Crayons To Perfume's Girl Of The Week Is Cristina of Los Stops in our Lovely Ladies of Latin 60's music SPECIAL!

Cristina sang with Los Stop (later re-named Los Tops for a time), in the late 60's, recording for Spain's famous Belter Records. Cristina always dreamed of being famous, and her dreams came true!!! Here she's singing the Spanish pop song Tres Cosas



We've saved her more rockin' stuff for our show, so now tune into Crayons To Perfume's Lovely Ladies of Latin music special, show #10, and enjoy the sounds of 60's Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil!

-Crayons To Perfume is hosted weekly by Glynis Ward, DJ girl group girl, who does not speak Spanish or Portuguese and it's very evident on this broadcast, so please be gentle! Here's our show archive

Playlist Show #10

Cristina Y Los Stop: Extende Tu Brazos (Extend Your Arms – Reach Out!)
Cristina Y Los Stop: Molino a Viento
Cristina Y Los Stop: El Ultimo Tren A Clarksville (Last Train To Clarksville)
Cristina Y Los Stop: Los Dos Tan Felices So Happy Together
Cristina Y Los Stop: El Turista 199.999
Angelica Maria: Brebaje de Amore
Los Mary: Jets Dulces Tonterias
Kippy Casado: Loca Yo
Queta Garay: 96 Lagrimas
Las Chics: Samba Lulu
Los Robin: No te alejes
Wanderlea: Boa Noite, Meu Bem (Goodnight Irene)
La Lupe: Don’t Play That Song
Los TNT: Tu Loca Juventud (Crazy Youth)
Las Cuatro Monedas (The Four Coins): Mi Bote De Remo (The Boat That I Row)
La Mosquitas: Hacelo Conmigo
Vanusa: Colores
Lorella con Los Shakers Sola Estoy
Pili & Mili – Un Chico Moderno
Marta Maizan Ven Con Nostros
Silvana Velasco: Dime Dime
Unknown: Love Loves to Love Love

Crayons To Perfume Girls of the Week are the cross boarder cuties, the Charmaines!

The Charmaines, or Gigi & The Charmaines as they appeared on some of their records were one of the more unique girl-groups. They were from Cincinnati, Ohio - a day's drive from Toronto, Ontario in Canada and their adopted 2nd home of many years. Toronto had a thriving soul and r&b scene in the 60's and was hungry for more of the music that was heavily influencing "the Toronto Sound" - the Charmaines even have three very obscure singles on Red Leaf Records (from Toronto) - which we'll feature at a later date (because I don't have my hands on all of them! If anyone can send me files of the records, please let me know!!!!)
The Charmaines made quite a few records, but the girls seemed to measure their success not on the hit songs that eluded them, but on the busy schedule they kept for live performances - they were working constantly!

The Charmaines were also on local TV frequently, but none of the footage is on Youtube, so instead we've featured some fantastic recent re-union footage from Cleethorpe's Soul Weekender! The girls sound hasn't changed a bit, and here they do 'Eternally'.



Crayons to Perfume 9 features not only the Charmaines, but a set of powerhouse soul sisters, solo pop girls and some swingin' 60's ye ye covers that transform those seemingly sweet and innocent French Femmes into torrid temptresses that tantalize! We end our show with a taste of next weeks Lovely Latin Ladies one hour special - a show filled with super music from the girls of South America, Mexico, Spain and Cuba!!

Crayons to Perfume airs each Monday morning with your host, Glynis Ward aka DJ girlgroupgirl - just search on WFMU Rock 'n Soul Ichiban to find a list of all our other shows - they remain here for your listening pleasure 24/7

The Charmaines: Guilty
The Charmaines: I Idolize You
The Charmaines: Poor Unfortunate Me
The Charmaines: I Don’t Want To Loose Him
Sandy Shaw: Girl Don’t Come
Petula Clark: Reach Out
Chris Connor: Downtown
Billie Davis: Ev’ry Day
Cher: I’m Gonna Love You
Patti Drew: Hard To Handle
Thelma Jones: The House That Jack Built
Gloria Jones: Tainted Love
Erma Franklin: Gotta Find Me a Lover (24 Hours a Day)
Shirley: Big Boss Man
Les Scarabees: Puisque tu m'as quittée (Nothing But A Heartache)
Sylvie Vartan: Quand Tu Es La (The Game of Love)
Evy: Une question qui se pose 1965 (Questions I Can’t Answer )
Stone: Garde Ton Sang Froid (I Can’t Control Myself)
Jocylene: Nitty Gritty
Les Fizz Si tu fais ça (You Can’t Do That)
Jenny Rock Mal (Hush)
Cristina & Los Stops Corazon Contendo 1969

