(B) Silly Love Songs, Never My Love, Wynners

They were The Losers before becoming The Wynners. Perhaps they wanted to be 'foot-loose'. It could also have been a mis-spelling but they are definitely not 'losers' now, having won the coverted Golden Needle Award from RTHK for its Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs prize in 88. Took a while but they made it.

As Philips recording artistes, they cut a special Thanks A Million album for their fans with songs from their TV hits in 1975 and 1976.

Image shows the back cover and in celebration, a toast to their followers and prize-winning songs that include, Wynners Theme Song 1977, If, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Una Paloma Blanca, Silly Love Songs and Never My Love.

They have made appearances both in Singapore and Malaysia. Their recent performance was at the Hong Kong Coliseum for 13 nights from February 18 to March 2, 2007 for their 33rd anniversary concert. Evergreen.

(LP Philips: 6380 008. Marketed by Phonogram).
Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(A) Wynners Always: HongKong 70s Teen Idols

Their versatility shows in the music they produce and perform. They have a repertoire of pops in English, Mandarin and Cantonese with a large fan base in Hong Kong and most of South East Asia.

The Wynners are a Hong Kong vocal and instrumental quintet formed in 1973. The line-up included Alan Tam and Kenny Bee (vocals), Bennett Pang (guitar), Danny Yip (bass guitar) and Anthony Chan (drums).

The group sang exclusively in English when they first started and recorded mainly covers of popular songs from the West. In 1975, they collaborated with James Wong, a songwriter, lyricist, director and released a movie, Let's Rock with original Cantonese songs for the soundtrack. It was early Cantopop with simple, light-hearted lyrics in colloquial style.

Before their success in the movie, the group was already one of the most popular teen idol groups in H.K. Their first studio album, Listen to the Wynners, released in 1974, was a commercial success. It led on to shows with TVB , the Wynners Specials in 1975 and two more films, Gonna Get You in 1976 and Making It in 1977.

The Wynners disbanded in 1978, with Alan Tam and Kenny Bee embarking on successful solo careers, but they never officially broke up and reunited periodically even till today.

Wynners: Sha la la la la.

YouTube Video: Peepol Candy

Reference: Wynners Websites by fans.

Image/original article: Andy Lim.

(5) Simon & Garfunkel In The Midnight Hour?

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.

(4) Wilson Pickett Midnight Hour Mustang Sally

PART 4

Oh my, soul brother at his utmost! Wilson Pickett's songs, Land Of 1,000 Dances, In The Midnight Hour and Mustang Sally are this blogger's favourites.

So from Little Richard to Elvis Presley, the transition to appreciate soul and funk as the years went by was no big deal. There were changes to the rhythm and blowing instruments were added. And since Roy Orbison and James Brown came in between, the transition was even smoother.

Punctuate these years with The Beatles psychedelic period together with 5th Dimension, The Mamas And Papas and the puzzle becomes one clear picture. Again, the song/singer selections are personal choices.

*Funk originated in the mid 60s when black musicians blended soul, jazz and Rhythm & Blues into music one can dance to, after de-emphasising the melody and harmony. There is a strong rhythmic groove of bass and drums and funk nmelodies are based on extended vamp on a single chord.

*Like much of African-inspired music, funk typically consists of a complex groove with rhythm instruments such as guitar, bass, organ, and drums playing interlocking rhythms. Funk bands sometimes have a horn section of several saxophones, trumpets, and perhaps a trombone.

*Reference: edited from Wikipedia.

(3) James Brown, Cold Sweat Sax And Watusi!

Part 3

In the latter half of the 1960's, the dance and music craze of a relatively 'new beat' stormed Singapore island and in the frenzy our local band boys and girls added the tenor saxaphone, keyboard and even the trombone to its stable of instruments. -Check Silver Strings postings for: March, 26th and April 23rd.

"Ow! Uh! Alright! Uh!/Got to know how to pony/Like Bony Maronie/Mash potato, do the alligator/Put your hand on your hips, yeah/Let your backbone slip/Do the Watusi/Like my little Lucy... Do that Jerk-uh/Watch me work y'all, Hey! Uh!" And Wilson Pickett's song reverberated throughout the nightspots in Singapore. And funky music with its soul sisters and brothers came to town. "Na, na, na, na, na... "

But if we push the minute hand slightly backwards, the Godfather Of Soul himself could be responsible for this phenomenon because James Brown (image) must be credited for funky music popularity with his hit, Cold Sweat (1967). It was recognized as a departure from pop music conventions when it was released and is sometimes cited as the first true funk song. Comment anyone?

