One of the last British Invasion groups of the 1960s, and one of the few grroups that never disbanded, was Manchester's own The Hollies. Alan Clarke and Graham Nash founded the group, and after a few iterations joined with Vic Steele (lead guitar), Eric Haydock (bass), and Don Rathbone (drums) in a group known as the Deltas. They would first be known as The Hollies at a Manchester gig in December 1962, taking the name from both the Christmas season and in admiration of Buddy Holly. By 1967, Steele had be...
One of the last British Invasion groups of the 1960s, and one of the few grroups that never disbanded, was Manchester's own The Hollies. Alan Clarke and Graham Nash founded the group, and after a few iterations joined with Vic Steele (lead guitar), Eric Haydock (bass), and Don Rathbone (drums) in a group known as the Deltas. They would first be known as The Hollies at a Manchester gig in December 1962, taking the name from both the Christmas season and in admiration of Buddy Holly. By 1967, Steele had been replaced by Tony Hicks, and Rathbone by Bobby Elliott. Eric Haydock would be replaced by Ernie Calvert in 1966.
The Hollies' Greatest Hits was released in May 1967 after their fifth studio album, though they had only achieved major U.S. success in 1966. This album showcases their three-part harmonies and the sound reminiscent of many early 60's British Invasion bands. They did covers and songs from other writers at first - a common practice in bands at the time - before becoming comfortable writing their own material.
Though The Hollies had many decades more music and hits to come, Graham Nash would depart a few months after this Greatest Hits collection was released to join his new band, Crosby, Stills & Nash. This collection is a good representation of the early days of this iconic band.
Bus Stop
This was the first U.S. top 10 hit by the group, released in June 1966. Songwriter Graham Gouldman wrote this piece using opening lyrics first written by his father, playwright Hyme Gouldman. Graham Gouldman would later be a member of the band 10cc.
On a Carousel
Clarke, Nash, and Hicks penned this song. These three would form the core of the songwriting for The Hollies after they began writing on their own. Previous hits were from Graham Gouldman or covers. It was originally released in February 1967 as a single, and captures the spirit of young love.
Look Through Any Window
This one hit the charts as a single in the US in September 1965, and was their first top 40 hit. “Look through any window, yeah, what do you see? Smiling faces all around, rushin' through the busy town.”
Stop, Stop, Stop
Released in the US by Imperial records in October 1966, this track has a distinctive sound with a banjo as lead instrument and employing a tape delay to give it an eastern feel. It was inspired when the band was taken to a strip club for the first time. “Stop, stop stop all the dancing. Give me time to breathe.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture “To Sir With Love”
Sidney Poitier stars and singer Lulu contributes this song (and makes her film debut) in this drama about social and racial issues in an inner city school.
STAFF PICKS:
“Creeque Alley” by The Mamas & The Papas
Rob kicks off the staff picks with an autobiographical piece on how The Mamas & The Papas formed. The line “and no one's getting fat 'cept Mama Cass” could refer to Cass Elliott's weight, ...or to her financial situation, as she was making more money than the rest of the band!
“I Got Rhythm” by The Happenings
Bruce takes us way back with a show tune originally composed by George and Ira Gershwin in 1930. The Happenings were known for playing classic songs in a sunshine pop style. “I Got Rhythm” would make it to number 3 on the US charts with this version.
“From the Underworld” by The Herd
Wayne's staff pick features a 17 year old Peter Frampton! This song was the first UK hit by the group, and was inspired by the story of Orpheus and his flight from Hades. The psychedelic tune was payed on Pirate Radio in the UK, where radio broadcasts were conducted from ship to avoid the BBC.
“Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” by Neil Diamond
Brian's pick is a hit from Neil Diamond addressing the female fans at his concerts directly. Diamond was a sex symbol at the time, and his audience skewed female, as demonstrated by the apparel thrown up on stage.
LAUGH TRACK:
“Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead” by The Fifth Estate
This may be more novelty than comedy, but your ears do no deceive you. That's right, this song from "The Wizard of Oz" made it into the charts this month via this cover by The Fifth Estate.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
