THE POP

THE POP (1976-1981)

The Pop started out in the mid-70's as a three piece, with Roger Prescott on guitar and vocals, David Swanson on bass guitar and vocals and David Robinson (who had just quit The Modern Lovers) on drums. It was through one fanzine, a ballsy little magazine called "Back Door Man" that The Pop met writers Gregg Turner and Phast Phreddie who would help them release their first two singles and their first LP. (Gregg Turner later formed his own punk band, the infamous Angry Samoans).

as POP!

HIT & RUN LOVER (1976) (BACK DOOR MAN 1001)

Hit & Run Lover / Break The Chain

ZS (60 mb)

 

as THE POP!

DOWN ON THE BOULEVARD (1977) (BACK DOOR MAN 5001)

Down On The Boulevard / I Need You / Easy Action

ZS (69 mb)

 During the recording of the first LP, (titled simply The Pop) the band added Tim Henderson on bass guitar, freeing up David Swanson to move to rhythm guitar on his Rickenbacker 12 string and Roger Prescott to concentrate more on lead guitar and noise effects. They also added Tim McGovern to fill in on drums for the often missing Joel, and who soon revealed additional talents as guitarist as well.
The Pop believed in the new DIY values of the punk ethic and their first LP shows it. It is an eclectic powerful combination of Punk meets Pop and two of the album's songs, "Down On The Boulevard" and "Animal Eyes" soon became authentic anthems on the Southern California music scene, mostly through air-play on The Rodney Bingenheimer radio show on KROQ and the bands extensive clubs dates up and down the coast.

THE POP (1977)

ZS (240 mb)

 

You Oughtta Know / Walk In The Rain / Down On The Boulevard / Leather And Lace / Nobody's Toy / Animal Eyes / Saturday Night Hitch-Hiker / I Need You Ad Man/ Panic / Easy Action

The second and famous album "Go!", this classic Power Pop masterpiece was produced by Earle Mankey, an original Sparks member and also a renowned Power Pop producer (20/20, Elevators,... and still very active nowadays). The overall sound of "Go!" was very different from the "more garage" first album, evolving, pushing the boundaries of pop to include not just their original influences which rapidly developed into a pop-punk hybrid sound of crunchy and jangly guitars but also the more modern sounds they were listening to on David Bowie's "Low" and Brian Eno's "Another Green World" as well. The bands guitarists liked to boast that they could do anything on guitar a synthesizer could do but cooler and one listen to "Beat Temptation" or "Under The Microscope" backs this up.

GO! (1979)

ZS (253 mb)

 

Under The Microscope / Shakeaway /Beat Temptation / She Really Means That Much To Me / I Want To Touch You / Waiting For The Night / Go! / Falling For Carmen / Maria / Legal Tender Love

"Hearts and Knives" was the final 12" EP recorded by The Pop. By this time Tim McGovern had left the band - and then they were four...The EP was self-produced but the sound engineer was still Tori Swensson who had worked with Earle Mankey on the "Go" album, so if the album may sound lightweight, The Pop was back to their 60's roots...David Swanson never sounded better on his Rickenbacker 12 string than on this EP.

 

HEARTS & KNIVES (1981)

ZS (133 mb)

Solitaire / Broken Pieces / She's Really Got Me / Go Girl / Look At Me Now / 19th Nervous Breakdown

FIRE TOWN - IN THE HEART OF THE HEART COUNTRY (1986)

Fire Town arose out of the ashes of an indie band called Spooner (first album was produced by Gary Klebe of Shoes' fame) with this, their first effort, full of light pop tunes and wonderful sing-along choruses. But today Fire Town is mainly remembered because of the band's relation to Garbage. Comprised of Doug Erikson (vocals, guitar), Phil Davis (vocals, guitar) and Butch Vig (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Fire Town's light, jangly pop fed college radio with another dose of ringing guitars and folk-rock harmonies in the late '80s. After Spooner broke up, Davis, Vig, and Steve Marker (guitars) formed the short-lived First Person in 1986. A year later, Davis, Vig, and Erikson collaborated again as Fire Town, releasing the LP "In the Heart of the Heart Country." The album received praise from Rolling Stone magazine; however, it was too tame even for pre-grunge alternative radio. The video for "Carry the Torch" briefly snared MTV's attention, but Fire Town was lost in a downpour of similar-sounding artists. Fire Town recorded another album, 1989's Good Life, before calling it quits. In the early '90s, Vig's production work on albums from Nirvana, the Smashing Pumpkins, and L7 heightened his status within the alternative rock community. After the brief Rectal Drip episode (1989), Erikson, Vig and Marker became Garbage in 1993, adding vocalist Shirley Manson in 1994. (AMG)

