Category Archives: Action

Categories: Action, Leetonia, Ohio, Salem

The Crescendos “I Need Love” on Action Records

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Crescendos Action 45 I Need LoveThe Crescendos came from the Leetonia and Salem area south of Youngstown, Ohio, and made this one single in 1965. “I Need Love” is fine garage, and the flip is a good ballad, “Blue Sunday”. Both were written by vocalist Jim Altomare.

They cut the record at Gateway and released it on the Action Records label of Youngstown, between the two singles by the Executioners on the label. Trend Setter Music did the publishing, and Jerry Starr produced.

Instrumentally, the Crescendos was a quartet but I only have two names so far Jim Altomare on vocals and guitar and Jim Ginther on drums. I’m not sure who was playing bass or piano on these cuts.

The Crescendos received a few mentions in the Salem area press. In October, 1964, they played a street fair in Columbiana, and in February 1965 they headlined a dance at the Knights of Columbus hall in Leetonia.

Jim Ginther was also part of the Invictas from Lisbon, with Jerry Justice on piano.

Any further info on the group would be appreciated.

Categories: Action, Kingsport, Rite Record Productions custom pressings, Tennessee, Trail Records, Unknown

The Sound Track on Trail and Action

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The Sound Track Trail 45 I See The Light

The Sound Track are another unknown group, probably from the area around Kingsport, Tennessee, more than four hours east of Nashville.

Their first single has two cover songs, including one of the best versions of the Music Explosion’s “I See the Light” (E. Chiprut) b/w “Groovin’”. It came out on Trail Records TSRC-1706 in November 1967. It’s a Rite pressing, #20781/2, account #400.

Trail Records came from Kingsport, TN, and had many other releases, mostly gospel. Early releases such as the Grim Reapers “Under My Thumb” / “See See Rider” (Trail TSRC-1702) have a diamond logo and list Tri-State Recording Co. and 1767 Fort Henry Drive. Some later releases such as the Downbeats “Pain” / “Got To Get You Into My Life” (Trail SRC-1736) have a rustic logo with pine trees and “Trail” spelled out in wood logs.

The Sound Track Action 45 Face the New DayOver a year later the Sound Track put out their second single, this time featuring two band originals. “Face the New Day” has distorted guitar riffs repeating throughout, and solid backing of organ, bass and drums. It sounds almost like an English freakbeat track. Ron Allgood and Jerry Melton wrote the song, they were probably members of the band.

The flip “People Say” is also good, and the composer credits give six names, probably most of the band: Ron Allgood, Jerry Melton, T. Melton, Layton Bentley, Kim Dillard and B. Richmond. Copyright records give B. Richmond’s full name as Randy Richmond. The release came on Action 101, with the codes WS 1000 and PRP 7731/2.

The Sound Track went to Nashville to make their Action single. It was produced by Hoss Linneman and Al Gore, two country musicians with many recording credits to their names. Washington Square Music, BMI published both songs. This was a very rare single until 15 or more copies turned up in August, 2016.

The Sound Track Action 45 People Say

Categories: Action, Christchurch, New Zealand

The Chants R&B

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The Chants R&B are maybe the greatest of all the New Zealand groups – and that’s saying something considering the competition (Bluestars, La De Das, Pleazers and more).

They came out of Christchurch and put out two 45s in 1966. Band members were Mike Rudd guitar and vocals, Jim Tomlin guitar, Martin Forrer bass and Trevor Courtney drums.

After the first 45, the insane “I Want Her”, Jim Tomlin left the band and was replaced by Max Kelly. Tomlin came back, however, to produce their next and last 45, the solid “I’m Your Witchdoctor” / “Neighbor Neighbor”, both sides of which feature non-stop fills and razor sharp soloing behind the vocals. An amazing record.

Their live shows were legendary with episodes like Mike Rudd nailing his guitar to the floor while still plugged in, generating wailing feedback! A glimpse of their live sound is available on The Stage Door Tapes.