Happy New Year!!!!

Greetings friends and followers! I was hoping to get out a brand spanking new edition of IDG before the years end, but too many things got in the way, mainly stuff laying around the house, and I just had to put the boxes of 45s in storage till the Christmas tree comes down. In the meantime, I thought I’d do the same as last year and post some featured highlights of previous editions of IDG posted in 2011. Not all the groups on the cover are featured in these volumes, I just put ‘em up there because they looked cool. I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season, and best wishes to all in the coming year. Stay tuned for IDG #68. PART 1 01. Lonnie Mae - Record Hop Dream (Fine)   02. Red Coats with Steve Alaimo - The Girl Can't Help It (Lifetime)    03. Vaqueros - Echo (Audition)    04. Catalinas - My Misery (Novart)    05. Don & Tony & The Knighthawks - Lightning (Star Artists)    06. Vistas - Moon Relay (Tuff)    07. Vistas - No Return (Tuff)    08. Bobby Comstock - Let's Stomp (Lawn)    09. Hudson Valley Boys - Stop! I Like It (Session)    10. Shorty Prescott's Velvetones - Bring It On Home To Me (Velvet)    11. Baron Daemon & The Vampires - The Transylvania Twist (WNYS-TV)    12. Baron Daemon & The Vampires - Ghost Guitars (WNYS-TV)    13. Steve Alaimo & The Redcoats - Blue Fire (Dickson)    14. Continentals - Cathy's Clown (Lifetime)    15. Continentals - Maybe Baby (Lifetime)    16. Bobby Francis - At The Beach (Centaur)    17. Bobby 'D' & The Trinidads - Don't You Just Know It (Radiant)    18. Jesters - The Big T (Candy Cane)    19. Gene Cornish & The Unbeetables - I Wanna Be A Beetle (Dawn)    20. Gene Cornish & The Unbeetables - Oh Misery (Dawn)    21. Invictas - The Hump (Sahara)    22. Invictas - The Detroit Move (Sahara)    23. Invictas - Shake A Tail Feather (Sahara)    24. Andy & The Classics - Wilma (Hurd)    25. Panthers - Bridgestone 90 (D&C)    26. Wilmer Alexander Jr. & The Dukes - Give Me One More Chance (Aphrodisiac)    27. Rogues - Secondary Man (Thunderbird)    28. Show Stoppers - Nothing To Say Today (Columbia)    29. Thunder Head - Don't Run (Charm)    30. Thunder Head - And I Need You (Charm)    PART 2 01. Two Kats & A Kitten - Kit Kat Rock (Fine)    02. Saints & Sinners - Mercy, Mercy (Moon)    03. Saints & Sinners - Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Moon)    04. Monterays - I'll Be Around (Twin Hit)    05. Madisons - Valerie (Twin Hit)    06. Angry Men - Come With Me (To Another World) (Torch)    07. Angry Men - Love Is Gone (Torch)    08. Heard - Stop It baby (Audition)    09. Heard - Laugh With The Wind (Audition)    10. Humans - Warning (Audition)    11. Humans - Take A Taxi (Audition)    12. Wee Four - Weird (Nu-Sound)    13. Wee Four - Give Me A Try (Nu-Sound)    14. Endless Knights - Don't Shoot Me Down (WPN)    15. Tweeds - What's Your Name (Coral)    16. Tweeds - A Thing Of The Past (Coral)    17. Invictas - The Hook (Sahara)    18. Invictas - Do It (Sahara)    19. Vic Pernell & The Hangmen - Live For Today (Century)    20. Vic Pernell & The Hangmen - Sad Boy (Century)    21. Edge Of Darkness - Mean Town (Jamie)    22. Show Stoppers - If You Want To, Why Don't You (Columbia)    23. Other Half - I Won't Be Back (Bell Sound)    24. Other Half - It's Been A Good Day (Bell Sound)    25. Church Mice - College Psychology On Love (House Of Guitars)    26. Church Mice - Babe We Are Not Part Of Society (House Of Guitars)    27. Ron Wray Light Show - Speed (Eciep)    28. Unsettled Society - 17 Diamond Studded Cadillacs (Charm)    29. Al Peluso - You Ain't Going Nowhere (PAL)   PART 3 01. Groop Ltd. - As Time Goes Bye (Integrity)    03. Shandels - No Way Out (Carldell)    04. Shandels - Treat Me Like A Man (Carldell)    06. Madisons - Stagger (Jomada)    08. Blades Of Grass - It Isn't Easy (Fine)    09. Druids - Doctor Friend (Thunderbird)    10. Coachmen - Drambuie (no label)    11. Little Peppy & The Bare Existence - It Can Happen! (Fne)    12. Declararation Of Independence - Next Stop Dead End Street (Mr. G)    13. Declararation Of Independence - House (Mr. G)    13. Young