ZS (283 mb)

Songs

Places to Run / Carry the Torch / Secret Heart / Rain on You / Heart Country / Favorite Song / There's a Fire / One More Reason / Mystery Field

THE CRETONES
THIN RED LINE (1980) - SNAP! SNAP! (1981)

"Thin Red Line" and "Snap! Snap!" the Cretones albums were released at the beginning of the 80's on the Richard Perry label (Planet Records, home of the first Plimsouls LP). Here's what Tony Sciafani from the "Lost In The Grooves" blog wrote about the band:
The Los Angeles-based quartet released two LPs of power-pop-with-an-edge in the early 1980s. But they had little success with their first LP, “Thin Red Line,” from 1980, or the now-obscure follow up, 1981’s “Snap Snap.” Few listeners picked up on songwriter Mark Goldenberg’s tart takes on modern romance. Songs like “Justine,” “Mad Love” and “Everybody’s Mad at Katherine” are as sarcastic as they are hook-filled, making for a tantalizing combination. It was also a derivative combination, blending the lyrical sensibilities of Elvis Costello with the choppy guitars of early Joe Jackson and The Knack (and many others). It was as if someone threw a bunch of “proper” new wave influences into a Cuisinart. But so what? There’s nothing wrong with being a copycat if you’re copying something worthwhile and adding something original to the mix. And the Cretones added a lot of sass to the power pop recipe. (Lost In The Grooves)
Mark Goldenberg worked in the 90's with Jackson Browne and co-wrote with Mark Everett the Eels' smash hit "Novocaine For The Soul".

THIN RED LINE: ZS1 + ZS2 (252mb)
Real Love / Everybody's Mad at Katherine / I Can't Wait / Justine / Mad Love / Cost of Love / Thin Red Line / Ways of the Heart / Mrs. Peel / Here Comes the Wave

SNAP! SNAP!: ZS1 + ZS2 (255mb)

Empty Heart / Hanging On To No One / Swinging Divorce / Lonely Street / I Can't Get Over You / One Kiss / Love Is Turning / Girls! Girls! Girls! / Snap! Snap! / Mood Vertigo

BLUE ASH
NO MORE, NO LESS (1973) FRONT PAGE NEWS (1977)

This review was originally written by Kent H Benjamin for Pop Culture Press #62. Blue Ash are the great lost band of the '70s -- one of, if not the, best power pop band of all times, playing a passionate '65-'66 inspired version of pop music that predated but exactly foreshadowed a lot of the great punk records in '76-'79. In 1973, Youngstown, Ohio's Blue Ash released an album on Mercury called No More, No Less to great critical acclaim, and sparse record sales. It was, in hindsight, unlike virtually everything else around. Teen-oriented three-minute pop songs, four part harmonies very similar to the Byrds, and a tough guitar/bass/drums sound modeled on The Who. A fantastic lead guitarist in the form of Bill "Cupid" Bartolin, a fine Keith Moon-style drummer in Dave Evans, a melodic McCartney/Ronnie Lane-style bassist in Frank Secich, and lead singer Jim Kendzor, capable of singing a razor line every time. As a live band, they were legendary. Released at the height of prog rock -- the same time as Quadrophenia and Goat's Head Soup, and just before the New York Dolls' debut on Mercury -- NMNL got lost in the shuffle. Rave reviews, few sales, little radio play around the nation. A 2nd album for Playboy Records (Front Page News) in 1976 went largely unheard, and was criticized by original fans for 'selling out' with horns and strings (added, it must be noted, without the band's knowledge). No More, No Less has never been available on CD, but it was for made many critics' lists as the best album of 1973 (it was my #1 of that year). PCP 62

The 2004 collection Around Again is absolutely brilliant. Forty-four splendid, hard-rockin' gems, power pop the way it's meant to be, with tough, loud guitars backing 4-part harmonies over memorable songs. Blue Ash recorded nearly weekly from 1969 until their final demise in 1979, and these tracks were culled from some 219 songs found still in the studios several years back. Included are demo versions of four of the best songs from NMNL. Around Again is still available from KOOL KAT MUSIC, NOT LAME, CD BABY or AMAZON. Frank Secich is currently working with his new combo The Deadbeat Poets and is planning to release the album in June 2007.

