Sunday, October 29, 2006
Blue Belles on Peak, Ted Newman on Quality
Just when I think I know something about music, I find out I don't...and may be the last one on earth to know about the Blue Belles. If you have heard I Sold My Heart To The Junkman by the Blue Belles, well, it's really the Starlets. They had a minor early 60's hit with "Better Tell Him No". Thinking I was straight, I realized I had more to learn. The Starlets had a 1957 record on the Peak label, though I have not confirmed it was the same group. A label looking like the same Peak organization, issued the Blue Belles song. with a picture sleeve on a different number series, and was # 7042. My guess is that the record on Peak is a second label, and the Newtown release was the first. Why Peak released it is hard to say, especially with the picture sleeve. Maybe it was the same method that Tap records had with the Crescendos, and other Power records with the Penguins.
I found a 78 of Plaything by Ted Newman. This was on the Canadian Quality label. I know I have seen the 45, so I will hunt it down next.Ted recently sent me a CD copy of an album he did called "I've Been To Town". It's a folk album of sorts, and as is much of his later material, much different than his rock and roll records.
In the mail (To Me, Of Course) is an interesting LP that will go with my ever expanding Rockin Rebels page. An LP by Big John Little and the Hot Toddies, will get a picture of at least Big John Little who was associated with the song Rockin Crickets. Check out the linked page above to get the current full story.
I found a 78 of Plaything by Ted Newman. This was on the Canadian Quality label. I know I have seen the 45, so I will hunt it down next.Ted recently sent me a CD copy of an album he did called "I've Been To Town". It's a folk album of sorts, and as is much of his later material, much different than his rock and roll records.
In the mail (To Me, Of Course) is an interesting LP that will go with my ever expanding Rockin Rebels page. An LP by Big John Little and the Hot Toddies, will get a picture of at least Big John Little who was associated with the song Rockin Crickets. Check out the linked page above to get the current full story.
Last night was the Halloween show on my radio program on KVMR. All the weird stuff came out and I got it out of my system....once again. I am constantly amazed at just how strange some records are, even dating back to the late 50's. I'm not talking about the flying saucer records, but odd records like Randy Luck's Cave Man, which probably could not be aired today. Graveyard Rock, by Tarantula Ghoul is just bizarre. Next week: Back to the vocal group, oldies and straight ahead rock and roll on KVMR-FM!.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Record grades and more
One of the more common record grades I am seeing on Ebay and other listing sites is VG/VG+ or "between VG and VG plus. That's the grade. Maybe I am from the old school, and it is either one or the other, not both. You can have a strong VG record, and I think it's OK to list it as strong, but it's still VG. It's the type of VG record I like to own. But, when you consider the grade, there is a bit of leeway to stay within the VG listing, without a plus or minus. Once you state it is VG+, that leeway is minimal, and the record is a desirable condition to have. The price of this grade is certainly higher than VG, but even prices have made quite a radical change over the past 8 or 10 years. The gap between VG and mint is huge. It used to be VG was 50 per cent of mint, VG+ was 75 per cent of mint. These days, mint records can go as much as 2 times or more of book value. Some VG records go around 30 per cent of mint, etc. On my budget, I buy VG records, just so that I can own them in a decent condition.
I remembered an interesting Ebay item I saw, but it was from around 2 months ago, and is no longer in the searchable database. The reputable dealer had a Teen Queens ACE reissue album from the mid 80's for sale. Since he specializes in autographs, it had an "Authentic" autograph of both Rosie and Betty. When I emailed him the fact they had both died about 15 years earlier then the LP release, he didn't respond, but replaced the cover with a picture of the generic sleeve, with the SAME STYLE autographs. I didn't take it any further, but you can bet I will think twice about buying from him, and the authenticity of his autographs. Actually, that would be true anytime you buy records or autographs from someone.
I located a decent copy of J. Frank Wilson's Last Kiss on the Tamara label. I should try and get that up on my first and second labels page. I actually have a list of some additional examples I have found in my collection, but time is always the sticking point on my progress.
Talked with Ted Newman recently, via email. He sent a CD copy of an LP he did in the 80's called "I've Been To Town". Nothing like his 1950's recordings, but good work by a really nice guy.
Have you seen the book series called "The R+B Indies"? Originally, it was a two volume set of record labels from A-Z. They have done extensive research (Again), and now have expanded it into a four volume set. If you are into labels like I am, the books are quite good. I now have the first volume, and it covers just A to D, but over 650 pages worth of record labels and discographies for your viewing pleasure. That is the good news. The bad news is that you have to empty your wallet to obtain them. Each edition is 81.00 plus shipping, so you will have to hold off buying that Five Keys record on Aladdin. I think I will add the next volume to my Christmas list. When finished, there will be a total of four books.
