PopBopRocktilUDrop
6 posts published by craigr244 during November 2016
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PopBopRocktilUDrop
The Early “Global” Million Selling Records

In the beginning – “Gold Record” awards in the United States, was determined by record companies tracking their own sales. The first “Gold Record” was Glenn Miller’s 1942 release of “Chattanooga Choo Choo”. Elvis would be recognized by RCA for his 1956 smash hit of “Don’t Be Cruel”.

Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

Things changed in 1958, when the RIAA began recognizing both 45 and LP sales basing the program on dollars in sales vs. units sold. This significantly changed the landscape for future comparison. And the RIAA did not take into account an global sales – only U.S.

Then the “Platinum” award came into being in 1976, reserved for singles or LP’s achieving one million units in sales. And “Gold” was redefined as “500,000” units sold – abandoning dollar accumulation.

Perry Como’s “Catch a Falling Star” was certified as the first RIAA recognized “Gold” 45 and this was closely followed by the long play sound track “Oklahoma” as the first so-recognized long-play (no wonder there are so many of those LP’s crowding the old vinyl record bins).

Ironically, some recordings from the pre-RIAA days, were later recognized with these RIAA awards – sometimes decades later.

The Joseph Murrells’ Guide – “Million Selling Records from the 1900’s to the 1980’s

I recently was provided a copy of a book called “Million Selling Records from the 1900’s to the 1980’s – An Illustrated Directory”.

The Very First Million Seller – The Great Caruso

What I like about this publication is that it examines tracks (and long plays) for total global sales as the basis for recognizing “Million Sellers”. So because of the global aspect the book, many recordings suddenly find themselves in the company of the biggies such as Presley, the Beatles, Bing Crosby and more. A great feature of this guide is the research for million sellers going all the way back to what is reported as being the first million seller, 1903’s “Vesti La Giubba (On With the Motley)” by the great Enrico Caruso from Naples, Italy. Caruso was RCA’s first superstar, accruing over 3.5 million dollars in recording royalities during his lifetime.

Russ Conway & Emile Ford

As an example of formerly neglected tracks not being presented in “million seller” listings, here we have shining examples such as British star Russ Conway’s 1959 hit “Side Saddle” which sold over one million copies mostly in the U.K. It charted number 1 in the U.K. for three weeks and had a 30-week best seller run there. The single failed to chart altogether in the U.S.

Another Brit – Emile Ford – backed by The Checkmates – achieved million unit status with “Why Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me?” tracks which topped the U.K. charts for six weeks. Has anyone in the U.S. ever heard of this record? It did not make a single dent on the Hot 100.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

And that brings us to the 1955 monster track “Jingle Bells” by those oh-so-annoying “Singing Dogs”. The track was the brain child of Don Charles from Denmark who recorded five puppies to achieve the final product.

There are some strange notations on this release. Murrells reports that “Jingle Bells” on RCA Victor Extended Play 6344 sold 500,000 copies in the U.S. That is probably true – but “Jingle Bells” did not chart in the U.S. Billboard lists “Oh! Susanna” one of the other three tracks – as the charting tune – topping off at number 22 in December of 1955. Seems a little suspicious.

In the U.K. “Jingle Bells”. Murrell reports that the track sold 450,000 copies in a single week in the U.K.! Combined global sales was well over one million.

The dogs weren’t through in the U.S. and “Jingle Bells” was not a lost cause – It would enter the Holiday charts on Billboard in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1983 and finally (thank God) in 1984.

To rub salt in the wound – the “Singing Dogs” actually had publicized names and a bit of promotion: They were “Pussy”, “Pearl”, “Dolly”, “King”, and “Caesar”.

The Early “Rockers” – One Million Units or More

What I have compiled here is a listing of the earliest recordings to achieve global million unit selling status purporting tracks leaning strongly toward rock ‘n’ roll. You will see that most of the earliest were actually rhythm and blues. Sort of a fun exercise.

Here are the forerunners – presented when possible – on 78 rpm format.

Fats Domino

1948 – “The Fat Man” – His first of many million sellers – and cited by some as the first rock ‘n’ roll recording!

1952 – “Goin’ Home”

1953 – “Goin’ to the River” – “You Said You Loved Me” – “Please Don’t Leave Me” -“I Lived My Life”

1954 – “Love Me” – “Don’t Leave Me This Way”

1955 – “Thinking of You” – “Ain’t That a Shame” -“All By Myself” – “I Can’t Go On” – “Poor Me”

John Lee Hooker

1948 – “I’m in the Mood” & “Boogie Chillun”

Roy Brown

1949 – “Hard Luck Blues”

Ivory Joe Hunter

1949 – “I Almost Lost My Mind”

Joe Turner

1951 – “Chains of Love”

1953 – “Honey Hush”

1955 – “Flip, Flop and Fly”

Ruth Brown

1952 – “Five, Ten, Fifteen Hours”

1953 – “Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean” (with the Rhythm-Makers)

Lloyd Price

1952 – “Ladwy, Miss Clawdy”

Faye Adams

1953 – “Shake a Hand”

The Drifters

1953 – “Money, Honey” (with Clyde McPhatter on lead vocal)

The Orioles

1953 – “Crying in the Chapel”

Hank Ballard & The Midnighters

1954 – “Work With Me Annie”

The Four Tunes

1954 – “I Understand Just How You Feel”

Bill Haley & The Comets

1954 – “Shake, Rattle & Roll” – “Rock Around the Clock” (This recording is said to have sold over 100 millions copies)

The Penguins

1954 – “Earth Angel”

Chuck Berry

1955 – “Maybellene”

B.B King

1955 – “Every Day (I Have the Blues)”

Little Richard

1955 – “Tutti Frutti”

The Platters

1955 – “Only You (And You Alone)”

The Charms

1955 – “Hearts of Stone”

All This and Rock and Roll?…..

