Mr Zeros – Page 9 – A Blast From The Past Into The Now

Bangles: 1982 -1989

Posted on August 25, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“Some Dreams Come True: Bangles; 1982 -1989”

WDGY Article #14 (Dr. Rox #89-B)

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0

So it’s late 1985 into early ’86 I am transitioning from selling stereos & cameras to sellingVinyl Records at RecordShop in Valley West Mall ( I was there until Spring ’91) I had not heard of the ‘Bangles’ until I went to my Manager’s Apt. she had MTV I saw the “Walk Like An Egyptian’”video … I fell in LOVE. Their album ‘Different Light’ was out at this time, so I played it at work, Fantastic. I loved the title track, “Following” & “Let It Go” I was now a fan … here we go the Bangles;

> How’s The Air Up There: 1980 -1982 <

The band started out as ‘The Bangs’ in 1980 with Susanna Lee Hoffs (17 Jan 1959:L.A.CA.) on Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar & “Vicki” Victoria Anne Theresa Peterson -Cowsill(11 Jan 1958: L.A. CA.) on Lead Guitar & Vocals with her younger sister “Debbi” Deborah Mary Peterson: (22 Aug 1961: L.A. CA.) on Drums & Vocals, the trio found each other in a ad in the local music publication, they rehearsed at Hoffs loft in CA. (Hoffs told me in 2007) The band’s 1st record was the 45 Single “Getting Out Of Hand b/w Call On Me” released in 1981on DownKiddie Records. In 1982 the band is signed to ‘Faulty Products Records’ and releases the “Self Titled EP” , the band write 4 of the 5 songs on this EP, which is later re-released 1983 on I.R.S. Records. This is the only release with the original Bassist Annette Celia Genevieve Zilinskas (6 Nov 1962: Van Nuys, CA.) who would return to the band in2018. The single for this EP was “Real World (remix)” this version was released on the 6 song CD re-release, there is also a music video for this song. The song I chose to play on my WDGY Radio show was “I’m In Line” sung by Debbi, although I also really like “Want You” from this release.

> All About You: 1984 -85 <

In the Summer of ’83, Zilinskas departs & one Michael Steele (Susan Nancy Thomas: 2 Jun 1955; Pasadena, CA) the Original Bassist with ‘The Runaways’ in 1975 with Joan Jett & Sandy West, (Steele left in ’75 before ‘The Runaways’ 1st release), takes over the Bass duties. The band’s 2nd release ’All Over The Place’ on Columbia Records is released in May 1984,the band writes 9 of the 11 songs, and releases the singles “Hero Takes A Fall b/w Where Were You When I Needed You (non-lp)” and then “Going Down To Liverpool b/w the instrumental (non-lp)”. The band does 1 song in the film “The Goonies” released in Jun 1985 with the single “I Got Nothing b/w Dave Grusin”, the band also appears in Cyndi Lauper’s video from this film as well. The song I chose for my WDGY show was “Going Down To Liverpool” sung by Debbi, I also really like “All About You” from this album.

> September Gurls: 1986 -87 <

1986 is the year of the ‘Bangles’ as they release their 3rd album ‘Different Light’ the band writes 7 of the 12 songs, and releases a whopping 4 singles starting with “Manic Monday b/w In A Different Light” (written by Prince as he was seeing Hoffs at the time) a #2 hit on the Billboard Charts in Apr 1986. The 2nd single “If She Knew What She Wants b/w Angels Don’t Fall In Love” charts at #29 in Jul 1986 and finally their signature song “Walk Like An Egyptian b/w Not Like You” their 1st #1 on the charts in Dec 1986 & then the 4th single“Walking Down Your Street b/w Let It Go” reaches #11 in Apr 1987. The song I chose for the WDGY Show was “Different Light” one of my all time favorite songs (dedicated to someone I used to know), I also really like “Let It Go”.

Sometime in 1990 a cassette is released with the demo versions of many Top 40 Hits of the day, one is “Walk Like An Egyptian” sung by Marti Jones recorded in 1984. The band performs on the TV show “Old Gray Whistle Test” on the BBC in Jul ’86. Their concert from 29 Oct 1986 in Pittsburgh, PA. @ the Syria Mosque, was broadcast on MTV’s “Sat. Nite Concert”. In May 1987 Hoffs plays “Molly Morrison” in the Film “The ALLnighter” later this same year in Nov ’87 the band supply the film “Less Than Zero” with the song & single ”Hazy Of Winter b/w Joan Jett” which rises to #2 in Feb 1988.

> Crash And Burn: 1988 – 1990 <

The band release their 4th and final album ‘Everything’ in Oct. 1988, this time co-writing the entire album, and releasing 4 singles from this LP, the 1st being “Eternal Flame b/w What I Meant To Say (non-lp)” their 2nd #1 in Apr 1989 followed by “In Your Room b/w Bell Jar” which climbs to #5 in Jan 1989 , then the 3^rd single “Be With You b/w Let It Go”which charts at #30 in Jun 1989, then finally “I’ll Set You Free b/w Watching The Sky”. The song I chose for my radio show was “Be With You”, though I also really like “Some Dreams Come True”. Interesting note, former KISS Guitarist Vinnie Vincent plays on the song “Make A Play For Her Now” (he had left The Invasion, by this time) the ladies also provide astounding backing vocals on the Tom Petty song: “Waiting For Tonight” which unfortunately goes unreleased for several years. The band appears on “SNL” on 3 Dec 1988performing the standard 2 songs. While I was still living in Des Moines, IA. the band plays Ames in ’89, I didn’t get to go the show, but I do own photos from this show, here is the setlist;

11 April 1989 Tuesday in Ames, Iowa @ Hilton Coliseum
A Hazy Shade of Winter
Glitter Years
Live
Manic Monday
Crash and Burn
Complicated Girl
Creeque Alley
If She Knew What She Wants
I’ll Set You Free
Bell Jar
Make a Play for Her Now
Something to Believe In
Eternal Flame
Some Dreams Come True
Angels Don’t Fall in Love
In Your Room
Hero Takes a Fall
Watching the Sky
Walking Down Your Street
Walk Like an Egyptian

By 1990 the band had split, in part due to Columbia Records pushing Hoffs to the front of the band as the lead singer which the others were somewhat resentful of. The VHS & CD ‘Greatest Hits’ is released in May 1990 to complete their contract. Hoffs goes solo for 2 CDs & worked with Matthew Sweet for 3 CDs and some soundtracks. Vicki Peterson forms the ‘Continental Drifters’ for 4 CDs with Susan Cowsill. Debbi Peterson forms ‘Kindred Spirit’ for 2 CDs. As Hoffs & Sweet are working on the “Austin Powers” film in 1998, the band reunites for a song used in the film “Get That Girl” they embark on a reunion tour in 2000, releasing the CD ”Doll Revolution” in Sep 2003, then later releasing the CD “Glitter Years” in 2005. I saw the band live on 23 Aug 2007 1st Ave in MPLS. I met the 3 Bangles & their new Bass Player Abby Travis (10 Nov 1969 L.A. CA.). The last album the Bangles have released is “Sweetheart Of The Sun” in Sep 2011.

So there you have it fans, a brief history of the Bangles. Be sure to catch my radio show“Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Vinyl Radio Show” on WDGY: 740am & Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 107.1, covering the Bangles on 2 Sep 2018 Sunday @ 10:30am with Guest Host Missy Marrz.

Hear me in your room …. MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com – Podcast (for past episodes)

WDGY Article #14

Tagged with: Bangles, Mr. Zero's, PsychoGEllo show

EQ2: Denzel Washington

Posted on July 31, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

EQ2″

2:01hrs July 2018 Columbia Pictures

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Mr. Zero’s Film Reviews: Article #20-E July -2018

By: RLSchwinden

Well, this will be a tough one, as I personally think Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of our time. I will watch any film Denzel makes, it seems he can not be in a film that’s bad. So, that being said Denzel Washington (28 Dec 1954: Mount Vernon, NY) reprises his role as Robert McCall, worth noting, this IS The Only squeal he has made to date. I personally can not get enough of these type of Vigilante Good Guy, Kills deserving bad guys, I think most people find it really hard to defend evil doers …. and this film has, drama, action & mystery.

McCall, who lost his wife some time ago and has never really quite gotten over it (indecently, I can relate) , has never been the same since her death, has become a modern day super hero, at night and a “Lyft Driver” by day (clearly “Lyft” forked out a ton of money to fund this film). McCall a quiet man goes around helping those in need, gets caught up with some people from his past, McCall brings it upon himself to sort it all out, and kill the evil doers, all the while helping the good people in his neighborhood.

I think it’s really hard to write an in depth film review without giving it all away. I will say this, another Denzel film that did not disappoint. Defiantly worth the viewing.

Until the next time …. MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com

Sunday’s 10:30am on

WDGY 740am & Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 107.1

“Nerd Is The Word”

Denzel Washington

Tagged with: Denzel Washington, EQ2, Mr. Zero's

James Gang: Tommy R. Bolin Years

Posted on July 31, 2018 by

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James Gang: The Year with Tommy Bolin: 1973 -74

Dr. Rox Remember When? Article #88 for WDGY Radio (#13jg)

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0

When I was a kid growing up in Sioux City in 4th Grade I was attending Old East Jr. then a alternative school known as“ARDVARK” we used to go for swimming lessons across the street at Morningside Collage, I remember seeing a poster on the wall for an upcoming concert “James Gang” for 12 Dec 1973, now at that time the 2 most popular songs in our circles was “Smoke On The Water” & “Jesus Christ Superstar” so I wasn’t really sure who the ‘James Gang’ were, little did I know my Uncle Jeff’s friend Tommy Bolin was now in the ‘James Gang’, however it does seem like any house I went to back then, they owned a copy of “James Gang: Bang” in their record collection.

> Seems To Me: 1965 – 1972 <

The ‘James Gang’ began with founder James “Jim” Fox (24 August 1947: Cleveland, Ohio) on Drums & Organ who started out as ‘The Starfires’ in High School with Tom Kriss on Bass, they changed the name to ‘James Gang’ in 1966, this is where the name came from “James Fox’s Gang” with Greg Grandillo on Lead Guitar. In Jan 1968 Joe Walsh(Joseph Fidler: 20 Nov 1947: Wichita, Kansas) left the band ‘The Measles’ to be the Lead Guitarist & Lead Vocalist of the‘James Gang’ from 1968 to 1971; for 3 albums, & then in Nov 1969, one Dale Peters: (17 Sep 1948) replaces Kriss on Bass, for 9 albums. Walsh was eventually replaced by Vocalist Roy Kenner: (14 Jan 1948 Toronto, Canada) from 1972 – 1974; for 4 albums & Guitarist Domenic Troiano (17 Jan 1946 – 25 May 2005) for 2 albums, both were from the Canadian band ‘Bush’ who released 1 album in 1970.