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(2) Late 60s Soul Music In Funky Singapore

PART 2

The Shing-A-Ling, Boogaloo and Funky Broadway hit the Singapore music scene in the late 60s as it did a few years before in the U.S. Soul music captured the hearts of many people then, so when three real-life and beautiful sisters from Indonesia hit the circuit with their record Soul Source.

Singaporeans fell in love with both the music and the shimmering siblings. Their close, vocal harmony dominates as they give their best by coaxing listeners to, "do that funky music baby" with The X-periment.

Linda, Lolly and Elsie Idaly have also recorded, Sweet Inspiration, Knock On Wood, Oh What A Fool I've Been and Will You Love Me Tomorrow. Combining as a group proved a success as they were soloists before teaming up in 1967. The sisters are from a musically inclined Indonesian family of ten.

With Soul Sauce (image), they recorded, Unchained Melody, Micro-Mini, Don't Fight It, You've Lost That Loving Feeling/Soul And Inspiration, I Second That Emotion, A Place In The Sun, To Love Somebody, Soul Sister Brown Sugar, Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday, I Lost Someone and Funky Broadway.

Besides backing the sisters, members of The X-Periment featured vocally on some tracks. They had cut another LP in later years and also written original compositions. Siva Choy and Joe Chandran are vocalists and musicians in their own rights.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(1) The X-Periment: The Idaly Sisters: Soul Sauce

UP TO 1,700 VIEWS

PART 1

Believe it. It's all in one Long Play, Latin-Boogaloo, soul sisters in short, short skirts and one of the best bands in the late 60s. When the Idaly Sisters, cut a vinyl with The Experiments it featured the blending harmony and distinctive styles of two of the best groups of recording artistes in the 60s.

After some shuffling of band members and a change of name from Comancheros (song title) in late 1965 to The Experiments at the tail end of 1967, the versatile group was well known for their appearances at the Hilton Hotel, Golden Venus and other hot spots in Singapore and Malaysian cities. Starting out as a Hindustani band the group concentrated on soul music afterwards. The Soul Sister, Brown Sugar phenomenon started its craze in the region then.

The line-up for the LP (image) was Mervyn Nonis (Electric organ, Piano/Harpsichord/Vocals), Tony Shotam (Lead guitar/Tenor Saxaphone/Vocals), Frisco Lim (Drums/Vocals), Kenny Barket (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Joe Chandran (Lead Vocal/Guitar) and Siva Choy (Guitar/Glockenspiel/Vocals). 

Their final official title on record was X-PERIMENTS.The pictures were taken at The Baron Nightclub in Singapore under Bernard Salosa's Production.
Reference: RCA Victor Long Play: SGS0001.

"I jammed during varsity when they had lunchtime concerts and with a guy called Joe Peters (best double bassist in Singapore) who later formed the NUS Band and the NUS Music Department in the 70s. Actually this was how I got my first job in the IT industry whilst playing as a musician.

It was fun playing 3 months here and there - the Jade Lounge at Ming Court Hotel with David Ng/Julai Tan Quartet, The Rang Mahal Restaurant at the Oberoi Imperial, a Japanese club and restaurant called the Okoh at Supreme House and on the ground floor of Hyatt Hotel (if you walk through the main entrance today, the lounge was on the right side.)

There was no future in the local music industry. You must have heard about Joe Chandran and the X'periments - he became spiritual - after his stint at the Los Horizon discotheque at the Shangri-la. [Extract by Peter Chan from, 'Good Morning Yesterday' by Lam Choon See.] 

Idaly Sisters: Unchained Melody 

YouTube Video from: nostalgia hassny

NB: 

According to a Straits Times report on 3rd October 1984, X'periments two recordings, Soul Sauce (as shown above) and another Chinatown Rock released in 1978 were unsuccessful.

Image/original article: Andy Lim
Extract: Peter Chan.

(3) Ramlee A Man Way Before His Time: Loh Tih

These remarks were taken at random from YouTube. Do listen to Bunyi Gitar on the right from YouTube contributer, 5Band:

(1) P. Ramlee actually was too ahead for his time. Sayang we knew that now.
(2) P. Ramlee has got to be one of the most iconic entertainers in Asia.
(3) One of the best "twist" scene in Malay vintage film.

(4) Of course pop yeh yeh was the best time to live for music in Malaysia. I wish I was born a bit earlier, then I could have experienced it better. Anyway, I admit I am a pop yeh yeh die hard fan... Keep it up.

(5) Old classic SURF song!!! Awesome!!! Lagu ni aku consider sama level dengan the Ventures, Dick Dale, The Beach Boys dll seangkatan, memang ada international value.