What I know about the Colorado Punk scene could fill a thimble and so for this Post I rely on Bob Rob Medina’s book “Denvoid and The Cowtown Punks – A Collection of Strories from the 80’s Denver Punk Scene”. Get his book for the background stories behind these bands. Quote marks denote punk names. Some of these may be considered “New Wave”, “Hardcore” or “Gothic” – who knows? – To learn everything about the Colorado Punk scene go get a copy of Bob Rob Medina’s “Denvoid and the Cowtown Punks” published in 2015.

What is really a treat (for me) in “Denvoid” are the many references and interviews relating to Wax Trax Records which sort of served a “ground zero” for the Punk crowd in Denver. There is a great interview with store co-owner Duane and quotes from his partner Dave Stidman. The fellow-traveler with Wax Trax back in the early days of Denver Punk was the nearby Mercury Café owned by Marilyn Megenity. The “venue” became a base of operations for the Punk artists and their followers, and in co-op with Wax Trax promoted Punk happenings.

The Café migrated over the years from location-to-location (often not by choice) but thrives today in it’s “LoDo” location at 2199 California Street.

Punk – Hard Core or…..

“Punk” popped up in the U.S. in 1974 or so according to WikipediaNew Wave is defined as emerging in the mid 1970’s and running through the mid 1980’s. But of course it had a much earlier foundation via garage bands. But it is comfortable to say that the with the arrival of the Ramones out of Queens in New York that Punk had arrived. “Hardcore” or “Hardcore Punk” is also attributed to a form overlapping with both early “Punk” and “New Wave”. The difference – What does it really matter?

Now to mix things up even more, “Gothic Rock” or “Goth Rock” is attributed as a “Post Punk” genre, but is also documented as emerging in the late 1970’s. To top it all off – “Industrial Rock” popped up in the mid 1980’s but is not to be confused with “Industrial Metal”. And what about “Heavy Metal” and it’s predecessor “Death Metal”?

That’s enough of that…. So forgive and forget if some of these groups precede, transcend or supersede “Punk”.

Denvoid and the Cowtown Punks by “Rob Bob Medina”

Click on the image below to visit the “Denvoid” web site to read about the author and to locate retail or on-line outlets for purchasing the book – Very reasonably priced!

16 Horsepower

Davied Eugene Edwards

Jean-Yves Tola

Jeffrey Paul

Pascal Humbert

Stephen Taylor

57 Lesbian – 1988-1995

Matt Bischoff (with Fluid – Mad House – Frantix – White Trash)

Chanin Floyd

Dave Stewart (with Frantix – Tronfils)

Acid Pigs – 1984-1992

Bart Howell (with Lost Cause)

Travis Kenny

Jerome Piccoli

Jack Sutter

Dave McGrew

Acid Ranch – 1984-1987

Johnny Meggitt (with Child Abuse – Primmies – Brother Rat)

Andy Monley (with Primmies)

Jeff Ross (with Primmies – Endgame – Blacklist – Pounding Limbo)

Mike Serviolo (with The Core – Peace Core – Problem Youth – Local Threat)

Chris Steel (with Primmies – Peace Core – Core)

Need Windham

All – Fort Collins – 1987 to present

(Formed in California – migrated to Fort Collins, Colorado)

Karl Alvarez – bass (with Descendants, California)

Stephen Egerton – guitar (with Descendants, California)

Bill Stevenson – drums (with Descendants, California)

Scott Reynolds – lead vocals (with Pavers – Goodbye Harry)

Chad Price – lead vocals

Ante Bellum – 1984-1986

Patrick Barber (with Expatriate)

Sean McDonough

Dennis McPherson (with Expatriate)

Pete Fruh

Anti-Scrunti Faction (ASF) – 1984-1986 (Boulder)

Leslie Mah

Tracie Thomas

Eric Vavleuven

Sarah Bibb

Kathy Parker

Atonement – 1981

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

Auggie Rocks & The Lipstick Gunfighters

Auggie Rocks (with Mad House)

The Aviators – last 1970s’

The Bad Brains

Bad Circus – 1984

Grimey

Piggo – alias for Bob McDonald (with Problem Youth – Bum Kon – Pagan)

Jughead – alias for Johnny Meggit (with Brother Rat – Dog Bite)

Basic Black

“Spike” – (with Idiot’s Revenge)

“Big John” (with Horror Show – Idiot’s Revenge – Uberfall)

“Jet Black”

“Toledo Pat”

The Big If

Birthday Party

Black List – early 1980’s (Fort Collins)

Jeff Ross (with Endgame – Pounding Limbo – Acid Ranch – Primmies)

Blood Axis

Annabel Lee

Michael Moynihan

Robert Ferbrache (with Human Head Transplant – Soul Merchants – Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Haters – UNX – We Never Sleep)

