Pretty Things - Come See Me b/w £.S.D.

The Pretty Things, another well known Britain-based rhythm and blues combo are featured here with this rusted 2-sided shaving razor's edge offering on a hot wax plate. Almost bursting out of its own grooves, 'Come See Me' sonically urinates on the concept of a 'rave up' as it sheds the too-restrictive-for-our-arses descriptor like dead skin while banishing it immediately into the lexicon of Pat Boonisms. The flip side, '£.S.D.', not necessarily about hallucinogenic troubles, more about money troubles in the old British monetary system (though the twain are not far removed when supplies are low), renders your misguided trip useless unless you welcome visions of constant barrages of snare drums and guitar bombs. Not even the Lizard himself at this point in 1966 was veteran enough in the theatre of acid of survive this very-unpretty battlefield. If Mick and co. were The Stones, then the Pretties were the steamroller that pressed them into the pavement underfoot.

Pretty Things - Come See Me (Fontana 688)

Dave Clark Five - Bits And Pieces b/w All Of The Time

Many of us are familiar with the Dave Clark Five but some might not be familliar with the b-side of this hit record of theirs that made Number 2 in February 1964. Some might not also be aware of the recent passing of lead singer and iconic Vox Continentalist Mike Smith on February 28, 2008. I dedicate this to the memory of an incredible vocal talent.

Dave Clark Five - Bits And Pieces (Columbia 7210)

Trashmen - Surfin Bird b/w King Of The Surf

The Trashmen, for those of you unfamiliar with them, were one of the few surf combos who where nowhere near the ocean when they caught the surf wave in 1962. Originating out of Minneapolis, MN, they waxed this well known surf anthem in 1963 which hung into the top ten, scoring #4 in the Hot 100 charts. The song remains to the present as one of the most covered rock and roll tunes.

Trashmen - Surfin Bird (Garrett 4002)

Kinks - The Kinks Greatest Hits! (Pye 30090)

We all know of the Kinks, but for those who may be unfamiliar, read this.

What we have here is a Canadian MONO pressing of their 1966 greatest hits album compiling all their hits up to that point. A pleasant easy and enjoyable listen on the PYE Canadian distribution. A peculiarity of note about this album is that the songs are all mixed with more reverb than their original singles and album cuts. So if not a rarity in itself, this compilation disc has much to offer fans of alternate mixings.



FLAC: 2,304kbps @ 48khz 24bit ORIGINAL MONO LP
ALERT ME OF ANY DOWNLOADING ERRORS.

Kinks - The Kinks Greatest Hits! (Pye 30090) PART 1
Kinks - The Kinks Greatest Hits! (Pye 30090) PART 2

Paul Revere and the Raiders - Revolution! (Columbia 2721)

For those who are not familiar with this very well known band, read this. For the rest of you, offered here is one of their lesser known albums. Revolution! released in 1967 shows a very different Raiders style unrealized by their previous efforts. Heavy psychedelia is the main theme throughout with the exception of the more traditional sounding Him Or Me-What's It Gonna Be and the obligatory novelty, Ain't Nobody Who Can Do It Like Leslie Can. Most of the LP takes on a hard soul-inspired, dreamy-but-not-sleeping tone with plenty of echo chamber trappings. Make It With Me, is the highlight of the LP bringing a never before heard potential energy that has left these once unchristened ears of mine dumbstruck. The huge crescendos of this and Wanting You leave the listener divided against himself in choosing which side to replay next. I Hear A Voice is a simple and beautiful end to the trip, the revolution complete. Aside from the horrible sleeve, everything about this album rocks. The potential of the group was realized effortlessly by these five brilliant musicians. This group was hardly a gimmick at this point.


FLAC: 2,304kbps @ 48khz 24bit ORIGINAL MONO LP.
ALERT ME OF ANY DOWNLOADING ERRORS.

Paul Revere and the Raiders - Revolution! (Columbia 2721) PART 1
Paul Revere and the Raiders - Revolution! (Columbia 2721) PART 2
Paul Revere and the Raiders - Revolution! (Columbia 2721) PART 3
Paul Revere and the Raiders - Revolution! (Columbia 2721) PART 4

Martha and the Muffins **UPDATED AGAIN**

The worst band name in music history could have been an understandable nomination for this Toronto-based band if there ever were such an award. But this group of Ontario College of Art (and Design) students originating out of Newmarket, Ontario centered around the nucleus of Mark Gane and Martha Johnson were talented enough to not be defined by any of the many monikers they dreamed up and made an impression on the Canadian music scene that, sadly, has drifted far away in time. Formed in 1977 in the height of Toronto's own 'Queen Street West' punk scene, Mark, with fellow art student David Millar joined with singer and keyboardist Martha Johnson who brought in Carl Finkle, a friend of hers, on bass. Shortly after, Tim Gane, brother of Mark completed the original lineup to become their drummer. When their first single, 'Insect Love', recorded in 1978 and re-recorded in 1979, was released, saxophonist Andy Haas had already been recruited. Shortly after, with guitarist David quitting to become their sound engineer, auditions took place for the second 'Martha', Martha Ladly, a friend of Mark's, to join in on keyboards. This was the lineup that would taste their short and bitter but strong flavour of success with their hit single 'Echo Beach' in 1980.