(6) Saya bangsa Cina, lagu P. Ramlee yang merapatkan saya dengan Kaum Melayu, bahasa sehari-harian yang indah dan seronok menceriakan pertuturan saya dan kawan-kawan sekeliling...

(7) Gitar jenis apa P. Ramlee guna tu ek? Nak kata Fender bukan... Nak kata Kapok pun bukan.... Mesti vintage punya brand. :)

(8) One word..AWESOME!!
(9) THIS IS GREAT ! Thanks a lot 5band! You rock !
Image: With Betty Loh Tih at Shaw Brothers Studios in the 60s.

(2) Aci Aci Buka Pintu: Nujum Pa'Belalang Sabar!

Aci buka pintu - P. Ramlee and Saloma. 

Terima kaseh kepada 

'Pakcummy' [YouTube video.]

This second Long Play is another EMI, Regal that specifies in Malay, "songs composed, arranged with the orchestra under Puteh Ramlee, AMN."

My interest in P. Ramlee dated back to the mid 50s when I watched movies produced by Shaw Brothers. My diet of Siput Sarawak, Neng Yatimah, Momo Latiff, Sit Tanjung Perak, S. Kadarisman and Omar Rojik holds strong even till today.

Then when P. Ramlee came along as Penarek Becha with his gang of Bujang Lapok I was fascinated with this man who composed, directed and even acted in his own movies.

REGAL RECORDS - A P. RAMLEE CLASSIC LONG PLAY

The evergreens in these two LPs may interest some readers who want to listen to this great man. Like John Lennon said, "Before Elvis there was nothing." Likewise in Malay pop music in Singapore and Malaya, "Before Ramlee, there was nothing."

Getaran Jiwa is P. Ramlee, one of the best songs composed by him. Together with S. Sudarmaji, other songs that are pleasant to listen and meaningful would be Barang Yang Lepas Jangan Di Kenang, Sabar, Kesah Rumah Tangga and Sepanjang Riwayat Ku.

He has his humorous side too and Aci Aci Buka Pintu (one of my favourites), Lanang Tunang Ta Jadi (by Kassim Masdor and my good friend Yusnor Ef), Ai Ai, Ai Twist, Sabarudin Tukang Kasot, Ting Tara Tilalla and Nujum Pa'Belalang would put anyone, who understands Malay, in stitches!

LP Reference: EMI/Regal: SREG 9801/2.

Image/original article: 

Andy Lim Collection.

(1) P Ramlee & Saloma Air Mata Di K. Lumpur

***********************************************While searching for some Singapore pop 60s malay records, two P. Ramlee LPs surfaced. The first vinyl is Air Mata di Kuala Lumpur, the last song he composed before he passed away.

On Side One, Saloma, his wife, sings the title track followed by Anak-ku Sazali, Jeritan Batinku, Jangan Tinggal Daku and Di Mana Kan Ku Cari Ganti. On Side Two, Ramlee and Saloma sing, Uda Dan Dara, Hanya Angan Angan, Ku Kehilangan Kanda, Nasibnya Manusia and Gelora.

Many of the songs on this LP are from Ramlee's movies and have been hits on the Malayan pop charts in the 50s and 60s. These classics are still being played today. All songs are composed by Ramlee except Uda Dan Dara with lyrics by Usman Awang.

In his short but dynamic career in the local entertainment scene, Tan Sri P. Ramlee directed 54 films, acted in 62 films, wrote 359 songs and sang more than 200 of them. If any P. Ramlee and Saloma enthusiast is willing to contribute more information on this record please do so.

Kepada Kawan2 Semua - Andy & Silver Strings

Wishing all Muslim friends and surfers on this blog, Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri! From: Andy & The Silver Strings, Singapore.

(2) Naomi Boys Quests Beat Rolling Stones '66

****************************************In April 1966 while Singapore was busy with its first ever Grand Prix at Thomson Road, Keith Locke and the Quests (Columbia/EMI) reached the 5th spot on Singapore's Top Tunes with Push, Push, one above My Love by Petula Clark on Pye Records, 19th Nervous Breakdown by The Rolling Stones on Decca and Svensk-A-Flicka by Johnny Lion on Philips.

But on Malaya's Top Pops Locke & Quests were at number 2 and the number 1 spot in Malaya was Naomi singing I Know with her Boys on Philips. At number 3 was As Tears Go By by the Rolling Stones. Apparently I Know had sold copies far beyond the dreams of 60s music record producers.

First Singapore Grand Prix and first at the top of Asia's hit parade. Happening in 1966! And it had been happening all the time. Comment anyone?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(1) Singapore Formula 1 Race '09, Michelle, Green Berets, Boots Are Made For Walking '66

The Singapore F1 Formula Race next week on Sunday September, 27th takes us back to the 60s when Singapore had its lst Grand Prix in April, 1966 at Thomson Road.

