THE ROSE COLORED CORNER PODCAST NO. 2

Once again this comes a few months late, I'm a certified slacker..  The Rose Colored Corner Podcast No. 2 features another selection of 45RPM singles straight from my personal copies.  In mono of course and sounding BOSS.  There are a few record store day pickups in here as well as a few choice originals I picked up this past summer.

There will no doubt be another podcast coming as I have added more gems to my collection in the current season, but who knows when that will happen.

TRACKLIST:
01 THE GIANT JELLYBEAN COPOUT "AWAKE IN A DREAM"
02 THE GIANT JELLYBEAN COPOUT "LOOK AT THE GIRLS"
03 THE LIVING CHILDREN "CRYSTALIZE YOUR MIND"
04 THE LIVING CHILDREN "IT'S OVER"
05 THE SANDPIPERS "GLASS"
06 THE SANDPIPERS "IT'S OVER"
07 ADRIAN LLOYD "LORNA"
08 ADRIAN LLOYD "GOT A LITTLE WOMAN"
09 THE MICKEY FINN "THE GARDEN OF MY MIND"
10 THE MICKEY FINN "TIME TO START LOVING YOU"
11 THE MIKE STUART SPAN "CHILDREN OF TOMORROW"
12 THE MIKE STUART SPAN "CONCERTO OF THOUGHTS"
13 BILL SODEN "AN ECHO IN YOUR MIND"
14 BILL SODEN "RAINY DAY"

BILL SODEN - AN ECHO IN YOUR MIND / RAINY DAY, APRIL 1967

This mellow and moody double sider features two great originals from the mystery man himself.  As mentioned in my previous post Bill Soden released a small handful of singles in the late 60's which were unsuccessful to say the least.  This was a highly sought after disc for me, mostly for the melancholy slice of brilliance 'Rainy Day' which I first heard on Fading Yellow vol. 11.  This downtrodden tune features some delicate acoustic guitar picking, tasteful orchestration and most importantly some wonderful songwriting and vocal delivery.  Some haunting harmonies are added near the end of the song making it a truly breathtaking piece.  Everyone can relate to a song about a rainy day, and sometimes simplicity gives way to indescribable complexity.  Such is the case with 'Rainy Day'.

'rainy day go far away
i'm tired of blues i've gone through
lonely nights, eight thousand sights
of times i once knew..

..transparent dreams, not what they seem 

float by in shades of grey"

Simply amazing..

The plug side, 'An Echo In Your Mind' was unheard of before I located a copy of the original single and to my knowledge isn't available anywhere else.  It's a very easygoing acoustic/folk tune, a bit of a downer once again, but that just adds to the charm.  It's really no surprise that this record didn't generate much airplay though it did receive a brief review in Billboard Magazine.  Both sides will be featured on my next podcast in all their monophonic glory so don't miss that..

MID DAY RAIN - WELCOME TO THE RAIN / FRIDAY MOURNING, 1970

Mid Day Rain are presumably a studio group, this being their sole release on RCA records sometime in 1970.  I have no information on the origins or personnel involved (aside from the label info) which is a quite impressive feat given that it's 2016 and obscurity is becoming obscure in its own right.  On to the music.

The warm, rich sounds of 'Welcome To The Rain' really seep into your mind as passages of flute and effected guitar wash over a distinguished drum and bass.  Rounding out this lush soundscape are the smooth vocals/harmonies and classy orchestration making this a production worth remembering.

The flipside 'Friday Mourning' is more of the same, and I mean that in the very best way possible.  This track is so lush and dreamy, you'd have to be a real asshole not to like it..  I'm very happy to own a copy of this, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the promo version if one turns up.

Both sides can be found on my most recent podcast where I converted them to mono.  I'm sure some folks would be unhappy about this, but I think it sounds quite lovely.

THE GIANT JELLYBEAN COPOUT - AWAKE IN A DREAM / LOOK AT THE GIRLS, APRIL 1968

This one-off record from studio project Giant Jellybean Copout is a critical example of the late 60's harmony laden pop nugget.  They don't make them like this anymore folks.  In fact, I would go as far as to say that even with all of the current resources and convenience NO ONE in this day and age is capable of pulling off harmonies like this, but back to the story..

Plug side 'Awake In A Dream' takes Beach Boys imitation to the extreme and sounds like the best song that Brian Wilson and Co. never recorded.  Those harmonies really are exceptional and apparently were executed by one man, Mr. Robert Dileo.  This song was later used on The Critters Touch And Go album using the same backing track and new vocals.  A common misconception seems to be that this record was a side project of the Critters, though it turns out it was solely the brainchild of Bob Dileo.

