MOORPARK INTERSECTION - I Think I'll Just Go And Find Me A Flower

MOORPARK INTERSECTION - 'I Think I'll Just Go And Find Me A Flower' / 'Yesterday Holds On' (Capitol P 2115) Feb 1968

Does anyone know if Moorpark Intersection were a performing band or another one of the long list of studio creations?

'I Think I'll Just Go And Find Me A Flower' is a simply gorgeous psychedelic pop song, so typical of West Coast America. David Axelrod produced and of course he had experience working with psych kings The Electric Prunes. He also produced a favourite album of mine by Hardwater and both sides of this 45 would have perfectly fit the flower folk rock vibes displayed on that long player.
The song was written by Jerry Keller who also had another cool pop tune called 'Turn Down Day' recorded by The Cyrkle. 'Flower' was also recorded by Twinn Connexion.

The flip 'Yesterday Holds On' is another flower psych winner with a 'heavy' production and was co-written by David Axelrod.

A kindly soul emailed me today with some excelent information about Moorpark Intersection. Thank you so much...

I have more details for you on personnel:

Matt Hyde (guitar, vocals)
Jim (James) Kehn (drums, vocals)
Terry Johnson (bass)

Mike Dean (vocals, flute) sings lead on 'Flower'
Jay Lewis (guitar, vocals)

Matt Hyde, Jim Kehn and Terry Johnson were original members of The Coachmen, a San Fernando Valley group formed around 1960. Jay Lewis (real name James Donnellan) joined The Coachmen soon after its inception replacing keyboard player Jim Hobson who left to join The Du Vals.

During the 1960s, the band members also played with other groups in the area; in Johnson and Lewis' case, Bobby Bond & The Agents where they met Barry Brown (later a founding member of Morning). Kehn meanwhile worked with Richie Podolor doing session work for the likes of Iron Butterfly, Blues Image and Duanne Eddy.

The above line up got together during 1967 and through jazz guitarist Howard Roberts got signed to Capitol Records, working with Axelrod as producer.
Kehn did session work on Donovan's "Barabajagal" album while Lewis worked in a bar band with Snoopy Pfisterer from Love. When the "Forever Changes" line up imploded, Snoopy recommended Lewis to Arthur Lee as a replacement for John Echols and he joined Love, reverting to his real name James Donnellan.

Matt Hyde meanwhile began building recording consoles around town with former Coachmen Jim Hobson who was also doing session work on the side. They ended up building their own studio called The Recording Studio in Tarzana, California with financial partner, Joe Long. Kehn attended one of Love's sessions and suggested to Lewis that he take Love to record there, which they did with Hobson guesting on piano.

When Donnellan (now reverting back to Jay Lewis) was dropped by Love in late 1969, he reunited with Barry Brown from Bobby Bond & The Agents in the deathroes of his latest group, East Lynne and the pair began talking about forming a new group. Hobson was approached and the trio formed the core of Morning. Kehn and Johnson were also recruited as side musicians and Hyde worked as an engineer on the group's albums.

Moorpark Intersection unreleased and unheard song 'Sure Is Good' was recorded in Nov 1967 but only reached acetate stage.

James Kehn updated Nick Warburton with the following information...

'I found and scanned another tune Moorpark Intersection recorded at Capitol records, called "Sure Is Good". It's an old acetate (this format gets worse with each playing). You can see it says RUF on it which stood for a rough take. So it was just for us to listen to and decide what to do with it later. I can't remember who wrote or who sang it.'

(James Kehn/Nick Warburton)

comments:

1. November 28, 1967 - Moorpark Intersection (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "Yesterday Holds On (What Is The Nature Of The Business You're In)" and "I Think I'll Go Out And Find Me A Flower" in Los Angeles, California with producer David Axelrod. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 2115).If anyone knows who was in the band, please leave a comment.On This Day In Capitol Records Historyhttp://popculturefanboy.blogspot.com

2. This group had connections with the band Morning. Group members included future Morning players Jay Lewis (aka Jay Donnellan from Love's "Four Sail" line up), Jim Kehn and Terry Johnson.

3. From Michael Wesley Dean

I was pleasantly surprised when I came across your page on Moorpark Intersection.
Please allow me to offer some updates on this subject.

Following Jay Lewis I became a member of The Coachmen as vocalist, sax player and later, organist

Besides singing lead and playing flute on “Flower”, I also played piano on the flip, “Yesterday Holds On”

During the time frame you are referencing I had a band called Michael Wesley Group (my stage name) with Terry Johnson and drummer, Bruce Walters and also worked as a trio with Jim Kehn and Matt Hyde (name slips my mind)

In the late 60’s I was arranging and producing sessions for Audio Physics/ Reflection Records (all done at The Recording Studio) and arranged the strings on a Jay Lewis song on the second Morning album

Nice blog ….. thank you,

Part 5, THE HANGMEN - Dream Baby

THE HANGMEN - 'Dream Baby' / 'Let It Be Me' (Monument 45-983) Nov 1966

In late 1966 The Hangmen travelled to Nashville to record their album for Monument Records. This album was of course 'Bittersweet'. The band had the chance to work with musician and talented producer Buzz Cason, who was a member of The Crickets.

