caveinspiredmusic.com ROCK MUSIC NOVELTY OTHER SONGS ABOUT ALLEY OOP _____________________________________ Introduction Other songs inspired by the famous comic strip character created by Vincent T. Hamlin, distinct but sometimes very similar to the famous Dallas Frazier song, “Alley Oop,” are presented here according to the language used for the lyrics. Among the Alley Oop related songs performed in English there were six novelty rock ‘n’ roll songs and three rhythm ‘n’ blues songs inspired by the famous comic strip character. Two rhythm ‘n’ blues songs were released only shortly before the well-known Dallas Frazier song appeared in 1960. The full information about these two early releases is also provided at the beginning of the main listing for Alley Oop 1960-1964, since these occupy an important place in the initial evolution of the Alley Oop novelty rock songs. (Modified by DB) In 1960 the Winged Victory Chorus did a parody (which didn’t go anywhere) on the just recently released Dallas Frazier song. In the 1961 another parody of the original lyrics was written by Lincoln Mayorga and performed by The Four Preps. And in 1962 Gary Paxton, leader of The Hollywood Argyles, who had scored a huge hit with the Frazier song went ahead with Johnny MacRae and did a follow-up spoof of the original song. Then in 1963 and again in 1968 two other parodies were written and performed by Brian Poole and The Tremeloes. In 1965 The Bananas
Transcript
caveinspiredmusic.com
ROCK MUSIC
NOVELTY OTHER SONGS ABOUT ALLEY OOP
_____________________________________
Introduction
Other songs inspired by the famous comic strip character created by Vincent T. Hamlin, distinct but sometimes very similar to the famous Dallas Frazier song, “Alley Oop,” are presented here according to the language used for the lyrics.
Among the Alley Oop related songs performed in English there were six novelty rock ‘n’ roll songs and three rhythm ‘n’ blues songs inspired by the famous comic strip character.
Two rhythm ‘n’ blues songs were released only shortly before the well-known Dallas Frazier song appeared in 1960. The full information about these two early releases is also provided at the beginning of the main listing for Alley Oop 1960-1964, since these occupy an important place in the initial evolution of the Alley Oop novelty rock songs.
(Modified by DB)
In 1960 the Winged Victory Chorus did a parody (which didn’t go anywhere) on the just recently released Dallas Frazier song. In the 1961 another parody of the original lyrics was written by Lincoln Mayorga and performed by The Four Preps. And in 1962 Gary Paxton, leader of The Hollywood Argyles, who had scored a huge hit with the Frazier song went ahead with Johnny MacRae and did a follow-up spoof of the original song. Then in 1963 and again in 1968 two other parodies were written and performed by Brian Poole and The Tremeloes. In 1965 The Bananas
came up with their own parody and finally, again around 1965, Jonny Baron wrote yet another parody, this time about Alley Oop”s sister, who never existed in the original strip.
Also in the 1960s there was a blues song by Ivory Lee Semiens that mentions the Alley Oop character, but doesn’t carry any of the comic strip ideas.
Three foreign language adaptations of the Alley Oop song completely changed the lyric content, but kept the melody and the general rough and ready feel of the Dallas Frazier song. One in Dutch that uses the same original form with the same simple tune and rhythm, but the lyrics are quite different. Another in German where Dallas Frazier’s song is sung in German, but without the “caveman” reference. And one in in Portuguese, “Brucutu,” with the Brazilian comic book title for Alley Oop, which uses the original tune, refrain, and rhythm but completely changes the lyrics.
There were also two different Spanish takeoffs on the theme, titled “Trucutú,” inspired by the Mexican comic book name for Alley Oop. One of these is a salsa dance number and the other is a children’s rock song.
PERFORMED IN ENGLISH In chronological order & grouped by composer or lyricist
RK-AO-OTH1 United States 1959
KINGDOM OF MOO Rhythm ‘n’ Blues – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Fred SHELKOFSKY (LY-RK)
Rts: Gulf Stream Music (BMI)
Perf: TOMMY CHERRY & HIS NITERIDERS Bob Moffitt or Julian Graddick (vocal) Tommy Cherry (lead sax) Joe Cherry (guitar) Joe Dunlap (sax) Leon Miller (piano) Denny Smith (bass) Johnny Elmer (drums) Prod. Co: Smokey Records; Mobile, AL Rel. Date: Late 1959 Time: (?) Label: Smokey 106 Flip Sd: Mama Loochie Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: Probably the first song directly inspired by the comic strip character, Alley Oop. It was not written by Dallas Frazier and is not related in any way to his famous song, but it figures here at the top of the list as a precursor, the first known song to celebrate Alley Oop and his world. See also the entry for this song under Alley Oop Related Songs. The lyrics start out talking about King Guz, Queen Umpa, and the old Wizer. In the third stanza they tell –
Now these cats in Moo didn't own a pad – Oh ! Just a hole in the rocks that was all these boys had – Uh huh No TV sets or telephone; Still the word got around, lotta ole drums they own. – Go !
Then finally in the fourth stanza Alley Oops steps in – Now there was this ole Oop an' his big Ooola – YeAH !
Man, you oughta seen this chick do that bear skin hula – What? Now this movin' cat he had no hot rod to ride – Uh huh ! Just a sixty-foot dinosaur with overdrive. – Go, man !
