Monocled Alchemist

Here are some of my random thoughts and words about obscure and in-demand 1960s garage and psychedelic singles over the years. 

Hunger! – ”Mind Machine” / ”Colors” (Public 1001) December 1968

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme: I’ve had this record for years but for some reason or another never got around to writing about it. First of all it’s a sought after disc and quite rare. It probably never got beyond promotional copy stage and of course Hunger! aren’t exactly a well known group.

Hunger! relocated from Portland, OR sometime in the late sixties to get where the action was in Los Angeles. Once in L.A. they set about creating waves by supporting the leading contenders especially The Doors. I’ve never seen any vintage psychedelic posters confirming this but I’m sure they will be out there somewhere.

I first became aware of Hunger! in the mid eighties from the compilation ”Highs In The Mid Sixties – Volume 3” which resurrected ”Colors” – who were Hunger! I’d ask myself and how cool it was that they ended their name with an exclamation mark.

Both sides were probably recorded during late 1968 but perhaps not released until early 1969. Some online sources suggest a December 1968 release but ”Teenbeat Mayhem” gives March 1969.

”Colors” for me is their stand out song although there are plenty of way-out nuggets on their album ”Strictly From Hunger!” But at two minutes long ”Colors” is where it’s at, wyld organ, trippy FX, fab lead guitar sound and a too short lead break. They say what they need to say and are gone.

Hunger! have a strong Strawberry Alarm Clock connection as their drummer Gene Gunnels was the original SAC and Thee Sixpence skin thumper. A later line-up included Ed King.    

Boyce & Hart – ”Alice Long (You’re Still My Favorite Girlfriend)” / ”P.O. Box 9847” (A&M210 033) August 1968

Today’s piece of ACE paisley pop is Boyce & Hart’s recording of ”P.O. Box 9847” which was released as the B-Side of ”Alice Long” back in the Summer of 1968. Listen out for some fab ’Revolver’ era guitar licks.

The Monkees also recorded this gem for their album ”The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees” Micky Dolenz handles lead vocals. Greatness.

The Starfires – ”I Never Loved Her” / ”Linda” (G.I. Records 4001) May 1965

Here’s a legendary record among 60s garage enthusiasts, The Starfires from Los Angeles with their intense and downright vicious tune ”I Never Loved Her”. This side scored a maximum ”10” in ’Teenbeat Mayhem’ confirming it one of the true greats of the genre.

Original copies sell for over $1,000 nowadays and so are obviously outta the range of most collectors. However, I own a great sounding white label bootleg. My advice is to catch ’em while you can.

The original copies have gold labels with red writing and no doubt sound even better than this bootleg. It’s believed only 25 copies or less exist!

With it’s pounding bass, snarling vocals, screams, snotty attitude and teen angst ”I Never Loved Her” will live long in your memory.

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme

The Trade Winds – ”Mind Excursion” / ”Little Susan’s Dreamin” (Kama Sutra KA212) July 1967

New York based group The Trade Winds were centred around duo Peter Andreoli and Vincent Poncia who had been together previously as The Videls. They also wrote songs together which were recorded by Phil Spector’s artists in the early 60s.

You’d expect a head rush of acid sounds with a song title like ”Mind Excursion” but it demonstrates how straight groups co-opted the trend for utilizing a suggestive title that, in actuality, encouraged a positive physical adventure rather than a head trip.

With it’s gorgeous melody and distinctive ’harp’ sounds sprinkled over the chorus the song had every chance to hit the Top 50 in USA, which it did. In some regions it even went Top 5 and stayed on radio playlists for several months after it’s release.

For some reason The Trade Winds changed their name to The Innocence and continued releasing records during 1967.

”Mind Excursion” was recorded by several other artists during the late sixties including Wayne Fontana, check out the B-Side of his solo single ”The Words Of Bartholomew” from May 1968.

Two version were released during 1969 one by Bob Dileo and another by Australian vocalist Lynne Randell.

