FLOWER BOMB SONGS

ZIGZAG - Issue 75 - August 1977 (selected pictures)

2012-01-30T19:07:00.004Z

THE CHURCHILL DOWNS - Don't Turn The Light Off

2012-01-28T20:26:00.002Z

THE CHURCHILL DOWNS - 'Don't Turn The Light Off' (Shadoks Music 137) 2011

One of the highlights of 2011 was Shadoks LP (limited to 500 copies) release of unreleased tapes by The Churchill Downs who were a popular and hip group in Hollywood during 1967-68. The group even became the house band at the famous Gazzari's, a notorious club on the Sunset Strip.

For whatever reason, The Churchill Downs failed to secure a recording contract with any label and the music they laid down with producer Gary Paxton during late 1967 to mid 1968 remained unheard. The earlier recordings are great but as '67 became '68 the psychedelic direction and some of the line-up had changed to a more soul rock sound.

The stand out is the Strawberry Alarm Clock influenced 'Don't Turn The Light Off', co-written by Don Adey who went onto record an album as Jamme with Keith Adey and some of Hollywood's finest session players, including Larry Knetchtel and Jim Gordon.

THE CHURCHILL DOWNS - Don't Turn The Light Off

MIKE WALLACE - Daffodil

2012-01-27T22:23:00.001Z

MIKE WALLACE - 'Daffodil'/'Early Morning Bird' (Major Minor MM 668) 1970

Most lovers of late 60s English underground psych will be familiar with an earlier Mike Wallace 45 on Polydor Records 'Natural High'/'Mandarin' and a pleasing pop psych double sider it is too.

I never realised that Mike Wallace had another overlooked and obscure 45 released on Major Minor until I found a copy late last year. This record has a similar pop psych approach with an obvious Donovan influence. 'Daffodil' is lyte pop with orchestration, a perfect lazy Summer's day sound. Sadly no one was listening or cared and the record has remained in obscurity until I've resurrected it today.

'Early Morning Bird' is also an engaging lyte pop dream, but more acoustic and folk rock than 'Daffodil'. I love this type of sound. Mike Wallace rules...

MIKE WALLACE - Daffodil

JASON CREST - Hold On

2012-01-25T17:52:00.000Z

JASON CREST - 'Hold On' (Tenth Planet TP041) 1999

Second time out for London group Jason Crest on 'Flower Bomb Songs'... This is their radio session rendition of 'Hold On', a song that was recorded by several English underground groups including Ipsissimus, Rupert's People and Sharon Tandy (backed by The Fleur de Lys).

Jason Crest recorded 'Hold On' in November 1968 for radio broadcast although I'm sure this song and others were never played on the radio at the time and were just used as audition tapes to assess their suitability for live broadcast. The mastertapes were found gathering dust in the late 90s in their former manager's attic.

JASON CREST - Hold On

THE LEARS - Fanzine Reviews (Lears - Final Part)

2012-01-22T15:16:00.001Z

THE LEARS - 'The Story So Far' (Get Hip 1058CD) 1997

By the time Get Hip Recordings released The Lears CD the group had already disbanded. It's an essential CD to add to your collection because it contains most of the early 45 sides (apart from 'Thimble Full Of Puzzles' and the Pretty Things cover 'You Don't Believe Me').

As well as the singles, previously unreleased songs are present including recordings made at King Snake Studio and Hitmaker Studio sometime in 1995. The new songs seem to indicate a more experimental and psychedelic approach that The Lears seem more than capable of indulging in especially on mindblowers like 'Electric Mushroom Voyage' and 'Thee Iguana Theme'.

The ultra great folk jangler 'Then You Want' (easily my favourite Lears tune) was given the honour by Timothy Gassen to appear in MP3 format on his 'Knights Of Fuzz' CD-ROM. You can hear this on my YouTube Channel. That's The Gruesomes pictures on the cover by the way...not The Lears.

Shindig #4 review

Misty Lane #16 review

Gravedigger #2 review

THE LEARS - You Don't Believe Me (Lears - Part 5)

2012-01-22T11:53:00.000Z

THE LEARS - 'You Don't Believe Me' (Corduroy Records CORD007) 1995

The compilation 'Not So Pretty' was put together by Corduroy Records in Australia to showcase contemporary groups of the mid 90s performing classic songs by the legendary Pretty Things.

The Lears contributed the jangly 'You Don't Believe Me' from The Pretty Things 1965 album 'Get The Picture'. The song was a no-brainer for The Lears to cover and was perfect for their folk garage sound.
The song was not compiled on The Lears CD retrospective.

THE LEARS - You Don't Believe Me

THE LEARS - Her Magic Smile (Lears - Part 4)

2012-01-21T10:53:00.001Z

THE LEARS - Her Magic Smile'/'Don't You Know' (Misty Lane Records 028) 1995

Perhaps the most well known song by The Lears is the Dennis Dalcin original pop charmer 'Her Magic Smile'.

'Her Magic Smile' has the signiture Rickenbacker 12 string jangle sound but The Lears are no mere Byrds imitators. This song reminds me of The Rain Parade but with a garage edge.

The 45 was recorded at King Snake Studios, Sanford, Florida in 1995 with a new line-up of Paul Mutcler, Mark Dewey, Dennis Dalcin and Suzy Wolfe

update from Dennis Dalcin - January 2010:

"Wow! I was so surprised to see my old band's single included on your great blog! I'm Dennis Dalcin (guitar/vocals) with The Lears. Both of these songs are ones that I wrote & sang lead on. These were ever only very rough mixes and NOT the way we really wanted them to sound. We were asked by Massimo of Misty Lane Records if we would allow him to release these as a single on his label. We were glad to finally have something recorded in a real recording studio get released.

Our our previous releases were from recordings done on a 4-track machine that Paul Mutchler had, and they were recorded in a garage! They were true garage recordings! I too believe we never reached our peak musically before the band split after first Paul then I moved back to Clearwater/St Petersburg respectively. Thanks for your support of The Lears!!"

THE LEARS - Her Magic Smile

THE LEARS - I Saw You (Lears - Part 3)

2012-01-20T17:55:00.001Z

THE LEARS - '4 x 4' EP (Lollipop Shop LSP 002) August 1994

On this four song EP The Lears have certainly executed the 1966 Byrds sound to perfection. The music on offer is a veritable overdose of 12 string jangle. The rough and basic production puts their sound in the folk garage box of tricks.

The best song on the EP is the terrific Paul Mutchler original 'Then You Want'. This cut would easily fit on 'The Notorious Byrd Brothers'. It's a modern day classic. Brilliant 12 string Rickenbacker action, simple but effective drums and Byrdsian harmonies. This could almost be McGuinn and Crosby. They've kissed and made up!!!

'Thimble Full Of Puzzles' is an extra-ordinary raga rock instrumental. Yet again it's a 12 string jangle collision course and we're on the road to Columbia Studios, Hollywood and Gary Usher is at the controls...For some reason this track was not included on The Lears retrospective CD on Get Hip. Not sure why....it's killer.

All in all folks this is a priceless EP record by The Lears. If you dig Byrdsian magic add this artifact to your collection if you ever see it for sale.

When I originally posted this entry on my site Dennis Dalcin got in touch with the following information:

"Dennis Dalcin here of The Lears...I just wanted to add to the information provided.

Paul wrote the music for "Annabel Lee" which is a poem by Edgar Allen Poe. "Thimble Full Of Puzzles" came from a riff that had been going round my head for days before we jammed this out as a band. So I came up with the title and riff and everyone else contributed their parts to it. I'm really glad to hear that you liked it!!

It didn't get included on our Get Hip CD because we wanted to let people hear another song by the band that had not previously been released.

All these songs were recorded in a garage with a Tascam 4-Track cassette recorder (as was all of our Get Hip CD). Add to that it was our first attempt at recording the band. We actually recorded the majority of a second CD in a real 24-track studio that has all the power we had live, but couldn't get on the 4-track recordings. Since Paul has no desire to see those tracks released I doubt that it will ever see the light of day. Too bad really because it sounds so much better than any of our other recordings! Oh well, such is life! Keep on rocking!"

songs on EP:
I Saw You
Annabel Lee
Then You Want
Thimble Full Of Puzzles

Recorded September 1991
Remixed and Remastered September 1993
Released August 1994

THE LEARS - I Saw You

original post 25/07/07

THE LEARS - Comin' Home Today (Lears - Part 2)

2012-01-19T18:40:00.000Z

THE LEARS - 'Comin' Home Today' (Misty Lane Records 016) Feb 1994

One of the earliest releases on Misty Lane Records was the four track EP called 'A Web Of Mystery'. This showcased songs by The Overcoat, The Others, Lust-O-Rama and The Lears.

The folk jangle rocker 'Comin' Home Today' is the highlight from the disc and sees The Lears veering into 'Notorious Byrd Brothers' territory with it's vague 'country' influence. Listen out for some pleasing and authentic folk rock harmonies, just like it was 1967 again.

THE LEARS - Comin' Home Today

THE LEARS - I Won't Remind You (Lears - Part 1)

2012-01-16T17:25:00.002Z

THE LEARS - 'I Won't Remind You'/'A Flash Of Light' (Susstones IMS-581) 1993

After Green Today disbanded Paul Mutchler and Ken Chiodini teamed up with Dennis Dalcin (editor of Kaleidoscope fanzine and the individual resposible for the Exploding Underground compilation) and bass player Steve Rybko during the Summer of 1990.

It took almost three years before The Lears released any vinyl but eventually a debut 45 came out on Susstones, a Minneapolis label noted for taking an interest in 60s influenced outfits. Other Susstones releases include singles by The Funseekers, Manual Scan and The Shambles.

'I Won't Remind You' is fine fast paced Byrdsian raga jangle with a psychedelic tinge. The Byrds influence cannot be denied and I'm sure McGuinn would really dig the efforts of The Lears with this gem written by 12-string Rickenbacker picker Paul Mutchler.

The flip 'A Flash Of Light', written by Dennis Dalcin cleverly combines jangle with a Bo Diddley beat.....an unusual combination but it works.

Interesting to note that the name The Lears derives from 60s aircraft the Lear Jet. Roger McGuinn was a noted enthusiast of the plane and wrote '2-4-2 Fox Trot (The Lear Jet Song)' as a tribute to it's manufacturer John Lear.

THE LEARS - I Won't Remind You

THE GREEN TODAY - Natural Rhyme

2012-01-15T10:52:00.002Z

THE GREEN TODAY - 'Natural Rhyme'/'Find A Way' (Kaleidoscope Flexi Disc) Dec 1986

One of the best contemporary groups I've discovered recently were undoubtedly Orlando, Florida outfit The Belltowers. They perform a melodic and harmonious jangle rock that has been my staple diet for decades. Read about The Belltowers on my site here.

During the course of my Belltowers investigations I became aware that at one stage ex Green Today members Paul Mutchler and Ken Chiodini were also in an early line-up of The Belltowers. I'd heard of The Green Today before via an 80s compilation called 'The Exploding Underground'....

I then found out that both Paul and Ken started another group called The Lears when The Green Today broke up in 1987. Fantastic, I said to myself...... I've been a huge fan of The Lears for many years and had all of their 45 releases. Things started to make sense. The jangle Rickenbacker from Paul Mutchler had been a pleasant constant in ALL three groups.

A few months ago I decided that I wanted 'Flower Bomb Songs' to concentrate much more on revival groups and although I've already written about The Lears before I plan to update those entries over several blog entries, starting today with The Green Today!!

The Green Today started life as Stumble and after a couple of changes settled on a line-up of Ken Chiodini (drums/vocals), Paul Mutchler (guitar/vocals) and Martin Everett (bass). Soon after, a new name was required and the guys went for The Green Today after Paul looked at The Beatles LP 'Yesterday And Today' and liked the way it was written. All three liked the colour green.....hence Green Today.

'Natural Rhyme', written by Paul Mutchler has his signiture 12 string jangle and is a real lanquid Byrdsian treat. The sound is full and vibrant and belies the fact that this was a three piece outfit. Mark Michel is credited as producer on the flexi-disc but during the interview from Kaleidoscope Issue 1, the group also thank John Link for help during the recording process.