For the full lyrics see under Rock Song Lyrics – E to Z.
The lineup given here for Tommy Cherry & His Niteriders was the lineup in 1964, so in 1959-60 the members might not have been quite the same. Another rhythm 'n' blues group (possibly two other different groups) used the same name, Nite Riders (or Night Riders) between 1954 and 1962. It is not known whether the group who recorded this song is related in any way to these other groups. Ref: Tommy Cherry & His Niteriders, Kingdom of Moo, 45cat Tommy Cherry & His Niteriders, Kingdom of Moo, Discogs Tommy Cherry & His Niteriders, Smokey Records, Dead Wax, oldwax.blogspot.fr
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH2 United States 1960
Perf: THE PRE-HISTORICS Arthur CRIER (vocal) Carl SPENCER (vocal) Gary PAXTON (background vocal) Clyde BATTIN (background vocal) Prod. Co: Tucson Music; Hollywood, CA Matrix: 789-ED-210-60 Time: 2:40 1. Single 45: Edsel 45-779
Flip Sd: Oh Blues 7" 45rpm
2. Reissue on Compilation CD: DOO-WOP – VOL. 3: HONEY FOR SALE (1998)
Del-Fi DFCD 71258 (Tk 10) Notes: Despite the title this is essentially Frazier's song performed by a black duo, Arthur Crier and Carl Spencer. The only real difference is that the background chorus keeps repeating, "Alley Oop Cha-Cha-Cha" instead of "Alley Oop, there he goes." For the full lyrics of Dallas Frazier’s published song see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs. “In 1960. Arthur Crier and Carl Spencer did a version of "Alley Oop" on the Edsel label, owned by Skip and Flip [Clyde Battin and Gary Paxton, who both did background vocals on the record]. Calling themselves the Pre-Historics, they were touted by booking agent Paul Levert, as appearing in bearskins and carrying clubs. The duo was booked into the Club Paddock in Yonkers, New York, but a hassle ensued when they found out how they were to be dressed. The Club Paddock became their only engagement. At any rate, according to Arthur, they bombed badly.” (Goldberg 2009) Gary Paxton was to do the lead vocal on The Hollywood Argyles version just a few months later. One source claims that this was the original version of the song. (Cowan 1982) The Discogs entry gives the release date as 1959. But the last part of the matrix number might be providing the exact mastering date as Feb. 10, 1960. This release was one of four or five versions of the song to come out in 1960. Its distribution on an obscure US label was probably very limited, which is too bad, because this is one of the best-animated versions. Ref: Arthur Crier, Bio, rockabilly.nl Cowan, Peter W. 1982, Goldmine, n. 78, Nov. 1982, p. 146 Doo-Wop – Vol. 3: Honey for Sale CD, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Doo-Wop – Vol. 3: Honey for Sale CD, Discogs Vance, Marcia & Goldberg, Marv 2009, The Arthur Crier Story, uncamarvy The Pre-Historics, Alley Oop Cha-Cha-Cha 45, 45cat The Pre-Historics, Alley Oop Cha-Cha-Cha 45, Discogs The Pre-Historics, Alley Oop Cha-Cha-Cha, (2:39), YouTube & YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLES)
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH3 United States 1960
BATTLE OF ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Arthur CRIER, Paul LIVEN, & Carl SPENCER Rts: Sunbeam Music Corp. (BMI)
Perf: WINGED VICTORY CHORUS Steve BOLSTER (vocal) Mus. Dir: Joe Baris Prod. Co: 20th Century Fox Time: 2:17 Label: 20th Century Fox 217 Flip Sd: War of Love Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: A parody of the Dallas Frazier hit song, which uses the same rhythm and melody, but simple changes the lyrics and the chorus. I have only seen a promo copy, never a normal stock copy, so this single probably didn’t get very far. It was not possible to transcribe the lyrics. The chorus is simply the repeated phrase – Battle of Alley Oop. The review in Billboard says – “This is the story of a battle between Tarzan and Alley Oop but it doesn’t have too much excitement.” Ref: Winged Victory Chorus, Battle of Alley Oop, Reviews, Billboard, August 15, 1960, p. 39, google.fr
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH4 United States 1961
ALLEY OOP (Included in medley - MORE MONEY FOR YOU AND ME) Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER
Arr: Lincoln MAYORGA
Perf: THE FOUR PREPS Bruce Belland (lead tenor) Marvin Inabnett (second tenor) Glen Larson (baritone) Ed Cobb (bass) (with orchestra) Prod: Lincoln Mayorga Prod. Co: Capitol Records Inc.; Hollywood, CA Rec. Loc: North Hollywood High School Rec. Date: Dec. 19, 1960 Matrix: 45-35224 Time: (Long version) 4:45 (Short version) approx. 3:00 A. American Releases: 1. Single 45: Capitol F04599 (long version) Capitol F04641 (short edited version) Flip Sd: Swing Down Chariot 7" 45rpm 2. LP: FOUR PREPS ON CAMPUS (Live cuts) (1961)
Capitol T-1566 (mono) 12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 3)
B. British Single 45: Capitol 45 CL 15217 Pic Cover Photo for #A1
Flip Sd: Swing Down Chariot C. Australian Releases: 1. Single 45: Capitol CP-1446 (1961) Flip Sd: Swing Down Chariot 2. EP: ("Big Man"; "26 Miles"; etc.)