Tyrants - I Try (In)    14. Rogues - Train Kept A-Rolling (Audition)    14. Young Tyrants - She Don't Got The Right! (In)    15. Rogues - You Better Look Now (Audition)    15. Stingrays Of Newburgh - Fool (Columbia)    16. Stingrays Of Newburgh - If I Needed Someone (Columbia)    16. Sure Cure - Anything You Want (Parkway)    17. Monterays - Conquistador (Buff)    18. The Charles - Motorcycle (Calliope)    21. Weird Street Carnival - Subterranean Edible Fungus (Copra)    22. Weird Street Carnival - The Inner Truth (Copra)    23. Livin' End - La La (Eciep)    23. Trillium - Queen Alice (Mr. G)    24. Trillium - News (Mr. G)    25. Darelycks - Bad Trip (Fine)    25. Wool - Combination Of The Two (ABC)    26. Darelycks - Wait For Me (Fine)    27. America's Children - Blow On (Ronquoit)   PART 4 01. Easybeats  - Gonna Have A Good Time (United Artists)    02. X-Cellents - Hey,Little Willie (Smash)    03. (The Original) Sonics  - Bama Lama Bama Loo (Burdette)    04. Chaps  - Forget Me (Paula)    05. Chaps  - Tell Me (Paula)    06. Thirteenth Committee - Sha La La (Manhattan)    07. Gary & The Hornets - Patty Girl (Smash)    08. Daytrippers - You Cheated (Karate)    09. Young Ones  - Sour Grapes (Columbia)    10. Young Ones  - Man Of Mystery (Columbia)    11. Rain - Take It Away (MGM)    12. Friedles  - I Lost Her (Hanna)    13. Friedles  - I'm So Glad (Hanna)    14. Tino & The Revlons  - I'm Coming Home (Dearborn)    15. Ceasar & The Romans - Jailhouse Rock (Scepter)    16. Princetons  - Georgianna (Colpix)    17. Joyride - The Crystal Ship (World Pacific)    18. Vestells  - Won't You Tell Me (Bo Jo)    19. Dust - Gone (Yas)    20. Unrelated Segments  - Story Of My Life (H.B.R.)    21. Terry Pillitere - It's Not That Way (Bell Acetate)    22. Terry Pillitere - You Wouldn't Believe Me (Bell Acetate)    23. Tweeds - We Got Time (Coral)    24. Striders  - There's A Storm Comin' (Columbia)    25. Striders  - Am I On Your Mind (Columbia)    26. Sounds Of Phase III - Special Citation (Kar-Mil)    27. Utica Club Natural Carbonation Band - The Utica Club Natural Carbonation Beer Drinking Song (Utica Club)    28. Bohemian Vendetta  - Enough (United Artists)    29. Bohemian Vendetta  - Half The Time (United Artists)    30. Stillroven  - Hey Joe (Roulette)    31. Stillroven  - Sunny Day (Roulette)    32. Undertakers  - Love So Dear (Pine Hill)   PART 5 01. Paul Chaplain & His Emeralds - Shortnin' Bread (Harper)    02. Paul Chaplain & His Emeralds - Nicotine (Harper)    03. Rumblers - Boss Strikes Back (Dot)    04. Brass Tacks - Tell Me (Fortune)    05. Brass Tacks - What Is The Reason (Fortune)    06. Fabulous Royals - She Told Me (That I Had To Wait) (Cha-Cha)    07. Fabulous Royals - At The Dance (Cha-Cha)    08. Counts IV - Listen To Me (JCP)    09. Jerry Palmer - That'll Be The Day (Chattahoochie)    10. Counts IV - Lost Love (JCP)    11. Apostles - While I'm Away (Melby)    12. Apostles - Cloudy Summer Afternoon (Melby)    13. Ray Columbus & The Invaders - She's A Mod (Philips)    14. James Richard - Just Before The Dawn Breaks (Staircase)    15. James Richard - Baby Don't You Know (Staircase)    16. Me & Them - Show You Mean It Too (U.S. Songs)    17. Me & Them - Everything I Do Is Wrong (U.S. Songs)    18. Bobby Vee & The Strangers - Look At Me Girl (Liberty)    19. Sidekicks - Not Now (RCA Victor)    20. Bad Boys - Love (Paula)    21. Razor's Edge - Baby's On His Way (Pow!)    22. Symon Grace & Tuesday Blues - You Won't Get Me Workin' (Round)    23. Wailers - You Won't Lead Me On (United Artists)    24. J. Walker & The Pedestrians - Life's Too Short (Pine Hill)    25. Restless Feelin's - Hey, Mama, You've Been On My Mind (United Artists)    26. Spirit Of St. Louis - Going Back To Miami (Fona)    27. Tragedy - Unfaithful Love (Panorama)    28. Shame - Too Old To Go 'Way Little Girl (Poppy)    29. Shame - Dreams Don't Bother Me (Poppy)    30. Ramrods  - Mary Mary (Plymouth) PART 6 01. Ohio Express - Beg Borrow And Steal (Cameo)    02. Choir - It's Cold Outside (Roulette)    03. Choir - I'm Going Home (Roulette)    04. Catamorands - Never Say Goodbye (D.G.M.R.)    05. Catamorands - Over You (D.G.M.R.)    06. Del Counts - Let The Good Times Roll (Soma)    07. Del Counts - Bird Dog (Soma)    08. Vacels - You're My Baby (Kama Sutra)    09. Naturals - Look At Me Now (Liberty)    10. Naturals - It Was You (Liberty)    11. Coachmen - Mr. Moon (Bear)    12. Coachmen - Nothing At All (Bear)    13. Tony & The Bandits - I'm Goin' Away (From You) (Coral)    14. Szorenyi Levente - Meg Faj Menden Csor (Qualiton)    15. Tony & The Bandits - The Sun Don't Shine Now That You've Gone (Coral)    16. Down 5 - I'm Takin' It Home (Parrot)    17. Link Cromwell - Shock Me (Hollywood)    18. George Edwards - Never Mind, I'm Freezing (Dunwich)    19. Royal Guardsmen - Leaving Me (Laurie)    20. Ravin' Blue - Colors (Monument)    21. In Crowd - Let's Take A Walk (Abnak)    22. Ides Of Love - Hey Mister Wise Man (Talmu)    23. Aladdin & The Genies - Please Wait For Me (Great Scott)    24. Loners - Insight Out (Arco)    25. Loners - Old Man's Blues (Arco)    26. Autosalvage - Rampant Generalities (RCA Victor)    27. Autosalvage - Parahighway (RCA Victor)    28. Paper Cup - One Part Good (South Park)    29. Vagrants - A Sunny Summer Rain (Atco)    30. Vagrants - Beside The Sea (Atco)    PART 7 01. Teemates - Moving Out (Audio Fidelity)    02. Chancellors - Little Latin Lupe Lu (Soma)    03. Chancellors - Yo Yo (Soma)    04. Kit & The Outlaws - Don't Tread On Me (Philips)    05. Commanches - Missed Your Lovin' (Hickory)    06. 4th Amendment - Always Blue (Constitution)    07. 4th Amendment - Whiskey Man (Constitution)    08. Dimensions - She's Boss (HBR)    09. Four Frogs - Think I'm Losing You (Frogdeath)    10. Unrelated Segments - Where You Gonna Go (Liberty)    11. Telstars - Keep On Running (Columbia)    12. Black Sheep - It's My Mind (Columbia)    13. Chaps - Remember To Forget Her (Paula)    14. Chaps - You'll Be Back (Paula)    15. Four Below Zero - It's Sally's Birthday Today (Double Shot)    16. Four Below Zero - Don't Send Me Away (Double Shot)    17. Flower Children - Mini Skirt Blues (Allied)    18. Prophets - Fightin' For Sam (Stonel)    19. Elastik Band - Spazz (Atco)    20. Affection Collection - Girl (Evolution)    21. Forum - Trip On Me (Mira)    22. Cave Dwellers - Meditation (Bay Town)    23. Groop - Woman You're Breaking Me (Jamie)    24. Manhattens - Baby Right Now (Presice)    25. Manhattens - Time Goes By (Presice)    26. Raven - Calamity Jane (Rust)    27. Raven - Now She's Gone (Rust)    28. Feelies - Louie Louie (Jerden)    29. Fresh Air - Faces In The Fire (Amaret)    PART 8 01. Curiosities - Money (Seeburg)    02. Ducats - Hey Woman (Rock It)    03. Bruins - Go On And Cry (General American)    04. Clockwork Oranges - Ready Steady (Liberty)    05. Sun Set - Don't (Judge Me Baby) (Moonglow)    06. Sun Set - Man Without A Home (Moonglow)    07. Poore Boyes - Give (Uptown)    08. Poore Boyes - It's Love (Uptown)    09. Tikis - If I've Been Dreaming (Autumn)    10. Tikis - Pay Attention To Me (Autumn)    11. Association - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Jubilee)    12. Dimensions - Penny (HBR)    13. Montanas - That's When Happiness Began (Warner Bros.)    14. Boston Tea Party - Words (Challenge)    15. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Who Do You Think You're Fooling (A&M)    16. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Diddy Wah Diddy (A&M)    17. New Colony Six - You're Gonna Be Mine (Sentar)    18. New Colony Six - Woman (Sentar)    19. Lindy Blaskey & The Lavells - Let It Be (Space)    20. Lindy Blaskey & The Lavells - You Aint Tuff (Space)    21. Brentwoods - Babe You Know (Our)    22. Fat Water - Santa Anna Speed Queen (MGM)    23. Improper Bostonians - Come To Me Baby (Minuteman)    24. Improper Bostonians - Set You Free This Time (Minuteman)    25. Grass Roots - Depressed Feeling (Dunhill)    26. Blues Project - No Time Like The Right Time (Verve Folkways)    27. Blues Project - Steve's Song (Verve Folkways)    28. Amboy Dukes - You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire (Mainstream)    29. Yellow Payges - The Two Of Us (Uni)