The Broadcasters

Brother Rat

John Meggitt – vocals (with Dog Bite – Bad Circus – Child Abuse – Primmies)

Steve Shiramizu – drums (with Dog Bite – Legion of Doom – Rope)

Michael Anderson (with Dogmeat)

Larry Denning (with Bum Kon – Burnt Fase – Soak)

Tom Kennedy (with Dog Bit)

Bum Kon – 1982-1986

Bob McDonald (with Pagan – Problem Youth – Bad Circus)

Erik Obehausen (with Soak – Church and State)

Larry Denning

Mark Thorpe (with Burnt Fase – Soak – Sisters of Sodom – Butcherz – Slaughter Haus 5 – Denco Dogs)

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

Burnt Fase – 1985-1986

Larry Denning (with Soak)

Mark Thorpe (with Denco Dogs – Sisters of Sodom – Slaughter Haus 5 – Butcherez)

John Douchette

Jim Hale (with Soak)

David Lee Muriz (with Children of Denial)

Butcherz – 1983-1984

Arnie Beckman (with Trontils)

Tom Headbanger (with Slaughter Haus 5)

Doug Tefft (with Slaughter Haus 5)

Mark Thorpe (with Denco Dogs – Sisters of Sodom – Slaughter Haus 5 – Burnt Fase – Soak))

The Butt Corx

The Cells – 1979 (Boulder)

Formerly known as “The Noise”

John Neulin – guitar

Andy Heermans – bass

Kelly Clear – drums

Warren Ryder – keyboards

The Chelsea Girls

Child Abuse – 1982-1983

Tom Kennedy (with Legion of Doom)

Johnny Meggitt (with Primmies – Brother Rat – Dog Bite – Bad Circus)

Jason Smith

Andy Horan – (with Legion of Doom)

Pete Haines

The Children of Denial – 1985

Martin Day (Denco Dogs)

Chris Kieft

David Lee Muniz (with Burnt Fase)

Mart Metz (with We Never Sleep)

The Choosey Mothers – 1988-1994

Arnie Beckman (with Trontils – Butcherz – Shamed Hatred)

AJ Beckman

Darol Tucclarelli

Church & State – 1981

Andrew Monely (with Primmies – Acid Ranch)

Erik Oberhausen (with Bum Kon – Soak)

Matry Carlstom

David Sussman

The Core – 1985

Jason Smith

Chris Steel (with Primmies – Peace Core)

Mike Serviolo (with Peace Core – Local Threat – Problem Youth)

Corpses As Bed Mates

The Corvairs – 1978 (Boulder)

Phil Gammage – (with Joey Vain & Scissors)

Miles Syken (with Mutilators – Defex)

Steve Kupla – bass (with Defex)

Bill Van Dusen – drums (with Violators – Defex)

The Crank Call Love Affair – 1981-1982

Randy Walters – guitar (with Mau Mau 55 – Voltage Rot)

Lin Esser – bass

Mark Fuller – drums

The Creeps – 1983-1990

Danny Stewart

Fred Farrey

Shannon Flynn

Dan Alvarez

The Dancing Assholes – late 1970’s (Boulder)

David Berkowitz – guitar

Connie Clit – drums (with The Prophylactics)

Dead Silence – 1984-1994

Ted Linroth

Lorn Potter

Adam Johnson

Joel Schneider

Steve Bovery

Kevin O’Dea

Defex (Boulder)

Chris Murdock – bass (with Mutilators)

Ricky Sonkin – drums (with Mutilators)

Scott Bracken – guitar (with Mutilators)

Steve Kulpa (with The Corvairs)

Bill Van Dusen – drums (Violators – Corvairs)

Denco Dogs

Nate Butler (with Unnatural Sex Acts – Happy World – Sisters of Sodom – XEQ)

Mark Thorpe (with Slaughter Haus 5 – Butcherz – Sisters of Sodom)

Jimmy West (with Rok Tots)

Kristi Wilson (with Rok Tots

Die Miegraines – 1983

Joni Carin Rossi (with Your Funeral)

Mary Frembgen

Linda Derschang (with Pagan Cowboys)

Susanne Lewis

DOA

Dog Bite – 1988-1990

Dan Zelinkoff – guitar (also with Rope – Legion of Doom)

John Meggitt – vocals (with Brother Rat – Bad Circus – Child Abuse – Primmies)

Steve Shiramizu – drums (with Rope – Brother Rat – Legion of Doom)

Tim Beckman – bass (also with Rope)

Tom Kennedy (with Brother Rat)

Dog Meat – 1981-1982

Mike Anderson (with Brother Rat)

Tommy Dogmeat

Billy Dogmeat

Endgame – early 1980’s – Fort Collins

Jeff Ross (with Blacklist – Pounding Limbo – Acid Ranch – Primmies)

Expatriate – 1986-1988

Patrick Barber (with Ante Bellum)

Dennis McPherson (with Ante Bellum)

Pete Schroll

Faust

Steve Lobdell – guitar (with Problem Youth)

Fluid 1985-1993

Garrett Shavlik (with Mad House – White Trash)

James Clower (with Mad House)

John Robinson

Matt Bischoff – bass (with Frantix – 57 Lesbian – White Trash – Mad House)

Rick Kulwicki – guitar (with Frantix – Mad House)

The Frantix – 1981-1983

Davey Stewart – drums (with Trontils – 57 Lesbian)

Mark Deaton – vocals

Matt Bischoff – bass (with Fluid – 57 Lesbian – Mad House – White Trash)

Rick Kulwicki – guitar (with Fluid – Mad House)

Paul Katopodes

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

The Front – 1977

Steve Knutson – vocals (worked at Wax Trax Denver) (with The Weasils)

The Gluons – 1981

Kenny Vaughn

Lannie Garrett

Mark Frye

Mike Chappelle

Ted Wahl

Backed beat poet Allen Ginsberg during a Denver recording session.