NO MORE, NO LESS
Abracadabra (Have You Seen Her?) / Dusty Old Fairgrounds / Plain to See / Just Another Game / I Remember a Time / Smash My Guitar / Any Time at All / Here We Go Again / What Can I Do for You? / All I Want / Wasting My Time / Let There Be Rock

FRONT PAGE NEWS
Tonight's My Lucky Night / You Are All I Need / Things Have Changed Now / Rock 'N Roll Millionaire / I've Been Rolled / Boy Won't Listen / Look at You Now / Baby I Just Want You / Jazel Jane / Tired of Pushing

Read the BLUE ASH BLOG for the complete Blue Ash story

NICK GILDER - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE (1977)

Here's the the first Nick Gilder album "You Know Who You Are (1977), it was never reissued on CD, but a few songs were picked to appear on the Nick Gilder's Best Of (2001). Nick Gilder would have been a giant in the days of glitter. The first Nick Gilder album is indispensible for everybody who loves glitter powerpop. A terrific album.

Nick (252 mb)

Songs

All Across The Nation (The Wheels Are Rolling) / Backstreet Noise / Rated X / Poor Boy /Genevieve / Runaways In The Night / Roxy Roller / Amanda Greer / Tantalize / Fond Farewell / (Bonus) She's A Star (In Her Own Right)

NICK GILDER - ROCK AMERICA (1980)

In 1977, after his first LP for Chrysalis, "You Know Who You Are" was greeted with less than enthusiastic response. Gilder teamed up with producer songwriter Mike Chapman (known for his work with Sweet and Suzi Quatro) and out of the sessions for the second album "City Lights" (reissued on CD, 2005) came the smash hit single "Hot Child In The City". The LP "Frequency" (1979) was reissued on CD in 2006, but "Rock America" (1980) this very one was never reissued on cd until today. The eponymous 6h album (1985) can be found here.

Songs
Rock America / I've Got Your Number / 20th Century Girl / Catch 22 / Wild Ones (Feeling Electric) / On The Beat / Night Comes Down / Lady You're A Killer / One Of The Crowd

LOUIS & CLARK - HOLLYWOOD CAPACITY MAXIMUM (1987)

The Three O'Clock originally included Quercio, and guitarist Louis (formerly Gregg) Gutierrez who left shortly after 1985's Arrive Without Travelling was released). He then formed Louis & Clark with Michael Clark Gurley, and when the bass player was fired, Michael recommended his old friend Joie Calio for the job. The combination clicked and Michael and Joie remained with the band, Louis & Clark for about two years, recording this 6 song mini LP "Hollywood Capacity Maximum" in 1987. They also were featured with 3 new songs ("Salsa Verde", "Take A Mile" and "This Could Be A Slow Song") on the original soundtrack of The Allnighter (1987) starring Susanna Hoffs and directed by her mother Tamar Simon Hoffs. "Hollywood Capacity Maximum" featured the original version of the Bangles' hit "Walking Down Your Street". Louis Gutierrez later joined Mary's Danish and Battery Acid, Clark Gurley and Joie Calio formed dada while Phil Maturano became a session drummer.

