The trip to Madison and to the records stores (namely Strictly Discs and Mad City Music X) and the thrift stores have yielded some interesting finds and to this reviewer another reason to document the whole thing. Record collectors and hoarders still roam the stores every day. Tho' I disagree with the stores inflating prices on scratchy 45s (believe me, my grading of a VG- record and the record stores ratings differ, especially if the record is scratched up, I'm not paying 30 dollars for a G- version of I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash). I do have a review anything that looks interesting method, who else can explain four Gogi Grant records found and taken home to listen to perhaps one time. Pristine copies of Tommy Dorsey and Jaye P Morgan likewise played and filed away till the next record dump. But it is the rock records that will continue to hold court here. Will there be a cut off date for the last 45 I buy? After death perhaps but as long as people continue to donate their collection and if i can find them, I pick out the best of the bunch.
The pop singles do paint a vivid picture of the music of the 1950s, Big Bands turning to the cha cha cha or the twist in order to be remembered but sounds dated today. Even the best faltered, Sam Cooke and Teenage Sonata comes to mind. And those weird space pad jazz sides and muzak bands, it boggles the mind to see a orchestra find its way to Atlantic Records (Raymond Lefevare's Come Softly To Me) or Henry Mancini's Peter Gunn that showed that even orchestras could rock out.
While I was digging deep into the 45s at the Madison St Vincent De Paul, I had a twenty something pop up and was wowing through some of the scratched up records. (oooh, Make It With You by Bread) and we talked a bit about music. he didn't buy the Bread cd or some other single of some band I forgotten but she settled on a first edition copy of Saturday Night Fever for a dollar twenty five, which it had the original Polydor stamp on the bottom of the label. I enjoyed the conversations with the kiddies about music, but I really doubt if he'll go full tilt into the art of dumpster diving for 45's. His woman wouldn't allow it.
I didn't find much of rock 45s at the thrift store, but the majority was found at Mad City Music X. The museum pieces at Strictly Discs I didn't buy and the most expensive were three two dollar singles, a couple that my mom used to have in that historic big box of 45s that was at my Grandma's house. As for the usual suspects, Paul Anka was left behind, I had most of the Brian Hyland and Johnny Tollison singles and anything else was curio buys. And as well a few forgotten songs from bands who's time has past. And I didn't buy everything, I left behind 25 cent copies of Road Runner by The Gants, Everybody Loves A Clown by Gary Lewis and another copy of Are You A Boy by The Barbarians, the latter I had a copy at home and after I cleaned that up, sounded good enough to keep. But I did find enough rock to be happy with. I think two years ago, we found better singles and left most of the pops stuff on the racks, but this crop of singles hold their own.
1. I Understand (just how you feel)-The G Clefs (Terrace 45-7500) #9 1961
Later covered by Freddie And The Dreamers. This is one of the forty fives I remember from the Big Box Grandma had. My mom and Aunt Sarge would go on record buying sprees. I tend to think my mom would have brought this dark doo wop pop number. G Clefs are more geared toward The Lettermen on this version. As well as the sappy Little Girl I Love You.
2. Alone (why must i be alone) Shepard Sisters (Lance T-125) #18 1957
A irresistible, catchy and sweet little R & B number, and this may have been one of the earliest songs that I remember ever hearing. Four sisters from a big family from Ohio and Marty Craft wanted them to record this song. Despite it's success, the sisters would record singles for various label with little luck (Mercury, MGM, Warwick, Big Top, United Artists, 20th Century, Atlantic, Private Stock). Alone would be remade twice, one for Warwick and then later for York. They work with Lieber/Stroller for United Artists and their last chart placement Don't Look At Me (#94 in 1963) was produced by Bob Crewe (Four Seasons). B side Congratulations To Someone is doo wop all the way. Blue eyed soul so to speak.
3. Born Too Late-Poni Tails (ABC Paramount 45-9934) #7 1958 .
Continuing the girl group vibe, here's another of those singles that came from The Big Box. Girl group doo wop could rival the guys at times. The Poni-Tails would score two more chart placing singles. I'm surprised how nice sounding these forty fives are, especially from the quarter bins. B side Come On Joey Dance With Me, sounds a lot like the previous song Alone (why must i be alone), uptempo and lots of fun. Poni-Tails would remain on ABC Paramount through their tenure and score two singles that made it to number 85 and 87.
4. Lovey Dovey-Buddy Knox (Liberty F-55290) #25 1960
A cover of the Clyde McPlatter classic, done with the usual strings as noted with early Snuff Garrett productions when anybody was on Liberty Records at time. B side I Got You (written by Dick Glasser, later producer for The Vogues, Everly Brothers) is passable teen pop with a Bo Diddley beat for a decent pop hook.
5. More Than I Can Say-Bobby Vee (Liberty F-55296) #61 1961
Stayin' In #33
Stayin' In, wasn't one of Bobby's bigger chart topping hits and like Buddy Knox's Lovey Dovey, Snuff Garrett is behind the arrangements with lively strings here and there. Written by John D Loudermilk (Tobacco Road). B side More Than I Can Say, is a faithful recording of the Sonny Curtis/Crickets classic and I'm surprised by the low chart showing. Bobby Vee would later record an album with the Crickets which is worth hearing if you can find it.