I remembered an interesting Ebay item I saw, but it was from around 2 months ago, and is no longer in the searchable database. The reputable dealer had a Teen Queens ACE reissue album from the mid 80's for sale. Since he specializes in autographs, it had an "Authentic" autograph of both Rosie and Betty. When I emailed him the fact they had both died about 15 years earlier then the LP release, he didn't respond, but replaced the cover with a picture of the generic sleeve, with the SAME STYLE autographs. I didn't take it any further, but you can bet I will think twice about buying from him, and the authenticity of his autographs. Actually, that would be true anytime you buy records or autographs from someone.
I located a decent copy of J. Frank Wilson's Last Kiss on the Tamara label. I should try and get that up on my first and second labels page. I actually have a list of some additional examples I have found in my collection, but time is always the sticking point on my progress.
Talked with Ted Newman recently, via email. He sent a CD copy of an LP he did in the 80's called "I've Been To Town". Nothing like his 1950's recordings, but good work by a really nice guy.
Have you seen the book series called "The R+B Indies"? Originally, it was a two volume set of record labels from A-Z. They have done extensive research (Again), and now have expanded it into a four volume set. If you are into labels like I am, the books are quite good. I now have the first volume, and it covers just A to D, but over 650 pages worth of record labels and discographies for your viewing pleasure. That is the good news. The bad news is that you have to empty your wallet to obtain them. Each edition is 81.00 plus shipping, so you will have to hold off buying that Five Keys record on Aladdin. I think I will add the next volume to my Christmas list. When finished, there will be a total of four books.
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Pixies Three and more
I have just about completed my Pixies Three web page and should have it on-line for Saturday. It includes my interview with Kaye Krebs, original Pixies Three member. It is a work in process, just as most of my pages are.
One of the more interesting Ebay listings I have seen this year, has about 3 days before it is finished. The seller is Fosman, and my experience looking at his listings is simply to take caution. He often sells records without specifically saying if the disc is real or a boot. I think that is wrong, and they should be explained up front like many sellers do. Especially when you know the difference (He does). It can only lead to uninformed decisions by those with less knowledge of the vinyl. To his credit, he usually includes the dead wax numbers which is an instant giveaway, and if he doesn't, he gladly emails them to you. His listing adds records to the auction as watchers and bidders increase, up to the last 24 hours. An interesting concept that seems to be working fairly well.
I spoke with Jimmy Charles last night, and he was busy recording some promos for Wild Wayne, a DJ on the east coast. He was also lining up a couple of shows where he will perform, and frankly, I think he will have even more chances to sing in 2007. He is just now being recognized as available and in good vocal condition. I think he will bust out on the oldies circuits very soon.
The Jackpot label is definitly next on my agenda. Though I have no interviews scheduled, I am always looking, and have a couple possibilities in mind. Stay tuned for those in they pan out.
I updated some text on my Altones/Beverly Hills Painters page after reconnecting with Dave Mastry, son of Tony who was part of the groups. I hope to keep expanding the page with additional photos and a few more records if I can locate them. Also, I added a couple of Silverball records on my Ronnie Haig page.
I had a semi-hit on my "Was That Your Record" page. I put records on the page that had owners named written or affixed to them. After I was done, I found some high school "Stuff" from a person that graduated in Oregon in the late 50's. Even though it was not a record, I put a picture on the site and listed a few things I found and asked why she got rid of them, etc. I was hoping to have her email me. Instead, someone with the last name of Shaw wrote with some odd questions, almost playing a game. I wrote back assuring him I would return the items to the person if they contacted me and I could positively identify they were really that person. And after looking at his name and comparing it to the graduation list that was part of the stuff, I think I found his brother that had graduated the same year as the gal in question. Naturally I asked him if he was related to so and so. It probably freaked him out of his mind, and I have not heard back from him since!
I spoke with Jimmy Charles last night, and he was busy recording some promos for Wild Wayne, a DJ on the east coast. He was also lining up a couple of shows where he will perform, and frankly, I think he will have even more chances to sing in 2007. He is just now being recognized as available and in good vocal condition. I think he will bust out on the oldies circuits very soon.
The Jackpot label is definitly next on my agenda. Though I have no interviews scheduled, I am always looking, and have a couple possibilities in mind. Stay tuned for those in they pan out.