ZS (159 mb)

Songs
Cry Cry / Granville / Tell Them What You Are / Walking Down Your Street / Silence / Come Over Me

MEET THE BEATLESQUE (2007)

Today we have so many tribute bands just covering Beatles tunes but try to remember a few years ago when the bands were trying hard to be the Beatles by writing their own material. How many times do you have heard or read this "it sounds so very like the Beatles". All over the past few years many have tried, a few were successful but here's a small selection of artists who have had a Beatlesque moment, whether consciously or not. Beatlesque means bearing a definite resemblance, often to a specific Beatle song. To be truly Beatlesque,a record must wear that influence openly. Candidates are plentiful and this 2cd set is insufficient. Some well-known bands were left off (all of the 60's bands, but also Oasis, World Party or somebody else). No matter, these (even the most heard and overheard, as ELO or Cheap trick) will do. Maybe you won't hear the Beatles influences about some songs, maybe one is more Tottenham/DC5 than Mersey/Beatles, maybe another is more this or that...who cares....i'm just a Fab Four fan. And The Rutles had to be on both cd's, definitely. Beatlesque songs are frequently gorgeous, and must not be despised. The Beatles made their music so full of heart...Imagine you'll even be able to listen to a song called Beatlesque...Now let's try to find out the songs quoted, borrowed... or not borrowed. Enjoy". (thanks to Paul Du Noyer).

 

ZS (365 mb)

JACK LEE - JACK LEE (1985)

In 1976, a 7" EP was to become legendary,but you all know this. Jack Lee (arguably the most talented songwriter of the three) had the shortest career and eventually dropped out of sight after a fine solo record (Jack Lee's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1) in 1981...
But, Jack Lee surfaced again in 1985 on a small french label called Lolita. The Jack Lee 2nd album, only released in France, didn't get the spotlight he should have deserved. The sleeve was, well, not a great one, specially the back of the sleeve was a complete mess - wrong track listing, one song credited but not on the record - everything was set to ruin the release. But don't worry i fixed the problems on the revamped tray of the artwork. Production is sometimes cheap but Jack Lee could still write songs. Opener "Sex" is powerful with an over-the-top guitar solo by Buzz Clic (the Rubber City Rebels guitarist was a long time friend of Jack Lee).
This LP was never reissued on cd until today, except for 3 songs which were available on the french Lolita CD called "That's Totally Pop", compiling the first Plimsouls mini album, the first solo Jack Lee album and the Nerves EP + some demos. I included the 7" B Side of the single, a remix of "Somebody Else To Love". In 2005, Jack Lee made a couple of song demos available on his website (they are included here as bonus - ripped at 128), and is currently working on a new album.

Songs
Sex / Somebody Else To Love / Bird In A Cage / Why Am I So Lonely / From Time To Time / Between Two People / Play With Me / Time Machine / The Girl In The Picture / Breaking Into My Heart / Bigger Than Life / (Bonus) Somebody Else To Love (7" B side Remix)

SUSSEX - ENDS AND MEANS (1981)

I only have very few info about that english band. Anyway, all i can say is Dicky Itch ("Lord" Richard Itchington) played on Bram Tchaikovsky's 1981 LP "Funland" (see post below) and guitarist Alan McLachlan (born in Scotland) moved to Amsterdam in 1982 where he formed a band called the Weazels, and would later work with Andy Scott. He also played with two other bands: Sjako! and the Scene. The album was produced by Andy Scott - the "Sweet" guitarist, i can confirm the fact because the credits state this : Produced by Andy Scott for Rockbray Limited (Rockbray Limited was linked with the Sweet releases). The band was managed by Richard Ogden who was also managing The Motors and Bram Tchaikovsky. The band also thanks Martin Rushent and Nick Garvey (see Nick Garvey post), just because Sussex released in 1979 a single "Treat Me Kind" which was produced by Nick Garvey and was an early release on Martin Rushent's Genetic label. A follow-up single "With A Girl Like You" was released in 1980 on Mercury Records and then there was the album called "Ends & Means".

ZS (284 mb)

Songs
With A Girl Like You / Friends And Lovers / Liar / Oh No / This Town / She Comes And Goes Oh Geraldine / I Love You Dear / Connection / Baby Bye Bye /Monday Morning.