6. Alvin For President-David Seville/Chipmunks (Liberty F-55277) #95 1960
Growing up and if you were a kid, you love The Chipmunks. A lesser known song varied on It's Nice, It's Good till Alvin takes over the record to declare his presidency. Alvin would certainly be a better than the joke that is in the white house. We want Alvin! We want Alvin. B side Sack Time is a short minute long ragtime jazz number. Complete with yawns for laughs.
7. By The Light Of The Silvery Moon-Jimmy Bowen (Roulette R-4083) #50 1958
His final top 50 single. Bowen was a fairly good rockabilly singer but he would find himself to be in the producer's seat and reviving the careers of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra as well as MCA Nashville president in the 1980s and reviving Waylon Jennings' career after the outlaw movement died down. B side The Two Step, would sound perfect for Marty Robbins to do had Marty knew this song existed. Written by Ersel Hickey (Bluebirds Over The Mountain).
8. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck-Elvis Presley (RCA 47-7240) #2 1958
Don't Cha Think It's Time #15
If anybody questions the ability of Elvis rocking out should take a listen to this rocking classic. DJ Fontana plays his butt on the drums. And of course Scotty and Bill too. B side Don't Cha Think It's Time is an underrated rocker. Written by Clyde Otis and.... Willie Dixon! King of rock and roll, Elvis in the 50s for sure.
9. My Babe-Ronnie Dove (Diamond D- 221) #50 1967
Written and produced by Neil Diamond! Reminds me of My Boy Lollipop. One of the earliest songs that Neil wrote and Ronnie covered. Dove was more middle of the road but this is more uptempo than he usually has. The guess is that Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry are the background singers. B side is another Diamond comp, Put My Mind At Ease but this time Phil Kaye produced and Ray Stevens arranged and it sounds closer to Gene Pitney. Which reminds me....
10. Princess In Rags-Gene Pitney (Musicor MU-1130) #37 1965
I had this on record years ago but of course it didn't survive very well. Ya know, frisbee tossing. So I found a better record, tho' the mastering is quite loud. Pitney has been an oddball recording artist, he would make great songs and then turn around make total crap. Amore Rio the B side is interesting Spanish influenced song that would turn off the casual fan but I find it a fascinating song. A shame that didn't make it to a best of.
11. Sweets For My Sweet-The Drifters (Atlantic 2117) #16 1961
One of my all time favorite songs from The Drifters, later covered quite beautifully by The Searchers. Even Stan Applebaum throws in a very good arrangement as well. B side I'll Take You Home (Atlantic 2201 #25 1963) written by Barry Mann/Cindy Weil is another quality song. This 45 is The Golden Series collection (OS 13018) and not the stock copy of 2117 B side to Sweets, Loneliness Or Happiness was a early song written by Burt Bachurach and Hal David and B side to I'll Take You Home is I Feel Good All Over. All four songs can be found on the excellent Drifters 1959-1965 Collection or The Ben E King Years and Beyond.
12. River Of Love-B W Stevenson (RCA APB0-017) #53 1973
Back in 1973 at the old Woolworth's in Town n Country Square, I had a choice to either buy this single or pick up a train box car and ended buying the Illinois Central Box car (to which I gave to a friend after my interest in train collecting died off). It took me forty five years to find a decent copy. I've seen five singles that seen better days. My Maria was BW's biggest hit but I loved this song better than My Maria. B side Lucky Touch could have been pitched as a country single.
13. Falling In Love-The Souther, Hillman,Furay Band (Asylum E-45201) 1974
This band got hyped to the gills and imploded. A great pairing of Chris Hillman and Richie Furay with J D Souther writing songs. I have the album and CD about three times, played them once and then traded them in. Never heard the Trouble In Paradise followup. Asylum made a mess out of their catalog, this was the lead off single, the follow up was Border Town but Asylum reissued the B side Safe As Home as the third single and then Mexico. None made the top 100. Falling In love remains their best song, Border Town number 2 and the rest you could live without. Heavenly Fire the B side was written by Chris Hillman, not one of his best but Falling In Love is the best Richie Furay song written after he left Poco. Side note: Jim Gordon plays drums on the first album, Ron Grindel (Joe Walsh) replaced him on the second album. Side note 2: Richie Polodor (Three Dog Night, Steppenwolf) produced this effort. Side note 3. In a perfect world, this would be played on classic rock radio.
14. It Doesn't Matter-Stephen Stills (Atlantic 45-2876) #61 1972
Rock And Roll Crazies B Side later (Atlantic 2888) #92
While both singles charted, none got airplay around here but I was familiar with them on the Manassas album that came out. While Stills is credited as solo artist, this song is co written and sang by Chris Hillman. Firefall would covered this song with different lyrics in 1976. B side Rock N Roll Crazies is the full version, but Atlantic issued this as a 2:35 single edit version. The Medley concludes with a shortened Jet Set (Sigh). The edited Rock n Roll Crazies is credited to Manassas and the B side is Colorado a so so country number. Collectibles reissued the My Maria album and tacked on River Of Love and a couple more singles and renamed it Greatest Hits in the mid 90s. Stevenson would continue to record, moving on to Warner Brothers and MCA with limited success.