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

The Guys – 1979

Aleta Haas – guitar (with S.T.A.B.)

Cherri Morris – bass

Cleo Ortiz – drums

Jo Ann Gogue – vocals (with Varve – Impending Doom)

Hail

The Happy World – 1983-1991

Gant Frink

Shane Frink (with Sisters of Sodom)

Dave Saull (with Unatural Sex Acts – Sisters of Sodom)

Nate Butler (with Sisters of Sodom – Unatural Sex Acts -XEQ)

Haters

Robert Ferbrache (with Human Head Transplant – Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Blood Axis – Haters – Soul Merchants – We Never Sleep – UNX)

HHT

Horror Show – 1985-1986

Robin Crawford

Jonathan Martinez (with Uberfall – Idiot’s Revenge)

Rick Woodson (with UTI)

Mark Yarboroug

“Big John” (with Basic Black – Idiot’s Revenge – Unberfall)

Human Head Transplant – 1984-1992

Bob Ferbrachie – guitar (with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Blood Axis – Haters – Soul Merchants – We Never Sleep – UNX)

Kelly Cowan

Robert Beaudin

Sheri Van Decar Cowan

Bert Beaudin

Idiot’s Revenge – 1983-1986

Robert “Bob Rob” Medina

Charles Robert “CR” Smith – guitar

Jimmy Lopez

Ken Neubert

Mark Putt

Rob Wallach (with Immoral Attitude)

Immoral Attitude – 1983-1986

Tommy Caldwell

“Big John” (with Basic Black – Horror Show – Uberfall)

Chris Clayton

Fred Knight

Rob Wallach (with Idiot’s Revenge)

Chad Rusch

Dave Baden

Warren

Scott Zufelt

The Instants – 1979

Transplant band from California

Andrew Sharpe

John Trujillo

Jon E. Risk

Joseph Pope

Joey Vain & The Scissors – 1977

Jerry Kunkel

Marsh Kunkel – bass

Jerry Budwig – guitar

Phil Gammage – guitar

Peter Roos – drums (with Nightflames)

Jonny III – 1978

Kenny Vaughn – guitar

Leroy X (with Leroy X & the Citations) – real name Leroy Smith

Nic Leuthauser

The Kamikazi Klones

A.J. Coon

Jimy Murphy

Mark Hagen

Mark Hopkins

Mike Lenz

Legion of Doom – 1984

Dan Allen (with Dog Bite)

Steve Shiramizu (with Signal 30- Brother Rat – Rope)

Andy Horan (with Child Abuse)

Tom Kennedy (with Child Abuse)

The Lepers – 1982-1985

Alan Smith

Laz Beeken

Brad Carton

Roger Morgan

Leroy X & the X-Citations

(Also Leroy’s Dance Band in 1981)

Leroy X – real name LeRoy Smith (with Jonny III)

Local Threat – 1982-1983

Dan Dhonua (with Problem Youth – Peace Core – Bad Circus)

Jeff Kray (with Peace Core)

Carl Frank (with Unberfall)

Chris Steel (with Peace Core – Primmies – Acid Ranch)

Mike Serviolo (with Peace Core – The Core)

The Lost Cause – 1986

Graham Bush

Johnny Kailinsrud

Dan Begakis

Burt Howell (with Acid Pigs)

Mad House – 1984

Matt Bischoff (with Frantix – Fluid – Lesbian – White Trash)

Rick Kulwicki (with Frantix – Fluid)

Augy Rocks (with Auggie Rocks & The Lipstick Gun Fighters)

Garrett Shavlik (with Fluid)

James Clower (w Fluid)

The Malibukens

Mau Mau 55 – 1984-1985

Mike Savage (with Voltage Rot – Crank Call Affair)

Bob Drake – drums (with Metrotones – Voltage Rot)

Patrick Bauer – bass

Wolfgang – bass

Randy Wallace (with Crank Call Love Affair)

The Metrotones

Bob Drake – drums (with Voltage Rot – Mau Mau 55)

The Minutemen

Munch

The Mutilators – late 1970’s (Boulder)

Scott Bracken – guitar (with Defex)

Miles Syken – bass (with the Corvairs)

Ricky Sonkin – drums (with Defex)

Chris Murdock – bass (with Defex)

The Nails

Nig Heist

Steve “Mugger” Corbin

Dave Classen (with Tom Troccoli’s Dog)

Robin Henley

Spot

Tom Troccolli (with Tom Troccoli’s Dog)

The Nightflames – 1978

Peter Roos (with Joey Vain & Scissors)

Bobby Goldstein (with Driver)

Eddie Turner – guitar

Ludwig – bass (with Silver Armadillo Band)

The Pagan Cowboys – 1985

Bambi Lee Savage

Bob McDonald (with Bum Kon – Problem Youth)

