Lee – Come On Back To Me/ Back To The USA

Lee –Come On Back To Me/ From LA To Chicago –Vogue VB 287 (1973 Belgium)
Lee –Back To The USA/Agada-Barclay 620.068 (1974 France)

Lee were in fact an incarnation of Belgian band Kleptomania (AKA Klepto). In 1973 the band was joined by Ex Grapefruit and Flynn McCool member Mick Fowler who took over lead vocals and song writing duties on these two singles. Both were released around the same time on different labels, so a lack of continuity hindered any chance of wider recognition. Come Back To Me is perhaps the Glammier of the tracks, the guitar playing from Dany Ladermacher is exemplary and the hand claps are a nice touch although the vocals let down any real Proto Punk potential. The B side is an airy commercial Boogie number with not much to report. Back To The USA starts out thumping and turns into an OK rock-by-numbers tune with another good sturdy performance.
Following stints supporting the New York Dolls and Slade in Belgium and gigs around mainland Europe without any sniff of sucess, Mick left the band who then reverted to their previous moniker.

Hear a full version of Come On Back To Me



Hear a full version of Back To The USA

Sleaz Band –Midnight Man

Sleaz Band –All I Want Is You/ Midnight Man –Fontana 6007 034 (1974 UK)

Midnight Man is a short (under 2 minutes!) and snappy No Brain-Boogie Cruncher with Proto Punk velocity and unreconstructed 70s values. It deserved to come out in 74 where it firmly belongs. The A side is OK, it also rocks out but in a more subdued (read commercial) manner, but the B side is the real keeper here with its wild cheap Fuzz pedal. Stay tuned for the final ending... This single was the only released output from this long standing Dundee band who hooked up with Jim Kelly (Ex Honeybus) in time for this recording. Read the full story and dig the photos here: http://www.rockingscots.co.uk/sleaz.htm

Hear a full version of Midnight Man

Headstone –Turn Your Head

Headstone –Turn Your Head/Searching Light –EMI C 004-96449 (1975 French issue)

Post Rare Bird outing by Mark Ashton. Following his UA single Get Up And Groove http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2009/08/records-that-sound-like-flamin-groovies.html  and still under the auspices of John Anthony, Mark formed Headstone with this single also being included on their second LP. It’s a lovely piece and although permeated by a slight ethereal feel, Turn Your Head is Purepop in its inception and delivery. I hate the term “grower” (as life’s too short) but Turn Your Head’s lack of immediacy and upfront impact is overturned by its creeping appeal, melodicism and chorus that will not leave you alone. A pure delight...Happy Xmas!

Hear a full version of Turn Your Head

Moonshine–Just A Little More Line

Moonshine–Just A Little More Line/ I Am The Tail –RCA 1954 (1970 UK)

Just A little More Line is a classic Bubble-cum-MOR jewel. Moonshine was in fact a duo formed by Clodagh Rodgers with Brill Building songwriter, Bubblegum prince and future Yellow Dog Kenny Young. Just A little More Line is one of those songs, which hits parts other tunes don’t often reach. It’s poppy, catchy, evocative and aimed at the top of the charts on merit alone. The 2nd Moonshine single Rocking Horse Man is a letdown in comparison. Both Moonshine singles were released as Moonshyne in the US.

Hear a full version of Just A little More Line

Stone Axe –Snakebite

Stone Axe –Slave of Fear/ Snakebite –Rampart Street Records RSRS 0361 (1971 US)

Texas born and bred, Snakebite is pure No-nonsense Dumb-ass Bonehead Boogie from Ex Josefus members Pete Bailey and Ray Turner. Stone Axe only issued this one single and for me the B side is the proverbial meat and two potatoes... although some may prefer the A side which is more in the Heavy Psych genre and somewhat more musical. I guess I just love it dumb...Enjoy

Hear a full version of Snakebite



Hear a full version Slave of Fear

Chris Neal –Mr. Leather and Velvet

Chris Neal –Mr. Leather and Velvet/Daddy Don’t Go –EMI C 006-95243 (1973 German issue)

Mr. Leather and Velvet is a gorgeous Glam-era tune from the Aussie Prog and soundtrack stalwart. It may owe quite a bit to 72 Bowie with Psych/Pop elements, but stands on its own right as a perfect piece of Purepop: Innocent, as catchy as they come, deserving of widespread recognition and sounding like a HIT!