The Hangmen had recently changed lead singer because Dave Ottley had returned to England so replacement Tony Taylor had the chance to shine.

Before the album was released Monument Records released a single in November 1966. Both of which were recorded in Nashville with new singer Tony Taylor. Both songs would also be part of the long player released in 1967.

'Dream Baby' is a psychedelicalized version of the Roy Orbison hit. The musicianship and production are exceptional and it's a sound that I feel The Hangmen should have explored more. 'Dream Baby' was written by Cindy Walker who visitors to my site may know also wrote 'Blue Canadian Rockies', a song recorded by The Byrds and released on their seminal country rock album 'Sweetheart Of The Rodeo'.

The flip 'Let It Be Me' is another cover version, written by Allie Wrubel/Mort Dixon and is a slow paced ballad.

RIDE - A collection of bubblegum and fuzz

PAWNEE DRIVE - 'Ride'
This song is the ONLY reason I'm doing a couple of comps devoted to bubblegum. 'Ride' is fantastic with lyrics full of double entendres that would have gone way over the heads of the bubblegum kiddies this record was aimed at. It was originally titled 'Love Tunnel' but was quickly changed to 'Ride' for obvious reasons.

TOMMY JAMES AND THE SHONDELLS - 'I'm Alive'
So many killer songs were B-Sides and are virtually unknown. 'I'm Alive' was made famous by other performers and is further proof that record companies were mostly useless at picking songs for release. 'Crystal Blue Persausion' was a hit but if 'I'm Alive' was the top side it would have been HUGE!
THE MUSIC EXPLOSION - 'Sunshine Games'
A Super K production!! Probably my favourite ever Music Explosion song, although 'Stay By My Side' is another killer.
PROFESSOR MORRISON'S LOLLIPOP - 'You Got The Love'
Another product of the Kasenetz-Katz Association and produced by bubblegum cat Joey Levine. How could Professor Morrison's Lollipop fail? I don't know but they were not as HUGE as they should have been.
'You Got The Love' still retains a garage punk edge but has that bubblegum organ sound. The band previously recorded as The Coachmen.

PAUL REVERE AND THE RAIDERS - 'It's Happening'
By 1968 this band were seen as a bit of a joke, even the teeny boppers had grown up and got into acid rock bands and festivals. But still, The Raiders were crankin' out huge records that nobody bought anymore.
'It's Happening' was a B-Side and it's a killer fuzz bubblegum attack. A Mark Lindsay special.

CAPT. GROOVY AND HIS BUBBLEGUM ARMY - 'Capt Groovy'
Maybe THEE best bubblegum song of all time. It's like a rallying cry to join the Captain's Army and if I was a 10 year old kid back in 1968 I think I'd have wanted to earn my stripes in his army fighting non bubblegum squares.
Awesome reverb and fuzz and an almost heavy metal guitar break. Ultra cool. Capt. Groovy fuckin ROCKS!

THE BEEDS - 'Run To Her'
A Kasenetz-Katz product although I'm not sure just how much if anything they had to do with this fantastic record by The Beeds. 'Run To Her' is a perfect pop record with bubblegum undertones. The band previously recorded as The Cat's Meow.
EVERY MOTHERS' SON - 'Come On Down To My Boat'
I remember watching a 'Mission Impossible' film way back when I was just a young cuban-heeled, paisley wearing 60s freak in the mid 80s, and saw a groovy lookin' band in the background playing away. It was only a short cameo and I never did get to find out who the band was cos I was rushing out to meet my pals down the pub.
Anyway, it turned out to be Every Mothers' Son and they were playing this hip bubblegum song that actually turned out to be a cover version of a Rare Breed record which was produced by Wes Farrell who went on to work with Elephant's Memory.

THE PINEAPPLE HEARD - 'Valleri'
The Pineapple Heard released the song 'Valleri' before The Monkees having learned it from one of the Monkees episodes. As far as I know 'Valleri' by The Pineapple Heard was released Sept/Oct 1967 and charted in a few States. Cracking version by the way with lots of fuzz.
They previously recorded under the name of Ed Wool And The Nomads.

THE RARE BREED - 'Beg, Borrow And Steal'
Another awesome Kasenetz-Katz production effort, this time more 60s punk than bubblegum. Fabulous lead guitar break. Total winner!
THE PEPPERMINT TROLLEY COMPANY - 'Spinnin' Whirlin' 'Round'
One of the BEST Peppermint Trolley Company songs and for some reason NOT on the recent CD retrospective. I don't know why? This 45 wasn't even mentioned in the liners?
Anyway, it's a fantastic pop psycher and was their final ever record from late 1969.