Previous editions were held before Singapore became independent so there was much excitement that week. Blogger remembers that the buzz phrase was, "Grand Prix" (ie, 'gron pree') but the term was verbally abused by our folks.

While the focus was on the race, the froth was also brewing on the international pop music scene in April 1966. Why? Although the Beatles reached top positions in the world charts, they didn't do too well in their own British homeland.

Another surprise was Sergeant Barry Sadler's Ballads Of The Green Berets (image) which praised Vietnam but came 42nd on the list. This song never became popular in Singapore for obvious reasons but the ballad came up to the top on the US charts in later weeks.

Singapore Top Tunes lists Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made For Walking (covered by Nancy Sit and a few other local artistes) and Sounds Of Silence by Simon And Garfunkel in the top spots. Also Michelle by Billy Vaughn, and not the Beatles, was at number 3. What about our own bands and singers?

Image: Wikipedia.

YouTube Video: Konshito -Nov 2006. All time classic/original version.

Original article: Andy Lim

Tonic Chop Gajah Sangam Boys: Part 6 Advertisements.

The postings about Advertisements On Vinyl prompted a friend to send an article:

"Tonic Chop Gajah, which literally means Elephant Brand Tonic is an interesting vinyl and features a number of bands all singing about the virtues of the Tonic, which was very popular in Malaysia and Singapore in the 60s.

The performers are the Sangam Boys, Jabis 5, Vinnoli Music Party, and Kugiran 4 Sekawan. There are four tracks on the EP and all are sung in Malay, although the singers spell out the name of the Tonic in English.

Tonik Chop Gajah - Sangam Boys

The Sangam Boys are known to me mainly for backing other artists, such as S. Roha and Halim Yatim. A group called Vinnoli Music Party was still operating in Singapore in the early 2000s at Indian functions, and they might be the ones who do a more Indian sounding track.

There was an 4 Sekawan that backed some Malay singers in the 1960s. Jabis 5, of which I know nothing, could also be a band, or it might be the group of singers."

Could be the last posting in this series on advertisements. Thanks Steve!

(If I am not mistaken the Sangam Boys are also Tamil speakers. Please correct me if I am wrong because we have a large Tamil population in Singapore. I am not sure if they have produced records in Tamil.)

Image/Original article: 

Steve Farram Collection, 

Darwin, Australia; Eric Ching.

Puff The Magic Dragon Song Lyrics A Special Note For Singapore: Peter, Paul, Mary

Image: By Shurls/Copyright
PUFF The Magic Dragon. From Peter, Paul & Mary.

Play YouTube on the right as you listen to the explanation from the dragon's mouth about the 'drug connotation':

"Yes, you know that little ditty...

Once upon a time a long time ago,

In a far off land by the sea,

There lived a (unclear/utterance) Merlion (?) dragon.

Don't you know that it's really a pity because

There never was a different meaning,

Other than the obvious one.

That the magic dragon is only about

The loss of innocence of children.

Now you can tell your friends that the verdict's

From the dragon's father as well..."

Is it about drugs?

This song has been covered by about 50 artistes.

Video: Thanks to YouTube slims86, May 2nd, 2007.

(Introductory words: Extracted by Andy Lim from video.)

Lyrics: "Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the sea/and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee... /Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff...

Meaning:

Puff = marijuana.

Dragon = Draggin' = inhaling

Jackie Paper = personified a cigarette rolling paper

Mists = exhaled smoke.

Your views readers?

Version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OiOlnoyljk

Peter Paul Mary: Blowin' In The Wind: Gone At 72 Mary Travers

She was at career peak.

UP TO 6,000 VIEWS

Mary Travers, 72, the female third of the popular 60s folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, had passed away after battling leukemia for several years.

Travers and her music mates, Peter Yarrow and Noel Stookey, best known for their hit, *Puff The Magic Dragon, was in the American folk music scene in the early 60s with their influential style and civil rights cause.

Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan was recorded by hundreds of artistes because it was the anthem of the civil rights movement. But it was Peter, Paul, and Mary who made it an international hit.

Led by Mary Travers, they had already put protest songs into the music hit parade with their version of Pete Seeger's If I Had A Hammer, but they were able to balance commercial success with their espousal of worthy causes.

In later years

In August 1963, they performed Blowin' In The Wind to a large group of black freedom marchers in Washington who had just heard Martin Luther King's famous 'I have a dream' speech.