Hear a full version of Mr. Leather and Velvet

Chilly Chimes –Join The Army

Chilly Chimes –Join The Army/ Let Me Inside –Private release (Sweden 1975)

All the way from Sweden, please welcome Chilly Chimes with a unique slice of Mindless Square-head Militaristic Thug Boogie (MSMTB). In fact this single could be construed as the answer song to Pheon Bear’s War Against War http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2007/01/pheon-bear-war-against-war.html  as sonically it shares many similarities. These guys are all gung-ho, but what were they hoping to achieve by joining the Swedish army? The days of kicking Norway in the butt were long gone in 1975...but then again, anything is possible in a drunken stupor. Musically its dumbness is superb, big fat and stoopid, perhaps could have done with some lead guitar in lieu of blues harp but the snare gunshots are on the mark in sloppy fashion as expected. The B side starts off in whiny gurgling Stones/Thunders fashion before settling down into more mindless boogie. Classy lyrics though “Let me inside I want to feel your breasts...”
This cover art is totally out of time - the cover depicts some form of Odin-worshiping helmeted biker, which is probably what he is, but it looks like it could have been some god-awful Indie single from 1985...
I know absolutely nothing about this one...Any info anyone?

Hear a full version of Join The Army



Hear a full version of Let Me Inside

Tom Hartman –Sunshine Woman

Tom Hartman –Sunshine Woman/A Little More –Stateside 006-92595 (1971 Portuguese issue)

Sunshine Woman is a real killer single by the erstwhile Aerovons main man and is quite a departure from the usual Beatles/Aerovons fair one would expect. Starting off with pure Jumping Jack Flash riffage, the loud track then gallops along is fine fashion, until it stops dead in its tracks only to be re-launched with real panache with some blistering lead guitar. The song’s brevity and catchy chorus all add in making this a real Fuzz Rock classic. A Little More is closer to what you might expect as it is in line with his previous Abbey Road excursions...Watch out for a very obvious Beatles steal in this one.

Hear a full version of Sunshine Woman



Hear a full version of A Little More

Utrecht Day 4: Sunday

So...the last day. Time for one last 5 hour circuit to get around all the dealers. Picked up the last batch and then home
Today's crop:
Tinsley -My Brother Mary. Released on Pye in '71, imagine the Kinks singing about cross-dressing in 67 rather than 1970. Nice one
Tom Hartman -Sunshine Woman. Belting melodici fuzz rocker by the Aerovons singer in 1971. Really really good -review soon
Carl Simmons & Rockhouse -Everthing's Alright. He who recorded Madeline (as by Dick Turpin) in revamp of old Mojos tune.OK-ish
MC5 -Kick Out The Jams -French pic sleeve
Easybeats -Music Goes Round My Head. Back by Goo Times in nice Dutch sleeve
Quartet -Joseph -OK  Psych Prog with John Kongos like number on flip

Utrecht Day 3: Saturday

A day of consolidation, not a mass buying spree. The trains weren’t running to Utrecht due to a fire, so the fair was more subdued today. Let's see what tomorrow brings...



Patty Flabbies’ Coughed Engine-Billy’s Got A Goat –fun Bubblegum –Resnick and Levine...

Ransome Head -Sing –the intro fuzz is devastating, then the level drops somewhat...

Crackers –Judy Judy Judy –Invigorating BubbleGlam –Great

Slowload-Big Boobs Boogie –Future Fruit Eating Bear in full frontal stoopid boogie masterpiece

Stevie Wright –Evie parts 1, 2, 3- Nice Dutch sleeve

The Heartbreakers –No Scene At All –OK Kiwi Pub Rock/Pop on Vertigo

Elliott” they asked me to be the next Dylan, but I refused and they chose Springsteen instead”Murphy –Last of The Rock Stars. Still a great song in nice French pic sleeve