The Affection Collection – ”The Collector” (Evolution 2007) late 1969

The Affection Collection of every young individual is indeed a rare and precious one – even if only in memory. Some will remember with loving affection such things as knowing the feeling of being wanted and of being loved, and of building dreams for tomorrow.

You think of such things when you meet the young men who sport the name The Affection Collection. With hair just long enough to look neat…smiles a mile wide…and attitudes that would be a source of pride for anyone, anytime, anywhere, these boys drove to Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, New Mexico, with ideas in mind…ideas to record and to become successful in music.

Line-up:

Mike Doggett writes songs, plays the guitar and seems to be the thinker of the group, Hal Rowberry is the movie star material of the bunch with good looks that he is comfortably aware of. Hal sings and clowns a bit and seems to get along very well with all ladies, young and old!

Then you must meet Don Christensen who plays organ and piano, sings, and worries a great deal about the next six or seven meals per day. He even thought of marriage, but has decided that he is too young for that sort of thing at the present. 

Tim Comeau plays drums, worries about malnutrition and money, and tries to sleep a lot. Ray Hassell is the fire cracker of the group with enough drive to hustle anyone or anything! He may turn out to be America’s youngest, richest, promotion man and plays bass on the side.

When you meet these boys, you may be surprised to learn that they are young – and old fashioned at the same time, just enough to be real. They look young, think young, have fun, and enjoy singing and making people happy with their music.

We at Stereo Dimension think that you will enjoy this collection, and that is the object of the affections of The Affection Collection.

The #1 – ”The Collector” / ”Cracks In The Sidewalk” (Kapp K-824) April 1967

I’ve been fascinated by the song ”The Collector” for a number of years having discovered it on The Everly Brothers album ”Two Yanks In England.” I wanted to find out more which led me to Sonny Curtis who wrote the song. Sonny was a member of Buddy Holly’s backing band The Crickets.

I wrote about his version a few years ago but it’s taken me an age to get around to uncovering ”The Collector” by The #1. The latter hailed from Ridgefield, Connecticut and recorded as The Blue Beats before this disc on Kapp.

The #1’s version adds a more baroque psychedelic feel but it still retains the darkness of this fabulous psychedelic ballad.

‘I’m a collector of beautiful things I capture and keep them and pin down their wings.”

line-up:
Louie Mazza (drums)
Peter Robbins (bass)
Chris Covell (vocals / lead guitar)
Gary Quinn (rhythm guitar)

recordings of ”The Collector”
The Everly Brothers – ”Two Yanks In England”- released July 1966
Sonny Curtis (Viva-607) January 1967
The #1 (Kapp K-824) April 1967
The All Night Workers (Mercury 72833) July 1968
The Affection Collection – self titled album (Evolution 2007) late 1969 

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme

The Children Of Darkness – ”She’s Mine” / ”Sugar Shack A Go-Go” (Royce 5140) September 1966

I’m currently writing about my recent purchases and this one by Newark, Ohio combo The Children Of Darkness is one such nugget that took me years to finally add to my collection. I used to see it for sale quite often in the $60 – $100 region but for some reason the price soared to $200+ in recent times.

My copy is the red label second pressing on Royce which probably dates from early 1967. There was an earlier release on Royce with a green label. I’ve read that the group were disappointed with their first recording so went back into the studio to cut the disc again.

”She’s Mine” is a crude ’66 punker dominated by the compact organ sound. The singer offers his snotty rant proclaiming his love for his girl. No romantic slush here.

”She’s the kinda girl you like to meet
When you’re walkin’ down the street.”

The other side ”Sugar Shack A -Go-Go” is a frat rocker and is something of the theme song for The Sugar Shack which was the Club where The Children Of Darkness were the house band.

It’s believed that singer Howard ”Bird” Bartram and organist Mike Hopper are now deceased.

”She’s Mine” was compiled on ’Back From The Grave – Volume 2’

The Knaves – ”Leave Me Alone” / ”The Girl I Threw Away” (Dunwich DN-147) January 1967

The first thing you’ll notice about vintage Dunwich 45s is that they’re mastered LOUD. This one is no exception, the sound literally bursts outta the speakers when the needle hits the vinyl. This is the reason I buy singles. Nothing can compare.

