Alright so. After doing some good old fashioned detective work, I can report that I was able to make contact with with the guys behind this song and have some information to share for anyone who has, like me, been dying to understand anything about where this phenomenal track came from: - It was written by Rich Norkunas and Larry Smith, and Norkunas is singing. It was recorded in 1971 when they were teenagers in El Cajon, California, which is outside San Diego - not Los Angeles as DJ Shadow said. Both said they hadn't listened to the song for 40+ years before I contacted them! - They estimate that they only pressed about 100-200 45s. "Just a Star" as they titled the song, was actually the B-Side. The A-Side is called "Dedicated to Mama." They pre-sold the record at $5 a pop to fans in order to pay for the studio time. They hand-delivered the records to anyone who pre-payed. - Rich told me that a few years back someone from the Numero Group contacted him about possibly getting the song on one of their releases, but he doesn't have any of the original records anymore, so nothing came of it. Too bad because I think it would be fantastic for it to be on a Numero compilation! Also interesting because it means someone there figured out who was behind the song years ago, but obviously that info didn't seem to get out to the public at large. - Larry has two sons who are each involved in somewhat well known bands active now - Beach Fossils and Coast Modern. And Rich is active in a band right now called Hollow Dog who perform regularly around Portland. - Larry sent me the only photo he has of Smiles, which you can see here (Rich is wearing the striped shirt, and Larry is second from right with the dark long hair): i.imgur.com/OF6MUZU.jpg
Well I saw on the image of the 45 that was recently uploaded to Discogs that the song was credited to "Smith" and "Norkunas." Smith didn't give me a lot to work with, but I figured Norkunas was a distinctive enough name that I could go off of that. So I basically just Googled around a bunch trying to find anyone who was a musician or songwriter type who fit the bill, which led me to Hollow Dog and Rich Norkunas. Emailed him and turned out he was the guy, and then he put me in touch with Larry. Both of them were only very vaguely aware of the stir the song has caused so I'm really glad I could tell them about it, and of course also glad that this mystery is solved!
Dan Wohl cosmic kudos to you.im sure Anton will be grateful as well. I wonder what the b side dedicated to mama is like.:) Kind of a search for the sugarman deal. I think a doco could be made about this song.And often think on it.
Found this in an interview with DJ Shadow on solesides: Shadow: "The name of the group is "Smiles". I think it's a group from Los Angeles, and the song's dating back from 1968-69. Unfortunately, the writtings on the record are not in good shape. I've never seen another record. I remember Dante came to my house, he saw the record, listened to it. He will never stop digging to find that particular record."
Someone needs to make a documentary about the search for this band (a band called "Smiles," apparently, from the early 70s, per Discogs, with the song being "Just a Star.") -- like in the movie Sugar Man where they found Rodriguez. I want this band and this writer/singer revived! And appreciated! The end of this cut keeps giving me chills it's so damn good.
I love this song, so soothing. Hopefully one day more of their recordings will surface from the ether. Thanks for uploading it Anton & thanks to Shadow for first putting it in my ears. Yew! x
This tune is amazing, glad someone finally helped Anton out to find who made this song and thanks to Anton for uploading it and sharing great music as always :).
No idea but the guitar work sounds a bit like some early BJM stuff. Reminiscent of David Crosby of some early Crosby, Stills , Nash and Young records, say, like Deja Vu. Nice.
As said earlier it was on Diminishing Returns part 2 by DJ Shadow, but from what i know ... not sure i though i heard that The song was known as Unknown Song - Unknown Artist .
Paullywog it has been a while but now here it is: "the sunrise session” (vimeo) seen on "magic seaweed”: magicseaweed.com/news/the-sunrise-sessions/5953/
Interesting... I'm trying to track any pops or scratches that show up more than once, and judging from what I've found so far, I think this is from an LP or something else recorded at 33 1/3 RPM.
@Mrlostinterest phil just wouldn't say that... not dissin your guess or anything but his songwriting style was pretty specific and altho he railed against rich society people he would never use that phrase. maybe john trane would have tho.
@@FokkerTISM that was really helpful, I might have it a bit wrong but, i'be been wanting to learn this for an age,age age age. :P soundcloud.com/desperanados/star-on-a-democratic-flag-just-a-starsmiles-cover
@astrodaise1 well, whoever wrote it was most likely depressed as hell and seemingly disillusioned with their life's pursuits, this song has a lot of weight to it, and 'rich society people pushing me around' could conceivably be a play on the labor movement of which Phil was obviously a part of. It probably isn't him, though.
@diogodraws I don't think it's him. The timbre of his voice doesn't match up - compare it to "San Francisco", and this makes the singer sound like Kermit the Frog.
