caveinspiredmusic.com ROCK MUSIC NOVELTY ALLEY OOP 1959 – 1966 _____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-1 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.
Transcript
caveinspiredmusic.com
ROCK MUSIC
NOVELTY ALLEY OOP 1959 – 1966
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-1 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-P1-2 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., 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-P1-3 United States 1960
ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental – Caveman Pic Cover
Perf: THE HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES Gary Paxton (lead vocal) Bobby Rey (vocal) Ted Marsh (vocal) Deary Weaver (guitar) Ted Winters (bass guitar) Gary Webb (drums) Sandy Nelson (cider bottle) Dallas Frazier (waste basket)
Prod: Kim Fowley Prod. Co: Lute Records; Los Angeles, CA Dallas FRAZIER-Photo by Ken Veeder Matrix: L-414 Liner Notes: (LP – No. A17) Alan Warner Rel. Date: (45) May 1960 Times: (No. A2) 2:07 (No. A26) 2:30 (No. A18 & A19) 2:35 (No. A1, A3, & A4) 2:36 (No. B1) Intro-0:06+2:36 (No. A22 & D3) 2:45 A. American Releases: 1. Original Single 45: (May 1960) Lute L-5905 Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Love 2. LP: ALLEY OOP Lute L-9001 (mono) (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 3. Reissue Single 45: Era Back To Back Hits 011 (1974) Flip Sd: Hully Gully Dist: Beverly Hills, CA 4. Reissue Single 45: Goldies 45 D-2628 Cover Photo for Compilation LP#A18 Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Me (sic) Dist: ABC/Dunhill Records; Los Angeles 5. Reissue Single 45: MCA D-2628 (1980) Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Love 6. Bootleg Reissue Single 45: Wham 7037 (Pic cover) (PC-CM# ) Flip Sd: CC Rider 7. Reissue Single 45: Collectables CTB 3118 (1981) Flip Sd: THE CASTAWAYS – Liar, Liar 8. Reissue Single 45: MGM Rebound RB 267 Flip Sd: HUEY “PIANO” SMITH – Rockin’ Pneumonia 9. Reissue Single 45: (1979) Goldisc G 3075 Flip Sd: JOHNNY THUNDER – Loop de Loop 10. Reissue Single 45: Original American 45 Surprise JTU 783 Flip Sd: You'll Come Back 11. Reissue Single 45: Warwick W-615
Flip Sd: Happy Organ 12. Reissue Single 45: Ripete R45-222 & Eric 298 Flip Sd: LARRY VERNE – Mr. Custer 13. Reissue on Compilation LP: HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES (1960) Rebel 1007 (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 14. Reissue on Compilation LP: GREAT POPULAR OLDIES – VOL.2 Sutton SSU 325 (mono) 15. Reissue on Anthology LP: ORIGINAL HITS – VOL. 8 (1963) Liberty LRP 3288 16. Compilation LP: OLDIES BUT GOODIES-VOL. 5
17. Reissue on 33 EP: ORIGINAL GOLDEN HITS – VOL.2 (8 various artists) (1965)
Artistic EP 228 7" 33rpm (EP) (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 18. Compilation LP: 10 SONG HITS THAT SOLD ONE MILLION RECORDS Guest Star 1474 19. Compilation LP: FLASH BACK Krux K-1360 20. Compilation LP: CRUSIN' 1960 (1970) (History of Rock 'n'
Roll Radio with DJ Dick Biondi) Increase INCM-2005 (Sd 2 – Bd 1) 21. Compilation LP: AMERICAN GRAFFITI – VOL.3 (1976) MCA 2-8008 (repro stereo)(Rd2 – Sd3 – Bd3) Dist: Universal City, CA 22. Compilation LP: ORIGINAL GOLDEN GREATS – VOL.4 Liberty LST 7574 (stereo) 23. Compilation LP: OLDIES A-GO-GO – VOL.5 (Otis Redding, etc.) Somerset 24300 24. Compilation LP: FUNNY BONE FAVORITES (1978) Ronco R 2210 (Sd 1- Bd 2) 25. Compilation LP: 'TIL MY DREAMIN' COMES TRUE (I980) Capitol (EMI) 1A 046-78035 (Sd2-Bd1) 26. Boxed Set Anthology LP: SOUNDS OF SOLID SOUL – VOL. 4
U.S. Marine Corps (No Cat. No.) 7X 12” 33rpm (7XLPs) (Disc 3 – Sd 1 – Bd 2) 27.Anthology LP: GOOFY GOLD HRM 5000 (stereo) 2X 12" 33rpm 28.Anthology LP: AT THE HOP Brookville BR 4600 3X 12" 33rpm 29.Compilation LP & CD: BILLBOARD TOP ROCK 'N' ROLL HITS-1960 (1988) (LP) Rhino R1-70621 (Sd 2 – Bd 4) (CD) Rhino R2 70621 (Tk 9) 30.Compilation CD: BACK TO THE 60s – VOL.6 (I992) Disky LPCD 1006 (Tk 17) 31.Compilation CD: SILLY SONGS (2004) K-Tel/ IODA (?) (Tk 5) B. Canadian Releases: 1. Single 45: London 45M 17103 (1960) 2. Reissue Single 45: (1974) Pop Classics (Polydor) PC 1029 Flip Sd: Hully Gully 3. Reissue Single 45: Rebound RB 267 Flip Sd: HUEY “PIANO” SMITH – Rockin' Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Flu
4. Compilation LP: CRUSIN' 1960 5. Compilation LP: BEACH BLANKET BIGGIES (1987) Poly-Tel 816 495 1 (Sd 2 – Bd 3) C. British & Indian Releases: 1. Single 45: (June 1960) London HLU-9146 Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Love 2. Reissue on Compilation LP: THE WORLD OF ROCK 'N' FUN (1975) Decca SPA-R483 (repro stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) 3. Reissue on Compilation LP: LA DEE DAH & OTHER GREAT NOVELTY HITS (1986) Topline TOP 159 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 2) 4. Reissue on Compilation CD: GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN ROCK 'N' ROLL – VOL. 2 Ace CD CHD (Tk 29) 5. Reissue on Compilation CD: BLACK MAGIC See For Miles C5LCD 586 (Tk 16) 6. Reissue on Compilation CD: SH' BOOM SH' BOOM-20 CLASSIC DOO-WOP TRACKS Music Club MCCD 091 (Tk 20) D. French Releases: 1. Reissue on Compilation LP: AMERICAN GRAFFITI – VOL.3 (1976)
