Greetings from deepest Wales, UK. It's good to see those early Johnny Rivers albums getting some exposure. It's worth acknowledging that 'Summer Rain' was actually written by James Hendricks, and it appeared on his own very nice album 'Songs of ...' from (I think) '68 ... Hendricks had previously been in The Big Three with Cass Elliot (to whom he was married for a while) and Tim Rose, and subsequently formed the Mugwumps. Rather like Mars Bonfire and 'Born to be Wild', the regular royalty income from 'Summer Rain' must have been welcome! I have a feeling Rivers and Hendricks shared the same management, hence the tie-up. I attended the Folk Alliance Conference in New Orleans in Jan. 2020, just before the pandemic: the first live gig I attended there was Tom Rush, who was terrific: modest but charismatic, and still blessed with a lovely voice ... So glad I saw him.
I see you saved the best for last, the Realization Album by Johnny Rivers. An album that doesn’t receive the attention it so deserves as stated, forgotten. It’s a great album with great tracks such as Look To Your Soul, The Way We Live, Going Back to Big Sur and Summer Rain. The entire album is fantastic and Rivers did a superb job on this one and really worth a listen.
Wow, great to see some love for 'Realization'! I had this back in '68, and was lucky to find an absolutely mint copy a few years back (just try to find a copy without ring wear). 'Summer Rain' was the big hit, but 'Look to Your Soul' was great as well, and contains some of Carol Kaye's great bass work...
Always loved this series. Johnny Rivers was such a great artist. Secret Agent Man was the best. I loved the intro to the tv program , rivers is singing, “ he’s giving you a number and taking away your name.” And all you see is the tail lights of a 58 t-bird , and dust flying. LA Reggae was my favorite album.
I was 14 years old when I bought this Johnny Rivers album when it was first released - I loved that album - kinda' made this east coast white, suburban kid feel like being a part of the hippie culture - records really ment something back then.
I lived in Santa Cruz for 30 years and got to know some of those guys around town. Our Beloved is a rich, eclectic, perfect pop album, and an excellent representation of Santa Cruz in the 80s. An Incredible band that should get more attention. Thanks for showcasing them. The one before this, the self titled one, is their psychedelic masterpiece by the way.
And…stupidly…he’s yet to be considered for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, illegitimate as that institution is. “Summer Rain” never fails to make me weep. Just something about that song an its sentiments. Love, Kazzy
Will have to check out that Mars Bonfire release. I'm always on the look-out for 'before they were famous' kind of albums since first hearing "Child is Father to the Man" and early Steve Miller and I'll even give that Johnny Rivers album a go, even though I'm not a fan. Wonderful to see the Campers here; "Beloved" is still one of my favorite albums of the 80s. Just recently did that dive into Silver Jews catalogue stemming from an autoplay suggestion of a Purple Mountains track and it went from there. Great upload.
I’ll never forget picking up that Camper Van Beethoven album when it came out. I loved the music, but that album cover with the scored stamps was beautifully designed and I had to get it. Thanks for reminding me, I’m going to spin that tonight.
“Of all the versions of my recorded songs, The Johnny Rivers one was my favorite. It was obvious that we were from the same side of town, had been read the same citations, came from the same musical family and were cut from the same cloth.” - BOB DYLAN (commenting on Positively 4th Street in his autobiography Chronicles Vol. 1)
Love those records that are not highly well known but loved by folks like you and me. I have a nice copy of John Sebastian's Tarzana Kid that I bought on holiday in New Orleans years ago that I'd put in he same category. All power to you, Mazzy.
Really enjoyed your video. Love Johnny Rivers and I will be looking for that album. I don't see much of his records used. Tom Rush another artist I need to check out. Take Care!
Real good set of records Mazzy.!! Classic Mars Bonfire that I hadn't heard and what power rocking music is material by him as I find listening to stuff from him online. Realization by Johnny Rivers classic that I so love with the songs Summer Rain and the other tracks songs of psychedelic and have on vinyl myself. Its one of good albums he has that resonates with me and so many people. The album does work with a fine album I agree with.
Santa Cruz early-mid-80s I knew CVB's music only from their first couple of records. Very fun, eclectic, humorous. A bit later I ran into a friend I knew from Santa Cruz at a CVB show in Berkeley and asked him if the band was new to him. "Not really, I'm in the band." He'd never mention this to me prior. David Lowery wrote and co-wrote some great, thoughtful songs. "Sweethearts" from their album 'Key Lime Pie' is my favorite. It succinctly summarizes the America of the 1980s. Not your average rock song. What a talent.
