Brave and Vogue in a Zone of Clones: Top Ten 45s from Garbo’s Daughter

5. Joey Levine: “Come On My Baby/Becky & Joe” (Earth, 1969)
You may not recognize the name, but rest assured that you have heard Joey Levine’s voice and songs. Beginning in his late teens, Joey composed (often with Artie Resnick) and/or sang the biggest hits of the bubblegum era. His numerous credits include The Ohio Express (“Chewy Chewy,” “Yummy Yummy Yummy,” “Down At Lulu’s”), Kasenatz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus (“Quick Joey Small”), and The Banana Splits (“I Enjoy Being A Boy”). “Come On My Baby” b/w “Becky & Joe” was the only single Joey released under his own name. Marked by his signature snotty, bratty punk vocals, “Come On My Baby” encapsulates the unmistakable Joey Levine sound.

4. Earle Mankey: “Mau Mau/Crazy” (Exhibit J, 1978)
Better known as guitarist for Halfnelson/early Sparks and as a heavyweight producer (The Quick, Paley Brothers, Runaways, Dickies, 20/20, Three O’Clock, Mumps), Earle Mankey also recorded as a solo entity. “Mau Mau” b/w “Crazy” was released on John Hewlett’s (John’s Children, Jook) Bomp imprint, Exhibit J. An indescribable piece of primal power-pop, “Mau Mau” is a mash-up of primitive drums, tribal chanting, crushing power chords and sparse synth overlaid with cleverly randy lyrics. It truly must be heard to be believed.

3. Nick Lowe: “Cruel To Be Kind/Endless Grey Ribbon” (Radarscope, 1979)
Known for his ringing voice, distinct phrasing, and cynically romantic sagacity, Nick Lowe is one of the sharpest and most underrated figures in music. This British pop god has been honing his skills since the late 60s with the likes of Kippington Lodge, Brinsley Schwarz, Rockpile, and on his solo efforts. A timeless tune with a wry sadistic bent, “Cruel To Be Kind” reached #12 on the Billboard charts and was accompanied by a wonderful wedding-themed video featuring Nick’s then-wife Carlene Carter (daughter of June Carter-Cash, and Johnny’s step-daughter).

2. Artful Dodger: “A Girl (La La La)/I Don’t Wanna See Her” (Ariola, 1980)
The criminally-overlooked Artful Dodger should be regarded alongside Raspberries and Badfinger in the ranks of power-pop elite. Blending raucous Faces energy with the heartfelt messages and melodicism of The Beatles, Virginia’s Artful Dodger released a total of four critically lauded and commercially ignored albums. The band bowed out gracefully in 1980 with “Rave On,” which contains both of these tracks plus eight more perfect pop songs from front man Billy Paliselli and guitarist Gary Herrewig. Billy’s impassioned vocals—a powerful combination of Rod Stewart’s rasp and the soulful emotion of Steve Marriott—are the driving force of “A Girl (La La La),” an anthem for anyone who has ever begged for a glance and a chance.

1. Dwight Twilley Band: “You Were So Warm/Sincerely” (Shelter, 1975)
Kindred spirits Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour met in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma while waiting in line for a matinée of A Hard Day’s Night. The two teenagers immediately forged a musical partnership that would last the better part of a decade. Ambitious and prolific, the duo produced their demos and acetates while still in high school, perfected their one-of-a-kind Elvis-Meets-The-Beatles sound, and eventually signed to Leon Russell’s Shelter Records. Following two unimpeachable albums, “Sincerely” (the source of this single and their sole #16 smash, “I’m On Fire”) and “Twilley Don’t Mind,” Dwight and Phil split professionally to embark on solo careers. “You Were So Warm” is a gorgeous slice of all-American power-pop, showcasing the jangling guitar work of longtime DTB collaborator Bill Pitcock IV and a phenomenal lead vocal by drummer/bassist Seymour. “Sincerely” gives a taste of songwriter/pianist/guitarist Twilley’s own remarkable voice over a hauntingly spare arrangement featuring slashes of psychedelic backwards guitar.

Additional Resources:

Garbo’s Daughter play the Peacock Room in Orlando, Florida on June 9. For more information, check out the band’s MySpace page.

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