BULLS HEAD BOB MAY 2025. 1965 THE HARPSICHORD. THE UGLYS, THE YARDBIRDS, THE BEATLES AND THE DOORS. GRAHAM ASHFORD. VE DAY MORE BEER

 Hello Brummies, Brummies Abroad and lovers of 60's music.  

One day late in publishing, Mrs Bob and I took ourselves out for the May Bank Holiday and had a spiffing time but we're back here in The safety of our abode and so.......on with the Motley!

1965 THE YEAR OF THE HARPSICHORD....THE UGLYS.

JIM foreground.

I got an email from David Mann who lives in Australia and he says that he has started to listen to a new radio show playing  hits from the 1960's and he was knocked out by the songs he'd never heard before, including the June 1965 hit "Its Alright" by The Uglys, asking if I thought there was a similarity between the Harpsichord played by Uglys organist Jimmie O'Neil and Ray Manzareks harpsichord sound on The Doors hit "Light my Fire" (1967).   

Celeste

It made me think of other songs with Harpsichord and 1965 seemed to be the year when that sound was used most.   The early 60's recording studios were largely used by bands and orchestras and it was usual to have random instruments available in place such as a grand piano for instance.  I recall there being a Celeste which had the sound of tinkly fairy bells which was used to accent certain notes.  

Harpsichord.

When The Uglys arrived at the PYE studios in London to record 'Its Alright' it was Jim's intention to use his Vox Continental organ, the best portable organ available at the time.  However Jim spotted the harpsichord in the corner under a blanket and being a Classically trained pianist started playing it.  

By this time in the 60's bands were looking for different instrumental sounds and straight away he recognised that its acoustic sound would be a perfect substitute for the reedy sounding VOX and he was right, its multi string plucking sound was perfect.

THE YARDBIRDS

The Yardbirds "For Your Love" March 65 had featured the instrument for the opening chord sequence for this, their first hit.  They didn't have a keyboard player and on stage used a 12 string guitar to emulate the harpsichord sound. Organist Brian Auger had played the harp on the recording itself.   Eric Clapton left the band shortly after because of their pop image.

THE BEATLES

Later on, that same year, the Beatles recorded the wonderful  John Lennon song "In my Life" but didn't have a solo written so whilst they were out to lunch George Martin scored, played and recorded the baroque sounding solo.  I recall folk talking about the harpsichord solo however, it was  manufactured using a double tracked, speeded up piano.  Sounding remarkably alike but not the genuine instrument.

So, now getting back to Ray Manzarek of The Doors.   I researched, quite thoroughly, anything and everything to do with him and his instruments for the year in question then I listened to "Its Alright" and "Light my Fire" back to back and am quite sure that on Light my Fire he didn't play a harpsichord.   I did read that he had drawing pins tapped into the hammers of his Fender Rhodes piano.   This was an old ragtime musician's trick of increasing the rinky-dink treble sound of the piano keys so I can see how you could be convinced into thinking it was another instrument but there is a discernable difference in the sound. I know that there has been much discussion about it but quite understandable given the recording tricks and the know how to achieve.   I do agree that the playing style of the two pianists is similar though.  What do you think?  I'd be happy to hear any comments that might cause me to change my mind, furthermore there have been several remastering of the Doors material so  harpsichord could have been over dubbed at a later date.

BRUMMIE ABROAD BIRTHDAY. 

Heres wishing a happy 81st Birthday to the great Graham Ashford ex singer of the Brumbeats.   He will be enjoying his day in Hawaii where he has a home where he spends the days painting the beautiful surroundings he lives in.   Have a wonderful day Graham and if any readers are interested in purchasing any of his great works please drop me a line and I will put you in touch.

REASON TO CELEBRATE

The 8th of May is a significant date which Mark's the end of the 2nd world war in Europe and to recognise this all pubs in England and Wales will be open for an extra 2 hours.  I'll have a brown and mild please!!

FINALLY

Theres a mild spell of weather so I'm going to forget all this dangerous bullshit going on in the world and count my blessings at having lived through the Golden Years of peace.  It wasn't a hippy dream, it was our reality.

Take Care

Bob

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