Rock 'n' Roll 103 Items

You may recognise this fine fellow as the bass player for such acts as Spoon, Lee Fields' Expressions, Reigning Sound and The Jay Vons. Or perhaps you've heard the man himself wailing away on several well-received 45's released on Wick Records and compiled on the digital EP 'Hey Lovers'.

With 'Do You Still Think of Me?', his debut album for Wick Records, Trokan takes the listener through the full spectrum of 60s influenced music: the moody teen-beat bop of 'Save a Place', the garage dwelling angst of 'Nowhere to Be Found', to the sweet soul sound of the title track. But throughout the records, it's the unique sound of Benny's raspy, vulnerable lead vocal that carries us across this truly stunning collection of modern pop. 'Do You Still Think of Me?' is a breath of fresh air from a well-seasoned veteran. Unquestionably worth the wait.

You may recognise this fine fellow as the bass player for such acts as Spoon, Lee Fields' Expressions, Reigning Sound and The Jay Vons. Or perhaps you've heard the man himself wailing away on several well-received 45's released on Wick Records and compiled on the digital EP 'Hey Lovers'.

With 'Do You Still Think of Me?', his debut album for Wick Records, Trokan takes the listener through the full spectrum of 60s influenced music: the moody teen-beat bop of 'Save a Place', the garage dwelling angst of 'Nowhere to Be Found', to the sweet soul sound of the title track. But throughout the records, it's the unique sound of Benny's raspy, vulnerable lead vocal that carries us across this truly stunning collection of modern pop. 'Do You Still Think of Me?' is a breath of fresh air from a well-seasoned veteran. Unquestionably worth the wait.

No one knows summer like Santa Monica's Zach Yudin. "Can you hear it comin'?" he asks, at the start of "Cayucos", the opening salvo by his band Cayucas. With a nod to 60's beach blanket pop gems and bonfire folk songs, Cayucas hits the waves runnin', causing involuntary head bobs, finger snaps, toe-taps and the ability to shake your booty like it's strapped to a brand new set of maracas. Producer/multi-instrumentalist Richard Swift deftly captures Yudin's inimitable voice as it echoes through the barrel of the perfect wave. It's a song for the ages for sure. The B-side "Swimsuit" continues to carry the torch, with its cocktail-lounge organ flourishes painting a picture of young, carefree days spent pining for your summer love. Enjoy just a hint of the party that's still to come, and let Cayucas take you to your inner sanctum where there's always sunshine, and a Pina Colada is always a good idea. Full length to be released early 2013.

Discodelic and Groovie Records present two incredible singles / amazing finds of musical archeology. Four recordings made in Panama in the 70s and lost in time, we finally managed to license these Latin Psych Funk gems through Tamayo Records in a deluxe limited edition. These four groups Conjunto Raza, The Meditators, The Scepters and Los Misticos, were groups that barely recorded a single, which were only used for radio stations and forgotten in warehouses, they represent the most underground and forgotten Panama!

Surfers’ Choice is a true landmark of surf rock, being the album that established the genre more than any other release. First issued in 1962 and mostly recorded at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, it has rollicking surf anthems like ‘Surf Beat,’ ‘Shake ‘N Stomp,’ ‘Surfing Drums’ and ‘Take It Off,’ as well as Dale’s adaptations of ‘Night Owl,’ ‘Fanny Mae’ and a strangely orchestrated take of ‘Sloop John B.’ With a soaring guitar that’s drenched in reverb at centre stage and Dale’s gritty vocals varying the action, this is the enduring start of surf rock and a blistering start at that!

Farnak. The inspirational nihilist and perpetual droog is the sound of bedroom rock experimentations and insightful lyricism in this 7" single. Lend your ears a listen and give yourself a break.

(vinyl 150 gram, 500 copies)NYC-Texas based FIREWORKS delivered during the 90s some of the most brutally loud and distorted swamp-noise-psychobilly.FIREWORKS were lead by Darin Lin Wood, who's signature was involved, among other projects, with Black Snakes or Blacktop, for example. 15 years ago, and after releasing their debut album on cult label Crypt, FIREWORKS recorded and released only on CD format and only in the USA this 2nd album where they developed further their sound going further to what seemed to be unreachable levels of swampy trash feedback. This album, released now for the first time on vinyl by BANG! Records, makes you feel like Pussy Galore are covering The Scientists and The Cramps on a psycho bad trip of metallic rusted scrap.This will make your ears bleed, mate...