In Dan’s Garage…#67

Hello friends and followers! As another holiday season creeps up on us I’d like to extend best wishes to everyone out there reading this and enjoying the music presented here. I hope your holiday and the upcoming new year will be very enjoyable. I also hope my offerings here will in some way brighten your day too. I am literally swamped with records bought in the past year that haven’t been posted yet. You should see my desk (what I like to call “Dan’s Garage Central”), it’s a disaster area. You know how some people overeat when they’re somewhat sad or depressed? I buy records! But seriously folks, I have gone a bit bonkers lately especially when I have collector pals who are literally giving me records. That’s always fun! Well…for me anyway, my lovely wife gets a bit irritated but she copes well with my habit so to speak. So it is with great pleasure on this wonderful late fall day that I present the 67th edition of….”In Dan’s Garage”.

Curiosities – Twist & Shout (1965) I think this is the last of my Seeburg offerings. As usual, very competent covers of Rock & Roll hits.

Wee Willy & The Pals – We’re Gonna Dance / Teardrop Strawberry Soda (1964) An unknown group out of California that was produced by John Hodge & Larry Wilson, the gentlemen who also produced The Pyramids “Penetration”. This one is really strange with the weird Jew’s Harp in the background and the walling guitar playing along with it.

Dimensions – Turn Your Love On Me (1964) Another totally unknown group from the south. A real good R&B influenced tune with references to the Fab Four.

Guilloteens – Hey You! / I Don’t Believe (1966) The first of five 45s this Memphis group released, and in my opinion their best. They were Elvis’ favorite band at the time.

Dee Jay & The Runaways – Peter Rabbit / Are You Ready (1966) The biggest band to ever come out of Iowa, this was their biggest hit., a great frat rocker with a “Sam The Sham” feel to it. The flip is a good up-tempo teen ballad.

Illusions – I Know / Take My Heart (1966) A garage/punk classic in the true sense of the word. The top side of this 45 embodies all the ingredients of a great garage tune and stands up as one of the best to this day. They were from Palatka, FL near Jacksonville and hosted their own local TV show.

Zephyrs – She’s Lost You / There’s Something About You (1965) Here’s an excellent 45 by a British group who’s claim to fame was that Mick Jagger said they stunk. What the hell does he know????? Produced by genius Shel Talmy, this is a perfect example of the mod/r&b hybrid so popular in the UK in the mid 60’s. Totally cool organ throughout.

Birdwatchers – I’m Gonna Do It To You / I Have No Worried Mind (1966) Miami, FL group (NOT TAMPA!) who had a slew of 45s on a whole bunch of different labels, and who’s career lasted well into the 70’s. This is a great garage/pop number with a somewhat folky B side that has a goofy spoken word break in the middle.

Shadow Casters – It'll Be Too Late / Going To The Moon (1966) A moody and crude 45 from the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Ill. Real great teen angst stuff right here.

Blue Things – Doll House / The Man On The Street (1966) One of the best bands to emerge from the Midwest. It’s a shame they never hit it big because nearly everything they recorded was great, including this terrific two sider.

Bo Street Runners – Only Heaven Knows / Come On And Love Me (1968) Another Midwest act who should not be confused with the Bo-Street Runners who released a 45 on Kr Records, The pop/psyche Bow Street Runners, or the British R&B group. These runners produced a nice, lightweight, folk rock affair with good jangly 12 string guitars. Real obscure.

Seeds – Daisy Mae / Can’t Seem To Make You Mine (1966) I had to throw this one in! Here’s the original B side to “Can’t Seem To Make You Mine” and boy is it a hoot! The Seeds never recorded many “rockers” so this frantic tune really stands out.

Chapter V – Headshrinker / Dolly’s Magic (1967) An act from Halifax, Nova Scotia with a very interesting history. They were led by Brian Ahern who is a very successful Nashville producer as well as producing fellow Canadian Anne Murray’s records on Capitol. Read more about them here.

Crabs – Chase Yourself / Bye Bye My Little Girl (1967) A great two sider from a Houston, TX band.