Utrecht Day 2: Set Up Day

OK, so I set the time for 6am on my alarm in order to get to the fair for 7am, but somehow I didn’t actually set the alarm...so I slept until after 9am. In fact it doesn’t matter at what time you arrive...there is just so much to find. Anyhow I WILL set it for 6am tomorrow. We’ll see what happens...
A nice bunch of records today:
Buzz –The Rock Roller Coaster. Never knew that there was a UK release. Supposedly Geoff Appleby forbade it being released in the UK and it was thought that it was only released in Germany –NOT true!
Heart –Hang On. Their first single
Shakane –Down Down Down
Shakane –Love Machine
Mersey Kids –Keep on Rockin’ –Love this one. Melodic French pop rocker lost in time...
Matchmakers –Thank You Baby, Baby Make Me Happy -2 singles by the Mark Wirtz led Bubblegum merchants
Crabby Appleton –Go Back –Heavy powerpop with Michael Fennelly. To be shelved next to my French copy
Lee –Come on Back To Me –companion to their Back in the USA single by a UK/ Belgian combo who supported the NY Dolls back in ’73. The full story coming soon.
Crossbones –Shakin’ All Over
Jeronimo -He Ya –adequate cover of JJ Light tune
Shocking Blue –Good Times. One of the last (or the last?) single by this Dutch rock institution. Good cover of The Easybeats tune
Nightmare –Great Balls of Fire –German pic sleeve
Beano –Little Cinderella –nifty German sleeve
Dummy –Dummy Boy –Camp Nederglam.
The Bear Brothers –Red Shoe Trucken/ Bondiago –Great German pic cleeve. God these guys were proud of their look...
Big Wheel –Shake a Tail Feather –French pic sleeve
Casuals –Tara Tiger Girl –nifty German pic sleeve on this more Move than The Move ace track.
Les Sauterelles –Station on Third Avenue –Swiss band covering the unreleased (at the time) Easybeats classic
Sandwich –Kookie –nice purple vinyl on this bubblegum high point from the Silly Milly Krauts
Hush –Oh Me, Oh My –later German issue (1976) with different B side
BZN –Rolling Around The Band –very Creedence...
City Surfers –Powder Puff +Beach Ball -2 fine mint copies. Ace Surf/ Hot rod creations by Terry Melcher with Jim Mcguinn involvement
Bismarck –Shotgun Express –good N’ Heavy
Marz –Slow Train –fine Kraut Boogie
UFO –Prince Kajuku –I have a certain fondness for early UFO, haven’t owned this one since I was 12...
Big Secret – Ride Captain Ride –Enry and July on cute dance Glam number
The Equals –I can See But You Don’t Know –Cracking Freakbeat
De Cylinders –I Wanna Get Married –nice original on CNR of this Dutch Powerpop classic
Mammoth –Hanna Banana –the B side is more than a steal of Little bit of Soul
Matchbox –Don’t Shut Me Out/ Rod –Nice German pic sleeve, Crazy B side
Mick Jagger –Memo from Turner –again another fab German pic sleeve
Beagle –The Things That We Say –from 1992!!!! I still like their first album and why not have this track on a 45?
Long Tall Ernie And The Shakers –Motor Man EP. Been looking for this for 3 years. Finally...
Killing Floor –Call For The Politicians. Good heavy Boogie call to arms
The Times –Sexy Lady –like a more meaty Bay City Rollers...
Choc –I Want You To Be My Girl –never seen this Dutch pic sleeve before on Pink Elephant
Bonnie St. Claire –Knock On My Door/ Do You Feel Alright. What is an Utrecht fair without a bit of Bonnie? Lovely knitted outfits on this German pic sleeve. The B side should have been the A side in my humble opinion –you be the judge:

Hear a full version of Do You Feel Alright

Utrecht: Day 1

And so it begins...
As far as pre-fair goes, the usual visit to Da Capo was on the menu.
As I now have a Netbook and portable record player with me...I give you the sights and sounds as they happen –talk about dedicated!


Fandango –High Class Girl –Good pseudo Glam production by Tony Atkins (Galahad etc...)
Mandi Wilson –Ray of Sunshine  –echoey Girl Pop. Nice motorbike sleeve
Teenager –Baby Hold On –Dutch Pop
Blue Swede –Silly Milly –BuggleGlam –same track as by Sandwich
The Biggles –Paula –Interesting moody number. Both tracks written by Corgan (as in The Booby Trap single) , which is in fact a pseudonym for Jaap Eggermont,
Joey Valentine –Going To The Movies –Bright Glam/Eurovision crossover
Lally Stott –Jakaranda –Good groove on A side, while the B side is a real popsyke opus
Napoleon Jones –Lazy Love –Spectorian Soul with 74 tendencies
Johnny Prowse –Days in September. On the Bumble label, the B side steals the show in fine Kinks fashion
Strange Bros Show –Right On – Feldman/ Gottehrer...not much more to report
Linda Kendrick –Sympathy for The Devil –Intruiging take on the Jagger/Richards Satanic majesty –see review elsewhere on the blog
Girlie –Hello Hello. The perfect mix of Luv meets The Runaways...

Hear a full version of Hello Hello

Utrecht Record Fair November 2010

Tadaa!

