The Alan Parsons Live Project is expected next year.

The NeverEnding Show: Live in the Netherlands Tracklist

CD1
1. One Note Symphony
2. Damned If I Do
3. Don’t Answer Me
4. Time
5. Breakdown + The Raven (Medley)
6. I Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You
7. Psychobabble
8. Luciferama

CD2
1. Don’t Let It Show
2. I Robot
3. Limelight
4. Standing On Higher Ground
5. As Lights Fall
6. I Can’t Get There From Here
7. Prime Time
8. Sirius + Eye In The Sky (Medley)
9. Old And Wise
10. (The System Of) Dr. Tarr And Professor Fether
11. Games People Play
12. The Never Ending Show (New Studio Audio Track) Bonus Track

Meanwhile, I’ve been enjoying the new Beach Boys Box Set “Feel Flows,” covering the sessions from their “Sunflower” and “Surf’s Up” albums.

And, our buddy Spud just sent us the third installment of these brand new “Feel Flows” video tributes …  

Presenting The Beach Boys Feel Flows … Chapter 3: Growing In Soul,

A visual exploration of this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band's legendary career: https://youtu.be/R2J1F0J1e30   

Buy the Feel Flows box set here:  https://shop.thebeachboys.com/collections/feel-flows

Is the audience still there for ABBA?

I’d have to say the answer to THAT question is a resounding “YES!!!”

Within the first 24 hours of posting two new Tik-Tok videos, over four million people viewed them.

That means that probably 2-3 TIMES that many people have already registered on the ABBAVoyage site for the special announcement coming tomorrow (September 2nd!)

As we draw closer to that date, it’s sounding more and more like the big ABBA announcement will be the release of a full album’s worth of new material AND the start up of the much-anticipated (and oft-delayed) Hologram Tour, an avatar concert of their greatest hits, performed with a live band, traveling around the world.

That’s what the rumor mill is saying anyway … guess we’ll all just have to wait until tomorrow in order to find out for sure.  (kk)

And, only in Forgotten Hits … from ABBA to Iron Butterfly!!!

Ron Bushy, drummer on ALL SIX Iron Butterfly albums, has passed away.

He may not be #3 of the Everly / Watts image stars, but Ron's great drum solo on In A Gadda Da Vida is unmistakably one of the greatest things in 60's rock.  His work with many other Butterfly songs is amazing as well.  Truly a talented drummer, IMO.

https://www.tmz.com/2021/08/29/iron-butterfly-drummer-ron-bushy-dead-dies/

Clark Besch

Another Great Loss … Ron Bushy, probably best known for his 15-minte drum solo on In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.  ;-(

Mike Wolstein

 

Last week we told you that Paul Stanley of Kiss tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.  Now bandmate Gene Simmons has also tested positive. (Kiss had already postponed their upcoming shows to give Stanley ample quarantine time … and Paul had stated at the time that the band and all their crew go through regular, rigorous Covid protocol and testing … so this diagnosis came completely out of the blue.  Meanwhile, with Simmons now also down, Kiss’ upcoming plans are a bit up in the air.  We’ll keep you posted as things develop.

Stanley has stated that his symptoms were mild compared to many others … but, in his words, “Let me tell you, it kicked my ass!  It’s over now.”  (As a result, Kiss postponed their scheduled show in Burgettstown, PA.)

Now that Gene Simmons has also tested positive, he says that "The band and crew will remain at home and isolate for the next ten days.”  Doctors have indicated the tour should be able to resume on September 9th at FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine, California.  Meanwhile, Simmons says that he is experiencing mild symptoms.  (One of those newly postponed shows was right here at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater right here in Tinley Park.)  kk

John Drake, lead singer of The Amboy Dukes on their Top 20 1968 Hit “Journey To The Center Of The Mind” also passed away last Sunday (August 29th), as did Emmy Winning Actor Ed Asner (a TV icon) and Producer / Songwriter Lee “Scratch” Perry.  (A sad, sad Sunday)

So sharing a smile, also from Mike Wolstein … and one we’ve run a few times before …

 

They run this every September.  ;-)

And it’s that time again!

 

 

Another Smile:

 



But my Smile of the Week goes to Chuck Buell …

 

Why Fix It When a Graphic Will Do?!

Here's a Clever "Wile E. Smile E" for you today!



CB!  ( which stands for "Cartoon Boy!" )

 

Almost makes you wanna go out and get hit, doesn't it?!?!  (I said "almost"!!!)  kk

 
Almost! 
After getting your email tonight, I decided to drill deeper and see if this is actually a real and available product. And it is!  
Found it in sizes from 5 Inches to 12 inches tall for under five bucks.  Might be more in larger sizes because there were several vendors.
I've been a Big Road Runner Fan ever since those two Guys started starring in their own movies decades ago.  
Now I'm wondering where I might put one of those decals around here! (You know, this could also act as one of those "safety" stickers one puts on a glass patio door.)  
Anyway, glad you found it amusing as I did!
CB