Fogcutters – You Say / Cry, Cry, Cry (1965) Awesome, moody two sider from a Colorado group who eventually relocated to California, and released two more 45s on the Charter label. A real cool version of “Casting My Spell” and the fantastic “That’s Where I’ll Be” featured on IDG #27. Reminds me a little bit of fellow Colorado group The Astronauts who also threw in some great moody tunes when they weren’t surfing in the Rockies.

Mustang – Why / Here, There, And Everywhere (1967) I can’t tell you much about this one, except that the A side is a fast moving pounder with an awesome drum intro and break. By contrast, the B side is a routine rendition of “Here, There, & Everywhere”.

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In Dan’s Garage…#66

Holy Moly! It's been so long since my last post I almost forgot I was even blogging anymore. The past three weeks have been really hectic and as my mother would say (in slightly broken English) “It’s been a ‘holy coaster’”.  The bright spot was my vacation this past week which was a 7 day cruise on the Crown Princess to The Bahamas, Curacao, and Aruba. Very lovely indeed, and I swam in the most beautiful blue waters on earth. Really breathtaking. Kudos to the folks at Princess cruise lines who really go out of their way to take care of you. I’ve been on several other cruises and Princess does a hell of a job. Highly recommended. On to this post. This has basically been in the can since October, but unforeseen circumstances kept me from doing what I usually do here, so what I’m offering is a double whammy. One volume with two parts, and you get them in the same post!!! This post in particular is strictly dedicated to pop sounds so if you’re looking for garage, punk, beat, or some wild psych, you’re not going to find it here. Also in an effort to get this out before the end of the day, I’ve dispensed with the label scans and my thought provoking commentary on each record. What you do get are 61 pop gems in many styles from slightly psychedelic. to good old sunshiny songs. I hope you all enjoy. It’s good to be back.

01. Marvin's Circus - Come To Me (MGM)    02. Marvin's Circus - Two Losers (MGM)    03. High Society - Star Of Eastern Street (Cameo)    04. High Society - People Passing By (Cameo)    05. Twice As Much - Sittin' On A Fence (MGM)    06. Twice As Much - Baby I Want You (MGM)    07. Standells - The Boy Next Door (Vee Jay)    08. Amazing Pickles - A Wish Of Love (Philips)    09. Amazing Pickles - I Like Ice Cream (Philips)    10. Deep Water Reunion - I Wanna Know (RCA Victor)    11. Deep Water Reunion - Ruby Foo (RCA Victor)    12. Bobby Vee & The Strangers - I May Be Gone (Liberty)    13. Bobby Vee & The Strangers - Beautiful People (Liberty)    14. Arch Of Triumph - Lands Of Shadow (Date)    15. Arch Of Triumph - Sunshine And You (Date)    16. Cornerstone - Holly Go Softly (Liberty)    17. Cornerstone - Love Nothing More (Liberty)    18. Garden Club - Little Girl Lost And Found (A&M)    19. Wizard & The Ahs' - Show Girl In Town (Elf)    20. Jim & Jean - People World (Verve Forecast)    21. Jim & Jean - Time Goes Backwards (Verve Forecast)    22. Jon & Robin And The In Crowd - Do It Again A Little Bit Slower (Abnak)    23. Jon & Robin And The In Crowd - If I Need Someone It's You (Abnak)    24. Music Explosion - Yes Sir (Laurie)    25. Smubbs - White Paper Sail (Monument)    26. Smubbs - Wait Another Heartache (Monument)    27. Zuckerman's Dream - Love Is Such An Easy Word To Say (Columbia)    28. Zuckerman's Dream - The Revolution Is Over (Columbia)    29. New York Rock & Roll Ensemble - Running Down The Highway (Columbia)    30. New York Rock & Roll Ensemble - Law And Order (Columbia)   01. Jet Stream - All's Quiet On West 23rd (Smash)   02. Jet Stream - Crazy Me (Smash)    03. Crew - Marty (Vergara)    04. Crew - Danger Signs (Vergara)    05. P.J. Proby - Niki Hoeky (Liberty)    06. Just II - Once Upon A Might Have Been (Westchester)    07. Arbors - The Letter (Date)    08. Best Of Friends - All The World Is Mine (Laurie)    09. Best Of Friends - Melodies (Laurie)    10. Brothers - Today Is Today (White Whale)    11. Brothers - With The Rain (White Whale)    12. Jackals - Linda Come Lately (Liberty)    13. Erik - Tell Me Are The Good Times Gone (General American)    14. Centuries - Don't Let It Fade Away (Rich)    15. Centuries - Just Today (Rich)    16. Thomas & Richard Frost - She's Got Love (Imperial)    17. Thomas & Richard Frost - The Word Is Love (Imperial)    18. John Fred & His Playboy Band - No Letter Today (Paula)    19. Deep Six - C'mon Baby (Blow Your Mind) (Liberty)    20. Deep Six - Image Of A Girl (Liberty)    21. Visions - Threshold Of Love (Uni)    22. Visions - How Can I Be Down (Uni)    23. Epic Splendor - It Could Be Wonderful (Hot Biscuit Record Co.)    24. Epic Splendor - She's High On Life (Hot Biscuit Record Co.)    25. Every Mothers Son - Pony With The Golden Mane (MGM)    26. Bravura - The Man Who Hears A Different Drummer (Bravura)    27. Hog Heaven - Happy (Roulette)    28. New Hope - Won't Find Better (Jamie)    29. New Hope - They Call It Love (Jamie)    30. Professor Morrison's Lollipop - You Got The Love (White Whale)    31. Society Of Seven - Frisco Bay (Uni)

