Break-News
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April 2013
Hello Everybody,
just another update…. More than that. We’re proud to announce the release of the Horde LP. As previously mentioned, it comes with a bonus 7” incl. 1967 recorded material that remained unreleased so far. Due to the 7” the LP is a little more expensive than our usual releases.
As you might have already seen from our description or elsewhere, the Horde LP is too rare to be mentioned so far in one of the relevant genre literature. So check the three sound examples that are available in the Horde Info section to know what kind of a killer LP this is.
With the haunting "Press Buttons Firmly" we have chosen one of the most exciting group originals from the album, while "I Can't Keep From Crying" is a real punky rendition of the old blues classic, with top notch snarling vocals by lead guitarist Bob Simons. The third track chosen is the bands cover of the all-time-garage classic "Gloria". For all of you who thought they do not need another one: the Horde's frantic and wild high-energy version puts the song into a new catagory. The best is, the rest of the LP has the same high garage quality. No "garage soul", no "moody stuff", no "prep school". Simply tough Garage punk and exactly the stuff that made Lenny Kaye put together the "Nuggets" compilation in 1972. If you're not convinced by the sound examples, well, Cat Stevens also has his moments...and an indonesian psych/funk collection also needs people to buy it.
Let me say at this stage, that working with the Horde was a real pleasure. In particular Steve Denenberg, the bands rhythm guitarist, was always available and had patience enough to reply to a thousand questions. He sent more pics than we could use, held contact to the rest of the band and all neccessary agreements got cleared without any problems. I'd also like to say thanxs to the bands longtime friend, photographer Albert Bronson. Albert had safed the pics over all the years and took the time to help providing them in the best quality possible. Thanxs for all that guys. I hope you are happy with this release and enjoy the return of the Horde.
Meanwhile Break-A-Way goes on with a collection of 45's and unreleased material by L.A. Garage punkers "The Syndicate". We're recently working on the mastering and hope to have the LP out ca. late May/early June. At around the same time we hope to come up with the CD version of the Horde album. Of course it will include all the tracks from the Bonus 7" and of course it will have a 12-page booklet with the usual band history and what they call "unseen pics".
Unfortunatel we're still way behind with the promised Abstracts CD. So to all those of you who asked for it, it's going to be released as soon as possible.
Finally, if you are 66 years old and had a Garage, Beat or RnB band in 66 and you made a 45 and have an unreleased acetate of four or so songs and you think it is all garagey enough to come out on Break-A-Way, get in touch.
Sincerely Yours,
Wolfgang
THE SYNDICATE - The Syndicate Thing
Vinyl LP - Break 034 LP
end May Release
Plans are in progress to put out a collection of rare 45´s and unreleased material by L.A. mid 60s top garage band The Syndicate. You might have read their full story in Ugly Things #33 and be aware of the fact, that James Kobzeff, the band’s rhythm guitarist and leader owns two acetates with unreleased material. Together with their incredible great 45´s “My Baby’s Barefoot”, “The Egyptian Thing”, “She Haunts You” and “Love Will Take Away”, these will make a great album. Mike Stax, who helped in making contact with James Kobzeff will write the liners for it. The envisioned release date for this is currently Late May/Early June.
Important things need to be repeated when necessary: So let me say again thanxs to Andreas, Paul, Mike, Fabio and Martin who always have an ear and a helping hand when needed.
Wolfgang Völkel, Break-A-Way Records
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NEWS- June 2009
It´s not only good news that reached us during the last months. Bill Lynn, drummer of the Ringers, died in Colombia (more details below), Mike „Muff“ Comfort, long time drummer for the Fifth Order died in Florida after a longer illness and also Allan Mattson, organist of the Trenchmen passed away in early 2009.
Thanxs to everyone who passes informations and pictures. Special thanxs goes to Paul Steger, brother of Fifth Order Rhythm Guitar player Gary Steger for sending a couple so far unseen photos. Also thanxs to Tom Fallon for a cool shot by the Fifth Order in particular and his ongoing support of the Break-A-Way label in general.
Wolfgang Voelkel, Break-A-Way Records
NICE ADDITIONS TO OUR GREAT SELLING
FIFTH ORDER
LP / CD RELEASE
Surprisingly we did receive a nice mail from Paul Steger, brother of Fifth Order member Gary Steger. Paul sent a very nice picture of the band taken in 1966 showing from left to right: Jim, Gary, Jeff Johnson, Muff, and Billy on top laying down. It is the one of the first Fifth Order photos shot before Gary left the band and Jeff Fenholt took his place.
Also from Gary we did recieve the below business card by pre Fifth Order Band The Elektras as well as a picture of the very first 45 by the Fifth Order on Counterpart. Thanxs very much for all that – it´s more than appreciated.
Another cool shot by the Fifth Order was sent by Tom Fallon from Ohio, who helped a lot to put out the LP/CD release. The shot is from the Marion, Ohio 1967 yearbook and shows the band playing at their prom dance! Thanxs Tom!
SAD RINGERS NEWS
Early 2008 sad news reached us about Bill Lynn, who had played drums for Elvis Presley and the Ringers from 1964-1969. Aged 73, Bill died on January 5, 2006 in Villa de Leyva, Colombia, a scenic town 200 kilometres north of Bogota, after suffering from a lung problem. In Bogota, Bill owned a bar called “Legends and Superstars“, featuring Elvis memorabilia. The "drummatic" Bill Lynn was born in Bogota but grew up in the United States.
Cristina Alarcon, a friend of Lynn's, and the culture and tourism secretary for the department of Boyaca said: "He had a strong flu, which got worse in the early morning, and he died. The towns people are very sad because Bill was one of those people who would come and stay. He had become one of Villa de Leyva's attractions."
Bill visited the home of Break-A-Way Records several times during the past few years. I had the pleasure of spending several evenings with him, and had a good time talking about Elvis, the Ringers, the '60s and Bill's life as a musician. I saw Bill in 2002 in a show in Basel, Switzerland shortly after 9/11. Due to the difficult situation following this, most of the musicians for the show were not able to leave the United States in time for the concert. Bill saved the show with his professionalism and perfect showmanship. He was a great drummer and a great guy.
Thanks, Bill – Rest In Peace
Wolfgang Voelkel,
Break-A-Way Records
ALLAN MATTSON OF THE TRENCHMEN DIED
Mike Barnes a friend and co-worker of Allan Mattson, organist of the Trenchmen informs, that Allan passed away in early 2009. The Trenchmen / Lost Souls release, was done in co-operation with Jim Mackey. By the time the 10“ came out, Allan Mattsons whereabouts were unknown. Hopefully, he heard about the release and had the possibility to enjoy his old music again. Thanxs for letting us know Mike.
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