SPARKS ON THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL TV SHOW 1974

 

Footage of GROUPS and SINGERS performing on TV SHOWS in the 70's turn up regularly on YouTube. They're always great to see, but more often than not, are unofficial and in fuzzy ' bootleg ' quality. THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL began a few months ago and sets a new standard that will hopefully be followed by others. The performances from the LEGENDARY US TV SHOW are all fully remastered and restored from the original tapes and a wealth of great artists from the era are included. A recent addition to this amazing archive is a dazzling four song set from SPARKS that was originally broadcast on November 15, 1974. All four numbers were taken from their third studio album '' KIMONO MY HOUSE ''

The Midnight Special YouTube Channel

ARTHUR BROWN - SUPERSONIC 75

Footage of Psychedelic shaman ARTHUR BROWN performing his reworking of THE ANIMALS classic ''WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE'' on the UK Pop Show SUPERSONIC. Wearing an incongruous ensemble of double denim and gold wellies he makes full use of the studio perspex stairway, pacing and gesticulating wildly as only the god of hell fire is able! Enjoy and if you are not already acquainted with the GULL LP ''DANCE'' { from which the song was taken } there is a handy link that enables you to listen to the whole thing on YouTube at the end of this post


 

Arthur Brown - Dance (1974) FULL ALBUM

CUE ANDY BOWN and CUE SUPERSONIC!

ANDY BOWN was a former member of 60's teen sensations THE HERD { a band that was fronted by a young PETER FRAMPTON } Following their demise he recorded a couple of solo LPs before making his first contribution to the GLAM ROCK ERA with the bowiesque single ''NEW YORK SATYRICON ZANY'' in 1974. The following year saw the first broadcast of the UK Pop TV Show SUPERSONIC! and Bown was asked to supply a theme to play over the opening credits

The show was presented by film and music producer MIKE MANSFIELD and lasted for a couple years, capturing many of the classic UK GLAM ROCK acts towards the end of their respective time in the limelight. The high energy GLAM BOOGIE number that Bown composed for the show was a perfect fit. Sounding like ROY WOODS WIZZARD and STATUS QUO having a frantic jam on ''THE TIME WARP'' from THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, it had every kid sitting on the edge of their seat in eager anticipation of each weeks show!

LINDA LEWIS - ROCK A- DOODLE DOO - TOTP 1973

Amazing 'thought to be lost' footage of LINDA LEWIS performing her first UK CHART hit ROCK A- DOODLE DOO on TOP OF THE POPS. Tapes of the original show were wiped, but thankfully this Black and White recording has been unearthed. The record peaked at 15 in July 1973

DANCING AT THE HAMMERSMTH PALAIS 1973

Raw footage used in a Thames TV report on the popular LONDON DANCE HALL in 1973

See: FLYOVER - THE HAMMERSMITH HUSTLE  for more on The Palais:
http://denimdisco.blogspot.com/2019/10/flyover-hammersmith-hustle.html

MUD - LIVE IN HELSINKI 1975

Amazing footage of the premier league GLAM GODS performing in front of a wildly enthusiastic teen audience!

Setlist
0:00 - Intro / The Cat Crept In
4:37 - Pranks / Nite on the Tiles
9:13 - Oh Boy
12:15 - Rock&Roll pt 2 / R.U.Man Enough
16:25 - Shake It Down
20:44 - Kisses for me / Tallahassee Lassie
26:23 - Dyna Mite
30:50 - Tiger Feet

GINO VANNELLI'S SOUL TRAIN DEBUT

GINO VANNELI was a Canadian singer who combined JAZZ,POP,ROCK and SOUL influences in a captivating and unique fashion.''PEOPLE GOTTA MOVE'' {a SOULFUL LATIN DANCE tune from his 1974 LP ''POWERFUL PEOPLE''} began to pick up plays on BLACK RADIO in the U.S.A and a chance meeting with STEVIE WONDER led to him being offered a support slot on a short tour {replacing an unavailable CHAKA KHAN}.The tune was released on 7'' and shortly after DON CORNELIOUS got in touch and offered a spot on his SOUL TRAIN TV Show.Gino was only the second non black artist to appear on the show {the first being the veteran MOTOWN session guitarist DENNIS COFFEY}.He put in a stellar performance and received an enthusiastic response from THE SOUL TRAIN GANG.The song went onto reach Number 22 in THE BILLBOARD HOT 100