Here we go again... ready to immerse myself into the comforting madness which is Utrecht...I'll be able to report back while I am out there...so watch this space!

BTW, I went to the Olympia "Mega " VIP Fair in London on Sunday...and after 3 hours, I didn't find a single record...

King Harvest –Jumping Jack Flash

King Harvest –Jumping Jack Flash/ Jumping Jack Flash Part 2 –RCA 101922 (1971 Aus)

No, NOT the Dancing In The Moonlight mob, but a bunch of Melbourne Freaks led by a Kiwi singer...The A side is a fine raucous version of JJF with a reptilian slimy vocal and tight/yet loose backing. The guitars start to cook on the A side, but the real guitar freak-out feast is to be found on Jumping Jack Flash Part 2 with killer Wah Wah which pretty much approaches Fun House mode. King Harvest was around long enough to actually release 2 singles, the first being a cover of Wichita Lineman, god knows about that one -the mind boggles...King Harvest were fronted by singer Leo de Castro with Jim Doyle, Duncan McGuire, Mark Kennedy and Steve Yates

Hear a full version of Jumping Jack Flash



Hear a full version of Jumping Jack Flash Part 2



There’s also a fun video clip of Part 1 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCL9TEjWC9c , Cheech Marin anyone?

Volt Rush Band –Love To You

Volt Rush Band –Love To You/Love’s Gone Today –Red Rock 101 (1977 US)

Try a blindfold test on this one...The fuzzed up guitars could place the recording in Texas circa 1967 (there is a mention on the web of this sounding like The Moving Sidewalks –which is true), the energetic vocals and lead guitars have a certain Detroit 1970 feel to them and the recording techniques and energy levels come close to an undiscovered 76 Punker. Anyhow during its short running time, Love To You pulverises with its dual blitzing lead guitars, cutting riffage and high velocity delivery.There is no information to be found on this act, the B side is soft rock and has no relation to the A side- there is nothing quite like lost love to deflate a performance... Information please!

Hear a full version of Love To You

Donnydale-Thank Goodness For The Rain/ Oh Yeah

Donnydale-Thank Goodness For The Rain/ Oh Yeah –Pioniyo Pio 1 (1970 US)

Late California bummer-in-the-summertime pop/rock from an L.A. duo whose stylistic atavism certainly ran deeper than their haircuts, smiles and paisley shirts...
While recent comparisons to Big Star aren’t necessarily off-base given the crunchy guitars, druggy production and label name (Pioniyo is the Native American term for sacred, ceremonial peyote), any attempt to brand Donnydale as early purveyors of Power Pop is definitely a revisionistic reach, miscasting the band as something they almost certainly were not.


This is not to say there is still not much to enjoy in the slightly cloudy downer sounds that make up Donnydale’s lone single (the mellotron is a really nice touch). It is, instead, to say that what these guys were likely aiming for was a sound more closely attuned to the styles of Laurel Canyon than say Ardent Studios, not that it matters and not that it makes Oh Yeah any less hummable. Thank Goodness For The Rain has its merits too, not least the similarity between its guitar line and the Move’s China Town. More coincidence, unless Donnydale are/were actually time-travelers...


Many thanks to Collin for the review and for alerting me to this jewel allowing a pre-emptive purchase!

Hear a full version of Thank Goodness For The Rain



Hear a full version of Oh Yeah

The Boppers –Dancing in Rocket City

The Boppers –Dancing in Rocket City/ Cleveland Dolls –Kare KS 106 (197? US)

Get in line for The Boppers Invasion! Another great but unknown single from the 70s...
Dancing in Rocket City is a short and succinct bopping Bubblegum Pop/rock number with fun space bleeps and the track is as catchy as it is cute. The Boppers certainly had something of a Stones fixation as exemplified by the lyrical content on the A side and the Gimme Shelter lead guitar moves on the B side - Cleveland Dolls which rocks out more and perhaps gives a clue of the band’s provenance. The Kare record label was run of Columbus Ohio and although still listed in the business directory, the phone number is now disconnected. So any other source of info on this band out there?

Hear a full version of Dancing in Rocket City



Hear a full version of Cleveland Dolls

Misty –Resurrection Shuffle

Misty –Resurrection Shuffle/ Baby, I Love You –Princess 100 (197? US)

Hearing is disbelieving... words pretty much fail me on this one and the mind boggles how such a record could ever been released. It’s a cover (if that’s the right word) of the Ashton, Gardner and Dyke hit, but it goes somewhere else entirely. Now if you thought the A side was weird, wait until you hear the B side...It’s unsettling to say the least. You may consider yourself “lucky” as there are plenty of cheap copies of this one around. So come on –what do you make of it?

