Here's the fifth record in this month's blog theme - "records I've tried my damndest to get some info on, but failed miserably".
Gary Allen (not to be confused with the current country singer Gary Allan) made this one for the ultra-obscure Saundra Lee label sometime in the mid-60s. That's all I've got on this one. Good song, though, if you like country (and I do).
Anybody know anything about this mystery disk? Gary Allen, if you're out there, you made one hell of a record!
Gary Allen - My Baby Walks By Night (Saundra Lee 501) -1966
From the weird and wacky file - the number 4 Mystery Record of the month.
This is yet another example of the strange early 60s phenomenon known as the "food" song. Notable examples include "Mashed Potatoes" by Nat Kendrick, "Peanut Butter" by The Marathons, "Bread And Butter" by The Newbeats, etc. I once did an entire two-hour radio show of just "food" songs, though I didn't include this one for some reason. Only thing I know about Charlie Allen is that he had another 45 on the Portrait label in 1962. Since the Teacho Wiltshire Orchestra is backing Charlie up, I am assuming this was a New York recording (and I know that the label was out of New York). This was the B-side (I'm assuming again - but who would try to have a hit record with a song about molasses???) of "There's Only One", a semi-gospel side. It was also produced by Charlie Allen for "The Frank Stuart Corporation", whoever they were. "Molasses" has cutesy girl-group backing, but the song is so damn weird that you sit there wondering, "did they really need a B-side this badly?".
As always, any info on this record would be greatly appreciated.
Continuing this month's series of "records I don't know jack about", I submit Exhibit #3 - The Boys on the Lil-Tee label. The writing credit of Belford Hendricks and Clyde Otis (who wrote a LOT of stuff for Brook Benton) tells me that this was probably a New York record, probably early 1960s, but besides that I know nothing - this is the only record I've ever seen on the Lil-Tee label, and it certainly didn't chart anywhere. Which is too bad - this is a pretty rockin' instrumental featuring bongos (or congas, like I can tell the difference). I only included Part One of the record because Part Two is EXACTLY the same - only eight seconds longer. Any info at all (year of release, who the group was, etc.) would be much appreciated.
The Boys - Shake It Up (Part 1) (Lil-Tee 1003) - c. 1961-62
Here is record #2 in this month's series of "45s I own that I know NOTHING (or next to nothing) about".
The only thing I DO know about this one is that it's out of Texas. It's listed on the "Texas Soul Recordings" website (check it out here), but, let's face it, you just have to look at the label to know it's from Texas. Mid to late-60s soul/funk in the style of James Brown circa 1967-68. Anybody got a year of release on this one?
Melvin London and The Red Hearts - I Can't Give Up (Panther 1001/1002) -1966
I realize that most of my posts are rather long-winded. Sorry. I just can't shut up about records that I like. Besides, over the years I have gathered a LOT of information on my records - might as well write it down somewhere, right?
This month's posts will be a bit different. First of all, I'm going to attempt to post more frequently than roughly once a week. Secondly, this month I'm going to reach out to you, and find out what YOU know, by posting 45s from my collection that I know NOTHING (or next to nothing) about. So the posts will be a bit shorter this month.
First one up - this 45 by a group known as The City Dwellers. It's a "garage" 45, nothing special (you definitely won't be trading your original 13th Floor Elevators LPs to get a copy of this), but it is rare. Only copy I've ever seen, at any rate. None of my reference books mention it. I've posted it on "garage rock" forums, with not a single reply. I doubt even Mike Markesich knows it (and he is the foremost authority on garage punk singles, bar none). I can't even remember where I got the damn record. Only thing I can tell you about this one is that, judging by the label (and the fonts used on it), the record is out of New York City and was pressed and released in either 1965 or 1966. Like most garage singles, the intended A-side ("He Don't Love You") is pretty lame, but the flip side is pretty good, so here it is.
If anyone knows ANYTHING about this record, I'd definitely appreciate a shout-out in the comments section.
The City Dwellers - Your Turn To Cry (3-J 305) - c. 1965-66