THE GREEN TODAY - Natural Rhyme

'Find A Way' is an uptempo rocker with a definate nod to The Meat Puppets and The Minutemen (popular 80s indie groups), especially the bass runs. However, the jangle is still present. Here's what Paul had to say in the Kaleidoscope interview.

"I listen to The Beatles, The Byrds and Roger McGuinn. I'm definately a big McGuinn fan. I think I'm the only person besides McGuinn who plays 12-string constantly now!

I'll always be a 12-string picker. I like 6-strings but....if I get one It'll be like yeah, I'll play that two songs a set".

Another song by The Green Today was released on late 80s compilation 'The Exploding Underground' on (Direct Hit Records DHLP 1001). 'Thoughts Before' was recorded in 1987 and is a seriously great Byrdsian rocker circa their raga rock experiments on 'Younger Than Yesterday', but at over four minutes is too long too post here. Check it out on my YouTube Channel.

The Green Today - St Augustine, 1986 - pic from Paul Mutchler's archives


Gig flyer taken from Paul Mutchler's archives

Discography:

Stumble 'The Leaves Are Turning' (9 song cassette) 1984
The Green Today 'The Green Today Demo' (5 song cassette) May 1986
The Green Today 'Natural Rhyme'/'Find A Way' (flexi disc Kaleidoscope issue 1) Dec 1986
The Green Today 'Thoughts Before' (Direct Hit Records DHLP 1001) 1988

JACKSON C . FRANK - Dialogue

2012-01-11T19:23:00.002Z

JACKSON C. FRANK - 'Dialogue' (Columbia 33SX 1788) December 1965

Folk singer Jackson C. Frank hailed from Buffalo, New York but at the age of twenty decided to travel to London to be part of the growing mid 60s folk scene in England that included Bert Jansch, Ralph McTell, Donovan, John Renbourn, Sandy Denny, Al Stewart and of course fellow countryman Paul Simon who was already active on the English club circuit.

Jackson C. Frank got a recording contract with Columbia Records and was fortunate to meet up with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel who were both blown away by the genuis of Jackson's songs. Paul Simon offered to produce his recordings financed in part by his royalty earnings from 'Sounds Of Silence'.

The mournful, downbeat and loner folk 'Dialogue' is from Jackson's Columbia album which was released in small quantities in December '65. Few copies sold outside the London folk set and it's now become a very expensive rarity and still largely unknown. Few copies ever show up for sale making the Jackson C. Frank CD release 'Blues Run The Game' a must have addition to anyone's music collection.

"I want to be alone

I need to touch each stone.

Face the grave that I have grown.

I want to be alone".

JACKSON C. FRANK - Dialogue

THE TYME SOCIETY - LEAVES ARE TURNIN' BROWN

2012-01-08T10:51:00.000Z

THE TYME SOCIETY - 'Leaves Are Turnin' Brown'/'Wonderin' Why' (Psych-Out Records 45007) 2000

Following the demise of The Others Massimo del Pozzo formed a new group called The Tyme Society who also played a brand of '66 folk garage, so in all honesty they sounded just like The Others, especially as both outfits had Massimo's distinctive vocals and utilized jangle.

This was The Tyme Society's first release on the small indie label Psych-Out Records. It was pressed in a quanity of 500. Both sides are del Pozzo originals and were recorded at Delta Studio in Rome during February 2000.

THE TYME SOCIETY - Leaves Are Turnin' Brown

US & THEM - Corn Rigs

2012-01-07T11:56:00.002Z

US & THEM - 'Summerisle' EP (Fruits de Mer Vol. 20) October 2011

Us & Them really deliver the goods with this stupendous four song EP of Paul Giovanni covers taken from the soundtrack of an early 70s cult movie from Britain called 'The Wicker Man'....Quite simply, along with Kes, one of the best films ever made and easily THEE best soundtrack.

It must have been an impossible task to reproduce the brilliance of Giovanni's original acid-folk songs but Us & Them really capture the macabre sounds and eerie mood of them all. The perfect musicianship and the addition of mellotron and dulcimer into the mix create brilliant new interpretations of 'Corn Rigs', 'Gently Johnny', 'Fire Leap' and 'Willow's Song'.

The record was at first released in the usual Fruits de Mer quantity of 500. These sold out within a week, so an additional 200 copies were pressed which also sold out immediately. The label design shows a psychedelicalized picture of the famous Alan Wicker...ha ha ha...hilarious.

Check out the original 'Corn Rigs' version here from my archives.

US & THEM - Corn Rigs

THE DAMNED - 1977

2012-01-03T21:07:00.002Z

This rare picture of The Damned showed up on Captain Sensible's twitter page today. It's a shot of lead singer Dave Vanian and of course sundry crowd at (probably) the 100 Club in London, 1977.

US & THEM - Dialogue

2012-01-02T17:30:00.002Z

US & THEM - Us & Them EP (Fruits de Mer - vol. eight) December 2009

One of my 'discoveries' of 2011 were Swedish duo Us & Them, Anders plays all insruments and Britt sings like a Nightingale. This three song EP was released in a quantity of 500 by new English indie label Fruits de Mer during December 2009 and every copy sold within weeks, indeed this record is already commanding bids above $50 on Ebay.

The music on offer is acoustic based; very haunting textures are formed within their aural soundscapes. The lush dreamlike patterns are brushed with colours of melancholy and it's obvious that Us & Them have well and truely mastered the late 60s' early 70s acid-folk sound from England.

'Dialogue' also known as 'I Want To Be Alone' is a version of Jackson C Frank's folk gem from 1965. Anyone choosing his work to interpret has got to be taken seriously. That guy influenced many a folk troubadour including Nick Drake, but is largely unknown and forgotten.

Other covers follow with 'Home To Stay' originally recorded by Tudor Lodge. The other side of the disc has a quite brilliant version of 'Julia Dream' by Pink Floyd interwoven with an olde English traditional lullaby called 'All The Pretty Little Horses'.

US & THEM - Dialogue

THE DELTONICS - The Hurt And The Pain

2012-01-01T19:14:00.004Z

THE DELTONICS - 'The Hurt And The Pain'/'She's Mine' (Trident TR-666) 2002

After the demise of The Mystreated and before being re-united with Mole in The Higher State, Marty Ratcliffe kept to his '66 garage punk roots with a little known UK combo called The Deltonics who specialised in a potent mix of fuzz and farfisa.

'The Hurt And The Pain' is one such authentic '66 punk gem that is simple in it's construction and totally cool and satisfying because of it. The other side 'She's Mine' is much more crude in it's design and recording. This one is for the 'Back From The Grave' crowd.

Mole was selling copies of this 45 via his Ebay store last year but I'm thinking that all copies may have been sold. The record was never officially released and only 200 copies were pressed. Fewer copies still came with the promo picture of The Deltonics. A future rarity, I'm sure!

THE DELTONICS - The Hurt And The Pain

THE HIGHER STATE - Transparent Day

2011-12-31T14:07:00.000Z

THE HIGHER STATE - 'I'll Always Be Around'/'Transparent Day' (Get Hip Records GH-252) May 2011

Groups like The Higher State should be cherished in this day and age of bland corporate rock music. Not that many purist 60s influenced combos exist anymore, especially those treading the folk-rock steps of greats like WCPAEB and Merrell Fankhauser & HMS Bounty.

'I'll Always Be Around' is classy folk-rock with jangle and vocal harmonies. On the flip 'Transparent Day' is a stupendous version of the WCPAEB gem. Get this record while you can cos it won't always be around.

THE HIGHER STATE - Transparent Day

press release from State Records

THE WITCH DOCTORS - Death Ray '63

2011-12-29T12:58:00.001Z

THE WITCH DOCTORS - Death Ray '63 (Dionysus ID074538) 1992

The Witch Doctors were a short lived group from the L.A and Orange County areas of CA and contained ex members of The Untold Fables (Paul Carey) and The Fuzztones (Jake Cavaliere). They did, however, release some singles and an album that are well worth tracking down.

'Death Ray '63' is a spooky Ventures inspired organ wig-out and is my pick out of this excelent four song EP recorded at the famed Wallyphonic Studios in Pasadena. The other stand out is their killer version of 'I'm So Restless' which is far superior than the original from 1965 by Dutch beat group Cuby and the Blizzards.

THE WITCH DOCTORS - Death Ray '63

line-up: Dave Klein (drums) Gregg Hunt (vocals, guitar) Paul Carey (vocals, harmonica) Steve Hill (vocals, bass) Jake Cavaliere (organ)

THE TYME SOCIETY - I GOTTA KNOW

2011-12-28T17:21:00.003Z

THE TYME SOCIETY - 'When I See Her Eyes' / 'I Gotta Know' / 'Marion The Painter' (Butterfly Records BUT-05) Feb 2001

I'm not sure if The Others have quit for good? Hopefully a reader can leave a message with some details. Fortunately the leader of The Others Massimo Del Pozo has formed another brilliant garage band for me to enjoy.

This three song 45 on the collectable Spanish label Butterfly Records is a killer 12 string jangle and punk fest of the highest order. All songs have a farfisa organ backdrop weaving in and out of the fuzz and jangle. Real cool stuff.
Of particular interest is the 'New England Teen' style moodiness of 'I Gotta Know'....this one will send a shiver up your spine with it's perfection. 'Marion The Painter' is a raga rock instrumental. All songs sung in English.

The recordings on this disc were made in Rome at Alien Studio, December 2000 and mastered at Delta Studio a few months later......buy it while you can. (limited to 500 copies)

(updated entry from 16/05/08)

THE TYME SOCIETY - I Gotta Know

THE STROLLERS - Bring Her Home

2011-12-27T20:01:00.002Z

The STROLLERS - 'Bring Her Home ' / 'Stay Away' (Low Impact Records 004) April 1998

Second 45 from Swedish band The Strollers and it certainly has quality written all over it. First of all the cover is very thick, just like those 60s EPs. Also the vinyl is heavy. This has got to be one of the heaviest 45s I've got (as in weight). So The Strollers or rather Low Impact Records certainly spent some money on this release.

I'm not too sure about the haircuts The Strollers are wearing. There's a couple of members who seem to have been cutting their own hair in the dark but who gives a shit about image? (well I do actually...) Fortunately it's the music that really counts and 'Bring Her Home' is a powerful garage rocker with a 'high in the mix' farfisa organ sound.

'Stay Away' is a full on fuzz fest with a loud pulsating beat. It's one of those teen punk girl 'put down' anthems. This one has a cool garage guitar solo...The singer has attitude and he wants his girl to fuck off.

"I've made up my mind baby

I ain't got nothing to say

Just stay away from me."

Mathias Lilja (lead vocals, guitar and songwriter, he wrote both songs here)

Henrik Wind (farfisa organ, vocals)

Peter Kalin (bass guitar)

Martin Karlsson (drums)

THE STROLLERS - Bring Her Home

THE FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - When You're There

2011-12-26T18:37:00.002Z

THE FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - 'When You're There' (Fleetwood FCLP 3027) 1968

When I first heard The Flat Earth Society LP in the 80s via a bootleg vinyl copy it immediately became a fixture on my turntable. The album 'Waleeco' came housed in a psychedelic collage sleeve with a small picture of the group, they looked very young and at the time of recording the music these boys were all still teenagers.

The album opener 'Feelin' Much Better' is a classic psych rocker with it's stoned guitar moves over some folk-rock tambourine frills. That song more than any, became my favourite Flat Earth Society song and still is.

Flat Earth Society at Fleetwood Recording Studio, 1968

After all of these years I still feel the need to play 'Waleeco' on a regular basis and it's an album I always play from beginning to end; as a studio album it has so many different moves from psych rock, folk, raga and even medieval. Remarkable considering the age of the group members.

In Boston, Massachusetts where The Flat Earth Society hailed from they were probably complete unknowns. I don't think the album was actually sold through record stores but only by mail order. In 1968 it would cost the buyer $1.50 plus six Waleeco candy bar wrappers. Mint copies of the LP will now set you back about $500. Unwanted copies were thrown away in 1974 when Fleetwood Records had a clear out.

My bootleg vinyl copy I obtained in the 80s was sold when I bought the stereo version Arf Arf released in the early 90s. The surviving mastertapes were used and it's a re-issue I strongly advise you to purchase.

