TV Radio Mirror (Jan - Jun 1963)

ON THE RECORD SINGLES 1) Treat My Baby Good/Down So Long, Bobby Darrin (Capitol) — Once again from the pen and the voice of B.D. comes somethin' sure to be a hit. "Treat" is the side. Flip is timely and has a soul message. The kids'll buy this one. 2) That Sunday, That Summer/Mr. Wishing Well, Nat King Cole (Capitol) — Warm thoughts are easily conveyed by the King of Cole. "That Sunday" is kind of easy and warm and right up his alley. It should be a hit easily. 3) Kootanda/Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport, Bobby Gregg (Epic) — This instrumental is a wow! Both sides, too It's simple, but letter-perfect. "Kootanda," a South African import, is the stronger market side. The other side, though, cannot be written off. It's good, too! It's in your hands. 4) Billy's Gone Away/It's Too Late Now, Tina Robin (Mercury) — The little lass with the big voice has herself the makings of a hit in "Billy." It's the kind of story teeners will dig. Tina belts it out in her inimitable fashion. Flip is an English import that could mean something. Strong sides. 5) Be My Baby/Tedesco and Pitman, The Ronettes (Phillies) — "Baby" is the stronger side here. The girls shout earnestly and the background has a quality that's rare. Flip is strange. It has no singing on it and appears to be twelvebar improvised blues. It says "Ronettes" on it, but I'm sure the girls had left for the day. At any rate, watch for "Baby." 6) It Isn't There/ All Week Long, Johnny Burnette (Capitol) — Since Johnny has moved his talents to Capitol, things have been looking like he may be ready for the big step upward. "It Isn't There" sounds like it's earmarked for hitdom. The accompaniment by Jimmie Haskell is first-rate. 7) Blowin' in the Wind/Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, Bob Dylan (Columbia) — Folk-singer Dylan already has a hit with his song "Blowin' in the Wind," but now it looks like he'll send it up the charts with his own vocalizing. Flip is so-so. But watch "Wind." 8) Lost Dream Boy/Kiss Goodbye, Doris Webb (Ava) — Ava finally is attacking the singles market and this "Lost Dream" looks like it has a chance. Doris Webb is a talent to keep your eye on. Flip is not strong. 9) The Day the Sawmill Closed Down/She Wants to Be Bobby's Girl, Dickey Lee (Smash) — Dickey has the sleeper this month in "The Day." It's a cute lyrical idea with a sort of folk feel to it. The flip is weak in a material sense. Some good singing turned in by young Dickey Lee. 10) It Isn't There/That's How It Goes, George Maharis (Epic) — Rarely do I put two versions of a song on this list, but this month I felt I had to. Mr. "Route 66" looks like he could cut through with "It Isn't There" if Johnny Burnette doesn't beat him to it. Flip is usual but not hit stuff. George could sneak by with his version. Don Costa is responsible for the great backgrounds. 11) Tomorrow Is a Long Time/Haiti, Bud and Travis (Liberty) — "Tomorrow," a Dylan tune, is the winner here. Not a "Blowin' in the Wind," but well constructed. "Haiti" is pleasant, but it misses for the market. Good folk sounds. SOLOMON BURKE (Continued from page 17) recording session. As I sat at the piano, I couldn't help but admire his great striving for perfection. He accepts criticism and profits by it, as Atlantic prexy Jerry Wexler will tell you. He's a worker! The entire session was comfortable. His ease permeated the studio and, best of all, I'm sure I heard a couple of hit records that you, the public, will be hearing in the nottoo-distant future. Nice to hear, nice to know Presently, his two albums, "The Best of Solomon Burke" and "Solomon Burke's Greatest Hits," are doing well in the sales dept. What is in the cards for Solomon, I believe, is more hits and more success. It could hardly be otherwise for a person with talent and the desire to entertain you. If you see him appearing in your city, go down and listen, and try to meet one of the nicest human beings I've ever had the pleasure to. Till next month, then! 24