Label: (?) D. New Zealand Single 45: Capitol F 4599 Spec: (All singles) 7” 45rpm Notes: This clean-cut quartet from Hollywood did a medley of parodies on recent big hits from the popular music charts. Starting with a parody of "Mister Blue" by The Fleetwoods (1959) and then in stanza 3 they all introduce – Next The Hollywood Argyles A mighty nice group of kids We'd like to send them rolling
On a downhill pair of skids
At which point they sing the "Alley Oop" tune but, using a thick southern accent, the lead changes the lyrics (each verse is followed by the other three singing – Alley Oop – Oop – Oop, Oop) There's a group that we heard of that's awful hip We'd like to send them on a little trip A-Where they ought to go we cannot tell But it's awful hot an' it rhymes with swell …
A voice quickly answers – California?
The medley continues with five more parodies: "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" – Platters (1959); "In This Whole Wide World" – Four Freshmen (1955); "A Worried Man" & "Tom Dooley" – The Kingston Trio (1959
& 1958); and "A Teenage In Love" – Dion & The Belmonts (1961). The act was recorded live and, despite being almost five minutes long, it got good exposure on the radio. Capitol edited it down to three minutes and The Preps had a hit with it in Aug. 1961. (Poet 1990) The photo on left shows (l. to r.) B. Belland, G. Larson, M. Inabnett, & E. Cobb. Their arranger-producer, Lincoln Mayorga, and their bass singer, Ed Cobb were both involved on the arrangement of "McDonald's Cave" by The Piltdown Men (see under Rock music – Surf).
Ref: Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs The Four Preps, Bio, Wikipedia The Four Preps, More Money for You and Me, 45cat The Four Preps, The Four Preps on Campus LP, Discogs The Four Preps, More Money for You and Me, Discogs The Four Preps, More Money for You and Me, Lyrics, lyricsfreak & mojim The Four Preps, More Money for You and Me, (4:36), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) The Four Preps, More Money for You and Me, (6:28), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Hardy, Phil & Laing, Dave 1975, The Encyclopedia of Rock-Vol.1, Panther, p. 135 Poet, J. 1990, The Four Preps, Goldmine, v. 16, n. 20, Issue 266, Oct. 5, 1990, p. 63, 154
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH5 United States 1962
ALLEY OOP WAS A TWO-DAB MAN Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Gary PAXTON & Johnny MacRAE Rts: Garpax Music (BMI)
Prod. Co: Liberty Records Inc.; Los Angeles, CA Matrix: LB-1458 Rel. Date: July 1962 Time: 2:56 A. American 45: Liberty F-55485
Flip Sd: Stop Twistin' Baby B. British 45: Liberty LIB-55485
Flip Sd: Stop Twistin' Baby C. Reissue on Belgium Compilation CD:
THE HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES (1995) G. PAXTON J. MacRAE Marginal 120 (Tk 23) Spec: (Nos. A & B) 7" 45rpm Notes: A follow-up record to "Alley Oop" which Paxton had scored with as leader of The Hollywood Argyles. The "two-dab man" is a direct reference to the fifties hairstyles for men characterized by the greasy, slicked-back look. To achieve this one could use a variety of hair products, including "Brylcreem" which was advertised nationwide in the US as being so effective that just "a little dab'll do ya!" If you used "two-dabs" you were assured of looking that much more virile – like a real greaser, what else. Ref: Brylcreem, British Hair Cream, Wikipedia Fay Lovsky, A Litle Dab’ll Do Ya, Lyrics, lyricsfreak Gary Paxton, Bio, Wikipedia Gary Paxton, Alley Oop Was a Two-Dab Man, 45cat Gary Paxton, Alley Oop Was a Two-Dab Man, Discogs Gary Paxton, Alley Oop Was a Two-Dab Man, (2:49), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Hollywood Argyles, Hollywood Argyles CD, Discogs
_____________________________________________________ RK-AO-OTH6 United Kingdom 1963
ALLEY OOP (Different Lyrics) Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER & THE TREMELOES (LY-RK) Arr: Ricky WEST Rts: Leeds Music (BIEM)
Perf: Brian POOLE & THE TREMELOES Brian Poole (lead vocal & guitar) Ricky West [aka. Richard Westwood] (lead guitar) Alan Blakeley (vocal & rhythm guitar) Alan Howard (bass) Dave Munden (vocal & drums) Prod: Mike Smith Prod. Co: Decca Record Co. Ltd.; London Liner Notes: J. E. M. Time: 3:03 A. British Releases: 1. LP: TWIST AND SHOUT WITH BRIAN POOLE AND THE TREMELOES Decca LK 4550 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 8) 2. Reissue Double Album CD: TWIST AND SHOUT/ IT’S ABOUT TIME (2004) Beat Goes On 645 (Tk 8) B. West German LP: TWIST AND SHOUT WITH BRIAN POOLE AND THE TREMELOES Decca BLK. 16 292-P C. New Zealand LP: TWIST AND SHOUT WITH BRIAN POOLE AND THE TREMELOES Decca LKM.4550 Spec: (All LPs) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 8)
Notes: "Alley Oop" was included in this album in response to popular demand. "Everywhere the group goes, their terrific version of this number is greeted by a storm of applause, and has proved to be one on their most frequently requested songs." (J. E. M. 1963) A very clever, terribly "British" parody of the original lyrics. The text as performed here really constitutes a different song. Using a few of the same key words from each original verse, The Tremeloes twist things around, punning on certain words and ending up with a totally different meaning. The result is very funny at times (especially in stanza 3) and there is the added bonus of hearing their exaggerated English accent on certain words. III. He rides through the jungle picking leaves from the trees And all the mini-skirted monsters are showing their knees The girlies don't like him 'cause they know better But he's got a lovely motor scooter an' he writes nice letters.
