In Dan’s Garage…#81

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!! I thought I’d never get this edition of Dan’s Garage out, but after nearly two months of holidays, shopping and to top it off bad weather, I found a little time to spin a few discs and get this baby going. I really hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and holiday season in general. Now that 2013 is upon us I wish all the best to my friends and followers out there. I really didn’t get much in the way of material goods for Christmas this year, but happiness and smiling faces surely made up for it, and besides, I really do prefer the giving part than the receiving part. I did get one awesome gift from my lovely wife Red, a “leg lamp” ala “A Christmas Story”. Here’s a picture of the “major award” in my front living room window.… There were actually cars stopping in front of my house to get a good look at it. What a hoot. We also had a Christmas soiree in my “man cave'” where friends and neighbors got totally inebriated and made fools of themselves. In other words, a typical Christmas party. Before I continue with this post, I’d just like to thank everyone out there who left kind and thoughtful comments. They really make this blog worthwhile. I’d also like to add a comment about links that are no longer useful. I am up to 81 posts on this blog and that’s just the “Dan’s Garage” posts. Before MF melted down, I had re-upped EVERYTHING and it was quite a chore. Now I have to do it all over with Zippyshare and there is no guarantee they will hold. I’m looking for an alternative. It seems that if I encrypt things well enough MF won’t catch on. I’ll keep trying that route, but if you’re looking for files, please be patient. I’ll get to them as fast as I can and to be perfectly honest, I’m not exactly Speedy Gonzalez. There’s a guy out there and I believe he’s from The Netherlands, although I could be wrong, who has been taking my comps and posting them on his site. I’m somewhat flattered that people are sharing this, I guess, I mean, there are folks out there who take the mp3s and label scans from this blog and use them on on their own blogs and websites and on YouTube as well, and I really don’t have much of a problem with that. I use material from other sites as well (and I thank all for letting me do so), but this guy is going as far as changing the “covers” I made for the comps. That’s bullshit. While I am guilty of having downloaded files from this bloggers site in the past, (full disclosure here) it would have been nice if he just informed me of his intentions. I also understand you have to PAY to get the files. That’s extra total bullshit. My advice to all, is to just shun this blogger and never visit his site (http://rollhotrodroll.blogspot.fr). Enough of that stuff. I know it’s been a while and you’ve been anxiously awaiting this next post which I hope you’ll enjoy. God bless all of you. Have a beautiful happy warm Holiday, and best wishes to you on the upcoming New Year. See you in 2013!!!!!!!

Peck’s Bad Boys – Crazy World / Cloud 76 (1966) Tough, pounding two sided punker from The Bronx (that’s in NYC). I’d go into greater detail, but you can get the whole story by clicking this link HERE

Mae West w/ Somebody’s Chyldren – Shakin' All Over / If You Gotta Go (1966) Here we go again with the legendary Mae West “vocalizing” through a few 60s classics. This time we get a great version of Johnny Kidd’s signature tune, and I love the way she sings “Shakin’ All Ovuh”! The flip is a sort of freaked out version of Dylan’s “If You Gotta Go” All in all, not a bad effort from an aging Hollywood star. If only we could have gotten W.C. Fields to sing a few with her……..

Dick Whittington’s Cats – In The Midnight Hour / I Still Find You (In My Heart) (1966) Originally known as “Richie & The Fortunes”, the “Cats” were from Cleveland and backed “Bocky” from Bocky & The Visions quite often. Here they lay down a hard nosed version of Wilson Pickett’s hit backed with a typical Cleveland garage/greaser/do wop number.

Noblemen 4 – Hang It In Your Ear / I Hear Raindrops (1967) A Pittsburgh area band who had one other release. Great “frat rock” on the A side and a pretty good moody garage ballad on the B. You can read more about them HERE. Hard to believe this 45 is from 1967.

Roemans – Don’t / Miserlou (1965) A group from Florida who backed Tommy Roe (hence the name “Roemans”) on several tours including one that went to the UK. They released several 45s without Roe and this, their second, is a mixed bag. The A side is typical British Invasion whilst the B side is a wild insane version of Dick Dale’s “Miserlou”

Guilloteens – For My Own / Don’t Let The Rain Get You Down (1966) Best known as Elvis Presley’s favorite band, The Guilloteens were in fact a pretty good act. They had 45s on HBR and Columbia and continued performing till 1967 when they broke up.