15. Wizard Man-Procol Harum (Warner Bros CHR 2115) 1977
An oddity. At this point in time, Procol Harum was under contract to Chrysalis Records but this effort was issued on Warner Brothers. And the question remains why. My guess was at that time Chrysalis was through Warner Brothers before they broke away and became an stand alone major label in 1978. Wizard Man was the plug side but in the disco rock era, both this and B side Something Magic sounded out of place. Something Magic was closer to the Procol Harum prog rock sound, Wizard Man sounds more bluesy in like Whiskey Train. Some people like the Whiter Shale Of Pale type of songs. I can relate to Wizard Man better. As for the Warner Brothers curio label, WB wrote them off as a tax loss. Procol Harum would break up afterward (but then Gary Brooker would reform them and continues to lead that band).
16. Steppin In A Slide Zone-The Moody Blues (London 5N-270) #39 1978
Five years after Seventh Sojorn, The Moodies returned with the disappointing Octave and this was one of two singles issued via London Records. A three and half minute edit of Steppin appeared and it stumbled into the top forty but classic rock radio never played, nor the followup Driftwood, one of the more lovelier songs Justin Hayward ever penned. B side to Stepping, is Grame Edge's I'll Be Level With You, probably the hardest rocking number off Octave, tho not as good as After You Came. The Moodies would take another three years to return, minus Mike Pinder and Tony Clarke for Long Distance Voyager. And a new lease in life.
17. Jamaica-BTO (Mercury 74062) 1979
The second and final single from Bachman Turner Overdrive, to which by then Randy Bachman was gone and Jim Clench replaced him. This album is famous for the up and coming Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance coming to write songs for this band after the hits dried up. Vallance wrote Jamaica and I never knew this came out on a single since nobody in town sold the record. BTO did have one charting single, Fred Turner's Heartaches which crawled up to number 60 in late winter 1979. The followup bombed. B side End Of The Line was definitely the last B side and written by Jim Clench. Not one of their better efforts. Randy Bachman did return to the band (with Gary Peterson replacing Robby Bachman on drums) and issued an 1984 album on Compleat (later reissued through Sun Records (???) on Cd in the 1990s) to which he rewrote the lyrics to Takin Care Of Business called Service With A Smile. To which the public ignored.
18. Shotgun Rider-Delbert McClinton (Capitol/MSS 4984) #70 1981
The followup to Giving It Up For Your Loving, I actually liked this song better. Del has always done well with the Muscle Shoals Band (salute to Barry Beckett) and this was a quality single. B side was Baby Ruth but this was a DJ Promo copy.
So this completes the Madison singles on the rock side.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Singles Going Steady 58-The Madison Singles Pop Side
As described in the earlier blog, Madison had some interesting finds on 45. Certainly the most polarizing we go through into one extreme to another. So we'll split this up into two side. One, the pop sides and the next the rock side. But as we know my musical tastes go over the map be it LP 45 or compact disc. Nobody should be this eccentric (or erratic).
1. Fever-Earl Grant (Decca 9-30475) 1957
I've known Grant better as a light jazz artist (Beyond The Reef) but Grant made a career being on Decca is a jazz/pop piano player but on this cover of the Little Willie John song, Grant goes for a jazzy pop sound, including organ to counter the piano playing, and a bit of sax too. Hardly anybody remembers this and at this point in time, I doubt nobody will, not the smart phone generation. The B side Malaguena is a cha cha number, the product of the times, till Grant speeds it up and adds extreme organ at the end. Ole!
2. Danger! Heartbreak Ahead-Jaye P. Morgan (RCA 47-6016) #12 1955
I admired her duets with Eddy Arnold enough to take a chance on a couple of her solo 45's but come to find she was in the line of Doris Day in 50's pop. She can be brash and sassy, certainly a more stronger voice but the material presented on this record is more muzak pop to my liking and perhaps Hugo Winterhaller is to be blamed for such banal arranging. Softly Softly, the other side, I could tolerate about a half minute before moving on to something else. Think I'll stick with the Eddy Arnold duets thank you.
3. Do You Mind?-Andy Williams (Cadence 1381) #70 1960
One of the kings of the muzak pop scene was Andy Williams but during his Cadence years he would actually ventured into a bit more sunny pop than blah pop, the latter you would get plenty of it when he switched to Columbia and a long 35 year career on that label before Andy went to Atco for a 1986 standards album. A bit more uptempo than you would think on Do You Mind, this song probably did better on the easy listening chart. The B side Dreamsville comes from the Mr. Lucky album and written by Henry Mancini, which reminds me.....
4. Mr. Lucky-Henry Mancini (RCA 47-7705) #21 1960
The first top twenty five single from Mr. Mancini, who could write some decent soundtrack music (Peter Gunn anybody?). This song is considered one of those "space age bathelor pad" jazz music that did find its way to such compilations when Esquvel was discovered in the late 90s and had a few of his albums reissued on CD. But I think people have outgrown that music once again. Mancini could write some mysterious and dark music (The Blues) before going full movie muzak with Days Of Wine And Roses (which has the Peter Gunn Theme on the B side). B side Floating Pad is a more darker comp and preferable to these ears.