Saturday Night Dance Party Live From The Admiral

Need a DJ for your Saturday night dancing party?  Tune in to "Live From The Admiral" with Dr. Filth. 11 PM - 2 AM.  BYOB.

And, don't forget to check this space every Monday for a new episode of "Crayons To Perfume" with your host Girl Group Girl.

Thanks to J.R. Williams for the logo!

Crayons To Perfume Girl of the Week is that mini Mandarin Missy, Rita Chao!

Today I have a secret, and I'm going to spill the beans. It's really not my style to announce my #1 most wanted record, but today is the day. I REALLY want the album pictured in our video below, because it contains Rita Chao's version of 'Venus'.
Rita Chao is one of the wonders of Singapore's 60's pop "scene". Her voice is unique, and often when singing English, it's awkward sounding to Western ears and the notes often sharp - perfect for her beautiful renditions of traditional Mandarin songs!
I discovered China's hidden 60's pop music while living in Toronto. A record store had purchased a good pile of assorted ethnic 45's and I bought them. There were a few good Portuguese EP's (all of them covers) and a handful of Chinese records. A few of the 45's were "a go go" records but I couldn't read the labels - I suspect now that one or two were either the Trailers or the Quests backing male and male/female duos. At the time I was working with a woman who spoke only Mandarin, and she adored the records, so when I moved the records stayed with her, but those records sparked an interest to find out more about Asian music in the 60's.

Here's Rita with her version of 'Venus'.



Click here for our latest Crayons To Perfume, featuring Rita Chao, a handful of Beatles girls, along with some pop and soul! Check us out here at WFMU's Rock 'n Soul Ichiban each Monday morning - and just search on Crayons To Perfume for all of our past shows. In the coming weeks we have some great stuff planned for your listening pleasure - all kinds of surprises!

Rita Chao: Hanky Panky
Rita Chao: Love Is Me, Love Is You
Rita Chao: How To Catch A Girl
Rita Chao: Shake Shake
Rita Chao: It’s Gonna Be Alright
Bonnie JO Mason: Ringo, I Love You
Linda Gayle: Twist & Shout
The Bootles: I’ll Let You Hold My Hand
The Carefrees: We Love You
Claudette & Sylvie: Oui C’est Vrai (Hold Me Tight)
Shangri-Las: Train From Kansas City
Chymes: He’s Not There Anymore
(Raparata &) The Del Rons: Your Big Mistake
Julie Driscoll: Don’t Do It No More
Tootie & The Bouquets: The Conqueror
Erma Franklin: Hold On I’m Comin’
Nanette: He Knows How
Irma Thomas: Teasin’ But Your Pleasin’
The Velvelettes: He Was Really Sayin’ Somethin’
Martha & The Vandellas: Dancin’ In The Street
Gigi & The Charmaines: Rockin’ Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Blues

Crayons To Perfume's Girl Of The Week is Coventry Fairchild, folk-rock femme extraordinaire!

Coventry Fairchild was the lead singer of Miami 60's folk-rock outfit The Clefs of Lavender Hill. Still in her teens, Coventry had the voice of a far more mature woman. She sang with her brother Travis, usually in duets that he wrote; the most well known of which is 'Stop, Get A Ticket'.

Here's a fab, catchy song Coventry, and her band did for Date Records, Travis wrote it!



Now check out more of the Clefs of Lavender Hill, along with a handful of other female folk-rockers, garage girls and pop princesses, on this week's Crayons To Perfume!

Crayons to Perfume's Girls of the Week, the San Fransisco Songstresses of Soul, the Apollas!