For the full lyrics see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs. The Tremeloes did yet another parody of the song five years later (see below). Ref: Brian Poole, Bio, Wikipedia Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Alley Oop, (3:07), secondhandsongs (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Alley Oop, (3:03), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Twist and Shout LP, Discogs J. E. M.1963, Liner Notes for LP, Decca Records, London Smithers, Nigel, Record Collector, n. 47, July 1983, p. 13, 16 The Tremeloes, Bio, Wikipedia
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH7 United States 1968
ALLEY OPP (Sic) (Different Lyrics)
ALLEY OOP (Different Lyrics)
ALLI-OOP (Sic) (Different Lyrics) Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER & THE TREMELOES Arr: Ricky WEST Rts: (?)
Perf: THE TREMELOES Len "Chip" Hawkes (lead vocal & bass) Rick West (lead guitar) Alan Blakeley (rhythm guitar) Dave Munden (drums) Prod: Mike Smith Prod. Co: Strand Records; New York, NY Matrix: XSB 136740 Time: 3:08 A. American Releases: 1. LP: 1958-68 WORLD EXPLOSION (1968) Title: Alley Opp Epic / CBS BN 26388 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE BEST OF THE
TREMELOES (1992) Title: Alley Oop Rhino R2 70528 (Tk 20) 3. Reissue on Compilation CD: SUDDENLY YOU LOVE ME:
THE COMPLETE 1968 SESSIONS (2000) Title: Alley Oop Castle Music CMAR 687 (2XCDs) (Disc 1 – Tk 20) B. British Releases: 1. Compilation LP: REACH OUT FOR THE TREMELOES (1973) Title: Alli-Oop
Embassy 31031 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 4) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: SUDDENLY YOU LOVE ME:
THE COMPLETE 1968 SESSIONS (2000) Title: Alley Oop Sequel NEMCD 469 (2XCDs) (Disc 1 – Tk 20) 3. Reissue on Compilation CD: HERE COMES MY BABY –
THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION (2004) Title: Alley Oop Sanctuary Midline SMETD 139 (3XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 7) C. German Releases: 1. LP: MY LITTLE LADY (1968) Title: Alley Oop CBS S 63 484 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) 2. Compilation CD: THE TREMELOES – BEST OF (1995) Title: Alli-Oop Spectrum Music 550 742-2 (Tk 6) D. Dutch Releases: 1. LP: MY LITTLE LADY (1968) Title: Alley Oop
CBS S 63 484 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) 2. Compilation LP: REACH OUT FOR THE TREMELOES (1973) Title: Alli-Oop Embassy EMB 31031 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 4) E. Spanish LP: WORLD EXPLOSION (1968) Title: Alley Opp CBS 63484 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) F. Hungarian Bootleg Compilation CD: THE TREMELOES –
BEST OF (1996) Title: Alli-Oop Time: 3:13 Euroton EUCD-0081 (Tk 23) G. Israeli LP: MY LITTLE LADY (1968) Title: Alley Oop
CBS S 63484 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) H. Australian LP: WORLD EXPLOSION (1968) Title: Alley Opp Epic ELP-3561 (mono) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) Notes: Brian Poole quit the band in 1967 for a solo career, which flopped, while the rest of the group had several smash hits in the States. The cover photos of all these releases show only four members, so this clearly constitutes a new version of The Tremeloes treatment of “Alley Oop.” It’s just a few seconds longer, but there were no changes in the lyrics. However, from one album to the next the title spelling varied considerably: the first LP 1968 release had “Alley Opp,” but some of the other 1968 releases got the title right “Alley Oop,” then some reissue compilations decided to label it “Alli-Oop.” For the full lyrics see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs. This LP by a British band was first released in the US. Ref: Anon., Down Home Catalogue, 1986, p. 82 Smithers, Nigel, Record Collector, n. 47, July 1983, London, p. 14-16 Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs The Tremeloes, Bio, Wikipedia The Tremeloes, Alley Oop (1968), (3:07), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) The Tremeloes, The Best of The Tremeloes CD, Allmusic The Tremeloes, The Best of The Tremeloes CD, Discogs The Tremeloes, Here Comes My Baby – The Ultimate Collection CD, Allmusic
The Tremeloes, Here Comes My Baby – The Ultimate Collection CD, Discogs The Tremeloes, Suddenly You Love Me: The Complete 1968 Sessions CD, Discogs The Tremeloes, World Explosion! LP, Discogs
_____________________________________________________ RK-AO-OTH8 United States 1965
ALLEY-OOP DOING THE JERK Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: THE BANANAS (LY-RK) Rts: (BMI)
Perf: THE BANANAS Prod. Co: Plus Productions Time: 2:05 Label: Pro PRO 2 Flip Sd: Frosted Flakes Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: The Lark's smash hit "The Jerk" came out in Sept. 1964 starting
a dance craze similar to the Twist four years earlier. It was answered later that year by Frank Polk's "Do the Jerk," The Miracles "Come On, Do the Jerk," the Walker Brothers' "Doin' the Jerk," and several others. With everybody getting into the act and learning to dance the jerk, someone got the idea to have Alley Oop do it too. For the full lyrics see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs. Pro Records was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This band should not be confused with The Bananas, a garage band around the turn of the century from Sacramento, California Ref: The Bananas, Alley-Oop Doing the Jerk, 45cat The Bananas, Alley-Oop Doing the Jerk, (2:08), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