So what about The Knaves? They hailed from Chicago and released this fab two-sider on local label Glen Records in late 1966. The single was then picked up by Dunwich for a wider distribution.

According to ’Teenbeat Mayhem’ the Glen recording is a different mix to the one Dunwich released. Apparently it has louder backing vocals and harmonica on the R&B punker ”Leave Me Alone.” 

Sundazed unearthed unreleased tracks on their ”Oh Yeah!” CD compilation from the early nineties, including a stereo mix of ”The Girl I Threw Away.” Also located on master tapes were ”Tease Me” ”Inside Out”, ”Your Stuff” and a stereo mix of ”Leave Me Alone.”

Another song ”Away” was compiled on their Dunwich follow up CD ”If You’re Ready.”

My pick is the strident folk jangler ”The Girl I Threw Away” which simply shimmers in coolness. 

Rabbit Mackay & the Somis Rhythm Band – ”Lana Minus Life” (UNI 73026) June 1968

I bought this album back in 2003, played it once, didn’t dig it much mainly because I heard nothing like their earlier psych rocker single ”Tendency To Be Free” so I filed it away on the shelf. I’d almost forgot about it but that was until Rabbit Mackay was mentioned on Facebook earlier this week.

Half an hour later I’m giving ”Bug Cloth” a spin for the first time in over a decade and I’m now beginning to dig it from start to finish, even the couple of songs where there’s use of a kazoo ain’t too bad.

The music is varied and interesting, blues and folk based with the occasional dalliance into a West Coast psych vibration perfectly demonstrated by my choice cut ”Lana Minus Life.”

”Lana Minus Life” gets into a laid back hippie groove and I start to drift away to Rabbit’s ’spoken’ vocals, then a snaking acid guitar break worms away in the background. Love the burst of harmonica as the song closes and ebbs away.

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme

Cannery Row – ”Stand By Me” / ”Sweet Water” (World Pacific 77925) July 1969

I had no idea about this record until I was contacted by Gerry Blake via Facebook who informed me that he was in a group called Cannery Row after his previous band The Avengers broke up. Cannery Row were prior to the album he was part of by The United Sons Of America.

He obviously forgot to mention this after we were in contact about The Avengers some years ago! Anyway, I made an effort to track down the Cannery Row 45 and obtained a copy within weeks from a UK source.

”Sweet Water” has that typical late 60s American rock sound.

Influenced no doubt by groups such as Vanilla Fudge and The Young Rascals with heavy use of Hammond organ.

This song was composed by Gerry. The A-Side ”Stand By Me” is more soulful with crooner style lead vocals and harmonies.

My preference is ”Sweet Water.”

Larry Goldberg is the famous West Coast producer of the disc who is well known in psychedelic circles.

He worked with numerous outfits including The Other Half, The Love Exchange and The Neighb’rhood Childr’n.

Another Cannery Row release followed this one in April 1970 on World Pacific 77936. I believe it was a radio station promo single with ”Oh Suzannah” on both sides.

Gerry Blake, Ron Sackman and Gary Bernard were ex members of The Avengers. 

line-up:
Gary Bernard (drums)
Gerry Blake (keyboards)
Ron Sackman (lead guitar)
Tome Keene (bass)

The Freeborne – ”Yellow Sky” (Monitor) May 1968

Readers may have noticed that I’m covering 60s psych songs with either ’sky’ or ’skies’ within the song title. I never for one moment realized that there were so many until I started doing some research and flicked through my archive of 45s and vinyl LPs.

This leads me to obscure teenage group The Freeborne from Boston, Massachusetts. They released an album during May 1968 on the Monitor Record label and hung around long enough to make waves in their home domain.

My pick is the rather British influenced psych of ”Yellow Sky” which is notable for it’s trippy wah wah guitars, weaving drum patterns, la la la background vocals and off-kilter time changes.