5. I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire-Frankie Laine (ABC 45-11057) 1968
I found the infamous ABC/Tangerine label of this song. Tangerine was Ray Charles' label when he was recording for ABC Paramount and Frankie was part of ABC Records, not Tangerine. It's a curio to find this single, to which collectors have on their list of 45s to get. Frankie had a long career with Columbia and then Mercury. The ABC years are considered to be one of Laine's high points. Bob Thiele produced most of those ABC sessions, tho' getting schlockmaster Peter D'Angelos (famous for Frankie Avalon and Fabian's sides for Chancellor Records) didn't help much. Ray Barr arranged the b side I Found You, but it's Laine's vocals that make this song. Now if I can find a decent copy of Dammit Isn't God's Last Name....
6. Paths Of Paradise-Johnnie Ray (Columbia 4-40435) 1955
One of forgotten voices of the 1950's Johnnie Ray is considered to be one of the forefathers of rock and roll, he certainly was the most passionate of vocalists out there. This song did managed to make it on a retrospective CD and it's a fairly good number but the B side Parade Of Broken Hearts rocked a bit more but hardly anybody knows of it, unless you have the 45. Some people say his sexuality may have robbed him of being remembered better more but Sony Music indifference of Ray has pretty much kept him out of the spotlight, save for 2 best ofs that are out there. Side Note; The Paths Of Paradise that's on the High Drama album is a 1951 outtake with the Four Lads backing him up on vocals. This Joe Reisman arranged song is a bit more pop contemporary. But you'll never hear it on the radio.
7. Pledge Of Love-Mitchell Torok (Decca 9-30230) #25 1957
The only charting single for Decca Records for Torok who recorded for them for five years. He had better charting luck with Guyden Records with Caribbean, which was actually done for Abbott Records. B side What's Behind The Strange Door is interesting for it was written by Don Reid, later of the Statler Brothers fame. In future bargain hunts I'll be on the lookout for Mitchell's Decca sides, which are quite hard to find since this single was the first Decca single from him I found. This record is in mint condition. No scratchy sounds or pops or clicks. Pretty nifty for a sixty year old 45.
8. Left Right Out Of Your Heart-Patti Page (Mercury 71331) #9 1958
She eventually would go country later in the 60s but she's still into the pop side of things on this song, based on a drum pattern or the call and respond of the background singers. Mort Garson, schlockmaster to the stars (Guy Mitchell comes to mind) co wrote this number. B side Longing To Hold You Again has Patti overdubbing her vocals a few times, one of the earliest numbers ever to employ this technique. It also reveals Page going to a slightly more country sound, tho it still is in early rock mode. I think.
9. Dancing In The Dark-Tommy Dorsey (Decca 9-27429) 1951
Part of a four 7 inch box set album, this was found at the Grab and Go St. Vincent De Paul. and I'm surprised how well this 45 sounds, it had the record sleeve and perhaps it was put out on the racks. Basically when you have many folks going through these records at junk shops you figure they would be trashed. Warren Covington would take over Dorsey's big band after Dorsey passed away in 1956. Both sides are smooth playing from the smoothest trombone player ever. That would be Tommy.
10. Coming On Strong-Brenda Lee (Decca 32018) #11 1966
11. Broken Trust-Brenda Lee/Oak Ridge Boys (MCA 41322) 1980
A tale of two singles from the same artist. I think Coming On Strong is Brenda trying for the Petula Clark sound (it might have been recorded in England) but then again further research revealed that the song recorded in England was Is It True?, to which Jimmy Page played guitar on that song. Coming On Strong does sound like Brenda going for that Pet Clark sound. I like the song. Side Note: The record I found has the title and artist upside down. Usually the Decca logo is on the left side of the label. This copy has the Decca imprint on the right side.
Broken Trust was the meeting of Brenda and the Oak Ridge Boys. The Boys were riding high and Brenda was barely getting by on MCA so Ron Chancey thought pairing them up would be a good idea. Too bad Ron didn't give her a decent song to do it. B side Right Behind The Rain is a failed attempt to go dance pop.
12. You'll Never Know-Jim Reeves (RCA PB-10418) #71 Country 1975
From beyond the grave Jim Reeves did had success on the charts, this lush ballad stalled at number 71 but it sounds more at home on a muzak station rather than country. B side There's That Smile Again is just as lush but this time Anita Kerr Singers adds their trademark vocals. A perfect example of the Nashville Sound that RCA was famous for. For better or worse.
