THEM : CINCINNATI

Not to be confused with the group from across the pond, Cinci's Them laid down some cool tracks as well. This cut comes from a KING label release. Check out Buckeye Beat for a nice write up & photos!

Them-Don't Look Now

THE CHILDREN OF DARKNESS : NEWARK

Here's a cool 45 from The Children of Darkness. Stop by Buckeye Beat (see sidebar) for an excellent write up on the band!

The Children Of Darkness-She's Mine

The Children Of Darkness-Sugar Shack A Go Go

JERRY CLAYTON : BEDFORD

Here's one for the season! Cool surf sound on both sides. Not much info...but works well for the Holiday.

Jerry Clayton-Santa Claus

Jerry Clayton-Metal Monster

TONY AND THE BANDITS : MIDDLETOWN

Here's the only two singles by Tony and the Bandits. Circa 1965 & 1966. The only member info I could find was Anthony J. Brazis.... Nice British invasion sound, right out of the Rust Belt!



Tony And The Bandits-(Oh No)I Can't Lose

Tony And The Bandits-I'm Goin' Away (From You)

JAY JOHNSON : CINCINNATI

Here's yet another mystery platter I can't find alot of info on: Jay Johnson with Earl Taylor & the Stoney Mt. Boys recorded this bluegrass gem on the rare ROCKET label. A tad beat as seen, but the pickin' gets me grinin' !!

Jay Johnson with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mt. Boys-My Old Home in Kentucky

THE PANICKS : AKRON

Here's a side from the second & last 45rpm release by The Panicks. Circa 1966. Much info on the band can be had over at Buckeye Beat (see link in sidebar).

The Panicks-You're My Baby

SISTER RAY : YOUNGSTOWN

Back in my college years, stuck in Ohio….one of my favorite bands to catch at the infamous Cedar’s Lounge was Sister Ray. Though they never hit the big time, not sure if they wanted it anyway, the band did record a boatload of material. Most recorded in Sam’s basement and distributed via cassettes. They were lucky enough to score a recording deal with Germany’s RESONANCE label for a few releases. They also managed to release a good number of singles, mostly on the band’s label at first (SAD) but others as well including SUB-POP!. Included here is a track from their very limited live cassette. Be sure to check out the comment section for an added BONUS!!!

Here’s a good interview from a few years back:

SISTER RAY

UPDATE: decided to dig out/post the show poster from the overseas tour (see Dave's comment for the inspiration!)





Sister Ray-I Can Only Give You Everything

JIMMY CRAIN : LIMA

Here's a trio of '50s rockers from three seperate labels by Jimmy Crain.





Jimmy Crain-Rock-A-Sock-A-Hop




Jimmy Crain-Shig-A-Shag






Jimmy Crain-Why Worry

THE ESCOS : HAMILTON

Staying put in the Hamilton area for a jumpin' R & B side by The Escos on the ESTA label. Haven't got much info on this one other than what is visible on the label shot.

The Escos-Chick-A-Dee

EDDIE PING : HAMILTON

Here's a sweet hillbilly side by Eddie Ping. Another mystery disk that I haven't been able to dig info on.

Eddie Ping-Bolt Up The Kitchen Door

KINGS ENGLISH : BUCYRUS

A cool two sider here from one of the several bands from Ohio named Kings English. There's a decent write up on the band over at Buckeye Beat (see side bar).

Kings English-It's Impossible

Kings English-You Couldn't See

THE VILLAGERS : DAYTON

Here's another gem I have little info on. The Villagers released this 45rpm in 1968. They came from the Dayton area. That's the only facts I got...

The Villagers-He's Not The Same

THE SHILLINGS : DAYTON

What little I could dig up on this 1967 offering from The Shillings, is that it was their first of only two 45s. Anyone with more knowledge???


The Shillings-Yesterday's Dawn

HAMMER DAMAGE : CLEVELAND

Here's a classic from 1979 by Cleveland's Hammer Damage. Get more info HERE

Hammer Damage-Automatic Lips

Hammer Damage-Laugh

DRY ICE : CINCINNATI

Yet another from the collection I have little info on... Dry Ice released this fun rocker on the JEWEL label. My ears tell me circa '70s (???). In any event, it does have a decent hook that makes it enjoyable.