Flipside 'Look At The Girls' is just as good, if not better than 'Awake In A Dream' and features more sugar coated heavenly harmonies and some nice loungey production.  This side was included on Fading Yellow Vol. 3.

THE ROSE COLORED CORNER PODCAST

Here's the latest monophonic mixtape of select 45's recently featured on the blog.  All tracks sourced from vinyl of course.  ENJOY

TRACKLIST:
01 JENNIFER'S FRIENDS "VISIONS"
02 JENNIFER'S FRIENDS "IN THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE"
03 ELECTRIC PRUNES "I'VE GOT A WAY OF MY OWN"
04 ELECTRIC PRUNES "WORLD OF DARKNESS"
05 CRESCENT SIX "NIGHTMARE"
06 CRESCENT SIX "AND THEN"
07 MIKE KONSTAN "THIS TIME"
08 MIKE KONSTAN "MY LOVELY ONE"
09 MID DAY RAIN "WELCOME TO THE RAIN"
10 MID DAY RAIN "FRIDAY MOURNING"
11 BILL SODEN "SOAKIN' UP SUNSHINE"
12 BILL SODEN "OLD TIME MOVIES"
13 MIKE WALLACE "MANDARIN"
14 MIKE WALLACE "NATURAL HIGH"

MIKE WALLACE - NATURAL HIGH / MANDARIN, 1970

Here's another one I found unexpectedly in the wild recently.  In fact I couldn't believe my eyes.  I  had this one saved in my Ebay search for quite a while...  Anyways, Mike Wallace was a UK native though the British release is much harder to find than this US version and is priced accordingly.

'Natural High' is an upbeat Kinks sounding number with a simple but effective guitar riff and some orchestration. The author goes on about being high on life for 3 plus minutes, getting 'stoned on the sun and the moon and the stars' and that sort of jazz.  It's a very fun and catchy song which went nowhere on the charts in late 1970.  The flipside 'Mandarin' is a decent mid-tempo pop song with slight folk/country leanings sounding much of it's era.  Both of these cuts will be featured on ROSE COLORED CORNER EPISODE 4.

JENNIFER'S FRIENDS - IN THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE / VISIONS, JUNE 1968

I unexpectedly picked up this single today for cheap and thus was quite pleased.  I've had this record on my wantlist for some time now, and wasn't expecting to find it down the street in a local shop.

Jennifer's Friends are mysterious unknowns who cut this lone single for Buddah Records in 1968.
On the topside you have 'In The Land Of Make Believe', an Easybeats cover which is somewhat similar to that version, though it does add some looseness and spontaneity to the mix making it standout.  It's a great orchestrated pop song that you might file next to your later period Left Banke singles.

The flipside 'Visions' is my pick, a real mind trip which slows the tempo down quite a bit.  Swirling organ, deep bass, vocal harmonies and even a bit of harmonica illustrate this slow burner with dreamlike effervescence.  There's even a killer fuzztone guitar outro which fades the song into oblivion.  Great stuff..

BILL SODEN - SOAKIN' UP SUNSHINE / OLD TIME MOVIES, JULY 1968

I picked up this Bill Soden single based on the strength of his earlier releases, namely the way cool sitar laced pop sike gem 'My Mermaid And Me' and the stunning orchestrated folk ballad and personal favorite 'Rainy Day'.  Both of these tracks were released on the Compass label in 1967 and can be found on Fading Yellow comps respectively..  Adding to the curiosity was the absence of any info regarding this single on the net, not even a Youtube clip which is pretty impressive in 2016!  It's one of those records that's neither common nor a collectors item..

After obtaining and listening to this 45 I'm left with slight disappointment, but only on account of the greatness found on his earlier singles.  Bill Soden seems to have taken a heavy Lovin' Spoonful/John Sebastian approach on this record.  In fact, 'Soakin' Up Sunshine' basically comes off as a direct ripoff of 'Daydream'.  The resemblance is uncanny and while 'Daydream' was a smash hit for The Lovin' Spoonful in 1966, 'Soakin' Up Sunshine' sunk without a trace 2 years after the fact.   Absolutely no disrespect to Bill Soden as this record gets lodged into your ears just as any great pop song does.  'Old Time Movies' is executed in similar fashion giving off a slight Nashville influence.   Bill Soden would go on to record a fourth and final single on yet another label, Cotillion, later in 1968.

THE ELECTRIC PRUNES - I'VE GOT A WAY OF MY OWN / WORLD OF DARKNESS

Well, another record store day came and went and the world is left with a new pile of overpriced waste that will soon be forgotten.  Among the rubble were a few releases that sparked my interest, and like a mindless junkie I went down to the local dealer and got my fix.  I'm fortunate enough to live in a city where the supply is plentiful so I had no trouble getting the goods for a reasonable price.

