The Hammer –Hitchcock’s Lullaby

The Hammer –Hitchcock’s Lullaby/Doggone –EMI 5C 006-25 046 (1974 NL)

Hitchcock’s Lullaby is quite a departure from Smyle’s (Mark Boon’s previous band) usual fare as the A side comes across like Alistair Riddell’s Space Waltz or The Tigers on Vaseline in maximum horror Camp Glam mode. Their image was the invention of their Manager and my guess is that he got to see a preview of Brian De Palma’s brilliant Phantom of The Paradise (check out the black and white make up worn by The Undead AKA The Juicy Fruits/ Beach Bums in that movie ). He was probably on space yoghurt at the time and his delusional plan to turn the band into a sensation included not even listing the band’s name on the cover or label! File under...god knows what –this is one of the reasons why it is so hard to find this single these days.

Check out the Nederglam site for an interview with Mark Boon and to watch the great video clip: http://www.nederglam.nl/html/smyle.html
The B side is more akin to Mark’s usual Beatles/Pop material, which made a full blown come back on both sides of The Hammer’s next single -The Powerpop classic I’d Do It All Again/Cos I’m in Love.

Hear a full version of Hitchcock’s Lullaby

Return from Utrecht...

So I finally got back from my twice-yearly favourite holiday destination. Again much fun was had, but often at the expense of aches and pains that come with the territory: Walking up and down the aisles from 7am to 7pm over two days does take its toll! Sunday is more of a leisurely stroll...Once again I can state that Utrecht is the finest record fair in the world.
Here are the finds, neatly categorised for your perusal. Quite a few of these are in fact spares, so expect me to list some of them over the next 1-2 weeks.

BTW, my camera has died, so I have had to use the phone of my camera...Yes, I need a new phone as well...

The Dutchies
Antilope –Come On Suzy. Absolute cracker, perhaps the best of the 3 singles from this Shocking Blue/Booby Trap related band: Hear it here: http://crazeekids-music.blogspot.com/2009/09/antilope-come-on-suzy-1973.html
The Hammer –I’d Do It All Again –Ex Smyle power popper
The Hammer –Hitchcock’s Lullaby (YES! -review SOON!)
Catapult –Hit The Big Time
Catapult –Let Your Hair Hang Down (German pic sleeve)
Left Side –Johnny (sounds like 1968 Kinks), B side is more of a bubblegum rocker...
Left Side –Confusion in My Mind –late 60s popsike
Girlie –Andy –great rocker (German pic sleeve)
BZN –Love Me Like A lion –Good rockers
BZN –Bad Bad Woman –sounds like a male Suzy Quatro number from 1971!
Left Side – (Like A) Locomotion –German pic sleeve
Yellow Cat –Angelique –More horridness from the Sissy guys
Teenager –Birthday –fun fake TEEN Bubblegum. Dorky sleeve!
Cherrie Vangleder-Smith –Goodbye Guitar Man (German pic sleeve)
Serpentine –Belinda Tomorrow –Cool BubbleGlam tracks from the Powerful Jim mob
Zoo –Walking –Great stomper in German pic sleeve (review soon)

The Brits
Smiley –I Know What I Want –Nice Dutch pic sleeve of the Creation related cruncher
Bob and Honey Bee –Queenie Rock On -Good Glam Rocker like Arrows
James Boys –Up Until Now
Vanity Fare –Rock And Roll Is Back. Cabaret-like rockers, but the B sides nearly enters Bay City Roller territory
One Hit Wonders –Hey Hey Jump Now (German pic sleeve) of this double sided belter.
Tremeloes –Blue Suede Tie (German pic sleeve)
Equals –Softy Softly (German pic sleeve)
Sisters –There’s A Raver Coming Home (German promo)
Firebird –Two Wheels (Ger Pic Sleeve)
Zipp –Streak Up And Down. This is in fact Zipper of Can Can fame. Appropriate German pic sleeve!
Crush –Today’s A Tomorrow –fine version of the Giorgio number
Zappo –Right On/ Rock N Roll Crazy (A and B side switch for this French release)
Chris Hodge –Goodbye Sweet Lorraine/ Contact Love –great French pic sleeve
Albatross –Tobacco Road –Glam stomping cover with neat German pic sleeve
Red Fox –Walking Through The Blue Grass (Cover of the Stavely Makepeace track)
Erasmus Chorum –Jungle (pretty wild Glam/Soul crossover)
Erasmus Chorum –EP (Chapter One) not in the same league as the above.
Esprit De Corps –You’ve Taken Along All That I Can Give You -3rd single from the orchestrated psych/pop phasing merchant
Disco Kid –Roller Coaster –German pic sleeve
Brother Susan –See My Fingers Fly
Squeek –Make Hay When The Sun Shines (Spanish pic sleeve)
Roll-ups –Blackmail –Group photo on this German release for the Slowbone guys
Mandrake Paddle Steamer - Strange Walking Man (The Bam Caruso gatefold reissue)
Sting –Thief of Baghdad –French colour pic sleeve
Angel –Good Time Fanny (German pic sleeve)
Angel –Little Boy Blue (German pic sleeve)
Dan The Banjo Man –Black Magic (German pic sleeve)