MCA 510 161/62 (2XLPs) (Disc 2 – Sd 1 – Bd 3) 2. Reissue of the above LP: (1978) MCA 410.091/92 2X 12" 33rpm (Rd 2 – Sd 3 – Bd 3) 3. Reissue on Compilation LP: LES ANNÉES 60 – VOL.2 (1978) United Artists SLD 55051/52 2X 12" 33rpm (Sd 4 – Bd 6) E. West German Releases: 1. Single 45: London DL 20 342 Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Love 2. Reissue on Compilation LP: AMERICAN GRAFFITI - VOL.3 (1976)
MCA MCA2-8008 (2XLPs) (Disc 2 – Sd 1 – Bd 3) F. Dutch Single 45: Dureco Benelux (?) (1982) Flip Sd: Hully Gully G. Japanese Releases: 1. Reissue on Compilation LP: AMERICAN GRAFFITI – VOL.3 (1976)
South Bay 9001 (Tk 1) H. Australian Single 45: London 45-HL-1676 (1960) Flip Sd: Sho' Know a Lot About Love Spec: (All 45s) 7" 45rpm (All LPs) 12" 33rpm Notes: The all-time classic of "caveman" songs and the only cave song single to ever make it to the top of the charts. It entered the U.S. charts on June 13, 1960 and reached the No. 1 position for one week in July. But most extraordinary of all, it "crossed over" all musical categories becoming a major hit on all three Billboard charts – popular, rhythm 'n' blues, and country & western. But it didn't do as well in England where it entered the charts on July 21, 1960 and only got to position 24. Probably more than any previous cave song it paved the way and provided inspiration for many other "caveman" songs, which appeared in 1960 and thereafter. Basically, this novelty song is a take-off on the famous caveman character, Alley Oop, who appeared daily for over 50 years in the newspaper comic strips. Created by Vincent T. Hamlin and syndicated for publication by the Newspaper Enterprise Association, the Alley Oop strip first appeared in August 1933. Hamlin continued it until 1971 when his associate, Dave Graue, took it over. When this record topped the charts, Hamlin bought a Ford Thunderbird with the royalties. (Stack 1991)
This was not the first time that a rock 'n' roll song was inspired by a comic strip character. The Coasters, another Los Angeles-based group, who had an influence on the style of the Hollywood Argyles, recorded, "Charlie Brown," (from the "Peanuts" strip) in 1958. The Hollywood Argyles were formed by Bobby Rey and Gary Paxton and this was their only hit record. The recording studio was located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Street (Jancik 1990). In an interview on Charlie Gillet's Radio London show, "Honky Tonk," in 1972, Sandy Nelson (see also under Surf Rock – Drums in a Sea Cave) told how "Alley Oop" was recorded – "That was a very unusual session because we had just drunk a bottle of hard cider and I overdubbed a beer can opener clinking on the cider bottle and we overdubbed ourselves singing in the background. I can't sing anymore, never could anyway. Oh, and then I screamed twice during the record. We had no idea it was going to be a hit." Gillet –"Who were the other people on that?" Nelson – "Gary Paxton, who used to be with Skip & Flip and Dallas Frazier who actually wrote the song…" G. – "He actually sang on that?" N. – "Yes, he sang in the background." G. – "Who played the main instruments, such as they were?" N. – "There really weren't any, …just piano, bass, drums and the cider bottle. Oh, and a waste paper basket you can hear that clinking away in there. I didn't make any money on the session, just the cider." (Delaney 1977) Nelson told more or less the same story twice: once in 1972 and again twenty years later for Spencer Leigh. On the original Lute LP cover only Paxton and 5 others are in the photo so it looks like 2 additional personnel got in on the "Alley Oop" session. Hardy and Laing called the song "contrived comic-book jargon backed by what sounded like a drunken Salvation Army choir playing a heavy walking beat." A serious effort was made to list here all the single releases worldwide and most of the common American compilations that include this song. However, a complete discography of all the compilations with “Alley Oop” released worldwide was not attempted. Ref: Cajiao, Trevor 1993, Compact Corner, Now Dig This, n. 124, July 1993, South Shields, England, p. 36 Compilation LP, Beach Blanket Biggies, Discogs Dallas Frazier, Bio, Wikpedia Alley Oop (song), Hollywood Argyles, Wikipedia Delaney, Terry, New Gandy Dancer, Issue 8, June 1977, p. 34-35 Hollywood Argyles, Bio, Wikipedia The Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop 45, Various Releases, Discogs The Hollywood Argyles, Discography, Discogs Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop, with Comic Strip illustrations, (2:45), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop, Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show. June 18, 1960, (3:44), YouTube (◄COMPLETE
