I have to apologize for not posting anything here last week, nothing more than pure laziness on my part. Originally, I was going to put up another radio podcast but, after going out and doing some digging the other day, decided to write about one of my finds, instead. I found today's record in a little antique store that's not exactly known for being a record haven. In fact, I'd never found a single 45 there worth buying. But, the other day, they had a couple dozen singles, including this interesting looking one by Clock Work Orange.
I didn't recognize the band name when I found the record but it sure looked like it might be 1960's era garage rock. And, voila!, I was right for a change. Turns out Clock Work Orange hailed from Paducah, KY, about an hour's drive from here. Released in late 1967, this was their only record.
"Your Golden Touch" is snotty nosed garage rock, complete with fuzzy guitar, including a great, overdriven break. The percussion is good, with some nice fills. The vocals are on the dark side, with a big scream right before the guitar break. The end of the song is a mini freakout, with the guitar really tearing it up. Too bad that it doesn't go on for a little longer.
"Do Me Right Now", with songwriting credit to fiddle man Doug Kershaw, is pretty much in the same style as "Your Golden Touch", only the guitars aren't as fuzzed out and the tune is much shorter, clocking in at under a minute and a half. It's still a winner though.
Creole was a Nashville, TN label and it's likely that the songs were recorded there, too. According to garage guru Mike Markesich (or MopTop Mike, if you prefer), Doug Kershaw also produced the record. Mike, who spoke to one of the band members several years ago, also says that Kershaw hated "those punk ass kids from Paducah". Nice that they could make such a wonderful impression. Sounds like a ringing endorsement, to me.
22 comments:
...as I gain more knowledge about this genre, I look forward to giving these a whirl. As always, thanks for the share.
Todd,
Once again, you've made a helluva score. I've seen this record go for $125-200 through most collectors. It's also a record I've been looking for. I don't know how you do it, but I'm highly envious.
I'd guess it's part persistence and part dumb luck.
I've got this 45 and it's killer. I think i paid about $120 for it 3 years ago.
So congrats on your find....
And thanks for adding my blogspot 'Renaissance Fair' as a link. I've added 'It's Great Shakes' on mine. Found your site via Pure Pop
I tape recorded both sides of this
off of a local college radio garage band show back in the 80's...it's great seeing an actual copy of the 45!
Art, thanks for checking out the blog and taking the time to leave some comments. It's much appreciated. I hope to hear more from you in the future.
Expo, thanks for the link. I check out Renaissance Fair all the tme.
yowza! there's a buy it now copy on ebay right now for $175.00!
Nice nice score!
Ya, this is extremely sweet and I'm jealous! Nice work.
Jason X
SHINDIGGIT!
Wow. I grew up not too far from Paducah in northern KY across the river from Cincinnati in the 60's. Never heard of these guys but wish they had played around here. I hope to get this on my friend's late night Psychedelic music show. Thanks for turning me on to them.
Glenn
I am an original member of the Clockwork Orange Band from 1967 and I find it amazing that the record is way more popular this day and age than it ever was in 1967. I have ten of the records left, still un-touched by a record player and would be interested in selling a few of them, even with some autographs on them if wanted. Again, I find it amazing that this record is on the internet and more amazed at how it got here.
The record was actually recorded in Birmingham Alabama.
Gary, sorry that I didn't respond sooner. Your messages were left here as we were headed out to California for vacation and I managed to miss seeing them until now.
Thanks for writing and please feel free to tell us more about your days in Clock Work Orange. The band's 45 has generated more comments than just about any record I've posted on the blog.
Oh, and thanks for the correction on the recording locale. As for selling your extra copies of the 45, I'm pretty sure that you'd have some takers.
Todd
I have this on one of the Pebbles records - it's very moody, but it was the bassline that really stood out for me. That and the really tremelo guitar effect. And it has an odd structure - three verses and no chorus, with a guitar solo between the second and third verses.
Hi everyone, I played drums on this original 45 "Your Golden Touch". However, The first recording was in Lone Oak, Ky at Tommy Morrisons studio. IMHO, the Morrison session was far superior to the Birmingham sessions. Steve Rudolph, the keyboard player, was seriously injured in a mororcycle accident just prior to the Birmingham sessions, and as I recall, we were not happy about the Birminghan sessions. If you could hear the original Morrison sesson recording you would hear the true essence of the Clockwork Orange Band, The members on the original recording were; Terry Frazier;{writer/lead guitar} Barry Yancey; bass, Steve Rudolph; trumpet and keyboards, Danny Powley, lead vocals and trumpet, Bill Ashley; drums. I would be happy to answer and questions about the Great Clockwork Orange Band.
i would also like to buy a copy if possible! i also just noticed that the comments were from over a year ago...
my email is allblackandhairy@yahoo.com
Hi Gary and Bill, has your band evolved into The Stereo Shoestring?
No, that Clockwork Orange was from Corpus Christi and featured only one member who went to the Shoestring, and that was Richard Lalor.
Hi Todd, I just aqquired this record and will be listing it for sale on eBay. Clock Work Orange Do me right now on Creole 1002 45 rpm.
David
To Gary and Bill Ashley – I would love to interview one or both of you about "Your Golden Touch" for my pop music blog, "2 or 3 lines." Please e-mail me at 2or3lines@gmail.com – thanks.
Hi...my dad is the singer and I would love to buy a copy of this for him for fathers day.....2021....contact me...inri_33@yahoo.com......thanks
Will pay $500 for a 7" single in good condition.
George Powley
inri_33@yahoo.com
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