After many hits on record that included *Lemon Tree, *Where Have All the Flowers Gone, and Leaving On A Jet Plane, the group disbanded in 1970.

*Puff The Magic Dragon was banned in Singapore in 1963 for drug connotation. Was there one?

Lemon Tree was also covered by The Crescendos, a Singapore 60s group, with Susan Lim doing the lead vocals.

By Pete Seeger.

Other pop songs banned in Singapore not too long ago and during those crucial times when we were still vulnerable (we still are) included:

Yellow Submarine by The Beatles
Rainbow by A-Mei (Chinese Song)
I Kissed A Girl by Kate Perry
Would You Mind by Janet Jackson

Images: Google.

Zhang Xiao Ying Promotes Denon Stereophonic

It is quite obvious that this back cover of Zhang Xiao Ying's Prinstar EP vinyl is promoting the 60's Denon stereophonic record player, popular among the general public who cannot afford expensive European, British or American sets.

The stereo set consists of a record player, a radio/tuner/amplifier and a pair of simple speakers. In this typical 45 rpm Chinese recording made in Singapore, Zhang Xiao Ying is accompanied by a well-known guitar group called The Travellers although the songs are not part of the promotional package as offered by other advertisements on vinyls.

Vinyl covers were used as a means of promoting products because back in the 60s a popular singer could generate at least 10,000 copies of an Extended Play record. Each EP sells for less than US$4.00, an affordable price for any teenager or person in the street. 

Usually the company advertising the product paid for the production of the sleeve, saving the music company some money from its total budget.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection

(H) Hotel Reservations Ariverdeci Roma Brazil Auf Weidersehn'n

The montage above comes from an EMI/Electrola Long Play F665 524 called, Dance Around The World In SRS Hotels. According to the back cover the reservation service connects customers to more than 100 leadings hotels. The music, from 22 selections, features some of the most popular melodies in the 50s and 60s.

The songs, some of which are familiar with Singaporeans include, Zorba's Dance, The Kangaroo Flop, Limbo Rock, Hare Krishna, Arrividerci Roma, Brazil, French Cancan, Auf Weidersehn'n, Pata Pata and surprise, surprise, Kyu Sakamoto's (image), Sukiyaki and Singapura sung by one Imca Marina and composed by John Mohring.

The Orchestras are pretty well-known in Europe then, Hugo Strasser's and Harry Roche's. It may take a while to sort out the other faces on the montage. Anyone familiar with the personalities?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(F) Frances Yip - Cathay Pacific - Hong Kong - Geylang Sipaku Geylang - Oh Di Mana - Rak Khun Kao Laew - Beautiful Seoul - Widuri.

A sequel to Frances Yip's Discovery Album in 1974 by Cathay Pacific Airways, this album is Discovery 2 where, 'songs from the heart of Asia and beyond' had been recorded. With her strong, crisp and beautiful voice, Ms Yip sings melodies from 13 different countries.

They are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Until 1973, singing was only part time for her but when she came in first in a talent competition, the contracts came in fast and furious. She joined Cathay Pacific to promote the airline and has cut many singles, EPs and LPs too. The image shows the back cover of this particular EMI Long Play recording done in Singapore in 1978.

If the reader still cannot remember Frances Yip, then one of the greatest hits in Chinese pop history may. Shanghai Beach.

Frances Yip: 'Shanghai Beach'

YouTube Video by: waiting87

Image: Google.

Thunderbird Derrick Fitzgerald: Raising Awareness And Helping A Fellow Musician

The Thunderbirds - In full flight and soaring high from the 60s.

Derrick Fitzgerald (top left image), from one of Singapore 60s pop groups The Thunderbirds, has suffered a stroke. There is an effort by two young people to help raise some funds for the guitarist.

According to the Straits Times September 14th, 2009, the charity gig will be held on Wednesday, 7.00pm at the Black Coffee, Hitachi Tower, Collyer Quay, Singapore.

The Thunderbirds which was formed in 1962 has a top hit that is still being played on radio today and remembered by many Singaporeans. My Lonely Heart was at the Number 1 spot in Singapore and Malaysia in 1968. The group has also recorded many originals and covers in the 1960s.

Reference: The Straits Times Press, Singapore/by Eddino Abdul Hadi. Monday, September 14th, 2009.

Image: Universal Music, Singapore. Andy Lim Collection.

(E) Advertisements On 60s Vinyl Records

Image from vinyl record cover.

   UP TO 800 VIEWS,   

20 CHATS, COMMENTS

When Milkmaid Milk promoted their sweetened condensed milk, they gave away a free vinyl (image) with the January 1971 issue of a well-known Singapore woman's magazine.