DANNY WARNER - 'Go 'Way Little Girl'
OK, who was Danny Warner then? This is a great version of the Janis Ian tune. It starts off with some evil sounding fuzz then progresses to brass which actually adds to the song. Bubblegum punk!!
JAMIE LYONS - 'Little Black Egg'
Not sure why Laurie Records released this 45 by Jamie Lyons in 1969. Perhaps it was his last shot at stardom. It was released in '67 by The Music Explosion and is probably the same recording. Production credits by bubblegum wizzards Kasenetz and Katz.
COMSTOCK LTD - 'Help Me Girl'
Bobby Comstock goes slightlydelic with this cool release. Nice touch of organ and brass.
THE ROBBS - 'Race With The Wind'
This band deserve a CD retrospective and I was especially sad to read that Dee Robb died last year. At least his band left behind some inspired folk rock and pop music. 'Race With The Wind', The Robbs first 45 from 1966 is more folk rock than bubblegum but they would end up recording more than their fair share of bubblegum pop later on in their career.
THE FUN AND GAMES - The Grooviest Girl In The World'
Classic bubblegum and a small hit in 1968. They evolved out of Texan garage band The Six Pents. They also recorded as The Sixpentz. Song titles with the word 'groovy' or 'grooviest' etc tend to be awful but this is coolsville.
THE HOBBITS - 'Pretty Young Thing'
Perfect bubblegum pop from '68 with soaring harmonies and a memorable tune. Written by Jimmy Curtiss who also wrote and released the bubblegummy pop psycher 'Psychedelic Situation'.

I've put together a collection of bubblegum 45s limiting the run time to approx 45 minutes, a perfectly reasonable listening time reverie. Most compilers like to use the full 70 minutes on a CDR but I don't, preferring to go for a short, sharp impact.....

'Ride' is limited to 10 copies and I've kept one for myself. This means I have 9 to give away FREE.

YOU pay for the shipping and packaging costs, photography paper and ink used for the covers and any paypal charge incurred. Item comes complete with CD jewel case.

Cost is therefore £3 in the UK or £6 worldwide. Payment to my paypal account only: dirtywater66@yahoo.co.uk

Snooze and you LOSE because I won't be doing any more copies when these are gone. And it's first come first served.

5 LEFT

Part 4, THE HANGMEN - In Person

A rare clipping of The Hangmen advertising their appearance at 3 stores on the 29th April, 1966.

Part 3, THE HANGMEN - Play Mosrite Guitars

Following on from the success of 'What A Girl Can't Do' The Hangmen were signed up by guitar makers Mosrite to promote their new Mosrite Ventures Model guitars and amps.

George Daly plays a custom Mosrite Mark 1 guitar
Tom Guernsey plays a custom Mark 12 string
Paul Dowell plays a custom Mark X bass

Part 2, THE HANGMEN - Faces

THE HANGMEN - 'Faces' / 'Bad Goodbye' (Monument 951) June 1966

The Hangmen had been basking in the limelight for several months following the big local hit 'What A Girl Can't Do'. It must have been weird though for the band members who didn't play on this record, apart from Tom Guernsey of course, who wrote their first hit 45 and played lead guitar on the platter.

The Hangmen were pop stars in Washington D.C. and even performed for the Kennedy's at some posh gig and appeared at the 'Giant Record Shop' in Falls Church, Virginia attracting thousands of teens hoping for a piece of The Hangmen action.

But the heat was on for the current line-up to come up with a follow-up record to maintain their popularity. That new recording was a George Daly/Tom Guernsey original called 'Faces'.
'Faces' is a tuff fuzztoned rocker and the combination of incessant fuzz and tambourine makes for THEE classic '66 punk sound.
The flip 'Bad Goodbye' is also a band original, again written by the Daly/Guernsey partnership. This time though the pace is slowed right down to reveal a mournful folk rock tune similar in style and sound to those great Val Stoecklein compositions with The Blue Things.
There is a slight Dylanesque vocal delivery from Dave Ottley and a mellow harmonica break.

Monument Records decided to promote the record and a full page advert appeared in trade magazine Billboard signalling it's release.
Over the years this 45 has become a highly sought after disc by the garage aficionado.

"Faces" was compiled in 1987 on '60s Choice - Volume 1' coming out on a French label called GMG. I bought this LP when it first came out and it was on this compilation that I first ever heard 'Faces'.
"Bad Goodbye" remains uncompiled.

The picture at the top of this post was printed in the Maryland News on the 16th June, 1966 and shows band members rubbing shoulders with Newton I Steers Jr, a Republican candidate wearing unfeasibly high waisted pants.... Back in '66 such was the elevated position of a rock band that mixing with them could win more votes. Now of course candidates just kiss a baby's head.

Part 1, THE HANGMEN - What A Girl Can't Do

THE HANGMEN - 'What A Girl Can't Do' / 'The Girl Who Faded Away' (Monument 910) November 1965

The Hangmen are now well represented on some garage websites with detailed information about the band aswell as rare photos. So head on over to "Garage Hangover" and "60s Garagebands" but have my site your port of call for a more in depth look at their 45s and sole album on Monument Records.
I've also got some vintage pics from the archives of The Hangmen's lead guitarist and songwriter Tom Guernsey, that as far as I know are unique to my "Flower Bomb Songs" (outta)site.

The Hangmen formed when Washington D.C. band The Reekers drifted apart sometime in mid 1965 when various members went to other colleges outside the Washington area. The Reekers were a popular draw and had a wild surf sound. Just check out the classic 'Don't Call Me Flyface' from 1964.