Picture-LP with 14 songs from the austrian FLATLINERS. Psychotic, stiring Neo-Rockabilly comparable to the KREWMEN and the NEKROMANTIX.

80s garage rockers the Fuzztones had deep roots in the east coast punk scene. Frontman Rudi Protrudi got his start in hard rockers Springhead Motorshark and formed the influential DC punk act Tina Peel with organist Deb O’Nair, going on to the Fuzztones with bassist Michael Jay, drummer Ira Elliot and guitarist Elan Portnoy. Debut album Leave Your Mind At Home captures the group at their rawest and most unexpurgated: recorded live on a 1984 tour of the Midwest, the group thrills the crowds with riveting takes of obscure 60s nuggets. This is where the journey starts, a loveable warts-n-all set of garage rock bangers!

80s garage rockers the Fuzztones had deep roots in the east coast punk scene. Frontman Rudi Protrudi got his start in hard rockers Springhead Motorshark and formed the influential DC punk act Tina Peel with organist Deb O’Nair, going on to the Fuzztones with bassist Michael Jay, drummer Ira Elliot and guitarist Elan Portnoy. Debut album Leave Your Mind At Home captures the group at their rawest and most unexpurgated: recorded live on a 1984 tour of the Midwest, the group thrills the crowds with riveting takes of obscure 60s nuggets. This is where the journey starts, a loveable warts-n-all set of garage rock bangers!

The Fuzztones’ sophomore set Lysergic Emanations is often hailed as the best album that the garage rock band ever released. As with their debut album, the disc mixes cover versions of obscure 1960s garage rock tracks with some inspired original work, and this one benefitted from being cut in the studio, allowing us to hear the group in full-spectrum stereo, without the noisy distractions of a live setting. Keen covers of songs by the Sonics, the Yardbirds and Sonny Boy Williamson are rendered in their own image and the originals sound totally on form too. Lysergic Emanations is the Fuzztones’ pinnacle – totally superb!

The Fuzztones’ sophomore set Lysergic Emanations is often hailed as the best album that the garage rock band ever released. As with their debut album, the disc mixes cover versions of obscure 1960s garage rock tracks with some inspired original work, and this one benefitted from being cut in the studio, allowing us to hear the group in full-spectrum stereo, without the noisy distractions of a live setting. Keen covers of songs by the Sonics, the Yardbirds and Sonny Boy Williamson are rendered in their own image and the originals sound totally on form too. Lysergic Emanations is the Fuzztones’ pinnacle – totally superb!

Slovenly is proud to present the first ever official reissue of a Turkish holy grail—the 1966 tripped-out surf 45 by Istanbul’s Gökçen Kaynatan. Originals of this record—his first ever release, and from 1966—are so rare that none of our Turkish pals have ever seen a copy, and believe us, they’ve been on the hunt! “Moda / Fırtına” is the platter from his early years as a teenage rock’n’roller, and these two tracks each offer a compelling listen and demand motion. While mostly drenched in the twang of his custom built guitar with relentlessly swinging beats, his budding experimentation with electronics steals the show. Imagine the sought-after Countdown! LP by legendary session man Jimmy Haskell with an Anatolian lean during the peak of modernism and you’re starting to get the point. Gökçen Kaynatan was recently honored by Finders Keepers with an LP reissue of his 70s-era pioneering in electronic realms that reminds of Suicide and Mort Garson, but with the pungent tang of Turkey. This dancefloor ready 7-inch, however, fills a glaring gap for the Wild, and satisfies the raw global itch that is the Slovenly Recordings modus operandi.

