Twist-A-Rama was a local Utica, NY, version of American Bandstand. When host Hank Brown started recording the local groups, he put them on this compilation album, which was sold at his record shops. Recorded in a basement studio under the most primitive of conditions and pressed on the cheapest low-grade plastic, this reissue really pushes the boundaries of lo-fi recording and barely capable garage band playing. Even with the inclusion of two better-played and -recorded bonus tracks by the Galaxies, this is one of the crudest '60s compilations you'll ever come across, and all the more charming for it.
Trivia: One of the local bands that didn't make this album but did attempt to perform on the show was Greg & The Vibrations from Richfield Springs, NY. They were scheduled to appear as part of a Battle Of The Bands segment and showed up ready to go on. Unfortunately, the lead singer (Greg Hext), developed a sudden case of stage fright and instead of performing on stage, he "bowed to the porcelain throne" through the whole set. Thus, the group was never seen on this or any subesequent show. Greg had a great singing voice and natural talent for performing, but he couldn't seem to make the switch from parlor to stage. They did fine playing to small groups at dances and bars, but that was it. Band members included, besides Hext: Rick Bond-Guitar, Leo Barrett - Bass, Jim Famulare - Drums, & Ricky Potts - Occasional Vocals. I filled in as a roadie to help haul equipment to some of the gigs, but that was only a couple times. Did manage to provide backup vocals at one gig at the Little Lakes Hotel, but only because both people in the bar and all the band was pretty drunk and disorderly. Apparently the band was paid with free drinks. Great fun!
1. Yabadabado Andy & The Classics
2. The Brick Brix
3. The Second Time Around Patty & The Hangmen
4. See That Girl Mercy-Side 5
5. Crazy Woman Galaxies
6. Sometimes Willie & The New Yorkers
7. I Want You Reveres
8. One Way Highway Galaxies
9. Too Much Eric & The Chessmen
10. All I Want to Do El Dorados
11. Jaguar Jazz Jaguars
12. Where Have You Gone To Toffs
13. I Won't Shed Tears over You Originals
14. One Last Time Turfmen
15. Nothing About Life at All King Beats
16. Journey to the Stars Galaxies
I don't currently have a DL link for this album; maybe at a later date.
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