_________________________________________ RK-AO-OTH9 United States ca.1965
SALLY (The Sister of Alley-Oop) Rhythm ‘n’ Blues – Novelty – Comedy – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Jonny BARON Rts: Jo-Jon Music (ASCAP)
Perf: Gabriel LUNEAU (vocal) & THE BOLINAIRES Prod: Jonny Baron Prod. Co: Joli Records; Hollywood, CA Time: 2:00 Label: Joli 070 Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: In the original comic strip created by Vincent Hamlin, Alley Oop never had any sister. Repetitive, simplistic rock with a rap-like delivery. Song could only be said to be distantly related to the comic strip character or the other songs about him, but he does get mentioned several times here. Ref: Gabriel Luneau, Sally (The Sister of Alley Oop), Discogs Gabriel Luneau, Sally (The Sister of Alley Oop), (2:00), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
BOWLING ALLEY, OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Comedy – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (Credited here to PREJEAN-DAVIS)
Perf: THE CAVEMEN Prod. Co: Park Place Records; Port Arthur, Texas Time: 2:55 1. Single 45: Park Place 45-500
7" 45rpm (Side 1) 2. Reissue on Compilation LP: THE BIG ITCH – VOL. 4 (2003) Mr. Manicotti MM 343
12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 9)) Notes: A cover of the Hollywood Argyles hit Alley Oop, that sticks pretty close to the Dallas Frazier original, but is credited to someone called Prejean-Davis. Ref: The Cavemen, Bowling Alley, Oop, Discogs The Cavemen, Bowling Alley, Oop, (2:55), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
_____________________________________________________ RK-AO-OTH11 United Stares ca.1960s
ALLEY OOP! Blues – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Ivory Lee SEMIENS Rts: Allee Music Publ. Co. (BMI)
Perf: IVORY LEE (vocal & piano) Prod. Co: Lee Enterprises; Houston, Texas Time: 2:15 Label: Ivory 1-1237 Flip Sd: Broke and Hungry Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: From the complete sample provided, this song seems to be definitely related to the comic strip character. The blues singer shouts “Hey, hey, Hey, hey, Alley Oop! Just me an’ you.“ King Ivory Lee Semiens established Ivory Records in 1960. In July 2014 a copy of this rare blues single sold on eBay for $363 and in October 2014 another copy sold for $449. Then in the December 2014 eBay auction for a grungy, beat-up copy bidding went to $61 and finished at $413. I kid you not! Ref: American eBay Auction posting, Dec. 2014 Ivory Lee, Alley Oop! 45, 45cat Ivory Lee, Alley Oop 45, collectorsfre nzy Ivory Lee Semien (sic), Artist Biography, Allmusic King Ivory, Alley Oop, (2:14), soundhound (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Komara, Edward 2004, King Ivory Lee Semiens, Short Biography, in Komara, Edward & Lee, Peter 2004, The Blues Encyclopedia, Routledge, google.fr
________________________________ RK-AO-OTH12 United Stares 1995
ALLEY OOP Blues – Vocal & Instrumental
Comp: Ivory Lee SEMIENS Rts: Allee Music Publ. Co. (BMI)
Joey Long (harmonica) Cedric Cornier (sax) Charlie Chivira or Sideways Sumlin (guitar) Rat Turner or La La Wilson (bass) Gene Garcia (drums) Prod: Roy Ames Prod. Co: Home Cooking Rec. Co: 34th Street Studios or Rivendell Studios; Houston, TX Rec. Date: 1994 or 1995 Time: 2:22 1. CD: THE BITCH DONE QUIT ME Home Cooking COL-5562 (Tk 7) 2. Reissue on CD: BEATING THE ODDS (1999) Blues Factory 47003 (Tk 7) 3. Reissue on CD: BLUES MASTERS (2004) Digital Music Group (?) (Tk 7) Notes: A much later version of Ivory Lee’s blues song with his band behind him, recorded either in 1994 or 1995 in Houston, Texas. Ref: Joey Long Discography, Session Works/ Albums mbnet.fi King Ivory, The Bitch Done Quit Me CD, Allmusic King Ivory, The Bitch Done Quit Me CD, CDUniverse King Ivory, The Bitch Done Quit Me CD, Discogs King Ivory, The Bitch Done Quit Me CD, worldcat King Ivory, Blues Masters CD, Amazon.fr (◄AUDIO SAMPLE)
Notes: This is a Dutch version of “Alley Oop” using the same original form with the same simple tune and rhythm, but the lyrics in Dutch are quite different. Most of the prehistoric references have been omitted, but the original flavor is not lost. The choral backing still comes in after each verse with “Alley Oop, Oop, Oop, Oop-Oop.” The Dutch title is “Alley Oop (de oerwoudman uit de Achterhoek)” or “Alley Oop (The Primeval Jungle Man in the Achterhoek). The lyrics never mention a “caveman” but Alley Oop is still a prehistoric man who wears an animal skin, “rides an elephant” (not a dinosaur), “fries a lion in a skillet pan,” and “has a litter of wild cats sitting on his beard.” The tough guy idea is still there but the “caveman” stuff is entirely missing. Still if you don’t understand Dutch it really sounds like the same song. The third & fifth verses introduce the character – Oop-oop oop oop-oop
Alley-oop oop oop oop-oop Naar men zegt leeft een oermens in de Achterhoek A primitive man is said to live in the Achterhoek Alley-oop oop oop oop-oop Hij kwam als Batavier hier op bezoek He came as Batavier to visit here Variant translations of verses 3 & 5 here – Vs. 3 – It is said that there is a prehistoric man in the Achterhoek. Vs. 5 – He came here as Batavier to visit.
