Looks like I have two copies of the same pressing; the previous post of the same is here.
(But this copy has much better labels.)
Monday, February 17, 2014
Record #0540: Too Much / Playing For Keeps – ELVIS PRESLEY
Looks like I have two copies of the same pressing; the previous post of the same is here.
(But this copy has much better labels.)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Record #0539: Runaround Sue / Runaway Girl – DION
Words & Music by: Side A – Ernie Maresca, Dion DiMucci; Side B – Eliot Greenberg, Robert Schwartz, Barbara Baer
Musicians: Dion DiMucci (lead vocals), The Del-Satins (backing vocals), and an orchestra conducted by Glen Stuart
Recording sessions: New York, NY, 1961
Highest chart positions: US #1, US R&B #4, UK #11
This was Dion's first record where he had replaced his backing from The Belmonts to The Del-Satins. Apparently it was a pretty good move as the record brought him his first US #1 and his first cross-over hit.
In the UK, Doug Sheldon did a cover of "Runaround Sue" and got it to UK #36 in November 1961. Leif Garrett got his cover version to US #13 in November 1977.
List price: Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25. Stereo pressing is $50 for a Near Mint.
Record #0538: Pretty Little Angel Eyes / Gee How I Wish You Were Here – CURTIS LEE
Words & Music by: Side A – Curtis Lee, Tommy Boyce; Side B – Boyce
Musicians: Curtis Lee (lead vocals), The Halos (backing vocals), Daryl Hall (guitar?), others unknown
Recording sessions: Produced by Phil Spector in New York, NY, 1961
Highest chart positions: US #7, UK #47
This was Curtis Lee's biggest hit in his fairly short strike of success. He was in the business for about ten years, but he got charting singles out only in 1961-62.
Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates) played on this record, but I wasn't able to verify what instrument he played.
This was the second US Top 10 song for Tommy Boyce. He soon started writing songs with Bobby Hart and they hit the jackpot when they wrote "Last Train To Clarksville" (US #1, UK #23) for The Monkees and many hits followed.
Showaddywaddy covered "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" in 1978 and got it to UK #5
List price: Very Good+ is $12.50, Near Mint is $25
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Record #0537: Ram-Bunk-Shush / Lonely Heart – THE VENTURES
Music by: Side A – Lucky Millinder, Henry Glover, Jim Mundy; Side B – Bob Bogle, Don Wilson
Musicians: Nokie Edwards (lead guitar on side A, bass on side B), Bob Bogle (bass on side A, lead guitar on side B), Don Wilson (rhythm guitar), Howie Johnson (drums), unknown vocals on side B
Recording sessions: Hollywood, CA, 1960
Highest chart positions: US #29, UK #45
This was the first single that The Ventures recorded in Hollywood. The first two (Dolton) singles were recorded in Seattle, WA.
The recording was done around the time when Nokie and Bob were starting to switch places, leading to the line-up where Nokie played the lead.
List price: Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20
Record #0536: Needles & Pins / Saturday Night Out – THE SEARCHERS
Words & Music by: Side A – Jack Nitzsche, Sonny Bono; Side B – Robert Richards, Mark Anthony (Tony Hatch)
Musicians: Tony Jackson (lead vocals and bass), Michael Pender (vocals and lead guitar), John McNally (vocals and rhythm guitar), Chris Curtis (vocals and drums)
Recording sessions: UK, 1963
Highest chart positions: US #13, UK #1
This was The Searchers' second #1 hit in the UK and their first Top 40 entry in the States. Also, this was the first big hit for songwriter Sonny Bono, who later found more fame in Sonny & Cher.
The title song was originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon in early 1963.
The flip was covered by a Finnish rock bassist, Cisse Häkkinen, on his debut solo album "Teendreams" in 1976.
List price: Very Good+ is $5, Near Mint is $10. Another variant (with same label & number) has "Ain't That Just Like Me" on the flip side. That one is $12 for a Near Mint.
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