Rudyn Impian Bateks Kugiran Garage Pop 60an

Pop songs with car themes were blazing the Top Hit Charts in the US in the 60s especially with the Beach Boys Fun, Fun, Fun. Similarly our local pop stars did the same. Malay singer Rudyn *al-haj (image 3) is associated with his well-known hit Naik Kreta Ku (Drive With Me) or literally translated, 'Hop Into My Car.' He made this particular recording with Cosdel (CEP 3009 - image 4) and backed by his own group The Bateks (as in kain batek or sarong material).

After some changes within the group and because of unavoidable circumstances they joined forces with another called D'Impians (dreamers) and formed The Impian Bateks (Indonesian spelling: batik - image 2). This group was just as popular outside the Malay community playing western music.

Having an academic degree was rare in the 60s but Rudyn was one of those who had a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University in the U.S. Rudyn whose full name was Khairudin Haji Hashim, besides singing Pop-yeh-yeh music with his group, also served as a Planning Officer for Sabah Film Production. In November, 2007 Rudyn passed away in his hometown at Johore Bahru, Malaysia. He was 61 years young.

Music and lyrics for Naik Kreta Ku was by Rudyn himself while the other three, Selendang Hitam (The Black Veil), Terima-lah Lagu Ku (Please Accept My Song) and Berjumpa (Meeting) were originals by The Impian Bateks. Did Rudyn cut another record with a group called The Falcons singing Naik Kereta Baru (Hope In My New Car) , Bukan Salah Ku (Not My Fault), Pengembara (Wanderer/Vagabond) and Selamat Hari Raya (celebration after fasting month)?

The Impian Bateks were as popular under their own banner with previous recordings (Cosdel CEP 3005) like: Gadis Sekolah (School Girl), Wanita (Woman), Siapa Juwita (Who's That Girl) and Mengapah (Why). Another recording with Panda (YHEP 111) had Dari Ku Untok Mu (From Me To You), Guru Baru (New Teacher), Sekolah Ku (My School) and Oh Posmen (Oh Postman).

Song themes were typical teenage angst and school girl crushes. Pen-pals were also actively pursued by our youngsters and a record cover (image 1) that looks like an addressed envelope with stamps could sell. "Ku rindu pada mu, Ku ingin bertemu selalu... (I am lovesick and wish to meet you often...)"

Both Rudyn and TIB were a force to reckon with in the Pop-yeh-yeh 60s era. They stood among the top Malay artistes then and their wide popularity spread across Singapore, Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. If you are familiar with them, please contribute more information.

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (MALAY):

"Rudyn al-haj ada-lah sa-orang penyanyi berbakat dewasa ini, yang munchul di-tengah kemainan lagu2 pop yang pesat. Dengan kugiran Impian Bateks Rudyn al-haj menyanyi dengan gaya dan suara yang tersendiri. Rudyn berjaya menawan hati peminat pop dengan bentok lagu yang tersendiri.

Rudyn al-haj ada-lah bekas ahli kugiran yang kini sudah tiada lagi, tetapi Rudyn berjaya dalam usaha-nya merakamkan empat buah lagu2 pop pujaan ramai." Sharikat Cosdel Singapura. (Record back sleeve cover). Kalau kenal kugiran ini, harap beri maklumat.

*Term used for a muslim who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Information/Images: radiodiffusion.wordpress.com

Image: FORD 1907 Model R/Universal Cars Ltd, Singapore

Translated information about Rudyn: Malay Wikipedia.

Article: compiled by Andy Lim.

Can You Name This Singapore 60s Mystery Group?

CAN YOU NAME THIS CHOIR FROM THE 60s?

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK:

To keep the mystery intact, an edited version of the sleeve-liner from the back-cover of 'ami' Records (without serial number) tells you about this group. Each blank ( _ ) represents a word. Try it:

"The first thing that strikes most people about _ _ is our name. It merely means that instead of walking up the middle _ of the _ _ _ , we stick to the side _!

We have often been confronted with an embarassing, 'Well, what are The _? I mean, well... what are you?' The answer comes in two words: We sing. We sing of what _ means to us, we sing of Singapore, we sing of love, hope, faith an of running and catching the wind.

We have grown tired of sitting down and arguing with people about faith and _ . So instead of yelling pointlessly for hours on end, getting bad tempers, sore throats and headaches, we sing. We have found that music is a language everyone understands, and so we use music as our medium of _ .