Reader comment:

Chocolate Chip, Blue Flats, Orange Sunshine … A crack in the sky flashes green and purple…. “The Freeborne” a product of the times. Nice selection Colin.

I first heard “The Freeborne” on Alison Steele’s (The Nightbird Show) (WNEW-FM) back in the day. Although what I remember Alison playing was “Visions Of My Own and Land Of Diana. And yes, “Visions Of My Own” carried the obligatory la la la background vocals.

Thanks For The Sounds, TK

Bryan Maclean – ”Orange Skies” 1966

Following on from my earlier post of the Love version of ”Orange Skies” here’s songwriter Bryan Maclean’s earlier acoustic demo. Just Bryan, his guitar and those unique tender vocals.

Extract from Sundazed’s Bryan MacLean CD retrospective ”Ifyoubelievein” from 1997.
In those few instances when MacLean’s songwriting matched Lee’s exacting standards.

The actual recording sessions were stressful and, to MacLean, often disappointing. He didn’t even get to sing ”Orange Skies” on Da Capo: Lee did the honours.

”That was the closest Arthur and I ever got to a fist fight”, he says of the September 27, 1966 session for the song.

”I never felt that he was on pitch. Maybe he didn’t miss as bad as I thought he did while we were in the studio. But he misses on orange. I don’t think he quite got the notes. Then again, he was always singing out of his range.”

Love – ”Stephanie Knows Who” / ”Orange Skies” (Elektra EK-45608) October 1966

This is a rare Love record, it’s my white label promo sent to Radio Stations back in October 1966. It was then quickly withdrawn and released again but this time replacing ”Stephanie Knows Who” with ”She Comes In Colors.” Quite why is anybody’s guess!

I’ll focus on Brian Maclean’s rhythmic latin love ballad ”Orange Skies” which he wrote in 1965 when he was a young roadie for The Byrds. The following information is taken from the liners of my ”Da Capo” CD re-issue on Elektra.

Good vibes notwithstanding, the first day of recording on September 27th, 1966 at RCA Studios in Hollywood held some tense moments.

”On ’Orange Skies’ there’s a flute part in there and they kept threatening to call Herbie Mann in because Tjay could not get this part right simply because we were out of tune,” remembers Echols. ”You see what happened was we tuned up this harpsichord and the harpsichord was off and so everything was slightly off and he couldn’t get his flute to play in tune.”

The Hard Times – ”Loving You” / ”You Couldn’t Love Me” (Ultimate 1) March 1966

Online website Garage Hangover has the scoop on this group from Birmingham, Alabama.

This includes rare photos and an interview with a member of the band.

”You Couldn’t Love Me” was a throwaway B-Side which was basically a one take recording.

I don’t think it’s that great mainly because the vocals are in a greaser rocker style but the twangy guitar is neat.

The other side is a ballad with female backing vocals.

The Hard Times changed their name to The Rites Of Spring and released ”Comin’ On Back To Me” / ”Why” on Parkway during the back end of ’66.

The Chosen Few – ”Asian Chrome” / ”The Earth Above The Sky Below” (Liberty 55962) April 1967

There were numerous groups in the 60s called The Chosen Few, this particular outfit is believed to have been based in Simi Valley, California.

Their first single of two on the Liberty label was ”Synthetic Man” / ”Last Man Alive” and is well worth locating, quite a strange sound creation, many ideas too. The same can be said for their final single released April 1967.

”Asian Chrome” is perhaps The Chosen Few’s most well known song having gained exposure on Boulders #7 back in the mid 80s. No doubt the sound quality was terrible on that thing so I would suggest finding a copy of the original 45.

The other side ”The Earth Above The Sky Below” is a psychedelic pop gem, the lead vocals are strong and the background ’ba ba bah’s’ add a certain trippy texture.

There is also an off-kilter recorder break, at least that’s what I think it is. Most definitely a group with their own unique sound over their two single releases.