TV appearances, interviews, extensive tours and the pressures of instant stardom followed, leaving a crippling effect on the band with the departures of Matha Ladly and Carl. After only two albums, 'Metro Music' and 'Trance and Dance', the remaining Martha Johnson, Mark, Andy and Tim were left to decide the Muffins' future.



1981 found the Muffins carrying on with a new found sense of enthusiasm and musical freedom expressed in their breakaway album 'This is the Ice Age'. Encouraged by their manager Gerry Young and their new bass player, Jocelyne Lanois, sister of their soon-to-be-legend-in-himself producer Daniel, it was a complete departure from the naivety of their previous offerings.

A few more additions and subtractions to the groups personnel, including that of Andy led to the release of 'Danceparc' in 1983 earning them concert dates for an international tour of Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. which included a large concert at the Ontario Place Forum. It was soon after this that the band splintered again leaving only Martha and Mark after a much overdue name change to the more simplified 'M+M'. With the band now slimmed down to the two, they were free to experiment further and recruit additional hands to weave the tapestry of 'Mystery Walk' that would spawn another big hit 'Black Stations-White Stations', a response to racially segregated radio practices still present at that time. A couple of artistic and inventive music videos accompanied this and 'Cooling the Medium', another hit track off the album.

As the interest in 'Mystery Walk' started to diminish they recorded 'The World is a Ball' a difficult to find release of more experimentation and freedom which would offer another strong afro-funk tinged gem, 'Song in my Head'.

Returning to their original public-favoured moniker, 1992's 'Modern Lullaby' and its single 'Rainbow Sign' would be their last submission to the pop music world only to go completely unnoticed by the record buying public. The music scene had changed. By this time Mark and Martha (who at this point were married) focused more on parenthood with the arrival of their daughter and focused on behind the scenes, soundtrack work. Martha, solo, would release an acclaimed, Juno award winning children's album in 1996, while the echoes of their past glory were reflected in their retrospective 'Then Again' release of 1998.

Since then, with the world becoming increasingly interconnected, they have regained a strong following which led to reissues of their past albums including a long-awaited re-release of 'Danseparc' and a new album in the works as of 2009. It is anticipated that after a career of over thirty years and a subsequent drought of new material in seventeen years that their unquenchable creativity ( in spite of their name) will garner enough recognition and new interest to see them touring once again rather than a nostalgic gimmick trip that many other talented acts of their day had reduced themselves to.


Martha and the Muffins
Singles:
Martha and the Muffins - Echo Beach b/w Teddy The Dink (Dindisc 1111)
Martha and the Muffins - Paint By Number Heart b/w Copacabana (Dindisc 1115)
M+M - Black Stations/White Stations b/w XOA OHO (Current 7)
M+M - Song In My Head b/w Riverine (Current 14)






LP's:
Martha and the Muffins - Trance and Dance (Dindisc 2207)
Part 1|Part 2|Part 3

Martha and the Muffins - This is the Ice Age (Dindisc 2228)
Part 1|Part 2|Part 3

M + M (o.k.a. Martha and the Muffins) - Mystery Walk (Current 3)
Part 1|Part 2|Part 3

*all files hosted via Rapidshare

AT LAST!!!

All broken links have now been updated. Some files are hosted vis DivShare and others via Rapidshare to maximize efficiency.

Johnny Clarke - True Believer In Love b/w King Tubby and the Aggrovators - The Hardest Version

For this first offering in a long time we enter the small but plentiful Jamaican vault once again for this tune by legendary reggae and dub artist Mr. Johnny Clarke.

Born in the slums of Kingston, Johnny was discovered at age 16 and scored a chance to meet and later record with another Jamaican legend, producer Clancy Eccles. Eccles, famous for his backing band, the Dynamites, otherwise known as the Crystalites of Derrick Harriot fame, and his work with one of Jamaica's oldest living DJ's, King Stitt, recorded Johnny's first single but the partnership failed due to poor sales and lack of promotion. He then worked with several other producers before finally settling with Bunny Lee in 1974. Since then he has enjoyed great success which spawned this forgotten single. Bunny Lee's backing band The Aggrovators (misspelled Aggravotors on the Clocktower pressing of this disc) was responsible for the B-side of this in conjunction with dub pioneer King Tubby. King Tubby was another member of Jamaican music royalty. An electronic wizard, the king first made his way onto the scene with his high quality sound system notorious for its use of echo and reverb effects. In the 1970's he began making his own brand of unique 'versions', instrumental tracks made from the backing tracks of A-side releases. He pioneered the manipulation of individual instruments using mixing consoles while using electronic effects, some of which he modified himself, in other channels of the mixer. This permitted him to use the board as a musical instrument thereby 'playing the sliders' in real time to create a version, or dub, that was as different to the original song as night and day.

Though his career waned in the 80's, he is still active today and if there was a reggae hall of fame (which there very well ought to be) he'd be an opening day inductee.

Here is a link to a very informative and extensive interview with the man himself. Hopefully our reader is fluent in patois.