One of the releases of interest was this Electric Prunes single put out by Sundazed.  This 45 features two scrapped songs from 1966 using the previously unavailable mono mix.  In addition they fashioned a killer label replicating an 'era-correct' promotional release from Reprise.  This was the main selling point for me, and I appreciate that the folks at Sundazed recognize how important the label is to the 60's vinyl fetishist.

The Prunes treatment of 'I've Got A Way Of My Own' which was a tune previously recorded by The Hollies is a favorite of mine, and it's a treat to own on 45.  I actually enjoy the stereo mix, but mono is always nice to hear.  'World Of Darkness' is a great group original that could have easily fit within either of their first two albums making this a truly great double sider.  Here's what frontman James Lowe had to say about it:

"The Electric Prunes were searching for a sound and style that we could capture on record.  Maybe you don't know exactly who or what you are until you lay it down seriously?  Someone suggested a Hollies song, "I've Got a Way Of My Own," as a warm-up.  I remember Preston Ritter doing a press-roll through the entire take.  4-track tape, no edits back then...and we tried it three times through, I think.  How he had any arms left after that escaped me!  We were still trying to establish the band-and decided the harmonies were better left to other groups, so we never officially released the cut.

Mark and I wrote "World Of Darkness" after seeing the Beatles on TV, I think... we recorded it as a demo-and never came back to fix some 'timing' errors.  Oddly, NOW I like those little bumps the most!  They are kind of "youth-don't-give-a-shit" moments!"

MIKE KONSTAN - MY LOVELY ONE / THIS TIME, OCTOBER 1966

This pair of beautiful folk ballads by singer/songwriter Mike Konstan have really been digging deep into my mind lately.  I became aware of this forgotten hero by the inclusion of his song 'This Time' on Fading Yellow Vol. 11.  I slowly became infatuated with the tune and had to track down a copy for closer inspection.

The slightly upbeat and catchy 'This Time', though sunny on the surface, contains a melancholic longing that creates some heavy reminiscing if you have the mind for it.  I really dig Mike's vocals and the guitars are just perfect.  A fantastic piece of songcraft that I couldn't praise enough.

The flipside 'My Lovely One' slows down the tempo, but proves to be just as endearing as the aforementioned gem.  Listening to the opening verse might be a bit off putting at first, and you may initially pass it off as old fashioned, perhaps cheesy.  You soon realize you have a tune on par with any mid period McCartney ballad.  The execution is just stunning, and I find it every bit as good as 'This Time'.

Information on Mike Konstan is rather scarce, but he did eventually record a solo LP in 1973 on RCA records.  I happened to pick up a copy recently and will be sure to reflect on it at a later date..

THE CRESCENT SIX - NIGHTMARE / AND THEN, JUNE 1965

QUICK UPDATE: This blog has been severely neglected in recent times but don't count it out yet.  I've added plenty of new treasure to my magical musical box which I intend to write about in the coming weeks, followed by a new podcast.  I'll start things off with one of my best scores recently, the killer single from The Crescent Six on Rust records.

I first became aware of The Crescent Six with the inclusion of 'And Then' on the great Heavy Dose Of Lyte Psych compilation from Arf Arf records.  This tune really stood out to me among the rest of the cuts on this heavy set.  It had more of an early garage leaning compared the indulgent psychedelic flower vibes (obviously) being the theme of the comp, and sure enough it was recorded earlier than the rest.  Over the years and hundreds of plays later 'And Then' has grown to become one of my favorite songs of all time.

The lyrics could be described as a typical teenage boy loses girl saga, but they are backed with some ghostly spine tingling harmonies that could never be recreated, ESPECIALLY with the advancements of modern technology.  Maybe it was the luck of the draw, but these boys really hit the nail on the head.  The thumping bass and drums are matched with an absolutely killer lead guitar that has a distinct surf leaning, provided by none other than a Mosrite guitar.  This surf sound is further explored on the instrumental 'Nightmare' which is found on the flipside.  Original guitarist/vocalist Tony Barca uploaded both tracks to Youtube a few years back and provided some great information about the origins of the band:

"Contrary to the said origin of Crescent , NY. The Band was from Farmingdale, NY. A small Long Island Community that offered up some great young talent.
The band very was heavily influenced by The Ventures. Then came the British invasion which really lit our fire. Although the Beatles had a lot to do with us moving forward as a band .. The Kinks and The Zombies really influenced the creativity and the sound of our original songs. Seems they stretched the boundaries a bit more at that time. That's what accounts for the sound of of the band. Those Mosrite guitars really sound unique.....