PART 1

PART 2

In Dan's Garage…#65

Ahhhh…another fine Sunday for blogging! I gotta say the weather here in Upstate NY this week has been rather lovely especially this weekend. Nice enough to sit on the front stoop and enjoy a stogie here at Dan’s Garage HQ. I broke my promise of not getting any new records and got a couple more this week. Oh well, I coulda spent my money somewhere else and have nothing to show for it I suppose. More good stuff for this edition, and I’m already working on the next post which will come out next weekend, and it’ll be very heavy on psych/pop sounds. I hope you enjoyed the L.S.D. Enigma entry also. It’s nice to see some good friends of mine do something cool and different. Hope you’re having a great day and please don’t forget to check out some of the blogs listed in the sidebar to the right of this page. Lots of good reading and music to along with it. Enjoy!

Paul Revere & The Raiders – Louie, Louie / Night Train (1963) I can’t think of a better way to start this weeks edition off than one of the finer versions of this classic song. Of course The Kingsmen recorded the “definitive” version of this, but if you were a band playing in the Pacific NW during the early 60s, this was a must have in your repertoire, and Paul Revere & The Raiders were no exception. Theirs is a cool sax heavy rendition with an ace guitar break.

Curiosities – Johnny B. Goode (1965) I don’t need to explain this one. More hits from the jukebox company. Although these were mostly “remakes” of hits, the quality of the group is pretty high.

California Suns – Masked Grandma / Little Bit Of Heaven (1966) An answer record to “Little Old Lady From Pasadena” from a San Diego group. The song was written by Carol Connors who sang “To Know Him Is To Love Him” with the Teddy Bears, and Roger Christian a KRLA DJ. Real good surf vocals on both sides, but the flip, “Little Bit Of Heaven” is the real winner on this 45.

Clockwork Oranges – Ready Steady / After Tonight (1966) As long as we’re on a surf kick, why don’t we travel to the U.K. where this stunning hybrid of surf, beat, and mod sounds are melded together in one of the most unique 45s I’ve ever heard. The story of this group is rather cryptic, as some of the members ended up in the Birds, and founder Terry Clarke was in The Herd with Peter Frampton. You can read more about them HERE.

Ducats – Hey Woman / Stay Awhile (1964) A Canadian group from Port-Aux-Basques in Newfoundland, they apparently traveled down to Boston to record this rocker.

Association – Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You / Baby Can’t You Hear Me Call Your Name (1965) The first 45 released by this very popular pop group. You can hear where this band was headed on this 45 with the lush vocals, but the band arrangement is very garagey which makes this a very cool record in my opinion. A lot different than “Cherish” wouldn’t you say?

Montanas – That’s When Happiness Began / Goodbye Little Girl (1966) A British group who had quite a few 45s released in the US, including “You’ve Got To Be Loved” featured on IDG #5. Unlike most of their output which was very pop oriented, this one is straight up garage/beat with a most amazing fuzzed out guitar solo. This guy was “shredding” about 10 years ahead of his time!

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Who Do You Think You’re Fooling / Diddy Wah Diddy (1966) The first 45 released by Captain Beefheart and although this isn’t “Trout Mask Replica”, it really is not way off from where he was headed. Both of these songs are superb, and the delivery is top notch.

Lindy Blaskey & The Lavells – You Ain’t Tuff / Let It Be (1966) Another winner from Lindy Blaskey and in my opinion his best two sider. This was also released for national distribution on Challenge Records.

Oxfords – Time And Place / (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me (1966) A Louisville, KY band who released several 45s, this being their first and arguably their best. They did release an LP in 1970 called “Flying Up Through The Sky” which is very nice sunshine pop, but nothing like this fuzzed out number. The B side is an interesting folk rock version of Bacharach & David’s “Always Something There To Remind Me”.

Turfits – Losin’ One / If It’s Love You Want (1966) Produced by Outsider (as in “Time Won’t Let Me”) Don King, this Cleveland, OH group was formed from members of The Vandaliers who also released a version of “If It's Love You Want”, although that version is somewhat slower. These are the guys who grace the cover of this weeks edition in some really far-out get ups. Read more about them HERE.