The Yanks
Ohio Express –Hot Dog –German pic sleeve
Derek –Cinnamon –Dutch pic sleeve for this Johnny Cymbal Bubblegummer
Wildfire –Here Comes Summer (German pic sleeve) Cracking Glam/Surf number
Time Masheen –The Big Black Bird –More extreme madness from the Uge guy
Iggy and The Stooges -Tight Pants/Sick of You (Bomp)

The Belgians
Garnets –Indian Uprising (Spare) Makes Redbone sound “authentic”
Fill’ Mon –Move On (incredible Belgian single –just check that Look! Both tracks are killer. Hear it here: http://crazeekids-music.blogspot.com/2009/05/fill-mon-move-on-197.html

The Germans
Funky Family –Part of My Life
Funky Family –Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet
Big Secret –Samson & Delilah. Not a patch on Ride Captain Ride
Teens – Gime Gime Gime .../ROLLERBALL!

The Scandinavians
Glenmarks –Big Fat Oranguman –cover of Jungle Jim’s classic!
Walkers –Little Kitty one of the gaggle of singles they released. Although it’s form 1974, it’s a horrible pastiche Ska-Reggae number!
Mabel –Skateboard Rider –DORKS!!!!
NQB –Long Long Weekend –nice German pic sleeve of this killer Runaways/Glam type track

The others...
Children of The Morning –Ku Klux Man (Italo/US Groover)
Variations –Silver Girl -French Stonesian cracker
Variations –Only You Know –French pic sleeve –Good fuzz B side
The Memories –What ‘Ya Gonna Tell Your Mama. Outrageous German pic sleeve for this Irish show/Glam band.

In a few hours; I'll be...........................................

HERE!

I'll be reporting back with finds, discoveries and other obsessive tales from the best record fair in the world as soon as I can...

My grunt is more primitive than yours: Primitive Man –Animal Love vs. C.C.S. - Primitive Love

Primitive Man –Animal Love/Major Barmy From The Army –Decca F13188 (1971 UK)

C.C.S –Brother/ Primitive Love RAK Replay RR7 (1973 UK)

Animal Love is a silly but highly enjoyable entry in the simian sub Glam/Psych category. It pounds and grunts in sublime heavy fashion. Basically it’s the missing link (get it?) between Hot Legs Neanderthal Man and C.C.S.’s Primitive Love. In fact the Darwinian progression is so neat, I just had to post the C.C.S. track as well –enjoy those devilish jungle horns over the mother of all primitive stomps. Animal Love has the best grunts (and sheep noises!), but Primitive Love might be heavier and adds a more focussed bouncing gold medallion dimension to the proceedings.

Hear a full version of Animal Love



Hear a full version of Primitive Love

The Yummies –Patty Cake

The Yummies –Patty Cake/Hippie Lady –Sunflower SUN 103 (1970 US)
As recounted in the seminal book Bubblegum Music Is The Naked Truth (Feral House), the sole single by The Yummies was the creation of one Les Fradkin who played all the instruments on both sides. The regular release in fact switched sides, with the Garage Bo Diddley beat of Hippie Lady taking precedence as the potential hit. However Patty Cake is a fantastic example of the perfect Bubblegum tune. It has it all from the mother of all hooks, the incessant hand claps, Farfisa organ and wonderful anglophile vocals which predate the Glam era (think Milk & Cookies on steroids). Patty Cake is the perfect tune with an exemplary all round performance which will plant a big grin to your face...