The EP has 8 tracks but none of them are pop songs. Side One has the jingle, Grow Tall Little Man in English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay and Tamil while the fourth track is the musical version.

Side Two has another jingle, Go Get Milkmaid Milk sung in Singapore's four official languages and the two Chinese dialects. The back cover has the lyrics of the two jingles.

These two jingles are so popular that even today older Singaporeans remember them. Grow tall little man/Don't fall little man/You've got a lot of growing to do... It is Singapore 60s music, produced, composed and sung by our local boys and girls.

It is not surprising that many seniors today grew up drinking their coffee and tea with this particular brand of milk. Did we have a choice?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection (Nestle Record: MM 11.11.70 Stereo/Mono).

Nestle Grow Tall Little Man Mandarin Hokkien Cantonese. Video: Rachel Tan.

(D) New Seekers: Buying The World A Coke

Here's another advertisement on vinyl from the 70's of which I happen to have a copy.

The New Seekers in a Coca Cola advertisement made a recording on an Extended Play vinyl record [EP]. It was the very popular, I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing reworked as, I'd Like To Buy The World A Coke.

It's still remembered to day by many baby boomers and the world at large. The jingle made it to the top 100 best selling single in the UK, end 1971, came 7th in the U.S. and was at the top of the international pop chart.

This recording is unique to the younger generation and a recent display of the vinyl to some college students resulted in some squeals of delight. 

Sometimes I wonder. How much are these people paid for appearing in such advertisements? Tons of money? 

And how much would the vinyl cost today?

Disclaimer: 

This posting does not promote any soda, fizzy drinks or the above brand. It has been written for information only.

Image: Google.

[The above image comes from a magazine called, Fanfare from Singapore.]

Wilson David Sings Dean Martin On A-Go-Go Shell Record

Philips Records and Shell Petrol produced a few EP vinyl specials to promote A-Go-Go Shell in the 60s (image) - Philips 112000DE.

Wilson David's cover of Dean Martin's, That's Amore is one of the songs featured. Wilson often sings this number during his live shows in Singapore.

The other songs included, Honey Bee by P and B Group, Spanish Flea by Pablo Rotero and the Shell Song by Ger Van Leeuwen Orchestra.

Many business companies in the 1960s advertise on both Long Plays and Extended Play vinyls to advertise their products. Check March 21st 2009 and April 1st 2009 under 'vinyl records'.

Image: From Andy Lim's Collection.

Levi Jeans - Western Union Band Singapore 60s

This post is not an advertisement but the vinyl was. In the 60s some companies advertise their products on 45 rpm records and the jingles were whistled or sung by youths who love such novelties.

Levi's had its song recorded by the WESTERN UNION BAND, our own local group. "It fits my mind/And it fits my soul/And it fits my generation/It makes livin a laugh/And loving a life/And walkin a celebration/

I'm standing up/Callin to be counted/ Walkin proud in my Levi's/Levi's got me walkin proud/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's/ I've arrived/I'm alive/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's."

There were advertisements for many products and Coca Cola's the most well-known for "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing".

(B) Western Union Band Singapore, Levi Jeans.

This post is not an advertisement but the vinyl was. In the 60s some companies advertise their products on 45 rpm records and the jingles were whistled or sung by youths who love such novelties.

Levi Jeans was a household name in the early years as the blue denim was considered an in-thing amongst the young and fancy. Eye-brows were raised when someone donned a pair of Levi Jeans in the 60s and admiration for the macho man or skin-tight sexy woman was everywhere.

Levi's even had its song recorded, and this time by our own local band the WESTERN UNION BAND and the jingle went:

"It fits my mind/And it fits my soul/And it fits my generation/It makes livin a laugh/And loving a life/And walkin a celebration/I'm standing up/Callin to be counted/ Walkin proud in my Levi's/Levi's got me walkin proud/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's/ I've arrived/I'm alive/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's."

(Posting is similar to the one on March 24th, 2009.)

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(A) Milk Advertisement On Vinyl With Strollers

A well-known brand of milk produced a 45 EP vinyl to promote its reconstituted milk. It was distributed free by a local woman's magazine in its June, 1972 issue.

 

The Strollers' recorded in stereo the song, New Woman on Side One. On Side Two were four tracks promoting the milk product in English, Malay, Cantonese and Hokkien. The back jacket displays the lyrics and milk product. The front cover (image) is beautifully designed with three pretty Asian ladies depicting the new woman.

It is common knowledge that vinyl records were used in the 60s and 70s for advertisement purposes. And popular singers and bands were used to attract customers. Do you have this piece of vinyl?

Image: Andy Lim Collection.