Hear a full version of Resurrection Shuffle



Hear a full version of Baby, I Love You

Return from WFMU...

Here is a quick round up of the finds I made at the fair. OK, it’s not Utrecht, but it did mean that I could pick records from a different spectrum than in Utrecht. About a third of the singles below were traded as part of Popswap encounters or purchased from stock before it hit the fair.. I really enjoyed the three days and meeting up with names that I only knew from the blog...always good putting a face to a comment!
Anyhow, here goes, I will try and get some individual reviews and sound clips up soon

Rockids –She’s A Cartoon –TKO (I am now the proud owner of both singles by these Teen Hard Rock Bubblegum merchants)
Kiss Inc. –Hey Mr Holy Man –Admiral (weird European fuzzed-up Quaalude dancer with Gregorian chants–beautiful sleeve with some alien with a huge brain...)
And speaking of Aliens...
The Green Slime –The Green Slime –MGM (housed in a great psychotronic sleeve with one-eyed alien)
Stefan And The Wild Boys –Dying in ST. Louis Gonna Make You Blue –Artists of America (kind of bar band/Punk crossover –more like Five Dollar Shoes without the Tom Waits...)
Bob Seger and The Last Heard –Vagrant Winter –Cameo
Misty –Resurrection Shuffle –Princess. Yes, it’s Resurrection Shuffle, but not as you might know it. Perhaps one of the weirdest singles I have ever had the joy to own. The B side is beyond unsettling. It’s coming soon!!!!
Viletones –Screaming Fist –Vile Records –(Nice signed copy of this Canuck Punker)
Sparrow –Hello Goodbye –Spark
The Selfkick –Gosh! I’m Your Woman Not Your Wife –Delta (really WILD Dutch Freakbeat/punk from 1966 with two killer breaks –snottier than the Pretty Things or The Outsiders)
Cherry Slush –I Cannot Stop You –USA (written and produced by Dick Wagner, this is a mighty catchy uptempo psych number, incredible drone effect and orchestration)
Scruffs –Break The Ice/She Say Yea –Power Play
The Boppers –Dancing In Rocket City –Kare (Lovely track, don’t anything about it, but it will be featured here shortly)
Coachmen –Mr. Moon –MMC (Catchy Frat/Garage)
Sound of Imker –Train of Doomsday –Opart (reissue of manic Dutch mutoid extravaganza)
Christopher Robbins –Fancy Rings and Things –RCA (Good P.F. Sloan-like Folk Rock)
Geeza –Sydney City Ladies –Laser (Dumb but fun Aussie Hard Rock/boogie)
Captain Kirk –Space Baby/ Small Town Cop –Cognito (Small Time Cop is the winner –linked to Dacotah and the Renegade single below
Tasty –Just A Little Too Much –DJM (their second single –nice cut sleeves on the T shirts lads...)
Jody Miller –Home of The Brave –Capitol (passable cover of the Bonnie & The Treasures masterpiece)
Chilly Chimes –Join The Army -private (Once said to be the first Swedish Punk record...It ain’t, but a heavy dumb boogie number with strange self-produced sleeve with Neo Nazi/Pagan logo in 1975...)
Teacher’s Pet –You’re Too Young –Flapping Jet (Kenny meets a more fey Milk & Cookies???? A recent release)
Velvet Underground –We’re Gonna Have A Real Cool Time Together/If You Close The Door (came with Johan Kugelberg’s book, but 100 copies were housed limited silk screen sleeves)
Willie Alexander and The Boom Boom Band –Hit Her Wid De Axe –Garage Records
Russell Morris –Part Three Into Paper Walls –Columbia (yes the third part of Real Thing...not your average single!)

The Bubblegum corner: I didn’t quite find  as many as expected, but several of these are great discoveries
Fire and Ice –Sugar Shaker –Crazy horse (uptempo driving bubblegum)
Bohanna –Jamaica –Scepter (has Joey Levine ever sounded this “nasal”?)
The Wildflower –Butterfly –US (Top Notch Bubblegum)
Torresdale Junction –I Love It/ Boy Oh Boy –Randor Records (Girl Group Bubblegum, the accent on Boy Oh Boy has to be heard to be believed, Cute and catchy!
Carnaby Street Runners –While You Were Out Looking for Sugar –Super K
Hungry Tiger –Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum/ Tic Tac Toe –White Whale. Great loud and fast A side, finally got a copy with the B side, which is a great moody Garage number and not the Magid Triplets number)


And last but NOT least...