FLAT EARTH SOCIETY - When You're There


Jack Kerivan (piano, organ, vocals) Phil Dubuque (rhythm guitar, recorder, lead vocals) Rick Doyle (lead guitar, tambourine, vocals) Curt Girard (drums) Paul Carter (bass, vocals)

SEAN BONNIWELL - R.I.P

2011-12-26T14:23:00.002Z

CHRISTMAS WISHES TO ALL - update

2011-12-20T22:49:00.004Z

I'm gonna spend some time over on my YouTube Channel (click on the link below). Here, I'll be posting obscure songs probably not available on my blog. Infact I'll probably STOP writing about 60s groups as much on 'Flower Bomb Songs' and just post songs on YouTube.

Instead I feel that I want to re-discover my garage and psych revival records. So I'll be giving them some exposure in 2012. One look on YouTube and you'll agree that 60s garage is now well documented on that site and is usually the first place people search for songs/groups, this was not the case when I started my blog in 2007. Times change.....

Anyway, I'd like to wish my readers a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. With a bit luck you'll all get some decent presents (for a change) and not that second hand jumper out of Scope or other hideous charity shops.

Don't stuff your faces with turkey and other flesh, killing is wrong and eating meat ain't good for you. Become a vegetarian and love animals.

FLOWER BOMB SONGS - YouTube Channel

THE BLUE SPECTRUM - Wake Up Girl

2011-12-17T18:31:00.003Z

THE BLUE SPECTRUM - 'Wake Up Girl'/'Love Is Gone' (G&T GT-101) 1968

Undocumented and unknown garage psych 45 by The Blue Spectrum. I'm at a loss with this one so if anyone knows anything about it get in touch. The label shows an El Monte., California address so I'm presuming this outfit were from the West Coast.

'Wake Up Girl' is a slow paced fuzztoned psycher with some cool touches of organ. The production by Goodman-Tetreault is excelent on both sides of the disc.
'Love Is Gone' sounds a more commercial prospect starting as it does with sunshine pop 'bah, bah, bah's over weaving Ray Manzarek style organ runs. Very cool pop tune.

(Since posting this 45 on 08/09/08 MTM has supplied copyright information confirming that Robert Goodman resided in Compton, CA, Tetreault in El Monte reg. Oct 30, 1968)

THE BLUE SPECTRUM - Wake Up Girl

THE ROGUES - Lawdy Miss Clawdy

2011-12-17T11:46:00.001Z

THE ROGUES - 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy'/'Take Ten' (Rogue) 1965

There must have been hundreds of groups in the 60s calling themselves The Rogues and here's another one of them who managed to record a 45. I don't know anything about these Rogues, not a great deal of information is on the label so it may have been a vanity pressing of a few hundred discs.

'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' is the timeless rock 'n' roll tune, this one's got a neat guitar sound and at 2:00 minutes long is a short, sharp shock of coolness.

THE ROGUES - Lawdy Miss Clawdy

THE JESTERS III - Say That I'm The One

2011-12-15T17:49:00.000Z

THE JESTERS III - 'Say That I'm The One'/'Pledge Of Love' (Coulee C45-114) April 1965

I've seen a publicity photo of The Jesters III and unsurprisingly they're a three piece combo with smart jackets and neat haircuts. On the pic they're billed as The Jesters Three.

They're thought to have been from La Crosse, Wisconsin but other than an entry in Barry Wickham's Garage 45 Price Guide nothing has been written about them. 'Say That I'm The One' did turn up on a recent Gravel CD so maybe that release has some liner notes about the group?

'Say That I'm The One' was the B-side and has a beat sound with a singer obviously influenced by Buddy Holly. Clocking in at 1:46 the song doesn't really get going. Would have been better with a guitar break.

'Pledge of Love' is a love ballad.

THE JESTERS III - Say That You're The One

THE CINDERMEN - Think Of Me

2011-12-14T20:27:00.001Z

THE CINDERMEN - 'Think Of Me'/'I'm Happy' (Moonglow M-5002) 1965

Last year I made contact with Cindermen drummer Sam Sinopoli and he furnished me with much needed information about his teenage beat group from Fresno, California. At the time I did not have their debut 45 'Think Of Me' in my collection but since then I've added it to my stash of records so I thought I'd give it some exposure. (My copy has been signed by group members)

'Think Of Me' written by Cindermen lead singer Fred Perry is a noteworthy Brit Invasion influenced jangly pop song with an equal measure of The Beatles and The Searchers. It's such a commercial sounding disc and should have been a massive seller.

Here's the link to my Sam Sinopoli interview if you missed it here

THE CINDERMEN - Think Of Me

FISH 'N' CHIPS - Four Times Faster

2011-12-12T20:43:00.000Z

FISH 'N' CHIPS - 'Four Times Faster'/'The Whole Thing Is Getting Out Of Hand' (Joy Records 45k-297) May 1965

This group of teenagers from Bergen County, New Jersey certainly have that Brit Invasion beat sound with their commercial sounding 'Four Times Faster.' Don't know if it was a hit or anything but Fish 'n' Chips appear to have been successful in their own region often supporting bigger name groups.

The producer, Tommy Kaye may be known to some as a songwriter having been the composer of 'Hey Little Bird' performed by The Barbarians (also for Joy Records).

line-up:
Steve Mann (guitar)
Rich Klechner (bass/vocals)
Don Swicker (drums)
Pete Trugiani (guitar)
Bruce Herring (vocals)

FISH 'N' CHIPS - Four Times Faster

Fish 'n' Chips meet members of The Kinks 1965. Pic taken from here

PAWNEE DRIVE - Ride

2011-12-10T17:46:00.004Z

PAWNEE DRIVE - 'Break My Mind'/'Ride' (Forward Records F-103) May 1969

Probably a studio outfit from Los Angeles, Austin Roberts, the singer/songwriter of 'Ride' had links with the Hanna-Barbera cartoon enterprise.

'Ride' is hard driving bubblegum and had the potential to be a smash but was lost on the flip of 'Break My Mind'. Shame, as this one really rocks and the suggestive lyrics are a hoot.

PAWNEE DRIVE - Ride

ACID VISIONS - The Best of Texas Punk and Psychedelia

2011-12-06T19:12:00.005Z

ACID VISIONS (Voxx VHM 200.008) 1983

I started buying 60s garage compilations in 1984 and my earliest experience into the world of comps were Acid Visions, Attack Of The Jersey Teens and the first two volumes of Back From The Grave. Throughout the 80s I kept a diary and notes of any records that I bought, so I'm hoping those will reveal the exact date and vinyl bought from Funhouse Records, a mail order records emporium, who, during that time used to get a monthly order from me.

My insatiable thirst for 60s garage and psych LPs had to be curtailed with a small budget because during 1984 to 1988 I was either unemployed or spending life as a student. Money was tight but I somehow always found spare cash for compilations.

'Acid Visions' on Voxx Records was the one comp that truely opened my mind to a whole new sound. Those Texas groups with their wild fuzztoned noise really appealed to my senses. This LP was on heavy rotation and has been a constant thrill for nearly 30 years. Strangely, I've never got any of the songs compiled on an original 45. Some of them will be within my budget but I'm thinking that records by A-440, The Stoics and Satori will be outta my price range (if they ever did show up for sale)

Over the years I've dowloaded hundreds of label scans from fellow collectors and the scans that appear with this article are from the collections of Rich Strauss and Mark Taylor who both have stellar garage collections. A couple of the scans come from popsike. Of course the 'Acid Visions' label and back cover pics come from my treasured vinyl copy of the latter.

The edited liners that make up the bulk of this article were written by Peter Buesnell and are the words that appeared on the back cover of 'Acid Visions.'

Side One opens with 'Comin' Up Fast, Part 1', by The Great Believers out of Houston. Originally known as Amos Boynton & the ABCs, the group consisted of Johnny and Edgar Winter, Amos Boynton and Dave Russell. A great fuzz bass pumps along with everybody shouting and talking to provide a great party atmosphere. Johnny laments about not being able to grow up in the mid 60s, missing out on mini-dresses and the like. (I'm hoping Buesnell means that Johnny wanted to see mini-dresses on girls not to actually wear them himself).

Out of Fort Worth, came The Scotty McKay Quintet. McKay opened for The Yardbirds and was befriended by Jimmy Page. He sent Page a tape of 'Train Kept A-Rollin', Page sent it back with his lead guitar dubbed in. The result is one of the best versions you're likely to ever hear.

A-440, Rock Romano of The Fun and Games played guitar for A-440, who were from Houston. 'Torture' is a great psychedelic punker with a raw vocal singing about death and other great subjects while a voice whispers the song title over and over behind the music. The drummer bangs unmercifully at the kit while a Bubble Puppy style lead guitar and thick Farfisa organ chords fill it out.

The Things were from Houston but little else is known. Their recordings never made it to vinyl, which is a shame, as they were a great Farfisa based band. A nice fuzz guitar interweaves through both of their songs.
'I Don't Believe It' and 'In Your Soul' originate from tapes.

The Stoics have one of the most interesting stories of all the bands here. Comprised of Bill Ash, later in The Children on lead guitar, Al Acosta lead vocals, Sam Allen drums, Roy Quillan on rhythm guitar and Mike Marachal on bass, they came from San Antonio.

The Stoics had become favourites of a Mexican gang called 'Capinch'. They always won all the 'Battle Of The Bands' in San Antonio. It seems that the 'Capinch' would always be present during the voting to make sure all the kids picked The Stoics. Nothing more than friendly persuasion, of course.

'Enough Of What I Need' was also recorded by The Children (on Laramie Records), could have been a big hit but the KTSA Radio Station in San Antonio banned it because of the line:

"Remember all the nights you kissed my lips

And the pleasure of my fingertips"

As a result of no airplay, there were no sales and no need to press more than 150 copies, thus a very rare record. The flip side 'Hate' is also a very strong tune, being originally credited on the 45 to Jay Ketira, leader of the 'Capinch', even though he didn't write it. Always helps to keep your friends happy.

Satori was a one man group from Houston. Dennis Warkentin played everything in sight for this one. The song featured on 'Acid Visions' is 'Time Machine', the B-side of the single is '1000 Micrograms of Love'.
'Time Machine' is one of the most frantic all out rockers of the 60s, much like '7 & 7 Is' by Love. The lead guitar has a high trebly sound that eats at you through the whole song and doesn't let up. Truely one of the most unique things out of Texas, collectors will be looking hard for this one.

The Ramadas was one of Neal Ford's bands before he formed The Fanatics. 'Life Is So Tough' is almost a parady of all the white boy plays the blues bands. This actually sounds like white boys playing the blues with almost easy listening vocals over a nice bluesy pattern.
Listening to these guys singing about how tough life is will definately give you a lift.

Although Roy Head is currently pursuing a country career, at one time he was a great rock'n'roll singer. 'Easy Lovin' Girl' written by Johnny Winter, is one of Roy's great rockin' cuts. The Great Believers are the back-up band with Johnny Winter providing some great fuzz guitar and with, we presume, Edgar Winter playing some wild vibraphone. Roy Head shows off some fine rhythm 'n' blues vocalizing on this tune.
'Easy Lovin' Girl' is from tapes and previously unreleased.

Besides his work with The Believers, almost all of Johnny Winter's output has been the blues. One of the exceptions to this is the B-side of 'Leavin' Blues'. 'Birds Can't Row Boats,' a Byrds/Blue Things like guitar rings throughout with Johnny doing his best impression of Mouse imitating Dylan. The lyrics are worth the price of admission alone.

"Ugly are the spiders of the mind

The reality of you turns them on"

The comp used an album version of 'Birds Can't Row Boats' which is a slightly different take/mix of the single released on Pacemaker Records.

JOHNNY WINTER - BIRDS CAN'T ROW BOATS by EXPO67

The Pandas were a five man combo from Alamo City, San Antonio. Originally called The Centurys, they released a version of 'Whole Lot Of Shakin' in 1965. This single 'Walk' is one of the best Texas ravers. It features incredible fuzz lead/rhythm guitar and a bass riff that pulsates so much you'll want to get up and dance before you realise what's happening. The Pandas later became The Giant Smiling Dogs, with no known recordings.