13. All Of Me-Gogi Grant (Era 45-1053) 1957
14. It's A Wonderful Thing To Be Loved-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-6996) 1957
15. Bonjour Tristesse-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-7146) 1958
16. My Secret Prayer-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-7215) 1958
These four 45s didn't chart at all. In fact, while looking up the discography in 45cat, I couldn't even find My Secret Prayer. The difference between the Era and RCA singles is that the RCA singles are more polished. All Of Me was penned in 1931 in various versions (best known version is Willie Nelson of course). It's A Wonderful Thing shows Gogi going the Musical theater route which is better suited for Julie Andrews, B side That's The Life For Me turns into a pop country number, which is better. My Secret Prayer has Gogi hooking up with Hugo Winterhaller (remember him?) and turns in a passionate performance of My Secret Prayer. B side How Do We Know We Are In Love is more lush pop. If nothing else, Grant remains one of the better torch singers of the 1950s and perhaps if Sony Music had any balls, they would issue The Essential Gogi Grant. However, the better known sides were recorded for ERA, The Wayward Wind returned to the top 50 in 1961. Final thought, Bonjour Tristesse is dark but sweet melancholy ballad. Chinese Nightingale, the B side, another lush torch ballad. The three RCA singles were found at St Vincent De Paul Williamson store, all in like new shape except My Secret Prayer which didn't have a record sleeve.
They all played great. But nobody cares about Gogi Grant any more.
17. Round Every Corner-Petula Clark (Warner Bros 5661) #21 1965
Just when I thought that I played every single that I got from Madison I overlooked this Pet Clark number. This is during the Tony Hatch era, she has been around for a few years before hooking up with Tony to have the number 1 hit Downtown which Pet Clark will be forever known. The lesser known songs such as Round Every Corner will be put way back in the forgotten singles of the 60s but it does hold up very well. B side Two Rivers is a Pet Clark written song, more of a torch song, but it doesn't hold my interest much. Petula continues to record into the 2000's making a couple of very good albums for Sony Music/The End label. Hard to find unless you're sleep walking through the dollar bins.
So that's the pop side of Madison finds. Next time we meet up, the rock sides. More surprises in store.
1. Fever-Earl Grant (Decca 9-30475) 1957
I've known Grant better as a light jazz artist (Beyond The Reef) but Grant made a career being on Decca is a jazz/pop piano player but on this cover of the Little Willie John song, Grant goes for a jazzy pop sound, including organ to counter the piano playing, and a bit of sax too. Hardly anybody remembers this and at this point in time, I doubt nobody will, not the smart phone generation. The B side Malaguena is a cha cha number, the product of the times, till Grant speeds it up and adds extreme organ at the end. Ole!
2. Danger! Heartbreak Ahead-Jaye P. Morgan (RCA 47-6016) #12 1955
I admired her duets with Eddy Arnold enough to take a chance on a couple of her solo 45's but come to find she was in the line of Doris Day in 50's pop. She can be brash and sassy, certainly a more stronger voice but the material presented on this record is more muzak pop to my liking and perhaps Hugo Winterhaller is to be blamed for such banal arranging. Softly Softly, the other side, I could tolerate about a half minute before moving on to something else. Think I'll stick with the Eddy Arnold duets thank you.
3. Do You Mind?-Andy Williams (Cadence 1381) #70 1960
One of the kings of the muzak pop scene was Andy Williams but during his Cadence years he would actually ventured into a bit more sunny pop than blah pop, the latter you would get plenty of it when he switched to Columbia and a long 35 year career on that label before Andy went to Atco for a 1986 standards album. A bit more uptempo than you would think on Do You Mind, this song probably did better on the easy listening chart. The B side Dreamsville comes from the Mr. Lucky album and written by Henry Mancini, which reminds me.....
4. Mr. Lucky-Henry Mancini (RCA 47-7705) #21 1960
The first top twenty five single from Mr. Mancini, who could write some decent soundtrack music (Peter Gunn anybody?). This song is considered one of those "space age bathelor pad" jazz music that did find its way to such compilations when Esquvel was discovered in the late 90s and had a few of his albums reissued on CD. But I think people have outgrown that music once again. Mancini could write some mysterious and dark music (The Blues) before going full movie muzak with Days Of Wine And Roses (which has the Peter Gunn Theme on the B side). B side Floating Pad is a more darker comp and preferable to these ears.
5. I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire-Frankie Laine (ABC 45-11057) 1968
I found the infamous ABC/Tangerine label of this song. Tangerine was Ray Charles' label when he was recording for ABC Paramount and Frankie was part of ABC Records, not Tangerine. It's a curio to find this single, to which collectors have on their list of 45s to get. Frankie had a long career with Columbia and then Mercury. The ABC years are considered to be one of Laine's high points. Bob Thiele produced most of those ABC sessions, tho' getting schlockmaster Peter D'Angelos (famous for Frankie Avalon and Fabian's sides for Chancellor Records) didn't help much. Ray Barr arranged the b side I Found You, but it's Laine's vocals that make this song. Now if I can find a decent copy of Dammit Isn't God's Last Name....
6. Paths Of Paradise-Johnnie Ray (Columbia 4-40435) 1955
One of forgotten voices of the 1950's Johnnie Ray is considered to be one of the forefathers of rock and roll, he certainly was the most passionate of vocalists out there. This song did managed to make it on a retrospective CD and it's a fairly good number but the B side Parade Of Broken Hearts rocked a bit more but hardly anybody knows of it, unless you have the 45. Some people say his sexuality may have robbed him of being remembered better more but Sony Music indifference of Ray has pretty much kept him out of the spotlight, save for 2 best ofs that are out there. Side Note; The Paths Of Paradise that's on the High Drama album is a 1951 outtake with the Four Lads backing him up on vocals. This Joe Reisman arranged song is a bit more pop contemporary. But you'll never hear it on the radio.