In ’73 Troiano left the band, Joe Walsh was still signed to ABC-Dunhill Records as was (at one time: 1969 -70), the Colorado band ‘Zephry’ with Tommy Bolin (1 Aug 1951: Sioux City, Iowa – 4 Dec 1976; Miami), Walsh, in ’72 was with the band ‘Barnstorm’ & Bolin was in the band ‘Energy’. Jim Fox called Walsh to ask for a recommendation for a new guitarist, Walsh recommended this new up and coming kid (Bolin had a nameplate “The Kid” on his Amp Head) from Boulder, this Tommy Bolin. Bolin had left ‘Zephyr’ with his Drummer & friend Bobby Berge in May ’71, to form his “dream”band ‘Energy’, this band had several musical styles, as well as a revolving door of members, and as fantastic as the main stay lineup (Bolin, Berge, Jeff Cook, Stanley Sheldon & Tom Stephenson) was, they just couldn’t seem to land a record deal.

‘Energy’ seeming going nowhere, broke up and Bolin recorded the guitar tracks in May ‘73 for 4 songs for Billy Cobham’s(16 May 1944: Panama) 1st solo record ‘Spectrum’ on Atlantic Records, released in Oct 1973. Bolin gets a call from Fox to come down and audition, the band likes what they hear from Bolin, it doesn’t hurt that Bolin brings with him, a plethora of original songs (usually co-written with Jeff Cook or John Tesar). Bolin joins the ‘James Gang’ from August 1973 to August 1974, for 2 Albums, 2 Singles and over 70 Concerts & several TV appearances.

> Ride The Wind: 1973 <

At this time Bolin is using a (the finish a shoe polish brown) Tele-Strat; the neck of a Telecaster & the body of a Stratocaster (rumored to now be owned by the guitarist from ‘Generation X’ in the UK) 1972 Hi Watt Amp model DR-103made in England, a Sam Ash Fuzz Face pedal, and Sound City 4 x 12 speaker cabinets and his legendary Maestro Echoplex; model EP-3, later Bolin purchases a brand new 1974 black Fender Stratocaster (which he used until the night of his death, now located somewhere on the East Coast) his girlfriend, Karen Ulibarri (she went on to be the head costumer for KISS in the 80s & 90s, I met her through Eric Singer) since 1968 made his stage clothes for him, a Silver Lame’ Suit & a Red Velvet Suit, among others. When Bolin joins ‘James Gang’ they sign a new record deal with ATCO-Atlantic Records. Bolin has many unused songs from his ‘Energy’ 1971-73 or ‘American Standard’ 1968 days: “Got No Time For Trouble” “Oh Carol (from another time)” “Standing In The Rain (come back to me)” “Jump Back (somebody help me)” “Alexis (come on cool it)” “Bring Our Love Home” “Red Skies” “Must Be Love (bring it on up)” & “Mystery” (I have copies of these recordings from Bolin’s personal reel to reel collection)

The band begin recording their 6th album in Mar ’73, Bolin writes or co-writes 8 of the 9 songs released on the album & sings lead on “Alexis” his 1st released vocal ever. The LP ‘Bang’ (#SD-7037) is released on 1 Sep 1973 and climbs to #122on the Billboard Charts, 2 singles are released from this album; “Must Be Love b/w Got No Time For Troubles” (#6953)which charts at #54 in Apr ’74 followed by “Standing In The Rain b/w From Another Time” (#6966)

Many do not realize the cover photo was taken when Troiano was still in the band as Tommy’s head imposed over Dominick Troiano’s body in photo on the cover. The Bolin museum in Sioux City, there is a 3 x 3 foot foam core poster of the album cover signed by all 4 members in blue ballpoint pen.

Johnnie Bolin in 2005: “You know Tommy was always asked to join these other bands and when he did he really did revive them. He would come in and he would bring all these songs. Just look at the albums he played on almost all the songs he co-wrote or brought to the band. Also you wouldn’t know this, but the album cover photo of ‘BANG’ Tommy’s head was super imposed over the old guitarist’s body (Domenic Troiano). You see Tommy never wore rings, (even though he was given the ring Hendrix was wearing when Hendrix died, although Tommy was buried with that same ring) and in the cover photo it shows him wearing rings, that’s because it’s not Tommy’s hand! Because the band didn’t want to spring for another photo shoot. I was there in the studio the day Tommy recorded his first vocal for release, for the vocal take of ‘ALEXIS’ Tommy had all the lights turned down real low so he could just see the lyrics sheet. He did the vocal and when he was done he turned to me and said ‘How did I do, I mean what did you think?’ I Replied ‘Yeah, man you did fine, it sounded good”

Bolin’s 1st concert with the band was on Wed 26 Sept 1973 in Big Rapids, Michigan. A “Studio Soundboard” recording of the band does exist from Sep-73 in Ohio. James Gang performs about 28 concerts in ’73. Bolin was at least friends with Tim Goodman and perhaps played on Goodman’s recordings in Nov-73 on a Studio Board recording made in Boulder, Colorado, of the songs “Seagulls Believe / To Be Free” & “My Baby She’s Lost”

Here is the Setlist (as best as I can tell) to the concert I mentioned previously;

12 December 1973 Wed. 8pm B-Sharp Productions
Morningside Collage Eppley Auditorim $4.oo with opener Danny Matousek (of the Vel Aires)
Funk #49
Ride The Wind
Devil Is Singing Our Song
Must Be Love
Stratus: Medley
a.Tommy’s Guitar Solo
b. Blues Supreme
c. Echoplex Solo
Standing In The Rain
Walk Away

I have been told that Roy Kenner came out on stage wearing a Morningside Collage Band Uniform, and a cast on his leg as he broke his leg jumping off of some guitar amplifiers while filming a TV appearance. The 1st major TV Appearance is on the “Midnight Special” on 18 Dec 1973 Tues. the band performs 3 songs (the standard back then) “Must Be Love” “Standing In The Rain” “Devil Is Singing Our Song” the is a very famous photo of Tommy from this TV show appearance.

28 December 1973 Des Moines, Iowa @ Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Headliner: Johnny Winter (as the opener)
Ace Acela: In 2007
“My friend & I left school after lunch break to go get tickets to the concert that night. We got there early enough that we got back stage, I just walked in like I owned the place. We were wondering around and there were the band’s instruments. I noticed that stuck on Tommy’s guitar case that there was a ‘BARNSTORM’ sticker. I thought that’s funny Joe Walsh left JAMES GANG For BARNSTORM and the new guitarist has A BARNSTORM sticker on his case.” In case you readers missed this, it was because Walsh & Bolin were friends, the keyboardist & vocalist for Barnstorm: Tom Stephenson was from Bolin’s previous band ‘Energy’. There is a recording of Walsh & Bolin jamming at a recording studio in Boulder, CO. for about 30min.

>Wildfire: 1974 <
There is a reel to reel tape from Bolin’s personal collection marked “James Gang Ideas” which contains demo recordings of “Summer Breezes” “Instrumental (Journey)” which later becomes “Marching Powder” & “Spanish Lover”. The 2nd album with Bolin, ‘Miami’ is released in July 1974 and makes it to #97 on charts, the 45 Single released from this LP is “Crusin Down The Highway b/w Miami Two Step”. Bolin releases his 2nd Lead Vocal with “Spanish Lover” the song“Red Skies” is a leftover from Bolin’s ‘Energy’ days, a couple years earlier. I always wondered how prophetic this album is; titled “Miami” and is all Black and Tommy would die in Miami only 2 years and 5 months later.

The band make their 2nd national TV appearance on “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert” on 23 Feb 1974 Sat. performing a whopping 5 songs including: “Walk Away” “Devil Is Singing Our Song” “Ride The Wind” “Funk #49” “Standing In The Rain“ (these can be found on YOUTUBE). This was recorded earlier, most likely in Dec ’73, and it’s believed this is where Roy Kenner broke his leg. The bands 3rd TV appearance comes in the form of an interview on the “Old Gray Whistle Test” on 21 May 1974 Tues with Jim Fox & Tommy Bolin.

Andrew Wissing: “There is an audio tape of ‘MIAMI’ with no vocals from Tommy’s personal collection. (from interviews with JIM FOX & DALE PETERS) the instrumental recorded versions of the ‘MIAMI’ songs without Roy Kenner’s vocals exist because, apparently Roy Kenner was tied up with court dates in Los Angeles and could not add his vocal parts until later on, After the band had recorded all the instrumental parts”

A band originally from Cleveland, OH. being ‘Rainbow Canyon’ releases “Rollin In The Rockies” in 1974 on Capitol records #ST-11272 Tommy Bolin provides lead guitar on the 45 single (A side) “Invisible Song b/w Hanover Square”#SP-20132 Produced by: Jim Fox, band member Greg Grandillo was the 1st lead guitarist for the ‘James Gang’ in 1966.

29 June 1974 Sat Traverse City, Michigan @ Fair Grounds Bldg.
J.D.Productions 7:00pm & 10:00pm $5.oo w/ Opener; ‘TALISMAN’
Michael Mordon: Bass Player For ‘TALISMAN’ In 2007 “You see my wife from then & the girlfriend of our drummer went with the promoter to pick up the ‘JAMES GANG’ from the airport. The band was expecting to be picked up in a limousine not a Winnebago, which they had to use as a dressing room. It seems they weren’t real impressed or real happy about that, or anything else for that matter. I don’t think they weren‘t getting along real well. They didn’t have much to say to anybody, much less each other; in addition too Tommy was a little incoherent as he had been up for three days with nosleep.”

On Sat 21 August 1974 in Odessa, TX. Tommy performs his last show with the ‘James Gang’ listed among his complaints:

Jim Fox was more interested in collecting license plates than the performance of the band Bolin: “He would thumb through catalogs (of license plates) while I was doing my solo” Dale Peters would be bored on stage and not try to hide it. Roy &Tommy seemed to be at odds competing for the spotlight “I Never Really Got A Chance To Blow My Cookies” TommyStates.

From Bolin’s personal collection; A set of Lyrics on yellow legal paper with blue felt pen hand written In Tommy’s handwriting (or Jeff Cook or John Tesar):

“LEAVING THE GANG” T. Bolin 1974

I’m Leaving The Gang
You Better Set The Stage Cause
I’m Leaving The Gang

I’m Leaving The Gang
Doncha Keep The Change Yes
I’m Leaving The Gang

Send My Boots to My Baby
Send My Suits To My Wife
I’m Trying To Find Myself Another Life

I’m Ready Set The Stage
I’m Steady I Look My Age
I’m Stealin Somebody’s Play
Cause The Time Is Right
It (will) Would Be My Delight
To Try To Be The (rage) Latest Rage

Good Bye Now- Hate To Go
Get High Now- Don’t Stop The Show
Get By (e) Now– I Don’t Know
But I Can’t Stop Now
No Turning Back Around
I Just Keep Hearing Crazy Sounds

And On And On
Show Biz Comes Around
A Sunbird Looking For A City

Worth mentioning there were several other reel to reel tapes from Tommy’s personal collection, from his time in the band; here the info from the tape boxes:

James Gang 5-Feb-74 Denver Colorado Audience

James Gang 5/6-Feb-74 Boulder Colorado
James Gang 17-Feb-74 New York City New York Academy Of Music Audience
James Gang 10-Apr-74 New Orleans Louisana
James Gang Apr-74 Studio Board
Tommy Bolin/Energy 3-Jun-74 Denver Colorado Ebbets Field Board
Tommy Bolin/Energy 4-Jun-74 Denver Colorado Ebbets Field KDHT FM
James Gang 17-Jun-74 New York City New York Central Park
Tommy Bolin 1974 Colorado Demo Board

And so it was; Tommy R. Bolin’s stint in ‘James Gang’ if you’d like to read more about Tommy Bolin, checkout my other “Roseville/Patch” Articles on: “Zephyr (#71: Aug 2016)” “Energy (#83: Jul 2017)” “Alphonse Mouzon & Tommy Bolin (#58: Aug 2015)” “Deep Purple: Mk4 (#17: Jul 2015)” “Tommy Bolin: 1951 -1976 (#33: Aug 2013)” & “Don’t Let You Mind Post Toastee (#6: Aug 2014)”

The 24th Annual “Tommy Bolin Music Festival” will be held again at the “Ickey Nickle” in Sioux City, Iowa Sat 4 Aug 2018 @2pm. I have done 2 shows on Tommy R. Bolin for Radio WDGY 740am & Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 107.1 on my “Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Radio Show” Sunday’s 10:30am. You can hear past shows (like the 2 on Tommy R. Bolin Episdoes #3 & #11) on www.MrZeroS.Com-Podcast (link) for FREE! This article is for Caryn, admittedly a casual Tommy Bolin …. Smiles.