JIMMY SILVA - FLY LIKE A DOG (1987)

Seattle singer songwriter Jimmy Silva's death at the age of 42, two days before Christmas 1994, deprived the pop underground of one of its finest unheralded tunesmiths, one whose wryly inventive, offhandedly insightful lyrics were brilliantly balanced by jangly, hook-intensive melodies. After a stint in Vietnam, Silva played around the Bay Area with his band the Empty Set in the early '70s, but it wasn't until the next decade that he was discovered and embraced by indie-pop fans. Remnants of the Empty Set, with guest appearances by Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken and Beau Brummels singer Sal Valentino, salvages some swell songs from the defunct band's repertoire, with the warm-voiced Silva sharing lead vocals with a variety of pals. "Fly Like a Dog" continues in a similar vein, with the addition of kindred spirits the Young Fresh Fellows to the cast. Sal Valentino of Beau Brummels' fame is the lead singer on Silva's Troubled Times. Trouser Press

Fly Like A Dog (254 mb)

Songs
Big House / Think Better of Me / Name That's a Number / Waking Up / Too Late Now / Partytown U.S.A / Faith in Change / Troubled Times / I'm Not Electric / For the Love of Land / May the Second / Tell It to the Raven

THE SIDEWINDERS (1972)

A New York friend of Paley's, Richard Robinson (husband of the rock columnist Lisa Robinson) visited Boston in the summer of 1971. Record corporation RCA had recently cleared house and Dennis Katz, manager of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and brother of band member Steve Katz was brought in for A &R. When Katz and RCA president Rocco Laginestra signed an inordinate number of ew acts, trying to quell the company's previous buffoonery, Catfish Black (now the Sidewinders) were included.
(Note: When the band hit New York, they learned of a band with a too-similar moniker and changed their name to the Sidewinders after a line in Roger McGuinn's "Chestnut Mare.") Now the Sidewinders were slated to hit the studio under Robinson's production direction for RCA Records.

A week prior to the studio, Richard Robinson rang and informed the band that he was off to London to produce ol' Lou Reed's first solo LP. He also informed the band that his dear friend, Lenny Kaye, later of Patti Smith fortune, was to fill his shoes. The band was too naive to question the situation. The session got off on a positive note. The new direction of RCA and its enthusiasm helped. Fellow label mate, David Bowie, was among the many who slipped through to check out how things were going. Katz was happy. Andy spent the session saying everything was going to be ok. Keep positive. Eric didn't necessarily trust Lenny. Mike was doing a lot of reading. Henry was trying to adjust to a newly found wealth. Leigh was unavailable for comment. One of those cultural phenomena followed. After an infamous Cambridge Boathouse bash, the album was released to mixed radio feelings and excellent press. Billboard Pick of the Week, and those wonderful reviews in Circus, Creem, Variety and Rolling Stone. The record sold well, ironically, in Texas and some scatterings around the country. The record, however, flopped in general.

The Sidewinders (221 mb)

Songs

Bad Dreams / Superhit / Moonshine / The Bumble Bee / Told You So / Rendezvous / O Miss Mary / Got You Down / Slip Away / Reputation / Parade

THE BOSTON I.....T ALBUM (1980)

If you dig The Sidewinders album, i guess it is time to bring the Boston I....t Album, a compilation of Boston bands (you'll even get an unreleased 1973 Sidewinders song). The most famous Boston-based musicians are included on this legendary compilation. So, if you're familiar with those names: Nervous Eaters, Willie Alexander, Andy & Jonathan Paley, but also lesser known names (like the ubiquituous Erik Lindgren), you'll might enjoy this famous album. Never reissued on CD. See comments for details.
Produced by Erik Lindgren & Barry Marshall, The Marshalls, Lenny Kaye, Jonathan Paley, Eric Rose

Songs
The Marshalls - AM / Willie "Loco" Alexander & The Baboon Band - Walk Away Renee / The Peytons - Matter Of Time / The Sidewinders - Streetwalker / Christen & The Notes - Rough School Year / The Fugitives - One Right Way To Win Me / Professor Anonymous - It's Surprising (What A Little Change Can Do) / Willie Alexander & The Baboon Band - In With The Outs / The Marshalls - Right Now And Not Later / The Fugitives - Just Can't Be / Erik Lindgren - Little Lapin Lupe Lu / The Reflectors - You Are Cordially Invited To My Death / Eric Rose - No Hors d'Oeuvres / Lynch & The Mob - Busted

SNAKES - TEENAGE HEAD (1976)

After leaving the Duck Deluxe in 1974 Nick Garvey (bass) formed the Snakes (in which was also Robert Gotobed, who later played in Wire). Snakes released only one single in 1976. A cover of the Flamin' Groovies' classic (Teenage Head) which had also been recorded by Ducks Deluxe (Taxi To The Terminal Zone 1975). The Snakes version was released on a 7" by Dynamite (the Dutch label) The Snakes version is miles ahead of the Ducks Deluxe version. Then Nick started to form a new band with ex-Snakes Richard Wernham (Ricky Slaughter) and in January 1977 the band was ready to start rehearsals as The Motors.