Hear a full version of Patty Cake

J.C. Livingstone –Hello Johnny

J.C. Livingstone –Oh Oh Angelina/ Hello Johnny –Polydor 2040133 (1974 German issue)
J.C. released quite a few singles mainly in a Euro Oompa Pop style, the exception being the killer pounding Mama Was A Steamroller Lady and this B side. Written by Rod and Eva McQueen, who as Muff were behind the Crunchy Glamsters Sexy Sexy Lady and Do The Hand Jive. In fact Hello Johnny is the ancestor of the skewered but jumpy Discotheque King which was the B side of Do The Hand Jive appearing with new lyrics and those strange on-beat hand claps (http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2007/05/muff-discotheque-king.html)
I believe that J.C. Livingstone was originally from South Africa and I wonder if J.C. Livingstone was in fact Rod McQueen...any confirmation on this?

Hear a full version of Hello Johnny

Brian Wells –Paper Party

Brian Wells –Paper Party/Just A Summer High –Spark SRL1082 (1972 UK)
Coming across like Brett Smiley fusioned with Russell Mael sporting some Al Stewart inflections; Paper Party finds Brian backed by what sounds like an amalgamation of Cockney Rebel and Sweet thus showcasing a severe case of lack of direction, although the results form a Pop/Glam concoction in its purest form...Paper Party has the beat and tempo but the surprising inclusion of a sustained fiddle adds another layer of puzzlement to the proceedings. An obscure misfit of a single; but good fun to be enjoyed by all.

Hear a full version of Paper Party

Jon Symon –Silver Star

Jon Symon –Silver Star Part 1/ Silver Star Part 2 –BASF 0612441-4 (1975 Ger)British squaddie makes good! Following deployment with Her Majesty’s armed forces in Germany, Jon Symon AKA Rasputin set himself up as a one man band playing across Germany and Austria. Following the Sweet Eliza and Mighty Quinn singles as Jon Symon’s One Man Band (BASF) he released this grungy yet gleaming Proto Punk/Glam scorcher. Probably featuring a full band (or does he play all the instruments himself?) the guitars roar and squeal à la Thunders during the break and ably counter-balance any of the gloss conveyed by the backing vocals.
Jon Symon appears to still be playing in clubs these days; in fact there’s a pretty mean one-man rendition of Mona on Youtube. Apart from rockin’ out, the man seems to also have a penchant for the esoteric and dressing up in pirate gear...

Hear a full version of Silver Star

Update (from the horse's mouth) -Thanks Jon! Quite a stellar cast...

It's amazing what gets "dug up" here in Internet!!! I wanted to make a few comments  (if you're interested in getting Info from the "horses mouth" - one horse at least) *LOL*

I composed the number and played the Guitars (Rhythm and if I remember rightly) the rather simple solo! on the A Side. The Instrumental solo on the "B" side was Frank Dietz - a then very well known German musician. The Bass was played by none other than Georgia Moroder, who owned the studio where it was recorded (Arabella in Munich). The drummer was my manager Cliff Koch.

During the recording of it, I lost my voice and asked for a couple of days off to get it back! - This couldn't be granted 'cause the Rolling stones had booked the studio to produce "Goats head soup", so I had to come back 2 weeks later to finish silver star. This was really bad news, 'cause Munich is about 6 hours at the fastest from Hannover, where I live. When I arrived the second time I finished the vocals and was helped with the Refrains (shubedoos!!!) by Donna Summer - who lived upstairs in the Arabella House. I was produced in those days by Pete Bellotte (Giorgios business partner) Later they both emigrated to Hollywood and wrote and recorded the music for the Fritz Lang silent film "Metropolis" and Giorgia also wrote the music for "Flash dance". I carried on playing with my one-man-band in Germany until 2012 and I have my "First-night" with my new Band in a pub near Hannover on the 4th May. I hope to be Playing Silver star 'cause all my friends want me to re-record it!!! and found it to be a bit too simple, but I like it again now ;-)

all the best from Germany,

Jon

Jon Symon AKA "Rasputin

Chalice –Ebenezer

Chalice –Ebenezer/After The Goldrush –Clarion K 5626 (1974 Aus)
Chalice were based in Perth but were formed by a bunch of Mancunian exiles who released three singles on the Clarion label before moving on to Polydor where they released the Overflow LP and another 3 singles. They plied their trade primarily as a cover band, but based on Ebenezer, they could pen a mighty tune and perform it with gusto. Ebenezer is a prime example of Powerpop Boogie featuring slide guitar over a poppy yet rocking centre. If anyone has spares of their other two Clarion singles, please let me know as a trading opportunity would be most welcome. The B side is a non consequential cover of the Neil Young tune.

