Air

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about for some time . . . . “Imaginary Singles” – there must be hundreds of times when a record label released the WRONG songs for a 45rpm from an LP. Actual singles that BOMBED because they released the wrong material . . . . . all personal choice of course, so don’t hit me with your rhythm stick . . .

As an example: The Byrds “The World Turns All Around Her” / “Wait And See” would have been a spectacular folk-rock release in 1966. Or: The 13th Floor Elevators “Don’t Fall Down” / “Monkey Island” It’s just something I’m thinking about doing on ‘Transistor Pop’, to keep it fresh and interesting. My scene will always be 45rpm MONO singles though. But I’m neglecting my vinyl albums and this would give me an excuse to play them at least once every decade . . . . .

My Imaginary record label (TRANSISTOR CREATIONS) | My second Imaginary 45rpm on Transistor Creations (TC002)

“Air” / “I Was Cool” (Direction 8-63300) July 1968

On CBS, but their Direction label, is ELMER GANTRY’S VELVET OPERA‘s first album, entirely homegrown and very impressive indeed, with amazingly varied, exciting material. Most of it was written by the group, with the noble exception of Oscar Brown’s “I Was Cool,” and includes the group’s two medium-successful and good singles, “Flames,” and the hip, relaxed “Mary Jane.”

Production is faultless, recording quality excellent — who says American studios are always the best? You could blow 35/-on much less rewarding things than this album. Nice to see the Americans getting some competition. (Disc, 13/07/68

Vintage press reviews

ELMER GANTRY’S VELVET OPERA Elmer Gantry, Velvet Opera (Direction 8-63300) 6/68

Competent four-piece UK group displaying occasional sparks of originality, but not enough to stand out from similar combos. Worth demonstrating their version of Oscar Brown’s ‘I Was Cool’ to interested customers’ —(Record Retailer, 19/06/68)

‘Entirely home-grown and very impressive indeed, with amazingly varied, exciting material . . . Production is faultless, recording quality excellent — you could blow 35/- on much less rewarding things than this’ — (Disc & Music Echo, 13/07/68)

‘One of the most entertaining sets offered by any group, British or American, this month. There’s an abundance of original compositions by vocalist Elmer and bassist John Ford. Elmer has a powerful voice which he uses to good effect, Colin Forster contributes useful lead guitar and Hud, the drummer, who apparently dispenses with his surname, batters a booting rhythm. A singularly enjoyable programme by a team with great potential’ — (Melody Maker, 27/07/68)

‘A British group that starts at a terrific rate with ‘Mother Writes’, slow down to sing about ‘Mary Jane’ and do a ghostly ‘Walter Sly Meets Bill Bailey’. Drummer Hud Hudson plays sitar on ‘Air’, and Elmer Gantry takes the vocals well on ‘Flames’, ‘Now She’s Gone’ and ‘Long Nights Of Summer’. Versatile playing and composing by the group’ — (NME, 27/07/68)