PADDY KINGSLAND - TEARAWAY

PADDY KINGSLAND is an ELECTRONIC MUSIC composer.best known for being a member of THE BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP and for his work for 1970's TELEVISION shows such as DOCTOR WHO,THE CHANGES and THE HITCHHICKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY.He eschewed the MUSIQUE CONCRETE approach of the early workshop musicians and utilised synthesisers like the EMS VCS 3 and the EMS SYNTHI 100 to make catchy and tuneful music.A good example of his work is ''TEARAWAY'' which was recorded for the MUSIC LIBRARY label AMPHONIC MUSIC and was presumably used to accompany news footage and dramatized portrayals of young FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS and other JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

RAY BURDIS AND FLINTLOCK - I HATE ROSLA

''I Hate ROSLA, I Hate ROSLA
The Raising Of The School Leaving Age''

''From When I was 14,I used To Sit And Dream
Another Year To Go And I'll Be Working
They Gone And Raised The Age,Another Year To Go
A Year In This Prison Camp,Oh No!''

RAY BURDIS was a familiar face on UK TV during the mid to late 70's,often playing characters that were 'A Little Bit Lively'.The working class Londoner was one of the first pupils to attend THE ANNA SHEER DRAMA SCHOOL in ISLINGTON when it was founded in 1968.The school was set up to enable disadvantaged children to find a way into acting.It's reputation grew rapidly and it was soon supplying actors for the stage and screen.

In 1975 actors from the school were enlisted to write and perform in the TV show YOU MUST BE JOKING.the program featured topical and satirical sketches,news items and live music from a semi professional pop group FLINTLOCK.All the performers {apart from one presenter,JIM BOWEN} were teenagers and the brash and informal style of the show was cutting edge for it's time

FLINTLOCK performed as a self contained unit and as a backing band when the presenters sang satirical songs.One of the most memorable of these was ''ROSLA'',a song about the recent rise in the age that teenagers could legally leave school.The number with it's 'shouty' vocals and 'unmannered' playing prefigures the DIY PUNK sound of THE DESPERATE BICYCLES by a couple of years



Burdis continued to dabble in music and formed the PUNK/METAL band GREAT BRITISH HEROES the following year.The band were part the LONDON 'NEW WAVE' scene and played at venues like THE ROXY,THE NASHVILLE and THE ROCKGARDEN.A 7'' single was recorded for LIGHTNING RECORDS in 1978,but was withdrawn before release



Ray quit the band shortly after to concentrate on acting.He continued to act in Film and TV and went onto produce and direct

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - VERSION TO VERSION

KRISTINE SPARKLE began her recording career in the mid 1960's and experienced minor fame as part of the group FAMILY DOG at the turn of the decade. By the start of the 70's she was establishing herself on the UK CABARET CIRCUIT and appeared on TV SHOWS like BBC TV's CRACKERJACK {in which she sang and performed in sketches}

During this time she released a number of 45's for the DECCA label and in 1974 was offered ''GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN'' a song written by PAUL CURTIS.The recording was a step on from the GLAM POP novelty style of her previous Decca releases,being a well crafted and deftly orchestrated POP SOUL number.The song seemed perfectly placed to make headway at a time when SOPHISTI-SOUL from the likes of BARRY WHITE and PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL recording artists were showing good sales in the UK




Sales proved to be thin despite the quality of the record and it was to be Kristine's last recording for DECCA.She switched to the POWER EXCHANGE label,dropping her surname and increasing sales with ''PUSSYCAT TIGER'' and the self penned ''DEVIL WOMAN'',a song which CLIFF RICHARD would later cover and earn a huge hit with

Meanwhile DECCA were intent on getting a hit with ''GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN'' and a further version was recorded and released in 1976.This time the song was given a stonger backbeat and a more upfront feel in keeping with the early DISCO productions that were enticing feet onto the dancefloor. The vocals were handled by CISSY STONE who led a hardworking band on the BIRMINGHAM club scene.The band appeared on the TV talent show NEW FACES and at one time included future SPECIALS keyboard man JERRY DAMMERS

This version seems to have done better business.It was spun at the leading NORTHERN SOUL venue THE WIGAN CASINO and receives plays on that scene to this day

ZENDA JACKS ON TOPPOP

TopPop was a Dutch TV Show which ran weekly from 1970 untill 1988.A number of performances are now available on their YouTube channel including this one by ZENDA JACKS.
''RUB MY TUMMY'' was her debut 45.It picked up a decent amount of radio spins in the UK and was a minor hit in '74



Click this link to see more performances from the TopPop archive:

https://www.youtube.com/user/webportalavro?feature=watch

IT'S CRUNCH TIME!