AUDIO SAMPLE) Hardy, Phil & Laing, Dave 1976, The Encyclopedia of Rock – Vol. 1, Panther, p. 208, 237, 292 Horn, Maurice (Ed.) 1976, The World Encyclopedia of Comics, Avon Books, p. 76 Jancik, Wayne 1990, One Hit Wonders, Billboard Books, New York, NY, p. 87-88 Leigh, Spencer 1992, Let There Be Drums!, Now Dig This, n. 107, Feb. 1992, South Shields, England, p. 6 Nite, Norm 1974, Rock On, Crowell Co., NY, p. 309 Propes, Steve 1975, Golden Goodies, Chilton Book, p. 19, 28, 51-52, 173 Rice, Jo & Tim; Gambaccini, Paul & Read, Mike 1979, The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles, Endfield, Middlesex, p. 112 Stack, Frank, The Winding Path of V.T. Hamlin and Alley Oop, in Alley Oop By V.T. Hamlin, Daily Strips From June 21, 1947 To Aug. 30, 1948, Kitchen Sink Press, Princeton, WI, p. 205 Woodage, Gerald, Record Collector, n. 55, Mar. 1984, p. 33
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-4 United States 1960 ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: Kavelin-Maverick (BMI)
Perf: DANTÉ AND THE EVERGREENS Danté Drowty (lead vocal) Tony Moon (1st tenor vocal, piano, guitar,
Bill Young (2nd tenor vocal) Frank Rosenthal (bass vocal) Prod: Herb Alpert & Lou Adler Prod. Co: Madison Records Inc.; New York, NY Matrix: MA 14186 Rel. Date: May 1960 Time: (No. A1) 2:59 & (No. C) 2:39 A. American Releases: 1. Original Single 45: (May 1960) Madison M130 Flip Sd: The Right Time 2. LP: DANTÉ & THE EVERGREENS (1961) Madison MALP 1002 3. Reissue Single 45: Ser: Double Golden Series Madison MDG 500 Flip Sd: Time Machine 4. Bootleg Reissue of Original LP: DANTÉ & THE
EVERGREENS (1986) Madison MALP 1002 5. Reissue on CD: CLASS AND RENDEZVOUS STORY Ace CDCHD 461 (Tk 19) 6. Reissue on CD: DANTE & EVERGREENS (1994) South Bay (?) (Tk 1) 7. Reissue on CD: DANTE: EVERGREENS & FRIENDS (2000) Clifton 3013 (Tk 1) B. Canadian Singles 45: 1. Barry B-3003X (Quality Records) Flip Sd: The Right Time 2. Stardust UCR 1225 Flip Sd: TINY TIM – Tip Toe thru the Tulips with Me C. British Single 45: Top Rank JAR 402 Flip Sd: The Right Time D. West German Single 45: Top Rank 75095 Flip Sd: The Right Time E. Swedish EP: FENDERMAN / DANTÉ & THE EVERGREENS Top Rank (?) 7" 45rpm (EP) (Pic cover) F. Japanese Single 45: Top Rank RANK 1068 G. Australian Single 45: Top Rank TRS-1555
Notes: A cover version of the song was quickly put together in Los Angeles and released for the East Coast rockers. The members of Danté & The Evergreens were all "born and bred in Los Angeles. When they got their sound down, they approached Herb and Lou, two struggling producers, with 'Alley-Oop'." (Jancik 1990) Nooger wrote a slightly different story: one of the producers, the famous trumpet player, Herb Alpert, who had already recorded Jan and Dean, told briefly how this recording came about – " we got a call from Larry Uttel, who was running Madison Records in New York and we gave him the Danté & the Evergreens' version of "Alley Oop'. We were working for him for a while, but we never got paid, he took the money and ran." (Nooger 1980) Riding on the success of the Hollywood Argyles version, this one entered the U.S. charts on June 20, 1960 and managed to get as high as position 15 on July 4. In some ways this version is more animated than the Hollywood Argyles version. There are notable percussive effects, such as keeping rhythm on a glass bottle and metallic clicks, which were also present on the HA version. The LP cover photo here shows some of the early studio recording equipment. Ref: Anon., Hit Parader, Oct. 1960, Derby, CT, p. 5, 15 Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Alley Oop (song), Other versions, Wikipedia Dante & The Evergreens, Bio, tsimon & Wikipedia Dante & The Evergreens, Alley Oop 45, 45cat Dante & The Evergreens, Alley Oop 45, Discogs Dante & The Evergreens, Alley Oop, (2:53), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Hill, Randal 1979, The Official Price Guide to Collectible Rock Records, Orlando, FL, p. 79 Jancik, Wayne 1990, One Hit Wonders, Billboard Books, New York, NY, p. 86 Nite, Norm 1974, Rock On, Crowell Co., NY, p. 162-163 Nooger, Dan, Goldmine, n. 47, Apr. 1980, p. 20
________________________________________
1948, V.T. Hamlin (Modified by DB)
________________________________________ RK-AO-P1-5 United States 1960
Prod: (?) Kim Fowley or Ron Pierce Prod. Co: Rendezvous Records; Los Angeles, CA Time: (No. A1) 2:36 & (No. A2) 2:29 A. American Releases: 1. Original Single 45:
Rendezvous R-120 Flip Sd: Jungle Walk
2. Reissue Single 45: Hi-Oldies 485 Flip Sd: POSSUM – The Cockroach That Ate
Cincinnati 3. Reissue on Compilation LP: ORIGINAL HITS –