Since 'Acid Visions' was released in 1983 it has been confirmed that The Bad Roads hailed from Lake Charles, Louisiana and were a six piece outfit. Members were Buzz Clark (vocals), Terry Green (lead guitar), Briant Smith (rhythm guitar), Mike Hicks (bass), Kenny Cooley (tambourine) and Danny Kimball (drums).

'Blue Girl' is one of those instantly addictive songs with a great fuzz lead, punky sneering vocals and Farfisa pumping along in the background. It has a memorable guitar breaks in the middle of the song. Killer!!

It was originally assumed that The Bad Roads were from Texas however, this was untrue. They did travel to Houston in 1967 to appear on a The Larry Kane Show, a local TV music programme to lip-sync two songs. I wonder if the tape still exists?

The Bad Roads had all four of their songs re-issued by Sundazed in 1999 on a must have EP.


The Bad Roads

Closing out the album is Amos Boynton & The ABCs, the earlier incarnation of The Great Believers. This is a different version of 'Comin' Up Fast' with different lyrics, vocalists and a much heavier fuzz guitar line. This version was recorded in Tyler, Texas.

AMOS BOYNTON and the ABCs - The Ballad Of Bertha Glutz

Records used on 'Acid Visions':

THE GREAT BELIEVERS

'Comin' Up Fast Part 1'/'Comin' Up Fast Part 2' (Cascade 365) January 1970 *see comment from MTM*

SCOTTY McKAY QUINTET

'The Train Kept A'Rollin'/'The Theme From The Black Cat' (Falcon FIC-101) 1967

A-440

'Torture'/'It's Just Your Mind' (Sona USA-103) May 1967

THE STOICS

'Enough Of What I Need'/'Hate' (Brams Records BM-101) January 1967

SATORI

'Time Machine'/'1000 Micrograms Of Love' (Stefek Records S-621) June 1967

THE RAMADAS

'Life Is So Tough'/'The Very First Time' (New World 2008) 1965

THE PANDAS

'Walk'/'Girl From New York City' (Swingtime SW-1001/2) 1966

THE BAD ROADS

'Blue Girl'/'Too Bad' (JIN 45-210) September 1966

JOHNNY WINTER

'Leavin' Blues'/'Birds Can't Row Boats' (Pacemaker Records PM-243) 1966
**album take used on Acid Visions**

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Eleven (images scanned from Alphabeat 1969)

2011-12-05T14:04:00.002Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Ten (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1967)

2011-12-05T07:48:00.002Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Nine (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1967)

2011-12-05T03:33:00.000Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Eight (images scanned from Teenbeat annual 1967)

2011-12-04T11:06:00.000Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Seven (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1967)

2011-12-04T09:09:00.001Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Six (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-03T11:23:00.000Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Five (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-03T11:18:00.001Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Four (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-03T10:18:00.002Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Three - (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-02T22:47:00.001Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part Two - (images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-02T17:47:00.002Z

THE GREAT BRITISH 60s PICTURE GALLERY - Part One (Images scanned from Teenbeat Annual 1968)

2011-12-01T20:54:00.002Z

KEITH EVERETT - The Chant

2011-12-01T20:03:00.001Z

KEITH EVERETT - 'The Chant'/'Light Bulb' (Mercury 72854) 1968

Keith Everett, real name Keith Gravenhorst had a big hit in Chicago on TMP-Ting Records 'Don't You Know'/'Conscientious Objector' and a follow up on the same label followed. However, his music career stalled somewhat when he was posted to Vietnam shortly after 'Don't You Know' started to make inroads on the charts. Presumably, the follow up was released whilst he was fighting the yellow man.

The Mercury release from 1968 is scarce but well worth tracking down. 'The Chant' is hard driving bubblegum pop with fuzz about a runaway slave and his eventual murder by his captives after being shot in the ribs....nice.... Not a subject that would encourage radio airplay.

KEITH EVERETT - The Chant

THE EVIL I - Love Conquers All

2011-11-29T17:48:00.000Z

THE EVIL I - 'Love Conquers All'/'Can't Live Without You' (Frog Records FR-02)

According to 'Sounds From The Woods', The Evil I hailed from Linglestown, Pennsylvania, although I have noted that other sources believe Harrisburg was their location. Wherever they were from it's safe to say that The Evil I were probably unknown outside of their domain and cast as outsiders within.

'Love Conquers All'/'Can't Live Without You' was released on Bridge Society Records. Sources claim a 1966 release but judging by the sound this outfit had I'm not convinced. I hear a much later vibe. If it was '66, well, The Evil I were ahead of their time.

'Love Conquers All' is laced with fluid acid lead guitar and loner, moody vocals. The 'singer' sounds like he's in a psychotic trance from an overdose of peyote or other chemicals. Very laid back psych greatness.

Copies on Bridge Society Records never turn up and the late 80s/early 90s re-issue on Frog Records was limited to 300 copies and is now long gone.

THE EVIL I - Love Conquers All

THE FANTASTIC ZOO - This Calls For A Celebration

2011-11-26T05:23:00.002Z

THE FANTASTIC ZOO - 'Midnight Snack'/'This Calls For A Celebration' (Double Shot 105) November 1966

When The Fogcutters from Denver, Colorado relocated to Los Angeles sometime during 1966 they got a deal with the fledgling Hollywood label Double Shot who had just scored a big hit with 'Psychotic Reaction' by The Count Five.

But for some insane reason 'Midnight Snack' was deemed the potential hit and was thus The Fantastic Zoo's debut A-Side. The song is tedious after a couple of listens, pretty much a Lovin' Spoonful influenced novelty. Far superior is the flip 'This Calls For A Celebration' which perfectly encapsulates L.A folk rock merging with the new sound of psychedelia.

I have previously covered The Fantastic Zoo here

"Double Shot - where every shot counts"

THE FANTASTIC ZOO - This Calls For A Celebration

THE KINGS OF HOLLYWOOD

2011-11-25T17:38:00.002Z

THE MYSTERIES - Please Agree

2011-11-24T20:52:00.000Z

THE MYSTERIES - 'Please Agree'/'I Find It's True Love' (Manhattan 815) November 1967

According to FA&F The Mysterians were a trio from Orlando in Florida who released three 45s during their existence, 'Please Agree'/'I Find It's True Love' was their second.

Releases on the Mike Curb/Sidewalk connection label Manhattan Records raise my interest as the latter also released 45s by garage greats The Painted Faces and The Satans but 'Please Agree' is uptempo pop music in reality. Having said that it does have a somewhat unique sound and was a top ten hit in Orlando during January 1968.

Line-up:
Tom Bennett (drums)
Henry Seymour (bass)
Tom Zackton (guitar)

THE MYSTERIES - Please Agree

FRONT PAGE NEWS - Thoughts

2011-11-20T13:48:00.000Z

FRONT PAGE NEWS - 'Thoughts'/'You Better Behave' (Dial 4052) January 1967

'Thoughts' has been comped several times over the years most recently on the Sundazed series Garage Beat '66 from the mastertapes but that version is different with more fuzz action at the intro and outro, it also sounds slightly slower. The single release version on Dial is shorter and much more dynamic.

It was thought that Front Page News hailed from Fort Worth in Texas but according to the liners of Garage Beat '66 - Volume 5, it seems that the group went to Fort Worth from Tulsa, Oklahoma to record their music under the name of The New Imperials. However, for reasons unknown their name was changed to Front Page News for the 45 release.

'Thoughts' is a cool fuzz and tambourine bash with the kind of tune that hangs around in your mind for days. Needless to say it remained in obscurity.

FRONT PAGE NEWS - Thoughts

THE DESCENDANTS - Garden Of Eden

2011-11-19T17:56:00.000Z

THE DESCENDANTS - 'Garden Of Eden'/'Lela' (MTA Records 112) November 1966

The gentle and soothing soft psychedelia of 'Garden Of Eden' by New York group The Descendants has escaped the compilers over the years so I was pleased to put that right on my recent Cavestones series. 'Garden Of Eden' is the type of song I'd imagine Simon & Garfunkel to come up with had they ever started to ease their minds with lysergia.

On the other side 'Lela' is a fabulous burst of Bo Diddley shuffling energy and has cropped up several times on lame sounding compilations. Curiously, this 45 saw a release in England on CBS Records during January 1967.

THE DESCENDANTS - Garden Of Eden

THE HIGHER ELEVATION - Crazy Bicycle

2011-11-17T22:06:00.000Z

THE HIGHER ELEVATION - 'The Diamond Mine'/'Crazy Bicycle' (Chicory Records CH-408) 1967

This is the second time out for The Higher Elevation on Flower Bomb songs. Check out 'Summer Skies' here.

'The Diamond Mine' was written and performed by Dave Diamond, a Los Angeles DJ who played underground psych rock to the LA teens and no doubt influenced many people along the way with his airplay obscurities. His backing band on 'The Diamond Mine' is The Higher Elevation.

'Crazy Bicycle' has a very '67 English mod sound with it's Who/Action style background vocals and brass. More Rubble than Pebbles. An earlier incarnation of The Higher Elevation was The Monocles and their 'Spider And The Fly'/'On The Other Side Of Happiness' was also released on Chicory Records, CH-407.

Both 'Spider And The Fly' and 'The Diamond Mine' were part of Pebbles Volume 3, "The Acid Gallery".

THE HIGHER ELEVATION - Crazy Bicycle

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - Hard Woman

2011-11-15T09:07:00.001Z

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - 'Hard Woman'/Things Of The Past' (Sur-Speed 223) 1967

This particular group/artist is not to be confused with The Fountain Of Youth who recorded for Colgems but one listen to this raw garage blast and I'm sure you'll hear the difference anyway.

It is thought that this Fountain Of Youth were from Tennessee, although that conclusion is probably based on the location of the Sur-Speed label. The latter was owned and run by Nashville producer Red Wortham who also owned Bullet Records and Delta Records.

'Hard Woman' is a hot garage rocker with a great surf guitar riff. The vocals are buried in the mix and the drums are primitive and cool, sounding like the guy is tapping away on monkey skulls. Listen out for the killer psych guitar break that ends the performance.

Forget about the flip 'Things Of The Past' which is an early 60s teener ballad.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - Hard Woman

THE VEJTABLES - Shadows

2011-11-13T18:37:00.002Z

THE VEJTABLES - 'Shadows'/'Feel The Music' (Uptown 741) January 1967

The Vejtables from the Bay Area of California enjoyed some success with folk rock hits 'I Still Love You' and 'The Last Thing On My Mind' from 1965 but by the Spring of '66 only veterans Bob Bailey and Frank Smith were left from the original group.

Three former members of The Preachers were recruited, Richard Fortunato, Zeke Camarillo and Steve Lagana who in my opinion made The Vejtables more dynamic and exiting on record.
The new line-up recorded several new songs at Leo Kulka's Golden State Recorders during April and May 1966 but had to wait until January 1967 (it gained a mention as a new release during that month in Billboard magazine) for any sounds to emerge on vinyl. This two sided gem on the small Uptown label seems to have been ignored at the time though.

'Shadows' has got a very strange and unique sounding bass line. As unnerving as the beat is, I find myself unable to resist. Raga guitar weaves around the pumping bass......"Shadows follow us stalking mistrust"

The flip 'Feel The Music' is a fabulous acid punker that is based heavily on The Who tune 'Out In The Street' but The Vejtables colour the scene with more raga rock guitar. Both sides are essential.

THE VEJTABLES - Shadows

STU MITCHELL with Wes Dakus' Rebels - Acid

2011-11-10T21:52:00.002Z

STU MITCHELL with Wes Dakus' Rebels - 'Acid'/'Casting My Spell' (Kapp K-829) 1967

The Wes Dakus Rebels were an Edmonton group who had been around since the early 60s as a recording outfit. Stu Mitchell was their drummer but on this Kapp Records release from 1967 he assumed frontman status and sang/wrote his own composition 'Acid'. His spoken delivery sounds uncannily like Jim Morrison's don't you think?

'Acid' was recorded at the famous Norman Petty studio in Clovis, New Mexico sometime in mid 1966. It's a weird, doom laden sound with a sparse production. The constant church bells and haunting sound effects give it a somewhat mysterious eeriness. The star on the label indicates that this was the A-Side but I very much doubt it would have got past the radio controllers because of the songs subject matter.