Tom Guernsey soon got active in putting together another combo by seeking out the 'long hairs' at Montgomery Jr College in Washington D.C. where he was attending. The new band was given the name of The Hangmen (which I think is a super cool name for a band)....
Around about the same time Monument Records, based in Nashville got passed tapes of recordings by The Reekers. The songs were 'What A Girl Can't Do' and 'The Girl Who Faded Away' both written by Tom Guernsey.

Monument were impressed and decided that they wanted some of the teenbeat sound on their roster (the label was primarily a vehicle for rock and roll, country and western and R'n'B. At this period in time Roy Orbison was the label's biggest star) and signed the band but because The Reekers were no more, Monument released the songs under the moniker of The Hangmen simply because of the Tom Guernsey connection.

So what of the music? 'What A Girl Can't Do' is classic mid 60s rock with an echo laden backbeat, pulsating bass runs and a Ventures style guitar attack giving the song instant teen appeal. The sound was new and dangerous with a potent mix of merseybeat and sneering 'put-down' lyrics. Thankfully Monument Records got their distribution right in and around the 'Tri-States' and the 45 was a big hit locally. Sadly the non existent promotion elsewhere meant that the band would not make it on to the National scene.

The flip 'The Girl Who Faded Away' is a gentle ballad in a Paul McCartney style. Tom confirms that it was influenced by the minor key kings The Zombies.

Both songs were compiled back in 1984 on the Satan label release 'Signed D.C.'

The picture of The Hangmen at the top of this post was printed in the Montgomery County Sentinel on June 16th 1966. It shows the band at Walt Whitman college with an added throng of students as The Hangmen looked over their setup for a forthcoming gig at the venue next day.
Remember to click the pic to enlarge...

IPSISSIMUS - Hold On

IPSISSIMUS - 'Hold On'/'Lazy Woman' (Parlophone R 5774) April 1969

Ipsissimus were a four piece outfit from Barking, Essex and the 45 on Parlophone was sadly their only offering. Both sides of the disc were produced by former Beatles engineer Norman Smith and legendary English DJ John Peel also gets a production credit.

'Hold On' is an updated heavy psychedelic rendition of the Rupert's People mod mover and can be found on Rubble 3 'Nightmares In Wonderland'.
Les Fluer De Lys also recorded the tune with female singer Sharon Tandy.

The Ipsissimus version is a fuzz & wah wah creation that no doubt would have sounded exciting as fuck listening to it on Peel's 'Perfumed Garden' radio show.

The flip 'Lazy Woman' is a band original written by bass player and singer Steve Oliver. This time 'round the band display their obvious talent with a full on blues rocker and considering that the blues was making something of a comeback in England during this period Ipsissimus may have faired better with this song as the one to push.

John Peel gave the record plenty of exposure but the single sold poorly and Ipsissimus never set foot in a recording studio again.
band line-up:

Steve Oliver (bass/vocals)
Len Deathridge (lead guitar)
Tony Sales (guitar)
Reg King (drums)

IPSISSIMUS - Hold On

Thanks to "Pop Cycles" compiler and Shindig! contributor Paul Martin for the scans of The Ipsissimus single.

It's also worth noting that the song 'Hold On' has been recorded by several different outfits aswell as the ones already mentioned in my posting. Here's a full list:

Sharon Tandy & Fleur de Lys – Hold On (Atlantic, 1967 and 1968)
Ipsissimus – Hold On (Parlophone, 1969)
Jason Crest – Hold On (on the 10th Planet radio sessions LP).
The Gun – Hold On (radio version on volume 2 of Shapes & Sounds).
Rupert's People – Hold On (on Circle Recs LP)
Johnny Young – Hold On (1968 LP "Surprises.")

possible version by Chris Andrews – Hold On (1967) (comped on Oddities Vol.2 LP) I don't have this compilation but if anyone knows for sure let me know...thanks

1 comments:
Planet Mondo said...
The Ippi and Sharon versions are both rockers, I opened my 33 and a 3rd eye mix with it
26 June 2009 23:21

THE CALIFORNIANS - The Cooks Of Cake And Kindness

THE CALIFORNIANS - 'The Cooks Of Cake And Kindness' / 'Mandy' (Fontana TF 991) January 1969

This band of 'straights' hailing from Wolverhampton released several singles on the main labels in 60s Britain (CBS, Decca and Fontana) and much of their music is not relevant to 'Flower Bomb Songs' but there were a few exceptions and a strange B Side from their first Fontana record, 'The Cooks Of Cake And Kindness' is one of those and it was compiled in the 80s on Rubble Volume 4 'The 49 Minute Technicolour Dream'.

The Californians trademark sound was a loungy, MOR style similar to say The American Breed from USA band and 'The Cooks Of Cake And Kindness' still retains the usual orchestrated sound but it's far heavier and freaky with some great distorted pop syke guitar.

The song was co-written by John Carter from The Flower Pot Men who also recorded a version but this remained unreleased until the mid 90s when it turned up on a Flower Pot Men collection.
THE CALIFORNIANS - The Cooks Of Cake And Kindness

THE SONS OF FRED - Sweet Love

THE SONS OF FRED - 'Sweet Love' / 'I'll Be There' (Columbia DB 7605) May 1965

Continuing my trawl through the Rubble comps (Pop Syke Pipe Dreams) here's The Sons Of Fred with their no hit wonder 'Sweet Love' on Columbia. It's gritty R'n'B with that unmistakable 60s organ sound.