Tidal Waves – Big Boy Pete (1966) A group from Detroit who had three 45s, all of them pretty good.

Chosen Lot – Time Was / If You Want To (1967) Tony Brazis formed this group after he quit Tony & The Bandits, who’s “I’m Goin’ Away” is featured on IDG #61. From Cincinnati, OH.

Five Americans – No Communication / The Rain Maker (1967) Yet another in a series of 45s these guys put out with a central theme: Letters, Zip Codes, Etc. This time they get right to the point and dispense with any specifics. Not bad though…..

III And A ½ – Don’t Cry To Me (1966) It’s hard getting info on this tough sounding 45. These guys sound like they were from New York or Jersey, or possibly Philly but who knows…

Roman Rebellion – What Summer Brings (1968) Another 45 from what I would assume to be the NY area. I don’t know much about this act, but they did have another similar 45 on RCA Victor about the same time as this one was released. This is a great 45 and it’s in stereo to boot!

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The L.S.D. Enigma

Greetings once again friends! I’d like to use this precious free time I have today to plug two dear friends of mine and this new project that they've embarked upon. I’m talking about The L.S.D. Enigma and this new CD they’ve released. Here’s a little background: The band consists of two members, Dave Anderson on guitar, vocal, and harmonica, and Darren Brennessel on drums, both veterans of Rochester’s music scene. Dave and I go way back as we were both members of The Projectiles and The Riviera Playboys. Darren has been releasing cassette tapes and CDs under his own banner, McFadden’s Parachute, Darren played all the instruments on those issues except for one where he had an entire band, and Dave was deeply involved in that project.   What we have here is tough to put a finger on because it’s just so different. Unlike most two man groups like The White Stripes, and The Flat Duo Jets, these guys take a more low key, folksy, yet definitely electric approach to their brand of garage/psyche. The results are an intoxicating, ambient stew that gets better the more you listen to it. The songs range from the driving garage of “All You Gotta Do Is Try”, to the outright psychedelia of “The Castle On The Hill” one of Darren’s originals. They even venture into Ennio Morricone territory with “El Duego Vaquero” where Dave dishes up some great Frankie Laine style vocals. Genius.   I’ve included a “teaser” here for you to listen to, but if you’d like to buy a copy you’ll have to contact Dave at www.jargonrecords.com. Dig it…. All You Gotta Do Is Try

In Dan’s Garage…#64

Greetings! Well, summer has once again passed here in Upstate NY and the fall season is again upon us, but I love the fall. Football season starts, baseball playoffs and the World Series are in full swing, the weather is a tad bit cooler, grapes are being harvested in the Finger Lakes, leaves change their hue and start falling, apples are being picked by the bushel, outdoor grilling gives way to nice hot comfort foods…well…you get the picture. It’s a very pleasant time of the year. Here's some random thoughts though….    As you all know I am a beer lover. I love cheap beer, expensive beer, ales, lagers, stouts, and a nice hearty I.P.A. as well. The fall is a great time for brewing, especially Oktoberfest style beers which are very abundant, but has anyone out there had this “pumpkin” lager stuff that goes around right about now???? Yuck! I know there are “fruity” beers like strawberry blondes, and cranberry ales, and I’ve often put a lime in a bottle of Corona, but I’m not sure if I want my beer tasting like pumpkin pie. Same goes for this maple and caramel stuff that goes around. Ew. The maple junk tastes like a stack of pancakes. But what do I know? I guess it sells well so that’s why they keep brewing it I suppose.    I’ve put somewhat of a moratorium on buying records for the time being, only because I’m overwhelmed with new 45s and have some catching up to do. I have some real interesting stuff to post so stay tuned, things are going to start picking up as I have more free time to get this blog out more frequently. I hope everyone enjoys this offering……

Curiosities – Money (1965) Here’s another Seeburg jukebox 45 from The Curiosities who were probably the same band as The Look Outs (IDG #45) and The Seeburg Spotlite Band (IDG #30). This time they go through a pretty happenin’ version of Barret Strong’s “Money”.

Lindy Blaskey & The Lavells – Sweets For My Sweet / Movin’ Away (1966) Another fine record from Albuquerque's Lindy Blaskey. This was his last of four 45s on Space records. Top side is a great version of “Sweets For My Sweet” and the B side is a teen ballad.

Ritchie Dean – Goodbye Girl (1964) Ritchie Dean is actually songwriter/producer Warren Schatz who is credited on some extremely cool 45s from the 60s. Most of his output was pop, but he did manage to release a couple of good songs most notably “Time”, and this one here.

Sun-Set – Don’t (Judge Me Baby) / Man Without A Home (1964) I can’t say for sure where these guys are from, but they have a great British Invasion sound. I seems Dick Monda had something to do with this one, and his credits are also present on The Badd Boys’ “I Told You So” & “Never Going Back To Georgia” (IDG #17 & 40) which are both superb 45s.