For the full lyrics see here under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs. Achterhoek is a region in the eastern part of the Netherlands. “The original language of the Achterhoek is Achterhooks, a variety of Low Saxon (descended from Old Saxon in its earliest form). The language can also differ per municipality/ town, even in such a way that a person speaking the 'Grols' variant will probably not be understood by a person from Winterswijk which is merely 10km to the east. The number of inhabitants whose sole language is Achterhooks has greatly declined over the last 60 years, inhabitants are raised with Dutch at school
and the dialect is only spoken (sometimes) at home.” (Anon. 2013) Batavier is a warrior from antiquity, who exudes the pugnacity of yesteryear and is often depicted in a humorous vein (see cartoon drawing on left). Incidentally, Batavier is also a Dutch beer brewed by Budelse Brewery in
Budel in the southern Netherlands. Ref: Anon. 2013, Achterhoek, Info, Wikipedia Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Alley Oop (De oerwoudman uit de Achterhoek), Complete Lyrics (in Dutch), hetcocktailtrio.nl Cocktail Trio, Bio (in Dutch), Wikipedia Cocktail Trio, Alley Oop (2:46), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Cocktail Trio 2006, Alley Oop, Spoken Intro (in Dutch) & Live (3:52), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Cocktail Songteksten, hetcocktailtrio.nl web site (Complete Dutch lyrics) Het Cocktail Trio, Alley Oop, 45cat Het Cocktail Trio, Alley Oop 45, 1976, Discogs Het Cocktail Trio, 1960, Alley Oop, NL Discografie (in Dutch), nldiscograohie.nl Het Cocktail Trio 1963, LP Album, Discogs & Discogs
Prod: Stefan Klinkhammer Prod. Co: Bellaphon Records Matrix: BZ 2531 Time: 3:24 45: Bellaphon BL 11409 (Pic cover) Flip Sd: Auf der Treppe Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: Graham Bonney was a British singer performing and recording in West Germany. “Alley Oop” is sung here in German. Given a disco beat this version nevertheless keeps all the spirit and fun of the original. However, it was not possible to obtain the German lyrics. For Bonney’s version performed in English in 1979 see here under Alley Oop – 1967-2003. Ref: Alley-Oop (Lied), Coverversionen (in German), Wikipedia Graham Bonney, Biography (in German), Wikipedia Graham Bonney, Biography (in German), covergalerie Graham Bonney, Alley-Oop (Deutsche Version), hitparade.ch Graham Bonney, Discografie, Alley Oop (deutsche Fassung), grahambonney.de
BRUCUTU Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Mus: Dallas FRAZIER
Lyr: Rossini PINTO (LY-RK)
Perf: Roberto CARLOS (vocal & guitar)
Lafayette (piano) THE YOUNGSTERS (backing vocals) GOLDEN BOYS Coral Joab Jorginho da Flauta Prod. Co: Columbia Broadcasting System Inc. Time: 2:43 1. LP: CANTA PARA A JUVENTUDE CBS 37400 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) 2. Reissue LP: CANTA PARA A JUVENTUDE (1974) CBS 137400 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 3) 3. Reissue on CD: CANTA PARA A JUVENTUDE (1999)
Columbia 2-464145 (Tk 9) Notes: A Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the song that uses the original tune, refrain, and rhythm but completely changes the lyrics. The 8 stanzas tell all about the comic strip character and stanza 3 goes –
Mora só numa caverna Lives alone in a cave dorme mesmo é no chão really sleeps on the floor. - Olha o Brucutu, Bru-cu-tu! - Look at Brucutu, Bru-cu-tu! O seu carro é um dinossauro Your car is a dinosaur e veste pele de leão and you wear a lion's skin - Olha o Brucutu, Bru-cu-tu! - Look at Brucutu, Bru-cu-tu!
Notice here that it gets the “lion’s skin” wrong. Alley Oop wears bear skin shorts. However, in the next stanza, it does say, “Bring with you an ax,” which is correct. Dallas Frazier has him carring a club. For the full lyrics see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D
The title here comes directly from the Brazilian comic book series, “Brucutu,” (the Portuguese name for Alley Oop) that reprinted the V. T. Hamlin Sunday comic strips in color, starting in 1955 up until around 1972.