The band hailed from Great Yarmouth, a popular coastal Town in England and were indeed a popular attraction on the South Coast but failed to break through to the mainstream despite obvious talent.

Why the band have all got a woodbine in their mouth is unknown?

THE SONS OF FRED - Sweet Love

THE MIRROR - Faster Than Light

THE MIRROR - 'Gingerbread Man' /'Faster Than Light' (Philips BF 1666) May 1968

A very obscure psych band from Bath, England who boasted a decent local following but were ignored everywhere else apart from in Germany.
According to the liners of Bam Caruso release 'The Psychedelic Snarl', The Mirror single scraped into the bottom reaches of the German charts and they even performed on TV Show 'Beat Club'....

THE MIRROR - Faster Than Light

THE BEATLES - I Call Your Name

THE BEATLES - 'Long Tall Sally' EP (Parlophone GEP 8913) June 1964

It's been awhile since I posted something by The Beatles but I prompted myself to showcase this EP when I realised it was released in June 1964, exactly 45 years ago!! How scary is that?

It's a great four track EP where The Beatles really let go with rockers they often performed on their way up to super stardom at The Cavern in Liverpool. The song that particulary sticks out for me is the John Lennon original 'I Call Your Name'. This song was given away to Billy J Kramer to record in the Summer of 1963.

Obviously Lennon still thought it could work for The Beatles and it was earmarked for the film 'A Hard Day's Night' but the track was never used.

The recording of 'I Call Your Name' was completed and mixed in March 1964 and it eventually saw a release on this EP a few months later.

THE BEATLES - I Call Your Name

KEITH ALLISON - Action, Action, Action

KEITH ALLISON - 'Action, Action, Action' (Columbia CL 2641) 1966

'In Action' is a recommended album by Keith Allison to track down for those 60s freaks (like myself) into the more commercial sounds of the day.

Allison got his big break in the music business by simply looking like Paul McCartney. He moved to Los Angeles from Texas in '65 to seek work and ended up going to hang out joint The Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood on the day that the film crew of TV programme 'Where The Action Is' were recording for the show.

He was spotted in the 'in-crowd' sitting watching bands perform and because of his likeness to Macca was asked to return and be part of the 'Where The Action Is' set week in and week out.

This break and popularity with the girls led him to record a one off album deal with Columbia Records who spared no expense in getting the top musicians of the L.A. scene and producer Gary Usher to nail the sound down on tape.

The result is a time capsule of sunset strip sounds similar to Paul Revere and the Raiders (he would later end up as a member of The Raiders) with the odd Donovan folk rock song thrown in to vary the sounds and pace of the album...

One song from the album is the fuzz mover 'Action, Action, Action' written by Boyce and Hart. This garage rocker would have been perfect for The Monkees.
I don't know if Boyce and Hart ever offered the song to them but it was their loss if they didn't want it.
KEITH ALLISON - Action, Action, Action

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - High On Love

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - 'High On Love' / 'Stick With Me' (Challenge 59332) June 1966

The high class wailing Brit Invasion rockers continued with this next release by The Knickerbockers. 'High On Love' is intense with a wild arrangement of pounding drums, gritty guitar and a wall of voices but sadly it failed to give the band the big hit it deserved.

The flip 'Stick With Me' is also a fine tune and slightlydelic....

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - One Track Mind

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - 'One Track Mind' / 'I Must Be Doing Something Right' (Challenge 59326) March 1966

'One Track Mind' was the solid follow up to the big hit 'Lies' and once again The Knickerbockers serve up a merseybeat gem with raunchy guitar and power.

The flip is a Beau Charles original titled 'I Must Be Doing Something Right' and it's a slower paced Beatles fest.

Certainly a strong release and a hit in most regions but fell short of the success of 'Lies'.


THE KNICKERBOCKERS - One Track Mind (mono)

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - Lies

THE KNICKERBOCKERS - 'Lies' / 'The Coming Generation' (Challenge 59321) Nov 1965

If straight forward, high energy 60s rock played by musicians with slicked back hair is your bag, then look no further than The Knickerbockers.
The band were from the New Jersey area and cut their teeth playing other people's music, especially material by The Beatles.

They relocated to Los Angeles in the Autumn of 1965 and signed a deal with Challenge Records and became the house band on TV Show 'Where The Action Is'
'Lies' was eventually a sizable hit after a slow start. I say eventually because Challenge Records began promoting the mediocre folk rocker 'The Coming Generation' as the top side. Thankfully someone, somewhere saw sense and 'Lies' was elevated as the tune to deliver the goods and it certainly does that.

Obvious comparisons are The Beatles when they rocked out on songs such as 'I'm Down' or 'I Feel Fine'. BUT, The Knickerbockers are allowed to be more raw and aggressive or perhaps it just came out that way.
THE KNICKERBOCKERS - Lies (mono 45 version)

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?

I would love one of these 'Psychedelic Wall Murals' as advertised in the April 1968 edition of "Teen Screen".

THE BYRDS - band shot 2

I found this group shot of The Byrds in the January 1966 issue of "Teen Screen" ..... One of the rare pics of David Crosby without his beloved green cape.