Cynthia Papendick

Linda Serschang (with Die Migraines)

Peace Core – 1983-1984

Dan Dhonua (with Local Threat – Bad Circus – Problem Youth)

Carl Frank (with Uberfall)

Jeff Kray (with Local Threat – Problem Youth)

Chris Steel (with Core – Primmies)

Mike Serviolo (with Problem Youth – Core – Acid Ranch)

Pounding Limbo – early 1980’s (Fort Collins)

Jeff Ross (with Endgame – Blacklist – Acid Ranch – Primmies)

Primmies – 1984

Jason Smith

Jeff Ross (with Acid Ranch – Endgame – Pounding Limbo – Blacklist)

Chris Steele (with Peace Core – Core – Local Threat – Acid Ranch)

Andy Monley (with Acid Ranch)

Johnny Meggitt (with Child Abuse – Acid Ranch – Brother Rat – Bad Circus)

Problem Youth – 1980

Steve Lobdell – guitar (with Faust)

Dan Dhonua (with Local Threat – Peace Core – Bad Circus)

Jeff Kray

Bob McDonald (with Pagan – Bad Circus – Bum Kon)

Keith Olson

Mike Servlolo

The Prophylactics – late 1970’s (Boulder)

Connie Clit – drums

Carolyn Crampton

Sue Digby

Psychodrama – 1985-1986

Duane Lance Bodenhemier

Neil Rogers

Michael Lankton

Greg

Psychotic Reaction – 1986

Craig Mills

Brett Lashwely

Cassandra St. Onge

Geoff McLain

The Ravers – 1975

(Formerly the Nails)

Marc Campbell

Dave Kaufman – keyboards

Jon Cormany

Tim – guitar

Artie

Rectifier – 1981

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

Regan Youth – 1982 (group became Bum Kon)

Rok Tots – 1980-2005

Jeff Reifsteak alias “Jif Jiper”

Jerry “Jimi” West – guitar (with Children of Denial)

Toby Rat Tit – drums

Ronnie Roktot – bass

Kristi Wislon – bass (with Denco Dogs)

Martin Day – drums (with Children of Denial)

Good Alan

Rope

Tim Beckman – bass (also with Dog Bite)

Steve Shiramizu – drums (with Brother Rat – Dog Bite – Signal 30)

Dan Zelinkoff – guitar (also with Dog Bite)

Shamed Hatred

Arnie Beckman (with Butcherz – Trontils – Choosy Mothers)

JOel Dallenbach (with Butcherz – Trontils)

Jim Barnes

Signal 30 – 1982-1993

Bart Bolston

Shawn Haus

Steve Shiramizu (with Legion of Doom)

Chris Hagen

The Sisters of Sodom – 1985

Aaron Arnold

Nate Butler (with Happy World – Unnatural Sex Acts – Denco Dogs – XEQ)

Shane Frink (with Happy World)

Dave Saull (with Happy World – Unnatural Sex Acts)

Mark Thorpe (with Butcherz – Slaughter Haus 5 – Denco Dogs – Soak – Burnt Fase)

The Slaugher Haus 5 – 1982-1983

Tom Headbanger (with Butcherz)

Doug Tefft (with Butcherz)

Mark Thorpe (with Butcherz – Sisters of Sodom – Denco Dogs – Slaughter Haus 5 – Soak)

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club

Robert Febrache – guitar (with Human Head Transplant – Soul Merchants – Blood Axis – Haters – UNX – We Never Sleep)

Danny Pants

Dwight Pentacost

Frank Hauser Jr.

Ian O’Doughtery,

Jay Munly

John Rumley

Judithann

Ordy Garrison

Shane Trost

Reverand Glasseye

Peeler Moore

Whiff Cessna

Tim Maher

Tod Peeler

Rebbeca Vera

The Small Appliance Orchestra

Jeri Cain Rossi (with Your Funeral – Die Migraines)

Duane Davis (co-owner Wax Trax Record Store Denver)

Soak – 1988-1995

Eric Oberhausen (with Bum Kon – Church and State)

Jim Hale (with Burnt Fase)

Larry Denning (with Burnt Fase – Bum Kon)

Mark Thorpe (with Burnt Fase – Denco Dogs – Sisters of Sodom – Slaughter Haus 5 – Butcherez)

The Soul Merchants – 1984-1986

Robert Ferbrache – guitar (with Human Head Transplant – Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Blood Axis – Haters – UNX – We Never Sleep)

Jerry Cuba

Malcolm Black

Michael Moore – guitar

Paul Ciciora

S.T.A.B.

