The Thomas Group

Here's an album so rare that it doesn't even exist. I comped it from the best sources I could find. Although this Dunhill band never went very far (not even far enough to make a full record), they did appear on Ed Sullivan, they had songwriting help from P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri, and members of the Wrecking Crew - Hal Blaine on drums, Joe Osborne on bass and Larry Knechtel on keyboards - provided backup. Despite all that, oblivion awaited.

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Bobby Hatfield

Bobby Hatfield's sole solo record. Pretty righteous and extremely rare. Update: Apparently, not so rare anymore, as my rip of this record has ended up being re-posted all over the interwebs.

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Wild in the Streets

This rounds out the "Wild in the Streets" trilogy. Remember: Never trust anyone over 30. Also, never trust anyone under 30.

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Wild in the Streets

With thanks to Derrick Bostrom, here's the exceedingly rare instro version of the "Wild in the Streets" soundtrack, featuring the Arrows. Thanks Derrick!

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Max Frost and the Troopers

With thanks to Timmy, here's an album by Max Frost and the Troopers, a fictional rock music group created for the exploitation film "Wild in the Streets." Musicians playing on this album are believed to include members of Davie Allan and the Arrows.

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Lord Sitar

Big Jim Sullivan twangs away on his sitar on a batch of peculiar tracks (e.g. "If I Were a Rich Man"), releases it on a Capitol, and Beatlemanics scoop it up thinking it's George.

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Saint Vitus Dance

Recorded and produced in a fever dream.

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Alex Harvey

Here, with many thanks to our buddy Rich, is Harvey's "True Love" record.

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Peter Anders

Solo spin from the other half of ... and Poncia.

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Underground

Tower, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, often released music by artists — such as the Standells and the Chocolate Watchband — who were relatively low profile in comparison to those released on the parent label. This compilation, which includes tracks by the late Kim Fowley and early Pink Floyd, demonstrates just how oddball this label was. If you're interested in more from Tower, Rockin' Bandit recently posted an eight-part series that gathers together a boatload of singles.

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Sandy Gurley

By request, obscuro '60s singer on the obscuro Tower label.

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Single Room Furnished

Extremely rare exploito soundtrack that I've gone to some trouble to acquire.

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Riot on Sunset Strip

Big heapin' thanks to Timmy for this classic exploito soundtrack.

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Megan McDonough

Mo' Megan.

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Megan McDonough

Here is a wonderful singer/songwriter album, which features Wrecking Crew members Jim Gordon and Joe Osborne as well as Larry Carlton and Jim Horn. Update: tracks have been split into individual songs.

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Soundstage Spectacular

Terry Baxter had a hand in this fab collection, produced for Columbia Musical Treasuries (if anyone has any similar Columbia collections, please feel free to post a link in the comments). Big thanks again to Rick H. for splitting up the tracks (check out all the re-posts below for more of his handiwork).

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Frank Kinsel

After years of searching, I finally tracked down this sucker (at a price I could afford). Frank's voice and style reminds me of Tims Buckley and Hardin. Hope you like it as much as I do. Update: songs are now broken into individual tracks.

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P.K. and the Sound Explosion

Here's a pretty decent Pickwick knockoff, featuring soundalike band P.K. and the Sound Explosion, who released other records performing songs by the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, and the disco collection I posted below. Is it me, or does the woman who sings on the final track sound like Phoebe Snow? BTW, if you have any P.K., please feel free to share them. Update: files broken into separate tracks.

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John Morell

Obscure Quad album by little-known session guitarist. The focus here is more on the arrangements than on John's subtle lead lines. Update: files broken into separate tracks.

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Al Delory

Great album. Even greater comb-over. Update: files broken into separate tracks

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Al Delory

You can call him Al. Update: files broken into separate tracks.

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Super Rock

Here's a real rare treat for you. This rip is from a three-LP set featuring hits of the day by a group called the Candy Rock Generation, of whom I can find no information. They could be some sort conglomeration of sessioners, but that may not be likely as many of the performances are pretty wobbly. My set is not in the best of shape, so sorry about the surface noise and occasional skip (if anyone with the inclination and technology would like to clean this up and repost, be my guest). At any rate, this one's a lot of fun. More info here.

Update: Check the comments for newly updated links.

Part One and Part Two

Monkey Business

Here's a rip-off/cash-in record that tried to rope the unsuspecting into buying a faux Monkees album. It's not so bad, but it's also not so great. Read more about it here.

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The Manhattan Strings

In my continuing quest to sop up anything on the Tower label, here's a record that features instrumental interpretations of early songs by the Monkees. It says on the back cover that arranger Bob Summers was also also the leader of the 18th Century Concepts, as well a conductor for Mary Ford and Terry Stafford. Exploito-meister Mike Curb produced. Update: songs are now broken into individual tracks.

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The Movies

I bet that, back in the day, I would've bought this one thinking it was an actual McCartney album. I'm sure that's what the label, Arista, thought I'd think, too.

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'Lectric Woods

Found this jazzy little number at In Your Ear, my fave crate dig here in Boston. Update: thanks to Rick for splitting the tracks on this one.

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Artie Schroeck

Here's a fine record by Artie Schroeck covering songs by the Lovin' Spoonful. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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P.K. and the Sound Explosion

Here's a record that's got to be the very essence of exploito: a bunch of studio hacks knocking out disco versions of the hits of the day.

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Northern Lights

Here's a rare one I've been trying to track down for a long time. It is yet another "hits of the day" record performed by an anonymous studio group. Unfortunately, the copy I bought online proved to have skips on the song "Help Me Make It Through the Night" as well as fairly loud surface noise throughout. I did my best to de-click it, and as for the aforementioned track, I basically cobbled it together using various sections of the song to replace the parts that skipped. It's not perfect, but it is listenable. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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Book of Songs

In 1967, Dunhill wanted a new album of Mamas and Papas songs, and when the band didn't deliver, the label roped in the Wrecking Crew (under the alias the Stapleton-Morley Connection) and produced a new disc of "product." I wonder how many fans were pissed when they put these "Instrumental Interpretations" on their turntables. Interestingly, Dunhill fashioned the band's most lavish package ever (a gatefold with lyrics inside for those who'd care to sing along) with a photo of the group facing away from the camera. Frankly, I think it's great, and if you dig the Wrecking Crew, you'll love this. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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The 18th Century Concepts

Finally managed to track this puppy down. Fresh vinyl rip, ready for tasting. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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Living Trio

Listening doesn't get any easier than this. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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Al Delory

In which Al reworks his arrangements for Glen Campbell's songs, sans Glen. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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Steve Douglas

Here's a saxy solo record from a member of the Wrecking Crew. Update: With thanks to blog friend Rick, this has been re-ripped into individual tracks.

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Jack Daugherty

With many thanks to Sergej, here's a rare jazz classic that features some of the West Coast's top-shelf sessioners. BTW, check the comments for another Daugherty record.

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Bobby Bridger

According to Wiki, ol' Bobby is a singer/songwriter/poet/actor/playwright/author. Also read he likes sculpting. Now you know.

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The Match

With thanks to Timmy, here's something light and breezy.

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Celebration

Mo' Mowest soul. Kinda Fifth Dimension-y with a smidge of grit.

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Kenny Vance

Fifties doo-wop meets Seventies singer/songwriter.

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Lewis and Clarke Expedition

An upgrade, with thanks to Faltonia!
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