THE WYLDE HEARD - Stop It Girl

THE WYLDE HEARD - 'Take It On Home' / 'Stop It Girl' (Philips 40454) 1967

Based in Wisconsin, The Wylde Heard were one of those bands that had a brief brush with local fame then quickly disappeared leaving behind one 45.

They were originally called The Heard and released 'Take It On Home' / 'Stop It Girl' on the small label Feather Records. It must have sold reasonably well or at least the band provoked some major label interest due to gigs because Philips signed them and released the single. For unknown reasons, the label added "Wylde" to their name and the band became known as The Wylde Heard. Some copies of this release came in a picture sleeve.

'Stop It Girl' is a fast paced organ garage pop nugget with some interesting sustain sounds coming from the lead guitar. 'Take It On Home' on the other hand is an Anglophile ballad of sorts with Association style background harmonies and strings.

GEAR! - Volume 17

GEAR! - Volume 17

Here's the latest Gear! installment packed with obscure psychedelia. Some songs compiled here for the first time, others present in superior sonics.

01 CREATION OF SUNLIGHT - DAVID
02 CREATION OF SUNLIGHT - THE FUN MACHINE
03 WYLDE HEARD - STOP IT GIRL
04 WYLDE HEARD - TAKE IT ON HOME
05 THORINSHIELD - LONELY MOUNTAIN AGAIN
06 THORINSHIELD - FAMILY OF MAN
07 SWAMP PEOPLE - OKAFONOKEE
08 SWAMP PEOPLE - THE SWAMP
09 SYNDICATE OF SOUND - YOU'RE LOOKING FINE
10 SOUND MACHINE - SPANISH FLASH
11 SOUND MACHINE - GOTTA EASE MY MIND
12 SALVATION - THINK TWICE
13 SALVATION - LOVE COMES IN FUNNY PACKAGES
14 SAGES - IN THE BEGINNING
15 CHRIS CARPENTER - THIS WORLD (IS CLOSING IN ON ME)
16 CHRIS CARPENTER - WATERFALLS
17 STORYBOOK - BEADS OF INNOCENCE
18 STORYBOOK - PSYCH OUT

GEAR! - Volume 16

GEAR! - Volume 16

Just when you thought it was safe to lob the V's up at those moronic diversity and politically correct saps, I'm affraid you better put your ghastly piss taking thoughts to one side and rejoice at these geezers with the odd hairdo's and even odder facial hair. Don't even look at the matching shirts and waistcoats.

That neatly kept but hairy image could prevoke a landslide of scorn and abuse from those with much higher sartorial standards. The band pictured are The Spike Drivers and they deliver a great hybrid of folk rock and psychedelia with their choice cuts on Gear! 16.

Most of the tracks contained on this have been reviewed on my site. So if you dig what you read you may wanna pick this up for a fiver.

01 JOHNNY THUNDER - I'M ALIVE
02 JOHNNY THUNDER - VERBAL EXPRESSIONS OF T.V.
03 SOUL SURVIVORS - HEY GYP
04 CARNIVAL CONNECTION - POSTER MAN
05 CARNIVAL CONNECTION - ALFRED APPLEBY
06 INNOCENCE - THE DAY TURNS ME ON
07 SAPPHIRE THINKERS - MELONCHOLY BABY
08 SAPPHIRE THINKERS - BLUES ON YOU
09 SCENE - SCENES FROM ANOTHER WORLD
10 SPIKE DRIVERS - HIGH TIME
11 SPIKE DRIVERS - BABY, WON'T YOU LET ME TELL YOU HOW I LOST MY MIND
12 THESE VIZITORS - HAPPY MAN
13 THESE VIZITORS - FOR MARY'S SAKE
14 SMART AND COLE INC - NATURE BOY
15 SMART AND COLE INC - ASHES ASHES (ALL FALL DOWN)
16 LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION - HOUSE OF MY SORROW
17 LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION - DESTINATION UNKNOWN
18 SUPERFINE DANDELION - CRAZY TOWN
19 AMERICAN ZOO - BACK STREET THOUGHTS
20 AMERICAN ZOO - WHAT AM I?

CAVESTONES - Volume 24

CAVESTONES - Volume 24

Latest volume of Cavestones concentrating on underground psychedelia. Mastered direct from original records. Plenty of loose ends collected in one place at last, especially those songs by Mom's Boys that are scattered around on various exploito LPs. For sale at £5.

