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."
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