GOLDEN OLDIES – VOL. 5 (1963) H. B. BARNUM J. NORMAN Design DLP-705 (Sd 1 – Bd 3) [as by "Dynasaurs" (sic)] B. British Compilation CD: THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN ROCK ‘N’ ROLL – SPECIAL NOVELTY EDITION (2003) Ace CDCHD 980 (Tk 26) Notes: Another cover version of this hit. Altogether four covers of this song were released in 1960. What is basically a popular rock 'n' roll song has been given here a rhythm 'n' blues treatment. All through the 50s, at least in the Northeast, things were the other way around and it was the rhythm 'n' blues songs that were being constantly "stolen" and covered by popular and rock 'n' roll singers. The name of this group is an obvious play on the word "dinosaur" which fits perfectly with the spirit of Alley Oop. Several elements combine to create the rhythm 'n' blues feeling here – the bird and jungle calls, the rocking piano, the voices of the chorus, and that deep bass voice coming in with "Look at that caveman go," plus the tenor sax break. A few changes have been made in the lyrics also. In stanza 1 "bear cat stew" becomes "tiger stew" and in the chorus "wildcat's hide" becomes "bear cat's hide." In stanza 2, verses 3 & 4 precede verses 1 & 2 and in stanza 3, verses 3 & 4 are omitted. The closing verses run: There goes ole Alley Oop! Man, dig that crazy hairdo! Hi-ho, dinosaur!
One reviewer wrote – “A rare cover version of Alley-Oop by the Dyna-Sores, an R&B studio group which creamed off enough sales to become a minor hit in its own right.” (Finnis n.d.) This is a rare, hard-to-find record today Ref: Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Dyna-sores, Alley Oop, Hi-Oldies 45, 45cat Dyna-sores, Alley Oop, Rendezvous 45, 45cat & Discogs Dyna-sores, Alley Oop, (2:31), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Finnis, Rob n. d., The Golden Age of American Rock ‘n’ Roll – Special Novelty Edition CD, acerecords.co.uk Thoury, Jean-William, Jukebox, n. 99, Déc.1995, p. 78
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-6 United States 1960
Perf: Dick KERR and the Sing-Along Teen-Agers Prod. Co: Free-Sac Productions Time: 2:40 Compilation LP: CRAZY, TOP 40 & COOL – A TEEN AGE SING ALONG Warner Brothers W1407 (mono) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5)
Notes: The fourth cover version to appear in 1960, this time on a budget compilation album with the lyrics printed on the back cover. A strictly pedestrian run-through that ends with six spoken tag verses – exactly the same ones that are used on the Hollywood Argyles version. One reviewer puts this album in the bin for the World’s Worst Records and comments – “Crazy, Top 40& Cool is a precursor – of a kind – to those awful Top of the Pops albums that filled supermarket shelves in the 60s and 70s here in Britain (and consequently fill the shelves of charity shops today). “The premise is pretty straightforward, get a bunch of studio musicians together, add in a few sound-alike vocalists and a gaggle of enthusiastic teenagers and get them to record a selection of current chart hits: issue it at a budget price that every parent can afford and it back and watch the cash come in... and the end result would more likely drive people from your home than encourage your friends and neighbours to stay and party.” (Bullock 2015) Ref: Bullock, Darryl 2015, Teen Age Sing Along, worldsworstrecords.blogspot.fr
_____________________________________
1933-34, V.T. Hamlin (Modified by DB)
________________________________________ RK-AO-P1-7 United States ca.1960
Perf: THE WILDCATS Prod. Co: Top Hit Tunes Time: 2:13 Compilation EP: Top Hit Tunes THC-9-2 Spec: 7" 45rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: A standard upbeat rendition, which omits stanza 2. The third verse of the chorus becomes –
He’s the hully-gully king of the jungle jive
At the end of the chorus, after the verse, “Look at that caveman go,” there is a series of sinister chuckles.
The song ends with four tag lines – “Look at him go/ Look at that caveman go/ Ride, daddy, ride/ Hi-ho, dinosaur.”
Ref: The Wildcats, Alley Oop, American eBay posting
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-8 United States ca.1960
ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Children’s – Vocal &
Perf: THE PURPLE CRITTER Prod. Co: Broadway Records; Los Angeles, CA Time: (LP) 3:05 & (CD) 3:14 1. LP: ALLEY OOP (PC-CM) Broadway BR 5002 12” 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 1) 2. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE PURPLE CRITTER’S OLD FAVORITES (2005) (PC-CM) 108th Street (?) (Tk 1) Notes: The CD compilation credits the performer as The Purple Critter and it uses the same cover art and also
includes songs and stories for children, so it is assumed that these are both the same versions. Nothing could be learned about The Purple Critter other than he released two other albums of songs for children. The voice, arrangement, and lyric wording are all very similar to The Wildcats version (see just above). But in this version the chorus is the same as the original Hollywood Argyles – “He’s the king of the jungle jive” and
stanza 2 is included. However, after the chorus, it includes the same series of sinister chuckles and it ends with exactly the same four spoken tags as The Wildcats version – “Look at him go/ Look at that caveman go/
Ride, daddy, ride/ Hi-ho, dinosaur.”