01 CRYSTAL CHANDLIER - SUICIDAL FLOWERS
02 CRYSTAL CHANDLIER - YOUR LAND OF LOVE
03 STAINED GLASS - A SCENE IN BETWEEN
04 SWEET ACIDS - THAT CREATURE
05 YESTERDAY'S OBSESSION - THE PHYCLE
06 YESTERDAY'S OBSESSION - COMPLICATED MIND
07 GODFREY - THE TRIP
08 NEW DAWN - SLAVE OF DESIRE
09 WEST COAST BRANCH - COLORS OF MY LIFE
10 WEIRD STREET CARNIVAL - THE SUBTERRANEAN EDIBLE FUNGUS
11 SEARCH - CLIMATE
12 SEARCH - MR CUSTER
13 DANNY AND THE COUNTS - YOU NEED LOVE
14 DANNY AND THE COUNTS - ODE TO THE WIND
15 MINIMUM DAILY REQUIREMENTS - I'M GROUNDED
16 MINIMUM DAILY REQUIREMENTS - IF YOU CAN PUT THAT IN A BOTTLE
17 JUST LUV - VALLEY OF HATE
18 JUST LUV - GOOD GOOD LOVIN'
19 MOM'S BOYS - YELLOW PILLS
20 MOM'S BOYS - UP AND DOWN
21 MOM'S BOYS - CHILDREN IN THE NIGHT

CAVESTONES - Volume 23

CAVESTONES - Volume 23

New entry in the growing volumes of Cavestones, this time focusing on Sunset Strip style mid 60s folk rock. Carefully mastered direct from vinyl record and digitized in 24bit resolution for optimum sonics. For sale at £5.

01 MOR-LOKS - THERE GOES LIFE
02 LINDY BLASKEY AND THE LAVELLS - I'LL GET ALONG SOMEHOW
03 ROBBS - RAPID TRANSIT
04 SHAYNES - FROM MY WINDOW
05 WORDS OF LUV - I'D HAVE TO BE OUTTA MY MIND
06 LORDS - ON THE ROAD AGAIN
07 SIN-SAY-SHUNS - ALL MY LONELY WAITING
08 INMATES - YOU TELL LIES
09 SOUND OF THE SEVENTH SON - I TOLD A LIE
10 SOUND OF THE SEVENTH SON - I'LL BE ON MY WAY
11 N.A.I.F. - SWEET BIRD OF LOVE
12 LORDS - SHE BELONGS TO ME
13 CASTAWAYS - SAM
14 COUNTS IV - WHERE ARE YOU
15 MARAUDERS - I DON'T KNOW HOW
16 REGENTS - RUSSIAN SPY AND I
17 GRAMMY FONES - NEW BIRD IN TOWN
18 REGENTS - WHEN I DIE, DON'T YOU CRY
19 UNITED NATIONS - IN MY DREAMS
20 UNITED NATIONS - CAUSE I LOVE YOU
21 WORDS OF LUV - TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME

CREATION OF SUNLIGHT - David

CREATION OF SUNLIGHT - 'David' / 'The Fun Machine' (Windi 1005) 1969

Until recently very little was known about Creation Of Sunlight. Their album on Windi Records was virtually unseen let alone heard. Fortunately a bootleg CD appeared sometime in the 90s and it was from this bootleg that they became known to me. The album has since been re-issued legally and several band members have been located.

It is now known that the band were from Long Beach, California and when they formed, they named themselves Sunlight Seven, then simply Sunlight. The band never recorded, performed or referred to themselves as Creation Of Sunlight. That was only supposed to be the title of the album!
At the time of their formation in the Summer of 1968 they were all still in High School.

'David' and 'The Fun Machine' were re-recordings for the small Windi label. 'David' in particular is a perfect lite psych tune with touches of fuzz guitar, organ and that California love-vibe. Comparisons with the more jazzy Strawberry Alarm Clock tunes are obvious.

It was written by Gene Rigalski. He's not listed as a band member?

........the sound of young ambition.........

Clear Light said...
David also turned up on another Windi 45 coupled with Sunlight's excellent heavy psych version of Judy in Disguise (with glasses.)

THE MYDDLE CLASS - Wind Chime Laughter

THE MYDDLE CLASS - 'Wind Chime Laughter' / 'Don't Look Back' (Tomorrow T-912) 1967

The trilogy of Myddle Class 45s ended with a great cover of The Temptations song from '65 'Don't Look Back'. This slightly countryfied and uptempo version is way ahead of the slow and yawn inducing original. Too bad it wasn't the hit that The Myddle Class deserved.

The flip was the sunshyne classic 'Wind Chime Laughter' which sounds like a more introspective Association. A taste of the pure pop music The Myddle Class were capable of.

line-up:

Danny Mansolino (keyboards), Dave Palmer (vocals), Rick Phillip (lead guitar), Charlie Larkey (base), Mike Rosa (drums)

THE MYDDLE CLASS - Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long

THE MYDDLE CLASS - 'Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long' / 'I Happen To Love You' (Buddah Records BDA 150) 1966

The second Myddle Class 45 paired 'Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long' with 'I Happen To Love You'. The former song, even though credited to all five Myddle Class band members was actually a song made more famous by The Blues Project (Al Kooper is credited as the songwriter but the title of the song is 'Wake Me-Shake Me')

It was originally released on Tomorrow 7503 but re-issued on Buddah Records a couple of years later.

It's been written that The Myddle Class picked up on this song after gigging with The Blues Project. It should be noted that Al Kooper and The Blues Project are credited as arrangers on the label of the Buddah release.........whatever the matter, this song is a killer and needs to be heard!

As a footnote 'Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long' charted in the top 20 in San Bernardino, California during November 1966.

The flip 'I Happen To Love You' is a Goffin & King song. It's more famous as being an Electric Prunes offering but The Myddle Class were the first band to record it.

Both songs were produced by Gerry Goffin..... file under essential double sider.

