BILL WATKINS : CINCINNATI

Born in Kentucky, Bill Watkins made the short trip to Cinci to record for the LUCKY record label. Close enough to call him an Ohio boy! This release came in 1959, the other two bonus tracks were previously unreleased and found their way onto several later compilation LPs.

Bill Watkins-Missed The Workhouse

Bill Watkins-Red Cadillac


Bill Watkins-Big Guitar

This cut would be later covered by Columbus' Gibson Bros. (featured in a future post)

THE MUPHETS : GERMANTOWN

Here's side B of The Muphets only release from 1965. It does have that certain Beatles' sound typical of the era. The band would update their name to The Muffets & release another single on the COUNTERPART label in 1968. For a boatload of info on the band, see the Buckeye Beat website (link in sidebar).

The Muphets-Why Can't You Go

THE REACTIONS : YOUNGSTOWN

Staying in Y-town for this holiday offering by The Reactions. Recorded at Peppermint Studios in 1987, The Reactions were David Lemasters on lead vocals, guitars, bass & percussion ; Michael D'Allessandro on drums, keyboards , percussion & harmony vocals. They had lots of additional help on the "It's Christmas" cut.

The Reactions-It's Christmas Time

The Reactions-I'm Here For You

THE EIGHT BALLS : YOUNGSTOWN

Back in the day (late '70s to late '80s) me & my friends were "regulars" on the weekends at a dive in downtown Y-Town named the Cedars Lounge. Many a local as well as national (& international !!) acts played there. Some of the local favs from the era are doing a get together this weekend, see HERE...wish I could attend. Here's the only offering (I know of) from the lengendary..... 8 Balls. Released in 1984 on the UNDERDOG RECORDS label (where have you heard that name before??? {hint...search the blog!!}). The band consited of Timmy guitar & vocals ; Dave lead guitar & vocals ; Bob bass and Sandy drums.

The 8 Balls-Science Gone Too Far

The 8 Balls-When The Spirit Moves Me


UPDATED BONUS!!:

Ah, the great YOUTUBE... from the Dec. 22. 2007 reunion:

BOCKY & THE VISIONS : CLEVELAND

From the early '60s comes this mooover by Bocky & The Visions. Check out an interesting (read sad) story HERE

Bocky & The Visions-Spirit of '64

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS : AKRON

Picked this 45 up back in the day after seeing the High Plains Drifters frontman waiting in line near me for a Ramones show in Cleveland. They were: Jerry Ramone-vocals, Johnny Dread-guitar, Jeff Deihl-guitar, Kevin Collins-drums and Tod Carper-bass.



Check out the band's MySpace pageHERE

High Plains Drifters-All The Same

High Plains Drifters-City Life

CRASH COFFIN : CLEVELAND

From 1970 comes a rare indie label release from Crash Coffin. The LP has plenty of different styles present, all highlighting Crash's unique writing ability.

Crash Coffin-Masochist Blues

Crash Coffin-God Loves The Loser

THE UNCALLED FOR : YOUNGSTOWN

Heading back into the Mahoning valley for this lone release from The Uncalled For. Originally released in 1967 on the DOLLIE label, then later picked up by LAURIE. This classic can be found on several reissue garage compilations.

The Uncalled For-Do Like Me

The Uncalled For-Get Out Of The Way

RAVEN : COLUMBUS

Here's a real rare LP from 1975 that sheds very little info about the band. What I have found out is that it was reissued in the '90s...but in limited quantities. Raven does have a MySpace page see HERE

Raven-Can't You See

Raven-Don't You Feel It

THE SQUIRES : YOUNGSTOWN

One would have to look long & hard for this 45rpm. Circa 1966 on the PENQUIN label comes The Squires. Featuring a very young Phil Keaggy on guitar!

The Squires-Batmobile

The Squires-I Don't Care

BULL MOOSE JACKSON : CLEVELAND

Yet another great R & B artist to emerge on the legendary KING label. Bull Moose Jackson is most famous for the risque "Big 10inch Record" release. Check out the cool site on him HERE

Bull Moose Jackson-Big 10inch Record

Bull Moose Jackson-Cherokee Boogie

THE POSSUMS : COLUMBUS

I can't find much info on The Possums only that they were featured on the highly valued and sought-after compilation Hillside '66, performing "She Don't Care About Time" and "Stepping Stone". "Stepping Stone", featured here, was of course released by The Monkees. This cut came from the later released Highs In The Mid Sixties, Vol. 9 (LP) mentioned in other posts.