In New York City there is the Purple Critter Media founded by Andrew Bove and Toni Dolce. But they are located at 12 W 72nd St. not 108th St. Ref: Alley Oop, Broadway Records, Discogs Purple Critter, purplecritter.us The Purple Critter’s Old Favorites CD, Allmusic The Purple Critter’s Old Favorites CD, favorite-mp3
________________________________________ RK-AO-P1-9 United Kingdom 1963
Perf: Joe BROWN & THE BRUVVERS Joe Brown (vocal & guitar) Prod. Co: Top Hit Tunes Time: 2:13 1. British LP: JOE BROWN LIVE! Piccadilly NPL 38006 12” 33rpm (mono) (Sd 2 – Bd 2) 2. Australian LP: JOE BROWN LIVE! (1963) Astor PLP 1118 12” 33rpm (mono) (Sd 2 – Bd 2) Notes: The first known recorded performance of the song outside the United States. This version has not been heard. Ref: Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Joe Brown, Brief data, secondhandsongs Joe Brown (singer), Bio, Wikipedia Joe Brown & The Bruvvers, Joe Brown Live! LP, Discogs
________________________________________ RK-AO-P1-10 United States 1964
ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK)
Prod. Co: Capitol Records; Hollywood, CA Time: 2:40 A. American Releases: 1. LP: ELVIRA Capitol T 2552 (mono) Capitol ST 2552 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 6) 2. Compact 33 EP: Capitol 2552 7" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 2) 3. Reissue on 45: Capitol (Starline Series) 6166 Flip Sd: Elvira 7" 45rpm B. British LP: ELVIRA Jukebox Label Capitol-Starline 45 Capitol 12552 Notes: The song writer himself performs his famous ditty. Supposedly written and first recorded by Frazier as a country tune in 1957. (Anon. 2018) Born in Oklahoma in 1939, Frazier had recorded in the early days of rock (May 1954), “Space Command" on Capitol 2813. He was 21 when he wrote this hit in Los Angeles for The Hollywood Argyles, making only very minor changes in the text of the song "Alley Oop Cha Cha Cha" which had just been recorded by The Pre-Historics (see above RK-AO-P1-2). Four years after this initial success when recording his own first album he naturally decided to include it. His tag verses at the end differ from those on any other version. Was this the ending as originally written by him or did he simply improvise a different ending as other groups had been doing? For full lyrics of this Frazier version see under Rock Song Lyrics – A to D – Alley Oop Songs – Alternate Spoken Ending as performed by Dallas Frazier. Ref: Anon. 2018, Alley Oop (song), Wikipedia Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Dallas Frazier, Alley Oop, Capitol-Starline 45, Discogs Dallas Frazier, Alley Oop, Lyrics, genius Dallas Frazier, Alley Oop, (2:35), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Dallas Frazier, Elvira LP, Discogs Dallas Frazier, Elvira LP, lpdiscography
ALLEY OOP Rock – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Arr: (Orch.) Jim Wisner Rts: (BIEM)
Perf: Sylvie VARTAN (vocal) Prod: Joe René Prod. Co: RCA Victor Rel. Date: Mar. 1965 Time: 2:04 A. American Releases: 1. Original LP: GIFT WRAPPED FROM PARIS RCA LPM 3438 (mono) RCA LSP 3438 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) 2. Reissue on CD: GIFT WRAPPED FROM PARIS RCA Victor LSP-3438 (Tk 11) B. French Reissue on CD: GIFT WRAPPED FROM PARIS (1991) BMG France ND 75 062 (Tk 11) C. German Reissue on CD: GIFT WRAPPED FROM PARIS (1991) RCA ND 75 062 (Tk 11) D. Japanese Reissue CD: GIFT WRAPPED FROM PARIS (2001) BMG International BVCM-35021 (Tk 11) C. Argentinean Releases: 1. LP: CANTA FOLK ROCK – EL SONIDO DE NASHVILLE RCA Victor LPM 3438 (mono) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) 2. Single 45: RCA Victor 31A-0809 Flip Sd: No es un juego (It’s Not a Game) 7" 45rpm Notes: This was the first time that the song was recorded by a woman. One wonders why this French twist and pop-rock singer choose it. The liner notes tell us that "Mlle. Vartan completely captures the tongue-in-cheek quality [of the song], delightful proof of her grasp of the American sense of humor." Sylvie keeps pretty much to the original wording, but she shuffled verses around. For the last verse of the chorus, she sings – “Look at that wild man go.” The word “caveman” is never used, but otherwise the original prehistoric flavor of the song is always present. The Argentina single release is extremely rare and pricey. Have seen it on Argentinean eBay for $125. Ref: Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs Artis, François; Sylvie Vartan, Jukebox, n. 11, Jan.-Fev. 1987, p. 10 Sylvie Vartan, Bio (in French) Wikipedia & (in English) Wikipedia Sylvie Vartan, Alley Oop, (2:08), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) Sylvie Vartan, Discographie Argentine, sylvie-vartan Sylvie Vartan, Gift Wrapped from Paris LP & CD, Discogs
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-12 United Kingdom 1965
ALLEY OOP Rock – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: (UK) Leeds Music
Fred Driedlein (lead guitar) Ian Jack (rhythm guitar) Simon Jones (bass) Alan Taylor (drums) Prod. Co: Columbia Records Matrix: 7XCA 28239-1 Rel. Date: Aug. 27, 1965 Time: 3:14 A. British 45: Columbia DB 7679
Flip Sd: As Long as I Have You 7" 45rpm
B. Japanese 45: Odeon Série Toshiba OR-1448 Flip Sd: As Long as I Have You 7" 45rpm (Red vinyl)
Notes: A rather obscure British beat group was formed in Cambridge in 1963. They disbanded circa late 1967, early1968. (Anon. n.d.) The Japanese single has been seen listed on Japanese eBay for $250. Ref: Anon. n.d., The Boston Crabs, Short Bio, Early Radio London, radiolondon.co.uk The Boston Crabs, Line-Up, musicbrainz The Boston Crabs, Alley Oop, 45cat The Boston Crabs, Alley Oop, Japanese 45, Discogs & 45cat The Boston Crabs, Alley Oop, (3:14), mp3co.biz (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-13 United States 1965
