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Formed in 1962 in Los Angeles, California by Larry Tamblin (vocals/organ), Tony Valentine (guitar), Gary Lane (bass) and Gary Leeds (drums). Shortly after singer/drummer Dick Dodd replaced Leeds, who went on to fame and fortune with Walker Brothers.. Throughout 1963 and 64 they released a number of unremarkable singles, including the Sonny Bono produced Boy next door, which featured backing vocals from Cher. In 1965 they cut their first album In person at P.J.'s filled with mediocre rock'n'roll covers. The band didn't really take off until in early 1966 they teamed up with writer/producer Ed Cobb. In 66 they hit the US singles charts at no. 11 with the classic Cobb written Dirty water. Following that came a string of singles and albums containing great high octane R&B/garage rock. Sadly they never relived the success of Dirty water again, although their next two albums and the single Why pick on me all reached the lower end of the charts. In 1967 the band appeared in the film Riot on sunset strip, and seemed to be fitting well into the new California psychedelic rock scene. After being dogged with line-up changes and other trouble (even Lowell George, later of Little Feat joined them for a brief period of live performances) the band called it a day in 1968. Although they never quite achiefed the stardom they should have, their 66-68 recordings still remain to this day some of the finest examples of US 60's garage rock. In recent years the band have gained a cult folowing of sorts, mostly due to the popularity of Nuggets and other similar compilation series. |
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