The Knickerbockers

The Knickerbockers formed in 1964 by Buddy Randell (vocals, sax), previously of the Royal Teens, who had a hit with "Short Shorts". The original (and "classic") line-up consisted of Randell, drummer Jimmy Walker, and brothers Beau Charles (guitar/vocals) and John Charles (bass/vocals). Throughout three years of unsuccessful recordings, the group tirelessly pursued current trends; the vocals on "Jerk Town", for example, are heavily derivative of the Four Seasons. (Furthermore, the song's lyrics refer to "hot rods", like so many other popular songs of the day.) Finally, The Knickerbockers had a top 20 in early 1966 hit with "Lies", penned by Randell and Beau Charles. Somewhat ironically, the song is most famous today for being virtually indistinguishable from contemporary songs by The Beatles, down to the flawless imitation of John Lennon on the lead vocal. The All Music Guide remarks that the song is "justly regarded as the most accurate early-Beatles imitation." http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&&sql=33:yi0xlfkegczi Many, if not most, listeners hearing the song unaware of its true source mistake it for being a "lost" Beatles track. The raspy, somewhat distorted sound of the lead guitar during fills and the solo, however, remain one--and perhaps the only--appreciable difference in sound, albeit a small one.

Related Topics:
The Knickerbockers - 1964 - Buddy Randell - Royal Teens - Jimmy Walker - Beau Charles - John Charles - The Four Seasons - The Beatles - John Lennon - All Music Guide

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The follow-up to the smash "Lies" was "One Track Mind", and it was nearly a hit as well. Unfortunately, the band's label, Challenge, couldn't handle the distribution and the single only reached number 45. Shortly after, Walker replaced Bill Medley in The Righteous Brothers, and the band split soon after.

Related Topics:
Bill Medley - The Righteous Brothers

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The band's two most popular singles are on the ' box, and there are numerous reissues and rarity sets. The most definitive collection by the band is The Fabulous Knickerbockers, released on Sundazed Records.

Related Topics:
The Fabulous Knickerbockers - Sundazed Records

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