That Mars bonfire album, if it was 1968 and recorded in California it was probably the wrecking crew that played on it they did lots of work for multiple musicians in the late 60s throughout the 70s lots Artist artists and included the Ron Hicklin singers that did back up vocals with the wrecking crew. I remember they did almost every late 6070s single you can think of including the partridge family Anita Kerr Mark Lindsey BJ Thomas Gary Lewis and the playboys which was done totally by the backup singers. thank you Mazzy for your wonderful videos I'm addicted! There are documentaries on the wrecking crew and the singers here on RUclips check them out if you have time
I picked up "Take a little walk with me" by Tom Rush for cheap because I liked the album cover I still haven't listened to it yet but I never knew he had things to do with other artist very interesting!
On your take of Mars Bonfire: I saw Sparrow at the Avalon Ballroom, and there was a rumor that someoneI knew filled in as a guitar player for them (doubt if that story panned out). John Kay played at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass a few years ago as a solo blues singer, which I thoroughly enjoyed.I enjoy your videos, as you remind me of a baseball card collector, who whips a card out at random, and recite their history, and stats.
hey mazzy..i remember the very first band i had back in the day, and one of my favorite songs to sing was secret agent man..always a great closer... hope you are staying well my friend..peace always.. rocky
Hey Mazzy. Love that Tom Rush album. Urge for Going (Joni Mitchell) and No Regrets are just fantastic. Also, that Johnny Rivers album is really great. I'll check out that Mars Bonfire....didn't know that album at all. I saw Camper Van Beethoven open for 10,000 Maniacs back in '88. They were great in concert.
A great eclectic selection. Maybe its because I'm British but I've not heard of these artists. Always thought it was a shame that Virgin moved on from the two virgins label.
When I think “fantastic singles” for some reason the many ep and single and maxi single release by tears for fears and Depeche Mode come to mind. I wonder how you saw that music when it came around. That would be a cool vid!
Coincidentally, I'm getting my motorcycle fixed. Squishy front brake. Listening to Mars Born to be Mild. John Kay definitely added something to the song. Definitely Thanks!
Great review again! I love Johnny RIvers. He also started the careers of Jimmy Webb and Fifth Dimension. Only minus for this album is his singing at the start of the chorus of Whiter shade of pale: And so it was, baby... (instead of later) I guess they did not really hear what Gary Brooker sang in the chorus :) . Summer rain is better than the songwriter's own version. Rivers had that haunting sound in his voice that captures right away.
Johnny Rivers was/is a great artist. "Secret Agent Man" was a big favorite of mine as a young person. "Summer Rain" is a classic. Also love "Going Back to Big Sur" mostly because I love Big Sur. Really enjoy your channel and insights. I bought that GWW St. Valentine's Day Massacre box (3 LPs), that is on your shelf above your rt. shoulder, when it was released. In addition to that I was fortunate enough to see the concert that comprises most of that box, 2-14-74 LA Forum, Second Show (Late Show). I wonder if you could help with a question I have about photos? I understand that you have worked with many photographers, and that you have knowledge about the business. I have a few photos from concerts and sporting events that I would like to share on my you tube channel. These photos are not copyrighted. I do not want to put them on y-tube if there is a risk of someone using them without my say-so. What do you think about this? Is it worth it to copyright the photos? Or should I try to add a watermark to the images? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Cool to see a plug for Johnny Rivers and Mars Bonfire. I thought I was one of maybe 50 people on the west coast that knew of and loved that Mars LP. I have the original Uni copy, it has another better track on it.
Of all the various cover versions, my favorites are Hombre Secreto by The Plugz (Repo Man soundtrack) and a Venice Beach busker doing “Secret Asian Man” (indeed he was of asian descent)
Greetings from deepest Wales, UK. It's good to see those early Johnny Rivers albums getting some exposure. It's worth acknowledging that 'Summer Rain' was actually written by James Hendricks, and it appeared on his own very nice album 'Songs of ...' from (I think) '68 ... Hendricks had previously been in The Big Three with Cass Elliot (to whom he was married for a while) and Tim Rose, and subsequently formed the Mugwumps. Rather like Mars Bonfire and 'Born to be Wild', the regular royalty income from 'Summer Rain' must have been welcome! I have a feeling Rivers and Hendricks shared the same management, hence the tie-up.
I attended the Folk Alliance Conference in New Orleans in Jan. 2020, just before the pandemic: the first live gig I attended there was Tom Rush, who was terrific: modest but charismatic, and still blessed with a lovely voice ... So glad I saw him.
I see you saved the best for last, the Realization Album by Johnny Rivers. An album that doesn’t receive the attention it so deserves as stated, forgotten. It’s a great album with great tracks such as Look To Your Soul, The Way We Live, Going Back to Big Sur and Summer Rain. The entire album is fantastic and Rivers did a superb job on this one and really worth a listen.
Johnny River was always one of my favorites. I told my kids to play Summer Rain at my funeral.