“When Hamlin retired in 1971, his assistant Dave Graue took over. Graue had been assisting Hamlin since 1950 and had been creating the daily solo since 1966, although co-signed by Hamlin. The last daily signed by Hamlin appeared December 31, 1972, and his last signed Sunday was April 1, 1973.” (Anon. 2018)
Ref: Anon. 2018, Alley Oop, Comic Strip, Wikipedia Alley Oop (song), Other Versions, Wikipedia Brucutu, Comics & Magazine, 1955 – 1967, anosdourados.blog.br Roberto Carlos, Brucutu, Lyrics (in Portuguese), letras & cmtv.com.ar Roberto Carlos, O Brucutu, (2:39), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Roberto Carlos, Brucutu, with Cartoon illustrations, (3:11), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Roberto Carlos, Canta para a Juventude, Allmusic Roberto Carlos, Canta para a Juventude, Discogs Roberto Carlos, Canta para a Juventude, Wikipedia
Perf: Tommy OLIVENCIA y su Orquesta Chamaco Ramírez (vocal) Nacho Sanabria & Roy Rosario (chorus) Tommy Olivencia, Agustin Automattey,
& Paquito Joubert (trumpet) Wilfredo De La Torre (tenor sax) Jimmy Santos (alto sax) Jorge Carcaño (piano) Lin Torres (bass) David Cortijo & Vitin Colon (congas) C. RAMÍREZ Papy Fuentes (bongos)
Ender Dueño (timbales) Prod. Co: Fania Records; New York, NY Liner Notes: (A1) Mariano Artau & (A5) Ramoncito Rodriguez Time: 2:21 A. American Releases: 1. LP: TRU-CU-TÚ (PC-CM) Tioly LPT-1001
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 2. Single 45: Colibri 01 Flip Sd: Tommy Special
7” 45rpm 3. Reissue on LP: LA NUEVA SENSACION MUSICAL DE PUERTO RICO (1967) Inca LPI-1001
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) 4. Reissue on LP: LO MEJOR DE TOMMY OLIVENCIA (1975) Inca XSLP 1046 (stereo)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) 5. Reissue on CD: LA NUEVA SENSACION MUSICAL
DE PUERTO RICO (2000) Inca SLP 1001 or Fania 76045 (Tk 7) B. French – Guadeloupe EP: TRUCUTU LA COMAY (1966) Debs DD 58 7” 45rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) C. Mexican Single 45: Victoria 4056 Flip Sd: Casabe con longaniza
7” 45rpm D. Colombian Reissue LP: LA NUEVA SENSACION MUSICAL
DE PUERTO RICO Victoria SIV--7535
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) E. Peruvian Single 45: (1970) Mag 3035 Flip Sd: Como te canto yo
7” 45rpm Notes: Trucutú is the Spanish name for Alley Oop. A comic book series, “Trucutú,” published in Mexico by Editorial Navaro in the 1970s reprinted the V. T. Hamlin Sunday comic strips in color. However, this salsa song does not really talk about Alley Oop, only about a fellow that carries a club.
Trucutú que sabe trucos Trucutú knows tricks like that Así le dijo a su tía : So he told his aunt: "Se me acaba la energía para levantar el matruco" "I’m running out of energy to lift the [matruco]" ¡ay Dios ! Oh God!
Un sabio que estaba oyendo A sage who was listening De esos sabios bien pelu' From those wise men well [pelu] Le dijo : "No traigas trucos, He said, "Do not bring tricks, No es el matruco que eres tu. " It’s not the [matruco] that you are.”
The American Colibri single went for $35. in an March 2015 eBay auction and the French EP with this song went for 63 Euros ($75.) in a November 2014 eBay auction, then for 89.88 Euros in a Nov. 2017 eBay auction. Ref: Alley Oop (cómic), (in Spanish), Wikipedia Chamaco Ramírez, Bio (in Spanish), latinastereo Chamaco Ramírez, Discografía, latinastereo Discografia de Tommy Olvencia, Trucutú LP, malianteo Tommy Olvencia, Biography (in Spanish), Wikipedia & (in English), Wikipedia Tommy Olvencia, Discografia, SalsaClassica Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, La nueva sensacion musical de Puerto Rico LP, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, La nueva sensacion musical de Puerto Rico, Discogs
Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Tru-cu-tú, Discogs Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú (1962), (2:18), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú (Original), (2:18), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú, Canción (2:21), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú, Letras [Lyrics], allthelyrics Anon. 2008, Trucutú : la historieta de los domingos en el periódico, cuandoerachamo
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH17 United States 1966
Perf: EL COMBO MODERNO Sammy “El Rolo” Gonzáles (vocal) Kike Dávila (piano) Freddie Miranda (sax) Prod. Co: Armada & Rodriguez of Florida; Miami, FL Time: 3:13 A. American Releases: S. GONZÁLES 1. LP: CON LA MANO ARRIBA DiscoRico DR-4015
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 5) 2. Single 45: DiscoRico DR-2016 Flip Sd: Casabe con longaniza 7” 45rpm 3. LP: CON LA MANO ARRIBA (1967) Regio R-720
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 5) 4. LP: CON LA MANO ARRIBA (1967) Suave S-720
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 5) B. Uruguayan Promo Single 45: Condor 45-45120 (1966) Flip Sd: Con la mano arriba 7” 45rpm Notes: Another version of “Trucutú” by El Combo Moderno.