Tommy Bolin Years of The James Gang

Until next month, listen on Sunday’s or Drop by the Store & buy some Music …. MrZerro

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

www.MrZeroS.Com

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville-St. Paul, MN. 55113

Classic Music, Retro Toys, Vintage Video Games & Movies too…

“Nerd Is The Word”

Tagged with: James Gang, Mr. Zero's, Tommy Bolin

“Searching” Aug 2018

Posted on July 5, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“Searching”

August 2018: Bazelevs Entertainment
Aneesh Chaganty; 1:41min

Mr. Zero’s Film Reviews: Article #19-S July -2018
By: RLSchwinden

As Mr. Zero’s 55113 sponsors at least 7 films a year, (you can find out about FREE Passes & Swag on our social media: fb, Twtter, Pintrest, MySpace & Instagram) including the Local Films of Christopher R. Mihm out of St. Paul, in fact “Guns Of The Apocalypse” is due out in October 2018 (another Mihm Film, I, MrZerr0 am in & will be airing at CRYPTICON MPLS 2018 in Bloomington, MN.) so this is one of the many films Mr. Zero’s Sponsored this year.

I did not know what to expect seeing the ad photo of a Keyboard. I went anyway (because I Love Popcorn) there was a brief Trailer before the film explaining the intentions of the films Producer, which did prepare me for what I was about to see.

The movie is filmed from the perspective of today’s world, from a Computer, a Cellphone & Laptop, using Voicemail, Texting, Social Media Sites & Video Chatting. This was a little distracting at first, but after 10 to 15 minutes, I got used to it. To me this film is clearly geared towards the younger generation; 14 -24, and in my opinion, this film will most likely be a trend setter, in that many films for a while will be produced in the same style.

This notwithstanding, I found this to be a really good film, over all, basically it’s a mystery, with some misdirection & twists, but a really good story overall. I find it really hard to write about New Films, as to not make a “Spoiler Alert”.

In any case if you ask me, this film is worth watching …. MrZerro

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
www.MrZeroS.Com
Sunday’s 10:30am on
WDGY 740am & Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 107.1

Aneesh Chaganty

Tagged with: Mr. Zero's, Searching

RATT: 1983 – 1991

Posted on June 29, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Radio Show

“Tell The World”

RATT: 1983 -1991

Dr. Rox Remember When? Article #87 for WDGY Jun-2018

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0

I am constantly mistaken for being into the mid 80s “Hair Bands” era, the reality is, I am really into music from 1965-1969, & I Did Not like most of that time period of music; 1983-1989, but if I did have to pick one band that I liked a lot, it would be “RATT” like a lot of the bands I am into I was introduced to by someone else, RATT, was another band Eric D. turned me onto. As I recall Eric read an article about Jake E. Lee who was the newest guitar player for Ozzy in late ’83, in this article it listed that Jake E. was previously in a band “Mickey Ratt” that had just released an EP as “RATT”, well Eric working at the local recordstore “Uncle John” he was the 1st in our area to get any of the records on new up & coming artists.

> Mickey RATT: 1976 -81: San Diego<

“Mickey Ratt” was formed in 1976 in San Diego, CA. with Stephen Eric Pearcy (3 July 1956 Long Beach, CA.), withJake E. Lee (from the band “Teaser”), Matt Thorr, Chris Hager, making 1 live recording & several demos, coincidentally the “Slash” display at the “Hard Rock Hotel” in Sioux City, Iowa the mannequin is wearing a “Mickey Ratt” white t-shirt with black lettering. In 1980 the band recorded & released the single “Dr. Rock b/w Drivin On E”, sometime later in1981, Robbin Crosby: (Robbinson Lantz Crosby: 4 Aug 1959 La Jolla, CA. 6 Jun 2002 L.A.) joined the band, they, then decided to move to L.A. & shorten the name to “RATT” Jake E. recommended his roommate, another guitarist influenced by Tommy Bolin, one; Warren Justin DeMartini: (10 Apr 1963; Chicago indecently Warren’s Grandmother played piano accompaniment to “Silent Films” in Preston, MN.) joined in Jan ’82 with Gene Hunter on Bass & Khurt Maier on Drums.

> City of Angles: 1983 – 1984 <

The band has move to L.A. & now on Bass & Drums respectively are: Juan Carlos Croucier (22 Aug 1959; Santiago, Cuba) from ‘Dokken’ (for 4 years & 2 LPs), he & Drummer Bobby Blotzer: (Robert John Blotzer: 22 Oct 1958;Pittsberg, PA.) went to High School together & played together in the band ‘FireFoxx’ in 1977. Then RATT releases their 1st album on ‘Time Coast Records’ “RATT” #TC-2203 in Aug 1983, the 1st pressings have 6 songs & the 2nd pressing has 7, with the extra track”You’re In Trouble” with the 45 Single “You Think Your Tough b/w Walkin The Dog” Crosby’s girlfriend Tawny Kitaen’s legs are on the cover, she will also grace the cover of the next LP.

I really like most of the tracks from this release. I learned how to play (on guitar) “You Think You’re Tough” right away back in ’84. Now signed to Atlantic Records the band’s 2nd album “Out Of The Cellar” was released in Mar 1984, & went triple platinum, with several singles released: “Round And Round b/w Morning After” a #4 on the Billboard Charts in Jul ’84, followed by; “Back For More b/w same” #27 on the charts in Aug ’84 & the 3rd being “Wanted Man b/w She Wants Money” a #38 on the charts in Oct ’84. However it was about this time that 45 Single releases & sales started to matter less & “MTV Videos” began to really drive consumer record sales, the band released 15 Music Videos, with the song “Round And Round” being the most successful for the band, the famous actor Milton Burle appeared in the video for this song, as his nephew was the manger of the band at the time. Worth noting was a fashion trend the band started at the time called “Rattoos” created by drawing on themselves with black markers, presumably, so when they no longer cared for the artwork they could just wash it off. My personal favorite form this LP is “Lack Of Communication”.

> Atlantic Studios: 1985 -1986<

The band’s 3rd album is “Invasion Of Your Privacy” released in June 1985 with the 45 singles “Lay It Down b/w Got Me On The Line” hitting #11 in Aug ’85, followed by “You’re In Love b/w Between The Eyes” making #34 on the charts in Sep ’85. I feel this is a really good follow up to the last LP, even though it’s not as strong, I did come to realize by now most of the song I liked were co-written with Croucier, by the way my band MrZERo: (Dave, Mitch, Zack & myself) used to open with “You’re In Love” in 2015. In the mid 80s VHS releases became part of a band’s “Album Deal”& consequently sold very well, “RATT: the Video” was released in late ’85, it contains 5 music videos & was the 1st VHS to receive “Gold Sales” status in the USA. By the time the 4th album ”Dancing Undercover” is released in Aug 1986 I was working at “RecordShop” Valley West Des Moines, Iowa, the 45 single “Dance b/w Take A Chance” hits #36 on the charts in Nov ’86. now, at this point I begin to lose interest in RATT, I feel this is a very weak LP, even still it sells over a million units, but that is only half as many as the previous LP. My favorite track would be “It Doesn’t Matter” I was never able to see RATT in their heyday, but they did play:

28 Dec 1986 Sunday in Bloominton, MN @ Met Center:

Looking for Love
One Good Lover
Drive Me Crazy
7th Avenue
Slip of the Lip
Enough Is Enough
You’re in Love
Lay It Down
You Should Know by Now
Dangerous but Worth the Risk
Round and Round
The Morning After
Back for More
Lack of Communication
Never Use Love
Sweet Cheater
You Think You’re Tough
Dance
Body Talk

*I did see & meet; Pearcy & JRZ (from Omaha) in Burnsville in May 2006 solo & much later with HAIRBALL in Feb 2014 & the re-formed RATT with Blotzer & DeMartini in Clear Lake Iowa in Aug 2005.

> Don’t Bite The Hand That Feeds: 1988 -1991 <

The band tours almost all of 1987 & performs at “Monsters Of Rock” & “Madison Square Garden” , incidentally the 6 Major Record Lables of the time: WEA, Sony, CEMA, MCA, BMG & PGD along with “NARM” all decide unanimouslyto put an End to Vinyl Record Production “Once and for All” in Dec. 1987 in favor of the New format “Compact Disc”(introduced in Fall 1985) & Cassette which was the predominate format since Summer ’84,and so the last few RATT releases on Vinyl are very scarce, usually UK Imports, if at all. The band’s 5th album “Reach For The Sky” is released inNov 1988 with the Cassingle (a 2 song Cassette Single introduced in Fall 1984) “Way Cool Jr b/w Chain Reaction”which hits #16 on the charts in Jan ’89. This LP much like the last one did not do as well, but still sold a million units(NOT Vinyl) of Cassettes & CDs. The “Hair Band” movement had become way over saturated & even formulated by this point, with some newer bands taking the place of RATT. My favorite track from this album would be “What I’m After”.

The 6th & final album from this line-up is released in Aug 1990; “Detonator” with the Cassingle; “Lovin You is A Dirty Job b/w What’s It Gonna Be” that hits #18 on the charts in Sep ’90, this is the 1st RATT album to not go platinum, it only sells “Gold” (500,000 copies) followed by a promo CD Single; “Givin Yourself Away” which hits #39 from MTV & Radio play in Feb ’91, my favorite track from this CD would be “Scratch That Itch”. In Jul ’91 the band release their final single, also this time without Crosby, (who is now out of the band) “Nobody Rides For Free” from the film “Point Break”. On 7 Oct 1990 RATT appears on MTV’s “UnPlugged” (recorded 11 Aug 1990) with Michael Schenker (10 Jan 1955: Sarstedt, W. Germany) on guitar, the songs they performed: “Way Cool Jr” “Givin Yourself Away” “Oh Well” & “Born On the Bayou”. You could say the tombstone for RATT was the CD/Cassette: “Ratt & Roll: 8191” released in Sep 1991, (the 1st “Hits/Best Of”) and for me personally as my girlfriend at that time ran off with her best friend to a RATT concert, and have been together ever since. By Nov ’91 it was All Over for the “Hair Band” movement as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was #1 on The Billboard Charts (My burning question is: IF a Band like NIRVANA has FIVE #1 Hits On The Charts, then what are they the alternative too? ummm, they are a Top 40 Band, then). In Feb ’92 Pearcy leaves the band he founded, effectively putting an end to RATT. Worth noting the CD “Collage” from 1997 contains“Mickey Ratt” songs & the DVD “Videos From The Cellar” from 2007 contains most of their music videos, & the CD“Tell The World” from 2007 is a fantastic collection.