Alright so. After doing some good old fashioned detective work, I can report that I was able to make contact with with the guys behind this song and have some information to share for anyone who has, like me, been dying to understand anything about where this phenomenal track came from:
- It was written by Rich Norkunas and Larry Smith, and Norkunas is singing. It was recorded in 1971 when they were teenagers in El Cajon, California, which is outside San Diego - not Los Angeles as DJ Shadow said. Both said they hadn't listened to the song for 40+ years before I contacted them!
- They estimate that they only pressed about 100-200 45s. "Just a Star" as they titled the song, was actually the B-Side. The A-Side is called "Dedicated to Mama." They pre-sold the record at $5 a pop to fans in order to pay for the studio time. They hand-delivered the records to anyone who pre-payed.
- Rich told me that a few years back someone from the Numero Group contacted him about possibly getting the song on one of their releases, but he doesn't have any of the original records anymore, so nothing came of it. Too bad because I think it would be fantastic for it to be on a Numero compilation! Also interesting because it means someone there figured out who was behind the song years ago, but obviously that info didn't seem to get out to the public at large.
- Larry has two sons who are each involved in somewhat well known bands active now - Beach Fossils and Coast Modern. And Rich is active in a band right now called Hollow Dog who perform regularly around Portland.
- Larry sent me the only photo he has of Smiles, which you can see here (Rich is wearing the striped shirt, and Larry is second from right with the dark long hair): i.imgur.com/OF6MUZU.jpg
HOLY SHIT. how did you find this info!!!!!!!!!
Well I saw on the image of the 45 that was recently uploaded to Discogs that the song was credited to "Smith" and "Norkunas." Smith didn't give me a lot to work with, but I figured Norkunas was a distinctive enough name that I could go off of that. So I basically just Googled around a bunch trying to find anyone who was a musician or songwriter type who fit the bill, which led me to Hollow Dog and Rich Norkunas. Emailed him and turned out he was the guy, and then he put me in touch with Larry. Both of them were only very vaguely aware of the stir the song has caused so I'm really glad I could tell them about it, and of course also glad that this mystery is solved!
Dan Wohl cosmic kudos to you.im sure Anton will be grateful as well. I wonder what the b side dedicated to mama is like.:) Kind of a search for the sugarman deal. I think a doco could be made about this song.And often think on it.
best man alive
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Found this in an interview with DJ Shadow on solesides:
Shadow: "The name of the group is "Smiles". I think it's a group from Los Angeles, and the song's dating back from 1968-69. Unfortunately, the writtings on the record are not in good shape. I've never seen another record. I remember Dante came to my house, he saw the record, listened to it. He will never stop digging to find that particular record."
@hgafaescotland man,if i wrote a song this good...the world would know about it.
Maybe you should collaborate with the last member of that band and re-create that song!
I think you up there my dude.
Someone needs to make a documentary about the search for this band (a band called "Smiles," apparently, from the early 70s, per Discogs, with the song being "Just a Star.") -- like in the movie Sugar Man where they found Rodriguez. I want this band and this writer/singer revived! And appreciated! The end of this cut keeps giving me chills it's so damn good.
Rich from this band was in Smiles. you should contact him. hollowdogmusic.com/meet-the-band
I love this song, so soothing. Hopefully one day more of their recordings will surface from the ether. Thanks for uploading it Anton & thanks to Shadow for first putting it in my ears. Yew! x
One of the best songs I've ever heard. Thanks Anton for sharing and also thanks to the guy who identified it
This really needs a repress... Love to Shadow for bring it to our attention.
Just been reissued on 7" for Record Store Day!
5 people have went to the trouble to click dislike on this.. there are 5 people roaming the planet with their heads up their holes.
This tune is amazing, glad someone finally helped Anton out to find who made this song and thanks to Anton for uploading it and sharing great music as always :).
This song has gripped me,and now I'm the one that's not letting go....fantastic song
even if it remains nameless, the anonymity makes it pretty interesting too. it's got that sound "don't know where i'm going"
No idea but the guitar work sounds a bit like some early BJM stuff.
Reminiscent of David Crosby of some early Crosby, Stills , Nash and Young records, say, like Deja Vu.
Nice.
So does your new album...Sounds great live too. Roll on Manchester this summer.
play it again again again again again and again...
this song is god damn fantastic
Amazing Song!Great lyrics and sound!!
This song is sooooo good
As said earlier it was on Diminishing Returns part 2 by DJ Shadow, but from what i know ... not sure i though i heard that The song was known as Unknown Song - Unknown Artist .