Ref: El Combo Moderno, Con la mano arriba LP, Discogs El Combo Moderno, Con la mano arriba LP, salsamixmax.blogspot El Combo Moderno, Trucutú 45, Discogs El Combo Moderno, Trucutú, (3:13), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH18 United States 1975
TRUCUTÚ Latin – Salsa – Guaguancó – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Chamaco RAMÍREZ Arr: Luis (Perico) Ortiz Rts: Fania Publishing Co. Inc.
Perf: Tommy OLIVENCIA y su Orquesta Tommy Olivencia (leader & trumpet Chamaco Ramírez (vocal) Adalberto Santiago, Hector Lavoe,
& Yayo El Indio (chorus) Hector Zarzuela, Ismael Rodriguez, & Luis Ortiz
(trumpet) Rafael Rodriguez & Victor Candelario (trombone) T. OLIVENCIA C. RAMÍREZ Frank Revilla (piano) Jaime Ramirez (bass) David Cortijito (congas) Jose Fuentes (bongos) Julito Morales (timbales) Prod: Luis (Perico) Ortiz Prod. Co: Inca Records; Puerto Rico Rec. Co: Good Vibrations Sound Studios; New York, NY Time: 5:02 A. American Releases: 1. LP: PLANTÉ BANDERA (1975) Inca SLP 1042
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 4) 2. Reissue on CD: PLANTÉ BANDERA Inca SLPCD 1042 B. Venezuela Releases: 1. LP: PLANTÉ BANDERA (1975) Inca LPS 88425
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 4) 2. Compilation LP: PHILIAS UN PODER EN SALSA LATINA (1975) Inca LPS 88483
12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 4) Notes: This is a second and much longer version of “Trucutú,” by Tommy Olivencia and his orchestra, but the added lyrics still do not refer to Alley Oop or caveman. No attempt will be made to present and translate the full lyrics here; go to the musica site for the full Spanish lyrics. In addition to the first two stanzas provided above none of the other stanzas add anything relating to a prehistoric character or setting, all they talk about is dancing. Ref: Chamaco Ramírez, Discografía, latinastereo Tommy Olvencia, Discografia, SalsaClassica Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Planté bandera, CDUniverse (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Planté bandera, Discogs Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú, Letras [Lyrics], musica Tommy Olvencia y su orquesta, Trucutú, Canción y letras (5:04), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
_____________________________________ RK-AO-OTH19 United States 2002
Perf: LOS SONEROS DEL BARRIO Frankie Vázquez (vocal) Pete Nater & Richie Viruet (trumpet) José Davila (trombone) F. VÁZQUEZ Vincent Velez, Jr. (sax) Ricky Gonzales (keyboards) George Delgado (congas & bongos) Carlos Henriquez (bass) Dave Feliciano (percussion) Jimmy Delgado (timbales) Prod: Dave Feliciano & Ricky Gonzales Prod. Co: Rumbo Jams Recordings Time: 5:09 1. CD: REMEMBRANZAS Rumba Jams 1014 (Tk 1) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE VERY BEST OF SALSA (2005) Demon NSCDD 2015 (2XCDs) (Disc 2 – Tk 10) Notes: This is a lively cover version of “Trucutú” by Frankie Vazquez, as first performed by Tommy Olivencia and his orchestra. Ref: Frankie Vázquez, Bio (in Spanish), latinastereo & lasalsabrava Los Soneros del Barrio, Bio (in Spanish), last.fm Los Soneros del Barrio, Remembenazas CD, Allmusic (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Los Soneros del Barrio, Remembenazas CD, Amazon (◄AUDIO SAMPLE) Los Soneros del Barrio, Remembenazas CD, Discogs Los Soneros del Barrio, Remembenazas CD, terra-melodica.eu Los Soneros del Barrio, Trucutu, (5:08), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 4. Reissue on LP: MUEVANSE TODOS (1964) Eco No 237 (mono)
12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) 5. Reissue on Compilation CD: 16 EXITOS (2001) Peerless CDB-209-2 (Tk 3) Notes: On careful listening to this Ye Ye type, childish rock song neither the Spanish words “cueva” or “hombre de las cavernas” were heard.
The single 45 of “Trucutú” was her debut recording and it won the Disco de Oro award. The single release had the title as “Trucutú” and the lyrics are all about a prehistoric character in the spirit of Alley Oop.
However, on the LP & CD albums this song was subtitled “Baby Cakes” (the 1962 hit written by Jon Shelton & Dave Leon Appell and performed by Dee Dee Sharp) because it was performed using the melody and rhythm of “Baby Cakes.” The YouTube video has several comic book illustrations of Alley Oop, most of which were done by V. T. Hamlin. Ref: Alley Oop (cómic), (in Spanish), Wikipedia
Veloso, Bryan n.d., Vianey Valdez, wordpress Vianey Valdez, 16 Exitos CD, Discogs Vianey Valdez, Muevanse todos LP, Discogs Vianey Valdez, Trucutú, (2:07), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Vianey Valdez, Trucutú, (2:10), With Alley Oop comic drawings, YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Vianey Valdez, Biografia (in Spanish), Idolos del Rock, n. 52, Agosto 1969, tripod