The flip 'Casting My Spell' is a jaunty pop number with some subtle fuzz and remains uncompiled. I've got it lined up for a future volume of Gear!

STU MITCHELL with Wes Dakus' Rebels - Acid

Billboard - September 1966

THE BEAUTIFUL DAZE - City Jungle

2011-11-08T20:37:00.002Z

THE BEAUTIFUL DAZE - 'City Jungle Part 1'/'City Jungle Part 2' (RPR Records R-101) 1967

Hold onto your crystalized mind until the eggman collects it for The Beautiful Daze are about to take you on a lysergic trip with their 'beautiful production' to the City jungle wherever that is. My guess is that it's Los Angeles circa 1967, as this amazing acid fueled 45 was recorded in Hollywood.

I first discovered 'City Jungle Part 1' way back in the 80s on a garage psych comp called 'Acid Dreams' and it completely blew my mind. Who were these guys? How did they get that sound? What planet did they come from? I had all of these questions back then but had no answers. Fast forward almost 30 years and I still have no answers.

'City Jungle Parts 1 & 2' is psychedelic mayhem or sonic dementia depending on your state of mind at the time of listening. It sounds like The Beautiful Daze incorporate twin acid leads, joyful psych noises that is probably an echoplex, mind altering feedback and maximum fuzz action. They even have time for a mid song Association type sunshine pop interlude but that peace quickly fades away as more fuzztone guitars burn away the sunshine.

It seems that the single was a Los Angeles underground hit as I've seen numerous copies on RPR Records for sale over the years. It was also released on Spread City Records and Alpha Records.

THE BEAUTIFUL DAZE - City Jungle Part 1

THE X-TREEMS - Substitute

2011-11-06T13:02:00.004Z

THE X-TREEMS - 'Substitute'/'Facts Of Life' (Star Trek Records 1221) 1969

The X-Treems hailed from St Louis, Missouri and were a popular group in their home town but like most local outfits remained largely unknown everywhere else. That was until the 80s when this 45 was ripe for the compilation market, especially the flip 'Facts Of Life' which is regarded as a garage psych classic, probably due to the over the top use of fuzz guitar.

'Substitute' is an energetic take of The Who original but it seems that The X-Treems had a fraction of the former's studio budget as the production is muddy and amateurish but still enjoyable. The record label name of Star Trek is great though, no doubt influenced by the TV Show.

Line-up:
Gary Wood (bass/vocals)
Alan Shelby (guitar/vocals)
Phil Markley (organ)
Rick Tello (drums)

THE X-TREEMS - Substitute

The X-Treems picture rescued from here

THE RAINY DAZE - Blood Of Oblivion

2011-11-04T09:38:00.007Z

THE RAINY DAZE - 'Blood Of Oblivion' / 'Stop Sign' (Polydor 56737) October 1967

The Rainy Daze were from Denver, Colorado and they had a fair sized hit with something of a novelty song called 'That Acapulco Gold' supposedly about weed.

The main songwriter in The Rainy Daze was Tim Gilbert who collaborated with John Carter (who was not part of the band) This song writing duo wrote most of the original material recorded by The Rainy Daze. They also had several songs recorded by other artists. For instance, Hardwater and The Yankee Dollar covered their songs 'City Sidewalks', 'Good Old Friends' and 'Sanctuary'.

Perhaps their most famous songwriting credit is 'Incense And Peppermints' recorded by The Strawberry Alarm Clock although bass player George Bunnell from SAC suggests that the melody and body of the music to 'Incence And Peppermints' was already written but no one from the band could come up with any lyrics.
Enter Rainy Daze, Yankee Dollar and Strawberry Alarm Clock producer Frank Slay. He suggested that Tim Gilbert and John Carter could finish the song. This they did along with taking ALL songwriting credits.

Getting back to this record then. 'Blood Of Oblivion' is cool pop psych with some magical organ interplay. 'Stop Sign' is also interesting and has the inclusion of brass. Both songs are not on The Rainy Daze album released to cash in on the hit 'That Acapulco Gold'.

line-up:
Tim Gilbert (lead singer/rhythm guitar)
Sam Fuller (bass)
Bob Heckendorf (organ)
Kip Gilbert (drums)
Mac Ferris (lead guitar)

RAINY DAZE - Blood Of Oblivion

UNI scan

THE BENTLEYS - Now It's Gone

2011-11-01T19:34:00.000Z

THE BENTLEYS - 'Now It's Gone'/'Night Time In The City' (Devlet 443/4) 1966

Mike Kuzmin's book 'Sounds From The Woods' has proved invaluable to pinpoint The Bentleys as a Stroudsburg area group of Pennsylvania. According to Mike, some members were active in another Stroudsburg group called The Devils. They had a Devlet single release in 1964 'Devil Dance'/'Just Like That'

'Now It's Gone' is a classy fuzz and tambourine shakin' garage rocker with some good vocal harmonies. The 45 proved to be a hit in Lehigh Valley although outside their home area The Bentleys probably remained unknown. The flip 'Night Time In The City' is a squaresville ballad.

THE BENTLEYS - Now It's Gone

THE BARE FACTS - Instant Happiness

2011-10-31T15:33:00.007Z

THE BARE FACTS - 'Instant Happiness'/'There Won't Be A Next Time' (Harvest H-727) April 1966

Earlier this month I was checking the internet for any possible unknown information on The Bare Facts from Ohio who released 'Bad Part Of Town'/'Georgiana' on Jubilee Records. By chance, I happened upon a one entry blog simply called 'Bare Facts'. The article was written by Steve Kirkman who was a member of teen group The Bare Facts from LaPorte, Indiana.

Steve also uploaded a couple of promo photographs of The Bare Facts taken sometime in 1966 which I've posted here.

The Indiana Bare Facts released two 45s, the first on Harvest Records which has a crude garage sound. 'Instant Happiness' can be found on Teenage Shutdown "No Tease" comp. I don't have the original 45 so I've used a transfer of the song from TS but have increased the volume somewhat because it was mastered really low on that LP. Mind you, 'Instant Happiness' sounds very crude anyway!

The Bare Facts line-up on 'Instant Happiness'/'There Won't Be A Next Time' was:

Steve Kirkman (lead vocals/bass)
Dan Topolski (guitar)
Bob Corsby (drums)
Kevin Shuter (keyboards)

Some line-up changes took place in mid '66. Jim Sipe replaced Bob Corsby on drums and they added Ron Shaw and Dave Curtis, both played trumpet and some other instruments.

The Bare Facts also started playing the 'Chicago sound' and were greatly influenced by The Buckinghams, The American Breed and The Four Tops among others.
A second 45 followed, which I've not heard, probably has that horn rock influence. No garage guide I've got lists 'Does She Love Me'/'I Think I'm Falling In Love'.

THE BARE FACTS - Instant Happiness

An early line-up of The Bare Facts circa 1966 - L-R: Bob Corsby, Dan Topolski, Steve Kirkman, Kevin Shuter

Here is a promo pic of the Bare Facts - with Steve Kirkman as the lead vocalist. Other band members are left to right...Dan Topolski, Dave Curtis, Wes England, Bob Nebelung and Ron Shaw. Wes sent me quite a few pics, several years ago.

I don't think the second 45 ever was pressed, but the band has a master tape of it. Several years, i've waited for it also! ....sent in by Tim (vinylfool) who has his own site called 60s Indiana Band Scene

An expanded Bare Facts line-up with the addition of three new members

CAVESTONES #30 & #31 - For Sale

2011-10-29T21:33:00.004+01:00

Two sumptuous new Cavestones sets to enjoy for the small exchange of £5 each. Over the past month or so I've reviewed the 45s selected for Cavestones #30 and posted label scans and soundfiles etc.

Or via Ebay for £6 'Buy It Now' here

I will do likewise for the selections on Cavestones #31 which takes a detour to destination LSD. I only make 15 copies of each comp. Any artist/musician featured please get in touch for your free copy.

Track details can be found here

THE E-TYPES - She Moves Me

2011-10-28T21:56:00.001+01:00

THE E-TYPES - 'She Moves Me'/'The Love Of The Loved' (Sunburst SBM 45-001) October 1966

Perfect double sided English Invasion sounds from The E-Types, a teenage beat group from Salinas, near San Jose. After building up a loyal local following, supporting big name groups and winning a Battle Of The Bands contest, The E-Types secured a deal with Sunburst Records and travelled to Los Angeles to record some songs under the tutelage of Ed Cobb and Richie Podolor (two names that have cropped up on 'Flower Bomb Songs' several times).

The summer sounding garage pop of 'She Moves Me', written by Cobb, deserved to have been a big hit but it didn't break out on a national level, however, it was a decent sized seller in their home territory and Orlando!
The flip 'The Love Of The Loved' is a Lennon-McCartney penned pop song, unreleased by the Liverpool mop-tops, and ideal material for The Beatles obsessed E-Types.

'She Moves Me' featured on Dick Clark's TV Show 'Where The Action Is' where The E-Types lip-synched their song at Echo Beach, Los Angeles.

THE E-TYPES - She Moves Me

The E-Types promo pic from the Sundazed CD release

The E-Types business card (taken from an E-Types blog that has seen no updates since Summer 2009)

The E-Types at number 13 in Orlando

NOBODY'S CHILDREN - Jungo Partner (A Worthless Cajun)

2011-10-27T20:28:00.001+01:00

NOBODY'S CHILDREN - 'Jungo Partner (A Worthless Cajun)'/'Let Her Go' (United Artists UA 50090) Dec 1966

If you like your fuzz action (which I'm sure you do) cop some of this 'Satisfaction' inspired raucous garage rock from Maryland's Nobody's Children. There's more than a hint of The Rolling Stones about 'Jungo Partner' to keep me happy and the singer appears to have mastered Mick's vocal delivery and by the sounds of it Nobody's Children have also got the Stones' swagger.

I've listened to 'Jungo Partner' many times over the years and still have no idea what the song is about. Why a 'worthless cajun?' eh?...Were these the same Nobody's Children who released 'I Can't Let Go' on Bullet Records?

The flip 'Let Her Go' is a commercial Brit Invasion jangly pop tune which reminds me of early Searchers B-Sides. Pretty good side.

NOBODY'S CHILDREN - Jungo Partner (A Worthless Cajun)

THE OFF-BEATS - Mary

2011-10-24T19:09:00.000+01:00

THE OFF-BEATS - 'Mary'/'You Tell Me' (Tower 205) January 1966

'Mary' is one of the shortest songs to ever feature on 'Flower Bomb Songs' and at just under 1:30 minutes it must surely rank as one of the shortest from the 60s. To my ears it sounds like a mersey beat 'La Bamba'. Clearly, The Off-Beats are influenced by the so called Brit Invasion and that is even more evident on the flip 'You Tell Me' where these Californian teenagers perform a David Allen penned acoustic beat ballad.

The Off-Beats changed their name to The Children ('This Sporting Life') then to Somebody's Chyldren ('I'm Going Back To New York City')...check out the links (labels) below for information on these releases.

THE OFF-BEATS - Mary

Billboard review - January 1966

YESTERDAY'S CHILDREN - To Be Or Not To Be

2011-10-22T20:30:00.003+01:00

YESTERDAY'S CHILDREN - 'To Be Or Not To Be'/'Baby I Want You' (Parrot 45-PAR-314) January 1967

Yesterday's Children from Connecticut, unlease a powerful fuzz blast with a guitar tinged with the sitar sound. The singer spits out his sadness cos his girl has really hurt him bad since she left him, now his life lies in ruins.

"Seven days of tear and pain

Since you left me all alone.

The world is empty now

It will never be the same...no"

The single was their first and only record release in this garage style. The group recorded an album for Map City Records which I've not heard but it's supposedly late 60s heavy rock.

'To Be Or Not To Be' was a small hit on the WPOP Radio Charts, Hartford, CT and entered the top forty during February 1967. Yesterday's Children also had a four track EP released in France resplendent in a picture sleeve. I've not got this but found an image on popsike.

The flip 'Baby, I Want You' has no fuzz but is still a pretty good tune with just a hint of the British Invasion sound that they left behind on their fuzz swinger.