@VonSeux i think anton is behind that too ;) The beat , the sound of the guitar , it's a great song btw !
Record FOUND: www.discogs.com/Smiles-Dedicated-To-Mama-Just-A-Star/release/10316216
beautiful!
powerful!
strong as hell!
reminds me a little of the brian jonestown massacre
you rule.
AWESOME!!!!
the music has transcended identity
Memories 2017...
Just found this one as the backgorundmusic of a surf video - epic!
mind sharing that video?
Paullywog it has been a while but now here it is: "the sunrise session” (vimeo) seen on "magic seaweed”: magicseaweed.com/news/the-sunrise-sessions/5953/
chris dreyer and what a coool song for a surf video.
Interesting...
I'm trying to track any pops or scratches that show up more than once, and judging from what I've found so far, I think this is from an LP or something else recorded at 33 1/3 RPM.
Never heard this song before - I like it. :)
Perfectly Imperfect brought me here
So the guy credited as "studio engineer" name is Ron Compton, I wish I had a badass name like that
@AlBoerik long time no see dead tv is hibernating now ;)
It's a very obscure band you've probably never heard of.
compilation on my funeral
I tought "unknown song - unknown artist " was the name of a new song from Anton
@antonfjordson record your own version of it and share it with the world
Anton once again many thanks
Wow! this is really, really good!
@Mrlostinterest phil just wouldn't say that... not dissin your guess or anything but his songwriting style was pretty specific and altho he railed against rich society people he would never use that phrase. maybe john trane would have tho.
Does DJ Shadow still have the record he ripped this song from?
Oh how I would like to have the chords for this!
let me know if you work it out. I had a go but not that clever...
Its basically G#m B C# and then E F# C#
Flipper St. Cool This, and G#m F# C# for the chorus
This was slightly slowed down. It's Am C D in the verses and F G Am in the choruses. The outro is F C D.
@@FokkerTISM that was really helpful, I might have it a bit wrong but, i'be been wanting to learn this for an age,age age age. :P soundcloud.com/desperanados/star-on-a-democratic-flag-just-a-starsmiles-cover
this song is nice!
it really sounds like scott mackenzie!!!
I count on you (with no doubt)!
how do you know that? do you know anything else put out by the band/anything about them?
Christmas da, 2018, I found and fell in love with this song.
Do you know if it can be located on Spotify or elsewhere? Other than Pink Flames cover?
@astrodaise1 well, whoever wrote it was most likely depressed as hell and seemingly disillusioned with their life's pursuits, this song has a lot of weight to it, and 'rich society people pushing me around' could conceivably be a play on the labor movement of which Phil was obviously a part of. It probably isn't him, though.
This is my top #Brexit song!
this song is so killer
i shazamed this thing and got no matches
where can i download this?
lyrically it sounds like it could be a phil ochs song
I'm just a star on a democratic flag
And I've never had a friend
But how do you even know the band is called Smiles?
Damn this is good,
so sweet
has anyone tried to shazam kazaam it? i personally don't use that piece of satanic software so... but it may solve the mystery...
thanks God Anton!
The singer doesn't know who he is, either.
You win.
Rick Norkunas is the singer.
is this song by the pink flames or smiles????
Pink flames covered it the second I uploaded it - their best idea.. copy / it's a band from 1970 that spooky found called smiles -
anton newcombe I’m addicted to this song... man it’s so moving
I own the Dj Shadow CD...Sorry rais, don't have any more info on Smiles. Shame cos it's a fantastic song.
I'm Just a Star on a Democratic Flag by Smiles.
Turns out I was right. Do I get a prize?
Indeed
sounds ace
I hate you for dragging me into this mystery :/ Sick tune nonetheless.
@diogodraws I don't think it's him. The timbre of his voice doesn't match up - compare it to "San Francisco", and this makes the singer sound like Kermit the Frog.
for all the music you upload..
sounds pretty much like we the people
im just a star on a democratic flag
@astrodaise1 tried with shazam. no results.
same'
This is an earworm, Anton
@AlBoerik hi alboerik
but we'll never know i've tried for a long time ago
Thanks justinwiggy! Mystery solve-ed.
@DarkFragor haha anton always hunting mysteries ... i think i agree with alboerik that its smile...actually
midomi/com might help
Obviously not the Feldons though.
Occupy Dead TV!
are you the really anton?
any word guys???
+Dallas McKinley Amen
yellow label
obviously it's us
NO MATCH in shazam hahahahahahahah
dont know
GODDAMN HIPPIE'S
ehehehehe....the bear jumps up and down when i hover on the video
@Mrlostinterest phil ochs would never say "rich society people" you need to study phil ochs a little more methinks.