*Be sure to tune into my upcoming Radio Show “Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Radio Show” on ‘RATT’ on Sunday’s 10:30am on WDGY: 740am & Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 107.1. You can listen to the past 47 Episodes @ www.MrZeroS.Com- Podcast (link)

This article is for Hevy KEVY; Until the next time…. MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s

*Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com

Classic Music, Retro Toys, Vintage Video Games & Movies too …

Tagged with: Mr. Zero's, RATT

Deep Purple: Mk II: 1969 – 1973

Posted on May 27, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“Spread The Word Around”

“Deep Purple: Mk II”:1969 – 1973

Dr. Rox Remember When? (#11) for WDGY Radio (Article #86 May 2018)

By: RLSchwinden: aka: MrZerr0

The summer of ’72, I was a kid in Sioux City, and the new song “Smoke On The Water” was constantly playing from my little Panasonic “Red Ball” AM Radio, My Uncle John’s Band “Freedom Of Wild Water II” played this song at the Riverside Jr High School Dance, it was one of the 1st songs I ever learned on guitar, that & “Iron Man” I didn’t really understand what the words meant, I thought the “Fire in the sky” referred to a sunset. So this edition I will cover the most successful & longest running lineup of ‘Deep Purple’ referred to as “Mk II”

>Purple Shades: 1968<

The band was formed in May 1968, in Hertford, UK, the name came from Ritchie Blackmore’s Grandmother’s favorite song “Deep Purple” by Peter DeRose from 1933. The founder & leader (until 1970) Keyboardist Jon Lord (John Douglas Lord; born in Leicester on 9 Jun 1971 – 16 Jul 2012) & Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Richard Hugh Blackmore; born in Somerset on 14 April 1945) & Drummer Ian Paice (Ian Anderson Paice; born in Nottingham on 28 Jun 1948) with Bassist Nick Simper & Vocalist Rod Evans.

In the Summer of 1969, after 3 albums, Blackmore, Lord & Paice decided to take the band in a newer “Hard Rock” direction. They recruited 2 members of the Harrow-London based Band ‘Episode Six’ one being Vocalist Ian Gillian (born in London on 19 Aug 1945) & the other Bassist & Founder of ‘Episode Six’ Roger Glover (Roger David Glover; born in Wales on 30 Nov 1945), who in my opinion in ’72, was about the coolest looking guy on the planet earth. ‘Episode Six’ released 9 Singles from 1966-68 on PYE & MGM records.

Hence Deep Purple “MkII” was born. This lineup lasted from June 1969 to the July 1973, releasing; 4 studio albums 2 live albums & 12 singles. With this lineup most songs were written with Music by: Blackmore & Glover & Lyrics by Gillian, although all 5 members were credited.

> Symphony No. 69 <

The 1st release for the band was the “Live” album ‘Concerto For Group And Orchestra’ released in Dec 1969. Lord wrote an orchestral piece for the band, it was recorded live & released, the 1st time a rock band played live with an orchestra. The 1st single released by the band was the Non-LP “Hallelujah (I.A.T.P.) b/w April Part 1” probably because Gillian had been singing the part of “Jesus” in the “Rock Opera Concept Album” ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ released in late ’69.

> Into The Fire: 1970 – 1971 <

The 1st real release for the band is actually the 2nd album for this lineup, the LP ‘In Rock’ is released in June 1970, strangely with the Non-LP single “Black Night b/w Speed King” which hit #66 on the Billboard Charts in Jun ’70. There was one out-take left off of the album;”Cry Free”. The stand out tracks for me are; “Flight Of The Rat” “Speed King” & “Child In Time”.

The next release although Not A ‘Deep Purple’ album is worth noting, as it put Vocalist Gillian in the limelight, & brought a whole new notoriety to the band that he was currently in. The musical album ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was recorded in Oct 1969, but released in the USA in May 1971 & became a #1 album on the Billboard charts.

The next release for ‘Purple’ is ‘Fireball’ released in July 1971 & rises to #32 on the Billboard Charts, the single released for this album is “Fireball b/w Demon’s Eye & or Anyone’s Daughter” released in Oct 1971. My favorite tracks form this release; “Fools” “No One Came” & “No No No”

> Fire In The Sky: 1972 <

In March 1972 the release their milestone ‘Machine Head’ which rises to #7 on the Billboard Charts, the single released for this album is “Never Before b/w When A Blind Man Cries”. Unbelievably the Anthem “Smoke On The Water” is Not released as a single, but does get a massive amount of airplay. My favorite tracks from this LP: “Maybe I’m Leo” “Never Before” & “Highway Star” *De Dee is very proud of the fact she is one of the only women she knows of, who knows all of the words to “Highway Star” she was told this by a band she was watching one night in St. Cloud.

As Band is at the height of their popularity the album ‘Purple Passages’ is released in Nov 1972, a double LP “Best Of” with 12 tracks off of the 1st three Deep Purple “Mk I” albums released in 1968-69. As the band embarks on the tour for their most successful album, they do make a stop here in town: Here is the date & setlist;

3 December 1972 Sunday Bloomington Met. Ctr.

Highway Star
Smoke on the Water
Strange Kind of Woman
Lazy
Paice’s Drum Solo
The Mule
Space Truckin’
Speed King
Lucille

> Super Trooper: 1973 <

Still at the zenith of their popularity they release their 2nd “Live” album ‘Made In Japan’ (recorded in Aug ’72) released in April 1973 & rises to #6 on the Billboard Charts, the single released for this album is from the previous LP “Smoke On The Water (Studio) b/w Smoke On The Water (Live)” is released in May 1973 & rises to #4 on the Billboard Charts. The final album from this lineup is ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ released in Jan 1973 & hits #15 on the Billboard Charts the single released is “Woman From Tokyo b/w Black Night (live)” which makes it to #60 on the charts in Oct 1973. There is an out-take from this session “Painted Horse”. This is probably my favorite album from this lineup with the songs; “Smooth Dancer” “Super Trooper” “Rat Bat Blue” & “Mary Long”. It is the summer of ’73 & Gillian is frustrated with Blackmore & decides to leave, not long after Glover follows, thus ending the “Mk II’ lineup until April 1984 for ‘Perfect Strangers’

*Here are some CDs worth noting from the Mk II lineup;

‘In Concert’ released on Vinyl in Dec 1980

‘Live In Montreux 1969’ recorded 4 Oct 1969 released 2006

‘Gemini Suite Live: 17 Sept 1970’ released 1993

‘Scandinavian Nights Sweden 12 Nov 1970’ released in 1980

‘Long Beach 1971’ released in 2015

‘Copenhagen 1972’ released in 2013

I have seen Deep Purple 3 times:

10 Jun 2001 in MPLS @ Target Ctr.

1 July 2005 in St. Paul @ Harriet Island,

It was here I met Glover; we discussed his favorite artist “Little Richard”, Paice; we discussed his time playing in the band with Tommy Bolin 1975-76 & Gillian; we discussed his stint in “Black Sabbath”

Sep 2006 Ian Gillian Solo @ Medina Ballroom in Medina

7 Aug 2015 Sioux City, Ia. @ Battery Park

*Be sure to tune into “Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Vinyl Radio Show” for my Deep Purple Mk II (Episode #46) on 17 June 2018 Sunday 10:30am on WDGY 740am , Streaming & FM: 92.1, 103.7, 170.1. You can hear the past 45 Episodes on www.MrZeroS.Com – “Podcast” tab. This is one dedicated to El Mark’s new Baby Charlie.

We shall see you on the other side…. MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

www.MrZeroS.Com

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

Deep Purple Mk II
1969 to 1973

Tagged with: Deep Purple, Mr. Zero's, PsychoGello

Peter Tork: 1966 to 2018

Posted on May 1, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“The Lovable Dummy: Peter Tork”

Dr. Rox Remember When? Article (#85-pT) April 2018 (#10 for WDGY)

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerro

Peter Tork was born Peter Halsten Thorkleson in Washington D.C. on Friday 13 February 1942, he graduated from High School in Willimantic, Connecticut and went to collage here in Minnesota in Northfield, at Carlton Collage from 1960 to 1963 and was a local Radio DJ, there, he made a short film titled “The Love Potion”, and there is now a lounge named after Tork on the campus.Sometime in ’63 Tork later moved to Greenwich Village in NYC,then sometime in 1964, he was briefly a member of ‘The Mugwumps’ this music group also contained 2 future members of the ‘Mamas & Papas’ & 2 future members of the ‘Lovin Spoonful’ it was in Greenwich Village he befriended future ‘Buffalo Springfield’ member Stephen Stills, Tork & Stills would eventually move to Hollywood sometime in ’65, where Stills would see the local paper ad for the casting call of The Monkees TV Show, Stills would go down to audition but was not selected, when he went back to his apt. he suggested his roommate Tork go down to audition.

Tork got the 4th member position for the TV Show because of what Tork called “Making my dummy face, like Harpo Marx” Stills did however play on the Monkees 3rd album ‘Headquarters’ Tork signed a 5 year contract in Sep 1965 with The Monkees, which he left early in Dec 1968, forfeiting 3 years pay. Tork was in 58 episodes of the TV Show. It was in fact Tork, who starred in Episode #52 “Devil & Peter Tork” (from 5 Feb 1968) where Tork accidentally sells his soul to “Mr. Zero” (the devil) for the ability to play the harp, & Yes, This Is Where We Took The Name Of Our RecordStore. A Film & a TV Special; he appeared on 6 albums & 9 Singles. Tork was the most proficient musician of the 4 members, he plays; Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Keyboards, Bass, French Horn & Vocals, while he did contribute a lot to the recording process of The Monkees Project, especially in late 1968, when, there were plans to make a “Double LP” with each Monkee getting 6 songs on one side of each LP, Micky on Side 1, David On Side 2, Michael on Side 3 & Tork on Side 4, although Tork was going to have a least 7 songs on his side, as several of his songs are fairly short in length. Ultimately Tork was only able to sing lead vocals on just 2 songs & co-lead on a couple others. In Dec ’67 on a trip to the UK George Harrison (Beatles) had Tork play banjo on his Film Sountrack of: “Wonderwall” you can find the song “Cowboy Music” 16 min into the film, Tork IS NOT on the Soundtrack Album due to Musician’s Union Rule you may not use the same recording on 2 different projects. Here is a list of Tork’s, writing & recording output in The Monkees.

