THE LIVING END : TOLEDO

While living in Toledo in the early '90s, I picked up this home-made cassette from one of the band members of The Living End. He was working at a record store I would stop at. Recorded in 1988 and sounding a little like The Smithereens, the band consisted of John-guitars ; Derrick Anderson-bass & vocals ; Rick Binkowski-keyboards & vocals and Bart Foster-drums.

The Living End-Replica Town

The Living End-Success

THE TODD : YOUNGSTOWN

THE TODD reportedly were named after Todd Rundgren as founding member Ron "Sonny" Hrenovcik was a big fan of. Recorded at the famous PEPPERMINT studios which was home to countless other Y-Town bands.

Sonny went on to form Sacksville Rhythm and Blues band. He also owns a cool record shop called UNDERDOG RECORDS in which I have spent much time & money in.

The Todd-Mystifying Me

The Todd-Be My Lover Tonight

DALE WRIGHT : MIDDLETON

Dale Wright (whose real name is Dale Riffe) was born in 1939 in Middleton, Ohio. He worked as a disc jockey on WING (Dayton, Ohio) and recorded for the Cincinnati based FRATERNITY label with The Wright Guys and The Rock-Its . "That's Show Biz" was released in 1959. "She's Neat" came out in 1957.

Dale Wright and the Wright Guys-That's Show Biz

Dale Wright & Rock-Its-She's Neat

THE PRETENDERS : AKRON

Okay, so not all members of The Pretenders hail from Ohio, but Chrissie Hynde sure put it on the map in the '80s. There is alot of info out there on the band so...search away. I was lucky enough to see the original line-up with James Honeyman Scott & Pete Fardon.

The Pretenders-Talk of the Town (Demo Version)

RIKI AND THE RIKATONES : CLEVELAND

Here's the only release by Riki and the Rikatones on the scarce MANAHATTAN label. Released in 1960, both sides rock out! This one can be found on numerous comps. Thanks to Grover from WRRO on this (you out there??).

Riki and the Rikatones-TNT


Riki and the Rikatones-Whip-Lash

LINDA BURNETTE : PORT CLINTON

Not much info can be found on this cool rockabilly slab. From the very small PERRY label out of Port Clinton comes Linda Burnette with Robby and the Ramblers. Both sides are good and have made several reissue compilations. From the label, it appears that Howard Lafer was in charge of production. The only other notable artist to appear on this label was Little Denny and the Torquays which will be highlighted in a future post!

Linda Burnette with Robby and the Ramblers-Rattle Bones Rock

Linda Burnette with Robby and the Ramblers-My Old Model T

PERE UBU : CLEVELAND

A quick search on Google will provide plenty of info on Pere Ubu. The band has been around since 1975 with Dave Thomas as the main thread. They appeared in the cult classic Urgh! A Music War in which they did the cut below.

Pere Ubu-Birdies

I-V-LEAGUERS : WEST PORTSMOUTH

Haven't been able to dig up much info on the I-V-Leaguers other than that they recorded for DOT, PORTER and NAU-VOO. This track on the NAU-VOO label was released in 1959 and is very collectable. Since the record label was out of West Portsmouth, I'll say the band may have been from that area. Any info somebody can supply would be appreciated!


See comment section for updated info on the band!!!



I-V-Leaguers-Jim-Jamin'