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme

The San Francisco Earthquake – ”That Same Old Fat Man” / I Feel Loved” (Smash S-2117) September 1967

”That Same Old Fat Man” is bouncy and pleasant 60s pop psych composed and recorded by Kenny Young.

I’m not certain if San Francisco Earthquake were a group as such.

My guess is that it was basically just Young and some studio musicians – toytown here we come!

This was the debut San Francisco Earthquake single on Smash and four more would follow over the next two years.

I have found no evidence that any of them were hits so Kenny Young did very well indeed to get his songs heard via 45s.

The California Spectrum – ”Sassafras” / ”Obviously Bad” (Rasberry Swawfly 9735) 1968

Here’s one of my latest rare and obscure 60s psych 45s.

This is by The California Spectrum which were The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band recorded under a pseudonym during 1968.

”Sassafras” is a melodic folk tune, produced by Bob Markley. I don’t suppose the record had much distribution beyond Los Angeles.

Pacific Palisades, CA (otherwise known as Santa Monica) is where Jim Morrison and amigos hung, in the beachy neighborhood of UCLA.

The other side ”Obviously Bad” is a short instrumental.

The Sunshine Company – ”I Need You” (Imperial Records LP-12359) 1967

My Sunshine Company excavation continues with their first album release on Imperial Records from 1967.

The long player was only released in America and it contains a couple of songs not available on the UK release.

The UK release was basically a patched up version of their first two American albums.

My pick is their splendid interpretation of The Beatles‘ “I Need You” written by George Harrison and available on their 1965 ”Help” release.

The Sunshine Company transform the song into a flower pop gem.

They add harmonies and baroque instrumentation to create a perfect soundscape of Los Angeles coolness.

Bill McEuen, Manager of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band discovered them during their first engagement at The Mecca, a Southern California folk club. Two weeks later their unique sound was recorded by Imperial Records.

The Sunshine Company concentrate on vocals. They are famous for their beautiful vocal qualities and harmonic blends.

They are all serious musicians and are very creative instrumentally.

But they realize that talent is not necessarily commensurate with degree of volume. (Sue Cameron – Teen Magazine)

line-up:
Maury Manseau (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Larry Sims (bass)
Merle Brigante (drums)
Douglas Mark (lead guitar)
Mary Nance (vocals)

Billy Joe Royal – ”Pollyanna” (CBS BPG-62590) August 1965

CBS is proud to welcome Billy Joe Royal, an electrifying new vocalist, to its distinguished roster of recording artists. Within a few weeks of its initial release in America, Billy Joe’s debut single, ”Down In The Boondocks,” moved with astonishing speed toward the top of the country’s best-seller charts.

Suddenly, an exciting new talent skyrocketed into national prominence.

Now, in his auspicious CBS debut album, this dynamic young singer is heard in a full programme of great songs, nine of them brand new – including his smash hit, ”Down In The Boondocks.”

A versatile vocalist who also plays guitar, drums and piano, Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia. When still a youngster, he moved with his family to Marietta, just north of Atlanta. In high school, he organized his first band and began performing at school functions and local social events.

After graduation, he was booked into one of Savannah’s leading nightclubs. He was so successful that the club’s manager persuaded him to remain as the star attraction.

It turned out to be a two year engagement! Bill Joe’s reputation has since spread far beyond the borders of his home state, and he and his band now perform in many clubs throughout the U.S.A.

Here, in introducing Billy Joe Royal, is America’s newest talent, in a collection of powerful interpretations that mark him clearly as an impressive addition to the ranks of our finest singers.(back cover liners)

Psychedelic Vibe Supreme

The Sunshine Company – ”A Stitch In Time Saves None” (Liberty LBS-83159E) Sept 1968

”Sunshine And Shadows” was the third and final album by The Sunshine Company. They had started their career releasing ’67 flower pop creations with memorable melodies and harmonies. Check out their hits ”Happy” and ”Back On The Street Again” for that kind of tuneful medicine.

By the middle of 1968 they added David Hodgkins on guitar.

