John Kerry's High School band -THE ELECTRAS
$
511
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Description
YES!-It's an original copy of the John Kerry's High School rock band's only LP from 1961! Only 500 pressed!!! This one is in very good shape, with a few scratches on each side, but plays fine. Since it is so old and rare, you take your chances on the surface quality; it was NOT pressed for widespread release, but for their local release at the time. I will accept no returns and sale is final. Last chance to get a copy of this classic rock n roll gem! Last few times on eBay it sold for $1000-$2100, so bid early and often! Scan is a stock photo-condition of this item is comparable. Below are the liner notes from the back of the LP.
A school such as Saint Paul's School often provides a fertile breeding ground for all sorts of experimental musical ventures by boys who have for the first time come into contact with others whose tastes and interests in music are similar to their own. The Electras are the product just such an experimental musical venture. They were organized just over two years ago under the leadership of Larry Rand, a group of boys drawn together by a common love of rock and roll and a common desire to play it. Originally they came into existence as a temporary group to replace another that had been forced to disband, but they stayed together and in the two years since that time have progressed a long way from their somewhat unprepossessing beginnings. At Saint Paul's they are a regular and popular feature in the intermissions of the Term dances; and in the Fall of 1961 they were invited to play at the Senior Class Dance of the Chapin School in New York, where they were extremely well received. Their combination practice-jam sessions at St. Paul's are always packed with spectators. For this summer they have already obtained a tentative engagement in New Bedford, Massachusetts. In short, the Electras are an enormous success.
The reason in part for the Electras' great success lies primarily in the fact that they are a highly original and refreshing group to listen to. They subscribe to the theory that rock and roll should by rights be made an art, and to this end they have experimented widely with technique and form. From jazz they have borrowed the principle that improvisation should comprise a large part of music and in consequence they have developed a style that is strictly and unmistakably theirs. Not one of their numbers, no matter how familiar the title, sounds anything like any version that has ever been done before. Tedious imitation is not a part of their repertory.
The Electras themselves represent a wide variety of personalities and talents. Larry Rand, leader of the group and lead guitar, is an exuberant native of New York City who took up the electric guitar a few years ago as a hobby, and who has now let it become all but an obsession, as any frequenter of the Electra's Saturday night practice sessions would affirm. John Prouty, rhythm guitar is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and quiet and patient soul who is something of a foil for Rand's outgoing nature and whose skill with a pick has made him an indispensable member of the group. John Radcliffe is a madcap pianist from New Bedford, Mass who can play anything from Tchaikovsky to Jerry Lee Lewis (were he to give a recital he would probably do just that) without batting an eye, and the possessor of a musical imagination so feverish it must be experienced to be believed. John Kerry, electric bass, is a resident of Oslo, Norway, and the producer of a pulsating rhythm that lends tremendous force to all the members. The drummer, Peter Land, is from Hingham Mass. Although no giant physically, he still calls from his skins a very large beat indeed. Andy Gagarin, the last member of the group, plays the maracas and is responsible for the operation of all the Electra's rather staggering aggregation of electronic equipment. He is a native of Fairfield Connecticut. (Also a member of the group but not present for this recording is Tim Norris, of the Dublin School.)
All in all, the listener should find little more to be desired from this recording The Electras' technique and style is preeminent among new rock and roll groups, and this record, which the Electras themselves feel to be fully representative of themselves and their abilities, could easily get them started on the road to success.
P.W. Johnson
SIDE ONE
1. Guitar Boogie Shuffle
2. Three Blind Mice
3. You Can't Sit Down
4. Greenfields
5. Shanghaied
6. Summertime Blues
SIDE TWO
1. Bulldog
2. Ya Ya
3. Sleepwalk
4. Electra
5. Because They're Young
6. Torquay
7. Yellow Jacket
Insurance will be required, based on the selling price, and the shipping will be quoted at sell time, depending on winner's needs. Once again, sold AS IS with no returns! Email for more details before you bid!
On Sep-02-04 at 16:09:59 PDT, seller added the following information: Since this item will clearly sell for quite a high price, I wanted to be sure its condition was clearly stated. The cover does not have the curved black mark seen in the scan, since it is not a scan of the actual item, as indicated above. It also does not have the slight discoloration through the middle. It does have some very slight yellowing on the front and back, and some typical cover wear caused by being shelved for 40+ years. The record is NOT mint or even near mint, but has scratches on each side, some of which can be heard when played. It does play through, and sounds quite listenable, but if you are looking for a perfect copy for playing purposes, you may not be satisfied. After being electronically "de-clicked" on a computer, it should sound fine, but I have not tried this. I am not an expert on record ratings, so please email me with questions before you bid, and I will do my best to give you an accurate answer. Once again, for the 4th time in this listing , I want to be sure it is clear: This item will sell AS IS, and the sale is final.