Tork’s Songs in Monkees: 1966 -1968

-1966-

“I Don’t Think You Know Me” (ver 1) cut from “More Of” Jun- 1966

“Look Out here comes tomorrow” (ver 2) cut from “More Of” Nov- 1966

“Your Auntie Grizelda” on ‘More Of’ Jan 1967

“Can You Shimmy Like My Sister Kate” in ‘Concert’ Dec- 1966

-1967-

“For Pete’s Sake” on ‘Headquarters’ May-1967

“Shades Of Gray” on ‘Headquarters’ May-1967

“Zilch” on ‘Headquarters’ May-1967

“East Virginia” cut from ‘Headquarters’ May-1967

“Cripple Creek” ‘Live ’67’ Aug- 1967

“Words” on ‘Pisces, Aquarius,Capricorn, Jones Ltd.” Nov- 1967

“Peter Percival’s Pet Pig” on ‘Pisces, Aquarius,Capricorn, Jones Ltd.” Nov- 1967

“Special Announcement” on ‘Pisces, Aquarius,Capricorn, Jones Ltd.” Nov- 1967

“Goin Down” B-Side to “Daydream Believer” -1967

“Cowboy Music” in the “Wonderwall” film (only) Dec- 1967 with George Harrison

-1968-

“Alvin” cut from “Birds” Jan- 1968

“Wasn’t Born To Follow” cut from “Birds” still unreleased from 1967

“Seeger’s Theme” cut from “Birds” Jan- 1968

“Merry go Round” cut from “Birds” Jan- 1968

“Come On In” cut from “Birds” Feb -1968

“Lady’s Baby” cut from “Birds” Jan- 1967

“Tear The Top Off” in TV Show Nov- 1967

“Can You Dig It” on “Head soundtrack” Dec- 1968

“Long Title do I have to do this all over again” on “Head soundtrack” Dec- 1968

“My Song in 7” still unreleased from 1967

“Cindy” in Concert Sep-1968

-1969-

“I Prithee” in “33 & 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee” Apr- 1969

“Little Darlin” in “33 & 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee” Apr- 1969

“California Here It Comes” in “33 & 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee” Apr- 1969

“Solfeggietto” in “33 & 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee” Apr- 1969

> First Monkee Out:1969<

As mentioned Tork left The Monkees project in Dec ’68 after completing their only TV Special, he formed the Band ‘Release’ with Reine Stewart, Riley Wyldflower (Cummings), Judy Mayhan & Wendy Erdman, in 1970 Tork played Bass on the song “Help Me Sing The Sun Down” on Erdman’s solo LP. In ’71, Tork worked with Dolenz on the 45 Single “Oh Someone” In 1972 Tork was arrested for possession of hashish crossing the border from Texas into Oklahoma, he spent 3 months in the State Penitentiary; Tork “It was awful, I don’t recommend it for anybody & and for me, because the inmates lined up to see The MONKEE” In the mid 70s Tork moved to Santa Monica & became a private school teacher at Pacific Hills School for several years, Tork did work again with Dolenz & Jones in 1976 & 77 for 2 concert appearances & 1 Xmas Single. In the summer of 1980 Tork & Cottonmouth recorded a 6 song demo for Sire Records including: Pleasant Valley Sunday, Shades Of Gray, Good Looker, Hi Hi Babe, Since You Went Away, Higher & Higher. Tork’s lack of recorded output indicates, Tork must have thought of himself as a performing musician, rather than a recording musician. When I was in High School in Sioux City, in March 1980 Tork played the Paddock in South Sioux City, Ne. now I was not old enough to get into the bar, but as I understand this show (below) is from the tour he was on & would have played this setlist:

Bolingbrook 15 Sep 1979 Sat

Last Train To Clarksville

I’m A Believer

Your Auntie Grizelda

Cuddly Toy

I Wanna Be Free

Shades Of Gray

Lady’s Baby

Daydream Believer

I’ll Spend My Life With You

Cripple Creek

Higher & Higher

The Kretchma

Pleasant Valley Sunday

Steppin Stone

Shortly after this tour Tork released his only Vinyl recordings, just 3 songs;

A.45 Single: Peter’s Back “(I.N.Y.) Steppin Stone b/w Higher & Higher” Feb 1981 on Claude’s Music Works

B.Compilation LP Smithsonian Folkways “I Truly Understand”Jan 1982

Tork made a whopping 6 appearances on the Local TV Show “Uncle Floyd” from July 1980 to October 1982 as well as appearing on the “David Letterman Show” in July 1982.

There is a Beta Video of Tork & The New Monks, tour of Japan ’81, here is the track listing;

16 Aug 1981 Sunday

Shinjuku Koseinenkin Kaikan, Tokyo, Japan
Magdalena
Cripple Creek

Higher and Higher
Last Train to Clarksville
A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You
Daydream Believer

Pleasant Valley Sunday
Lucille
Hi Hi Babe
Shades of Gray
Valleri
Tender is the Chops
Your Auntie Grizelda
I’m a Believer
(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone

>They Sucked Me Back In: 1986<

In 1983 into 84 Tork had the band ‘The Peter Tork Project’ the Bass player is one Jerry Renino, who continued to play with The Monkees as a band or Solo outings from Jones & or Dolenz until his death in Mar 2007, making Renino one of two of the longest running musicians to play with The Monkees, the other being Guitarist; Wayne Avers, who still plays with The Monkees from 1991 to now in 2018. In late 1985 Jones & Tork re-formed The Monkees, Dolenz joined in mid ’86, Tork remained a member of The Monkees to Sep 1989, there were several recordings released, listed here with Tork’s songs listed.

’20th Anniversary Tour’ Jul- 1987

“MG-B-GT”

“For Pete’s Sake”

“Shades Of Gray”

‘Pool It’ Aug- 1987

“Gettin In”

“Since You Went Away”

While Tork was still in the Monkees, I was able to see him solo for the 1st time; here is the setlist (to the best of my memory):

20 Aug 1988 Saturday

@ “Old Vic” in Chicago, IL.

Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again

For Pete’s Sake

Milkshake

Pirates

Lucille

Don’t Be Cruel

All Shook Up

I Want You I Need You

Cripple Creek

I Truly Understand

Since You Went Away

Gettin In

MGBGT

Vagabond John

Blues In The Bottle

Witchy Mama

Foggy Foggy Dew

Bye, Bye Peggy

Tender Is

Sea Change

Higher and Higher

Miracle

You Get What you Pay For

Daydream Believer

I’m a Believer

>All Over Again: 1996<

Tork makes his 1st TV appearance after his 2nd stint in The Monkees on ‘What’s Up Dr. Ruth?’ in Feb 1990 and after a few years of being quiet, Tork appears in the TV show ‘California Dreams’ Episode #10 “Romancing The Tube” in Nov ’92. Tork then plays banjo on the song “Some Say” from James Lee Stanley’s 1993 CD ‘The Envoy’ then finally 5 years after Tork left The Monkees, for the 2nd time, he releases his 1st Solo CD & Cassette ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’, and appears on the “Geraldo Rivera Show” in Jul ’94. I did speak to Tork about taking so long to put out a Solo recording in Jun ’96, Tork; “Well, when the time is right, I mean it took me over 25 years to put out my 1st solo album, hopefully it won’t take me that long to put out my 2nd one” Note: it was 2 years later, he put out his next CD. Tork appears in 2 episodes of ‘Boy Meets World’ in 1995 “Career Day” & “Rave On” as well as ‘Wings’ the episode “She’s Gotta Have It”

‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ 1994 Beechwood

‘Two Man Band’ 1996 Beechwood (w/ James Lee Stanley)

The 2nd time I saw Tork solo was with James Lee Stanley in Rockford, Ill. in 20 Jan 1996 Sat. Tork becomes a member of The Monkees from 1996 to 1997 for the 30th Anniversary of all 4 The Monkees, together again for the 1^st time since Dec ’68, a TV Special was released & a UK Tour of 9 concerts & a CD; Tork’s song’s listed:

‘Justus’ Oct- 1996 (The Monkees)

“Run Away From Life”

“I Believe You”

>Here They Are Again: 2000<

Tork continues his TV appearances on ‘7th Heaven’ in 2 episodes “No Sex Some Drugs & A Little Rock N Roll” in 1998 & “One Hundred” in 2001. In Jan 1999 Tork makes an appearance on the TV show ‘King Of Queens’ in the episode “Best Man” later this year, Tork forms ‘Shoe Suede Blues’ and tours extensively, and returns as a member of The Monkees from 2000 to 2001, 2 CDs & 1 DVD are released from this tour: :

‘2001: Live In Las Vegas’ Mar- 2001 (The Monkees)

“Your Auntie Grizelda”

“Lucille”

“Higher And Higher”

Bach: 2 Part Invention in F

‘Live 2001: Extended Versions’ – Nov- 2003 (The Monkees)

“Can You Dig It”

“Long Title”

In Jun 2006 Tork makes his 6th Film appearance in “Cathedral Pines” as “Mr. Geary” and then After this 4th round with The Monkees, Tork kicks his recording output in gear, releasing:

‘Once Again’ 2001 Beechwood (w/ James Lee Stanley)

‘Saved By The Blues’ 2003 Beechwood (w/ Show Suede Blues)

‘Beechwood Christmas’ 2003 Beechwood (2 songs)

‘Live & Backstage’ 2006 Beechwood (w/ James Lee Stanley)

‘Cambria Hotel’ 2007 SSB (w/ Show Suede Blues)

>Will He Ever Escape: 2011<

In 2011 Tork returns to The Monkees for a 5th & final time until 2017, releasing a 50th Anniversary album; Tork’s songs listed:

‘Good Times’ May 2016 (The Monkees)

“Little Girl”

“Wasn’t Born To Follow”

Followed by 2 more solo CDs:

‘Step By Step’ 2013 SSB (w/ Show Suede Blues)

‘Relax Your Mind’ 2018 SSB (w/ Show Suede Blues)

The last Tork Solo show I was able to catch was in Nov 2003 in Owatonna MN. I was able to speak with him after the show; I asked him, “Why don’t you put a “Folk CD” now the time is right, with the popularity of “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou” the buying public would love to hear songs like “Cuckoo” perhaps for the 1st time ever”. Tork; “I don’t know I hadn’t thought about it” Note: on Tork’s next CD ‘Live & Backstage’ the song “Cuckoo” was finally recorded & released by Tork. We discussed “AA” myself, being in “AA” for 16 year at that time, I did not go to meetings. Tork; “Oh, you should go, it’s wonderful, it’s what church should be like, I go as often as I can, especially because of the field I am in”

There you have it fans, the “Quiet Monkee” be sure to catch my weekly Radio Show Sunday’s 10:30am on WDGY: 740am & Streaming & 92.1fm, 103.7 fm, 107.1fm, and you can catch past Episodes @ www.MrZeroS.Com / Podcast: link, as I will be doing a “Peter Tork Show” in the next few weeks.

Catch you next time … MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

Classic Music, Retro Toys, Vintage Video Games & Movies too ….

—

> Richard @

Mr. Zero’s Inc. *Est. 2009

http://www.mrzeros.com
1744 Lexington Ave N
Roseville, MN. 55113
651. 489. 0207

MrZerr0 & Peter Tork
Rockford, Ill.