Johnny Clarke - True Believer In Love (Clocktower 705)
Rapidshare

UPDATED LINKS

ALL UPDATED LINKS WILL BE INDICATED '*UPDATED*'.

2009 UPDATES: I'M BACK

Hi folks.
I apologize for my sparse contributions to this blog last year. In the vacuum of my patience, my fragile motivation to rip, convert, upload and babble on about records was dissolved like much of my trusty old record needle's tip.

So...

What's new for this year?

Well rather than cyberspit a bunch of Liberal government style promises of 2000 new uploads by 2010, I'll tell you want you can expect for sure...honest!


UPDATED LINKS:

To put this in perspective, of all the links on this blog only four remain hosted on Rapidshare.
I will host files both there and on DivShare (since now DivShare has some annoying restrictions to free users.)


NEW (OLD) RIPS:

I'll upload the remaining batch of rips I made up until the end of last year. Some Canadian music, reggae, and other 'rarities' in FLAC format.


24bit RIPS:
Once I upload a 24bit 48khz rip of Teenage Shutdown Vol. 12 in a few weeks all future rips will be in that quality. I makes a difference...I promise!

Thank you to all who visited and enjoy the site. We hope you enjoy our new direction; Crap odyssey!

The greatest Rock 'n' Roll band in the world...

...needs no introduction.


Greatest song in the world.

The Teardrop Explodes

A band like the Teardrop Explodes is difficult to describe. While it is true that they fall into the category of new wave or even post-punk (whatever that means) they, and by 'they' I mean Julian Cope, the founder and chief songwriter of the group, are true originals at their art. Hailing from manchester, England, The Teardrop Explodes, featuring Julian's unmistakable voice on top of very well composed and catchy musical backdrops, are legends and to a great deal many, highly influential. Their first LP is a masterpiece of upbeat, danceable pop tunes. A memorable listen from lead-in to lead-out. It spawned hit songs like 'Treason' and 'Reward'. The second LP, a 180 degree turn from the more 'poppy' first album, further showcases Julian's talent as a highly competent songwriter with its dreamy atmospheric grooves and undoubtedly personal and ethereal lyrics. 1990's 'Everybody Wants to Shag', an obscure compilation of theirs and what most would consider their 3rd LP, is comprised of tracks from their unfinished third LP plus unreleased songs recorded in 1980, some of which went on to become included as bonus tracks on their later remastered CD's. Here are all of their original LP's in all their vinyl glory! What's offered here are the Canadian pressings on the Vertigo and Fontana labels, in spite of their lack of commercial success here, or anywhere in North America for that matter. It is hoped that a few more will be turned on and hooked and addicted to their sound.



The Teardrop Explodes - Kilimanjaro, The Wilder and Everybody Wants To Shag.
Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.

EDIT: Links fixed

Welcome 2008!

With the new year upon us (and hopefully off to a pleasant start) I'll continue to upload more great vinyl of many diverse styles and eras. The older Rapidshare links will be updated with newer and more permanent DivShare links one at a time. I'm looking forward to sharing the music!

Lloyd Charmers - Ishan Cup b/w Version

Very few online resources exist for this obscure but legendary Jamaican artist. Much less available are any resources regarding this obscure pressing of a singe called 'Ishan Cup'. This is an original Jamaican pressing of this tune that is featured on the Trojan Ganja Reggae boxed-set. Here is a wiki page about Lloyd.

Lloyd Charmers - Ishan Cup (Splash Records No. #)

Animals 6-pack

Animals - I'm Crying b/w Take It Easy Baby (MGM 13274)
Animals - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood b/w Club A-Gogo (MGM 13311)
Animals - It's My Life b/w I'm Going To Change The World (Columbia 7741)
Animals - Don't Bring Me Down b/w Cheating (MGM 13514)
Eric Burdon & the Animals - When I Was Young b/w A Girl Named Sandoz (MGM 13721)
Eric Burdon and the Animals - San Franciscan Nights b/w Good Times (MGM 13769)



The Animals (who need no introduction) are here with twelve sides featuring both the "old" and "new" Animals. A mixture of U.S., Canadian and U.K. pressings of some of their greatest and most memorable hits featuring the renowned vocals of Eric Burdon who would later cast away the burden of the Animals with his new band "War" in the 70's. He is still very much active today.


Label scans for all twelve sides are included.

Animals 6-pack Part 1
Animals 6-pack part 2

Little Caesar and the Consuls - You Really Got A Hold On Me b/w It's So Easy

Toronto band Little Caesar and the Consuls, known for launching the career of Robbie Robertson, recorded this cover of the Smokey Robinson and the Miracles tune in 1965 on the Toronto-based Red Leaf label. The flip side is another cover of the Buddy Holly tune 'It's So Easy' (with an incredible guitar tone!). This single spent 10 weeks on the Canadian CHUM charts climbed to number 19 on November 29, 1965. Here is their official website with a detailed biography.