I updated some text on my Altones/Beverly Hills Painters page after reconnecting with Dave Mastry, son of Tony who was part of the groups. I hope to keep expanding the page with additional photos and a few more records if I can locate them. Also, I added a couple of Silverball records on my Ronnie Haig page.
I had a semi-hit on my "Was That Your Record" page. I put records on the page that had owners named written or affixed to them. After I was done, I found some high school "Stuff" from a person that graduated in Oregon in the late 50's. Even though it was not a record, I put a picture on the site and listed a few things I found and asked why she got rid of them, etc. I was hoping to have her email me. Instead, someone with the last name of Shaw wrote with some odd questions, almost playing a game. I wrote back assuring him I would return the items to the person if they contacted me and I could positively identify they were really that person. And after looking at his name and comparing it to the graduation list that was part of the stuff, I think I found his brother that had graduated the same year as the gal in question. Naturally I asked him if he was related to so and so. It probably freaked him out of his mind, and I have not heard back from him since!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
More record stories, two Ebay records, and upcoming projects
The Fireflies are now on-line! I have a web page of the group and solo efforts of Ritchie Adams, up to about 1962. I also just added a quick celebrities page that shows their current line-up in 2002. They have just one personnel change since then. The next page I am working on is for the Pixies Three. Not my most robust page, but as with everything on my website, it's a work in progress. When finished, I will also post a great interview I had with original member Kaye Krebs.
More from the record find department. Nothing amazing, but since I find records so interesting, and every one has a story, I will pick it up from my last blog. I have one record by Joyce Webb on the Houston based Lee-Roy label, until now. I found a very odd country version of the Crest's doo wop classic Sixteen Candles, by Bobby Beason. It is from the early 70's, and is interesting.
The Largos had a record in 1961 called I Wonder Why, but it's not the same classic from the Belmonts. It is a rather blusey record that was originally released on Detroit's Starmaker label. I found the second label recording on Dot. Seems a bit "wrong" for what Dot was issuing at the time, but not a bad record.
Have you ever seen the Faro label? It was based in Hollywood, CA, and was often red and white. All of my copies have a picture of the artist on the label, and this one is no exception. Ken Miller is the artist, and the side I am interested in can be used for my Halloween collection. Zonbeeshe Blues is an odd one. Not an awesome record, but as I said, odd! The flip is a teener.
Here is an overpriced record for your collection. Four Chicks and A Chuck on red vinyl Jubilee. It is a pop record that should sell for about 10 bucks mint. You can buy this one for 89.99.
I always knew that "Boots" had started to become collectible to some people. I bought a bunch in the early 70's, and some of the colored wax versions were fairly limited. I stopped collecting them after about 10 years, and have not bought any since. Here are the Blenders on swirl wax for a whopping 85 bucks! Sheesh! I don't think they are that collectable. Frankly, it's not too far from what an original should sell for.
No interviews on the immediate schedule. I think I will take a break from them and concentrate more on my web site, after I finish the Pixies Three page. I am about 3 country records short of running the Los Angeles based Jackpot label, so that will be one of the projects. I have a few smaller ones that include artist titles and artist names, but so far I only have 4 or 5 records for each one.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Pixies 3, record finds and Discoveries magazine
I'm back and ready to write! I have been on vacation, so it was not for lack of interest.
My last radio show featured an interview with Kaye Krebs of the Pixies Three. It was fun, and I was able to play many of their records. I am still waiting for feedback from Kaye, but hope she liked it. She was very informative and the interview actually lasted over 40 minutes. I cut it back to 28 minutes which is still a lengthy interview for radio. But, that is why I am doing this, to inform and entertain. I hope to make it available on my website later this month.
I also had an interview with Vince Castro, which is available on my website. That was done the week before the Pixies. He is doing well in retirement, and currently lives in the Bronx. He is a very nice guy, and I believe he may just cut a CD if he sets his mind to it. He is singing mostly standards, and sounds good doing it. I also added a couple of pictures of him to my site.
Amongst my latest discoveries is a record by Gil (Quesada) and Ray on the Cam label. The plug side appears to be Malaguena which is backed with "Marty, The Life Of The Party". The "A" side is Spanish, the flip is in English. Quesada worked with Rosie Hamlin on her Wax World release in 1973 .
How about Baldemar Huerta (Freddy Fender) on a red vinyl Falcon label release. This label was from Mission Texas. He sings Don't Be Cruel and Ay Amor in Spanish. These were before he recorded his first English sides in 1959.