Rampage: Film Review 4-18

Posted on April 11, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“Rampage”

April 2018, Flynn Picture Company, 107min.

Mr. Zero’s: Time Machine Film Reviews #18-R Apr- 2018

I thought this was a good fun family film, kind of a “King Kong” goes good guy. There is a lot of action, destruction, obvious & accessible jokes, over the top acting, & unbelievable situations like “Davis Okoye” walking through the streets of downtown Chicago destruction everywhere, buildings falling down around him & “Davis” gets a scratch on this temple. I typically see this kind of“Disbelief” in every single Tom Cruise film. Dwayne Johnson (Davis Okoye), is every bit as good of an actor as Tom Cruise, but in a more likable way.

Naomie Harris “Dr. Kate Caldwell” is a strikingly attractive woman, in an Unusual for Hollywood move, there is only a 4 year difference in the Lead Male & Lead Female love interest !!!!! Making this almost believable. I will mention a few things I like about the film I liked 1. Baby Gorilla’s are cute 2. The powers that be in charge, really do only care about how much money they can get & everything else can suffer, ironic thing about this film, this is the most accurate part of the film & 90% of the viewers will overlook this science fact. 3. Marley Shelton “Dr. Kerry Atkins” in the beginning of the film.

As I do watch “The Walking Dead” I couldn’t help but mull over the fact, not only did they put ”Negan” (Jeffery Dean Morgan) in this film to get more attendees, the Producers actually have Morgan as a watered down version of “Negan” I wonder if in 10 years from now when this film is one the “On Demand” selections will people get Morgn’s “Negan” swag & and delivery out of place from“The Walking Dead”

I myself am in the filming stages of a “Local Film” titled “Guns of the Apocalypse” due out in Oct 2018, a Sci-Fi- Western, set in the past & the future. Then this Summer I will be in another “Local Film” titled “Good Runner” about a bad-luck car, which is more of my “Real Life” than I can to acknowledge. In closing, if you have kids & you like simple action movies, this is the film for you!

MrZerr0 aka RLSchwinden

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com

on WDGY Sunday’s 10:30am

Dwayne Johnson
Naomie Harrison

Tagged with: Dwayne Johnson, Mr. Zero's, Rampage

KFAI: Monkees 50th Anniversary Radio Show

Posted on March 27, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

“The End came 50 years ago today”

Dr. Rocks Remember When? For KFAI: Article #84-9 March 2018

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0.

It was 50 years ago this week the TV Show “The Monkees” was canceled from its original run; 12 September 1966 to 25 March 1968, with 2 seasons at 58 episodes. My Top 5 favorite episodes;

#29 “Get Out More Dirt” 3 April 1967

#32 “On Tour” 24 April 1967

KFAI: Monkees 50th Anniversary Radio Special

#38 “I Was a 99lb Weakling” 16 October 1967

#47 “Christmas Show” 25 December 1967

#52 “Devil & Peter Tork” 5 February 1968

It was back in Summer 1992 when I lived in Des Moines, Iowa I went to the most famous DJ at KIOA, one Dic Youngs, & I asked him “How do I go about doing a 1 hour radio show on “The Monkees” & also a 1 hour show on “Boyce & Hart” and get them aired on KIOA?” Youngs responded “First you need a Producer to back the show, then you need to get around, the long standing FCC rule: a station may not play more than 3 songs by a single artist in a 1 hour period” Jump ahead to Aug 2012, I got a call from DJ Liberty Finch, and was asked would you like to do a guest spot on her radio show “The Pop Shop” and did I have any ideas for a show? I had a resounding “YES” and once again pitched my 2 hour “Monkees- Boyce & Hart” show. I got the usual response; “FCC Rule: no more than 4 songs of a single artist in a 2 hour period”

So this winter my buddy Tommy, asked “You ever gonna do the 2 hour Monkees – Boyce & Hart Show, you talked about? We began to talk about he said “I just have to think there is a way around it”. So one early morning, tossin & turnin in my sleep I came up with this “50th Anniversary Radio Show” idea. The cast of Characters: The Monkees, David Jones: (1945-2012), Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz & Peter Tork with Boyce & Hart: Tommy Boyce: (1939-1994) & Bobby Hart (Robert Luke Harshman) & Harry Nilsson: (1941 -1994), with a host of others … So here it is my 7th appearance on KFAI’s “The Pop Shop”

Let The Show Begin;

“Theme From The Monkees”: The Monkees: 1966

This version is from the TV Show intro, not found on the 1st album. From the Deluxe 2CD set.

“Long Title (do I have to do this all over again)”: The Monkees: 1968

One of 2 lead vocals by: Peter Tork, this is found on the Soundtrack to the Film “Head” as suggested by: Missy Marrs.

“Last Train To Clarksville”: Four Tops: 1967

A cover version form their album ‘Reach Out’ I have always loved this band since I was a kid.

“How Can You Kiss Me”: Mike Nesmith, John London & Bill Sleeper: 1965

This is one of Nesmith’s 5 Singles he released BEFORE he was in The Monkees, this one was on the Omnibus Label, John London went on the be a session man in The Monkees & a member of the “1st National Band”

“Girl From Chelsea”: David Jones: 1965

This is one of 3 Singles Jones released Before he was in The Monkees, oddly enough, Jones & Nesmith were both signed to the same record label “Colpix” at the same time before The Monkees.

“Don’t Do It”: Micky Dolenz: (1965) 1967

This is one of 2 songs Dolenz recorded before he was in The Monkees, although this single was not released until after the 1st Monkees LP was released on Challenge Records.

“Tomorrow’s Gonna Be Another Day”: The Astronauts: 1965

From an RCA 45 Single, both sides are written by: Tommy Boyce, The Monkees covered this song on their 1st LP in 1966.

“Mr. Richland’s Favorite Song -One”: Harry Nilsson: 1971

From the album ‘Aerial Pandemonium Ballet’ this is sort of a “Re-Mix Best Of” LP. The Monkees, together or solo recorded over 25 Nilsson songs, this song they tried out in ’67 for their 4th LP “Pisces” but never finished it up.

“Stop Talkin Start Lovin”: Robert Luke Harshman: 1959

Bobby Hart was born Robert Luke Harshman in Phoenix, AZ. this is the 1st of 4 singles Hart released before the “Boyce & Hart” duo, this was on the “Radio” record label.

“Come Here Joann”: Tommy Boyce: 1962

This is one of 12 singles Boyce released before he was in “Boyce & Hart” in 1967, this was on the RCA label, he was on 4 labels before “A&M” Boyce was known for writing material in the style of others, this one being Fats Domino.

“Goodbye Baby (I don’t wanna see you cry)”: Boyce & Hart: 1968

A Top 40 Hit for “Boyce & Hart”, this duo wrote over 27 songs for The Monkees, & had a song on almost every album released by The Monkees

“Moonfire”: Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart: 1976

After a failed Monkees re-union in 1974, Micky & Davy & Tommy & Bobby, formed a “New” Monkees of sorts, & toured in 1975 -76 & released a Studio LP & A Live LP.

“Nerd Is The Word”: PsychoGello: 2017

This is “Mr. Zero’s 60s Tribute band from our pending CD “Future Now” on Saturn Recordings. MrZerr0 wrote, sang & played on this one with Terrance & Paul. The 2nd Verse is: “Dig, some people just don’t get, you gotta know good taste costs real money”

“You And I”: The Monkees: 1969

From The Monkees 1st LP as a “Trio” ‘Instant Replay’ (Jones, Dolenz & Nesmith) in early ’69. Neil Young plays Lead guitar on this Bill Chadwick, autobiographical song.

“Mama Rocker”: Michael Nesmith: 1972

From Nez’s “2nd National Band” album. I played this one to show Nez, did more than Country music.

“Look At Me”: Davy Jones: 1971

From Jones’ 2nd solo LP, this one is not as syrupy as most of the other tracks on this LP. This song is on the 1969 ‘Bread’ album, along with another song “London Bridge” that Nesmith cut a version of while still in the Monkees, in the late 60’s & early 70s Nesmith & Jones had many cross over songs, like: “If I Ever Get To Saginaw Again & “Talking To The Wall” that they both recorded their own versions of.

“Love War”: Micky Dolenz: 1973

This is one of 5 singles Dolenz cut on MGM records after the Monkees. The lyrics are great, in ’92 in Lincoln, NE. I was able to speak with Dolenz about this song, his response “How on earth did you hear that one?”

“Cuckoo”: Peter Tork: 2006

This song comes from one of 5 CDs Tork released on Beechwood Records. This is a song from Tork’s early days in Greenwich Village, I was able to speak with Tork about this song in Nov ’04, I suggested he record this song on his next CD, as you can see… he did.

“(I’m not your) Steppin Stone”: Paul Revere & Raiders: 1966

Many do not realize, The Raiders cut & released this song 1st, much like the controversy over “Louie, Louie” 3 years earlier. This one comes from the LP ‘Midnight Ride’

“Daddy’s Song”: Harry Nilsson: (1968) 1971

This one also comes from ‘Aerial Pandemonium Ballet’ because The Monkees recorded it & released it before Nilsson, RCA, felt it should not be on 2 LPs released at roughly the same time, so it was pulled from Nilsson’s 3^rd album.

“Too Many Teardrops”: Bobby hart: 1962

Another of Hart’s pre- Boyce & Hart singles this one is on ‘Infinity Records’

“Pretty Thing”: Tommy Boyce: 1965

Also another of Boyce’s pre- Boyce & Hart singles on MGM Records. Dedicate to my Love; De Dee.

“Strawberry Girl”: Boyce & Hart: 1968

This song is taken from the Duo’s 3rd LP ‘It’s All Happening on the Inside’

“Two For The Price Of One”: Larry Williams & Johnny “Guitar” Watson: 1967

Boyce & Hart covered this song on their 2nd LP, ‘Wonder What She’s Doing Tonite’ I was the person who told their Drummer Billy Lewis, that this was a cover song, he was somewhat shocked.

“Words”: The Monkees: 1966

The 1st (TV) version of my all time favorite song, found on ‘Missing Links 2’ the 2nd version is found on ‘Pisces’ I just heard Boyce & Hart’s demo of this song a couple months ago, very cool & different, I love the duel vocal on this song.

“Teardrop City”: Boyce & Hart: 1968

This is originally a Boyce & Hart song from the LP “Wonder What She’s Doing Tonite”, later covered & released by The Monkees in early ’69.

Together: Harry Nilsson: (1968) 1971

This song is from Harry’s ‘Aerial Pandemonium Ballet’ from 1971 his remixed “Best Of: ” David Jones & Sam & The Goodtimers performed this song Live on ABC TV “Music Scene” on 22 Dec 1969.

“Oh Someone”: Micky Dolenz: 1971

This is another one of Dolenz’s 5 MGM singles; this one finds Dolenz working with Peter Tork, the 1st time since Dec ’68, when Tork quit The Monkees. Worth noting in the early 70s there was a huge “Jesus” movement started by “Jesus Christ Superstar” henceforth the theme of this song. This song was written by David Price, a friend of Nesmith’s from Texas who was a “Stand-in” for Davy Jones,.