7. Pledge Of Love-Mitchell Torok (Decca 9-30230) #25 1957
The only charting single for Decca Records for Torok who recorded for them for five years. He had better charting luck with Guyden Records with Caribbean, which was actually done for Abbott Records. B side What's Behind The Strange Door is interesting for it was written by Don Reid, later of the Statler Brothers fame. In future bargain hunts I'll be on the lookout for Mitchell's Decca sides, which are quite hard to find since this single was the first Decca single from him I found. This record is in mint condition. No scratchy sounds or pops or clicks. Pretty nifty for a sixty year old 45.
8. Left Right Out Of Your Heart-Patti Page (Mercury 71331) #9 1958
She eventually would go country later in the 60s but she's still into the pop side of things on this song, based on a drum pattern or the call and respond of the background singers. Mort Garson, schlockmaster to the stars (Guy Mitchell comes to mind) co wrote this number. B side Longing To Hold You Again has Patti overdubbing her vocals a few times, one of the earliest numbers ever to employ this technique. It also reveals Page going to a slightly more country sound, tho it still is in early rock mode. I think.
9. Dancing In The Dark-Tommy Dorsey (Decca 9-27429) 1951
Part of a four 7 inch box set album, this was found at the Grab and Go St. Vincent De Paul. and I'm surprised how well this 45 sounds, it had the record sleeve and perhaps it was put out on the racks. Basically when you have many folks going through these records at junk shops you figure they would be trashed. Warren Covington would take over Dorsey's big band after Dorsey passed away in 1956. Both sides are smooth playing from the smoothest trombone player ever. That would be Tommy.
10. Coming On Strong-Brenda Lee (Decca 32018) #11 1966
11. Broken Trust-Brenda Lee/Oak Ridge Boys (MCA 41322) 1980
A tale of two singles from the same artist. I think Coming On Strong is Brenda trying for the Petula Clark sound (it might have been recorded in England) but then again further research revealed that the song recorded in England was Is It True?, to which Jimmy Page played guitar on that song. Coming On Strong does sound like Brenda going for that Pet Clark sound. I like the song. Side Note: The record I found has the title and artist upside down. Usually the Decca logo is on the left side of the label. This copy has the Decca imprint on the right side.
Broken Trust was the meeting of Brenda and the Oak Ridge Boys. The Boys were riding high and Brenda was barely getting by on MCA so Ron Chancey thought pairing them up would be a good idea. Too bad Ron didn't give her a decent song to do it. B side Right Behind The Rain is a failed attempt to go dance pop.
12. You'll Never Know-Jim Reeves (RCA PB-10418) #71 Country 1975
From beyond the grave Jim Reeves did had success on the charts, this lush ballad stalled at number 71 but it sounds more at home on a muzak station rather than country. B side There's That Smile Again is just as lush but this time Anita Kerr Singers adds their trademark vocals. A perfect example of the Nashville Sound that RCA was famous for. For better or worse.
13. All Of Me-Gogi Grant (Era 45-1053) 1957
14. It's A Wonderful Thing To Be Loved-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-6996) 1957
15. Bonjour Tristesse-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-7146) 1958
16. My Secret Prayer-Gogi Grant (RCA 47-7215) 1958
These four 45s didn't chart at all. In fact, while looking up the discography in 45cat, I couldn't even find My Secret Prayer. The difference between the Era and RCA singles is that the RCA singles are more polished. All Of Me was penned in 1931 in various versions (best known version is Willie Nelson of course). It's A Wonderful Thing shows Gogi going the Musical theater route which is better suited for Julie Andrews, B side That's The Life For Me turns into a pop country number, which is better. My Secret Prayer has Gogi hooking up with Hugo Winterhaller (remember him?) and turns in a passionate performance of My Secret Prayer. B side How Do We Know We Are In Love is more lush pop. If nothing else, Grant remains one of the better torch singers of the 1950s and perhaps if Sony Music had any balls, they would issue The Essential Gogi Grant. However, the better known sides were recorded for ERA, The Wayward Wind returned to the top 50 in 1961. Final thought, Bonjour Tristesse is dark but sweet melancholy ballad. Chinese Nightingale, the B side, another lush torch ballad. The three RCA singles were found at St Vincent De Paul Williamson store, all in like new shape except My Secret Prayer which didn't have a record sleeve.
They all played great. But nobody cares about Gogi Grant any more.
17. Round Every Corner-Petula Clark (Warner Bros 5661) #21 1965
Just when I thought that I played every single that I got from Madison I overlooked this Pet Clark number. This is during the Tony Hatch era, she has been around for a few years before hooking up with Tony to have the number 1 hit Downtown which Pet Clark will be forever known. The lesser known songs such as Round Every Corner will be put way back in the forgotten singles of the 60s but it does hold up very well. B side Two Rivers is a Pet Clark written song, more of a torch song, but it doesn't hold my interest much. Petula continues to record into the 2000's making a couple of very good albums for Sony Music/The End label. Hard to find unless you're sleep walking through the dollar bins.
