Solo spin from the other half of ... and Poncia.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Underground
Tower, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, often released music by artists — such as the Standells and the Chocolate Watchband — who were relatively low profile in comparison to those released on the parent label. This compilation, which includes tracks by the late Kim Fowley and early Pink Floyd, demonstrates just how oddball this label was. If you're interested in more from Tower, Rockin' Bandit recently posted an eight-part series that gathers together a boatload of singles.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Megan McDonough
Here is a wonderful singer/songwriter album, which features Wrecking Crew members Jim Gordon and Joe Osborne as well as Larry Carlton and Jim Horn. Update: tracks have been split into individual songs.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Soundstage Spectacular
Terry Baxter had a hand in this fab collection, produced for Columbia Musical Treasuries (if anyone has any similar Columbia collections, please feel free to post a link in the comments). Big thanks again to Rick H. for splitting up the tracks (check out all the re-posts below for more of his handiwork).
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Frank Kinsel
After years of searching, I finally tracked down this sucker (at a price I could afford). Frank's voice and style reminds me of Tims Buckley and Hardin. Hope you like it as much as I do. Update: songs are now broken into individual tracks.
P.K. and the Sound Explosion
Here's a pretty decent Pickwick knockoff, featuring soundalike band P.K. and the Sound Explosion, who released other records performing songs by the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, and the disco collection I posted below. Is it me, or does the woman who sings on the final track sound like Phoebe Snow? BTW, if you have any P.K., please feel free to share them. Update: files broken into separate tracks.
John Morell
Obscure Quad album by little-known session guitarist. The focus here is more on the arrangements than on John's subtle lead lines. Update: files broken into separate tracks.
The Good Time SIngers
Pick up a recent issue of Ugly Things, as I did, and read about the sad and strange life of former Monkees songwriter and Penny Arkade member Craig Smith. The near-book-length article inspired me to track down this record, which is, as it turns out, a little too Up With People cornball for my own tastes. But I thought that since I went to the trouble of ripping it, I'd share it with you nonetheless. Besides, it's on classic-period Capitol and David Gates wrote a few tunes. (I stuck a few stray tracks that I found around the internet on the end.) Update: songs are now broken into individual tracks.
Super Rock
Here's a real rare treat for you. This rip is from a three-LP set featuring hits of the day by a group called the Candy Rock Generation, of whom I can find no information. They could be some sort conglomeration of sessioners, but that may not be likely as many of the performances are pretty wobbly. My set is not in the best of shape, so sorry about the surface noise and occasional skip (if anyone with the inclination and technology would like to clean this up and repost, be my guest). At any rate, this one's a lot of fun. More info here.
Update: Check the comments for newly updated links.
Monkey Business
The Manhattan Strings
In my continuing quest to sop up anything on the Tower label, here's a record that features instrumental interpretations of early songs by the Monkees. It says on the back cover that arranger Bob Summers was also also the leader of the 18th Century Concepts, as well a conductor for Mary Ford and Terry Stafford. Exploito-meister Mike Curb produced. Update: songs are now broken into individual tracks.
Monday, April 17, 2017
The Movies
I bet that, back in the day, I would've bought this one thinking it was an actual McCartney album. I'm sure that's what the label, Arista, thought I'd think, too.
Sing a Song With the Beatles
I bet that, back in the day, I would've bought this one thinking it was an actual Beatles album. I'm sure that's what the label, Tower, was thinking I'd think, too.
'Lectric Woods
Found this jazzy little number at In Your Ear, my fave crate dig here in Boston. Update: thanks to Rick for splitting the tracks on this one.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Artie Schroeck
Here's a fine record by Artie Schroeck covering songs by the Lovin' Spoonful. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
P.K. and the Sound Explosion
Here's a record that's got to be the very essence of exploito: a bunch of studio hacks knocking out disco versions of the hits of the day.
Northern Lights
Here's a rare one I've been trying to track down for a long time. It is yet another "hits of the day" record performed by an anonymous studio group. Unfortunately, the copy I bought online proved to have skips on the song "Help Me Make It Through the Night" as well as fairly loud surface noise throughout. I did my best to de-click it, and as for the aforementioned track, I basically cobbled it together using various sections of the song to replace the parts that skipped. It's not perfect, but it is listenable. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
Book of Songs
In 1967, Dunhill wanted a new album of Mamas and Papas songs, and when the band didn't deliver, the label roped in the Wrecking Crew (under the alias the Stapleton-Morley Connection) and produced a new disc of "product." I wonder how many fans were pissed when they put these "Instrumental Interpretations" on their turntables. Interestingly, Dunhill fashioned the band's most lavish package ever (a gatefold with lyrics inside for those who'd care to sing along) with a photo of the group facing away from the camera. Frankly, I think it's great, and if you dig the Wrecking Crew, you'll love this. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
The 18th Century Concepts
Finally managed to track this puppy down. Fresh vinyl rip, ready for tasting. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
Living Trio
Listening doesn't get any easier than this. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
Steve Douglas
Here's a saxy solo record from a member of the Wrecking Crew. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Jack Daugherty
With many thanks to Sergej, here's a rare jazz classic that features some of the West Coast's top-shelf sessioners. BTW, check the comments for another Daugherty record.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
A Few Requests
Would anyone have rips of these they'd be willing to share? If so, please put you link in the comments. And for those of you who hit me up for re-ups, you might get what you want if you contribute. This should be a two-way street.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Bobby Bridger
According to Wiki, ol' Bobby is a singer/songwriter/poet/actor/playwright/author. Also read he likes sculpting. Now you know.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Top Hits of Today
Another fab slab of exploito. BTW, the albums on this blog are sourced from vinyl, and because of that they are imperfect. Those looking for something more high-end audio need to look elsewhere or, better yet, start their own blog.
DIG IT
Monday, March 27, 2017
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Sincerely, Samantha Fuller
Before she passed away late last year, Samantha and I managed to lay down dozens of vocal tracks that I have now assembled into an album that, hopefully, pays tribute to her unique talent. Here, then, is the first - and last - Samantha Fuller record. Rest in peace, Sam.
DOWNLOAD
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Barbaric Poems
The day it veers toward twilight
But it's not like you could tell
Snow's crunching under sneakers
In the distance rings a bell
A crow is winging overhead
Hello and farewell
Thursday, March 9, 2017
The Teen Sound
What I dig about comps like these is the odd selection of artists. You got your Dylan, your Donovan ... and your Bobby Vinton. Guess that must've been what teens wanted.
DIG IT
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
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