“Dance (and have a good time)”: Michael Nesmith: 1979

Taken from the grossly underrated NEZ; LP “Infinite Rider” this whole album is great!

“Black And White”: David Jones: 1988

The Monkees re-united in 1986 through 1989. During that period Jones released 1 vinyl 45 Single & Cassingle & a Cassette only Solo album ‘Incredible’ this song comes from that release.

“Milkshake”: Peter Tork: 1994

This song was written & released by: Martin Briley in 1981. I know Tork was performing it for awhile in his solo sets, this recording comes from Tork’s very 1st solo CD in 1994 on Beechwood Records.

“Some Of Shelly’s Blues”: Linda Ronstadt w/ Stone Poney’s: 1968

The 2nd of 2, Mike Nesmith song’s Linda recorded, this was also covered by the ‘Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’. Linda had a hit with NEZ’s “Different Drum”. Nesmith recorded this song both in the Monkees in ‘68 & Solo in ‘73

“Love Is Only Sleeping”: The Monkees: 1967

This one comes from the, by far, the best The Monkees LP, ’Pisces’, it was considered to be a single in Oct ’67, but was nixed for “Daydream Believer”

“Wasn’t Born To Follow”: Byrds: 1968

This song was originally recorded by ‘The Byrds’ in late ’67, The Monkees recorded a version in Spring ’68, one of the few Lead Vocals from Peter Tork, it went unreleased, until 2016.

“Sweetheart Attack”: Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart: 1976

Another great song from the “2nd” Monkees reunion in the mid- 70s. From the only Studio LP they released in the 70s.

“Forget That Girl (live)” The Monkees: 1967

“The Monkees didn’t play their own instruments” we hear it over & over again … yet they recorded at least 6 of their own Concerts, 5 in ’67 & 1 in 1968. Ok, sure they were not virtuoso’s in concert, BUT have you heard the early BEATLES live recordings? Well, give both bands a listen & you can hear for yourself, at the time both bands were about equal, in concert. This recording comes from the ‘Summer 1967 Boxset’ (4 CDs). To set the record straight, The Monkees DID play their own instruments in concert (in the 60s over 80 plus concerts), & many times on the album recordings (especially the 3rd & 4th LPs), but less than 30% of the time on the other records.

So there you have it Fans, my 2018 KFAI Radio Show on “The MONKEES” (I hope to do a BEATLES & Solo Style Show on KFAI in the Fall 2018 & Maybe a KISS & Solo Show in Spring 2019 on KFAI) it’s only been 26 years in the making. I would like to DJ Dic Youngs (R.I.P.) & Tommy Sommers & DJ Izzy for making this happen.

The Pop Shop

Thursday, March 22, 2018 – 11:00pm

Mr. Zero swings by The Pop Shop to spin an all-Monkees and associates episode to kick off our Spring 2018 Pledge Drive.

You can hear the “Artist” of the Week on “Mr. Zero’s PsychoGello Vinyl & Compact Disc Radio Show” Sunday’s @ 10:30am on WDGY 740am & Streaming 107.1 & FM: 92.1 & 103.7. To hear back Episodes go to Mr. ZeroS.Com & Click the PodCast Key to Hear the last 38 Episodes. And as always this article is dedicated to the love of my life De Dee.

Until the next time … MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est. 2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com

“Classic Music, Retro Toys, Vintage Video Games & Movies too…”

Tagged with: KFAI, Monkees, PsychoGello

GYPSY: MPLS Local Band: 1970 -73

Posted on February 24, 2018 by

mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

GYPSY: The Evolution of 3 Local MPLS Bands to make a legend.

A Dr. Rox Remember When? (for WDGY) Article: Feb 2018: #83-G

By: RLSchwinden aka MrZerr0

With a rich history in the 60s from the St. Paul -Minneapolis Local Music Scene, we will cover (as best we can), the history of “GYPSY” & the 3 bands from they evolved from:

GYPSY: 1969 -1973

The Escapades: 1962 -1964

The Underbeats: 1965 -1969

Hot Half Dozen:1967

This article is the follow up to the DVD released on the band GYPSY back in 2016, and the precursor to the “Groundbreakers” (2, half hour episodes) & “PsychoGello” (1, half hour episode) radio shows on WDGY (740am & 92.1 & 103.7fm & Streaming 107.1) coming up in March 2018.

> The Escapades: 1964- 1966: St. Paul <

Our story begins when Enrico Rosenbaum’s Mother (Lisa) a survivor of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland (she had her internment number tattooed on her left forearm, Gene Simmons’ (of KISS) Mother; Sophie is also a Auschwitz survivor), relocates to Italy & gives birth to future Vocalist & Lead Guitarist Enrico Rosenbaum in 1944. Rico co-founded ‘The Escapades”’in St. Paul, MN. in 1964. Though there was already another band going by the name “The Escapades” from Memphis who released the 45 singles “I Tell No Lies b/w She’s The Kind” in 1966 on Arbet Records #A-1010 & “Mad Mad Mad b/w I Try So Hard” Verve #VK-10415 also later in ’66 (so hard-core collectors, don’t get confused there are 2 different bands).

> The Underbeats: 1962 -1969: Minneapolis <

Hailing from N. MPLS & Brooklyn Ctr. founding members James Calvin Johnson (26 Aug 1947: MPLS) on Guitar & Vocals & Doni Larson (Brooklyn Ctr.) on Bass & Vocals form the band in Larson’s basement in ’62 with: Russ Hagen on Guitar & “Duke” (Robert) Duane on Drums. In 1963 Hagen & Duane leave the band for military service & are replaced respectively By: Ray Berg & Rod Eaton (later of: TC Atlantic) on Drums, the band plays such venues as: Chisago City Civic Center, Bill’s Roller Rink in Anoka, & the Bloomington Rink. Sometime in 1964 ‘The Underbeats‘ connect with local Record Label Mogul George Garrett who owns the labels “Garrett” “Banger” “Twin Town” & “Bear”. George releases a couple of 45 Singles for the band on his smaller label “Bangor” in ’64, recorded at ‘Kay Bank Recording Studio’ they are; “Annie Do The Dog b/w Sweet Words Of Love” #BA 00632 “Little Romance b/w Broken Arrow” #BA 00657, apparently selling well enough that their 3rd 45 single in ’64 was released on his more mainstream label “Garrett” this was “Foot Stompin b/w Route 66” #GA 4004, becoming a Top 50 hit in the MPLS- SP area. In Fall ’65 Rod Eaton leaves the band & is replaced by Tommy Nystrom form another local band ‘The Accents’ from Bloomington, MN. also signed to the ‘Banger’ label, releasing 6 singles from: 1964 -66 they also have a Top 50 local hit played on WDGY with the Lonnie Mack song “Why b/w Road Runner” #BA-00648.

In 1966 Berg decides to get married & leaves ‘The Underbeats’ Jim Johnson recruits local guitar hero Rico Rosenbaum from ‘The Escapades’ the band release a couple of 45 Singles on Amos Heilicher’s “SOMA” record label those being; “Book Of Love b/w Darling Lorraine” #1449 & “I Can’t Stand It b/w Shake It For Me” #1458, also this same year Jim Johnson is drafted by the military & sent to Vietnam, in his absence Johnson hires Wilmer native Wally Walstead on Guitar & convinces James Walsh to leave the ‘Hot Half Dozen’ to play Keyboards in this band. In 1967 while on leave Jim Johnson records with the band & releases a 45 Single under the name ‘Calvin James & The Haymarket Riot’ on Stature Records #1104 “Footsteps b/w Find This Woman” & returns to the service, later this year the band release its 6th single “It’s Gonna Rain Today b/w Sweetest Girl in the World” on Metrobeat Records #MBR-4449, written by: Rosenbaum & sung by: Walsh.

In Sep 1968 Jim Johnson returns from Vietnam & rejoins his band full time, then release their final 45 Single “Darkness b/w You’re Losing Me” ( both written by: Johnson- Rosenbaum) on Ira Heillicher’s PIP Records. There are a few unreleased songs from the Dove Recording Studio: “Love To You” “Fate Of A Fool” “Don’t You Lie To Me” & “Wishes Don’t Come True”. In Nov ’68 Rosenbaum’s high school buddy Steve Freeman becomes the band’s manager, convinces the band to relocate to Los Angeles, & quickly lands a gig as the house band at “Gezzarris” on Sunset Strip, however billed as “The Groovy People” with Tom Green on Drums for a brief period of time.

Things really start to happen for the band in 1969, Nystrom leaves band for good & goes back to Minnesota & the Winona, MN. Native James “Jay” Epstein takes over on Drums. The band then replaces the band ‘Chicago Transit Authority (later known as just CHICAGO)’ as the house band at the legendary “Whiskey A Go-Go” (the Whiskey A Go-Go was a national chain & there was one in St. Paul in the mid 60s)here are some dates from this time period:

Nov 26 – 30 – 1969 Whiskey A Go Go West Hollywood, Calif.

Nov 30 1969 Huntington Beach, Calif. @ Golden Bear (2nd show on this same day)

It is also at this time Doni Larson comes up with the band’s New Name, based on the way they have been living for the past few years. GYPSY.

> Hot Half Dozen: 1964 -67: Minneapolis <

The local band ‘Half Dozen’ in ’64 then later the ‘Hot Half Dozen’ in 1966 featured one James “Owl” Walsh (6 Sep 1948: Minneapolis) on Lead Vocals & Keyboards, Walsh: “I got interested in music because my Mom sang & played Piano, she used to take me to the U of M to hear the symphonies there” Walsh attended Edison Sr. High in MPLS, & left in ’65 to join the ‘Hot Half Dozen’ the band released one 45 Single “Heat Wave b/w Keep It Simple” on SOMA Records #1453. Walsh was eventually hired by ‘The Underbeats’ in 1966.

> GYPSY: 1970: Los Angeles <

It’s now early 1970 & Doni Larson, has come up with a new name for the band, that being “GYPSY” & the line-up at this time is: Jim Johnson: Guitar & Vocals, Rico Rosenbaum: Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar, Owl Walsh: Keyboards & Lead Vocals, Doni Larson: Bass & Jay Epstein: Drums. Still the house band at the “Whiskey A Go-Go” the band attract interest from several record labels, ultimately it comes down to Atlantic (at this time primarily a R&B label) & Metromedia was a media company that owned TV & Radio Stations, in 1969 the branched out into the Record Business, who’s biggest selling artist at the time is Bobby Sherman: 9 LPs from 1969 -72, & Peter Allen (1944 -1992), KISS was also considering Metromedia in 1973 before they signed with Casablanca. The band decided to go with the smaller company for several reasons, Metromedia offered a larger monetary advance, the smaller label would have more concentration on the band’s promotion, & paid for a better recording studio, & the band convinced Metromedia to let their debut LP be a Double Album (at the time only ‘Chicago Transit Authority’ had such a luxury) & allowed the band to help create the LP cover using drawings of Alfons Mucha: (1860 -1939; Czech Republic) artwork titled “Zodiac”, giving the band’s albums immediate & lasting recognition, my friend Debi from St. Louis, told me her Jr. High School art project was a drawing of the 1st album cover, because GYPSY was so popular in that area. The band’s 1st LP is released in Fall ’70

“Gypsy” recorded at Devonshire Studios in North Hollywood, Produced By: Glen Pace on Metromedia #M2D-1031 with 13 tracks clocking in at 1:11:03min, the album hit #44 on Billboard Charts. The CD issue in 1999 on Bedrock Records contains the extra track (#14) ”The Innocence”, the 45 Single released for this LP is “Gypsy Queen Part #1: 3:53min b/w Dead And Gone: 3:05min” both songs are edited down from the LP versions, the “A-side” hit #62 on the Billboard Charts from 5 Dec ’70 to 16 Jan 1971 & stayed for 8 weeks on the Charts.