The Crescent Six From Farmingdale , NY recorded as a band from 1964- 1966.. Managed by Simmons & Evans Productions... We played in Greenwich Village at The Night Owl Cafe, Upstairs at the Downstairs, The Village Gate and on Long Island at My House in Plainview and at the short lived Murray the K's World. Those were very exciting days for such young guys.. My father used to roadie for us until I got my drivers license..... We also played at the NY State Pavilion at the Worlds Fair. In 1966 we did a record company show at Farmingdale HS and were received like returning stars."

THE POSSUMS - SHE'S LOVING ME / KING IN HIS WORLD, FEBRUARY 1967

It may be 2016 and things are nearing the end, but it's not too late for musical discovery.  Living proof is in my recent uncovering of this rare garage 45 by the Possums.  This is of course a reproduction, as I lack the funds to harness an original if it were to ever go up for sale.  And while we are on the topic let's face it;  Rare 60's garage records are now 50 years old and coming across original copies in good condition is slim and none.  I'm all about reissues if the quality is good and this one indeed IS.

'She's Loving Me' is an upbeat number featuring prominent compact organ, clanging tambourine, frantic teenage vocals, and TWO guitar breaks.  Absolutely killer and begs for repeated listens.  The subject is convinced his baby loves him though it is clearly a bout of mania.  This side can be found in the Teenage Shutdown series, VOL 2.

The flipside 'King In His World' is on the moodier side of the spectrum, though not as downtrodden as some.  Leaving all girl trouble aside our subject here is the misunderstood type; long hair, tight fit, etc.  Someday he will be understood, but until then 'he's a king in his world'.  Found on the stellar 'Shutdown '66' comp, also covered by contemporary garage hero Paul Messis.

THE OPTICAL SOUND: EPISODE 3

AT LONG LAST!  WHAT NO ONE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!! It's a new podcast featuring six choice double-siders I've acquired between then and now.  This full spectrum of original sounds recorded between 1965-1969 is all MONO and all KILLER.  For more info on the tracks check out the specific blog postings.

TRACKLIST:
01 THE SYNDICATE "SHE HAUNTS YOU" 
02 THE SYNDICATE "THE EGYPTIAN THING"
03 THE GARDEN CLUB "LITTLE GIRL LOST AND FOUND"
04 THE GARDEN CLUB "I MUST LOVE HER"
05 SAGITTARIUS "ANOTHER TIME"
06 SAGITTARIUS "PISCES"
07 THE BYRDS "EIGHT MILES HIGH" (RCA STUDIO VERSION)
08 THE BYRDS "WHY" (RCA STUDIO VERSION)
09 THE BAROQUES "IOWA, A GIRLS NAME"
10 THE BAROQUES "MARY JANE"
11 THE PICTURE "EVOLUTION"
12 THE PICTURE "REACH OUT (I'll BE THERE)"

THE SYNDICATE - THE EGYPTIAN THING / SHE HAUNTS YOU, DECEMBER 1965

The Syndicate's 'Egyptian Thing' is certainly celebrated within garage circles.  A killer tune for sure, but I'm here to talk about the less mentioned flip side and all time personal fave 'She Haunts You'.  One that will forever live in the back of my moody mind.  There are many merits within this record worthy of discussion.  I could mention the thumping bass, the searing tremolo guitar, the ghostly backing vocals, the ultra cool 60's teenage vibes and lyrics, the list goes on.  The sounds captured here exist as a time capsule which can never be replicated.  The limitations of mid 60's recording studios certainly play a role in this, as no modern technology is capable of replicating this sound no matter how many pieces of vintage gear you may acquire...

This nifty reproduction can be had for $10 at the moment which leaves me with a big smiley face knowing how much you would have to pay for an original copy (if you ever found one).  It probably even sounds better than the worn out copy someone bought for $500.

SAGITTARIUS - HOTEL INDISCREET / VIRGO, AUGUST 1967

I picked this one up mainly for the Gary Usher instrumental flip 'Virgo', but the single version of 'Hotel Indiscreet' is a creature all of it's own.  This was the follow up single to the masterful all time fave 'My World Fell Down', and in similar fashion the 45 single version contains a bizarre midway passage of spoken word and noise rendering it useless in the commercial world.  The album version of 'Hotel Indiscreet' would omit this segment (performed in part with then recent Columbia signees The Firesign Theater) which leaves you with a perfect pop nugget featuring the glimmering voice of Curt Boettcher.  I prefer the album version, but the single is entertaining nonetheless.  You can hear both sides of this 45 in their original mono glory on my OPTICAL SOUND podcast.