Little Caesar and the Consuls - You Really Got A Hold On Me (Red Leaf 613)

David Clayton Thomas and his Quintet - Walk That Walk b/w Hey Hey Hey

David Clayton-Thomas is featured here in the first of a two-disc, double shot of Canadian goodness on the fabled Red Leaf Records label. Born in Surrey, England but raised in Willowdale, Ontario (a neighbourhood within North York, Ontario) David Clayton-Thomas became a popular figure in the Toronto R&B scene on the Yonge Street strip. Recording and performing with his band the Shays and also backing another Canadian legend Ronnie Hawkins on occasion he quickly became a legend himself. 'Walk That Walk', released in 1965 and recorded in Toronto features flavours of the famous John Lee Hooker blues number 'Boom Boom', another prominent figure David used to perform with. The flip is an uptempo shuffle version of Little Richards 'Kansas City'. The following year David would release his highly controversial anti-war anthem 'Brainwashed'. This disc would be his first foray into the jazz-rock genre. Two years later he would join Blood, Sweat and Tears as their lead singer and become an international star.

Check out David's official website.
Here's a Discography of David's early recording career plus a small biography.

The Red Leaf label started in I believe 1965 and was very short lived. This label, based in Toronto, featured many local acts of the time and is regarded as highly collectible.

David Clayton Thomas and his Quintet - Walk That Walk (Red Leaf 65001)

Keith & Romay [Max Romeo] - This A Welding b/w Version

By special request, a rare tune featuring Max Romeo and produced by Lee Perry.
This rip is in mp3 format (VBR)

Keith & Romay [Max Romeo] - This A Welding (Dixiland 7510)

Spoons - Arias & Symphonies (Ready 027)

This is the Spoons second and biggest selling LP. Released in 1982 on Ready Records, Arias & Symphonies sees the band traveling in a more electronic and danceable direction. Smiling In Winter, Nova Heart and the title track were all hits in Canada and abroad. A promotional video was made from the Nova Heart single; Another new direction for the band.











Spoons - Arias & Symphonies (Ready 027) Part 1
Spoons - Arias & Symphonies (Ready 027) Part 2
Spoons - Arias & Symphonies (Ready 027) Part 3
Spoons - Arias & Symphonies (Ready 027) Part 4

Max Romeo

Of the aforementioned legends produced by-legend himself-Lee Perry, Max Romeo stands out as one of the most recognized who in 1969 released his huge hit 'Wet Dream'. Here we have other legendary and quite controversial recordings by Max.



Max Romeo - Maçabee b/w Version


Officially known as Macabee Version, this blank labeled copy was stamped 'Maçabee' (with the cedilla) on the a-side only along with the distributor, Willie's Records, stamped next to it. Highly controversial tune as you can tell by the lyrics:

Max Romeo - Macabee Version - (Romeo)

You gave I King James Version
King James was a white man
You built I dangerous weapon
To kill I own black man
You sold the land God gave I
And taught I to be covetous

What other wicked things
Have you got in mind?
Tell me, what are gonna do
To stop these daily crimes?

Bring back Macabee Version
That God gave to black man
Give back King James Version
Belongs to the white man

Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory
Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory, yeah!

You suffer I and you rob I
You starve I, then you kill I
But what are you gonna do
Now that your sword have turn against you?

Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory
Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory

Bring back Macabee Version
That God gave to black man
Give back King James Version
That belongs to the white man

Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory
Black man, get up, stand up
Find your foot
And give black God the glory



Max Romeo - Season In The Sun b/w Version




This is a cover of the 1974 Terry Jacks hit. Winnipeg-born Terry Jacks was a member
of the Poppy Family with former wife Susan Jacks who scored a number one hit
entitled 'Which Way You Goin' Billy'. In 1973 Terry began his solo career.

Somehow Max Romeo got a hold of the tune and recorded it. This is the American
pressing of 'Season In the Sun' (which looks very similar to the Lee Perry 45 in the
previous post) on the Hot Shot! label. Max Romeo is well known for his work with
Lee 'Scratch' Perry.


Note: Catalogue numbers are as follows:

Season In The Sun (Hot Shot! ML-4279-B)
Version (Instrumental) (Hot Shot! ML-4278-A)

According to deadwax data these Catalogue numbers are typographical errors.

Version (Instrumental): RANDYS' 4279 :B: R.R.S. D.I. "SEASON VER"
Season In The Sun: RANDYS' 4278 :A: R.R.S. D.I. "SEASONS IN THE SUN"

"RANDYS'" refers to the famous Randy's studio/record shop that also used to distribute these records.


Max Romeo & The Upsetters - War Ina Babylon

This is Max's 4th LP released on the Upsetter label. Written and recorded around the time on the 1976 federal elections in Jamaica this LP reflects the politically-charged violence and the growing polarity between rich and poor people at the time. This masterpiece is one of both Max Romeo and producer Lee Perry finest work.