The Apollas should have been huge! They should have been girl group stars, but for some unknown reason, it just didn't happen for these San Fransisco Songstresses of Soul! The beautiful Leola Jiles, who has an incredible voice led the trio through some great records, but they often seemed too rock, or too soul - more sass than sweet, and and sadly it didn't sell. But oh, those records! Check out their first record and crazy TV appearance of the girls on Hollywood a Go-Go with You're Absolutely Right!!




And now hear the Apollas on this week's Crayons To Perfume! with your host Glynis Ward, dj girlgroupgirl - wishing you all a labor free Labor Day!

Calling All Canadians, Calling All Canadians!!

Do not miss the Norton Records Caravan of Stars.


Fear not, fellow New Yorkers.  Miriam will be performing at Bowery Electric on Friday, September 12th.

Crayons To Perfume's Girl Of The Week, Those Shubee Surf Bunnies! Part of our all-girl SURFER SPECIAL!

The Surf Bunnies originally started as the Desirays, but the surfing bug was spreading, and the trio decided to become blondes and hop on the surfin' wagon.

There's very few photos of the band, so this fab 45 on Dot will have to suffice!



You can check out more of the Surf Bunnies, along with a bevvy of bikini bustin' babes on Crayons To Perfume's all girl surfin' special! #7 It's a whole hour of wailin' wahinis with Annette, The Honeys, Kay Bell, and such unlikely surfers as the Orlons and the Feetwoods - it's jam packed with less talk and more rock!

-Crayons to Perfume is a weekly show hosted by Glynis Ward, dj girlgroupgirl. Just do a blog search on Crayons to Perfume and you'll find the rest of our shows, for your listening pleasure now, or later!

A Long Way To Be Happy: tracks originally unreleased

1 Darlene Love: A Long Way To Be Happy

2 Big Maybelle: Ocean Of Tears

3 Johnny & The Hurricanes: The Dribble Twist

4 The Everly Brothers: Mr. Soul

5 Pete Best Combo: I Don't Know Why I Do

6 Duane Eddy: Mirriam

7 Ebah: I Am Gonna Unmask The Batman

8 Bonnie & The Treasures: I Just Want To Be Your Girl

9 Bonnie & The Treasures: Tell Me In The Sunlight

10 The Ronettes: Paradise

11 Shadow Morton: Dressed In Black

12 The Ad Libs: The Slime

13 The Coasters: The Slime

14 Eddie & Ernie: Lay Lady Lay

15 Donovan & Lulu: What A Beautiful Creature You Are

16 Cab Calloway: Smoking Reefers

17 Sir Douglas Quintet: Isabella

18 The Souvenirs: Voodoo Love

19 Johnnie Ray: Ooh! Aah! Oh! (This Is Love)

20 Don Woody: Morse Code

21 Doris Day: Coffee, Cigarettes And Memories

22 The Mellows: I'm Gonna Pick Your Teeth With An Icepick

23 The Mellows: So Strange

24 The Monkees: Kicking Stones

25 The Bee Gees: Dear Mr. Kissinger

26 The Stooges: Lost In The Future

27 Bobby Fuller Four: It's Love, Come What May

28 Frank Wilson: Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)

29 Barbara McNair: Baby A Go-Go

30 The Jayhawks: The Devil's Cousin

31 The Mynah Birds: Go On And Cry

32 The Mynah Birds: It's My Time

33 Barbara Mercer: Happiness Is Here

34 Len Barry: I'll Always Need You

35 Linda Gail Lewis: Ain't Nothing Shakin'

36 The Heartbreakers: Ain't Nothin' Shakin'

37 Stan Vincent with The Del Satins: Angel By My Side

38 The Beach Boys: I Do

39 The Beau Brummels: Gentle Wandering Ways

40 The Coolbreezers: The Other Night

41 The Kool Gents: Phoebe

42 Helen Raymond: My Kid's A Crooner

43 The Ronettes: Here I Sit

44 Little Miss Peggy with The Bill Parker Band: Yellow Pants (And Blue Suede Shoes)

45 Bonniwell Music Machine: Dark White

ORIG. UNREL.

Crayons To Perfume Girl Of The Week, the Swingin' Sylvie Vartan!