HASSAN IDRIS - A TRIBUTE - BAND MEMBER OF THE STROLLERS HAS PASSED AWAY IN FEBRUARY 2021 - ONE OF THEIR ALBUMS FROM THE 70'S - NEW WOMAN.

Anita Sarawak - Asian Diva From The Late 60s

Reading the newspapers this morning: Anita Sarawak, one of Asia's top diva, had a nasty experience when her husband, Mahathir Abdullah, was attacked by four armed men in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, September 11th, 2009. They are both safe and the Malaysian police is investigating the robbery.

Ms Sarawak, who started her career in the late 60s has cut vinyls with *EMI and was backed by The Quests. She has recorded in many languages and appeared in Las Vegas, California for some 20 years since 1985. There are numerous websites about her. An earlier posting about her is available on this blog.

*Sampling: ECHK/633/1969: Conversations, My Cherie Amour, Stepchild, Don't Let Me Down with The Quests. Produced by Reggie Verghese.

Image: http://www.kisahmalaysia.blogspot.com/

Original article/vinyl: Andy Lim Collection.

Malaysia Pop Muzik 60an - The Strollers

The Strollers is a famous Malaysian band formed in 1965. Not many people outside the country know them but, according to fans of the band, they were the most famous rock group in Malaysia from the 60s up to the 70s.

The middle 60s line-up consisted of Michael Magnus, Bill Chang, Hussein Idris, Ramli and Nand Kumar. They were famous for their originals like, Silly Joke, Do What You Gotta Do, Just As I Am. Other songs include, Bus Ride, Children, Fire, Please Don't Let Me Down, You, Maybe Tomorrow and My Girl.

A label from Spain managed to get this particular psychedelic album, Waiting Is... (image) and put the songs on a CD a few years ago. Another label from Korea had made an 11-track vinyl LP. Fans claim that the amazing album, recorded in 1973, had great musical composition, sound production and sung in perfect English with fantastic keyboard, guitar and flute accompaniment.

The group also backed a singer called Charles Tyler who came from London, England. It was a song called, Little Boy In Moscow and was recorded in 1972.

LINE-UP [from Peter Niktos YouTube site] -

Michael Magness — keyboards, vocals

Nand Kumar — flute, harmonica, percussion, guitar, vocals Hassan Idris — lead guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals Billy Chang — bass, backing vocals Hussein Idris — drums, percussions, backing vocals

HASSAN IDRIS - A TRIBUTE - BAND MEMBER OF THE STROLLERS HAS PASSED AWAY IN FEBRUARY 2021. - ONE OF THEIR ALBUMS FROM THE 70'S - WAITING IS.

PETER NIKTOS has a collection of recordings on his YOUTUBE site. Check them out. THE STROLLERS with WAITING IS.

Information may have changed as the years go by.

Image: from Strollers Website.
Original article: Andy Lim.

(G) Sci-Fi Japanese Movie: Mysterians, Godzilla

According to a member of the Singapore 60s band, the group was actually inspired by a science-fiction Japanese movie produced in 1957 (image) by Toho Studios.

The group loved the name and unanimously agreed to call themselves, The Mysterians. The movie was a 60s sci-fi genre, and like Godzilla it had a great following. Great movie, great band, great name!

Image: Mysterians movie Websites.

Original article: Andy Lim

(F) Chan Poh Chu Cantonese Lady Black Cat

The image shows a Pathe/EMI vinyl featuring masked figures. Is she following the footpath of the Mysterians from Singapore or is she a lady singer who wishes to remain anonymous?

Perhaps the Mysterians were inspired by this singer or the movie and had decided to adopt the same outfit? Actually it's Connie Chan Poh Chu who was in a Cantonese movie called Lady Black Cat (1966). She was a pop Asian star in the 60s and 70s. Do people behind masks draw more attention or are they able to hide behind the glare of publicity?

(E) From Mysterian To New Burns 60s Music

The Mysterians Today:
The various members of the group carried on with their individual careers when the band finally broke up in the late 70s. Most members felt that it was the right decision not to become professional musicians.

Mike passed away a few years ago. He was the only one who stayed in the music scene and even went on to become the manager of one of Malaysia's most popular singers.

A few members were together again and formed a group with another popular 60s band. They played at a place in Changi from 1984 to 1988. Presently, tracing one Mysterian, Victor Lam (drums/image) has joined Ronnie See (vocals, rhythm) and formed the New Burns with George Chew (lead) and Simon Tay (bass).

*It has recently been discovered that a Mandarin version of Forget The Time is available and sung by a lady called Honey.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(D) Jamaican Jive, Combo Band, Not Belafonte

The Mysterians only single on Cosdel with My Girl Les and *Forget The Time sold quite well even though there was not much airplay on Radio Singapore or Rediffusion. Even today people still remember Forget The Time. Singer Mike left the band after the record was released.