War Inna Babylon   Max Romeo/Lee "Scratch" Perry

It sipple out deh!
War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
Let me tell, it sipple out deh
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh, oh yeah
War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
It sipple out deh, wha' you seh, it sipple out deh, oh yeah

De baba men nuh like de dreadlocks man
De dreadlocks man nuh like de baba man, no
De po-lice men nuh like de dreadlocks man
De dreadlocks man nuh like de po-lice man, no

So war inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
Let me tell, it sipple out deh
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh, oh yeah
War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
Let me tell, it sipple out deh
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh, oh yeah

When come pride then cometh shame
A man pride shall bring him low, yeah, oh yeah
Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit
And you know it's true, yeah , oh yeah

War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ?  we slide out deh, oh yeah
War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ? mek we slide out deh, oh yeah

True, true, true, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ? mek we slide out deh, oh yeah
true, true, true, it sipple out deh
let me tell, we slide out deh

Marcus garvey prophecise, say:
"One mus' live 10 miles away, yeah, in this time"
I-man satta at the mountain top
Watching Babylon burning red hot, red hot

War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ?  we slide out deh, oh yeah
War inna babylon, tribal war inna Babylon
A wha' you seh, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ? mek we slide out deh, oh yeah

True, true, true, it sipple out deh
So wha' fe do ? mek we slide out deh, oh yeah
true, true, true, it sipple out deh
let me tell, we slide out deh
______________________________________________________________________________
Note: "it sipple out deh" means "it's slippery (dangerous) out there"
The title refers to the violence at the Jamaican election in 1976

All titles in FLAC format.

Max Romeo - Maçabee (no label)
Max Romeo - Season In The Sun (Hot Shot! 4279-8)
Max Romeo - War Ina Babylon (Upsetter) Part 1
Max Romeo - War Ina Babylon (Upsetter) Part 2

Resources:

Wikipedia
Reggae Vibes

Lee Perry - Dub The Music b/w Finger Mash

Lee 'Scratch' Perry, the famous Jamaican record producer who recorded the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Max Romeo, U-Roy and countless others released this difficult-to-find single in 1974. Lee Perry is mostly known for his eccentric and zany demeanor when interviewed. In his more than 40 years in the recording business he has released hundreds of singles and LP's and produced many Jamaican as well as British artists. His creative genius in the studio has made his records unique amongst other dub/reggae recordings using homemade as well as electronic effects.
There are many online resources about Lee including his official myspace page (an unofficial, unendorsed Lee Perry myspace page has been removed recenty) and his official website still under construction.

A note about the record: This 45 has two different catalogue numbers. A-side: ML-4421; B-side: ML-4422. Many of Lee's discs have the same system. The deadwax matrices contain the same numbers.


Lee Perry - Dub The Music (Big Hit 4421-2)

Various Artists: Swinging London - The First Impression/The Good Earth (Saga 2117)

For those who thought Austin Powers was just a movie, this strange compilation LP proves otherwise. The First Impression and The Good Earth, two virtually unknown U.K. bands, are featured here on this disc with quite possibly the worst album cover in history. Fortunately there is a different pressing of the disc with an alternate cover featuring a solo, mod lookin girl. However, there is yet another version of the disc with tracks by another unknown U.K. artist, Russ Sainty, with the very same cover as this one. There are a couple of decent tunes on this album but the best tracks in my opinion are those by the Good Earth who turned out some real gritty, hard-edged (and very distorted) 'freakbeat' with a couple R&B numbers thrown in. The First Impression sound more like bastardized Pink Floyd copycats but they do have some great tracks here. A fairly decent LP with a cover that would make you thankful you missed out on the 'Swingin London Scene'.

FLAC format as usual.

Various Artists: Swinging London - The First Impression/The Good Earth (Saga 2117) Part 1
Various Artists: Swinging London - The First Impression/The Good Earth (Saga 2117) Part 2
Various Artists: Swinging London - The First Impression/The Good Earth (Saga 2117) Part 3

Maytones - Funny Man b/w G.G. All Stars - Champion (split single)

An unusual trait among vintage reggae 45's are the presence of blank labels. Here we have a blank labeled split single featuring the Maytones on the A-side and an instrumental performed by their backing band, the G.G. All Stars on the flip. The Maytones formed in 1965 and recorded frequently for Alvin 'G.G.' Ranglin's 'G.G.' label. Here is an excellent online resource about the Maytones complete with an interview with their members. Blank label scans are included!

Maytones - Funny Man (no label)

Les Tallmud - Prends Ma Guitare b/w A L'ecole

Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Les Tallmud released this very rare single on the Trans-Canada subsidiary label, Carousel in 1968. The A-side 'Prends Ma Guitare', an acoustic guitar driven folk tune, was performed live on Quebec television by the band. The B-side is an up tempo tune in contrast from the A-side. Very few resources exist about the band, though their 1967 single 'Avoir Raison' was comped. Here is one small page dedicated to their discography.

FLAC format, scans included.

NOTE: I am no longer going to upload files via Rapidshare. Their service is too much of a hassle to download (as well as upload) so files will now be hosted via divShare, or any other good file hosting service.

Les Tallmud - Prends Ma Guitare (Carousel 51)

Special thanks to L.G.

Bachs - Live at Skokie Valley Jr. High 1967 *UPDATED*

In an earlier post about the Bachs, I mentioned a live recording of the band that existed but was largely unheard of by many fans of the group. Well this recording has been brought out from the vaults and distributed among a few fans. It's mostly covers of popular tunes but they threw in some great originals as well. This recording complete with cursing from the young group is, in my opinion, one of the best sounding live recording from that era.

This one's in FLAC format as usual and is a four-part download.

The Bachs live on!

*UPDATED*

Bachs - Live - Skokie Valley Jr. High 1967 [flac] Part 1
Bachs - Live - Skokie Valley Jr. High 1967 [flac] Part 2
Bachs - Live - Skokie Valley Jr. High 1967 [flac] Part 3
Bachs - Live - Skokie Valley Jr. High 1967 [flac] Part 4

Bachs live recording courtesy of 60sgaragebands.com

Blue Cheer 40th Anniversary: Blue Cheer - Summertime Blues b/w Out Of Focus *UPDATED*

Blue Cheer, the famed San Francisco trio who are considered the predecessors to modern heavy metal and stoner rock, celebrated their 40th year last night tearin' up the corner of Bathurst and College at Toronto's well-known, indie rock venue Sneaky Dee's. For a meager ten dollars that night you had the opportunity to be face to face, soul to soul and ear to amplifier with one of rock and roll's most revered but often forgotten legends. For a decrepit ten dollar bank note you could see for yourself and confirm for yourself once and for all that, yes indeed, sixty-plus year old men of a band named after a popular brand of L.S.D. in their day could rock harder than many of their 'able-bodied' imitators of today. Yes, for that washed-out, pallid ten dollar bill (that you would've probably wasted anyway) you could witness Andrew MacDonald teach his Fender Stratocaster how to play guitar. You could stand in awe as Paul Whaley shows you how to destroy a perfectly innocent drum kit. You could watch Dickie Peterson defy all laws of space, time and age by transforming into a living, breathing, rocking holographic image of himself 40 years ago. For ten (and only ten) dollars, it became 1967 all over again.

"Thank you for bringing back what the younger generation missed out on!"




*UPDATED*

Blue Cheer - Summertime Blues (Philips 40516)

Crestones - She's A Bad Motorcycle b/w The Grass Hopper Dance *UPDATED*

Not much to say about this Chicago (I believe) based group who, in 1964, cut this great tune complete with actual motorcycle sound effects (they only had the motorcycle revving in the studio so you don't get the actual Doppler shifting sounds) and a strict, fast-driving beat. The flip side is a great guitar instrumental called 'The Grass Hopper Dance'. This disc is more commmonly seen on Markie Records (Markie 117) but the Regency Records disc is the rare Canadian pressing. Here is a link to a great database that has actual chart information (and chart scans) for this local hit.

*UPDATED*
Crestones - She's A Bad Motorcycle (Regency 954)

Great Scots - The Light Hurts My Eyes b/w You Know What You Can Do *UPDATED*

From Halifax, the Great Scots are featured here with a thing called 'The Light Hurts My Eyes' recorded in 1965. The flip is a great slower tune called, 'You Know What You Can Do'. There aren't too many resources on the Great Scots but here are a few more links to some information of everyone's favourite Canadian, kilt-wearing rockers.

Link 1
Link 2

FLAC format as usual.

*UPDATED*

Great Scots - The Light Hurts My Eyes (Triumph 67) Promo Copy

To report broken links, simply message me or leave a comment.

Shangri-Las - I Can Never Go Home Any More b/w Bull Dog *UPDATED*

The Shangri-Las. The girl group that took lover's lament to suicidal levels in the early sixties are featured here with a Canadian pressing of one of their more depressing numbers, 'I Can Never Go Home Any More' on Red Bird Records. The flip side, surprisingly, is an uptempo thing called 'Bull Dog'. According to their official discography there are two different releases of 'I Can Never Go Home Anymore'. One with a b-side called 'Sophisticated Boom Boom' and the other with 'Bull Dog' on the flip. The latter is the second pressing. The Shangri-Las are of course widely remembered for their hit tune, 'The Leader Of The Pack' which hit number 1 in the U.S.A. and entered the charts on three separate occasions in the United Kingdom.

*UPDATED*
Shangri-Las - I Can Never Go Home Any More (Red Bird 3380)

Big Youth - Ace Ninety Skank b/w Keith Hudson - True True To My Heart (split single) *UPDATED*

More reggae/dub for ya! This 1972 split single on Mafia records, produced by prominent reggae producer Keith Hudson, contains the popular song 'Ace Ninety Skank' (often labelled as 'S.90 Skank'), an homage to the popular motorcycle at the time, by legendary dub forefather Big Youth. The dub style of music, reflected in this recording, is considered to be one of the precursors to modern day rap music. Many records recorded in Jamaica during this time contained an instrumental side (usually on the b-side) for dub singers to sing or 'toast' over. Popular dub singers include (but are in no way limited to) Keith Hudson, U-Roy, I-Roy, and Big Youth featured here. The flip side of this disc is a slower tune sung by Keith Hudson himself. Both sides were composed and produced by Hudson. The Mafia label (along with Rebine Records) was owned by Keith Hudson.

FLAC format as usual but a little scratched. I forgot to mention that all the FLACs are compressed with the default level 6 compression. Scans are included in the package.