Sylvie Vartan started her career as a high school student, swayed by the promise that her brother, Eddie had in store for her when he promised to record her, instead of Gillian Hills. Gillian had turned him down for a record he was producing for RCA.
RCA saw stars when they saw and heard Sylvie, and made her a recording offer she couldn't refuse - Rock 'n Roll!
Here's Sylvie palling around with her friends, including Jacques Dutronc on a French TV show doing 'L'oiseau' in 1967.


If you go right to Youtube, you will notice that the footage is posted by CinnamunK - his entire roster of footage and music is all girl, and is filled with tons of great tracks. Check it out sometime!

But before you do, dig Sylvie in this fab Japanese commercial for Renown Fashions! She sings in French and Japanese! SO MOD!


Now check out the latest Crayons To Perfume where Sylvie takes center stage along with some girls in 60's rock groups, a handful of soulful sisters and a bunch of girls singin' about boys! Don't forget to stay tuned next Monday, when we have a new and super duper swingin' special ALL GIRL SURF SHOW!!!

-Crayons to Perfume is exclusive to WFUM's Rock'n Soul Ichiban! A weekly 1 hour show devoted to girls from 1960-1969 (and a handful of modern missies) hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

Bottle Up and Go Do the Hunch!

(aka Vocal Group 45 of the Week!)

Bottle Up and Go Do The Hunch! (fixed link!)

Crayons To Perfume Girls of the Week are the Bouffant Bronx Bombshells the Chiffons!

The Chiffons were from the Bronx, and met at James Monroe High School and from 1963-1965 they made a string of wonderful records that are cherished by so many lovers of the girl group sounds. The Chiffons also have some very surprising songs that are lesser known like the crazed Bo-Diddley influenced 'ABC 123' and the unusually atmospheric 'Mystic Voice'.
Starting with a more classic girl group style, here's 'I Have A Boyfriend'.



Crayons to Perfume explores all sides of the Chiffon's in their first three LP's, including 'Nobody Knows What's Going On In My Mind'- which sounds more like it was written with the Shangri-las in mind than the Chiffons. It's not what you really expect from a classic teen girl-group - but then again, the Chiffons could really pull some surprises! Check out this live footage, and then check out this week's show!!



This week's Crayons To Perfume features the Chiffons, a handful of garage girls, solo girls and a back to school serenade!

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

Three_Roses!

 

Well, that wraps up the vocal group 45 of the week series. Hope you dug it. If you missed one, I will be posting the full CD to download in the coming weeks. Tentative title; Bottle Up and Go Do the Hunch!

 

Special thanks to Rex Doane for hipping me to a lot of these amazing sides...

 

KtSA

Greg Cartwright's Reigning Sound interview on the Fringe Factory Radio Show!

Now you can hear Greg telling us about his very first band, stories about his grandma's magic attic and his tips for picking up the cool chicks in high school!!!
It's all here on the Fringe Factory! - and listen to the Fringe Factory Radio Show on Aug. 6th at 8pm, as Greg guests DJ's a set for us!!!

Crayons To Perfume's Girl Of The Week: Ernie Djohan! The Swingin' Singapore Sweetie!

Ernie Djohan is an Indonesian singer who was much beloved in the 60’s, singing both traditional songs and pop hits of the day. Her career started as a child, in 1962 when at the age of 11 she began singing for radio. Later that year she won a vocal contest and scored a record deal with Phillips. Ernie won my heart with her rendition of ‘To Sir With Love’ natch – this is where Crayons To Perfume gets it’s name!




But it’s her version of ‘I’m A Tiger’ that made me an Ernie Djohan fantatic!



This week's Crayons To Perfume features these delightful songs from Ernie, Twistin' Gals, Belgian Gals and so much more!!!

LISTEN NOW! Crayons To Perfume is ON THE AIR!

It's Crayons To Perfume's first show!!!! Exclusive to WFMU's Rock 'n Soul Ichiban, Crayons To Perfume is a new girl group show - we feature all kindsa gals from 1960-1969, be it traditional girl groups, soul, r'n'b, yeye, popcorn, rock'n roll and occassionally we'll feature psychedelic chicks, country cuties, and other boppin' babes!