The Possums-Stepping Stone

MOAT HAMZ : MCDONALD

I can't find any info on this band on the web. I remember buying this cassette release from a friend of the band. I'm guessing around 1987. Here's a few selections covering a wide range of styles from the MOAT HAMZ "Toad Hall Farm". Released on the SYNDICATE SOUND label.

Moat Hamz-Something

Moat Hamz-Hide

Moat Hamz-Bluesman

THE TRIUMPHS : ASHTABULA

This is a side from the second and final release from The Triumphs. Circa 1969. Not much info on the band here. Their first release was recorded in Chicago at CHESS and got some regional play.

The Triumphs-People Try My Mind

THE PIED PIPERS : YOUNGSTOWN

Consisting of: Dennis Sesonsky - vocals, Pete Pompura - Bass, Les Moro - Guitar and Lenny Krispinsky - Drums, The Pied Pipers first release is represented here. A classic... circa 1966 on the WAM record label. Much info about the band can be read at the Buckeye Beat site (see side bar link) plus MySpace. Wild frontman Dennis would later front Left End in the '70s.... more on that band in a later post.

The Pied Pipers-Hey Joe

The Pied Pipers-Hold On I'm Coming





The Pied Pipers-Stay in My Life

THE MISSING LYNX : CLEVELAND

The Missing Lynx made a short stir in Cleveland in the mid-60's. An excellent article on the band can be found at Buckeye Beat (see side-bar link). That's where I borrowed the photo from. Here's a 1966 DYNOVOICE label release by the band.

The Missing Lynx-Behind Locked Doors

TOXIC REASONS : DAYTON

Some very good hardcore here... circa 1984. There are lots of sites devoted to TOXIC REASONS so I'll let you search them out!

Toxic Reasons-Can't Get Away

Toxic Reasons-Destroyer

Toxic Reasons-God Bless America

THE DAGENITES : DAYTON

Though officially they were from Maryland, The Dagenites spent some time in Dayton in the mid 60s. In 1965 their first release came out. This jangle - gem on the small PIXIE label. This can be found on several comp. LPs, such as the one pictured. They would only release just one more before the end in 1966. The band was managed by Link Wray's manager and actually did some shows with Link! The band consisted of JOHN BARDI lead guitar, ROGER FALLIN drums, BRUCE KENNETT guitar and GEOFF ROBINSON bass.

The Dagenites-I Don't Want To Try It Again

THE ONE WAY STREETS : HAMILTON

This ultra rare gem was the sole release from The One Way Streets. It hit the stores in 1966 and was on the small SUNRISE label. You'll need a fat wallet to buy an original copy...if your lucky enough to find one!!

The One Way Streets-Jack The Ripper

THE JET BOYS : COLUMBUS

Returning to the State Capitol for this post circa 1981 brings us The Jet Boys with a rare 45rpm.

The Jet Boys-Get The Kids Jumpin

The Jet Boys-I Don't Want To

THE WAITRESSES : AKRON

From 1977 comes a lesser known release from The Waitresses. For more info on the band, see their site HERE



The Waitresses-Clones

THE DEADLYS : COLUMBUS

Not alot of information can be found on The Deadlys only that this cut appeared on the Hillside sampler LP showcasing other bands from the city that gave us White Castle & Wendys. This song originally done by the Lovin' Spoonful was later released on the Pebbles Highs In the Mid Sixties comp. LP mentioned in an earlier post.

The Deadlys-On The Road Again

BOBBY LAWSON : WEST PORTSMOUTH

Here's a rare rockabilly 45 from 1958 on the M.R.C label by Bobby Lawson. Although he was born in Virginia, Bobby did migrate to Ohio to record this gem and dazzle audiences throughout the Buckeye state. Get his cool story here courtesy of The Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Bobby Lawson-Baby Don"t Be That Way

Bobby Lawson-If You Want My Love

THE MONZELS : LIMA

Not much info can be dug up on The Monzels. BuckeyeBeat,com thinks they were from Lima, so until someone can prove otherwise....let's go with it. What is known, is that their lone release on the small PRISM label has a smokin' surf cut with hints of Link Wray influence (at least to my ears!).

SEE UPDATE BY BAND FORMER BAND MEMEBER IN COMMENT SECTION....