*UPDATED*

Big Youth-Ace Ninety Skank - Keith Hudson-True True To My Heart (Mafia Records)

Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) *UPDATED*

The Zombies were a British pop group of the 1960s. Following The Beatles in 1964 as part of "The British Invasion" of the USA, they were the second UK group to score an American #1 hit. The Zombies were uniquely different, with a subtler style, often jazzier and more inventive chord structures, the prominent keyboards of Rod Argent, and the distinctive voice of Colin Blunstone. She's Not There and Tell Her No were quick hits, but despite continually stunning musical output that has influenced other artists ever since, another hit record was more than four years away, after they'd broken up! See the Biography page for their amazing story. Only in recent years has the richness of The Zombies' entire catalog been discovered by a whole new generation of fans.






This is a 2-disc set which contains their hit songs as well as tracks from their first LP. It also contains tracks from their second and last LP 'Odessey and Oracle'. All tracks are stereo with the exception of all tracks on Side 1 and track 8 on Side 2 which were processed in the typical fashion.



*UPDATED*


Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) Part 1
Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) Part 2
Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) Part 3
Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) Part 4
Zombies - Time Of The Zombies (Epic 32861) Part 5





Special thanks to B.W.

Wayne Fontana - The Words Of Bartholomew b/w Mind Excursion *UPDATED*

Best known for his stint with the pop group the Mindbenders, Wayne Fontana, who had a number of solo singles and an LP, released this disc in 1968 on the Fontana label.

Wayne has been in the news a bit lately although it is not good news. He is accused of setting a bailiff's car ablaze and is currently awaiting trial. If convicted he could spend up to 14 years in prison.

The single is in .FLAC format as usual using my usual method for mono processing. Scans included.

*UPDATED*
Wayne Fontana - The Words of Bartholomew (Fontana 933)

Derrick Morgan - Moon Hop b/w Reggaeites - Harris Wheel (split single) *UPDATED*

In this -22 degree Celsius temperature we now head over to Jamaica for this split single released in 1969. Derrick Morgan, most famous for his 'Tougher than Tough', is featured here doing a thing called 'Moon Hop' on the Crab label in 1969 with a number called 'Harris Wheel' by a group known as the Reggaeites on the flip. This record may or may not have been recorded in Jamaica. The reason why I say this is because this Crab disc appears to be an English record complete with the piece over the centre hole (which had been removed), or it simply may be an English pressing.

Most people have heard the famous story behind Derrick Morgan's 'Tougher than Tough' about how he was threatened by a local 'rude boy' to record the single. A 'Rude Boy' or 'Rudie' was a nickname given to Jamaican gangsters in the 1960's who used to terrorize dancehalls. Ironically, the fellow who threatened Derrick was killed soon after the record's release.

Unfortunately, I do not have any information regarding the Reggaeites.

This split single, and for the most part this genre of music, is often labelled as 'Skinhead Reggae'. I personally find this very irritating as it was not Skinhead who recorded it. Why name a genre of music based upon it's listening audience? It will always be Jamaican music.

As usual the rip is in .FLAC format, mono and though it is a bit scratched up it is still very much listenable. The left channel was removed and the right channel inserted into the left channel for optimum monophonic sound quality and consequently half of the clicks and pops were lost.

*UPDATED*
Derrick Morgan-Moon Hop - Reggaeites-Harris Wheel (Crab 32)

Bachs - Out Of The Bachs (Roto no #) *UPDATED*

No, not the horrible sounding re-issue on Gear Fab records, but the original LP. This privately pressed LP, limited to a few hundred copies, was ripped a while back, distributed among a few fans and disappeared only to be resurrected and brought to the forefront once again. This rip is the way the LP was meant to be heard. Although the Gear Fab re-issue doesn't sound absolutely unlistenable, the real thing is a lot more crisp and clear sounding, which was surprising to me as I thought the bad sound was the way it sounded on tape according to this interview in which the band members explained the original sound quality of the recording.

This phenomenal album with its sophisticated lyrics and well arranged music is legendary amongst 60's garage fans. I first heard of it via the Beyond The Beat Generation streaming radio station. The first track I ever heard was 'You're Mine', which is a great tune but there are definitely more impressive tunes on the disc. 'My Independence Day' is definitely the highlight of the album in my opinion. The only thing that makes the re-issue a worthwhile purchase is its inclusion of an unreleased live track of a number called 'That's The Way It Goes'. The sound of that live recording is surprisingly good and is, as I understand it, one of many more live recordings of the band that exist but have yet to be released.

I must advise downloaders that this rip is in .WAV format and should NOT be compressed to any other format other than .WAV or .FLAC. By compressing the files to any 'lossy' format a significant loss of sound quality will ensue.

Special thanks to: Patrick the Lama and M. Alario.

*UPDATED*

Bachs - Out Of The Bachs (Roto no #) Part 1
Bachs - Out Of The Bachs (Roto no #) Part 2
Bachs - Out Of The Bachs (Roto no #) Part 3

Spoons - Stick Figure Neighbourhood (Ready 012) *UPDATED*

Not Toronto this time but about 45 minutes west to Burlington, Ontario where the legendary new-wave combo The Spoons originate. This is their first LP on Ready records which was a small independent label in the early 80's. The last time I heard that the Spoons were still around was about six years ago when they performed live on the 2001 Hospital for Sick Kids Telethon. That same year they were featured alongside 80's legends the Go Go's at a free concert in the beaches area of Toronto. It seemed that a lot of 80's bands reformed that year. I know that Rough Trade, another legendary Toronto act, reformed in 2001 as well as other American acts that I will not get into now for the sake of keeping this post all-Canadian.