Our first segment features all the fab femmes of our recent fave girls of the week! We've got Shirley Matthews from Toronto, Les Surfs from Madagascar, Tammy from Puerto Rico, The Angeliques from Sweden, The Beat Chics from the UK, Barry St. John from Scotland, Jenny Rock from Quebec and all American gals Dee Dee Sharp and Miriam Linna. Give us a spin!

Crayons To Perfume

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

Eenie_Meenie!

Crayons To Perfume Girl of the Week: Barry St. John - the lil' gal with the big voice!

**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** - CRAYONS TO PERFUME'S FIRST SHOW COMES TO WFMU ROCK 'n SOUL ICHIBAN THIS WEEK!!!!**

Barry St. John was merely a teenager when she recorded her first 45 in 1964. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland (and named Liz Thompson), Barry joined Ian Campbell & The Midnighters and then Bobby  Patrick & The Big 6. In 1961, the Big 6 moved to London and in 1962 they began to tour Germany and eventually moved to Hamburg. During this time Barry St. John was discovered as a solo artist and moved back to London by request of her management. In 1964 she recorded her first single for Decca a cover of the Shirelle's 'Thing of the Past'. However Barry was just cutting her teeth on those earlier singles. I think she really came into her own in the late 60's with one of my faves, her whalloping version of  'Cry Like A Baby'.

;

I also like some of Barry's earlier sides, especially 'Brand New Man'



Check out her versions of 'Bread & Butter',  and 'Hey Boy' - she really can belt it out.

As an added bonus, here is 'Sweet Talk Me Baby' by Bobby Patrick & The Big 6!



Here's Barry St. John's entry on the fab Ready Steady Girls site

Crayons to Perfume is coming to WFMU's Rock'n Soul Ichiban THIS WEEK!!, hosted by Glynis Ward, dj girlgroupgirl

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

Mah_Mah_Chicken_Pot_Pie!

Crayons To Perfume Girl of the Week: Jenny Rock! the Quebec Cutie!

Jenny Rock is now known for her rather crazy, awkward and adorable version of  'Mal' (cover of Deep Purple's 'Hush'). However she started off as a more cute and cuddly Quebec ye-ye singer who began her solo career in 1963 when she was signed to Select records and released 'Douliou douliou Saint-Tropez'. Saint Tropez was a popular topic of the time, a seemingly romantic destination often featured on film, so Jenny's song became very popular! 
Wanting to move into a more rock'n roll vein, Jenny became influenced by the British Invasion, which in turn influenced her with American rock 'n roll. She released one of my favorite versions of  'Walkin' The Dog' during this time.



She soon became influenced by soul music, and released the fantastic 'Le train pour Memphis'.


Jenny concentrated on her studies for a few years, but came back to deliver that endearing 'Mal'! Dig the I Dream of Jeannie hairstyle!


Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

Do_The_Cha_Cha_Cherry!

Support Your Local Honky Tonks

Raise a glass to Greg G

Side one

Side two

HIGHER than we are down, The Fringe Factory Radio show featuring the High Leary's and more!

High Learys Two To Match
The Fantatics I Will Not be Lonely
The Jury Who Dat?
The Ogres Life, Love & The Pursuit Of Happiness
The Grains Of Sand That’s When Happiness Began
The Baron Four She Said Yeah
The Neumans I Don’t Mind
The Eyes I’m Rowed Out
Francoise Guy Aouai Vens t’en
The Flight Reaction World Is Black
The Treez You Lied To Me Before
The Superfine Dandelion Mr & Mrs Potato Head
The Purple Barrier Dawn Breaks Thru
Information Face To The Sun
The Roaring 420’s Blue Jay
The Phantom Keys Gloria’s Nightmare
Crown’s Clan No Place For Our Mind
The Boston Dexters Nothing’s Gonna Change Me
The Split Ends Rich With Nothing
The Sick Rose Get Along Girl
Los Aspiriadoras Tornado Man
Ali Baba & Ses 4 Voleurs Shishka bob ye ye
Viv & The Sect Wasting My Mind, Wasting My Time
The Shadows of Knight Darkside
The Fort Mudge Memoria Dump Band: Mr. Man
The Sound Sandwich Apothecary Dream
July Friendly Man
Driving Stupid Horror Asparagus Stories
Wau Y Los Arrghs Bli Bli Blah
Max Frost & The Troupers Free Lovin
Tammy j Wooly Bully
The Wailers You Were Not Using Your Head
Ultimate Spinach Ego Trip
Thee Flypped Whigs Want, Need, Love
The Outsiders Touch

Crayons to Perfume Girls of the Week: The Angeliques, Sensuous Swedish Swingers!