ALLEY OOP ‘66 Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: Kavelin-Maverick (BMI)
Perf: THE NEW HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES Gary S. Paxton (vocal) Prod. Co: Kammy Records; Beverly Hills, CA Rel. Date: Sept 1965 Time: (No. A) 2:40 & (No. B) 2:49 A. American Single 45:
Kammy K-105 Flip Sd: Do the Funky-Foot 7" 45rpm
C. Reissue on Belgium Compilation CD: THE HOLLYWOOD ARGYLES (1995) Marginal 120 (Tk 28) Notes: Basically, a straight remake of the original with a somewhat funky rhythm section. Ref: The Hollywood Argyles, Bio, Wikipedia Hollywood Argyles, Hollywood Argyles CD, Discogs The New Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop ’66, 45cat The New Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop ’66, Discogs The New Hollywood Argyles, Alley Oop ’66, (2:54), soundcloud Propes, Steve 1975, Golden Goodies, Chilton Book Co., Radnor, PA, p. 52
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-14 United States 1965
ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: Kavelin-Maverick (BMI)
Mike Love (lead vocal) Carl Wilson (vocal & guitar) Al Jardine (vocal & guitar) Brian Wilson (vocal & bass) Dennis Wilson (vocal & drums) Prod: Brian Wilson Prod. Co: Capitol Records Inc.; Hollywood, CA Rec. Co: Western Recorders; Los Angeles, CA Rec. Date: Sept. 16, 1965 Rel. Date: Nov. 1965 Time: 2:53 or 2:56 A. American Releases: 1. Original LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY Capitol MAS 2398 (Gatefold) Capitol DMAS 2398 (duophonic) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Carl Dennis Mike Al Brian
Capitol 7243 (Gatefold) B. British Releases: 1. LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965) Capitol T 2398 (mono) Capitol ST 2398 (stereo) 2. LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1986) Capitol EMS 1177 & 18 0193 1 3. CD: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1990) Capitol CDP 793698 2 (Tk 8) 4. Compilation LP: BEACH BOYS Starline (EMI) SRS 5074 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 5) C. French EP: SLOOP JOHN B Capitol EAP 120.812 7" 45rpm (EP) (Sd 2 – Bd 2) D. West German Releases: 1. LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY Capitol STK 84 069
2. Reissue LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1969) Capitol C 062-80 193 3. Compilation LP: MORE FUN WITH THE BEACH BOYS EMI Electrola (Capitol) C148-81337/38 2 X 12" 33rpm (Sd 3 – Bd 5) E. Danish LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965) Capitol STK 84 069 (stereo) F. Spanish LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1966) Promo EP for Party LP #A2 Capitol ST 2398 G. Israeli EP: SLOOP JOHN B Capitol EAP 120.812 7" 45rpm (EP) (Sd 2 – Bd 2) H. South African LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965)
Capitol T 2398 I. South Korean LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY Liming LM-2026 (red vinyl) J. Japanese Releases: 1. LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY Capitol CP-7449 12" 33rpm (red vinyl) 2. Reissue LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1977) Capitol ECS-70110 (Gatefold) 3. Reissue on CD: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1989) Capitol (Pastmasters) CP 21-6010 (Tk 8) 4. Reissue on CD: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1998) Capitol TOCP-50858 (Tk 8) K. Taiwanese Bootleg LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY Liming LM 2026 (mono) Cover photos for French EP #C Liming LM 2026 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (black, red, & orange vinyl) L. Singapore LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965) Capitol ST 2398 M. Australian Releases: 1. LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965) Capitol ST 2398 2. Double LP: SUMMER DAYS/PARTY Capitol 10315/16 2 X 12" 33rpm N. Venezuelan LP: BEACH BOYS' PARTY (1965) Capitol T 2398 & MAS 2398 Spec: (All Beach Boys’ Party LPs) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: The Beach Boys, pioneers of the so-called surf rock sound, were formed in late 1961 in Hawthorne (Los Angeles County) and went on to become one of the best-selling groups in the history of rock. It was only natural that they should do "Alley Oop" since it had been one of the first nationwide hits from the Los Angeles scene and had become a kind of rock standard there. The New Hollywood Argyles' revival of the song just prior to this in Sept. 1965 might also have influenced their choice. This album was "a stopgap measure, hurriedly assembled when Capitol pressured the group for a new release, yet one of their most successful." (Reum & Newman 1979) The albums from this period “were all delivered to Capitol in mono” and the tracks would be converted to “duophonic” stereo, Capitol’s special electronic reprocessing. “Before about 1967, Duophonic involved both bass/treble separation and the use of a ‘doubler,’ a machine which splits a mono sound onto two channels, delaying one channel a fraction of a second relative to the other. The resulting sound is very busy (everything is doubled) and also has a lot of echo, even though each channel individually is in mono with no echo.” (Callahan 1980) This well-animated and tightly arranged version was recorded in a studio and live audience sounds were dubbed over later. The three stanzas are each separated by the chorus and a few minor wording changes were made. The song ends differently than the original. The last two verses of the final chorus are – He's the hully gully king of jive, Look at that caveman go! There he goes! Look at that caveman go! Ride, Daddy, ride. – Hi-ho, dinosaur! Oh, my gosh, how's that grab ya? Oh, how'd you like a dinosaur like that – for your very own?