Started in 1965 by the _ _ _, the group originally consisted of girls from St. Margaret's Secondary School. We later expanded to include men and girls from the various denominational _ and are now based at _ _ _ .

The _ _ have appeared over TV Singapura and Malaysia and made broadcasts over Radio Singapura and Rediffusion, besides singing in _ and concerts halls.

This album is a live recording of one of our performances. Two of the numbers, 'Dem Bones' and 'Go Tell It On The Mountain', are spirituals which have been rearranged by the group, and the Christmas calypso 'On A Day' is an original tune based on words by Dr. D. T. Niles. 'Morning Town Ride' is one of the many folk-songs sung by us, while The Great Spirit, composed by the Colwell Brothers, is one of severa MRA songs often sung by the group (anonymous)."

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The clues are all there. So one last clue. Five of the girls would have formed a pop girl group and cut records with Philips (Universal Music Singapore) in 1967. Can you name the above group and their place of practice?

Image/article: ami Records/back sleeve cover.

Image of St. Andrew's Cathedral from: http://www.victorianweb.org/

Stevie Loraine, Terry Marsden, Dukes, Clansmen

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK:
"Stevie Loraine (left) makes an impact on listeners. The quality of her voice, the feeling and depth in her singing and the instinctive way she has with a song - these belong to one who has been in the business for many years. But not in Stevie's case - for she is an amateur, has never sung in public before this record was made and has never had a singing lesson in her life either! Little wonder, she has been labelled a bundle of 'natural talent' and a recording manager's dream.

So much feeling was put into the song, Moments (written for her by Terry Marsden) that Stevie emerged from the studio with tears streaming down her face. That gives you some idea into the sincerity she puts into her singing.

Listen to the standard, There Goes My Heart; the original composed jointly by Tisana and Terry Marsden: Not Around and the second oldie Watermelon Man and judge for yourself the potential in this new voice.

Stevie's record will not be her last - this girl is all set to reach new heights in the recording world, and she has what it takes too (Philips: ME-0158-SE)."
I think when Zainal Abidin (Dukes bass guitarist) reads this posting he will have comments to make, since the Dukes are responsible for the "basic backing" on this EP vinyl called, Sweet Moments With Stevie Loraine.

Stevie cut another vinyl with The Clansmen (right image) on Philips ME-0196-SE, singing Walk With Me, If You Always Say, Do-Re-Me and It's Gonna Be. The second and fourth songs are originals by Terry again.

The Clansmen sounds like a British group but they are actually our local boys consisting of Abdullah Abu on lead guitar, Derrick Nunis on rhythm guitar, Raymond Lazaroo on bass guitar and Philip Monteiro on drums (back-sleeve cover).

This posting and others with SOME SLEEVES SPEAK labels are only for surfers who do not possess the vinyls but are interested in the information provided about our local bands and singers. There is no intention to waste the readers' time.
Image: Universal Music Singapore. Andy Lim Collection.

Lonely Street, You Talk Too Much: Locke/Quests

Okay, so here he is. The guy who needs no introduction to our local music fans is one of the more successful singers in the 60s. He came from across the sea and together with the already famous Quests, unfurled music so potent that many youngsters today still think that they are the only pop band in Singapore.

Backing Mr. Dynamite, and with about 10 songs on his own list, The Quests say adios to Keith Locke with this particular recording. If you look at the image carefully you will notice a caricature of him in the background, with the special 'K' long-sleeved T- Shirt, boarding the plane and waving his last farewell. I just managed to get this vinyl during the week-end, recorded on 12/04/1966.

So for those who do not possess this pressing, simply titled, Keith Locke And The Quests, on Columbia/EMI: DO 4664, SOME SLEEVES SPEAK reveal: "This is Keith Locke's final record and his farewell tribute to the hundreds of fans that his voice brought him, during his singing career in Singapore.

Keith, originator of the Push Push beat and the dance of the same name, recorded this final single shortly before he left the Quests, homeward bound.
In the same tradition as his other records, You Talk Too Much (Jones, Hall) and Lonely Street (Sowder, Hearn, Belew, Stevenson) present Keith Locke as a highly competent singer. It is, in fact, his best record, with the warmth, emotion and feel for a song tht put him at the top with his first disc, You Lied.