THE MYDDLE CLASS - Gates Of Eden

THE MYDDLE CLASS - 'Gates Of Eden' / 'Free As The Wind' (Tomorrow 45-7501) 1966

This very talented group of teenagers hailed from New Jersey and released three singles on Tomorrow, all of which sold in decent quantities locally but outside of their home territory bombed.

Even today The Myddle Class are something of a mystery. Hardly any of their songs have been compiled and several demos remain in the vaults, although these tapes or CDRs do surface in private trades.

'Gates Of Eden' /'Free As The Wind' was The Myddle Class debut and really should have done better than it ultimately did. When many bands were electrifying Bob Dylan songs and having huge hits The Myddle Class chose his sombre 'Gates Of Eden' and made it into a folk rock gem but attracted little attention.
'Free As The Wind' is high class 60s pop with these memorable lines:

'You never miss the water in the well
'Till the well runs dry.
And I never missed my baby
Until she said goodbye.
Now she's free as the wind.

'Free As The Wind' was the top side and charted at number 12 in Albany, New York during mid March 1966.
Both sides were produced by the song writing team of Goffin & King.

AMERICAN ZOO - Back Street Thoughts

AMERICAN ZOO - 'Back Street Thoughts' / 'What Am I?' (Reena Records 1030) 1967

This outfit were previously known as We The People and recorded earlier takes of both songs on this 45. Strangely 'What Am I?' was titled 'Who Am I?'

'Back Street Thoughts' is a sensitive mix of folk rock and psychedelia with harmonies and poignant guitar. The sound is as delicate as butterfly wings.
'What Am I?' contains lots of prominent farfisa organ and is a real treat. BUT who were these boys?
A couple of years ago I wrote about American Zoo's earlier 45 on Reena Records. Here it is again with better label scans.

AMERICAN ZOO - 'Magdalena' / 'Mr. Brotherhood' (Reena Records 1026) 1967

Another very cool double sided psych 45. American Zoo were a group of hip teenagers who recorded for Hollywood based label Reena. A picture of the band shows them looking extremely young and I suspect they never even went anywhere near an LSD tab so congrats on getting such a great sound on record.

That being said, they made an exciting couple of psychedelic 45s. 'Mr Brotherhood' written by Bill Hawkins was probably the top side, although both songs are strong. Can't decide which I prefer, so I won't!

This version appeared on Psychedelic Unknowns Volume 11 however, a longer cut was compiled on High All The Time Volume 2 (never heard this version so I'll have to try and locate that comp).

'Magdalena' has four name credits on the label, J. Martz, B. Bottrell, B. Hawkins and D. Danieli. This song appears to be non comp which is strange because it really is a fast paced psycher with cool instrumentation. Infact, the band are very competent musicians for youngsters.

This band shot of American Zoo turned up on a yahoo psych forum and was unearthed by their drummer Jason Martz.

THE SUPERFINE DANDELION - Crazy Town (Move On Little Children)

THE SUPERFINE DANDELION - 'Crazy Town' (Move On Little Children) / 'Janies Tomb' (Mainstream Records 673) 1967

The Superfine Dandelion came together after the demise of garage band The Mile Ends. The latter scoring huge points for their '66 Stones type raver 'Bottle Up And Go'.

Main offenders, guitarist and chief songwriter Mike McFadden and bass player Ed Black then teamed up and changed their musical direction with The Superfine Dandelion.

'Janies Tomb' has been compiled before and it's a strange tale of deceit, murder and necrophilia all moving along innocently with acoustic guitar, gentle bass and neatly packaged like those Lovin' Spoonful obscurities.

'Crazy Town' (Move On Little Children) has got a west coast vibe throughout with use of some flute filling the sound. Both sides are on The Superfine Dandelion album released on Mainstream Records however, 'Crazy Town' is an extended mix. The shorter and punchier mono 45 version has not showed up anywhere before and was not part of The Superfine Dandelion re-issue (with bonus cuts) on Sundazed which is now sadly deleted and not even mentioned anymore on the Sundazed web site.
'Crazy Town' will be part of Gear! 16.

SMART AND COLE INC - Nature Boy

SMART AND COLE INC - 'Nature Boy' / 'Ashes Ashes' (All Fall Down) (In Arts Records IA 109) 1967

So who were Smart And Cole Inc? Were they a group or a duo with the surnames of Smart and Cole? I don't know, they're a mystery to me but if any readers out there know the details be sure to leave a message.

This 45 was probably released some time in 1967 on the Hollywood label In Arts Records, they also released the rather great single by ESB (who previously recorded under the strangely named W.C. Fields Memorial Electric String Band)

'Nature Boy' is a cover of a song written by Eden Abba. He was also known as George Aberle and played bass for a band from England called Accolade. The latter also recorded 'Nature Boy'.
The version by Smart And Cole Inc is a well produced pop song reminicent of The Association.

The flip 'Ashes Ashes' (All Fall Down) is another cool pop song and slightly psychedelic. It was written by songwriting team Tucker-Mantz. They of course provided memorable material for The Electric Prunes (I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night), The Knickerbockers (The Coming Generation), The Brogues (I Ain't No Miracle Worker) and The American Breed (Green Light).