The Standells

The Standells

The Standells are a 1960s garage rock band from Los Angeles, California, often referred to as the "Godfathers of Punk Rock"

History

The band was formed in 1962 by vocalist and keyboardist Larry Tamblyn and guitarist Tony Valentino. Tamblyn created the name, derived from Stand ing around booking agents offices trying to get work. A year later, they were joined by bassist Gary Lane and drummer Gary (Leeds) Walker, later of The Walker Brothers. Gary Leeds left the group in 1964 and was replaced by vocalist & drummer Dick Dodd. In 1966, the Standells' had their first hit single with "Dirty Water," which reached #11 on the Billboard charts on June 11, 1966, #8 on the Cashbox charts on July 9, 1966 and #1 on the Record World charts. Gary Lane left the group in 1966, and was replaced by bassist Dave Burke. Bassist John (Fleckenstein) Fleck, formerly of Love, replaced Burke in early 1967.

Other popular tracks included "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" (later covered by Washington, D.C. hardcore band Minor Threat and Swedish garage band The Nomads), "Why Pick on Me," "Riot on Sunset Strip," and "Try It.", with was later covered by Ohio Express. The song, which was picked by Billboard Magazine to be the Standells next hit, was banned by reactionary Texas radio mogul Gordon McLendon who deemed the record as having sex-suggested lyrics. The Standells were asked by Art Linkletter to debate Mr. McLendon on his House Party TV show in 1967. By most accounts, McLendon was handily defeated. But by then, most radio stations had followed McLendon’s suggestion not to play the record.

Several members of the band had noteworthy careers outside the Standells. In the late 50’s and early 60’s, Larry Tamblyn was a solo performer, recording several 45 singles, including “Dearest”, Patty Ann”, “This is the Night” and “Destiny” for Faro Records. Larry is the brother of actor Russ Tamblyn and uncle of Amber Tamblyn, star of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". In the 60's, Dick Dodd was the original drummer for The Bel-Airs, known for the hit surf rock song "Mr. Moto". Dodd is also a former Mouseketeer. Lowell George, who would go on to play with Little Feat, briefly played guitar with the Standells in 1968.

Prior to their success on the Capitol Records label Tower;

• (1963) they recorded one single for Linda Records (crediting Larry Tamblyn & The Standells). This wasn’t released until 1966.
• (1964) they signed with Liberty in 1964 and issued 3 singles and an album "The Standells In Person At P.J.'s". The album was later re-issued as “The Standells Live and Out of Sight”.
• (1965) they signed with Vee Jay in 1965 for two singles
• (1965) they signed with MGM for one single.

Some rumors persist that the band had a relatively clean image and performed only cover songs before being teamed up with producer Ed Cobb and signing with Capital (Tower). However, early 1964 photos counter that notion, showing the Standells with long hair, making them one of the first American rock groups to adopt that style. In order to work in conservative nightclubs like PJ’s nightclub, the group members were forced to cut their shaggy locks. Some of their earlier recordings like “Big Boss Man” Vee Jay sound remarkably similar to “Dirty Water”, including almost the same exact same harmonica solo.

The group appeared in several low budget films of the 1960s, including Get Yourself a College Girl and cult classic Riot on Sunset Strip. The Standells played the part of the fictional rock group the “Love Bugs” on the television sitcom “Bing Crosby Show” in the episode “Bugged by the Love Bugs”. They also appeared as themselves on the television sitcom The Munsters in the episode "Far Out Munster," wherein the band performed "Come On and Ringo" and a version of The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand." The Standells also played an instrumental in the backgroud in a Ben Casey episode "Three 'Lil Lambs".

Despite the references to Boston and the Charles River in "Dirty Water," The Standells are not from Massachusetts. "Dirty Water" was actually written by record producer, Ed Cobb. Nevertheless, "Dirty Water" is still played after every home victory won by the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins as well as at Northeastern Huskies' hockey games.

In 1999, the original band members got together for a live show at the Cavestomp festival, and their performance was subsequently released as an album called Ban This!

The band is still actively performing. They appeared at the second game of the 2004 World Series as well as the first game of the 2007 American League Division Series at Fenway Park. More recently, the Standells have greatly increased their performances, having appeared at such venues as the Cannery Casino, Amoeba Records and the Echoplex. During the summer of 2010, the Standells completed a successful six-nation tour of Europe, and appeared on February 5, 2011 at the Whisky A Go Go, located on the world-famous Sunset Strip. In May 2011 the band toured the southwest U.S., and is also scheduled to return to Europe for a tour in late November 2011. The band also announced plans to record on a new album to be released in the latter part of 2011.

Discography

• The Standells In Person At P.J.'s. 1964
• Dirty Water 1966
• Why Pick On Me Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White 1966
• The Hot Ones! 1967
• Try It 1967
• Riot on Sunset Strip (Sound track from movie of the same name) " 1967
• Rarities 1984
• LIve and Out of Sight (The Standells in Person at PJ's, with two bonus songs) " 1966, 1990
• Ban This! (1999 live recordings) 2000
• The Live Ones (1967 live recordings) 2001

External links

• The Standells on Facebook
• The Standells @ pHinnWeb
• The Standells on Garage Hangover
• The Standells perform "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" at Cavestomp, 1999