The photo of The Beach Boys dated 1964 shows (l. to r.): Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, & Brian Wilson. The French EP vignette photos (clockwise from top left): Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, Mike Love, Carl Wilson, & Brian Wilson. The Robert Joffery Ballet Company of New York used this version of "Alley Oop" together with 14 other Beach Boys' songs to create a special ballet spectacular entitled, "Deuce Coupe," which debuted in Chicago on Feb. 8, 1973. (Anon. n.d.) Ref: Anon. n.d., Robert Joffery & Gerald Arpino’s Uniquely American Vision of Dance, Deuce Coupe, umass.edu Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs The Beach Boys, Alley Oop, (2:55), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
The Beach Boys, Alley Oop, with Photos of group, (2:45) YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) The Beach Boys, Beach Boys’ Party!, Allmusic (AUDIO SAMPLE) The Beach Boys, Beach Boys’ Party! LP & CD, Discogs The Beach Boys, Beach Boys’ Party! LP, Alley Oop (song), enacademic The Beach Boys, Beach Boys’ Party!, Wikipedia The Beach Boys on 45, beachboys45.nl Callahan, Mike 1980, The Beach Boys, Goldmine, n. 54,Nov. 1980, Fraser, MI, p. 16-22 Early Beach Boys 1962-1966, www.pophistorydig.com Web site Reum, Peter & Newman, Ralph M. 1979, Beach Boys Discography, The Time Barrier Express, n. 24, Apr.-May 1979, p. 46-48
_______________________________ RK-AO-P1-15 United States ca.Early 1960s
Perf: THE 4 SPORTS Prod. Co: Best Record Co.; Riveredge, NJ Time: 3:01 Compilation EP: Best Seller EP-3 Spec: 7" 45rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 1) Notes: Another version by an obscure group riding along on the success of earlier hit versions. There are a few lyric changes here and there. Stz. 2, Vs. 1 becomes – He got a chauffeur that’s a dinosaur
Stz. 2, Vs. 4 becomes – Like a great big lion an’ a grizzly bear
Stz. 3, Vs. 1 becomes – He rides through the jungle tearin’ limbs off the trees
All the choruses are followed by a series of – Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha (which makes this one of the longest known versions) The third verse of the third chorus becomes – He’s the hully-gully king of jive
The closing comments are reduced to four verses. Ref: The 4 Sports, Alley Oop, Best Seller 45, Discogs
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-16 France ca.Early 1960s
Perf: Ted RICHARDS et son orchestre (with tenor sax, trumpet, guitar, bass, & drums)
Prod. Co: Pathé Marconi Time: 2:20 Label: Pathé 45G 1633 Flip Sd: Tell Laura I Love Her Spec: 7" 45rpm Notes: A low-grade instrumental rendition of the famous "caveman" hit recorded and released in France. Just the chorus of the original lyrics is attempted once. It's fun to hear the French accent of the lead singer as he stumbles over the word "clothes" in the chorus. The tenor sax plods through the tune in an uninspired fashion while voices chant, "Alley Oop-Oop-Oop-Oop-Oop" at the end of each sax chorus. This version probably was recorded around the same time as the Sylvie Vartan version (see above). This single has been seen recently selling for $40. I bought my copy chez Daniel in Paris back in the early 1980s for a few French francs.