Since there is already a decent amount of resources relating to the Spoons I will just provide links to various sites.

First we have their official website which is a very thorough site complete with lyrics and downloadable videos.

Their entry in the Canadian Music Encyclopedia can be found here.

The Spoon's Myspace.

Gordon Deppe's Myspace can be found here.

Bass player Sandy Horne's most recent project, Crooked Trail, has a Myspace located here.

And finally, we have the official Ready Records website.

*UPDATED*

Spoons - Stick Figure Neighbourhood (Ready 012) Part 1
Spoons - Stick Figure Neighbourhood (Ready 012) Part 2
Spoons - Stick Figure Neighbourhood (Ready 012) Part 3


This 3 part .rar archive contains the complete Stick figure Neighbourhood LP in .FLAC format. Due to a warp on the vinyl that caused persistent skipping, I had to increase the counterweight about 6-8 grams above 0. This affected the sound quality a little bit but the rip still sounds great.

Status Quo - Ice In The Sun b/w When My Mind Is Not Live *UPDATED*

This single was released exactly 15 years before I was born!


Here's some info from a very detailed Status Quo discography site:

7N.17581 ICE IN THE SUN (Wilde-Scott) 2:10
When My Mind Is Not Live (Parfitt-Rossi) 2:48
BLUE PYE
Produced by John Schroeder
Release Date: 26th. July 1968

"Ice In The Sun" became the band's second hit single when it entered the chart on the 21st. August 1968. The single reached the number eight position and spent twelve weeks in the chart. Yellow Pye promotion copies were pressed. Now deleted.

The site, however, doesn't seem to mention the discs released on the Cadet Concept label which were the discs released in the U.S.A.

There is a cover of the flip, 'When My Mind Is Not Live' by a Peruvian band called Los Yorks who labeled the song as: 'Mi Mente En Ti'. It is a really excellent version of the song. I like how they kept the beat consistent throughout the tune unlike the Status Quo version which changes during the song.

Status Quo - Ice In The Sun (Cadet Concept 7006) *UPDATED*
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Los Yorks - Mi Mente En Ti (When My Mind Is Not Live) (Virrey 3334) MP3 FORMAT

Special thanks to B.W.

Groupoem - What You See Here, Hear Here, Say Here, Stays Here When You Leave Here *UPDATED*

While we're on the subject of Toronto music, namely obscure Toronto music, the 80's punk band Groupoem comes to mind and their 1987 release, the EP 'What You See Here, Hear Here, Say Here, Stays Here When You Leave Here'. Sadly, I do not have the artwork for this EP. I have never seen it myself and can't imagine what it must look like in relation to their music. However, you can read a little info about the band here.

This EP is NOT in .FLAC format, it is in mp3 format.

Groupoem - What You See Here, Hear Here, Say Here, Stays Here When You Leave Here *UPDATED*
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Big Town Boys - The Big Town Boys (Capitol 6168) *UPDATED*

As I mentioned earlier, the Big Town Boys, in 1966 released their first (and last) self-titled LP. Merely a compilation of their past hits interspersed with newer cuts, this album spans a broad range of styles from Beach Boys influenced pop to Soul and Rhythm and Blues. Though the liner notes are the farthest thing from extensive (to say the least) it does mention the versatility of the band which is warranted in their music:

THE BIG TOWN BOYS
Meet The Big Town Boys in this their first LP.
There has never been such a versatile group of
young men in Canada. As well as performing,
the group are all talented singers and song-
writers. Tommy Graham, the lead singer is a
songwriter of note and has arranged for the
recording sessions of many artists and has
written many commercial jingles for radio.

In this album each of The Boys take a turn
at the mike. Josh sings "My Friends Ain't My
Friends". Jimmy sings "Little Honda". Tommy
and Brian are featured on "Put You Down" and
"It Was I". The tall quiet one, John, is featured
on many cuts singing in the background.

This obscure LP on the Capitol 6000 series label can be fetched for a minimum of 100 dollars depending on the condition. It is personally one of my favourite albums full of great memorable songs using many different styles.




I have neglected to provide actual label scans due to the small size of my scanner. The front and back covers as well as the inside covers of the gatefold where also neglected for the same reasons. I did, however, manage to scan part of the front and back covers.

As usual this rip is in .FLAC format.

Tracks:

1. Big Town Boys - It Was I (2:24)
2. Big Town Boys - Hey Girl Go It Alone (2:20)
3. Big Town Boys - Big Town (2:25)
4. Big Town Boys - I Love Her So (2:12)
5. Big Town Boys - Eternally (2:15)
6. Big Town Boys - My Friends Ain't My Friends (2:16)
7. Big Town Boys - Put You Down (2:40)
8. Big Town Boys - My Babe (2:48)
9. Big Town Boys - The One For Me (2:05)
10. Big Town Boys - Forget About You (2:12)
11. Big Town Boys - Little Honda (2:21)
12. Big Town Boys - I Wonder (2:11)

Big Town Boys - The Big Town Boys (Capitol 6168) *UPDATED*
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