There were two more releases afterwards, a single, You've Got To Move On and Searching, and an EP, Forever, They Lied, Is Everything Alright and Down In The Valley. But this time around the band had Leroy Lindsay (image) from the U.K. fronting them. And Searching had shades of Jamaican jive and combo backing. I love the exceptional presence of the harmonica (mouth-organ) in Is Everything Alright?

There were also changes in the band line-up when Michael Gan and Charles Koh replaced Mike and Jeffrey Tan. From 1970 to 1979, James Choa (check previous postings) from The Flamingos Combo and Gaylads vocal group, joined the Mysterians. James Choa is one of the best keyboardist in Singapore.

With new members came a new policy and although they retained the group name, they identified themselves during their performances. They had nothing to hide. The third record (image) shows the very distinguished studious looking gentlemen with their glasses.

Image: from EBay. Original article: Andy Lim

(C) Rhythm & Blues, Jamaican Leroy Lindsay

It was only much later that the group had a regular tea dance slot at the Flamingo Nite-Club in Great World. In retrospect, because of the high musical standards they set themselves to play, there were some who felt that the Mysterians could have been more popular if they had more exposure and played in more stage and TV shows and not kept to themselves. Of course this is only an assumption. Guess their fans will never know.

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Due to work commitment, the Mysterians never went on tours to Malaysia like the other groups. The closest they went to was Johore Bahru, the Malaysian State across the Causeway and about half an hour from Singapore, where, according to one Mysterian, "we were mobbed and chased by Malaysian fans."

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There were also some enthusiasts who felt that the group was ahead of its time. They were not the typical 'Cliff Richard and the Shadows' band as Mike did not sing Cliff Richard songs but compositions by British and American rhythm and blues groups.

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By the time they backed Leroy Lindsay on Cosdel/CSP 1010 (image), they were fully R & B. Personally though, were they? This was before other Singapore 60's blues groups came into the picture.

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Part 3 of a series about The Mysterians.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim.

(B) Mysterians Singapore 60s - Truth Revealed

Many people have heard of the Mysterians but do not know much about them. Now the truth is revealed as masks are taken off and each bandmate reveals his identity to the public.

Early Days: 

Image shows from left, Tony Kwek who is on lead, Bernard Chin or 'Mike' sings, Victor Lam drums, Jeffrey Tan is on rhythm, Patrick Khong is on bass and William Toh (seated) is the keyboardist. 

Victor, the original drummer of the Thunderbirds, joined the Mysterians when his group wanted to pursue music full time. They had another guitarist, Richard Yeo who had since passed away in a road accident on June, 19th, 1965.

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Why is the group wearing masks? Four members of the group, including their manager, were in the civil service and since moonlighting was not allowed, they decided to play music incognito and for pleasure.

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The Mysterians were never interested to be pop stars and juggling shift duties was a problem. The band ended up playing occasionally, gigs were turned down and they did not appear in many of the pop shows. They were so mysterious that even other pop bands members did not know who they were! But they were 'exposed' in their recordings with Leroy Lindsay. Why?

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(This article is Part Two of an essay by a former band member who wishes to remain anonymous. The first posting (A) is on September, 2nd 2009.)

  Mike and the Mysterians Forget the Time Video by  sam1888ful3

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/03/note-from-leroy-lindsay-from-2009.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post_8238.html

 Image/Original article: Andy Lim.

(2) Elvis: 'Rock n Roll No: 2' A Collectible

The image shows the back cover of the Elvis Presley No. 2 record in the last posting. Elvis the Pelvis, as he is usually known, gyrates and hip-swivels his way through this LP with Rip It Up, *When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again, **Long Tall Sally, Paralysed, Ready Teddy and How Do You Think I Feel.

His other songs though, reveal his more subdued and pensive mood when he delivers, Love Me, First In Line, So Glad You're Mine, Any Place Is Paradise, How's The World Treating You and Old Shep.

While checking this first impression record, *HMV/CLP 1105 which is made in Great Britain, blogger finds that it is a collector's item. The price will not be mentioned. Produced in 1957 it is in mint condition. Because Presley pressings run into millions, only certain records are collectibles.

*Elvis Presley No 2 Also known as Rock n Roll No 2 HMV CLP 1105 1957. Matrix G2 WP 7207 2N/7208 1N, Label Side 1.

*Recorded by Michael Goh (Gold)/Singapore. **Recorded by Crescendos/Philips/Universal Music, Singapore.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.