Monday, October 30, 2006

Sonny And The Sovereigns –School Is Out


Sonny And The Sovereigns –School Is Out/Walm Jetz –Rare Earth C006-95809 (1974 German issue)

A minor entry which updates 1964 with the Glitter sound. It has a monster drum heavy production, but the corny melody (that owes a heavy debt to Lipstick On My Collar) definitely grates. The B side is more enjoyable as it’s an instrumental version. I especially like the mumbled humming that replicates the Glitter Band baritone sax sound. The label mentions that this is a “ British recording for Tamla Motown” and it’s co-produced by P. Anders. I was wondering if this could be Peter Anders who with Vinnie Poncia was behind The Tradewinds and tons of 60’s New York produced stuff. It would make sense sonically, but not sure on that one.

PS: On closer inspection of the cover photo; it looks likes the guy has sideburns and they seem to be turning grey…a bit unsettling that!

Click below for soundclip

11 comments:

Trudi said...

Back of the sleeve says Peter Anders, so that's him. I really like this record!

Robin Wills said...

But there could be more that 1 Peter Anders...I will try and get confirmation...Strange mix: Tamla, UK production and Peter Anders

Trudi said...

Must be the same Anders - there was a Paul Naumann also in the Tradewinds. Can't shed any light on the 'British recording for Motown' thing, though (the engineer was British... maybe that was enough for a 'joke' credit?)!

Anonymous said...

This was produced by Peter Anders and Kenny Laguna for MoWest which was Motowns British label. Its a cover of a Gary US Bonds song and I'm on it also. Most of the guys on it were in a English band..Slobone

Robin Wills said...

Hi Gary
Thanks for the info. What other recordings were you on. My band was also produced by Kenny Laguna in 1980

Collin said...

Blah, that Gary - beatin' me to the tattle-tale punch. Gary was in a great lost power pop band outta New York called Radio City and they have to be good cos I've been roped into to doing their liner notes!!!

KeefyShep said...

The truth is, yes it is THE Pete Anders, also Kenny Laguna,was on the production. It was recorded on two Re-Vox machines in a house in Walm Lane, Cricklewood, as for Gary Feldman? did'nt see him in the front room!!!!!! Keef Shepherd, drummer with Slowbone

RC Flyer said...

Hey Keef,
Maybe you remember me better as..
Gary, Kennys brother in law? And I was there and did backround vocals,handclaps, and according to Kenny, played either some bass or guitar. I was also at the session when you guys did "Happy Birthday Sweet 16"...does that jog your memory? So how are your old bandmates Lea and Jeff? Great guys...

KeefyShep said...

Yeh, got ya now Gary, makes you Merrils brother, yeh we had a good time recording that stuff. Jeff lives in the states, hav'nt seen him since about '76, Leas managing Paul Dianno, ex Iron Maiden front man.

Doug said...

Hey Gary, how come you don't have your own blog. Everyone else does!

Anonymous said...

KeefyShep,glad to see your still playing.I used to follow Slowbone everywhere,you used to do 2 nights at the Bridge,Powerpack did 2 as well.Western Counties,Cart and Horses,supporting The Troggs at Wandsworth town hall,Gold Mine Canvey,happy days.Are you still in touch with Lea?I used to speak to him often,but not for a while.
Trev (old Bridge House fan)20/5/09