The Quests provide some superb backing on this record, with snatches of fine guitar-playing. Keith adds everything else.

It may be goodbye from Keith but it's the only way he felt he could adequately express it... through a record.

And this is what his fans will remember him for. It's thank you to Keith for so many wonder songs, and as he would have said it himself, "Be nice, baby!"

Image: Universal Music Singapore. Andy Lim Collection.

*My way of presenting original sleeve-liners, so check out other liners by clicking "Labels" below:

"The Jets" Instrumental Group From Singapore

(Image from left: Rhythm guitar: Herald Chiang, Bass guitar: Alan Poh. Drums: Richard Tan and Lead Guitar: Edward Tan. (Philips ME-0127-JE recorded in May, 1965).

This posting is not about the Qantas A380 in Singapore that was supposed to have "engine failure", nor is it about any Boeing or Rolls Royce mechanical problem. The Jets is a Singapore band.

Since the term denotes speed and power, it was not surprising to find half a dozen other instrumental groups using this name. The four boys, who were active on this island state and the Asian region, formed in October 1963.

A telephone call to one of these boys, an old friend, resulted in an interesting chat that revealed much, but bassist Alan Poh, being the busy businessman that he is, was not able to take time off for more discussion regarding his versatile and popular 60s guitar group.

Alan, who is still running a successful family insurance business today, promised that we should meet when he had more time, as it had been more than 40 years since this group of Jets disbanded in December 1966.

So once again I am quoting the information from the back sleeve-cover of the Extended Play record (image).

Some Sleeves Speak (Edited):
"For an instrumental group formed only a year ago, THE JETS have established quite a spectacular popularity and - true to their name - with remarkable speed too.

However, success has not been that easy for THE JETS because of the keen competition that prevails nowdays in the world of pop instrumentalists. It has been a matter of 'Triumph Through Trials' indeed, for much perseverane, tolerance and above all sincere keenness were demanded of each of the boys before their efforts could be rewarded with a recording contract.

Vital to their success as an established group of pop guitarists - in great demand for TV performances and for the entertainment world - is the driving force behind them - Robert Lim, whose dynamic skill as a true leader has proved and is proving a great stimulus to the group.

In this EP album THE JETS present to you such scintillating numbers of their own composition as Aurora and The Meteor by Edward Tan. Fantasy and Escapee were composed jointly by Alan Poh and Edward Tan."

The group had also recorded four more guitar instrumentals: Blues Away, Express Train, The Big Beat Beat and Alice In Dreamland on Philips ME- 0130-JE in July 1965.

In a third Philips EP, they accompanied Wilson David (popularly known as 'Singapore's Elvis Presley') with I'll Never Be Mad At You, Yours I Love To Be By Your Side and Jezebel. Again two of the songs are Singapore originals and composed by Alan Poh.

When 3 fresh members joined Edward Tan to form the new Jets in 1967, they recorded an EP on the Blue Star label cutting: Five Hundred Miles, Unchained Melody, When I Was Young, Fever.

But that is another story and posting.

Do you know the rest of the boys?

Image: Universal Music Singapore.

Article/Image: Andy Lim Collection.

Ray Johnson, Diamond Four, Frank Thompson

Some Sleeves Speak (Sleeve-liner from above vinyl):

*"They were the Diamond Five. Where have I heard that name before? It could be anywhere from Hong Kong to Liverpool. They first appeared in Singapore in late 1965 and although they were acclaimed wherever they played, it was not until after their radio and television appearances during their tour of Australia that they were really recognised here.

Ray Johnson's individual style and the group's interpretation of Frank's compositions is now known throughout the Far East. This record is then a tribute to you, the fans of Ray Johnson and The Diamond Four.

I hope it gives you as much pleasure to listen to it as it gave them to make. And next time you are in somewhere like the North Pole, just listen for the music of The Diamond Four. It's there too (vinyl sleeve-liner: Philips Record image)."

#Except for I've Been Around, a Fats Domino cover, the other 3 songs, Wedding Bells Soon, Help Me, Little Girl and Stay By My Side were composed by F.A. Thompson - the "Frank" that the writer above was referring to. The Philips Record (ME-0148-DE) was released around September, 1968.