And I couldn't pass up "Brian" by Anita Carter. OK, so a long way from doo wop, but I saw my name on a record other than "Brian's Song", and I had to buy it! I will go through a few more of my recent arrivals on my next blog entry.
If you subscribe to the record collecting magazine called Discoveries, you just got your last issue. A magazine that had some really good stories and features in it's lengthy run of 221 issues, Discoveries has called it quits. In retrospect, they probably should have folded by summer, or earlier, as many of the advertisers jumped ship and the editor resigned. The last issue was a scrawny attempt at closing out an impressive history of great articles. If you have subscription time remaining, you will get Goldmine to finish it off. I subscribed to Goldmine many years ago, but became disillusioned with the lack of roots rock and roll and doo wop coverage. Unless I am rather pleasantly surprised, I doubt that I will have any reason to continue with Goldmine. This leaves many holes in the record collecting world. Advertisers either go to Goldmine or lose their audience, readers have one less source for records, and we have one less source for information. Life does go on. Consider a publication called "Echoes Of The Past". Contact them at echoespast@msn.com It's a quarterly magazine at 14.99 per year.
I do collect the Orioles 78's. My collection is not complete yet, but one of these days I will have them all! While looking on Ebay, I continue to see one listing. At first I thought it was a mistake, but after a few months, it has stayed the same. The price is a bit excessive, but I hate to tell the lister. They might actually think it's worth it! It's Jubilee 5016, Forgive And Forget. I love the line in their ad, "This record is in good condition with minimal scratching, however, we would be happy to double check to see that it will play with no problems" The price? A measly 650.00! Can I get two of those?
Ebay Link:
My last radio show featured an interview with Kaye Krebs of the Pixies Three. It was fun, and I was able to play many of their records. I am still waiting for feedback from Kaye, but hope she liked it. She was very informative and the interview actually lasted over 40 minutes. I cut it back to 28 minutes which is still a lengthy interview for radio. But, that is why I am doing this, to inform and entertain. I hope to make it available on my website later this month.
I also had an interview with Vince Castro, which is available on my website. That was done the week before the Pixies. He is doing well in retirement, and currently lives in the Bronx. He is a very nice guy, and I believe he may just cut a CD if he sets his mind to it. He is singing mostly standards, and sounds good doing it. I also added a couple of pictures of him to my site.
Amongst my latest discoveries is a record by Gil (Quesada) and Ray on the Cam label. The plug side appears to be Malaguena which is backed with "Marty, The Life Of The Party". The "A" side is Spanish, the flip is in English. Quesada worked with Rosie Hamlin on her Wax World release in 1973 .
How about Baldemar Huerta (Freddy Fender) on a red vinyl Falcon label release. This label was from Mission Texas. He sings Don't Be Cruel and Ay Amor in Spanish. These were before he recorded his first English sides in 1959.
And I couldn't pass up "Brian" by Anita Carter. OK, so a long way from doo wop, but I saw my name on a record other than "Brian's Song", and I had to buy it! I will go through a few more of my recent arrivals on my next blog entry.
If you subscribe to the record collecting magazine called Discoveries, you just got your last issue. A magazine that had some really good stories and features in it's lengthy run of 221 issues, Discoveries has called it quits. In retrospect, they probably should have folded by summer, or earlier, as many of the advertisers jumped ship and the editor resigned. The last issue was a scrawny attempt at closing out an impressive history of great articles. If you have subscription time remaining, you will get Goldmine to finish it off. I subscribed to Goldmine many years ago, but became disillusioned with the lack of roots rock and roll and doo wop coverage. Unless I am rather pleasantly surprised, I doubt that I will have any reason to continue with Goldmine. This leaves many holes in the record collecting world. Advertisers either go to Goldmine or lose their audience, readers have one less source for records, and we have one less source for information. Life does go on. Consider a publication called "Echoes Of The Past". Contact them at echoespast@msn.com It's a quarterly magazine at 14.99 per year.
I do collect the Orioles 78's. My collection is not complete yet, but one of these days I will have them all! While looking on Ebay, I continue to see one listing. At first I thought it was a mistake, but after a few months, it has stayed the same. The price is a bit excessive, but I hate to tell the lister. They might actually think it's worth it! It's Jubilee 5016, Forgive And Forget. I love the line in their ad, "This record is in good condition with minimal scratching, however, we would be happy to double check to see that it will play with no problems" The price? A measly 650.00! Can I get two of those?
Ebay Link:
