I'm Gonna Dance
On Sunset
I don't know a whole lot about this fuzzed out pop-raver. The Decades probably hailed from the Los Angeles area and released their one and only single in 1967 on Era Records. The Decades, whoever they are, get writing credit for both sides. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that this band was a studio creation doing a one-off.
The catchy A-Side, I'm Gonna Dance, has a classic duel between a flute and a fuzz guitar. Fluzz Rock? Doesn't every song have that?
The Flip-Side is real interesting. Probably not for everyone, but I love it. On Sunset has that abstract feel to it that reminds us of some of The Chocolate Watchband's more exploratory work or the work of early Frank Zappa or the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band.
Until next time, we'll see you On The Flip-Side!
One has to appreciate the swine sound alike effects...
ReplyDeleteoink
DeleteIt's an intriguing single for sure.
DeleteI remember learning somewhere that flute always cancels out fuzz and vice versa. Newton's law of fluzz, I believe.
ReplyDeleteThe On Sunset aims to give an aural snapshot of the scene on Sunset Boulevard it would seem. Industrial sounds, speaking in tongues, sounds of rioting, pigs (police?), more industrial sounds, hookah, street cars, crazed moans ...
'I'm Gonna Dance' was written in late 1966 by 2 members of The Decades. Larry Nass (lead 'fuzz' guitarist) and Randy Kizer, lead vocalist. The Decades were a REAL 6 pc band in their mid teens hailing from the Ventura and Montalvo area of SoCal. Larry & Randy should be credited as the writers but writing credit was attributed to 'The Decades'. The record was cut in Hollywood 'on Sunset' and initially released on the Lady Luck label. By January of 67' the record was picked up by Era (Era 3174) for redistribution. 'I'm Gonna Dance' got 'Chart Spotlight' in Billboard, pg 14, March 4th 1967 and was 'predicted to hit the top 100'. Great band!
ReplyDeleteThat 'flute' in I'm Gonna Dance may have been an ocarina. The one element suggesting the wind instrument might have been a flute is when the tune hits the modulation. Can an ocarina do that? Also, right before the modulation the wind instrument plays the same 3 or 4 notes over and over again right into the modulation. Like when you play an instrument with limited note options.
ReplyDeleteI was there in the studio, 1967. One might think i'd have better recall.