A new documentary is being produced on the duo of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Best known as the ace songwriting team of the 60’s that produced The Monkees biggest hits “Last Train To Clarksville,” “(theme from) The Monkees,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and “Valleri.” But did you know they were instrumental in the movement to lower the national voting age to eighteen? Find out more here. Thanks to Andrew Sandoval for posting on Facebook.
Category: Moldy Oldies and Guilty Pleasures
Moldy Oldies: Goodbye Don Grady and the Yellow Balloon
Don Grady, who was one of television’s most beloved big brothers as Robbie Douglas on the long-running 1960s hit My Three Sons, died Wednesday. He was 68. A musical prodigy from a young age, Grady also played drums for sunshine pop pioneers The Yellow Balloon, who had a minor hit with a self-titled song in 1967.
Fun Fact: The band at one time also included Daryl Dragon, who wasn’t as famous at the time as he would be a few years down the road as the male half of the popular duo Captain & Tennille.
Ambulance “Planet You”
Let’s go back in time to the skinny tie era of Power Pop (before people even knew the term) in 1980. And a little known New Jersey band, Ambulance had a single “It’s All Up To You” early that year on Sing Sing Records. And even Richie Ramone helped play drums on that track. Much like our friends Buddy Love, these gents have returned decades later to re-tell the tale of Ambulance.
If you are a fan of that old school garage power pop, SW Miller (guitar), Bobby Padula(drums) and Alan Rigoletto (bass) deliver the raw energy and enthusiasm. The original tracks are great – and mixed in with the new stuff. I’ll give Miller credit, his guitar playing and song composition are spot on. Unfortunately his vocal sounds like Bob Geldof with a sinus cold and the attempted harmonies on “Tonight” made me cringe. There are several good new tracks here like,”Not Fighting Fair” and “Believe In You.” But I had difficulty getting past those vocals. Fans of the early punk/new wave era however will not be disappointed.
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Moldy Oldies: The Beach Boys and Joe Walsh
With all the hype around the Beach Boys coming out with a new release, I decided to give in to my impulses and listen to these old dogs do some new tricks…
The Beach Boys “That’s Why God Made The Radio”
Rather than re-hash what others have already written, here is my take on the music itself. With Wilson back at the helm, it is easily the strongest BB album in over 20 years, with the title track balancing nostalgia and heavenly harmonies. Like BB albums of old, we get a sunny side and an introspective “dark” side. “Isn’t It Time” captures each of the band’s principal singers (with Al Jardine’s vocals sounding the best of the bunch). The backing crew of Brian’s “SMiLE” helps keep things smooth and tasteful, and other than a throwaway (“The Private Life Of Bill and Sue”) its sure to please fans. Recommended here are the sweet love ballad “Shelter” and heart-breakly gorgeous “From There to Back Again.” It feels like a swan song. Maybe it is… “Pacific Coast Highway” is an acceptance of that, as Brian croons “It’s time to move along… sunlights fading and there’s not much left to say.” A satisfying coda for a legendary band.
Joe Walsh “Analog Man”
Rock and roll’s “ordinary average guy” Walsh (ex-Eagles) sounds like your dad ranting on the title track of Analog Man. Walsh still has the guitar chops, and he’s given the full “Wilbury” treatment courtesy of Jeff Lynne (ELO). “Wrecking Ball” is an awesome catchy track, with Walsh’s trademark sound over Lynne’s orchestration. “Lucky That Way” is like a sequel of sorts to “Life’s Been Good” and “Band Played On” is another great sitar/riff heavy rocker. A few songs are a bit too slickly produced, the touching “Family” is nearly ruined by synth effects.”One Day At A Time” starts to sound too much like a Wilbury track, thankfully “Funk 50” and “India” are riff heavy returns to form albeit with thick production values. Nothing really throwaway here, as your analog dad goes full digital – did we mention those big guitar riffs? Yeah, I love ’em too.
Long “lost” album released: The New Sell Out
This legendary album is a cover of The Who Sell Out by power pop artists, including The Andersons, Splitsville, The Shazam, Brendon Benson, and The Grip Weeds to just name a few. Put together 12 years ago and gathering cobwebs ever since, The New Sell Out is finally out! Dedicated to Rick McBrien, the soul of Futureman. Thanks to every contributing artist and everyone who worked on this! Full liner notes and artwork included in download. Get it ONLY at Futuremanrecords.com, it’s my official pick for best compilation of 2012!