Overjoyed Johnny Rivers was highlighted! He made some great albums that should not be overlooked! Thanks!
He sure did 🎸
Wow, great to see some love for 'Realization'! I had this back in '68, and was lucky to find an absolutely mint copy a few years back (just try to find a copy without ring wear). 'Summer Rain' was the big hit, but 'Look to Your Soul' was great as well, and contains some of Carol Kaye's great bass work...
Love Johnny Rivers, I have a few albums..👌
Always loved this series. Johnny Rivers was such a great artist. Secret Agent Man was the best. I loved the intro to the tv program , rivers is singing, “ he’s giving you a number and taking away your name.” And all you see is the tail lights of a 58 t-bird , and dust flying. LA Reggae was my favorite album.
I was 14 years old when I bought this Johnny Rivers album when it was first released - I loved that album - kinda' made this east coast white, suburban kid feel like being a part of the hippie culture - records really ment something back then.
Realization - One of my favorite albums.
I'm glad that you reviewed Jhnny Rivers. I bought copy about a year ago and never really listened to the whole thing!! Go na pull it and listen!
I lived in Santa Cruz for 30 years and got to know some of those guys around town. Our Beloved is a rich, eclectic, perfect pop album, and an excellent representation of Santa Cruz in the 80s. An Incredible band that should get more attention. Thanks for showcasing them. The one before this, the self titled one, is their psychedelic masterpiece by the way.
And…stupidly…he’s yet to be considered for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, illegitimate as that institution is. “Summer Rain” never fails to make me weep. Just something about that song an its sentiments. Love, Kazzy
Will have to check out that Mars Bonfire release. I'm always on the look-out for 'before they were famous' kind of albums since first hearing "Child is Father to the Man" and early Steve Miller and I'll even give that Johnny Rivers album a go, even though I'm not a fan. Wonderful to see the Campers here; "Beloved" is still one of my favorite albums of the 80s. Just recently did that dive into Silver Jews catalogue stemming from an autoplay suggestion of a Purple Mountains track and it went from there. Great upload.
I’ll never forget picking up that Camper Van Beethoven album when it came out. I loved the music, but that album cover with the scored stamps was beautifully designed and I had to get it. Thanks for reminding me, I’m going to spin that tonight.
“Of all the versions of my recorded songs, The Johnny Rivers one was my favorite. It was obvious that we were from the same side of town, had been read the same citations, came from the same musical family and were cut from the same cloth.” - BOB DYLAN (commenting on Positively 4th Street in his autobiography Chronicles Vol. 1)
That’s right. Had forgotten 🤠
Love those records that are not highly well known but loved by folks like you and me. I have a nice copy of John Sebastian's Tarzana Kid that I bought on holiday in New Orleans years ago that I'd put in he same category. All power to you, Mazzy.
I mention Realization in my top 10 favorite albums to play on my channel. Such an underrated album that deserves an upgraded treatment for sure.
Circle game is gorgeous
Just picked up an Aussie Vinyl pressing of Realisation on the weekend . Love "Brother where are you"
Such a great song
Really enjoyed your video. Love Johnny Rivers and I will be looking for that album. I don't see much of his records used. Tom Rush another artist I need to check out. Take Care!
Real good set of records Mazzy.!! Classic Mars Bonfire that I hadn't heard and what power rocking music is material by him as I find listening to stuff from him online. Realization by Johnny Rivers classic that I so love with the songs Summer Rain and the other tracks songs of psychedelic and have on vinyl myself. Its one of good albums he has that resonates with me and so many people. The album does work with a fine album I agree with.
My favorite thing on Tom Rush's Circle Game is "Urge For Going." Really meditative. Sort of reminds me of Gordon Lightfoot.
Santa Cruz early-mid-80s I knew CVB's music only from their first couple of records. Very fun, eclectic, humorous. A bit later I ran into a friend I knew from Santa Cruz at a CVB show in Berkeley and asked him if the band was new to him. "Not really, I'm in the band." He'd never mention this to me prior. David Lowery wrote and co-wrote some great, thoughtful songs. "Sweethearts" from their album 'Key Lime Pie' is my favorite. It succinctly summarizes the America of the 1980s. Not your average rock song. What a talent.
Great story!
That Mars bonfire album, if it was 1968 and recorded in California it was probably the wrecking crew that played on it they did lots of work for multiple musicians in the late 60s throughout the 70s lots Artist artists and included the Ron Hicklin singers that did back up vocals with the wrecking crew. I remember they did almost every late 6070s single you can think of including the partridge family Anita Kerr Mark Lindsey BJ Thomas Gary Lewis and the playboys which was done totally by the backup singers. thank you Mazzy for your wonderful videos I'm addicted! There are documentaries on the wrecking crew and the singers here on RUclips check them out if you have time
Yeah I thought about the Wrecking Crew. Your probably correct
I picked up "Take a little walk with me" by Tom Rush for cheap because I liked the album cover I still haven't listened to it yet but I never knew he had things to do with other artist very interesting!