Poore Boyes – Give / It’s Love (1966) Another “mystery” group. I always thought this one was from Minnesota, but Fuzz, Acid, & Flowers has to screw with my head by stating that it ”might” be from Arizona. Whatever. All that horseshit is overshadowed by the subject matter of this song. Although “tragedy” records were nothing new at the time, this one goes to a whole other level, much like Little John & The Monks’ “Black Winds” but not quite as tragic as say The Whyte Boots’ “Nightmare”. This guy sings about the love of his life (Jean) and how great she is… then….he meets someone “new”. So he goes walkin’ and talkin’ with his new babe but he didn’t realize that Jean was stalking them, and a tad bit psycho as well. So Jean confronts them WITH A KNIFE! YIKES!!!! She comes at him with the weapon and he pushes her and she falls on it and DIES! Holy crap what a freakin’ horror! At the end he gets really maudlin about the whole episode and I guess the moral of the story is, don't date messed up women.

Tikis – If I’ve Been Dreaming / Pay Attention To Me (1965) The Tikis were a surf group from San Francisco but released this cool merseybeat inspired 45 in 1965. They eventually renamed themselves Harper’s Bizarre, became a sunshine pop band, and had a couple of huge hits namely a remake of Simon & Garfunkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song”. Perhaps the most interesting is that Ted Templeman was the drummer on this 45, and he went on to produce some of rock music’s biggest classics including The Doobie Brothers, Van Halen, Van Morrison, and Sammy Hagar’s original band Montrose who’s first LP is one of my favorites. Yes, I’ll admit I do have a soft spot for early-mid 70s “hard rock”…..

Chips & Company – Ace Of Spades / Walk Tall (1966) Two moody ballads from another mystery group, although the writing credits indicate that this is probably Gene Pistilli of Cashman, Pistilli, & West. They released at least one other 45 which I haven't heard.

Boston Tea Party – Words / Spinach (1967) Released around the same time as the Monkees’ version, this is a completely different take on the song. The Boston Tea Party would release a so-so LP and had some other 45s on different labels as well.

New Colony Six – You’re Gonna Be Mine / Woman (1967) One of the most popular bands to come out of Chicago, this was released when they still had some “garage” left in them. Although kinda lightweight, it’s still pretty good.

Brentwoods – Babe You Know / Yeah, Yeah, No, No (1967) Long thought to be a Texas 45 due to it’s appearance on a Texas edition of “Highs In The Mid 60s”, it’s actually a group from Hobbs, New Mexico just down the road apiece from Clovis where Norman Petty’s studio is located and where this fantastic 45 was recorded. Great guy/gal vocals with superb organ flourishes highlight this gem.

Fat Water – Santa Anna Speed Queen / Amalynda Guinivere (1969) Alas, another dead end on the info. What I’ve concluded from my searches on this 45 is that they most likely were from Chicago, not the west coast, and that they had little or nothing to do with the One Eyed Jacks from Champaign, IL. Anyway, this is a great fast paced late 60s hard rocker on the A side, and some excellent folk/pop on the flip. They had one LP which was pretty good too.

Underground Sunshine – Birthday / All I Want Is You (1969) We last saw this band in IDG #43 and this time around we got a rather…well…I don’t want to say inept, but it aint that great either, version of The Beatles’ “Birthday”. I guess I chose to post this because if you compare it to the original, it’s pretty lame and falls well short of doing it justice. On the other hand, it’s a perfect example of how “garage” sensibilities (cheesy organs, etc.) and innocence still permeated pop music culture as late as 1969. The flip though is a pretty good garage/psyche number. This actually became a small hit and they did appear on American Bandstand.

Five By Five – Fire / Hang Up (1968) Hailing from Magnolia, AK, these guys decided to cover Hendrix’ “Fire” and although it’s not spot on, it does a nice job with a real garage-like delivery and tons of fuzz. The flip aint too shabby either and is probably better than the A side in my opinion. They had gobs of 45s and an LP, all of them worth checking out.

Beau Allen – Georgia Ground / Fallen Angel (1970) Beau was in a popular Vidalia, GA garage band called “Bo & The Weevils” and eventually went solo after a couple of decent 45s. This one from 1970 kind of has a “southern rock'” feel to it and was arranged by Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist Barry Bailey who’s probably doing all the riffing.

Yellow Payges – The Two Of Us (1969) Although these guys were a huge act locally (in L.A.), they unfortunately failed to hit the big time when their sole LP sort of fell flat, and then embarked on a failed ad campaign for the Yellow Pages (you know..”let your fingers do the walking”…). In any case, they did have quite a bit of output on Uni records covering a wide variety of styles including this heavy hitter.

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