He had been previously with the respected Sunset Strip group The Grains Of Sand with Douglas Mark.

The former was never credited on the album cover as being a member though.

He wasn’t even present on the super cool psychedelic photo adorning the front of the sleeve.

My pick of an overlooked set and one which is still a reasonable price is ”A Stitch In Time Saves None”.

This demonstrates their move into a more serious and less poppy laid back rock style.

I’ve read that The Sunshine Company started recording songs for a fourth album but the group disbanded before any further releases materialized.

David Hodgkins and Douglas Mark then formed Redeye and enjoyed a couple of hit singles.

Bass player Larry Sims joined the Loggins And Messina Band. He died in December 2014.

The Sunshine Company – ”You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” (Liberty LBS-83120E) 1968

I wrote about The Sunshine Company back in 2011 when I focused on their single ”Back On The Street Again” so I thought it about time to delve into some of their obscure and highly recommended album tracks.

The album cover shown is my copy of their first release in Britain on the Liberty label. This was a combination of material from their first two American LPs. The cover is also different.

I’m not quite sure why a Roman soldier riding a Chariot was chosen as the front picture or/why this image would best suit The Sunshine Company? I’d much prefer a photo of the group!

”You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” written by folk singer-songwriter Steve Gillette, is a typically West Coast affair, sounding not unlike The Jefferson Airplane. For some strange reason this song was not compiled on the Rev-Ola ”Best Of” CD release from 1999.

Steve Gillette also wrote one of The Sunshine Company’s hits ”Back On The Street Again.”

Kasenetz – Katz Singing Orchestral Circus – ”Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)” / ”Rumble ’69” (Buddah Records 201 022) October 1968

The kings of bubblegum wrote, produced and recorded hundreds of songs during the late sixties and I won’t go into their history because it’s all over the internet if you’re interested.

This single released in Britain during October 1968 is an obscurity though and deserves to be highlighted here on my blog.

The top side ”Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)” is a typical bouncy bubblegum pop number, very catchy and was probably a hit in some American States.

The B-Side of the US release was their version of ”(Poor Old) Mr Jensen” which was also recorded by The 1910 Fruitgum Company. I wrote about their version a month or so ago.

Curiously, the B-Side of the UK release was ”Rumble ’69” and not ”(Poor Old) Mr Jensen.” As far as I know ”Rumble ’69” was never released in the States and it does not appear on their album titled ”Kasenetz – Katz Singing Orchestral Circus.”

It’s an obscure flip side that will have interest to some if pounding heavy psychedelic instrumentals with a hard driving beat are your bag. It’s almost an overdose of noise and effects.

There is no real melody or tune. In fact it’s probably studio musicians experimenting and coming up with a throwaway B-Side. ”Rumble ’69” would make perfect sense used as background noise for a drug scene in a film.

Lost And Found – ”I Realize” (Get Back 538) re-issue 1968

Some kind of spell shows me; that more is to be said about communication, that is, relating personal interpretations of one’s own experiences or dreams, than could be related through countless volumes of literary verse; also that relating is not so much the difficult task as is the hope of honest reflections or connections of a listener or viewer, necessary to complete communication.

(I am aware that communication includes a number of senses, but I am referring to music and line or painted art only).

The name of the group itself, I think, is in direct relation to all living beings, for in daily participation in life or disassociation from life, everyone experiences a lost and found sensation.

I would also like to insert that in our generation, music is the strongest means of communication. When an individual or group of individuals share with you their soul’s interpretation of their experiences, trials, and dreams, you must feel it!!!

Syndicate Of Sound – ”Rumors” / ”The Upper Hand” (Bell Records 646) August 1966

I wrote about their break-through hit ”Little Girl” last week but what about the follow up? Could they build on that success? The answer was no, their next single ”Rumors” basically went no where fast.

”Rumors” is a fabulous song with it’s tough jangling beat approach. There’s even a raga rave-up ending interspersed with a homage to Donovan. Listen out for the words ”What goes on, I really want to know.”