Julissa, the Woman Who Was Censored in Mexican Rock! Rock and Roll in Mexico had an impact practically all over the world, yet it was never free from censorship. Several songs made it to the radio, and among them was the track "Ven Cerca," performed by Los Spitfires and their singer Julissa. Julissa entered the entertainment industry at a very young age, as she was only 13 years old when she started singing with The Spitfires, a rock and roll group formed by her brother Luis on bass, Juan Ramón Sordo on drums, José Luis de la Huerta, and Manuel González Galindo, better known as Johnny Dynamo, on guitars. Los Spitfires, a band originating from Mexico City and formed in 1960, were one of five winning groups in a contest organized by CBS Columbia and the Radio Éxitos station, held in November of that same year. Los Escupefuego were the runners-up, as first place went to Los Hooligans, who, in addition to recording an album, would also appear in a movie. The other groups that won the opportunity to record an album with CBS were: Los Loud Jets, Los Blue Caps, and Los Sparks. Los Spitfires only recorded two tracks: "Loco Amor" and "Ven Cerca," Spanish versions of Paul Anka's "Crazy Love" and Johnny Restivo's "Come Closer." Although these songs are not widely known, except among true fans, they serve as a reference to the early rock being made in Mexico during that time. At the time, all rock musicians were copying foreign hits, including the musical arrangements, and simply translating the lyrics into Spanish. For Julissa, this task wasn't difficult, as she was fluent in English. "Ven Cerca" ("Come Closer") with its highly suggestive lyrics, was the first song she recorded with her group. She translated the lyrics exactly as Johnny Restivo sang them in English. It began like this: "Come closer, just a little bit closer, because I want to hug and kiss you, come closer." Julissa sang it with whispers and sighs, and with the microphone so open, all her breaths and gasps sounded like genuine moans. Very soon, the record was pulled from the market. Interestingly, she had no idea what those suggestive expressions implied, as she was almost still a child. That record 45s it is very difficult to find and is a rare piece sought after by collectors from around the world!

Les Dynamites make a jubilant return to Batov Records" Middle Eastern Grooves series of vinyl 45s with two irresistible instrumentals capturing the spirit of the Mediterranean surf rock renaissance, "Uzi Kinrot" and "Sea Gull".

Linda, you already know her, without really knowing her. Because in 2002, she piloted The beat goes on, DJ Bob Sinclar's house hit. because she directed Gospel pour 100 voix, an XXL choir that filled Bercy several times. It's a big difference, in keeping with the way she embraces music: a matter of emotions and feeling, not labels. A deep love that goes back to the childhood of this American native of North Carolina. When her father's amateur gospel group rehearsed at home, when the microphone was a hairbrush in front of a mirror reflecting a little girl imitating Aretha, Otis and Michael. As a young adult, winning a singing contest in a Pennsylvania club gave her confidence. Linda is gifted at embodying songs and drawing audiences along with her. Word of mouth opened doors for her. Under her spell, several bands recruited her in the seventies, until she set up her own band in 1980. And then she was hired by a musical that ran for several years in Atlantic City. A few years on the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin followed, before a guardian angel extricated her from a nightlife that was beginning to burn her wings. Off to Paris. In June 1991, Linda settled in for good. A godsend for France, its studios and touring artists. Nino Ferrer, Bernard Lavilliers, Gloria Gaynor, Percy Sledge, Ray Charles and many others called on Linda's expertise. As did Ben l'Oncle Soul in 2013 for Hallelujah!!! (J'ai tant besoin de toi), the lead single from his second album "À Coup de Rêves". Ben knew that this treasure of a voice deserved a new light. He introduced her to his great guitarist & accomplice Christophe Lardeau. The collaboration is immediately crystal-clear, naturally fruitful, and the compositions are deep and meaningful. For the first time, Linda has her own album. Drawing on the rich roots of Afro-American music and her own personal experience, "Spirit & Soul" encapsulates all the vitality of a hidden gem that we are at last truly discovering. With a repertoire like this, upcoming concerts promise to be particularly intense moments.

Formed in 1961, Los Jets are one of the essential bands in the emergence of rock & roll music in Argentina. They were the first group (and possibly the only one) to include two drummers, they sang and did three-part choruses before The Beatles appeared on the scene, and were also pioneers in fusion as they recorded Argentine and Latin American folk songs with a rock beat. This compilation gathers tracks from their two LPs, singles and their only surviving live recording, registered in January 1966. Includes CD with 15 bonus tracks.

Discodelic and Groovie Records present two incredible singles / amazing finds of musical archeology. Four recordings made in Panama in the 70s and lost in time, we finally managed to license these Latin Psych Funk gems through Tamayo Records in a deluxe limited edition. These four groups Conjunto Raza, The Meditators, The Scepters and Los Misticos, were groups that barely recorded a single, which were only used for radio stations and forgotten in warehouses, they represent the most underground and forgotten Panama!

After crisscrossing the nation for the last half-decade looking for a home, Pokey LaFarge found himself in Mid-Coast Maine. Upon arriving, the Illinois-born singer/songwriter/actor pursued a major life change, working 12-hour days on a local farm—a turn of events that catalyzed an extraordinary burst of creativity and redefined his sense of purpose as an artist. Rhumba Country was initially shaped from material that emerged while LaFarge was deep in work on the farm. “I’d be pushing a plow or scattering seeds, and the songs would just come to me,” he recalls. “It was tremendously inspirational and made me realize that apart from singing, farming is perhaps the oldest human art form.” While farming, LaFarge began dreaming up a kaleidoscopic sound informed by his love of music from far-ranging eras and corners of the globe, including mambo, tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock-and-roll. “The songs that naturally come to me are upbeat and make you wanna dance or at least bop your head—they’re all very colorful,” says LaFarge. “I used to think of my music in dark blue, but now I see it in technicolor.” Co-produced along with Chris Seefried and Elliot Bergman and recorded in L.A., the resulting Rhumba Country is an invitation to come together to celebrate life and love.