The Angeliques were the first Swedish all-girl group, hailing from Goteborg in 1965. Their first EP is in Swedish, their second in English, 'You're Easy To Love' which opens with quirky organ sounds and some zinging guitar. Poppy, rock-y with hints of soul, it's a sound winner!




-you can read more about the Angeliques on Swedish Beat and hear the flipside to 'Your Easy To Love',-'Sunshine Boy'


Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

GUMBO!

Crayons To Perfume Girl of the Week: Dee Dee Sharp, the lil' filly from Philly!

Answering a newspaper ad for a young girl who could read music and play piano, Dee Dee Sharp at 13 years old had no idea she was embarking on a life long entertainment career. She began to sing backing vocals for various musicians including Chubby Checker and appears on 'Slow Twist' (although not credited).
In 1962 Cameo Parkway Records decided to put Dee Dee out in front, and she recorded 'Mashed Potatoes' - a dance song in a very similar vein to Chubby Checkers hits. Here's Dee Dee singing 'Mashed Potatoes' live - whadda cutie!


Recently I discovered some of the lesser known songs Dee Dee recorded, and I particularly like 'Deep Dark Secret' - she sounds so mature here and I think it really shows how well she can sing!


Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

The Fringe Factory Radio Show - in memory of Patrick Lundborg

The Fringe Factory Radio Show for July 9th 2014


This episode of the Fringe Factory Radio Show is dedicated to the memory of Acid Archivist and Activist Patrick Lundborg. Richard and Glynis are on a kooks tour, taking turns playing sets of our fave modern day garage and psychedelic bands, 60's Canadian soul and girl garage. Come with us and take in all the things that make LIFE WORTHWHILE!

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

Shortnin'_Bread!

Crayons To Perfume Girls of the Week: Nichole and Monique of Les Surfs - the Madagascar Movers!

Les Surfs were a family group - brothers and sisters in the Rabaraona family from Madagascar. Nichole and Monique were the only girls in the group, and began their carriers at a very young age - just 7 and 8 years old when they won a television singing contest. This led them on a tour of Madagascar.
In 1963, the group, now named Les Surfs played on French television, and they became very popular covering English pop songs in French. As they toured, they went to Spain and Italy - again, recording popular American (mainly) songs in other languages. The group was tight and classy, wearing the latest fashions and appealing to people of all ages.
By the late 60's the Rabaraona family were getting married and having children, so they decided to end the band. Eventually most of the family emegrated to Canada.

Les Surfs left behind a great string of  hits -  including this EP, with 'Shoop shoop va l'embrasser', fab version of  'It's In His Kiss'.



Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

The Fringe Factory Radio Show - LISTEN NOW!

Hey Gang,

The Fringe Factory Radio Show from June 18th 2014 is ready for your aural pleasures. If you dig FUZZ Fuzz and more Fuzz, garage, psych and psylliness than this is for you!


The Fringe Factory Radio Show for June 18t 2014

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

Moo_Goo_Gai_Pan!

Crayons To Perfume Girls of the Week: The Two Of Clubs, a double dose of blonde ambition!

The Two of Clubs were a double dynamite duo of platinum blonde pretties from Ohio, who met working at Guys & Dolls, a local club. Linda Edmonson was married to the club's band leader, Carl Edmondson who also worked with the Fraternity Records label (and produced Lonnie Mack). Hence, Linda and Patti Valentine were released on Fraternity Records.
Walk Tall 'Like A Man' (a Verdelle Smith cover) is one of my all-time favorite girl group records, although short on the big, broad sounds so many girls used, the Two Of Clubs 'Walk Tall' still holds true to the sounds that make a record catchy like bells, and the Shangri-la's style finger snaps to open the track.