Joey Paige – Gone Back To Tennessee (1964) I wish I knew more about this guy. All I could come up with was that he was involved with the Everly Bros., went to England and hooked up with the Stones somehow, came back to the US and released a few 45 one of which was supposedly produced by Bill Wyman. This isn’t the one, but it’s a pretty good rocker nonetheless.

Stuarts – Just A Little Bit More / Bringing It Home (1966) A Feldman, Goldstein, Gottehrer production that’s rumored to be the Strangeloves in disguise, kinda like “The Sheep”. Could be, because it sounds an awful lot like The Strangeloves only a bit nastier.

New Colony Six – At The Rivers Edge / I Lie Awake (1965) Before the New Colony Six became Chicago’s masters of wimp rock, they put out several great 45s including this, their second, which is emphasized by a driving Bo Diddley beat. The B side is no slouch either.

Bridge – I Don’t Think I’ll Call You / When You’re Gone (1966) Different from the Connecticut group, this bunch was from Mississippi, and had this one superb moody two sider.

Anglo Saxton – You Better Leave Me Alone / Ruby (1967) Although this came out on a Michigan label initially (it was re-released on Tower) it reportedly was a big regional hit in Nashville. “You Better Leave Me Alone” is a great sleazy slow tempo punk rocker with snotty vocals, but what gets me is their treatment of “Ruby”, the Kenny Rogers hit. They slow the whole thing down and add this folk rock element to it that makes it rather unique. Way better that the hit IMHO.

Oliver’s Heavenly Nest – Hey Bird / She And My Shadow (1969) I just had to throw in this nice slice of pop/psyche into the mix. Don’t know  much about this group. They may be from the New York area but I can’t say for sure……..

Ark – Poverty Train / Daily Reminder (1967) Another absolutely superb psychedelic 45 by a very obscure group from…..well I’m not sure where, but rumor has it they’re from Northern California. I’ve read comparisons to Clear Light but I think these guys are in their own little world. “Daily Reminder” is fantastic and “Poverty Train” is a great cover of a Laura Nyro tune. This one’s a real gem.

Equals – Lonely Rita / Softly Softly (1968) I love these guys! One of the few “integrated” bands of the 60s, they had a big hit with “Baby Come Back”, but they also had a whole bunch of other songs under their belt, most of them great freakbeat numbers. This two sider is a perfect example.

NRBQ – Stomp / I Don’t Know Myself (1968) One of the most beloved “indie” bands of all time. This was NRBQ’s first release when they were known as a “Quintet”.

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In Dan’s Garage…#80

Happy Thanksgiving all! I was thinking a bit today on what exactly to give thanks for, and there’s a lot so I won’t get into details except to say that I give thanks that I live a decent, albeit humble, life. That’s OK. I like it that way. I give thanks for my kids and my lovely wife and for the fantastic music that is presented here and everywhere else on this great earth. I do not give thanks to the 46+ bags of leaves that I’ve had to clean up over the past few weeks. Those sons-a-bitches can stay on the trees for all I care. OK, there’s my rant for the day! Here’s a nice Thanksgiving offering for all, including the ones out there who don’t celebrate it. Enjoy.

Wanted – In The Midnight Hour / Here To Stay (1966) A Detroit area band that had about 8 45s released, some having the same song on different labels. In any case, this one was nationally released on A&M and has a decent cover of Wilson Pickett’s “Midnight Hour” on the the top side, but the real genius tune is “Here To Stay” which is a top notch teen ballad that fits squarely into the “moody garage” category. Excellent.

Bob Troy – Tell You What I’m Gonna Do / I Never Worry (1966) Very cool “big production” recording but still has a good feel to it. I don’t know much about Bob Troy, who may have been a studio concoction, but John Simon who produced this worked The Cyrkle’s “Red Rubber Ball” as well as classic rock icon LP’s Big Brother & The Holding Co. (Cheap Thrills) and Blood, Sweat, & Tears.

Bootles – I’ll Let You Hold My Hand / Never Till Now (1965) Four totally hot chicks dressed in boots warbling about letting you hold their hand.

Jim Edger & The Roadrunners – Tennessee Stud / Wait A Little Longer (1966) It’s ironic that after posting DeWayne & The Beldettas’ version of this country classic last post, I’d come across another version by yet another Oklahoma based group. This one’s not quite as frantic, but good anyway. The flip is fairly decent too.

Palace Guard – Falling Sugar / Oh Blue (1965) One of my all time favorites. This group included a very young Emmit Rhodes at one point and I think My Three Sons star Don Grady was in this band too.