A whole bunch of Heavy Bone-Head singles. All released on obscure US indie labels these single are incredible no brain crunchers. All of them deserve individual appraisals and will get the full treatment on Purepop over the next few months –all from 1969 -1977. I know next to nothing about these bands at the moment but they all have completely blown me away
Supa Chief –Red Brained Woman/Animal Women –Prince (Like a more petulant Blue Cheer)
Volt Rush Band –Love To You –Red Rock (really wild FUZZ PUNK)
Black Death –Rock ‘N’ Roll with Ork/ In Need –Cathedral (from 1969, ROCKS!)
3’s -Do You See/Threez –Tranceporter (Like Swell Maps channelling Hawkwind in Frat Rock mode in 1974???)
Stone Axe –Slave of Fear/Snakebite –Rampart Street Records (Heavy A side, but the B side is the real deal –no brain matter involved whatsoever!)
Renegade –Don’t Stop Let’s Rock –Magic (been after this one for a while –Iowa’s New York Dolls? Not really, but a great loud rockin’ No Brainer...Thanks Collin)

WFMU Record Fair New York

Purepop spreads its wings again...

I'm off to the land where singles have no centres (or centers for the yokels) to check out the WFMU fair in NYC. Partly to get into shape for next month's Utrecht, but also to plug the gaps in my Surf/Garage/Girl Group/Bubblegum collection...If you spot me, be sure to say "Hi" and any 40% discounts are always most welcome...

I'll try to report back when I'm out there

Vanda & Young: Inside Australia’s Hit Factory by John Tait

Vanda & Young: Inside Australia’s Hit Factory by John Tait

At last a well-deserved book on the near-genius of Harry Vanda and George Young . Apart from the great Bomp article in the Power Pop issue (1978!) there hasn’t been any worthy recognition in print of the dynamic duo. From the beginnings in rough immigrant hostels, through blossoming friendships to the formation of the Easybeats, the early days are very well documented. You are there, following all the twists and turns, the move to the UK in 1966 and the unleashing of the global hit Friday On My Mind. There is a good amount of insightful detail on studio sessions but the lack of direction required to follow up such a hit, is painfully apparent. You are left with a lot of what ifs… If only Heaven and Hell wasn’t banned, if only Good Times had followed Friday etc… Still 66-68 was a creative golden age and they wrote and recorded so many classic 3 minute operettas with most remaining unreleased. Vanda and Young covered a variety of styles during this period and a lot of their output was in fact recorded by other artists. As the Easybeats disintegrated, Vanda & Young released a whole slew of singles during their “four year binge “under assumed names such as Haffy’s Whiskey Sour, Paintbox (with brother Alexander Young/George Alexander), Tramp and The Marcus Hook Roll Band with the perfect Natural Man (thanks to the book for pointing out that there are two versions, the Regal Zonophone UK version and the Demo Australian one). Although chart action eluded them during this period, success returned upon their relocation in Australia with hits by William Shakespeare (RIP), John Paul Young and later with Flash & The Pan. The book is an “easy” read and will appeal to wider audiences as well as the record collecting geek. George Young didn’t participate in any interviews, but Harry Vanda contributed along with other key players, and there are plenty of quotes from George throughout, so the book doesn’t come across as second hand information. You are there witnessing the creation of these pop jewels as well living through all the trials and tribulations. There’s a good appendix and discography, but there is still a gap to be filled… Vanda & Young deserve a full excavation of their entire songbook and of every recording session from their golden age, but this would be more the remit of a fanzine-like publication (If the Beatles and Beach Boys got this treatment, then so should Vanda & Young!)

John Tait was kind enough to answer some questions to clarify a few points and to keep us in the loop on the latest developments:


With so much unreleased material recorded during their golden period are there any plans afoot to get more of this material released?

Philip Mortlock from Alberts is in Germany currently try to do some deals to release their back catalogue. A fellow from UK was also keen to talk to Repertoire regarding a CD of lost Easybeats songs from the London years and my mate Mike Griffiths is trying to get a CD of the Four Year binge material up.
There is a song I Know It listed as part of the running order of their lost LP, which the book stated is on the Steady On bootleg (Tendolar), but it isn’t on my copy

I have the Steady On CD, but apparently there exists a Steady On bootleg LP that contains Í Know It

The book ends with tantalising information on the long lost Easybeats film Somewhere Between Hell and Woolworths AKA Easy Come, Easy Go, how are plans advancing regarding a release?