On your take of Mars Bonfire: I saw Sparrow at the Avalon Ballroom, and there was a rumor that someoneI knew filled in as a guitar player for them (doubt if that story panned out). John Kay played at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass a few years ago as a solo blues singer, which I thoroughly enjoyed.I enjoy your videos, as you remind me of a baseball card collector, who whips a card out at random, and recite their history, and stats.
Tom Rush lives in Vermont and plays around New England fairly often.
hey mazzy..i remember the very first band i had back in the day, and one of my favorite songs to sing was secret agent man..always a great closer...
hope you are staying well my friend..peace always..
rocky
I love both the Tom Rush and Johnny Rivers albums.
Thanks for new picks and forgotten gems!
Hey Mazzy. Love that Tom Rush album. Urge for Going (Joni Mitchell) and No Regrets are just fantastic. Also, that Johnny Rivers album is really great. I'll check out that Mars Bonfire....didn't know that album at all. I saw Camper Van Beethoven open for 10,000 Maniacs back in '88. They were great in concert.
Campver is quirky and fun!
camper van beethoven was the 80`s version of kaleidoscope...i love them both...
A great eclectic selection. Maybe its because I'm British but I've not heard of these artists. Always thought it was a shame that Virgin moved on from the two virgins label.
That Mars Bonfire album is cool. I’ve never heard that Johnny Rivers album.
When I think “fantastic singles” for some reason the many ep and single and maxi single release by tears for fears and Depeche Mode come to mind. I wonder how you saw that music when it came around. That would be a cool vid!
Coincidentally, I'm getting my motorcycle fixed. Squishy front brake. Listening to Mars Born to be Mild. John Kay definitely added something to the song. Definitely Thanks!
I have that shirt, Mazzy. One of my favorites.
Love that X T!
Great review again! I love Johnny RIvers. He also started the careers of Jimmy Webb and Fifth Dimension. Only minus for this album is his singing at the start of the chorus of Whiter shade of pale: And so it was, baby... (instead of later) I guess they did not really hear what Gary Brooker sang in the chorus :) . Summer rain is better than the songwriter's own version. Rivers had that haunting sound in his voice that captures right away.
It’s a crime that Johnny Rivers is not in the R&R HOF.
Awww...Steppenwolf !!!! My very first concert I attended in the early 70s in Charleston, WV. I think the tkt price was $13.
Johnny Rivers was/is a great artist. "Secret Agent Man" was a big favorite of mine as a young person. "Summer Rain" is a classic. Also love "Going Back to Big Sur" mostly because I love Big Sur.
Really enjoy your channel and insights.
I bought that GWW St. Valentine's Day Massacre box (3 LPs), that is on your shelf above your rt. shoulder, when it was released. In addition to that I was fortunate enough to see the concert that comprises most of that box, 2-14-74 LA Forum, Second Show (Late Show).
I wonder if you could help with a question I have about photos? I understand that you have worked with many photographers, and that you have knowledge about the business.
I have a few photos from concerts and sporting events that I would like to share on my you tube channel. These photos are not copyrighted. I do not want to put them on y-tube if there is a risk of someone using them without my say-so. What do you think about this?
Is it worth it to copyright the photos? Or should I try to add a watermark to the images? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
So redlands CA is a place that’s know to San Franciscan/Seattle types huh? Thats pretty cool
Some of us yes!
Secret Agent Man. Giving you a number and taking away your name
Cool to see a plug for Johnny Rivers and Mars Bonfire. I thought I was one of maybe 50 people on the west coast that knew of and loved that Mars LP. I have the original Uni copy, it has another better track on it.
I didn’t hear this Mars albums for many years. Still haven’t heard his first ✌🏼
@@mazzysmusic The UNI release is the same tracks - just one different one. Better cover though!
Dennis Edmonton’s real name was Dennis Eugene McCrohan! 😲 😲 😲 😲 😲 😲 😊😊😊😊😊
Is that an Elvis image in the X shirt?
Not Elvis
Mars Bonfire
Joe Foster, Norman Blake & Matthew Smith
Johnny Rivers!!
Of all the various cover versions, my favorites are Hombre Secreto by The Plugz (Repo Man soundtrack) and a Venice Beach busker doing “Secret Asian Man” (indeed he was of asian descent)
Mazzy!! Maybe The Wrecking Crew Played On It!!!!
Probably
Borrrrrrnnnnnnnn to be willllllldddddd
Of course everyone knows that song 💃🕺🏽