The Monzels-Sharkskin

FREEMAN SOUND : CORTLAND

From 1970 comes this hard rockin' 2-sider by Freeman Sound. Released on the STARSHINE label. A cool version of the classic Merle Travis tune "Sixteen Tons" !


The band consisted of: L.J. Fortier-drums ; Kurt Sunderman-guitar ; Ray Escott-vocals ;John Harrow-lead guitar ; and Buster McCarthy-bass.

Freeman Sound-Sixteen Tons

Freeman Sound-Singin My Own Song


BONUS CUT: !!!

Freeman Sound-On The Way

THE CHYLDS : CANTON

The Chylds from Canton featured John Berecek- lead guitar ; Tim Hogan- gtr/keyboards ; Al Twiss- bass and Joe Vitale- drums. This is their first release from 1967 on the small GIANT record label. The same sides would be picked up later that year and released on the WARNER BROS. label. Vitale did some work with another Ohio native - Joe Walsh. He appears on some of Walsh's post James Gang solo LPs. "Hay Girl" appears on a few later released comp. LPs, including PEBBLES HIGHS IN THE MID-60's ..OHIO, mentioned in other posts here

The Chylds-Hay Girl


The Chylds-I Want More (Lovin')

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'

THE STATESMEN : CLEVELAND

Staying in the Lake Erie region...

I haven't found much info on The Statesmen other than this tune was released in 1967 on the TEMA label and appears to be their only release. It actually is a cover, done originally by The Clefs Of Lavender Hill.

The Statesmen-Stop and Get A Ticket

SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS : CLEVELAND

Probably the first madman of rock n roll came right from the Cleveland area. Jalacy "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins (1929-2000) had his big hit "I Put A Spell On You" in 1956. But his career lasted up until his death. One of the first to add theatrics to the stage with rock n roll, seen here with his sidekick skull 'Henry". There are many sites devoted to this legend if you search. But the cool thing is that he started it off here.... in the Buckeye state!


Screamin'Jay Hawkins-The Whammy

Screamin'Jay Hawkins-Little Demon

THE OUTCASTS : CINCINNATTI

I couldn't find much info on The Outcasts other than they were from the Cinci area. This rare release first came on on the PLATO label but can also be found on the Highs In The Mid-Sixties - Ohio comp. LP mentioned in another post.



The Outcasts-Loving You Sometimes

WILD HORSES : CLEVELAND

I remember seeing this "party" band back during my college days. They ALWAYS were a fun time. I was suprised to see that they are still going strong after all theses years. Check out their web site HERE. From their first LP, here's a couple of favorites by Wild Horses.

Wild Horses-Carbona Mona

Wild Horses-Funky Poodle

JOHNNY FORTUNE : WARREN

Hard to believe that surf music was being played just south of Lake Erie! The late (2006) Johnny Fortune was born in Warren and spent some of his early years in nearby Newton Falls. There are several sites devoted to his work, Google will help you!



Johnny Fortune-Lone Surfer

Johnny Fortune-Dragster

JOHNIE 3 : YOUNGSTOWN

Sounding much like the Ramones, Johnie 3 is current and could be seen at my old stomping grounds The Cedars Lounge. Check out the band's MySpace site HERE

Johnie-3-Over Her

JOHNNY AND THE HURRICANES : TOLEDO

One of the great instrumental bands that came to light in the late '50s was Johnny and the Hurricanes. Check out the site ran by the wife of the late Johnny Paris: johnnyandthehurricanes.com/

Here's a cool middle-eastern sounding effort.

Johnny and the Hurricanes-Sheeba

THE LEMON PIPERS : OXFORD

Though they are known for their hit "Green Tambourine" , a cut off their very first 45rpm release is presented here. On the rare CAROL record label, released in 1967, The Lemon Pipers do "Quiet Please" which has a Eddie Cochran sound ala "Summertime Blues".


The Lemon Pipers-Quiet Please

THE VIVIANS : CLEVELAND

From Cleveland circa 1989 comes a cut from The Vivians "Vivicide" 5-song LP. The band consisted of Diane Duncan vocals & clarinet ; Michele Temple guitar, fretless bass & backing vocals ; Rae Martello bass : and Scott Benedict drums. I haven't got much more in info on the band, but did catch them once in a small pub.




The Vivians-Black Widow