The Monopoly | House Of Lords | Polydor | 1967

The Monopoly – ’House Of Lords’/’Magic Carpet’ (Polydor 56164) May 1967

HARPING ON THE MONOPOLY

Ray Froggatt, known to all as ‘Froggy’, was born in Birmingham 25 years ago and is the leading light of a group which boasts a home-made electronic harp among its repertoire of instruments. He has only a dim recollection of his school days.

“The only remarkable thing about school was the day I left,” he says. “I went home happy.”

In November 1965, he began auditioning with instrumentalists — still without any thought of singing. A four-piece group called The Monopoly auditioned and he became so enthusiastic about them that he began to imagine himself singing on stage with their backing. Ten days later he started to rehearse with the band.

Len Janschk. Real name is Len Ablethorpe, but he prefers to use his mother’s maiden name. Born in March 1949, 17-year-old Len turned pro but his parents told him, “You’ll never get anywhere—there are too many people in it.”

Louis Clark. Louis is 19 years old and was born in Bedford in February 1947, but has lived most of his life in Bridgenorth, where he moved after his mother died.

Nolan Bromley. Educated at William Murdock Secondary Modern School in Birmingham, where he was born, Nolan’s parents wouldn’t buy the guitar he wanted while he was at school.

Hartley G. Ca’n. Hartley was 15 when he finished school and became a tool maker for two years. Played semi-pro with The Monopoly in its earlier days.

The Monopoly: “House Of Lords” (Polydor 56164), an unusual song (obviously, from the title: Bee Gees number) and with good lyrics. (Record Mirror, 13/05/67)