Three sixties tracks that I like by the Moody Blues, that are not exactly rare, but not exactly well known either, and on balance I would say they are not unsuitable for the thread.
The Moody Blues - Boulevard De La Madeleine (1966)
From the period when the Moodies were only just beginning their transition from an R'n'B covers band to purveyors of somewhat more adventurous music.
Sounds Incorporated were one of the very few British instrumental groups of the sixties who didn't try to imitate the Shadows. Instead they had their own very unique sound.
Here are four fine tracks from this excellent band.
'There's not one in a hundred, yet they exist, the anarchists' - brought up in Monaco Leo rebelled against his bourgeois roots and at the time was in the shadow of the more well known Brel and Brassens.
Buster Brown - Fannie Mae (1960)
I thought I knew all the Rhythm 'n' Blues classics of the late forties, fifties and early sixties, but this classic is a very recent discovery, indicating that there may still be lot more Rhythm 'n' Blues classics out there just waiting to be discovered.
Bill Black's Combo - Smokie Part 2 (1960)
Bill Black had been the bassist in Elvis Presley's backing band in the mid-fifties. By the turn of the decade he'd put together his own combo and they recorded a string of cool, rocking instrumentals, of which this one is arguably the best.
The thread has now been going for more than eighteen months, so I've been very surprised to discover that these two late sixties American rock classics (both of which failed to chart in the UK) have not previously been submitted.
The thread has now been going for more than eighteen months, so I've been very surprised to discover that these two late sixties American rock classics (both of which failed to chart in the UK) have not previously been submitted.
Had the privilege of seeing the reformed Poets , do an intimate hometwon gig in Glasgow earlier this month . Got to chat with the guys and they were amazed that anyone could remember them , but want to do a full tour soon . They will be playing a gig with the Pretty Things in London some time in 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X4FE4bIbHk&feature=related
Each of these tracks has a bit of a Beatles connection.
The Shirelles - Boys (1960)
The B-side of their classic single, Will You Love Me Tomorrow. The Beatles covered Boys (and another Shirelles song, Baby It's You) on their debut album, Please Please Me.
Bobby Parker - Watch Your Step (1961)
Early sixties Rhythm 'n' Blues at its very best. John Lennon claimed he based the famous riff from I Feel Fine on the riff from this track. Can you see the similarity?
Richard Barrett - Some Other Guy (1962)
Original version of a song famously performed by the Beatles on the only known existing film with synchronized sound showing them performing live at the Cavern Club.
Happy New Year to all regular contributors to and viewers of the Rare 60's Classics thread, the Rare 70's Classics thread and the 1960's Appreciation thread.
Three lesser known sixties tracks by Stevie Wonder.
Hey Harmonica Man (1964)
The iconic mid-sixties pop music show Ready Steady Go was introduced by quite a few great songs during its three years on television, most famously Wipeout by the Surfaris and 5-4-3-2-1 by Manfred Mann. I believe that this excellent Stevie Wonder track may have also have been used in this capacity for a handful of shows during 1964.
Until You Come Back To Me (1967)
I much prefer the seventies hit version by Aretha Franklin, but Stevie's original is definitely worth a listen.
Alfie (1968)
Fine harmonica version of the famous Burt Bacharach song.
Alfie (1968)
Fine harmonica version of the famous Burt Bacharach song.
Few people can write a better tune than Burt Bacharach and few people can play the harmonica better than Stevie Wonder. A winning combination. Great track.
agreed about bacharach... and wonder... still not got my system up, it might be some time yet (alterations) , will have to catch up audio sometime in the future! thanks for posting guys
I had to post this. The fantastic Young Rascals doing 'I've Been Lonely Too Long' and a bit of 'Come On Up' live on the Ed Sullivan Show. Great stuff!:) There's an episode of The Sopranos where a young Tony is watching this (the Rascals were Italian Americans). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzAoeMcjLvA
The Young Rascals - How Can I Be Sure? (1967)
I like everything by the Young Rascals, but if I have to name my favourite track by them then it has to be “How Can I Be Sure?”. I also distinctly remember the OP waxing lyrical about it too. However, despite our shared enthusiasm for this great track, neither of us have submitted it to the thread ... until now.
The Young Rascals - Groovin' (Italian Version) (1967)
The song may not be remotely rare, but this version is very rare indeed. The Young Rascals were Italian-Americans, so here they are with an Italian language version of what was their only big hit in the UK.
The Rascals - A Beautiful Morning (1968)
The band dropped the Young from their name in 1968, and this was the first single they released under their shortened moniker.
Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPU_xrvDN0k&feature=related
The Moody Blues - Boulevard De La Madeleine (1966)
From the period when the Moodies were only just beginning their transition from an R'n'B covers band to purveyors of somewhat more adventurous music.
The Moody Blues - Tuesday Afternoon (1967)
This imho would have been the standout track on Days Of Future Past had that album not also included Nights In White Satin.