Walsh: “We fought very hard to get the label to let us do a 2 record set, the label’s concern was the jacket cost almost .25 cents, a lot of money back then for a small label” “We (the band) would hear our songs being played on KQRS, and think We are way ahead of our time”

Here are a few of the Concert Dates the Band performed in the year 1970:

Jan 18 1970 @ Whiskey A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA.
Apr 17 1970 @ Whittier College in Whittier, CA.

May 14 1970 @ Fillmore West in San Francisco, CA. w/ Spirit

May 15 1970 @ Fillmore West in San Francisco, CA. w/ Spirit

May 16 1970 @ Fillmore West in San Francisco, CA. w/ Spirit
May 22 1970 @ Monterey County Fairground in Monterey, Ca. w/ SHAG
May 27 1970 @ Whiskey A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA.
May 31 1970 @ Whiskey A Go Go in West Hollywood, CA.
Jul 3 1970 @ Atlanta International Pop Festival, Middle Georgia Raceway in Byron, Ga. to a crowd of some 400,000 people with: Jimi Hendrix, Allman Bros & Mountain
Sep 9 1970 @ Labor Temple in MPLS, MN.

Sep 20 1970 @ Labor Temple In MPLS. w/ Pepper Fog for 2 Shows 7:30 & 10:15pm Tickets $2.75 @ Optic Nerve)

Nov 26 1970 @ Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco, CA. w/ Mason Profit & Chambers Bros. Tickets $3.50

Nov 27 1970 @ Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco, CA. w/ Mason Profit & Chambers Bros.

Nov 28 1970 @ Winterland Ballroom in San Fransisco, CA. w/ Mason Profit & Chambers Bros.
Dec 18 1970 @ Fillmore East in NYC, NY w/ Savoy Brown
Dec 19 1970 @ Fillmore East in NYC, NY w/ Poco

Walsh: “We met Jimi (Hendrix) in ’70 at a festival, after that we used to hang and party with him all the time, both here (St. Paul) & there (L.A.)”

> 1971: out of L.A. <

The band’s 2nd album “In The Garden” is released in 1971 on Metromedia #KMD -1044; containing 7 Tracks @ 36:42min on Vinyl & 8-Track & hit #173 on the Billboard charts, the LP was Produced by Clark Burroughs & recorded at Larrabee Sound Studios. The 1999 CD issue on Bedrock Records contained 8 songs, with the bonus track “20 Years Ago Today”, 2 Singles were released for this album; “Here In The Garden Part #1 (3:04min) b/w Here In The Garden Part #2” (edited down from the LP versions) & “As Far As I Can See b/w Blindman” The band has a lineup change when Larson & Epstein leave before this LP is recorded. Bassist Willie Weeks (born August 5, 1947 Salemburg NC. performed with: Doobie Bros, Gregg Allman, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder & George Harrison: 1974 -82) fills in for this release only, along with Joe Lala (1947 -2014; performed with Blues Image & CSNY) on percussion, And on Drums; Bill Lordan (22 May 1947 in Minneapolis, MN; married to Diana Olson, an entertainment journalist; Lordan performed with Robin Trower: 1975 -87 & Sly & Family Stone in 1974 & started out with The Esquire’s in 1967 on their hit: “Get On Up” (covered by The Monkees on the 1969 Tour with Dolenz on lead vocals). 1971 finds the band out on more national tours with bands like ‘The Guess Who’. Walsh: The label released the album, really without our permission while we were on tour”.

Apr 25 1971 @ The Depot (1^st Ave.) in MPLS. for 2 Shows: 7:30 & 10:30pm tickets $3.75

Aug 28 1971 @ Auditorium in St. Paul w/ Guess Who 8pm tickets $4.oo @ Oblivion Records

> 1972: The RCA Years <

In 1972 the band finds itself on a new & major label with ‘RCA’, though Metromedia started off with the best offer, ultimately fell short in the financial area to continue to promote the band properly, Metromedia closed its Record Label in 1974, after just 5 years of operation. The band’s 3rd album ‘Antithesis’ (the 1st LP to not have a Alfons Mucha type cover) on RCA #LSP-4775 with 12 Tracks @ 39:49min was recorded from July 3-9 1972 at the RCA Music Center of the World in Hollywood, CA. & Produced by Jack Richardson, the 45 Single from this release was “Day After Day (3:11min) b/w Lean On Me (3:13min)” (the 1st single not not have edited down versions from the LP) The band’s line-up stabilizes with Bill Lordon on Drums & Randy Cates on Bass.

> 1973: the End of the Original Run <

The band’s 4th & final album of the original run ‘Unlock The Gates’ (the 2nd without a Alfons Mucha cover) is released in 1973 on RCA: #APL1-0093 on Vinyl & 8-Track with 10 Tracks @ 32:51min 2 Singles are released from this album; “Don’t Bother Me (3:10min) b/w Make Peace With Jesus (3:03min)” & “Need You Baby (3:05min) b/w Precious One(4:19min)” this LP was also produced by: Jack Richardson, with the same GYPSY lineup as the previous album with the addition of the ‘CHICAGO’ Horn Section: James Pankow (20 Aug 1947: St. Louis): Trombone (one of my favorite song writers of all time) with Walter Parazaider : Saxophone & Lee Loughnane: Trumpet.

Sep 27 1973 @ Union Ballroom in Mankato, MN. w/ Prodigy @ 8pm tickets $2.50

> 1975 -1979: Still Working <

It’s been 2 years since the last LP & the band is now Johnson, Walsh with Lewis Derry: Bass & Vocals, Stan Kipper: Drums & Chico Perez: Percussion. they release 1 single in 1975 on Dore #907 “Magic In My Life (3:04min) b/w Don’t Stop For Nothin (2:57min)” produced by: Terry Furlong, both songs are re-recorded on the ‘5th Dimension’ s 10th album;”Earthbound” on ABC Records released in Aug 1975.

At some point Walsh leaves the band, & the new lineup consisting of Johnson, Rosenbaum, Cates, Stan Kipper: Drums & Barry Kay: Keyboards performs on 9 July 1977 in St. Louis, MO. @ Busch Memorial Stadium for “Super Jam ’77” with REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, , Head East & Judas Priest. Eventually a CD Only release on Peak Records #16072, becomes available, here is the track list for the Show:

Intro Jam
Around You
Blindman
Is That News
Crusader
Facing Time
Rouges Moon
Young gypsy
Only This Money
Gypsy Queen

This lineup also plays a hometown date: Oct 9 1977 @ Civic Center St. Paul, MN. w/ Pine.

Somehow in 1978 Walsh gains control of the ‘Gypsy’ name from Johnson, Rosenbaum & Cates & releases a 45 Single “Cuz It’s You Girl b/w Rainbow (non-lp)” on F&E Records ‎ #7063-37 & hits #71 on the Billboard Charts on 9 Dec 1978, followed by the album ‘James Walsh Gypsy Band’ on RCA Records, with 11 tracks @ 42min recorded at: Cookhouse Studios in MPLS & Creation Studios in Bloomington, MN. with new members: Bob Jones: Lead Vocals, Guitar & Keys, Scott Fronsoe: Bass, Jim Behringer: Lead Guitar & Ernie LaViolette: Drums & on Horns Richard Jorgensen, Todd Hansen Deone & Johnson. A 2nd 45 Single is released to radio stations”Love Is For The Best In Us (mono b/w stereo). Walsh: “That 5th album is still very popular in Japan, to this day, it had a charting hit on it” Here are a couple of dates from the tour this year.

Mar 24 1978 @ Gemini II in Yorktown Heights, NY.
Mar 25 1978 @ Gemini II in Yorktown Heights, NY.

In 1979, Walsh & Co. begin recording at Muscle Shoals in Sheffield, Alabama, Walsh is living with Bob Segar at the time for about 3 months while the album is being recorded, with Walsh & The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Tower of Power Horns, Bee Gee Strings & was co-produced by Walsh & legendary producers Barry Beckett & Jimmy Johnson. (Peter Tork of the Monkees records a 5 song demo at the same studio about the same time), unfortunately this album goes unreleased until 2010 as James Walsh Gypsy Band “I’ve Got The Feeling” on Light in the Attic CDs #24441 with 10 tracks from ’79, in 2017 a 45 Single is released from this CD “I’ve Got The Feelin’ b/w Caves Of Altamira” on Preservation Records #P012.

Sometime later a CD only release becomes available “Final L.A. Sessions” on Peak Records #16080, recorded at Devonshire & Haji Recording Studios from1975 -1979 with various combinations of these members: Johnson, Rosenbaum, Walsh, Cates, Perez, Kipper, Kay, Derry with Mike Finnegan, & Chuck Rainy, along with several others; containing 14 unreleased tracks.

On the 30 Sep 1979 at age 36; Rico Rosenbaum loses his long standing battle with drugs & passes away. To commemorate his passing, the 1st ‘Gypsy’ LP is re-released on the Plymouth, MN. Record label Cognito a division of K-Tel (Canada) Catalog #COG-0006, along with the 45 Single “Dead And Gone (3:05min )b/w Here In My Loneliness (2:53min)” also on Cognito #008. The band performs this show this year.

Nov 17 1980, @ The Rox in Lubbock, TX.

In 1984 Jim Johnson, Stan Kipper and Brad Palmer: Bass have a band called ‘The Steamers’ they record an album in New York under the name several songs from this album are used in various movie soundtracks.

In 1996 Walsh & Company release 10 new tracks as “20 Years Ago: Today” on Metro CDs running 41:40min.
In 2010 Walsh releases ”The Gypsy Boxset” a 4 CD Boxset of the 1st 4 LPs with 2 bonus tracks on Gypsy Family Productions.

I met Walsh in Mar 2011, when he dropped into Mr. Zero’s 55113 in Roseville to sell me copies of the “Boxset” & Gypsy T-Shirts, I caught them in concert at the Mn. Music Cafe in Mar 2011, then again at The Myth in Maplewood on 21 Oct 2011, then at the Dugout in Mathomedi on 21 Oct 2013. Walsh & Co. performed their final concert on 17 Nov 2017 Sat @ Medina Ballroom in Medina, MN. 55340.

What a history these local legends have had, tune in for the WDGY (740am & 92.1 &103.7 fm Streaming @ 107.1) Shows “Groundbreakers” & “PsychoGello” Sunday mornings, 9am & 10:30am.

See you on the other side …. MrZerr0

Mr. Zero’s *Est.2009

1744 Lexington Ave. N.

Roseville, MN. 55113

www.MrZeroS.Com

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