The Storms (Sundown)

Instrumental groups were a very big part of the Rock and Roll scene in the 1950's and the 1960's. All over the world instrumental groups were very popular during this time. Very rarely do you hear an instrumental song on the radio today, but artists such as Link Wray, Duane Eddy, Ventures and the Surfaris (just to name a few), thrived and did quite well. Several instrumental songs reached the top of the charts, and we all know how many surf instrumental compilations albums exist. Every year it seems that someone will unearth an unheard of instrumental 45 from their attic, basement or maybe somewhere just collecting dust. Today I feature a group called The Storms. They released this very cool instrumental 45 on the Sundown label.

Sindicate (The Music Box)

I have very little information about the Sindicate. The record was released. in 1969. The group was believed to be from Hanover, Pennsylvania.

The Accents (Garrett)

The Accents were a Minnesota group that recorded a string of great 45's in 1964. Minnesota was home to many very talented bands in the 1960's. The Accents were discovered by local record producer George Garrett, who took an interest in the band after seeing them perform at the popular Minneapolis teen club. Soma Records (1957-1967) would sometimes distribute local artist recordings on smaller record labels such as Bangar and Garrett. This 45 was released on both labels. The history of the band can be found here

Ascensions (Gemini)

In 1967 Gemini records released this unusual 45 from the Ascensions who were Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The "A" side has a northern soul sound, while "B" side has a garage psych beat with a little fuzz mixed in.

Big C (Sur-Speed)

Big C was a singer from the Zaneville, Ohio area. I read that the backing band for Big C was a group called the Wizards. Larry Gorshe, who wrote both songs on this 45, was a member of the Cutaways who were from Bellaire Ohio. The Cutaways recorded a 45 of their own on the Sur-Speed label and it is for these reasons some people speculate that the Cutaways were the backing band for Big C on this 45.

                                                                           Big C - Gee Wiz I Love You

                                                                    Big C - Hey Girl Come Along With Me

Johnny Jay (CRC)

Johnny Jay was very talented artist who recorded this nice two sider on CRC. The CRC (Cherokeeland  Recording Corp.) label was out of Calhoun Georgia. He also recorded as Johnny Jay and the Shays on another 45.

Hollie Hellems and the Rhythm Kings (Major)

 Hollie Hellems and the Rhythm Kings released this nice Folk/Garage sounding 45 on the Major record label in 1967. Band members included Hollie Hellems (Vocal), Roger Crist (Lead Guitar), Gene Kessler (Rhythm Guitar), Bob Legg (Bass) and Mike Tucci (Drums). The flipside is is more of a country ballad. The Major record label was located in Waynesboro Virginia. Drummer Mike Tucci put together a very good tribute video of the Rhythm Kings on youtube. Thanks Mike for sharing the history of the group. 

Count IV (DeVille)

The Count IV recorded this very cool garage 45 on the DeVille label. "Don't blow your cool" has that classic garage sound, while the flipside is a garage novelty song about Mickey Mouse. Great record.

                                                                    Count IV - Don't Blow Your Cool

                                                                        Count IV - Mickey Mouse

The Panics (Rosina)

Texas was a hotbed of great garage bands in the 1960's. The Panics was one of those bands who were very good but never gained national success. I don't have much information about the group. Maybe someone can share their story.

The Revelers (P J )

The Revelers were from New York. They recorded this nice 45 on the P J records label in 1964. The B side has a garage sound while the A side reminds me little of the Searchers. A nice record over all.