Hear a full version of Ebenezer

The Alison Marklew Band –Midnight Rider (Ride On)

The Alison Marklew Band –Midnight Rider (Ride On)/Tumbledown –Pinnacle P8412 (1975 UK)
Reminiscent of Punchin’ Judy or Slack Alice; Midnight Rider rides along in rampant fashion. It has wonderful lyrics full of obvious double entendres, which position it perfectly into a non PC mid 70s mould. I couldn’t find any information on the band, but could there be a connection to The Kim Marklew Band? -They seem to be of the right age group...Anyhow, whoever they were - the beat thuds, the hands clap, the guitars roar... so all in all it’s a perfect Junkshop Glamster. Strap yourself onto this baby and enjoy the ride!

Hear a full version of Midnight Rider

Brownsville Station –That’s Fine

Brownsville Station –That’s Fine/Same –WB 7501 Promo (1971 US)
That’s fine is a great raucous post 1st album single-only track from these Boy Room Smokers. Arranged by ex System leader Bob Seger; the track conveys a snarly Michigan Garage Punk feel -just check out those lo-fi cavernous drums that propel the cool double lead vocal performance (is that Bob Seger “duetting ” here)? The track and performance really reminds me of Steppenwolf’s Who Needs Ya from the previous year due to the vocal tradeoffs and similar chug/ melodic verse structure. It’s easy to forget just how great Brownsville Station could be and this single provides ample evidence that it is worth venturing beyond their classic Yeah! LP from 1973.

Hear a full version of That’s Fine

Micky Moonshine –Baby Blue

Micky Moonshine –Baby Blue/Baby Blue (instrumental) –Decca F13616 (1975 UK)

Originally released as the B side of the Northern collectable Name It You Got It (Decca F 13555), this issue is more of interest here as it also offers up a fun instrumental version as the B side. Micky Moonshine was in fact Scottish Beach Boy aficionado/artist Chris Rainbow and Baby Blue fits nicely within the Rock ‘N’Roll Revival/Glam crossover stylee (think Carl Simmons/ Mike Douglas with a sprinkling of Alvin Stardust). It’s has nice loud guitars and slide, a thumping beat along with a determined sounding lead vocal.

Hear a full version of Baby Blue

Boots –You Better Run

Boots –You Better Run/A to D –Young Blood YB 1018 (1970 UK)

Another sterling Mike Berry production! The single came about as the publishing company Sparta Florida owned the rights to the Young Rascals number, but the song had to be released commercially in order for the publisher to retain ownership. Mike Berry was a big Young Rascals fan and had placed How Can I Be Sure with Dusty Springfield. The band on the session were The Gregorian Chant(s) from Coventry where Mike discovered Ning and Fresh Maggots (round the corner in Nuneanton)

MB: “The name Boots came from talking with Chris Welch (Melody Maker). We were thinking up stupid names for bands and the name Boots stuck in my mind...”

Note these Boots were NOT the Boots who released a couple of singles on CBS in ’68.

It’s a cracking version of The Young Rascals classic, with some blistering lead guitar; over-saturated much in the same way as on Machine by Ning. It’s an all round rousing performance with a great lead vocal. The band composition A to D (not the Small Faces track...or was that E to D?) is a brooding underground number again with some strong but less fuzzy guitar. The talking clock is a fun touch. The tracks were probably recorded at RG Jones or Radio Luxembourg.

Hear a full version of You Better Run



Hear a full version of A to D

David Bown from The Boots (Gregorian Chant), sent in his memories and these cool shots...Thanks Dave!

Gregorian Chant just before the recording of You Better Run  left to right:

Don Wright - lead Guiar, Paul White - Drummer, Terry Bown – Bass Guitar &  David Bown lead vocals.