Peter Clifton (Director) has the funding now to restore and release the film. He was going to fly me up to Sydney in October but I haven't got the call yet.


You can purchase signed copies of the book from John’s shop website http://www.essendoncdlpbook.com.au/

Springfield Revival –Riverboat Queen

Springfield Revival –Riverboat Queen/Need To Be With You –Polydor 2058416 (1973 UK)

Springfield Revival was formed by ex Mixtures (Pushbike Song) Mick Flinn with Donna Jones and Ray Martin. Although sounding very commercially viable, Springfield Revival never managed to reach the charts as expected. Riverboat Queen hits all the right spots with its bright loud production, infectious melody and glimmering vocals. It also features a great cutting guitar riff making it a perfect pop performance - glossy, commercial but never bland.
Mick Flinn’s association with Donna Jones would later gain some success with Pussyfoot before they both joined up with The New Seekers.

Hear a full version of Riverboat Queen

Zen –Lost Suede Shoes

Zen –Lost Suede Shoes/ Green Crocodile II –Ariola 12553 AT (1973 NL)

It’s been a while since we took a trip to the Low-Countries for a review on Purepop, so please find enclosed the 8th single!!!! by the long-standing Amsterdam aggregation known as Zen. OK, they look like a bunch of dope smokin’ good for nothing Dutchies, but they certainly rock out and provide a fine stompfest with Lost Suede Shoes. Not too sure what they were on about, but there’s something about the way that a Dutch guy pronounces the word shoes that focuses the mind on the lyrical content... Am I too mad, or not too mad? God knows.
The B side is just sooo 1970 Kinks and another strong case of Ray Davies phrasing hitting the continent as it had in Denmark (Sylvester’s Juke Box) or Norway with Saft...very cute indeed. Don’t think much about your living room though lads...

Hear a full version of Lost Suede Shoes



Hear a full version of Green Crocodile II

Fairchance James –I Want To Be With You

Fairchance James –I Want To Be With You/Border Line –GL 108 (1974 UK)

Stripped down and straight revamp of The Bonzo’s 69 single which was written by Neil Innes as an ode to his wife. With the flutes removed and the instrumentation tightened, Fairchance James’s (Who he?) version highlights the song’s simplicity and moves the number bang into Badfinger/ Fresh Air territory. Sweet...

Hear a full version of I Want To Be With You

Jackie Christian & Flight –Love/ The Last Time I Go To Baltimore

Jackie Christian & Flight –Love/ The Last Time I Go To Baltimore –Albert –AP 10457 (1974 Aus)

Here is another Vanda and Young obscurity... Formerly known as The Inheritance, upon hooking up with Vanda & Young, the band changed their name and released this fine single on Albert. Featuring Jackie Christian (née Konstantinos Kougious) on vocals and Tony Currenti on drums (who in fact also drummed on the Aussie version of High Voltage), the band unleash two tracks that are real stand outs, yet very different from each other. Love is more overtly pop and builds nicely into a neo-Spectorian finale akin to the Righteous Brothers in tight Conti cardigans. The Last Time I Go To Baltimore sits comfortably with some of the best US themed songs George and Harry wrote. It’ s a much rockier and exuberant  turn of affairs with a damn catchy tune and really great vocals. More Vanda & Young soon...

Hear a full version of The Last Time I Go To Baltimore



Hear a full version of Love

Bullet –Rock My Lady

Bullet –Rock My Lady/Mover –Chicago AC-005 (1975 Aus)

This single was the only known output from this Sydney band. Released on the Atlantics’ own label, Bullet was in fact an off-shoot from Bullett, losing a T and 3 members during the transition with only bassist Alex Smith remaining. Both Rock My Lady and Mover are solid examples of mid 70s Aussie Boogie/ Hard Rock, with perhaps Mover having the edge over the A side. Not earth-shattering, but pretty much lost in the mists of time...until now!

Hear a full version of Rock My Lady



Hear a full version of Mover

Hello –Teenage Revolution –Withdrawn Single

Hello –Teenage Revolution/Keeps Us Off The Street –Bell 1479 (Demo only 1976 UK)

Long rumoured, but rarely seen, here is the proof that copies of this single actually exist. Teenage Revolution was planned as the follow-up to Star Studded Sham (Perhaps the best single by one of my favourite bands of all time), but was withdrawn before being pressed up for public consumption. Although both tracks appear on their first LP, they sound even more sublime on a 45. Both Teenage Revolution and Keeps Us Off The Street are veritable rallying calls to arms and thump and thud in all the right places... and was there ever a better title than Teenage Revolution?