YESTERDAY'S CHILDREN - To Be Or Not To Be

Billboard advert - January 1967

French EP

DICK CURTIS - It's Not The Same

2011-10-21T17:29:00.000+01:00

DICK CURTIS - 'Funny Girl'/'It's Not The Same' (CRI 5202) 196?

Here's an obscure 45 by Dick Curtis who I know nothing about. The label offers some clues though, Colortronics Recording Industries, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Could this be where Mr Curtis was from?

The most interesting side is the flip 'It's Not The Same', an urgent 60s punker that was compiled some years ago on the CD only release 'Grains Of Time'.

DICK CURTIS - It's Not The Same

LIMEY & THE YANKS - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

2011-10-16T10:16:00.003+01:00

LIMEY & THE YANKS - 'Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind'/'Gather My Things And Go' (Loma 2059) October 1966

Limey & The Yanks formed in mid 1965 in Garden Grove, Orange Country and soon after became regulars at various Sunset Strip venues. Their first 45, 'Guaranteed Love' on the collectable Star burst Records label established them as an act with the potential to break out of Los Angeles.

They enjoyed plenty of publicity and appearances on prime time music shows which should have seen their potential reap deserved rewards but the follow up single 'Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind' on Loma didn't take Limey & The Yanks to the next level. This is a shame because several unreleased Limey recordings have recently emerged suggesting that an album could have followed any sizeable hit.

'Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind' was also released as a 45 by The Bit A Sweet and The Marauders.

I found a discussion about 'Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind' on the old G45 Forum. It appears that The Marauders released their version of the song first as the B-side to 'Jug Band Blues' (July/August 1966), followed by Limey & The Yanks (October 1966). The Bit A Sweet version was released sometime in 1967 as a B-side.

LIMEY & The Yanks - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

Here's a glum lookin' Limey & The Yanks pictured with Batman and Robin. The shot was taken at a Batman press conference in 1966 where the band performed. Check out here for more details

THE BEAVER PATROL - E.S.P.

2011-10-15T18:16:00.003+01:00

THE BEAVER PATROL - 'E.S.P.'/'Just Like A Lady' (Columbia 4-44139) May 1967

If you think that you've heard 'E.S.P.' before you're probably thinking The Pretty Things and the song in question will be '£.S.D' written by Dick Taylor & Phil May. It's basically the same song but The Beaver Patrol, from Hollywood, Florida, have changed the title, some other words and given themselves a writing credit as per shown on the label.

Either way, it's a powerful fuzz drenched punker that drives hard and I mean hard. Production is by The Strangeloves member Richard Gottehrer. 'E.S.P.' was probably a little too 'out there' for the average radio listener back in mid '67. The other side 'Love Like A Lady' appears to have been the plug side as it was selected as a predicted chart spotlight in Billboard during May 1967.

possible line-up:
Gary Vandy (guitar)
Jim Bledsoe (bass)
Mike Cooper (guitar)
Floyd Humphreys (guitar)
Jim Becker (drums)

** line-up is speculative, all names gathered from a thread on the forum Limestone Lounge**

Other combos who recorded 'E.S.P.' were The Rain, Giant Crab and Big Brother.

THE BEAVER PATROL - E.S.P.

Billboard - May 1967

THE PRIMATES - Knock On My Door

2011-10-13T17:55:00.001+01:00

THE PRIMATES - 'Knock On My Door'/'She' (Marko M 923) September 1965

This record is a true item of beauty, just take a look at the gorgeous label. Dark red on gold with black simply goes graphic designers of the world. Those cats at Marko Records certainly knew that colours, fonts and simplicity can make or break an artistic label. One of the BEST!

Right, now I've got that outta the way, what about the music? Let's just say both sides are 60s garage wonderments. The flip 'She' is a moody masterpiece and will stay floating around your mind for ever. Once heard, never forgotten.

The thundering bass guitar that introduces 'Knock On Your Door' sounds like a steam train coming off it's tracks, then right away we're into the teenbeat mayhem who's theme is a common one among teenage groups. The singer's been burned by his girl but she decides she wants him back....Glad that the singer, John Demetrious kind of told her to fuck right off out of his life for good, cos he's not gonna open his door to her ever again.

The Primates hailed from Astoria, New York and were all 17 and 18 year old teenagers. But as you know age makes no difference, infact they were probably at the perfect age to create their garage double sider.
A follow up single on Marko 'Don't Press Your Luck'/'Cathy' is also a classy affair. One side rocker the other side beat ballad.

Line-up:
Joe Ferdinando (drums)
James Hartofius (bass)
Gus Kaselis (organ)
Barry Bozzone (lead guitar)
John Demetrious (rhythm guitar/lead vocals)

THE PRIMATES - Knock On My Door

Read more about The Primates on Garage Hangover. The site where I got line-up info and this picture.

THE BARE FACTS - Bad Part Of Town

2011-10-12T18:34:00.000+01:00

THE BARE FACTS - 'Bad Part Of Town'/'Georgiana' (Jubilee 45-5544) 1966

This outstanding double sided garage rocker was recorded by a group of teenagers from the Portsmouth area of Scioto County, Ohio. Back in the mid 80s I must have played 'Bad Part Of Town' hundreds of times having discovered the song via my favourite ever garage psych comp 'Mayhem & Psychosis #2'.

It was only natural to want to own an original copy of 'Bad Part Of Town' when I decided to seriously collect 60s garage singles in the late 90s. Since then, pics and information about The Bare Facts has come to light via 60sgaragebands.com.

Both sides were recorded at Jay Gee / Jublee Records studios in Broadway, NYC sometime in 1966. The record didn't break out on a national level but sold thousands back home in Scioto County, Ohio where The Bare Facts were considered rock'n'roll royalty and mainly a blue eyed soul group.
A second Bare Facts 45 followed but the punk attitude had been replaced by a commercial pop sound.

Line-up:
Ron Pruitt (rhythm guitar)
Bill Williams (lead guitar/vocals)
Dave Craycraft (organ)
Rusty Pruitt (drums)
Randy Boldman (bass)

THE BARE FACTS - Bad Part Of Town

THE ADVANTES - Done It Again

2011-10-10T19:52:00.000+01:00

THE ADVANTES - 'I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better'/'Done It Again' (Tripper 60611) 1966

Here's a crudely recorded and produced record by a group of teenagers from Pennsylvania (according to Barry Wickhams Price Guide). Both sides have that basement sound and to be honest the lo-fi couldn't get much lower. The labels were even put on the wrong side of the disc, hence the reason for the song title stickers. This record couldn't get anymore amateurish. The boys from The Advantes must have been really pissed off.

'I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better' is a solid version of Gene Clark's classic folk rocker but for me the jewel is on the B-Side. 'Done It Again' is probably an Advantes original and the group really begin to smoke on their folk garage anthem. The lead guitarist sets my pulse racing with his mid song guitar break and that drummer with his basic skin pounding gets top marks for creating a rather special and unassuming backbeat.
a REAL treat.

THE ADVANTES - Done It Again

THE SNAPS - You Don't Want Me

2011-10-08T21:02:00.006+01:00

THE SNAPS - 'You Don't Want Me' / 'You're All Mine' (Cuppy C103) 1966

Rare and very cool 45 by The Snaps. Not only is it a great garage punk record but also the label is a gorgeous gold colour. Most of you will be familiar with their classic 'Polka Dotted Eyes' from Psychedelic Unknowns Volume 6 and Crude P.A Volume 1.

Surprisingly, the two tracks on this 45 have never showed up anywhere. 'You Don't Want Me' is surely ripe for compiling. It has a Bo Diddley R'n'B beat with fuzz. The flip 'You're all Mine' is also pretty good and has the added bonus of a cool guitar break. Both songs were written by leader Robert Hummel and were produced by Magic Mushrooms Manager Sonny Casella. The latter band were responsible for 'It's A Happening' that can be found on the original Nuggets compilation. (original post 17/03/07)

The Snaps hailed from Folcroft, Pennsylvannia and sometime in 1967 changed their name to The Underground Balloon Corps. This was then shortened to The Balloon Corps. I've recently exchanged emails with The Snaps drummer Charles Walsh who has kindly sent me some great Snaps pictures and answered questions about the group.

The Snaps had a cool 60s punk image and were obviously rebellious as detailed in local newspaper The Wildwood Leader, September 7th, 1967.
The group were busy playing to fans at the Fairview Bar but started pissing off the Management when they refused to quit playing after closing hours. By 3.35am The Snaps were forcibly removed from the venue by the Police and booked for creating a disturbance. They were also busted for possession of drugs but this accusation was dropped.

THE SNAPS - You Don't Want Me

How and where did The Snaps form? Who was in the group?

I worked a day job with a friend that told me a friend of his Bob Hummel needed a drummer for a gig he had. Bob and myself stayed together through a couple of bands until we joined the Snaps. After some personnel changes we stayed together as The Snaps.

Where did The Snaps perform?
We played Atlantic City, Wildwood, and various clubs in NJ and PA.

How did the single deals come about?
We were approached by different producers and managers to record some of our songs.

Where did The Snaps record? Can you remember the name of the studio?

We recorded at Cuppy Records, Sigma Sound, Virtue Studios, and a couple others I don’t remember.

When were the unreleased songs 'Like A Cave Man' and 'Mr Ease' recorded? Where these songs going to be the next Snaps single?
We had hoped all of our songs would be released, but not all got released.

How did the records do saleswise? Did The Snaps perform on any TV Shows?
They didn’t do so good sales wise, at least in the US. We heard that The Balloon Corps did OK in UK and Germany.

We did the Hy Lit Show, The Ed Hurst Show, and Summertime on Steel Pier in AC.

How and why did The Snaps change name to The Underground Balloon Corps?

A friend of ours told us of a name he thought would be a good name for a band, and we were changing our image so we used the name Underground Balloon Corps. Our producer at the time thought it was too long, and labeled us as an underground group, so we shortened it to the Balloon Corps.

Recently two unreleased Snaps songs 'Like A Cave Man' and 'Mr Ease' dubbed from an acetate were uploaded to YouTube by Charlie. 'Like A Cave Man' has that familiar 60s garage Bo Diddley beat and is GREAT. So too is the folk rock Dylanesque winner 'Mr Ease'. Both songs need to be compiled or released as a 45 NOW!!

The Snaps line-up:

Charles Walsh (drums)
Robert Forsythe a.k.a. Linc Davis (keyboards and lead vocals on some recordings)
Gary Young (bass and background vocals)
Robert Hummel (lead guitar and vocals)

Discography:

The Snaps

'You Don't Want Me'/'You're All Mine' (Cuppy C-103) 1966
'The Voice'/'Polka Dotted Eyes' (East Coast Records C-1023) 1966

The Underground Balloon Corps

'(Heart) Made Of Soul'/'Grass Is Greener' (Scope XX1/2) 1967

The Balloon Corps

'Up In Smoke'/'Perfect Vision' (Bell 796) 1969
'Muddy Water'/'Make It Right' (Dunhill 4219) 6/1970

These pictures of The Snaps were taken on the Philadelphia waterfront and at a house where Charlie's dad stored old furniture and antiques that he collected!