Dry Ice-Don't Monkey With The Funky Skunky

SONNY FLAHARTY : DAYTON

Sonny Flaharty has been going strong since the late '50s. His styles changed with the times. Check out this trio to hear what I mean! Also, click on over to his web site HERE



Sonny Flaharty-Heartbreak Station





Sonny Flaharty and his Young American's-Coconut Stomp






Sonny Flaharty and the Mark V-Hey Conductor

RON AND THE MOTIONS : CINCINNATI

Here's one that don't have much info on: Ron and the Motions with mild rocker on the obscure KACKY label.

Ron and The Motions-Take Me Away

THE ALARM CLOCKS : PARMA

Here's a super scarce one from '66. The Alarm Clocks started out with Bruce Boehm guitar, Mike Pierce bass & vocals and Bill Schwark drums. Released on the AWAKE label, this one can demand big $$ on eBay. Check YOUTUBE for some of their recent outings


The Alarm Clocks-No Reason To Complain

EMERY BLADES : HAMILTON

Here's a cool country bopper from 1956. From my research, Emery Blades cut two 45s for the RUBY label (this being the 2nd) & one for the ARVIS label out of Cinci. Read an informative inteview with Emery HERE

Emery Blades-Look What You Done To Me

CLAY EAGER : SPRINGFIELD

On his own label, circa 1956 comes this Hank soundin' country weeper by Clay Eager.

Clay Eager-Railroader's Blues

FACE VALUE : CLEVELAND

Jumpin' ahead to the '90s for some hardcore out of Cleveland. Here's a pair from Face Value off their Coming of Age ep. See HERE lots of info on the band.

Face Value-Coming of Age

Face Value-Can't Take Much More

PINKY AND JIM JENKINS : CANTON

On the small PAMA label, heres a nice rocker by Pinky and Jim Jenkins with the Cliches. Info needed on this one, but for now...give 'em a listen!

Pinky and Jim Jenkins-Got Something For You Baby

DAN JOHNSON : CINCINNATI

Here's a (scratchy!) country bopper from 1958. Dan Johnson released this gem on the small M & J label. It has made a few recent appearences on compilation LPs.

Dan Johnson-My Ramblin's Over

ARTHUR GRISWOLD : TOLEDO

Here's a side off the first release from Arthur Griswold on the BUCKEYE label. This one appeared in 1974. He had two more releases for this small label.


Arthur Griswold-Look What The Fool Made Me Do

THE FIFTH ORDER : COLUMBUS

From Columbus, circa 1966...here's The Fifth Order. These sides were originally released on Cincinnati's COUNTERPART label before being picked up by DIAMOND. Check Buckeye Beat (link in sidebar) for more info on this band.

The Fifth Order-Goin' Too Far

The Fifth Order-Walkin' Away

THE COUPLINGS : DAYTON

From 1964 comes this sleazy novelty side by The Couplings. On the small PRISM label. It's short & to the point, clocking in at 1:25. I haven't dug up much more info on it. It did make an appearance on "The Big Itch Vol. 8" compilation LP.

The Couplings-Dill Tickle

LARRY THE THIRD : CINCINNATI

Yet another "find" I can't dig up info on. Per the song credit, it's Larry Smith III. Sounds mid-'60s with that folky twang. Larry The Third on the small Lucky label.

Larry the Third-Fascinating Truth

THE REFLECTIONS : MT. HEALTHY

I'm still trying to dig up info on this one. The Reflections on the small JEWEL label most likely originating from Cinci. Rusty York was involved here and he was affiliated with the legendary KING label. The sound is mid-60s with the welcomed keyboard riff. Any info....appreciated!

The Reflections-Love Is A Beautiful Thing

LITTLE FLINT : CINCINNATI

Still another band I couldn't dig up much info on.... I was told Little Flint may have been drom the Cinci area as that was where the Beast label was from. A good rocker that I bet kept many a bar jumpin !!