Aleta Haas

Shawn McNary (with Violators)

The Thinking Plague

Tom Troccoli’s Dog

Dave Claasen (with Nig Heist)

Tom Troccoli (with Nig Heist)

Greg Ginn

The Transistors 1979 (Boulder)

Ricky Ritardo – vocals

Keith Murdock – guitar (with Willie Cruz & the Dreamboats)

Karen Sony – bass

Trash is Truth

The Trontils – 1984-1988

Arnie Beckman (with Choosey Mothers – Butcherz – Shamed Hatred)

Joel Dallenbach (with Shamed Hatred)

Dave Stewart (with Frantix – 57 Lesbian)

Uberfall – 1984-1986

Mike Lee

Pete Flye

“Big John” (with Basic Black – Horror Show – Idiot’s Revenge)

Carl Frank (with Peace Corp)

The Unatural Sex Acts – 1982-1983

Nate Butler (with Happy World – Sisters of Sodom – Denco Dogs – XEQ)

Bruce Chocette

Dave Saull (with Sisters of Sodom)

Scott Ray

Tony Yantomo

UNX – 1983

Robert Ferbrache – guitar (with Human Head Transplant – Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Blood Axis – Haters – Soul Merchants)

Chris Swank – bass (Owner of the Bluebird Theater in Denver and several restaurants in the Capitol Hill Area)

Miguel Swank – drums

Rusty Williams

UTI – 1984-1985

Eric Erikson

Lisa Geyer

LJ Miller

Rick Woodson (with Horrorshow)

The Varve – 1979 (Boulder)

Jo Ann Gogue – vocals/sax

Carolyn Crampton – guitar

Sue Digby – bass (with Profalactics)

Kelli Kozak – keyboards

Anne Brent – drums

The Violators – 1978

Shawn McNary – guitar (with S.T.A.B.)

Tom Pop – vocals

Richie Barry – bass

Bill Van Dusen – drums

Steve Dryer – drums

The Visitors – 1981

Gale McGaha – bass

John Ulvang – drums

Paul Schmeltzer – lead guitar

Glenn Miller – rhythm guitar

Voltage Rot

Randy Walters – guitar (with Mau Mau 55)

Bob Drake – drums (with Mau Mau 55 – Metrotones)

Walls of Genius – 1983-1985

Dave Lichtenverg (Little Fyodor)

Evan Cantor

The Warlock Pinchers

Mark Brooks alias “3KSK”

Derek van Westrum alias “Drok”

Eric D. Erickson alias “Feerok”

Andrew Novick alias “Kasey Kasem”

Dan Wanush alias “King Scratchie”

We Never Sleep – 1985-1991

Mark Metz (with Children of Denial)

Paul Dickerson

William Montague

Robert Ferbrache (with Human Head Transplant – Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Blood Axis – Haters – Soul Merchants)

White Trash – 1982-1983

Louie Largesse

Granville Cleveland Jr.

Matt Bischoff (with Frantix – Mad House – Fluid – 57 Lesbian)

James Clower (with Mad House)

Brad Keith

Garrett Shavik

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

XEQ – 1986

Nate Butler (with Sisters of Sodom – Happy World – Unnatural Sex Acts – Denco Dogs)

Doug Conlon

Mike Kellim

Rudy Monroe

The Young Weasels – 1982

Steve Knutson – vocals (with The Front)

Your Funeral – 1982-1983

Cleo Tilde (Cleo “Ramone”)

Jeri Rossi (with Die Migraines)

Karne Sheridan

Group recorded on the Wax Trax Record label – Local Anthestic

Zebra 123

Mr. Joel Whitburn and the Ever-Evolving Record Charts

Joel Whitburn’s Passion

Joel Whitburn founded his company “Record Research” in 1970. The focus of the project initially was primarily the U.S. record charts, as produced by Billboard. Whitburn’s project has expanded over the years to an almost unimaginable collection of charts guides, which numbers over 200 publications with about 50 of those being currently in print and offered in his current catalog.

I have no idea where Whitburn could possibly find the time, even with a team of researchers, to put together this massive amount of information. It seems he is always on the prowl to dig deeper into the charting of American music.

And to top those efforts off – Whitburn is a world-class collector of vinyl – The following is from his web site:

“Whitburn is an avid collector of phonograph records, with one of the world’s largest collections in his underground vault. His collection includes a copy of nearly every 78-rpm record, 45-rpm single, LP, and compact disc to reach the Billboard charts.”

I have watched a video documentary about the Whitburn project, taking the viewer inside his vaults. You have to see it to believe it.

Following is a basic breakdown of the history of the American charts as presented by Joel Whitburn. The charts never seem to stand still, always evolving in an effort to keep up with the recording market place. It all started off so simply (sort of) with the tracking of sheet music sales, followed by vinyl juke box plays, then store sales and radio plays – but it did not stay simple for long:

The Billboard Pop Charts

The Singles

A very early chart appearing in the January 34rd, 1942 edition of Billboard

These are among the Billboard Chart listings as of January 1st, 1944 – Notice that “The Harlem Hit Parade” is shown here – a predecessor to the “Race Records” tabulations.

Here is the appearance of the “Honor Roll of Hits” (and other charts) as of June 12th, 1948 in Billboard:

Billboard January 1st, 1955 (with some example music ads – Georgia Gibbs)

Billboard July 16th, 1955 – “Coming Up Strong” Charts

October of 1958 witnessed the arrival of the “Hot 100” charts

Here is the “Hot 100” as it evolved in October of 1958

.This May 1967 “Hot 100” chart reflects a long running classic style for Billboard

Long Plays

Billboard March 24th, 1956 “Best Selling Pop Albums”

Billboard May 25th, 1959 “Top LP’s – Best Selling Monophonic LP’s” & “Best Selling Stereophonic LP’s”

Billboard “Top LP’s” November 25th, 1967 – 200 Positions

“The Billboard 200” 1992 Long Play Charts

The “Race” Billboard Charts

Singles

“Race” records was the jargon applied to 78 rpm records and first came into use in the 1920’s. Billboard started using the term in the 1940’s after featuring “The Harlem Hit Parade”. Reportedly, industry journalist Jerry Wexler, who became a force and producer for the Atlantic record family, changed the reference to “rhythm and blues” in about 1949 based on the sensitivity he was intercepting from the black populace. In 1969 a transition to “soul” was accomplished and in 1990 references to “hip hop” were in place.