L.A. SOUNDS 1965-1969 - SELECTED 50 JEWELS - 2011

2011-10-01T20:28:00.002+01:00

01 LYRICS - 'So What!!'/'They Can't Hurt Me' (Era Records 3153) November 1965

02 ADRIAN LLOYD - 'Lorna'/'Got A Little Woman' (Charger CRG-112) 1965

03 GLASS FAMILY - 'House Of Glass' (Warner Bros WS 1776) late 1968
04 DIRTY SHAMES - 'Makin' Love'/'I Don't Care' (Impression 112) August 1966
05 DOVERS - 'The Third Eye'/'Your Love' (Miramar 123) April 1966
06 PREACHERS - 'Stay Out Of My World'/'Who Do You Love'/'Hey Joe' (Sundazed SEP 191) recorded 1965
07 LYRICS - 'Can't See You Any More'/'Wake Up To My Voice' (Feather 1968) February 1968
08 TURTLES - 'Outside Chance'/'We'll Meet Again' (White Whale 234) August 1966
09 ELECTRIC PRUNES - 'Everybody Knows You're In Love'/'You've Never Had It Better' (Reprise RS 20652) Feb 1968

10 RISING SONS - 'I Got A Little' (Sundazed) recorded December 1965

11 STANDELLS - 'Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White'/'Why Did You Hurt Me' (Tower 257) June 1966
12 CAL RAYE - 'I Cry'/'Can I' (Runay Records RY-101) 1966
13 GENTLE SOUL - 'Tell Me Love'/'You Move Me' (Columbia 4-43952) rec January 1967
14 FIRE ESCAPE - 'Love Special Delivery'/'Blood Beat' (GNP Crescendo 384) January 1967
15 MERRELL & the XILE'S - 'Tomorrow's Girl'/'When I Get Home' (Glenn 426) April 1967
16 GENE VINCENT - 'Born To Be A Rolling Stone' (Everest Records CBR 1006) April 1967
17 BYRDS - 'My Back Pages'/'Renaissance Fair' (CBS 2648) May 1967
18 TURTLES - 'It Ain't Me Babe'/'Almost There' (Pye International 7N.25320) September 1965
19 FANTASTIC ZOO - 'Light Show'/'Silent Movies' (Double Shot 109) February 1967
20 JEFFERSON LEE - 'Book Of Love'/'Sorcerella' (Original Sound OS-88) July 1969
21 POOR - 'Feelin' Down'/'Come Back Baby' (Decca 32318) May 1968
22 PEPPERMINT TROLLEY COMPANY - 'New York City'/'Spinnin' Whirlin' Round (Acta 45-835) 1969

23 ZODIAC - 'ARIES - The Fire-Fighter' (Elektra EKL 4009) May 1967

24 MODERN FOLK QUINTET - 'Night Time Girl'/'Lifetime' (Dunhill D-4025) April 1966
25 BEACH BOYS - 'Cabin Essence'/'Wonderful' (Brother Records) recorded 1967
26 THINGS TO COME - 'Hello'/'Good Day' (Warner Bros 7228) September 1968
27 GIANT SUNFLOWER - 'February Sunshine'/'More Sunshine' (Take 6 -1000) May 1967
28 RIPTIDES - 'Last Wave Of The Day' (Tower DT-5083) 1967
29 VENTURES - 'Ginza Lights' (Liberty LBY 1323) June 1966
30 KALEIDOSCOPE - 'Keep Your Mind Open' (Epic BN 26304) June 1967
31 JAN & DEAN - 'A Beginning From An End'/'Folk City' (Liberty F-55849) December 1965

32 M.F.Q. - 'If All You Think'/'The Love Of A Clown' (Warner Brothers 5481) November 1964

33 MAMAS & the PAPAS - 'Strange Young Girls' (RCA Victor RD-7834) September 1966

34 ARROWS - Apache '65'/'Blue Guitar' (Sidewalk Records 1) February 1965

35 ROSE GARDEN - 'Next Plane To London'/'Flower Town' (Atco 45-6510) August 1967

36 SHINDOGS - 'Who Do You Think You Are'/'Yes, I'm Going Home' (Viva V.601) June 1966

37 MONKEES - 'Words' (first version) October 1966

38 DARIUS - 'Sweet Mama' (Chartmaker CSG 1102) 1969
39 RICHARD TWICE - 'Generation '70 (Philips PHS-600-332) 1970

40 BOSTON TEA PARTY - 'Words'/'Spinach' (Challenge 59368) June 1967

41 THE BUSHMEN - 'What I Have I'll Give To You'/'Baby' (Dimension D-1049) June 1965
42 PACIFIC OCEAN - '16 Tons'/'My Shrink' (VMC Records V 738) February 1969
43 MAGNUM OPUS - 'Up From The Sea'/'Nothing But Time' (VMC Records V 737) late 1968
44 OCTOBER COUNTRY - 'My Girl Friend Is A Witch'/'Just Don't Know' (Epic 5-10320) April 1968
45 EDDIE HODGES - 'Love Minus Zero'/'The Water Is Over My Head' (Aurora 156) Oct 1965
46 BYRDS - 'The World Turns All Around Her' (Columbia PC 9254) recorded August 1965
47 DEVONS - 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue'/'Are You Really Real' (Decca 31822) August 1965
48 TOADS - 'Leaving It All Behind'/'Babe, While The Wind Blows Goodbye' (Decca 318470) Sept 1965

49 TANGENTS - 'Hey Joe, Where You Gonna Go?'/'Stand By Me' (Impression Records 111) April 1966

50 TIME OF YOUR LIFE - 'Ode To A Bad Dream'/'You Make Me Feel So Good' (Ionic Records 101) Sept 1966

Well, that's it for my Los Angeles trip for 2011. This little project was started 13/07/11 and completed 30/09/11, meaning it took a little over 10 weeks. Considering that I scan each label, master vinyl to MP3, research the 45/group then write about the sounds/group/history etc I've been both hasty & consistant. it's been a TRIP!

Thanks to everyone who has sent me scans, information, feedback and support. Without that input things around here would have been a drag. But NO thanks whatsoever and a big middle finger to those who land on 'Flower Bomb Songs' on a regular basis without leaving any footprints (figuratively speaking)

I regularly check my monthly hits and September 2011 registered a low of 15,640. The blog has never had as few hits since August 2010. I read somewhere that blogging is down worldwide and sites are disappearing fast. I guess it must be true.

My plans for the next couple of months and maybe the rest of this year will be to highlight singles that will feature on my next Cavestones compilations.

01. THE LYRICS - So What!!

2011-09-30T23:49:00.004+01:00

THE LYRICS - 'So What!!'/'They Can't Hurt Me' (Era Records 3153) November 1965

Almost three years ago I exchanged emails with Ray Clearwater who wrote, sang and played harmonica on both songs on The Lyrics debut 45 released on Era Records. At the time Ray was a member of The Lyrics he was known as Christopher Gaylord.

My full interview with Ray can be found elsewhere on my site but here are exerpts from it that focus on this incredible two sided single. The double exclamation marks in the title of 'So What!!' was the deciding factor allowing this side to get the nod and become my Number One, LA Select of 2011.

QUES: 'So What!!' and 'They Can't Hurt Me' are very powerful songs. The words are full of anger and spite. What made you so pissed of to write these? Did you have any music influences here and what was your overall experience like in the band?

RAY: 'So What!!' and 'They Can’t Hurt Me', originally called 'Sticks and Stones', were big hits at the dances. Really got things rocking.
It was Mike Allen that asked me to join the band. We were local kids that grew up playing music together from time to time. I didn’t really know anyone else in the band. Funny thing is, it was Mike Allen again that asked me to join The Magic Mushroom, and again, I didn’t really know anyone else in that band.

We recorded both songs at Gold Star Studios, in Hollywood with a guy named Don Ralke

QUES: Can you remember much about the recording of your songs and were you happy with the results. Also did you have any more original material at this point in time?

RAY: With regards to the record, when we went up to Hollywood to record 'So What!!' and 'They Can’t Hurt Me', the studio used another drummer and another lead guitar player. So the truth is, what you hear on the record was me playing the harp and singing, another band member named Steve Kayler singing back up, and I really don’t remember who played bass if it wasn’t Danny. They used the studio guys to punch up the record.

I seem to remember there being some bad feelings about this but personally, I was happy with the record. Why wouldn’t I be? It was my music and me playing the harp and singing. We all thought we were on our way to the big time.

As for why I was so angry in my songs – I really don’t know. I wrote both of those songs to (or at) a girl I was going with at the time. Her family had a very nice home and two refrigerators and all kinds of things that I had never seen and I was dirt poor and came from a very low income environment.

I was raised by my grandmother on a small ranch in Cardiff, CA. I was pretty much of a punk. I certainly had my share of trouble in High School, was in Juvenile Hall for a bit, and I guess you might say I had somewhat of a BAD ATTITUDE – at any rate, if you add that up with the fact that I was attempting to be a Rolling Stone kind of guy, in conjunction with a Bob Dylan kind of guy, you get anger and resentment.

On top of this, my mother, who I had hardly known, passed away during my time with The Lyrics, and I never knew my father, so at that point I was basically on my own, taking out my frustrations on my girlfriend and throwing microphones around the stage. I guess it helped to act all of these things out but I can’t say I had a lot of friends. I really didn’t hang with the guys in the band much. Actually, I don’t remember being all that angry, I just liked to write that kind of song, and it seemed to work for everybody else so there it is.

THE LYRICS - So What!!

02. ADRIAN LLOYD - Got A Little Woman

2011-09-30T21:46:00.000+01:00

ADRIAN LLOYD - 'Lorna'/'Got A Little Woman' (Charger CRG-112) 1965

According to the liners of Back From The Grave - Volume 8, Adrian Lloyd was from England but relocated to Los Angeles. He then joined a surf/instrumental group called The Rumblers as their primevil drummer, before forming his own combo Adrian and the Sunsets.

It's not known if The Sunsets backed Adrian Lloyd on this incredible two sider released on Charger Records in 1965. 'Lorna' is a terrifying listening experience due completely to Lloyds carnal screams over a crunchin' Bo Diddley beat with surf guitar. An absolute amazing performance.

The more sedate but equally appealing flip 'Got A Little Woman' is moody and intense, again with a surf twang. Lloyds vocals are full of edge and attitude. This guy is fucked off about something.

Few original copies of this record exist so it was with good fortune that I managed to buy a bootleg copy a few years ago when they were doing the rounds on Ebay. Copies have since dried up.

ADRIAN LLOYD - Got A Little Woman

03. THE GLASS FAMILY - House Of Glass

2011-09-30T18:06:00.005+01:00

THE GLASS FAMILY - 'House Of Glass' (Warner Bros WS 1776) late 1968

'House Of Glass' is the stone cold killer psychedelic lead off track from The Glass Family.

This superb piece of lysergia would have made a fabulous single but it was overlooked in favour of 'Guess I'll Let You Go'/'Agorn (Elements Of Complex Variables)' two other great songs that were taken from this overlooked album and released as a single, no doubt to promote it.

All cuts recorded at American Recording Studios in Studio City, California and produced by Richard Podolor, who has cropped up a couple of times on my site after working with other outfits.

I reviewed their 1967 single 'Teenage Rebellion' last year here

THE GLASS FAMILY - House Of Glass (stereo)

04. THE DIRTY SHAMES - Makin' Love

2011-09-29T22:06:00.000+01:00

THE DIRTY SHAMES - 'Makin' Love'/'I Don't Care' (Impression 112) August 1966

Los Angeles group The Dirty Shames released this great two sider on the collectable Impression Records label out of Hollywood then disappeared. Not a great deal is known about them other than the fact that they recorded a version of 'Makin' Love', originally made by The Sloths.

The Sloths also recorded for Impression Records and it's believed that this is how The Dirty Shames knew about the song and decided to record it themselves.

'Makin' Love' is an 'R'n'B' howler with harp and a kickin' fuzz break. Not a hint of the folk rock sound Los Angeles was famous for during the period mid 1965 to the end of '66.

THE DIRTY SHAMES - Makin' Love

05. THE DOVERS - The Third Eye

2011-09-28T20:31:00.001+01:00

THE DOVERS - 'The Third Eye'/'Your Love' (Miramar 123) April 1966

The Dovers were the legendary folk rock group from Santa Barbara that released four singles on the small Hollywood label Miramar without causing much of a stir, then were gone. That was until Pebbles #2 featured their first single, the outstanding 'She's Gone' and The Dovers were vogue at last.

'The Third Eye' under the spotlight, was The Dovers third single on Miramar and although no credits are displayed on the label I'm confident that it was written by leader Tim Granada, the group's singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist. Like their earlier 45 releases it was probably recorded at Gold Star Studios.

This exquisite, eastern tinged 12 string killer is one of the earliest excursions into psychedelia, and seemingly recounts an acid experience. According to the liners of The Dovers retrospective LP on Misty Lane, in early 1966 The Dovers underwent some line-up changes and group members started to experiment with LSD.

Tim Granada's haunting vocals deliver the lines,

"Unlocked by the key and now I am free" as well as "No wings for my flight, I drift through the night"

THE DOVERS - The Third Eye

more Dovers action here

06. THE PREACHERS - Stay Out Of My World

2011-09-27T18:18:00.001+01:00

THE PREACHERS - 'Stay Out Of My World'/'Who Do You Love'/'Hey Joe' (Sundazed SEP 191) 2009

'Stay Out Of My World' first appeared in October 1965 on (Moonglow 5006) and is a tough record to track down but thankfully Sundazed re-issued the cut on 45 a couple of years ago complete with a fabulous picture sleeve. There's no reason why readers of my blog should be without their own copy.