7 Sons – Don’t You Dare Say No (1966) Good soul influenced 45 from Iowa.

Pete Klint Quintet – Shake / Walkin’ Proud (1967) The Midwest was certainly a hotbed of “blue eyed soul” as evidenced by groups like The Fabulous Flippers from Kansas, and Iowa’s Pete Klint Quintet who covered Sam Cooke’s “Shake” very nicely on this 45.

Richie Bruce – I Plan My Life / Any Girl That Wants Me (1966) I’m not sure who Richie Bruce Is, but he’s probably Wayne Brewster the songwriter credited on this very obscure but cool 45.

Terry Knight & The Pack – A Change On The Way (1966) Deep thoughts from Terry Knight & the pre-Grand Funk Railroad gang.

Velvet Illusions – Velvet Illusions / I Was Born To Be A Rolling Stone (1967) One of the coolest WSAY finds ever. A great L.A. group that released four 45s including the classic “Acid Head”.

Ragamuffins – Four Days Of Rain / It Wasn’t Happening At All (1967) I gotta say that the A side of this 45 is perhaps one of the best folk-rock songs ever. Why this didn’t make it I can’t say for sure, but it wipes the floor with junk like “Eve Of Destruction” on the most overrated songs of all time (in my opinion).

Better Sweet – Like The Flowers / I Can’t Do It By Myself (1967) Good up-tempo garage by a Memphis group. These guys (and one gal drummer) were reportedly from New Jersey and were attending college in Tennessee.

Ides Of March – Give Your Mind Wings / My Foolish Pride (1967) Another fantastic effort by this Chicago group. The B side finds them heading into “Vehicle” territory.

Jesters – Cadillac Man / My Babe (1966) Rough and tumble R&B from a Memphis group that obviously shunned “The British Invasion” sound. One of the last 45s to be released on the original Sun label.

Pleasure Seekers – Theme From The Valley Of The Dolls / If You Climb On The Tigers Back (1967) I really wish I knew the story on this one. I’m not 100% sure these are the same gals from Detroit who’s “What A Way To Die” is an absolute garage punk classic, or some studio concoction by a bunch of corporate chumps who didn’t know if the “real” Pleasure Seekers even existed, or didn’t really care, because the band members never mention this 45 in any interviews I’ve read. In any case, it’s a nice lightweight piece of psych/pop especially the flip.

Arrows – Apache ‘65 (1965) Let’s end this party with a nice up-tempo version of Apache.

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In Dan’s Garage…#79

Greetings friends and followers! Welcome to another edition of…In Dan’s Garage!!!!! I initially wrote this huge rant on a number of topics that have made me quite ornery lately, especially the file sharing snafu, but so many other things were nagging me, I decided to set the rant aside. That’s because as I was proofreading it (something I don’t do enough of) I began to bore myself, so if I’m bored, then you’re going to be. So instead, I’ll briefly touch on a few things here that have been on my mind….. First. Apologies for being a little testy in some of my replies to comments. I’m just trying to figure out ways to get these comps to people who really want them. Second. I’ve tried my best to make these links to the downloads as cryptic as possible. The password is in plain view and most of you out there are savvy enough to figure it out. Third. I don’t “censor” comments too often. I do get spam, which I don’t even count, and I have had requests not to post certain comments for privacy reasons. Some comments are requests for things that I unfortunately don’t have much time for, and some are political rants which get tossed out before I even finish reading them. Here’s my thought on those… We here in the USA live in what I consider the most TOXIC political landscape I’ve ever witnessed. We are a divided country and the last thing I want is to let people use this blog as a vehicle for more division. I personally do not care if you are a Conservative or a Liberal. The music that lies within this blog is something that unites us all. It is a common bond that should be celebrated regardless of political affiliation or personal philosophy. OK???? Good. Last. Hurricane Sandy hit us this past Monday and while I was relatively unscathed (I lost power for several hours and the screen on my back patio got blown out. Big whoop.), LOTS of people in the New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas truly have a long road to hoe. My thoughts go out to all of them. If any of you are followers of this blog, my prayers are with you. My wish is that hopefully some of the music here will ease a bit of the pain. Ladies and Gents…Number 79.

Rick And Ron & The Victors – Money / Let The Good Times Roll (1964) Another 45 on Ibis Records (which is presumably from California) that has some Jim Messina involvement. This one features Rick & Ron who try to be Righteous Bros. clones and do a decent job at it.

