PART 5 All three songs, except Midnight Hour, on this EP (image) are rock n roll songs from the mid 60s. Rise And Fall is an instrumental by the Shadows, Hooray For Hazel is by Tommy Roe, Sounds Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and Hey Jude by the Beatles. Like a-go-go music in the early 60s, the beat has been changed to 'soul' music in the midnight hour because it is the latest dance craze.
Following the trend, thousands of 45 vinyls like The Sound Of Japan Vol: 13 are sold on the cheap by many recording companies in Singapore. Some of the compilations are questionable but most have mediocre sound production and harmonization although most are covers of popular western songs.
The lead instrument is usually an electronic organ with separate electric bass and rhythm. These recordings are mostly marketed for Chinese listeners.
I am not too sure who Charlie And The Boys are but they could have been professional musicians selected for particular recordings only. Does Charlie really exist? I have been told that he could be Charles Lazaroo the well-known piano man from Radio Television Singapore who frequently accompanies talentimers on the keyboard.
These records, like MP3 downloads, sold very well and the 'elevator music' came in series. Today the vinyl costs me S$2.00. Collector's item? Possible. They don't produce them like they do LPs. Comment anyone?
Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.
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