Their first single was a cover of Petula's Clark's fantastic 'Heart'. The Two of Clubs slightly less polished, non-orchestrated version sounds garagey and has a rawness about the production even though the girls vocals just soar together at times. It's a really great version!




1967's final record (and the girls final effort) was 'How Can I Be Happy' on the B-side, with Joe Meek-esque spacy organ sounds that make it sound more like a record from 1963!  It's written by Linda, who wrote several of the groups songs.



For the full story on The Two of Clubs, head on over to Spectropop! Where the whole world of girl groups and big, 60's pop sounds await you!


Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

Gene Norman's Son Presents

Sometimes, turning the keys of your jazz-heavy recording enterprise over to your son can produce strange and beautiful results.

Especially if you are Gene Norman, and your son has an otherworldly fascination with sci-fi monster music, and your son can actually compose, AND your son titles his sonic creations with names like "Tits From Mars."

Such is the case of Neil Norman who released a handful of science fiction themed LP's starting in the late 1970's.

But it was this 1974 single that started young Neil's career down the proverbial constellation hole. Kim Fowley certainly did his part in corrupting (?) Neil, producing and adding vocals to the scuzzy A-Side "Wild Boys."

Equal parts Zeppelin, T. Rex, New York Dolls, and Bowie, this anthem of debauchery includes such lyrics as:

"We are in the Wild Boys, satisfied by what you never tried."

The perky-titled flip "Tits From Mars" opens with a bassline eerily similar to Sabbath's "Children Of The Grave," but quickly veers off - warp speed - to boldly go where no record label owner's son has gone before.

Neil Norman still maintains ownership of the GNP Crescendo catalog, and hand delivered this single to Permanent Records in Los Angeles, CA.

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

Munch!

Crayon's To Perfume Girl of the Week: Shirley Matthews, my Big Town Homegirl!

Shirley Matthews may seem like a one hit wonder with her fab 'Big Town Boy' (also the name of her backing band, the fab Big Town Boys from Toronto, Ontario who released fab records like 'August 32nd' on their own)but Shirley was much more than that.
Shirley was a telephone operator!



Originally from the small town of Harrow, Ontario - a small town near Lake Erie, across from Toledo, Ohio - Shirley moved to Toronto to work for Bell Canada and resided on Jameson Avenue, in the community of Parkdale. Shirley made extra money singing at Club Blue Note in the evenings, and was eventually discovered by Bob Crewe while he was visiting Toronto. Bob took Shirley to New York where they recorded 'Big Town Boy' for Canada's Red Leaf Records in 1963 (released on Atlantic in the US)- and the song rocketed to #10 on the Canadian charts and Shirley won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Juno awards in 1964!


Her follow up 'Private Property' released in '64 charted, but the two following singles 'He Makes Me Feel So Pretty' and 'Stop The Clock'(Tamarac in Canada and Amy in the US) -filled with those wonderful and typical girl group flourishes such as claps & bells, did not fair as well.


In 1965 Shirley, also an athlete, decided to settle down, get married, raise a family and become and entrepreneur in the fitness and sports field. Sadly Shirley passed away in 2013.

As a bonus, here are the Big Town Boys!


Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl

B. Brock And The Sultans Do The Beetle

Whoever these guys were, they ripped.

Crown Records put out a fair amount of schlock in their day, but this 1964 LP release to capitalize on Beatlemania is in an entire league of its own.

"Do The Beetle" "30 LB. Beetle" and "Feed The Beetle" are all wild surf instro-burners worthy of single releases, but the off-key, unassured vocal cover of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" seals the deal that this off-the-rails kitsch long player would fade into record buying obscurity for years to come.

Happy birthday Herschell Gordon Lewis!

The great Herschell Gordon Lewis celebrates his 85th birthday today, enjoy this 2010 documentary on the one and only "godfather of gore"!

Crime Stoppers Atlanta

Red Dodge Nitro

Our dear pal and Ichiban co-founder, Greg G was the victim of a horrific hit and run on his bicycle this week in Atlanta, Georgia.  He is in stable but critical condition in the ICU at Grady Hospital.  Please keep him in your thoughts for a speedy recovery.  If you know anyone that lives in Georgia, please send them a link to this story.  The driver is still at large and there is a Reward fund that you can donate to.  If you'd like to send get well greetings, email ghostwave@comcast.net.