Heather Batchen, Frank Thompson, Diamond Four:

Fourteen year old Heather Batchen was accompanied by this same group, a band of British servicemen from an HMS naval ship, docked in Singapore then. They recorded a single with her in 1966: Day Dreaming by Frank Thompson. It is a sentimental number, sung with much feeling and personal interpretation that became a Heather hallmark. In the same genre, the big 60s hit If We Are Only Friends is an appropriate flip on Philips ME-057-HF for Heather's vocal style.

On an EP (ME-0173-HE) called Mr. Moon she had recorded again with The Diamond Four, Do You Care and Hey, Mr. Moon, both Frank Thompson compositions. Having completed their line of servicemen duties, the Four returned to England after this second recording with Heather.

The other two songs Heather recorded on the same EP, were with The Thunderbirds and called, Because I Love You and I'll Be Yours.

#Original article/image: Andy Lim Collection.

Valiants - Melaka, Malaysia, Bristol, England

(A) SOME SLEEVES SPEAK (Sleeve liners):

"Most pop fans here have been demanding a new sound in music for ages. Now Philips have found this sound and introduce to you - the Valiants (image). Malacca-based Valiants have been together for three years.

Last year they were joined by John K. Couzens - a modern musician from Bristol, England. With John's guidance they have sprung from being a popular instrumental group to the top close-harmony group in Malaysia.

For the past six months they have become the most popular vocal group in Malacca. Their act on stage has the two main essentials - versatility and variety. Just listen to these four numbers penned by lead singer John and you will agree that this new sound is here to stay."

(B) Andy's Comment:

The above sleeve-liner was written by one M. Hanny and some scribblings on it noted that the vinyl was catalogued by a radio station on 24th January, 1968. Using this date as a guideline, Couzens could have joined them in 1967 and the band could have been together since 1964 or '65.

They must have reached some peak in popularity in Malacca, Malaysia or else Philips would not have invited them to record.

Vinyl info: The songs include: Big Wheel, My Elaine, Running Wild, Daddy's Home. All songs are by Couzens. Vinyl #437833 PE. It is a mono recording.

The group members: John K. Couzens (lead singer), William Rodrigues (rhythm), Roger Foo (bass), Gerald Dionysius (lead), Nik Pinto (drums) and Peter John Cutting (manager).

(C) *Peach Fuzz Forest Blog Posting:

"John was in the army and posted to Asia, where he hooked up with the band. The Valiants were an instrumental band until he arrived and added vocals, morphing them from **Indo-Rock to British beat. He wrote all the materials on this EP, although the band still sneaked in some twangs from their instrumental days.

John's wife was called Elaine (one song title) and came from Australia. He moved to Perth in the late 60s and formed Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Volunteers."

(D) Blog Comments:

1. Absolutely rare indeed, I wonder 'bout the other 2 tracks of the EP...

2. The other two tracks aren't as interesting, unfortunately! Pretty ordinary harmony pop.

3. Rare and great stuff, especially Running Wild; should've been an instant garage comp classic!

4. Very nice tunes!!! Rare and unique!!!

5. John Couzens looks like the singer in our rock band here in Perth around 1968/69. Does anyone know where John is at present?

Anyone know this band? Are they still around?

Edited article/Image: Andy Lim Collection.

*Information (b & c): http://peachfuzzforest.blogspot.com/

**Could be Pop-Yeh-Yeh since they were from Malaysia.

Straight Off The Cuff - Or - The Sleeves Speak

SOME SLEEVES SPEAK:

While there are many Singapore artistes and personalities who are approachable and willing to tell their stories about Singapore 60s music, there are others, for reasons of their own, who are not.

Then again, it is difficult to agree to a specific time and place to meet the willing ones. For some people, due to personal reasons or ill-health, they cancel appointments.

Because of the challenges faced these last two years, I shall be unwillingly copying off sleeve-covers to document what recording studios write about their artistes.

I will be calling these postings: Some Sleeves Speak. Many of these vinyls are not availabe in the second-hand market; others are available for very cruel prices.

So for those who do not have these vinyls, they will now have a chance to read about Singapore's own pop 60s music stars straight from the horse's mouth. Or to be exact, straight from the loud-speaker's mouth.

It starts in the next posting.

(If you have vinyls to lend, I shall return them after copying the information from the sleeves.)

Original article: Andy Lim

Image from: http://recordrevirginizer.com/vinylpics.html