We were a young bunch of very enthusiastic semi pro musicians writing our own songs, playing pubs and clubs striving to make a career in music. We met Mike Berry and he arranged for us to record the Young Rascals “you better run” in the Luxembourg studio behind the Hilton Hotel. After the release of our record, ( which incidentally was the YOUNG BLOOD labels follow up to Indian Reservation by Don Fardon , Don was also from Coventry) we wanted to make music a full time career. Unfortunately at the time Paul our drummer decided he didn’t want to go pro but stay as an accountant, at which he has been very successful to this day.
So brother Terry, Don Wright & I had to find a new drummer, we firstly found a power house of a drummer from Birmingham Les Fortnam, a really well accomplished drummer (ex Bob Cats of Blue Peter 1966 fame) Les played very much in a John Bonham style and could really lay down a solid beat. Les was a great drummer, he stayed with us a few months however due to a number of things, Mike B being one of them he sadly left the band.
Les was replaced by a very young more technical Steve Palmer (young brother of Carl Palmer of ELP fame) at the same time we drifted away from Mike B and started writing and performing more of our own material and less covers. With help from John Tully “Inter City Artists” we started getting some good gigs, we changed the band’s name to Children, a bit soft this, so soon after the band’s name was changed again to Canyon. We played some great gigs around the country, supported a lot of top rock bands and were offered a few deals however nothing was ever taken up and after 18mths we split and all went our separate ways.
Don went to teachers training college, Steve joined a band called Heaven and has had a good career in music, I went back into engineering and didn’t join a band again for two yrs, the only one of the original Gregorian Chant “BOOTS” band who made a career in music as a pro was my brother Terry, he played in numerous groups both in the U.K., Germany etc and eventually lived and worked in and around the Los Angeles USA area for over 20 years

Don, Paul and I did get together again 5 years after the original band split, be it semi pro working discos and clubs in a covers band - “Dave and the Sun” Ha! what a name, this band evolved into “JOKER” and with all new members I had another short spell full time, a covers band I enjoyed being in immensely.
By the late 70’s other than Terry the three of us were playing very little and by the early eighties we had lost touch completely.

 Canyon left to right :

Terry Bown, Don Wright, Steve Palmer, David Bown - Taken on the Mott the Hoople Tour 1972

When I look back it was a shame the original band didn’t stay together and an even bigger shame that Canyon split, Don, Steve and Terry were and are three of the finest musicians I have ever seen, let alone worked with, we wrote some great songs together and its a real shame that we have no record of what we did.. Another guy I really enjoyed working with was the bass player in JOKER Rob McKenzie, he was also a great singer, when Joker split he wanted us to form a vocal duo, I wasn’t up for it at the time, I regret very much not having done that.


I suppose there are 1000’s of stories very similar to this one, I hope like me that the guys in those bands had as good a time as I did.

Shakane –Jenny

Shakane –Jenny/ Gang Man –UA UP 36087 (1976 UK)
Unless proved otherwise, this is probably the last single as released by the prolific Shakane. Written for the band by Smith & D’abo, Jenny is the sound of a band going all out for a hit, but with a spectorian Rockfield production by Kingsley Ward from the famed converted barn where Edmunds and The Flamin’ Groovies created their classic sounds. The song itself is a fine Rubettes-like number that should have garnered at the very least heavy Radio 1 play, but it wasn’t to be... The B side is the sublime Gang Man that was recorded two years previously –hear it here: http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2009/08/shakane-gang-man.html

I believe there was an EP released in Sweden under an assumed name where Shakane covered a Gary Glitter song. Any more information on that release ...Bob?

Hear A Full Version of Jenny

Streak -Unreleased Acetate!

Streak -Cadillac Jack/ Blind Truth -Trident Studios Acetate (1972)
Thanks to Collin's intermediary services I have secured a copy of this acetate with fine pair of unreleased Streak tracks from their A&M period. I am hoping to get more information and details of their provenance soon.
Both tracks are prime Proto-Heartbreakers/Glam Boogie workouts, with (Whole) Blind Truth possibly being the more realised performance of the two with some killer guitar.
So adding these two tracks to the four Deram era demos and the 1971 NYC sessions (with Alan Merrill and John Siomos), begs the question -just how much more is out there?
Thanks to Patrick for making the deal!
More info soon...