So that's the pop side of Madison finds. Next time we meet up, the rock sides. More surprises in store.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
The Final Bargain Hunt: Madison
It's been over a year since I have gone to Madison in search of music and records. Last time I took part in the third and final World Naked Bike Ride Day I would do. It would be 15 months before I came back.
Being stuck with a sinus issue all summer was part of the reason why I didn't go, but with fall processing coming up and winter too, I decided if I didn't go this week, then I wouldn't go at all. Still dealing with hacking and coughing issues, I packed my suitcase and took off. And that was the start of the Madison Bargain Hunts.
Road construction? Of course, mostly inside Wisconsin past Mineral Point and there was two lane between there and Ridgeway. And the big mess on Verona Road leading into Madison. A short cut took me right into that mess, no thanks to a five minute long red light and congesting traffic. Somehow I found the right road that took me to the west side Goodwill. The west side Goodwill seems to have a better selection of CDs more than the North Goodwill, a couple places down from the hotel and the third Goodwill, next to Wal Mart on Roundabout Hell Rd was ignored. Frugal Muse and both Pre Played stores were bypassed, The Muse is moving to a new place and Pre Played still has a good selection but they have bullish on inflating the price of CDs and 45s. Sugar Shack's inventory is more into records and the last time I was there, the 45s department had way too many scratched up ones than good. Perhaps I should have visited them since I haven't been there in over 4 years. It was easier to go to Mad City Music X and I spent four hours in two days turning their 45 selection upside down. They were the most reasonably priced and they did have plenty of quarter 45s for me to take home. I also found five 45s that my mom had when she was younger that I picked up and a couple of 2 dollar stuff as well. Strictly Discs had plenty of 45s but they were a bit more expensive but I did buy a 45 storage box so they didn't feel left out. I bought CDs there instead, including A Can Of Bees from the Soft Boys and a couple of 4.99 specials. St. Vincent De paul on Williamson street had plenty of 45s as well. The big winner was Gogi Grant as I found 3 RCA 45s and one from ERA from her. The St Vincent De Paul on Osana Rd wasn't visited, they don't have 45s in my time of going there but the Park St, Grab and Go had three pop standards singles and a Urban Cowboy CD I got for 1.50 total. The Grab and Go St Vincent De Paul had 45s, mostly scratched up beyond belief but the ABC Tangerine mistake Frankie Laine 45, I basically picked up. Frankie never recorded for Ray Charles' Tangerine label.
Weatherwise, it was beautiful but State Street continues to go down in quality. What used to be a nice hangout for shops and music stores have become a place where homeless folks roam and beg for money. Mostly black guys that came up to me to ask for change (10 of them) but a white woman also was begging to, perhaps she was the most needy. The trick was to keep walking and don't even look at them. And this was in the afternoon, God forbid if I should be down there at night where the drunkards get into fights and the change chasers get aggressive. Still a lot of nice looking co ed's down in the college district, tho me being 30 years older than any of them didn't help the things. I certainly wasn't getting lucky any time soon. Unlike Cedar Rapids, you can still rent a bike with a credit card at the kiosks that have the bikes, but they upgraded them to electric bikes. I suppose in the future I should invest in a smart phone but in reality I still don't need one, unless ordering a pizza.
A lot of empty buildings are all around, thanks to Shopko closing their doors, Copps leaving Whitney Way and Menards vacating the location next the East Towne Mall. 10 years ago, Pawn America replaced Circuit City and was one of the main destinations for me for cheap Cds and sometimes cymbals. On this trip, they're moving somewhere else and while they have 75 percent off, I didn't find anything. They quit selling CDs about four years ago. Hard to believe I found 36 of them in one trip. And also Big Lots got replaced by an Over 21 on the other side of town.
The Half Price Bookstore on the west side was the hang out place for me. They seem to have better CDs than the east side. And it has been that way for the last three visits. Certainly both places didn't have much in the 3 dollar bins. Best place remains the Marion Half Price Bookstore.
I stuck to the usual food places tho the Pho King Good Noodle place (where Wau Kee used to be) I'd love to visit the next time I'm in Madison. But everything I ate came back to haunt me a half hour later. Rocky Rocco, Pizza Hut, Hardee's were the place and I couldn't find a Italian place till it was too late. I stayed at The Microtel Monday Night and got rewarded with a total of two hours of sleep. Which made going home interesting since I couldn't find a Speedway or 7-11 that had sweet tea. I finally stopped at a truck stop and picked up a bottle of Nestea. And thankfully I made it home before the storm hit a hour later.
If this is the final bargain hunt (as I have threatened the past decade) I think it was a good haul. I think I'm more comfortable going to Dubuque and hang at Moondog Music, since they're closer. However, the folks at Mad City Music X and Strictly Disc will be sending things via email to let me know if somebody drops off more 45s from estate sales and people running out of room at their place. It's a shame that my body just have issues that prevent me to do this more often.
It was 25 years ago in 1994, that I discovered Madison on a whim and it took me a good ten more years to figure out how to get around town. In this time, I've seen the good and the bad and the ugly but in the end I always managed to find records and CDs. I spent more time in that town than I ever did going to Des Moines but Madison is closer and easy to get around town. Des Moines is not. Perhaps in due time, I'll chance going to our capitol. But at this moment, it's not high on my list of places to go to.