Songs
Teenage Head / Lights Out

NICK GARVEY - BLUE SKIES (1982)

On his solo album, Garvey demonstrates the versatility of his voice (clear tenor, hoarse baritone, agile falsetto). But he's even more adroit at the mixing console, able to whip up tuneful, ringing Spector/Springsteen pop melodrama and make lush, spacious pop-rock out of the riff from "Willie and the Hand Jive." He also throws a curve or two, like the clever, 10cc-ish ("Think Tough") or the semi-parodic Squeeze-cum-Bowie of "Skin." But even the support by members of the Motors/Tyla/Bram Tchaikovsky axis and his own genuine likability we can't say this album was as great as his previous efforts with the Ducks or the Motors. Trouser Press

Songs

So Slow / Think Tough / Take a Look over My Shoulder / Emotional Ammunition / Looking at You / Skin / Play the Game / Humming / Sometimes / Don't You Know /Now Is the Time

BRAM TCHAIKOVSKY - THE SINGLES (1978-1979)

After the friendly split with The Motors, Bram Tchaikovsky formed a power trio with Micky Broadbent on bass and ex- Heavy Metal Kid Keith Boyce on drums. The original name of the band was Battle Axe, quickly changed to Bram Tchaikovsky. That's the reason why the very first 12" was called Battle Axe and released on Criminal Records before signing with Radar. Bram wanted The Motors to record "Sarah Smiles " on the Approved album but there was some kind of personal conflict with Andy McMaster, so Bram kept this gem of a powerpop classic for his own band. Nick Garvey went to produce all of the Bram Tchaikovsky first recordings, including another 12" for Criminal Records plus the first and third Bram's albums. None of the original Criminal versions have been reissued on CD. A shame cause it was the finest hour of the band with the first Bram Tchaikovsky LP (Strange Man, Changed Man). From the Radar singles come four songs (2 originals, 1 live version and 1 Motors' song) which have never been reissued on cd.

BATTLEAXE (12" Criminal EP)

Sarah Smiles / Turn On The Light / Bloodline

Lossy: ZS (29 mb)

Lossless: ZS (87 mb)

LULLABY OF BROADWAY (12" Criminal EP)

Lullaby Of Broadway / Rock 'n' Roll Cabaret / (Who Wants To Be A) Criminal

Lossy: ZS (21 mb)

Lossless: ZS (61 mb)

GIRL OF MY DREAMS (2 x 7" Radar Single)

Girl Of My Dreams (single version) / Come Back / Robber (Live) / Whiskey & Wine (Live)

Lossy: ZS (40 mb)

Lossless: ZS (103 mb)

I'M THE ONE THAT'S LEAVING (7" Radar Single)

I'm The One That's Leaving / Amelia

Lossy: ZS (32 mb)

Lossless: ZS (68 mb)

BRAM TCHAIKOVSKY - FUNLAND (1981)

After the first two albums "Strange Man, Changed Man" bringing the unforgettable "Girl Of My Dreams", and "The Russians Are Coming" (retitled "Pressure" in the USA 'cause of the cold war), Micky Broadbent left the band due to personal conflict with Bram Tchaikovsky about the leadership. The band themselves left Radar and signed to Arista. Funland was produced by Nick Garvey and recorded at Rockfield studios in 1981 with a brand new line-up of Tchaikovsky, Forbes, Lord Richard Itchingham playing bass, and Derek Ballard playing drums. An old Motors B-side, "Soul Surrender," was recorded as an afterthought by Bram, Garvey and deputized drummer Hilly Michaels. It would be the last album by the band. Bram then retired from music business.