I never thought I would see footage of the super obscure UK glam rockers CRUNCH powering their way through the BOVVER STOMPIN' classic ''LET'S DO IT AGAIN,but look what's just turned up on YouTube! Stare in wonder as the boys clad in pastel leather and silver platforms give it their all for an exuberant audience on the SWISS TV SHOW ''HITS A GO GO'' 

JUNKSHOP SENSATION CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Recently unearthed in the vaults of a DUTCH TV company: THE SENSATION performing ''BLACK EYED WOMAN'' on an episode of TOP POP televised on 1st June 1973.This JUNKSHOP GLAM obscurity was given a new lease of life in 2005 when it was included on the compilation ''BOOBS'' and it's wonderful to see a clip of them in their SUPER 70's POMP!

 

PETER BLAKE - CLEVER DICK

This POST GLAM NEW WAVE POP gem appeared in 1977 as the B-SIDE to a PEPSI-COLA related novelty song by actor PETER BLAKE.The A-SIDE: ''LIPSMAKIN' ROCK 'N ROLLIN''' was recorded as the follow on to a popular UK TV commercial which featured the actor playing a FONZ type ROCKER in a retro 1950's DINER

The record sold 125,000 copies,reaching number 39 in the UK HIT PARADE and allowing Blake to perform the top side on British TV shows 'Top of the Pops' and 'Magpie'

The records B-SIDE was SOMETHIN' ELSE entirely:The raunch of EDDIE CHOCRAN coupled with the swagger of CHRIS SPEDDING over a highly kinetic group sound featuring raucous ROXY MUSIC saxophone blasts and pounding GLITTER BAND Drums.The song has one foot in the departing sound of GLAM and another in the oncoming sound of THE NEW WAVE. Perfect for it's time and still a treat when heard today!

THE HOLLIES - DRAGGIN' MY HEELS

Like many others THE HOLLIES were looking to the DISCO DANCE FLOOR for inspiration in 1976.They released a DISCO NOVELTY 45 called ''WIGGLE THAT WOTSIT'',but the song was evidently too great a departure from the HARMONY POP style that the group were known for and the record failed to click with the public.Ironically tucked away on the B-SIDE was an awesome tune that cleverly combined the great harmony vocals the band were known for with a DEEP/LATIN/ FUNK GROOVE


THE HOLLIES - DRAGGIN' MY HEELS



The song was included on the LP RUSSIAN ROULETTE which came out the same year and the group also laid down a brilliant upfront version of the song on the TV POP SHOW ''SUPERSONIC''.
Check it out here and listen in wonder at Pete Wingfield energetic runs on the white grand piano!


THE HOLLIES - DRAGGIN' MY HEELS - LIVE ON SUPERSONIC



So much for the UK record buying public then.''DRAGGIN' MY HEELS'' would surely have been added to the list of great records that never received their due recognition had it not been picked up and spun by taste making NEW YORK DJs:DAVID MANCUSO and LARRY LEVAN.Both were known for diggin' deep and seeking out music from around the globe.Many of the obscure and unusual discs they played crossed over to the playlists of DJs in the more mainstream clubs and as a result of their interest EPIC RECORDS in the US released an EXTENDED 12'' DANCE 'EDIT' of the song in 1977.


THE HOLLIES - DRAGGIN' MY HEELS - SPECIAL DISCO VERSION



The song never broke in a major way but over the years it's legend grew.In 1989 EPIC reissued the 12'' MIX as part of their ''MIX MASTERS'' series.In 1995 it appeared as a track on ''LOFT CLASSICS VOLUME 14'' and again in 2010 on the LP ''DOWN TO THE SEA AND BACK - THE CONTINUING JOURNEY OF THE BALEARIC BEAT''.The song certainly has a timeless quality about it.DJ LOUIE VEGA AND THE ELEMENTS OF LIFE have recently released a cover of the song with an arrangement and production that is near identical to the original!


Time waits for no one
And I wasted my time
Got to the crossroads
But took the wrong sign

I'd go too far
Didn't know how she'd feel
Stupid of me
To be draggin' my heels

Oh, oh, oh, draggin' my heels
Oh, oh, oh, draggin' my heels, heels

COME IN BUDGIE! - A DENIM DISCO MIX

A DENIM DISCO MIX inspired by the classic 70's TV programme BUDGIE

Tracklist:

01 - Cold Turkey - Nobody's Fool
02 - Percy Thrillington - Smile Away
03 - Fulham Football Team - Fulham Stomp
04 - The Peddlers - Back Alley Jane
05 - The Tremeloes - Long Road
06 - Kincade - Dreams Are Ten A Penny
07 - Alan Hawkshaw - It's All At The Co-Op Now 
o8 - Keith Mansfield - Step Forward
09 - Mungo Jerry - Alright Alright Alright
10 - Third World War - Shepherds Bush Cowboy
11 - Fresh - Hit & Run
12 - Redhead - We Ran And We Ran
13 - Hello - Keeps Us Off The Streets
14 - Brian Protheroe - Fly Now
15 - Asha Puthli - Lies 
16 - Alan Price - Sell Sell
17 - Paul McCartney & Wings - Zoo Gang
18 - Brian Bennett - Chase Side Shoot Up
19 - Paddy Kingsland - Tearaway 
20 - Willy Zango - Hot Rod
21 - Soul Stage Orchestra - Grandstand
22 - Ray Martin - News At Ten Theme
23 - Nick Harrison - The Theme From Budgie




Download An MP3 Of The Mix {With Artwork} Here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/7f627tft2zed6i7/Come_In_Budgie!.zip

1970's TV GOLD - BUDGIE

                                   ''From the bright busy streets of the Charing Cross Road

                                    To the dark little alleys in old Soho

                                    From the smart noisy clubs where everybody goes

                                    To the dark little streets that nobody knows''

BUDGIE was one of the great BRITISH TV DRAMA series of the 1970's.It was first broadcast in the UK during 1971/72 and has become one of the most fondly remembered TV Shows of the era.The programme showed the gritty reality of everyday life in a way that was rarely touched upon in other TV shows of the day and the passing of time has not lessened the shows impact
 

                                    

The central role of small time crook RONALD 'BUDGIE' BIRD was played by the former teen pop idol ADAM FAITH.Faith had only really dabbled in acting before.He'd performed in a couple of movies in the wake of his chart success and after the pop career tailed off he appeared in some minor theatrical roles. The show was created by two experienced and successful writers:KEITH WATERHOUSE and WILLIS HALL and a few eyebrows were raised when they choose Faith for the lead role

                                     

Throughout the series Bird attempts to become a player in the SOHO CRIMINAL UNDERWORLD. He possesses of a fair degree of charm,but a lack of the requisite amount of cunning places him firmly at the bottom of the criminal 'food chain' 

Faith played the part with such conviction that the public began to question where RONALD BIRD finished and where ADAM FAITH began.During a 1974 TV interview RUSSEL HARTY said to Faith that he would be ''Frightened to come up against you in a dark alley''.Adam was forced to remind him ''Thats Budgie,thats not me.I can't help what Budgie is''.Another striking character in the programme was the gangster Charlie Endell {played by IAN CUTHBERTSON}.Cuthbertson stood at 6ft4 and also turned in a remarkably believable performance.I doubt if  HARTY would have even walked into a room if 'Charlie Endell' had been present!
 

   

The show proved to be incredibly popular and soon every 'JACK THE LAD' worth his salt would be attempting to emulate BUDGIE in the fashion stakes.In an early episode Faith wore a short zip up cotton jacket by STIRLING COOPER which had large lapels and patch pockets in contrasting colours. Similar jackets were also manufactured in suede and leather and these became known as 'BUDGIE' jackets.

 

 
The 'FEATHERED' haircut he sported in the show {created by KEITH WAINWRIGHT of SMILE} was also widely emulated.Before long the BUDGIE haircut and jacket teamed with FLARED trousers,wide collared shirt and broad STACK HEELED became THE LOOK for working class white males in the UK and made ADAM FAITH the much emulated 'FACE' of STREET FAHION.

BUDGIE was more than just a character in a TV drama show. BUDGIE was no less than THE WIDE BOY JAMES DEAN OF THE TELEVISION SCREEN!

                                                          
                            ADAM FAITH.THE JESUS OF COOL WITH HIS ERBERT' DISCIPLES

                                                 
                                                           
                            The complete 1st and 2nd series is now available on DVD:

                               http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=314

                            You would be well advised to snap em’ up sharpish.

                             Now would I sell you wrong Squire?

THE HACKNEY VANDAL PATROL

                            
                           WATCH OUT WATCH OUT THERE'S AN 'ERBET ABOUT!

                         
          A TV DOCUMENTRY shot mainly on HACKNEY'S KINGSMEAD ESTATE in 1976


                           ''DO YOU EVER THINK THAT YOUR DOING WRONG?''

                           ''I KNOW I'M DOING WRONG BUT I JUST DON'T CARE''


 

Alvin Stardust At The Wheeltappers - Working Man's Glam

Alvin putting in a dynamic performance at THE WHEELTAPPERS AND SHUNTERS SOCIAL CLUB in 1975.The wheeltappers was a TV VARIETY SHOW set a fictional WORKING MEN'S CLUB in the North of England. Given that the programme generally featured acts who worked the club circuit, the appearance of a high flying chart act like Mr Stardust is slightly incongruous but  highly pleasurable!