Hear an edit of Cadillac Jack and Blind Truth

Fresh Air –It Takes Too Long

Fresh Air –It Takes Too Long/Here Comes Summer –Philips 6006187 (1972 UK)
I originally picked up this single when I was 12 or 13 and although it somehow got snapped in half along the way, I never had the heart to throw it out. As I recently found a mint copy, I am now able present this fine slab of early 70s POP which out Harrisons G. Harrison on all levels. It also strikes a resemblance to what Nimbo or The Rockits were going for on their sub Badfinger excursions. Nothing too original then, but I challenge anyone to get this track out of their head after hearing it. Oh and if anyone has something to trade for an old copy snapped in half – let me know...

Hear a full version of It Takes Too Long

Antilope – Down On Your Feet

Antilope – Down On Your Feet/Goodbye –BASF 05154577 (1974 NL)
Purepop welcomes you back into the world of NederGlam with this outing by The Hague’s Antilope who were formed by EX-Shocking Blue bassist Klaasje van der Wal after he was supposedly kicked out from the aforementioned band for his ”excessive lifestyle”. The other members were singer Steve Allet, guitarist Dick Jongman and drummer Gerard Korff. Down On Your Feet is a bright and snappy stomper with vocals recalling at times Alex Harvey or Bon Scott over a Brother Susan like backing. Although not the most raucous Glammy Dutch outing, it’s still a fine catchy specimen of the genre. The B side is in a similar vein and is certainly worth a spin or two. Antilope released at least two other singles on BASF which I haven’t yet heard: Come On Suzy( 1973) and Get Ready (1975).

Hear a full version of Down On Your Feet

Fragile Rock Valley –Be My Baby

Fragile Rock Valley –Be My Baby/If You Want Me –Earth E-102 (1969 US)

As follow up to The Clingers review, here’s another Female fronted US single from 1969. Fragile Rock Valley’s version of Be My Baby hits the spot the way a good cover version should –it’s reassuringly familiar yet refreshingly different. No the famous intro isn’t there, but the upfront guitar and driving beat send the song into new territory. The chorus is more standard and expected , but it’s great to hear such an upbeat and updated version of the tune. No info on the band insofar as it being a studio creation or an actual band. The B side is also ace and a great tune; not sure which side I prefer. Enjoy both!

Hear a full version of Be My Baby

Hear a full version of If You Want Me

The Clingers –Gonna Have A Good Time

The Clingers –Gonna Have A Good Time/And Now You Know Me –CBS 4047 (1969 French issue)

Q: What do you get when you mix 4 Mormon sisters, Kim Fowley and an Easybeats tune...?
A: A one off foray into 60s Girl Punk Dancerama with a bit of added proto Runaways...
Produced by The Prince of Sleaze with Michael Lloyd (Stories, Smoke etc...) Gonna Have A Good Time is a groovy uptempo organ fueled dancer. Not as wild as the original, The Clingers’ version still kicks a mean butt plus they were damn cute too boot –Check out their TV appearance on YouTube. The Clingers Sisters were a well established MoR /Gospell outfit appearing on many TV shows and this was an atypical release for the sisters. Debra Clinger later became one third of The Rock Flowers.

Hear a full version of Gonna Have A Good Time

Shakane –Gang Man

Shakane –Gang Man/Chicago to L.A. –Young Blood International YB 4505 (1974 Italian issue)
Gang Man is probably the rarest Shakane single out there, possibly only released in Italy. Both tracks aren’t featured on their Sonet or Young Blood LPs, but Gang Man does re-appear as the B side of their Rubettes-like 1976 UA/Rockfield single Jenny. Gang Man is a killer thudding piece of Boogie Glam with some ace power chords and cutting guitar. It has a slight Rockpile feel to it as well (remember they covered Trevor Burton’s Down Down Down in pure Edmunds mode). Gang Man certainly sounds louder here than on the UA release, but both versions appear identical save for a slightly longer fade, so you can probably put the sonic differences down to the mastering. Kingsley Ward (Rockfield owner with Charles Ward) takes production ownership on the 1976 release, but here is the production is credited to Mikki Dallon. Chicago To L.A. somehow reminds me of Belgo Glamsters The Garnets. Again full kudos are due to the guitar moves.

