The Aggregation cut two fine originals, “Candlestickstomp” and “You Lied to Me” for the Dynamic Sound label of Long Island, NY.
Members were:
Russell Javors – lead guitar
Bob Wenmouth – rhythm guitar
Ken Rosenberg – lead vocals and bass
Jim Carey – drums
As you can see, my copy did not arrive in very good condition.
There was very little information about them until I heard from Ken Rosenberg, who sent in the photos seen here and wrote to me about the band:
This is Kenny Rosenberg, better known now as Kenny Owens since 1981, ’82. The group came out of Plainview, NY right next to Hicksville. I was the lead singer & bassist, Russell Javors played lead guitar, Bob Wenmouth played rhythm and Jim Carey played drums. We were pretty young, Jim was I think 13 the rest of us a little older. Russell a year younger than Bob and me. Jim and Bob are no longer present on earth.
The band used to play high school dances and parties and town pool events. Entered the battle of the bands, came in 2nd the first time, next year came in 1st.
We used to practice at 30 Eldorado Blvd in the Carey’s converted garage. We were big fans of the Mersey Sound.
The studio was in a modest house in Hicksville, recorded in the basement and the owner had his own pressing machine. That’s how I remember it.
We also recorded a 5 song acetate. Bob’s wife has a copy. Jim’s family has a copy. I let mine go years ago, in some landfill in Oyster Bay. One of the songs exists with “Candlestick Stomp” in a ten minute indie film … called American Sugar. “In This Placing” was the tune. The Careys tracked me down so they could use it in the film. I do remember we did a version of the stones “The Last Time”.
In answer about other 60’s bands I was in, I was the lead singer for a band called The Clique, we opened for The Young Rascals at Plainview High School, fun show.
Currently I’m an Americana singer-songwriter living in Hendersonville, TN. I record and make records and CD’s when I can. My site is kennyowensthewheatpennies.com .
Ken Rosenberg wrote “Candlestickstomp”. Russ Javors, Ken Rosenberg and Wenmouth collaborated on “You Lied to Me”.
Russ Javors later played guitar in Billy Joel’s band for many years.
The Dynamic Sound label
The “WElls 8-7108” phone number on the labels indicates Dynamic Sound was based in Plainview, Jericho or Hicksville, NY.
I know of two released 45s:
Dynamic Sound DY-105 – Aggregation – “You Lied to Me” / “Candlestick Stomp”
Dynamic Sound DY-106 – Born Mean – “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” / “Shapes of Things” (a Rite vinyl pressing)
I’ve heard four acetate demos from Dynamic Sound, these three have the Wells exchange on the Dynamic Sound label:
The 5 of Us – “One of a Kind” / “But He Promised”
Satan & the Body Snatchers – “Little Young Girl” / “In the Summertime”
The Un-Called Four – “Since You’ve Been Gone” / “Masters of War”
This acetate I’ve heard (and both cuts are excellent) but haven’t seen the label:
The Gothics – “Mover” (instrumental) / “Watch Me Now”
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There was a Dynamic Sound label that released singles such as James Ray’s “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You”. Those usually have a “Hutch Davie” production logo and date to a few years earlier.
I doubt there’s any connection with the Dynamic Sound label of Milwaukee, WI.
There are at least two releases from Ohio that feature a Dynamic Sound label. The Born Mean cut “Shape Of Things” / “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” in 1966. The band may have been from New York but the release on Dynamic Sound 1068 was a Rite pressing from Cincinnati. Then in 1969 comes the Crystal Rain with “You & Me” / “World On Fire” on Dynamic Sound 91101.
My broken copy of the Aggregation was shipped from Ohio so I wonder if there could be some connection?