Fitz & Startz – I’m Not Running Away / So Sweet (1965) The Fitz & Startz were a group from the Manchester area and were basically a “local” act who played on various mixed bills with some bigger acts. Their claim to fame though is the fact that a very young, pre-Yardbird Jeff Beck played lead guitar on the A side of this very good 45.

Drafi – Marble Breaks And Iron Bends (1965) In IDG #35 we featured the German sung version of this tune. Here it is in English (duh).

DeWayne & The Beldettas – Tennessee Stud / I’ll Walk Along (1966) Well…I’m not sure how to categorize this one. It's definitely a country & western classic, but the delivery mixes the two genres, or three perhaps. Country, Rock & Roll, and Garage. DeWayne sings it like he’s on an episode of Hee Haw, but the band is chugging along Rock & Roll like. Real interesting. DeWayne & The Beldettas were from Oklahoma and DeWayne later became Cleveland County Sherriff.

Strangers – Plan On Someone New / What’s The Matter Baby (1966) A 45 that lies in an area where garage, do wop, and Beach Boys harmonies exist. No info available on this bunch.

Victorians – C’mon Dream (1966) Another unknown “vocal” group that featured a decent garage band backing them up. Most likely from California.

Episode Six – Mighty Morris Ten / Here, There, And Everywhere (1966) Here’s a group with some history! Episode Six were not a very successful group but they did have some longevity, and they did release this very good 45. Their claim to fame was that they had a pre-Deep Purple Ian Gillian and Roger Glover in their midst, and the weird thing is that this 45 sounds nothing like Deep Purple at all!

Hamilton King – Not Until (1964) Not much known about ol’ Hamilton here, but he’s somehow connected to Don Charles who’s “She’s Mine is featured in IDG #14. Alan Caddy who is credited on this disc played guitar in The Tornadoes so it’s more than likely this is a Joe Meek production.

Fastest Group Alive – The Bears / Beside (1966) I wish I knew a little bit more about these guys, but they are probably a west coast act and as far as I know had this one single, which is a neat “novelty” tune with some excellent vocal harmonies. This song is based on the A.A. Milne poem “Lines & Squares” which was made into a song by The Satans.

Chain Reaction – Ever Lovin’ Man (1968) A group from Yonkers, NY that is noteworthy for having Steve Tallarico as it’s lead vocalist. Steve changed his name to Steven Tyler, would form mega hit makers Aerosmith, and the rest is history.

Chicago Loop - (When She Wants Good Lovin') My Baby Comes To Me (1966) Typical “big” production from Bob Crewe on this one. Barry Goldberg was in this outfit and supposedly the great Mike Bloomfield played lead guitar on this cover of a Coasters tune.

Interns – Just Like Me (1966) Another group of Interns who are not related to the “Hard To Get” Interns on Uptown Records (which ironically was a subsidiary of Capitol). This band was from the UK and had three other 45s that I haven’t heard yet. It’s possible this was the only one to be released in the USA.

Beaver Patrol – E.S.P. (1967) The sole release from this Hollywood, FL group is this fuzzy rework of The Pretty Things’ L.S.D. Another great band moniker. Can you imagine some young lady telling her dad “my boyfriend plays in a band called The Beaver Patrol” YOW!

Dirty Shames – He’s Blown Your Mind (1967) Not the same as the ultra cool Dirty Shames of “Makin Love” fame, this trio was from Montana and that, unfortunately, is all I know. Great folky poppy vocals propped up by some excellent guitar work.

Jim Valley – Try, Try, Try (1967) A nice solo effort by the Paul Revere & The Raiders guitarist. Unlike the earlier “I’m Real”, which is a Pacific NW style pounder, this one is a great pop number.

Five By Five - I Ain't Gonna Be Your Fool No More (1968) Although this song was originally released in 1968 with a different B side, this issue is from 1970. Good use of a Uni-Vibe on this soul influenced song.

Unwanted Children – A Thing Of The Past / Without You (1969) Tough to find any info on this one except it was pressed in 1969. This lite psych two sider was probably recorded by a group from New York or Connecticut, but that is purely speculation on my part.

Wailers – Thinking Out Loud / You Can’t Fly (1967) The last 45 to be released by these Pacific NW legends. They definitely take somewhat of a sharp turn style-wise on this 45 as it vaguely resembles any of their earlier output, although “Thinking Out Loud” still has those pounding drums.

Bubble Puppy – Beginning / If I Had A Reason (1969) The second 45 released by this Houston, TX based band. This one has that familiar guitar work they are famous for, and echoes their first 45 “Hot Smoke And Sassafras”.

The Bears