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-17 United Kingdom 1966
ALLEY OOP Rock – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: Leeds Music (BIEM)
Perf: BONZO DOG DOO-DAH BAND Vivian Stanshall (lead vocal) Rodney Slater (vocal & tenor sax) Neil Innes (vocal & piano) Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell (bass) Sam Spoons [aka. Martin Ash] (spoons) Roger Ruskin Spear (percussion) Larry Smith (drums) Prod. Co: EMI Rel. Date: Sept. 1966 Liner Notes: Brian Hogg Time: 2:30 A. Britisn Releases: 1. Original 45:
Parlophone R 5499 Flip Sd: Button Up Your Overcoat
2. Reissue on Compilation LP: THE ALBERTS – THE BONZO DOG DOO DAH BAND – THE TEMPERANCE SEVEN (1971) EMI/ Starline SRS 5151 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 6) 3. Reissue on Bootleg Compilation LP: THE BONZO DOG BAND –
LOOSE CABOOSE The Amazing Kornyfone Record TAKRL 1922 (mono & stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 1 – Bd 8) 4. Reissue on Compilation Boxed Set CD: THE BONZO DOG BAND – CORNOLGY (1992) EMI 0777 7995952 5 (3XCDs) (Disc 3 – Tk 3) 5. Reissue on Compilation CD: THE BONZO DOG BAND CORNOLGY – VOL.3 – DOG ENDS (1992) EMI 0777 7 99598 2 2 (Tk 3) B. Canadian 45: Capitol 72416 (1966)
Flip Sd: Button Up Your Overcoat Notes: Underground-fringe comedy. The band was started as a surreal musical act, which drew its repertoire from novelty songs from different periods, especially the 20s and the 60s. (CD Liner notes) Considered by some as the British equivalent of Frank Zappa, Vivian Stanshall also wrote many comical and lunatic rock songs for the Bonzos. This poor photo dates to 1967 and shows: (l. to r. – Back row) Roger Spear, Neil Innes, Vivian Stanshall, Vernon Bohay-Nowell, & Larry Smith (Front row) Sam Spoons & Rodney Slater. Starting with a Tarzan cry and various ape sounds, this version keeps pretty close to the original text until the end. A regular stock issue of this single with writing on label went for £88 in a Feb. 2015 eBay auction. Ref: Alley Oop, Versions, secondhandsongs The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Bio, Wikipedia The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Alley Oop, 45cat The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Alley Oop, Discogs The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Alley Oop, Canadian 45, rateyourmusic The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Alley Oop, (2:30), YouTube (COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE) The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Cornology Boxed Set, Discogs The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Loose Caboose Bootleg LP, Discogs Dickerson, Pete & Gordon, Mike 1984, Collectable 45’s of the Swinging 60’s, 1965-1970, Part 1, A-F, 1st Edition, The Vintage Record Centre, London, p. (51) Hebing, Alfred 1983, Gorilla Beat, n. 16, 1983, Düsseldorf, West Germany, p. 3, 7(4), 15, & 18
Ray Sanders Auction List, Buygone, n. 29, Feb. 1980, p. 67 Smith, Pete; Blackman, Karen; Davis, Sylvia; Bellerose, Jennifer; & Kent, Jimmy (Editors) 1992, The Official Music Master Tracks Catalogue, 4th Edition, Waterlow Information Services Ltd., London, p. 33
_____________________________________ RK-AO-P1-18 United States 1966
ALLEY OOP Rock ‘n’ Roll – Novelty – Vocal & Instrumental Comp: Dallas FRAZIER (LY-RK) Rts: Kavelin-Maverick (BMI)
Perf: Ray MARTIN & his orchestra with voices (with electric organ, tenor sax, brass ensemble, bass, & drums) Prod: Ethel Gabriel Prod. Co: RCA Victor Rec. Co: RCA Victor's Studio A; New York, NY Liner Notes: Bob Abel Time: 2:20 LP: COMIC STRIP FAVORITES RCA Camden CAL-2102 (mono) RCA Camden CAS-2102 (stereo) 12" 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 5) Notes: A tacky version that is essentially instrumental. A choral group sings “Alley Oop oop oop oop” over and over. There are solos on electric organ and tenor sax. Then the chorus is sung once, where the first verse becomes – “He's the dumbest man there is alive.” A short trombone solo follows and then the ensemble. The album has other comic strip inspired pieces including "The Batman Theme." Ref: Ray Martin & His Orchestra, Comic Strip Favorites LP, Discogs
_______________________________________ RK-AO-P1-19 United States 1966
Perf: THE WYLD Rudy Wyatt Prod. Co: Charay Records; 3032 Santa Fe Trail; Fort
Worth, TX Time: 2:28 A. American Releases: 1. Single 45: Charay C-28
Flip Sd: Lost One 2. Compilation LP: IT’S A HARD LIFE (1999) Lance/ Stroke 103 12” 33rpm (Sd 2 – Bd 7) B. Australian Compilation CD: GRAINS OF TIME (2003) Makin’ Waves 19660001 (Tk 4) Notes: The Wyld was a garage band said to be from Greenville, South Carolina, but also reported from Dallas, Texas. An over-the-top version of the Hollywood Argyles classic with a more heavy rockin' arrangement. This is an unusual version with an upbeat swinging rhythm and a garage vocal that keeps all the original stanzas.
Considered a very rare single, impossible to find. Was seen in an eBay auction in Nov. 2012 to go for $190 and again in January 2014 on sale for $220. Also on the Gemm used record platform (no longer online) in December 2014 at $99 and in June 2015 at $180. Be serious!. Ref: Discography for Charay Records, globaldoproductions Grains of Time CD, Discogs Guigno, 2008, It’s a Hard Life LP, Paradise of Garage Comps, paradiseofgaragecomps The Wyld, Short Bio, Discogs The Wyld, Alley Oop, Discogs The Wyld, Alley Oop (2:28), YouTube (◄COMPLETE AUDIO SAMPLE)