Hear a full version of Gang Man

Hear a full version of Chicago to L.A.

Singles on ebay

I've just listed 26 singles on ebay including Tub-Thumper, Stud leather, Zoot Alors, Boneshaker, Valentine Guinness, UGE etc...
All singles have sound clips -so discover what you don't know or renew aquaintances with lost favourites.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/purepop1uk/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

As a reminder here is a sound clip of Tub-Thumper

All the best and good luck!

Streak -Hard Times (In New York City)

Streak -Gonna Have A Good Time/Be Your Rider/ Hard Times (In New York City) A&M AME 602 (1972 UK) Demo only

Streak was formed in NYC by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker. Jake Hooker (AKA Jake Falsworth) then moved to the UK where a new line-up of Streak came under the production auspices of Roger Bain( Black Sabbath) .On this single the bass duties are handled by Ben Brierly and David Wesley played drums. Hard Times (In New York City) is featured as the 2nd song on the B side of the demo copy of Gonna Have A Good Time. The track does not appear on the general release. The B side plays at 33rpm to lengthen the playing time to fit two songs on the same side. Anyhow Hard Times is another prime example of New York sleaze and is probably the heaviest of the tracks released by Streak; kind of like The Heartbreakers with cement platform boots! Following a switch to Deram with the addition of Paul Varley (little Free Rock) on drums and Ricky Steele (guitar) Streak released the wonderful Bang Bang Bullet. Jake and Alan Merrill later reconvened with Paul and the band then became near teen sensations The Arrows (on RAK).

Hear a full version of Hard Times (In New York City)

Hear a full version of Gonna Have A Good Time

Records that Sound like The Flamin’ Groovies part 4: Mark Ashton –Get Up and Groove

Mark Ashton –Get Up and Groove/ Barking Doges –United Artists UP 353390 (1972 UK)OK, a bit of a cheat here, as this track in fact features Cyril Jordan himself on slide guitar! Released a week before Slow Death, Get Up and Groove is a Stonesian tour-de-force with Cyril's cutting trademark Groovies slide supported by pumping brass with a singer snarling his way somewhere between Jagger, Roky Erickson with a bit of Joey Levine thrown in....well kind of...It also reminds me of Teenage Heaven period Daddy Cool. (Hi Honey Ho)
It appears that Cyril did some session work for a few UA acts at the time, but it’s possible that this was the only appearance that actually got a release; the others not getting any further than the acetate stage. It was recorded at Olympic studios and Cyril played on the B side as well, but the trademark Groovies sound is much less apparent there. Cyril used a blue fender mustang tuned to open G and a brass slide and set the pickup switches to sound like Ry Cooder.... It appears that they just wanted some slide guitar and "there weren't that many guys out there that played slide" so he got the job.
Not quite sure how this remained undocumented for so long, but here it is in all its 1972 crushed velvet and studded leather glory.

Thanks to Don and Cyril for the info.

Hear a full version of Get Up and Groove

BRAIN LAPSE!

A couple of years ago a glossy mag came out under the name Rock Mania. Perusing that mag and then jumping in head on to explore its every nook and cranny brought about a behaviour unknown since devouring those mid 70s issues of Bomp or the early issues of Kicks. Well guess what –there was never was a 2nd issue, but lo and behold, here is the next instalment and it’s called Brain Lapse!

OK, there’s nothing else around like it in print at the moment (although Shindig and Ugly Things hit the spot in their own individual ways). But this is the real McCoy –fun, entertaining and full of facts, anecdotes all in a glossy full colour easy to read format (great layout) .

There’s a wonderfully in depth interview with Eddy Grant on the Equals (the reason behind the plethora of lesser known 70s singles now makes sense) plus an interview with The Marbles (the US ones), Titan records, quirky French singles (never thought the Yanks would catch on to Au Bonheur Des Dames), a double spread on The Teens for chrissake!

You’ll also find great reviews of obscure Powerpop releases, 70s fanzines and so much more in its 82 pages without any adverts. There are only 499 copies printed, so don’t miss out, give your full support and hopefully more issues will follow.

http://www.brainlapsefanzine.com/