Ray Price - Invitation To The Blues (2:51)

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

Hungry!

 

Crayons To Perfume Girl of the week - Miriam Linna: She's Everybody's Baby Now!

Miriam Linna has a brand new single and LP out NOW on Norton Records! The fab gal of Norton, Kicks Books, The A-Bones (who also have a new LP out on Norton), Kicks Magazine and yes, of course, The Cramps has knocked it out of the ballpark with a sweep of Spector/Mortonish 60's pop that will be music to your ears.
Here's a taste of Miriam's smashing live debut performance!




Out NOW is Miriam's first solo 45, 'My Love Has Gone' (Del Shannon) backed with an amazingly lush 'There Goes My Babe' - a cover of an early Neil Young composition.

Look for the new LP out June 10th, 2014 - "We tried to do meaningful songs that people may not have ever heard, a lot of 'em are lesser known songs" said Miriam when I spoke to her a few weeks ago. All of the songs are covers except for one, and all of you will be surprised at her choice of material, which is perfect for her style, and her voice such as the Ramones 'Questioningly' and Reparata & The Delron's 'I'm Nobody's Baby Now' which Miriam makes sound more like a Shangri-La's song.

Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl  
thanks to Rare Meat for the footage!

Freddie King Shows Us What It's All About

King Freddy Shows Us What It's All About

Freddy Cannon! (From Village Of The Giants, 1965).

Vocal Group 45 of the Week!

 

 

Service_with_a_Smile!

Trouble In My Arms (MP3)

Johnny & Jonie Mosby  -  Trouble In My Arm

How 'bout a few minutes of ultra-catchy honky-tonk for your Tuesday night?

Run, Run, Run

1 The Who: Run Run Run
2 The Gestures: Run, Run, Run
3 Ronny Douglas: Run, Run, Run
4 Thom Kelling: Run Run Run
5 The Supremes: Run, Run, Run
6 Giorgio & Marco's Men: Run Run
7 Third Rail: Run, Run, Run
8 Norma Tanega: Run, On The Run
9 The Mourning Reign: Run Run Run
10 The McCoys: Runaway
11 Flanagan & Allen: Run Rabbit Run
12 Amen Corner: Run, Run, Run
13 The Velvet Underground: Run, Run, Run
14 Yuya Uchida & The Blue Jeans: Run, Run, Run
15 Jo Jo Gunne: Run Run Run
16 Ann Peebles: Run, Run, Run
17 Tim Dandy: Run, Run, Run, Run, Run
18 Tommy James & The Shondells: Run, Run, Baby, Run
19 Delroy Wilson: Run Run
20 Jim Webb: Run, Run, Run
21 Orval Prophet: Run Run Run
22 The Riats: Run Run Run
23 Darlene Love: Run, Run, Runaway
24 Bo Diddley: Run Diddley Daddy
25 Jerry Williams: Run Run Roadrunner
26 Stonewall Jackson: Run
27 The Great Scots: Run, Run For Your Life
28 The Teen Turbans: Didn't He Run
29 The Carousels: The Run-Run
30 The Illusion: Run, Run, Run
31 Yoko Ono: Run, Run, Run
32 Cheater Slicks: Run, Run, Run

RUN RUN RUN

Crayons to Perfume Girls of the Week: The Beat Chics! One Single Wonders

The Beat-Chics released just one double sided swingin' single on Decca Records in 1964. This all-girl group was founded by drummer Chrstine Lee (blonde)in 1964 when she was just 18 years old. Joining her were Moira Page playing saxophone, Mary Cullen on organ, Lesley Arden and Anne Bridgeman on guitar and Una Mellor playing bass.

 In November of 1964 they released the double sider: 'Skinnie Minnie' and 'Now I Know' on Decca, featuring Jimmy Page on lead guitar.

Both Jimmy Page and the Beatles? Oh, Now I Know (wink wink!!)

Crayons to Perfume is coming soon to WFMU's Ichiban Soul, hosted by Glynis Ward, DJ girlgroupgirl