Hear a full version of Teenage Revolution

Hear a full version of Keeps Us Off The Streets

Moonquake -War Dance

Moonquake –Star Struck/War Dance –Aquarius AQ 5039 (1975 Canada)

War Dance is yet another song about the perils of messing with Squaws, this time from the Canuck Rock Gods –Moonquake! Extracted from their second album Star Struck, the track delivers its full impact and all its glory on a 45. Orchestrated, pounding but totally unreconstructed and unrepentant, War Dance is a must have to file between Zakatek’s Get Your Gun and Propeller’s Apache Woman.

Hear a full version of War Dance

Cindy & Bert –Der Hund Von Basker-Ville

Cindy & Bert –Der Hund Von Basker-Ville/Holly Holy –Cornet 3220 (1970 Ger)

OK, you know the song...but certainly not like this! Sung by the Über Ice Maiden Cindy with her ghoulish Beau Bert, this version takes the song somewhere else entirely, plus it rocks like a mother...Don’t know who the backing band is but they have it all down pat, great Hammond and blistering guitar over a maelstromic drive to Hell. This was Cindy & Bert’s first outing before submerging into a putrid Schlager morass. Please do yourself a favour and also check out the performance on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIYRFvQMh7A&feature=related It has to be seen to be believed...

Hear a full version of Der Hund Von Basker-Ville

Atlantis – I Ain’t Got Time

Atlantis – I Ain’t Got Time/Teddy Boyd’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Show –Fury FY 303 (1972 UK)

Released on the short-lived Fury (as in Billy) label (home to 2 obscure Alvin Stardust releases), I Ain’t Got Time sounds like a Stompin’ Slade doing their very best John Lennon, by the middle 8 we enter into Badfinger territory, which is a really nice turn of events. I then got to thinking that this all sounded very much like Rockin’ Horse and when looking at the credits it all became clear. This is an UNDOCUMENTED (as far as I know) Rockin’ Horse release! One year after their pivotal LP, it all makes sense...The A side is written by Bill Kinsley and the rockin’ B side is by Jimmy Campbell, plus Fury label owner Hal Carter produced the Rockin’ Horse LP! Isn’t it wonderful how things work out sometimes...

Hear a full version of I Ain’t Got Time

Hear a full version of Teddy Boyd’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Show

Pedro Platten –Berlin

Just returned from my third visit in 18 months to Pedro Platten in Berlin. Pedro Platten is at Tegeler Weg 102 and the shop is a veritable collector emporium run by a guy who is nearly 70 years young. Pedro always has quite a story to tell, from his recording and DJing in the 60s and 70s to the records he has acquired and sold over the years. He has even published a book on the finds he has discovered. I guess my first visit was the most fruitful, but I always manage to come away with some new worthwhile purchases such as Slade’s Wild Winds Are Blowing (Fontana), Daisy Clan’s Ridin’ a Rainbow (with the great San Francisco China Town on the B side), Marz’s Who Turned The Light On and Jeremy B’s Come On Little Pretty (Bacillus). Prices are reasonable but you will need a head for heights to climb up the step ladder in order to peruse some of the singles stacked high up to the ceiling. He may soon be renting the shop next door, so hopefully it will become easier to browse his entire stock. Pedro Platten is a one of a kind experience, long may it run...
http://www.platten-pedro.de/

Airlift –Tell Me

Just got back from two weeks in NYC. The record shop scene is not what it once was, but I still managed to pick up some nice items during a couple of Pop Swap session (Hi Jeremy, Hi William) plus this $1 bargain...

Airlift –Tell Me/ Same –Quality QA 506 (1976 Canada)

Two words to describe this one: POP and SENSIBILITY. Tell Me is a sublime recreation of the early Stones Pop classic. It’s a big and loud studio performance, but the tasteful production never overpowers proceedings and a singular purity of essence shines throughout. It’s a classy structured arrangement with each element in its place featuring evocative vocals reminding me of later day Cowsills.If this track was recorded three years later it would have probably been ruined by the use of Lyndrums and overtly digital reverbs, but here in 1976 it’s just perfect - the thunderous reverbs glimmer, the vocals fly and the tight lead guitar could be straight from a 20/20 side. One major reason for this track’s success is that you can tell that they pulled out all the stops in order to have a hit and were not constricted by a narrow tie New Wave Powerpop ethos.

Hear a full version of Tell Me