The Preachers got together in early 1964 and played the local bars in Manhattan Beach, moving on to be a resident band at the Casbah Club in Canoga Park. They quickly became very popular in the San Fernando Valley before eventually performing regularly on the Sunset Strip by mid 1965.

The original lead vocalist Richard Fortunato was replaced by John English who wrote the lyrics of 'Stay Out Of My World', the folk punker under the spotlight. John had no music to his words so organist Rudy Garza came up with that groovy organ riff to bring the whole thing together. Listening to his organ runs, I can't help but think of the riff Ray Manzarek used for 'Soul Kitchen'.

Richard Fortunato and bassist Zeke Jim Camarillo went onto The Vejtables, Fortunato then joined W.C. Fields Memorial Electric String Band with Preachers drummer Steve Lagana. Lead guitarist Hal Tennant may have been with The Bees at some point.

THE PREACHERS - Stay Out Of My World

07. THE LYRICS - Wake Up To My Voice

2011-09-25T10:05:00.002+01:00

THE LYRICS - 'Can't See You Any More'/'Wake Up To My Voice' (Feather 1968) February 1968

By the powers of the internet I've had the pleasure of exchanging emails with two members of The Lyrics over the years and exclusive interviews with Dan Garcia and Ray Clearwater (previously known as Christopher Gaylord) can be found on my site. Dan sent me a load of Lyrics photos and ephemera some of which I've posted today for the first time on 'Flower Bomb Songs'.

The Lyrics hailed from the San Diego area but spent much of their existence recording and gigging in Los Angeles, often supporting The Doors.

This amazing and hard to find garage psych record was probably cut at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood where they had previously recorded the earlier 45 'Mr Man' / 'Wait' released on GNP Crescendo. They also used the same production team of Harlan Peacock and Don Ralke.

The A-Side appears to have been The Doors influenced 'Can't See You Any More' written by lead guitarist Bill Garcia . The flip might be recognisable to some because it was compiled on Highs In The Mid Sixties Volume 3. The sound quality on this comp is atrocious mainly because a beat up copy of the disc was used that has clicks and pops all over it.

'Can't See You Any More' was listed as a 'Hit Bound Sound' on the Santa Barbara Radio KIST music list, week ending 10th February 1968.
'Wake Up To My Voice' written by singer Craig Carll is a magical example of garage psychedelia. It's been a firm favourite of mine ever since I first heard it in the mid 80s and is clearly a classic of it's genre.

Related trivia:
Don Ralke produced and arranged many records during the great 66/67 period. As well as being employed by The Lyrics he also worked with Ty Wagner of 'Im A No Count' and 'Slander' fame as well as arranging the vocals on songs by The Sunrays. He also wrote several songs recorded by William Shatner on his 'The Transformed Man' LP from 1968.

originally written 12/08/11

THE LYRICS - Wake Up To My Voice

The Lyrics playing in a strange place. Doesn't look like the right crowd to me.

three Lyrics in flamboyant shirts

KIST Radio list February 1968

08. THE TURTLES - Outside Chance

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THE TURTLES - 'Outside Chance'/'We'll Meet Again' (White Whale 234) August 1966

Yet another blog entry for The Turtles, I love this group! and surely 'Outside Chance' had the class and pop charm to be a big hit but the record somehow bought a ticket to nowheresville and sank without trace making it one of the most sought after Turtles 45s to collect.

'Outside Chance' was written by Warren Zevon who at this point in time was a White Whale label stablemate and part of duo Lyme & Cybelle. Here, The Turtles offer up a folk punk version with tough 12 string guitar and an electric piano break.
The song was covered by Sounds Like Us.
Get more Turtles action here

Gotta dig the genius lines,

"You can try to please me, but it won't be easy,
Stone walls surround me, I'm surprised that you even found me."

THE TURTLES - Outside Chance

KRLA Beat - February 1966

09. THE ELECTRIC PRUNES - You've Never Had It Better

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THE ELECTRIC PRUNES - 'Everybody Knows You're In Love'/'You've Never Had It Better' (Reprise RS 20652) February 1968

Recorded in late 1967 at American Recording Co studios in Hollywood, the flip of this record 'You've Never Had It Better' catches The Electric Prunes in a raunchy mood. The song is in complete contrast to the plug side 'Everybody Knows You're Not In Love' which is a soft pop number written by Lowe and Tulin.

But it's the psychedelic rocker 'You've Never Had It Better' that gets my nod and entry in my L.A. Select list. Check out the pulsating buzzsaw-fuzztone opening riff, straight away you know you're in for a heavy ride....settle down and take that fuzz trip.

THE ELECTRIC PRUNES - You've Never Had It Better

Italian release

French release

10. THE RISING SONS - I Got A Little

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THE RISING SONS - 'I Got A Little' (Sundazed) recorded December 1965

Somehow, The Rising Sons never made it as a hit group outside of Los Angeles although on the Sunset Strip they became one of the legendary groups with memorable performances of potent R'n'B and country blues.

The good people at Sundazed Records released a stunning vinyl only release of material recorded by The Rising Sons during 1965/66, all of the cuts never saw the light of day in the 60s apart from the sides used as their only single 'Candy Man' and 'The Devil's Got My Woman'.

'I Got A Little' is a group original written by Jessie Lee Kincaid and is a rush of uptempo blues with jangle guitar that works real well. Short and sweet medication.

After their demise in mid 1966, Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder became famous in their solo careers and drummer Kevin Kelley joined The Byrds.

THE RISING SONS - I Got A Little

KRLA Beat advert July 1965. The original line-up of The Rising Sons with Ed Cassidy, future Spirit drummer

11. THE STANDELLS - Why Did You Hurt Me

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THE STANDELLS - 'Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White'/'Why Did You Hurt Me' (Tower 257) June 1966

The Standells hit the big time with 'Dirty Water' and followed that memorable rock n' roll raunch with the equally hip 'Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White' in the Summer of '66.

But it's the unheralded and forgotten 'Why Did You Hurt Me' on the flip that gets my blog action and entry into this years 2011 Los Angeles select 50. The song was recorded at Kearnie Barton's Audio Recording Studios in Seattle (also used by The Sonics) during April 1966 while The Standells were on the road touring outside L.A. on the back of the smash 'Dirty Water'.

'Why Did You Hurt Me' is a gritty performance and could easily have been a single in it's own right. Dig that combo organ, probably a Vox Continental played by Larry Tamblyn and the snotty punk vocals. It's certainly one of my favourite Standells cuts.

THE STANDELLS - Why Did You Hurt Me

'Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White' hit number 1 on the Santa Barbara KIST List - from the ARSA archives

12. CAL RAYE - I Cry

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CAL RAYE - 'I Cry'/'Can I' (Runay Records RY-101) 1966

Most of Cal Raye's solo material is crooner, MOR pop and falls outside my radar but the garage raga rock winner 'I Cry' is certainly worthy of investigation. Cal Raye a.k.a. Jerry Raye signed to DeVille Records after this release on the obscure Runay label and 'I Cry' was re-released with a different flip side 'The Devil Is A Woman (You Tell Such Lovely Lies)'

Cal Raye hooked up with a local L.A. folk rock group called Fenwyck and their most famous recording is 'Mindrocker' which has seen several compilation appearances over the years. Other songs from that merge are quite stunning such as 'I'm Spinning', 'Away' and 'State Of Mind'.

With it's flipped out eastern fuzz guitar leads 'I Cry' could have been a contender but remains in the undiscovered shadows.

CAL RAYE - I Cry

this pic of Cal Raye is taken from the back of my Raye/Fenwyck LP

13. THE GENTLE SOUL - Tell Me Love

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THE GENTLE SOUL - 'Tell Me Love'/'You Move Me' (Columbia 4-43952) rec January 1967

Pamela Pollard and Rick Stanley had been playing clubs together on Hollywood's Sunset Strip for about a year before Byrds producer Terry Melcher got them into the studio, first to record Pamela Pollard's 'You Move Me' in September 1966 followed by a session in January 1967 to lay down the Rick Stanley original 'Tell Me Love'.

The name of the group came about when Riley Wyldflower was smoking joints in their Hollywood apartment and blowing the hash smoke into the face of their cat. Riley said the cat didn't mind because he was a gentle soul....hence The Gentle Soul.

This debut 45 by The Gentle Soul is not on their studio album from mid 1968 and as such is a recommended single to track down. But not only for that reason! 'Tell Me More' is quite simply 'blissful' with it's ornate production by Melcher and beautiful arrangment by Jack Nitzsche, the song really soars with layers of perfect harmonies and baroque psych touches......GLORIOUS....

At this point in time, The Gentle Soul were a four piece including guitarist Riley Wyldflower who would go on to release an obscure 45 'The Smog Song'/'Electric California' on Beacon Records. I've only ever heard 'The Smog Song' which is hippie blues.

Drummer Sandy Konikoff played in several Buffalo, NY groups before linking up with The Gentle Soul including The Ravens and The Hawks who backed Bob Dylan during Feb/March 1966.

THE GENTLE SOUL - Tell Me Love

14. THE FIRE ESCAPE - Love Special Delivery

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THE FIRE ESCAPE - 'Love Special Delivery'/'Blood Beat' (GNP Crescendo 384) January 1967

'Love Special Delivery' or as it's billed on the front of The Fire Escape 'Psychotic Reactions' album, 'L.S.D' is a fierce garage psych assault with fuzz and a totally wired mid song rave-up in the best tradition of The Yardbirds.

Of course 'Love Special Delivery' is a cover of Thee Midniters song and here The Fire Escape do the original recording justice and add to it with that certain Sunset Strip vibe.
Not a great deal is known about The Fire Escape. They were most likely a studio outfit put together by producers Larry Goldberg and Hank Levine. They even have the flip 'Blood Beat' and 'Journey's End', on the album credited to themselves.

According to the liners on the back of the album Hollywood whiz-kid Michael Lloyd arranged musical proceedings adding weight to my theory that The Fire Escape, as a group, did not exist.

THE FIRE ESCAPE - Love Special Delivery

15. MERRELL and the XILE'S - Tomorrow's Girl

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MERRELL & the XILE'S - 'Tomorrow's Girl'/'When I Get Home' (Glenn 426) April 1967

This was The Exiles final 45 in the Spring of 1967 after which Merrell Fankhauser would disband the group and return as Fapardokly with a new line-up.
Merrell & the Exiles or as shown on this label as Xile's enjoyed some degree of local popularity, even performing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and 'Tomorrow's Girl' certainly entertains with it's raga rock rhythms, fuzz and lyrics about a girl with a fondness of hash.

"She is a girl who has everybody's needs

While she sits and smokes her $20 weed"

'Tomorrow's Girl' and the flip 'When I Get Home' were recorded at Audio Arts Studio, Hollywood during March 1967 with the following line-up:

Merrell Fankhauser (vocals/guitar)
Mark Thompson (organ)
Larry Willey (bass)
Randy Wimer (drums)

MERRELL AND THE XILE'S - TOMORROW'S GIRL by EXPO67

Billboard advert - April 1967

16. GENE VINCENT - Born To Be A Rolling Stone

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GENE VINCENT - 'Born To Be A Rolling Stone' (Everest Records CBR 1006) April 1967

Every garage fanatic will know Gene's hard rockin' 60s swinger 'Bird Doggin' but several other cuts from his Challenge years are worthy of investigation, including the folk rock jewel 'Born To Be A Rolling Stone'.

By the mid 60s Gene Vincent was in his early 30s, no longer hip and without a record contract. Enter Challenge Records, who signed him up to record some sessions at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, backed by The Champs and other notorious sessionmen including Larry Knetchel and David Gates as an arranger and backing singer.

Sadly all three single releases on Challenge Records sank and a proposed album in America was never released. However, Gene Vincent always had a loyal following in England and France where the album did find a release on London Records.

10 songs from the Challenge sessions were re-issued in 1984 on Everest Records.

GENE VINCENT - Born To Be A Rolling Stone