Being stuck with a sinus issue all summer was part of the reason why I didn't go, but with fall processing coming up and winter too, I decided if I didn't go this week, then I wouldn't go at all. Still dealing with hacking and coughing issues, I packed my suitcase and took off. And that was the start of the Madison Bargain Hunts.
Road construction? Of course, mostly inside Wisconsin past Mineral Point and there was two lane between there and Ridgeway. And the big mess on Verona Road leading into Madison. A short cut took me right into that mess, no thanks to a five minute long red light and congesting traffic. Somehow I found the right road that took me to the west side Goodwill. The west side Goodwill seems to have a better selection of CDs more than the North Goodwill, a couple places down from the hotel and the third Goodwill, next to Wal Mart on Roundabout Hell Rd was ignored. Frugal Muse and both Pre Played stores were bypassed, The Muse is moving to a new place and Pre Played still has a good selection but they have bullish on inflating the price of CDs and 45s. Sugar Shack's inventory is more into records and the last time I was there, the 45s department had way too many scratched up ones than good. Perhaps I should have visited them since I haven't been there in over 4 years. It was easier to go to Mad City Music X and I spent four hours in two days turning their 45 selection upside down. They were the most reasonably priced and they did have plenty of quarter 45s for me to take home. I also found five 45s that my mom had when she was younger that I picked up and a couple of 2 dollar stuff as well. Strictly Discs had plenty of 45s but they were a bit more expensive but I did buy a 45 storage box so they didn't feel left out. I bought CDs there instead, including A Can Of Bees from the Soft Boys and a couple of 4.99 specials. St. Vincent De paul on Williamson street had plenty of 45s as well. The big winner was Gogi Grant as I found 3 RCA 45s and one from ERA from her. The St Vincent De Paul on Osana Rd wasn't visited, they don't have 45s in my time of going there but the Park St, Grab and Go had three pop standards singles and a Urban Cowboy CD I got for 1.50 total. The Grab and Go St Vincent De Paul had 45s, mostly scratched up beyond belief but the ABC Tangerine mistake Frankie Laine 45, I basically picked up. Frankie never recorded for Ray Charles' Tangerine label.
Weatherwise, it was beautiful but State Street continues to go down in quality. What used to be a nice hangout for shops and music stores have become a place where homeless folks roam and beg for money. Mostly black guys that came up to me to ask for change (10 of them) but a white woman also was begging to, perhaps she was the most needy. The trick was to keep walking and don't even look at them. And this was in the afternoon, God forbid if I should be down there at night where the drunkards get into fights and the change chasers get aggressive. Still a lot of nice looking co ed's down in the college district, tho me being 30 years older than any of them didn't help the things. I certainly wasn't getting lucky any time soon. Unlike Cedar Rapids, you can still rent a bike with a credit card at the kiosks that have the bikes, but they upgraded them to electric bikes. I suppose in the future I should invest in a smart phone but in reality I still don't need one, unless ordering a pizza.
A lot of empty buildings are all around, thanks to Shopko closing their doors, Copps leaving Whitney Way and Menards vacating the location next the East Towne Mall. 10 years ago, Pawn America replaced Circuit City and was one of the main destinations for me for cheap Cds and sometimes cymbals. On this trip, they're moving somewhere else and while they have 75 percent off, I didn't find anything. They quit selling CDs about four years ago. Hard to believe I found 36 of them in one trip. And also Big Lots got replaced by an Over 21 on the other side of town.
The Half Price Bookstore on the west side was the hang out place for me. They seem to have better CDs than the east side. And it has been that way for the last three visits. Certainly both places didn't have much in the 3 dollar bins. Best place remains the Marion Half Price Bookstore.
I stuck to the usual food places tho the Pho King Good Noodle place (where Wau Kee used to be) I'd love to visit the next time I'm in Madison. But everything I ate came back to haunt me a half hour later. Rocky Rocco, Pizza Hut, Hardee's were the place and I couldn't find a Italian place till it was too late. I stayed at The Microtel Monday Night and got rewarded with a total of two hours of sleep. Which made going home interesting since I couldn't find a Speedway or 7-11 that had sweet tea. I finally stopped at a truck stop and picked up a bottle of Nestea. And thankfully I made it home before the storm hit a hour later.
If this is the final bargain hunt (as I have threatened the past decade) I think it was a good haul. I think I'm more comfortable going to Dubuque and hang at Moondog Music, since they're closer. However, the folks at Mad City Music X and Strictly Disc will be sending things via email to let me know if somebody drops off more 45s from estate sales and people running out of room at their place. It's a shame that my body just have issues that prevent me to do this more often.
It was 25 years ago in 1994, that I discovered Madison on a whim and it took me a good ten more years to figure out how to get around town. In this time, I've seen the good and the bad and the ugly but in the end I always managed to find records and CDs. I spent more time in that town than I ever did going to Des Moines but Madison is closer and easy to get around town. Des Moines is not. Perhaps in due time, I'll chance going to our capitol. But at this moment, it's not high on my list of places to go to.
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