“Harlem Hit Parade” in Billboard, October 24th, 1942 along with featured artist ads in that edition. R&B performers seldom had advertising taken out in those early days. The “Benny Carter” ad was an exception at the time.

It was February of 1948 and Billboard was now using “Race” in their chart nomenclature. Two examples of issue ads here “Jonnie Johnston, Blue Barron as well as Abbott and Costello.

It is now June of 1949, with Billboard making a switch to “Rhythm ‘n’ Blues” (“Best-Selling” and “Most Played” charts illustrated). Dorothy Carless along with Homer & Jethro and June Carter ads presented.

The year is 1965 (January 1st, 1965) and Billboard is featuring a 40 position “Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles” chart. (Johnny Tillotson & Johnny Nash ads featured).

By July of 1973, Billboard was featuring a full-100 position “Hot Soul Singles” chart. (Smokey Robinson & Isaac Hayes ads featured)

Now in June of 1982, Billboard is featuring the 100 position “Black Singles” chart (Ray Parker Jr., and Cheryl Lynn/Luther Vandross).

And finally in April of 2005 we have the “R&B/Hip Hop” charts (Latin Rap and Toni Braxton featured in ads)

Long Plays

Billboard “Top Selling R&B LP’s” May, 13th, 1967

The Billboard “Folk” and “Country” Charts

Singles

The earliest country tracks were referred to as “Folk Records” in this 1944 Billboard chart (Tommy Dorsey, Erskine Hawkins and Smiley Burnette trade ads illustrated)

In the 1956 Billboard had established “C&W” headings for the country charts (Gene Krupa and Billy Ward/Dominos trade ads appearing in this June 30th issue)

In this Billboard October 15th, 1966 charts we have 75 “Hot Country Singles” shown (Key Talent artists shown along with Merle Hagard and Kenny Vernon)

And we have the 100 position “Hot Country Singles” in 1973 (Little David Wilkins and the group Climax illustrated in trade ads)

Long Plays

Billboard “Hot Country Albums” – May 16th, 1964

Specialty Billboard Charts

Billboard 1976 – “Easy Listening Chart”

Billboard Hot 100 Sales & Airplay – 1984 Charts

Billboard Top 40 Radio Monitor & Top 40 Radio Recurrent Monitor 1991 Charts

Billboard “Top Adult Alternative” with “New Age Albums” and “World Music Albums” Charts

Billboard “Album Rock Tracks” and “Modern Rock Tracks” Charts 1993

Billboard “Christian/Gospel” Charts

Billboard “Dance” Charts

Billboard “Digital Songs” Charts

Billboard “Launch Pad Heatseekers” Charts

Billboard Hits of the U.K. Charts

Billboard “Hits of the World” Charts

Billboard “Jazz/Classical/World” Charts

Billboard “Latin” Charts

Billboard “Pop/Adult/Rock” Charts

Billboard “Social/Streaming” Charts

Billboard started featuring holiday songs apart from the regular charts as illustrated on this December 21st, 1963 “Christmas Records” chart displaying singles and long plays

Local Recording Producer/Engineer Shares His Story

It was a treat to hear recently from local Colorado recording personality MC Malthus.

Canary’s Nick Spicer

MC has remained active in the recording community for many years, crossing paths and working with many diverse artists from the Colorado music scene. One of his close associates is a local musician, Nick Spicer:

Malthus: “My friend Nick Spicer was in the Electric Canary (back in the 1960’s) as well as many other local bands.” Malthus related driving by the band’s home location in a house located in the community of Sheridan near Hampden and Federal. Nick Spicer joined the Electric Canary after serving in Viet Nam, upon his return in 1968. The band broke up in November of 1968.

“Nick was also in a band called Copper Train. Copper Train was featured in ‘Tiger Beat Magazine’. That band was featured in the “Groovy Sounds from the Midwest” segment of the magazine. I helped him track down a copy of the magazine on EBay. If my memory serves, it was the June or July of 1969 issue of the magazine.”

MC tells us that Spicer also backed radio personalities Hal and Charlie during their comedy act at various local clubs as well as backing them occasionally on their highly-rated radio show (KHOW).

Malthus: “He (Spicer) was also in one of those faceless pickup touring bands that backed up famous people. He said he toured (backing) the Archies, the 1910 Fruit Gum Co., and several other one-hit wonders. Some local promoter managed these one-hit wonders and would use local bands to tour (with them) around the region. Sugar, Sugar!”

MC relates that Spicer still currently performs around the Denver and Boulder area as well occasionally in Georgetown, concentrating on jazz and pop music, accompanied by a female vocalist and a sax player.

Past Musician & Present Acquaintances

MC knew members of 1960’s Denver band Hannigan’s Greenhouse, which included Allen Brown, Dave Brown and Rick Brown.

MC was also a friend of Sugarloaf’s guitarist (also Beast) Bob Yeazel (now in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame). Another friend was a member of the national group, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Gary Duncan. Duncan was an original member of that California group, which formed in 1965. He was previously with a band called The Brogues. Over time, Duncan would put together reformations of the Quicksilver, working right into the 21st Century with the band.