Little Flint-Gonna Have A Good Time

A PLANET FOR TEXAS : COLUMBUS

Here's a couple of hot ones from A Planet For Texas off their debut release circa 2000. On the Diaphragm label, do a Google hunt for more or to buy. THANKS to "Willie" for this one!!

A Planet For Texas-Stop Looking at My Girlfriend

A Planet For Texas-Big Dead Girl

THE HI-FI'S : CLEVELAND

Mentioned in an earlier post, here are The Hi Fi's on the WARWICK label. Still searchin' for info on this one...

The Hi Fi's-Mr.K Rocks The Blues

JO ANNE STOKES : CINCINNATI

I can't find any info on this 45rpm on the Cinci Vetco label. Kinda haunting vocals from Jo Anne Stokes. Anyone know of it???

Jo Anne Stokes-Weeds Above My Grave

LAST EXIT : BROOKVILLE

Not much info can be dug up on this, the only release by the Last Exit. From Buckeye Beat (see side-bar link), this gem was released around 1967. Nice riff along with the opening grunt, makes this a sure winner!

Last Exit-Fast One

RAVEN SLAUGHTER : CLEVELAND

With only one 45rpm release, Raven Slaughter left a decent mark in the Cleveland scene. Get the scoop on these '70s rockers HERE!

Raven Slaughter-Headed For The Top

THE HI FI'S : AKRON

I was searchin' the web for another band named The Hi Fi's from the '50s & stumbled across this short lived band. Check out their web site HERE The photo shows them performaning at John Teagle's wedding in 1993...yet another great Akron musician/author I have seen countless times while he was in The Walking Clampetts.

The Hi Fi's-Hurting You
The Hi Fi's-Can't Let Go

HUMAN BEINZ : YOUNGSTOWN

In the mid 60's The Human Beinz placed focus on Y-town with their national hit "Nobody But Me". That song still gets lots of play these days, a true classic! They signed with a major label, CAPITOL, but never was able to follow up. Check out the band's web site HERE. From the ultra rare live in Japan LP comes a few cuts:

The Human Beinz-Hold on Baby

The Human Beinz-I've Gotta Keep on Pushin'(studio outtake)

PAT STALLWORTH : CLEVELAND

Here's a rare soul / funk 45rpm circa 1974. Pat Stallworth on the FLY-BY-NITE label.

Pat Stallworth-Questions (pt.1)

ILLUMINATUS! : YOUNGSTOWN

From the Y-town/Sharon area, Illuminatus! was a band I would check out at the famous Cedars lounge. Band members include Tom Sailor, Tony Mentzer, Brian Johnson and Dan Sebastian. Check out more info on the band via their MySpace page HERE

Illuminatus!-Widow's Garden

Illuminatus!-Set Fire To This Town

A rare video glimpse of the band! :

WYNONA CARR : CLEVELAND

The first cut I ever heard from Wynona Carr was "Ding Dong Daddy" and it made its mark! I had to find out more about this incredible vocalist. There are several sites out there with her info along with compilation cds of her best.

Wynona Carr-Ding Dong Daddy

Wynona Carr-'Til the Well Runs Dry

THE WANTED & CO. : CINCINNATI

Here's another fantastic fuzz/punker I have very little info on. I was told The Wanted & Co. were from Cinci.....and that's about it! Very cool indie label release, I guessing late '60's ?? Any info will help on this one!

The Wanted & Co-Why

THE TRICK : YOUNGSTOWN

I really don't have much info on this one. I was told that The Trick were from Y-town and that's it. Judging from the sound, I'm guessing an early '70s release. A good funk/rocker none the less!

The Trick-Free As A Bird

BOBBY BOBO : BROOKFIELD

Here's a cool country bopper from Bobby Bobo on the SAGE label. Although the label is from the west coast, Bobby had his roots in the Ohio valley.



Bobby Bobo-Doggone,Longgone Blues

DON HART : CLEVELAND

Staying on the northcoast for this cool rockabilly side by Don Hart. Released in 1957 on the RESERVE label. Don takes aim at the King here!

Don Hart-Presley on Her Mind