The Moody Blues - Gypsy (Of a Strange and Distant Time) (1969)
Excellent track taken from the album To Our Children's Children's Children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8rumyup0Os
Here are four fine tracks from this excellent band.
Sounds Incorporated - Taboo (1962)
Sounds Incorporated - Detroit (1964)
Sounds Incorporated - The Spartans (1964)
Sounds Incorporated - Sounds Like Locomotion (1966)
I Don't Want To Go On Without You - The Drifters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wchf-j0HPk&feature=related
Overlooked in favour of Seeger, Dylan etc this is probably Phil's most well known song; it failed to chart when released in the UK in 1966.
Phil Ochs - I Ain't Marching Anymore
'There's not one in a hundred, yet they exist, the anarchists' - brought up in Monaco Leo rebelled against his bourgeois roots and at the time was in the shadow of the more well known Brel and Brassens.
Leo Ferre - Les Anarchistes
One of many Vietnam protest songs to be released towards the end of the decade this is a little known Donovan song.
Donovan - To Susan on the West Coast Waiting
Buster Brown - Fannie Mae (1960)
I thought I knew all the Rhythm 'n' Blues classics of the late forties, fifties and early sixties, but this classic is a very recent discovery, indicating that there may still be lot more Rhythm 'n' Blues classics out there just waiting to be discovered.
Bill Black's Combo - Smokie Part 2 (1960)
Bill Black had been the bassist in Elvis Presley's backing band in the mid-fifties. By the turn of the decade he'd put together his own combo and they recorded a string of cool, rocking instrumentals, of which this one is arguably the best.
Etta James - Sunday Kind Of Love (1961)
Did this lady ever make a bad record? No, I don't think she did.
Holiday In Waikiki - The Kinks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDqfywQua5E&feature=related
Iron Butterfly - In A Gadda Da Vida (1968)
Quicksilver Messenger Service - Who Do You Love (Part 1) (1969)
The Shirelles - Sha - La- La
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsEHrhiwY8A&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg8JMmDRl9s
A track from one of the top girl groups from the 60's The Crystals .
The Crystals - There's No Other Like My Baby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZnjN_bjbwY&feature=related
And a merry Christmas to you, Rob, and to everyone else.
The Flirtations - Christmas Time Is Here Again
Another great tune from Quicksilver Messenger Service. This one really seems to encapsulate the whole early Frisco vibe:
.Quicksilver Messenger Service - Dino's Song
Happy Christmas 60s buffs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X4FE4bIbHk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOxoMFNs-ys&feature=related
The Shirelles - Boys (1960)
The B-side of their classic single, Will You Love Me Tomorrow. The Beatles covered Boys (and another Shirelles song, Baby It's You) on their debut album, Please Please Me.
Bobby Parker - Watch Your Step (1961)
Early sixties Rhythm 'n' Blues at its very best. John Lennon claimed he based the famous riff from I Feel Fine on the riff from this track. Can you see the similarity?
Richard Barrett - Some Other Guy (1962)
Original version of a song famously performed by the Beatles on the only known existing film with synchronized sound showing them performing live at the Cavern Club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrZluYnMJUY&feature=fvwrel
Three lesser known sixties tracks by Stevie Wonder.
Hey Harmonica Man (1964)
The iconic mid-sixties pop music show Ready Steady Go was introduced by quite a few great songs during its three years on television, most famously Wipeout by the Surfaris and 5-4-3-2-1 by Manfred Mann. I believe that this excellent Stevie Wonder track may have also have been used in this capacity for a handful of shows during 1964.
Until You Come Back To Me (1967)
I much prefer the seventies hit version by Aretha Franklin, but Stevie's original is definitely worth a listen.
Alfie (1968)
Fine harmonica version of the famous Burt Bacharach song.
You're right, it is hard to believe it's the same song. Great track.
Few people can write a better tune than Burt Bacharach and few people can play the harmonica better than Stevie Wonder. A winning combination. Great track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBAgxijOktg&feature=related
Some more tracks by the magnificent Young Rascals.
The Young Rascals - Good Lovin' (1966)
The band's first American Number One single. Great track.
The Young Rascals - Groovin' (Italian Version) (1967)
The song may not be remotely rare, but this version is very rare indeed. The Young Rascals were Italian-Americans, so here they are with an Italian language version of what was their only big hit in the UK.
The Young Rascals - It's Wonderful (1967)
The title says it all. It's wonderful.
The Rascals - A Beautiful Morning (1968)
The band dropped the Young from their name in 1968, and this was the first single they released under their shortened moniker.
The New Wave - Not From You (1967)
Gorgeous song.
The Sunshine Company - I Need You (1967)
Beautiful cover of a Beatles song that I prefer to the original version.
The Association - Like Always (1968)
Superior album track from imho one of the best American bands of the era.