After crisscrossing the nation for the last half-decade looking for a home, Pokey LaFarge found himself in Mid-Coast Maine. Upon arriving, the Illinois-born singer/songwriter/actor pursued a major life change, working 12-hour days on a local farm—a turn of events that catalyzed an extraordinary burst of creativity and redefined his sense of purpose as an artist. Rhumba Country was initially shaped from material that emerged while LaFarge was deep in work on the farm. “I’d be pushing a plow or scattering seeds, and the songs would just come to me,” he recalls. “It was tremendously inspirational and made me realize that apart from singing, farming is perhaps the oldest human art form.” While farming, LaFarge began dreaming up a kaleidoscopic sound informed by his love of music from far-ranging eras and corners of the globe, including mambo, tropicália, rocksteady, and mid-century American rock-and-roll. “The songs that naturally come to me are upbeat and make you wanna dance or at least bop your head—they’re all very colorful,” says LaFarge. “I used to think of my music in dark blue, but now I see it in technicolor.” Co-produced along with Chris Seefried and Elliot Bergman and recorded in L.A., the resulting Rhumba Country is an invitation to come together to celebrate life and love.

“‘Please Stay’, by The Cryin’ Shames, was the last song by producer Joe Meek to enter the UK Top 40, peaking at No. 26. Released on 18 February 1966, the song should have reached the top, but its progress was held back by the fact that the Decca record label had not pressed enough copies to meet demand. The collaboration should have been long and successful for both of them, but the Cryin’ Shames story is cursed with bad luck and, sadly, within a year of the success of ‘Please Stay’ the band broke up and Joe Meek died. This compilation brings together a first part of the material collected by Cherry Red on the double CD ‘The Tea Chest Tapes’ . The group began as The Bumblies, formed in Liverpool in 1963 by bassist George Robinson and singer Joey Kneen who had previously been in a band called The Calderstones, that included Tom Evans, who later went on to form the group Badfinger. The Bumblies’ name was taken from a television series of the same name featuring Michael Bentine. The rest of the line-up included Charlie Crane (vocals, harmonica), John Bennett (guitar), Phil Roberts (keyboards) and Charlie Gallagher (drums). Charlie Crane would be known in addition as ‘Carl’ or ‘Paul’ to avoid confusion with the other Charlie in the group. Joe Meek didn’t like the band’s choice of name so they changed it to The Cryin’ Shames. Ritchie Routledge replaced Bennett (guitar) after the recording of their debut single ‘Please Stay’. Derek Cleary (bass/guitar) replaced Robinson in time to play on their second single ‘Nobody Waved Goodbye’. After the original Cryin’ Shames fell apart, Routledge and Crane formed a group known as Paul And Ritchie And The Crying Shames with new members Brian Norris (bass), Mike Espie (guitar), Pete Byrne (organ) and Paul Commerford (drums). They released one single, ‘September In The Rain’. The group (as The Bumblies) auditioned for Joe Meek in late October or early November 1965 - the exact date cannot be ascertained because Meek’s tapes contain very little information, and only one or two of the more than seven hundred tapes actually bear a recording date...” (liner notes extracted from the Cherry Red’s booklet made by Mr. Craig Newton)

Born in early 1966 as a garage band playing heavy covers by the Rolling Stones, the Byrds, the Who, and the Animals, the Fringe conquered Toronto’s coolest hippie clubs in 1967 with their underground psych vibe. In 1968 they scored a national hit and blasted across Western Canada with their psychedelic light show and transcendent songs like “Token for My Mind,” “Plastic People,” and “Executive Dream,” culminating in a spotlight appearance on CBC TV’s Let’s Go! teen show and at a Love-In festival. Now for the first time on vinyl – all 11 of their 1967-68 trippy songs in glorious mono, including everything on their mega-rare promo EP. Sourced from the original analog tapes. 500 copies, in deluxe gatefold jacket. Includes 12-page booklet insert with interviews, lyrics, unseen photos, charts, clippings and more.