Lossy: ZS (106 mb)

Lossless: ZS1  + ZS2 (255 mb)

Songs
Stand and Deliver / Shall We Dance / Heart Of Stone / Breaking Down The Walls Of Heartache / Model Girl / Why Does My Mother Phone Me / Used To Be My Used To Be / Soul Surrender / Together My Love / Miracle Cure / Egyptian Mummies

THE EAST COAST 60'S ROCK & ROLL EXPERIMENT (1986)

Released in 1986, this compilation is made of thirteen 60's classics covered by some obscure 80's bands. Obviously, the most famous band involved was The Smithereens (the reason why i bought the LP at the time of its release...just for one song).
Here are the sleeve notes
The East coast compilation salutes the studios of L.A. and the cellars and garages of Saginaw, Cleveland, Chicago and Dallas. This LP was compiled by people whose lives and tastes were profoundly affected by the music and politics of the Mid to Late Sixties. As a labor of love, we've tried our best to create a caring tribute to the artists and pop records from the last days of non-conglomerate radio. This is our Experiment.

Songs
Scott Lea - I Think We're Alone Now / Junk - The Shapes Of Things To Come / Null Set - Here Comes My Baby / Punsters - Western Union / Aerrage - Secret Agent Man / Fireballet - Desiree / Pete Tomlinson - Soul Deep / The Hollow Bodies - I Want To Hold Your Hand / Joe Hosey - 98.6 / Opium Vala - Hazy Shade Of Winter / The Smithereens - Hang 'em High / Jigs & The Pigs - These Boots Are Made For Walking / Steel Tips - 96 Tears

THE LEFT BANKE - VOICES CALLING (1986)

Martin reunited with George Cameron and Tom Finn to release the album Voices Calling (released as Strangers on a Train in the USA), in 1978 under the auspices of something called Camerica Productions, and, augmented with Jimmy MacAllister (from The Beckies), cut ten tracks, two of which ("Queen of Paradise" b/w "And One Day", Camerica CS-005) were released as a single, which promptly vanished. Camerica shelved the album, which did not resurface for eight years, when it was exhumed by the British Bam-Caruso label, which had been reissuing the earlier Left Banke tracks. The UK issue was titled Voices Calling, a title which was changed for the US issue (different artwork) on Relic. Though the album is not the greatest album ever released, it has to be viewed in the context of Seventies soft-pop, and Voices Calling (Strangers on a Train) is a pretty decent LP, arguably better than some of the stuff being vended in those days. www.dustbury.com

Lossless: ZS1 + ZS2 (235mb)

Songs (Bam-Caruso Edition):
Strangers on A Train /Heartbreaker /Lorraine /Yesterday's Love /Hold On Tight / And One Day / You Say /I Can Fly / Only My Opinion / Queen Of Paradise

THE BECKIES (1976)

Here's the final release of the great Michael Brown of Left Banke fame : The Beckies one and only LP. Michael Lookofsky (later to adopt the ridiculously unpronouncable "Brown") was born in New-York. His father Harry, owned a recording studio and encouraged his son to play and compose on the piano. The Beckies were the latest group incarnation of Michael Brown. You may remember him as the keyboardist and mastermind behind the legendary Left Banke. Some years later, after the brief Montage episode, came Michael's real second group: Stories, who spent a few months charming audiences before releasing their first single "I'm Coming Home" for their first national hit. The other Beckies are Mayo James MacAllister (who would play with Sparks on the Big Beat 1976 tour and with Hilly Michaels on his wonderful 1980 LP "Calling All Girls"), Gary Hodgden (who would change his name to Gary West with his next outfit "Shooting Star") and Scott Trusty. Mayo James and Gary have left behind them an already long career as local teen idols with Kansas City's biggest group, Chessman Square. It was Scott who brought them and Michael together to form the Beckies, knowing that their musical sensibilities and mutual sense of fun could mesh in solid pop fashion. And it worked. The album has never been re-issued to this day on CD.

Songs
Right By My Side (Etude) / River Bayou / Midnight And You / Fran / Other Side Of Town / Song Called Love / Can't Be Alone / River Song / On The Morning That She Came / One Of These Days / Run Jenny Run