Malthus: “Quicksilver Messenger Service was a famous band out of San Fran. They recorded 8 or 10 albums for Capitol between 1968 and 1975. You may recall they had a fairly large hit with a song entitled “FRESH AIR.” If you aren’t familiar with it, you can hear most all of their music on YouTube. I am also friendly with Jorma Kaukonen and Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane, David Frieberg of Quicksilver & Jefferson Starship, Barry “The Fish” Melton of Country Joe and the Fish, and Nick Gravenites of the Electric Flag. You might say I am a big fan of the Quicksilver family of musicians.”

MC’s professional career has included involvement with Gregory Ego, Jeff Wirtzfeld, Clarinet Plunger, Reverand Lead Pipe and His Pipe-Welding Swingers, MC Malthus & Genre 136, Little Fyodor as well as working with Nick Spicer.

MC Malthus’ Journey

Malthus: “I was the lead guitar player in both Ski Vietnam and Lobotomy Council. Ski Vietnam was together about four months. We are notable because our bass player, Karl West, went on to perform in a local punk band called Dead Silence. They put out some records and toured the nation. I have attached the very first Ski Vietnam poster from 1985 (see below). Sadly, the bands listed did not play. The only other band that played that evening was “UTI.” The are mentioned in the DENVOID book. Lobotomy Council was around about four years, late 1985 through the late spring of 1989. When everyone graduated from college in Bould-aire, the band broke up. The Ski Vietnam stuff is mentioned around pgs. 120-122 in the DENVOID book.”

NOTES: Interested in Nick Spicer’s Music? Visit Revernation and search for his “Old Guy Fables” CD. –

Records – Vinyl’s Long and Amazing Journey via the Record Store

I just completed reading and being captivated by a great little eclectic book titled “Record Store Days – From Vinyl to Digital and Back Again”.

The focus of this Post, of course, is on some of the tantalizing and intriguing ditties present in this 240-page narrative pertaining the good old American record store.

America’s Oldest Record Store

According to “Record Store Days”, the title of “oldest record store” in the United States goes to George’s Song Shop located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, being opened back in 1932. The store, “…is stocked with about one million 45’s, 50,000 LP’s” and at least at one time, tons of CD’s.

Wallichs Music City

Calamar/Gallo relate that Wallichs was a pioneer record store, along with The Commodore, Sam Goody’s and The Colony all located in New York City. Glenn Wallichs was the proprietor of several radio repair stores in California which he decided to sell in order to open his soon-to-become legendary record shop in Los Angeles in 1940.

Wallichs was easily the largest store on the West Coast and featured a promotional approach which would spread to other shops in short order, the “listening booth”. Clientele could take recordings into these booths prior to making a purchase. Of course, many clients would pass on making a purchase and thus Wallach’s became a pioneer as well offering these recordings for sale as “used records”.

Big Labels Ignore Wallichs

The major labels at the time of the store’s founding, RCA, Columbia and Decca, would not direct-sell recordings to Wallichs which put him at a disadvantage. and so report Calamar and Gallo write “One of his (Wallichs) early customers was Johnny Mercer, the songwriter, who had branched into film production as well. They bonded after Mercer’s wife Ginger had surprised the songwriter by getting a radio installed in his car in 1935 when Wallichs was doing that type of work.

“Wallichs, Mercer, and Paramount production chief Buddy DeSylva sat down and decided to create a record label. Mercer would put up most of the money and Wallichs would run the label. DeSylva would be its chairman. They considered the names Liberty and Victory – this was in 1942, with the U.S. at war – but both were dropped for being too similar to old company names. They went with Ginger’s suggestion: Capitol.”

And so a very formidable record giant was born on the West Coast. The original operation for Capitol would be situated in the floor above the record store. The landmark ‘Capitol Tower’ would be constructed in 1956 adjacent to Wallichs.

Paul Whiteman

For the initial Capitol release, Colorado’s Paul Whiteman was contracted and recorded Capitol release 101 – “I Found a New Baby” b/w “The General Jumped at Dawn” released in June of 1942.

Record Store Journeys

Calamar and Gallo present us with an unmatched journey through the history of record collecting from the sheet music days after the turn of the 20th Century, to early radio, the ever-evolving music charts, and of course, vinyl.

In the beginning, record stores flourished, with more than 25,000 spread across the nation in the 1920’s. That number would diminish to less than 3,000 50 years later.

Along the way vinyl nearly succumbed to the CD format which was in large part promoted by both Sony and Pioneer who were developing players for the CD format. CDs came along and seemed to thrive but there were problems, one being unforeseen “The downside when CDs started was they wanted to load up 70 minutes of music. That’s not how people work. You create in small bursts,” observed a music industry spokesman in “Record Store Days”.

The CD was an evolution from the laser disc. It became a reality at the end of the 1970’s and by the end of the 1980’s had nearly displaced vinyl all-together, though not completely.

The book finally and joyously reports, that vinyl has returned! Anyone who is into recorded music knows this. Record shows are alive and well, and “Record Store Days” are enthusiastically embraced across the nation. Record Store Days are even supported by a national web site (click on the image here to visit the site).

Treat yourself to a wonderful experience – and obtain “Record Store Days” – What a wonderful journey!