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Post by peterc on Feb 6, 2024 13:09:20 GMT
At the height of the ‘British Invasion’ in the mid-sixties, ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ inductees The Dave Clark Five were second only to The Beatles in popularity. They sold over 100 million records, appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ a dozen times, and have influenced artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Kiss and The Ramones. Yet, until now, there has been almost no serious analysis of their music - which ranges from wild, frantic Rhythm ‘n’ Blues to relaxed, middle-of-the-road Easy Listening, as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll, Psychedelia, Bubblegum, Blues, Jazz, Country, Folk and Pop. In this remarkable book, Music Historian Peter Checksfield - author of acclaimed books on Jerry Lee Lewis, The Searchers and The Tremeloes - documents and reviews all this, and much, much more.
Available today world-wide on Amazon, in hardback, paperback & ebook formats!
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Post by eric on Feb 7, 2024 3:10:20 GMT
Peter, I have ordered a copy of your book, and can’t wait to read it!
As you will be aware, the DC5 were successful here in Australia. I detailed their level of success in the following earlier posting about the impact of British bands in Australia.
“The Beatles dominated the Adelaide, Australia, Top 40 charts for 586 weeks during the Sixties. They were followed by other acts of influence being The Rolling Stones (256 weeks), The Animals/Eric Burdon & The Animals (199), The Hollies (180), Manfred Mann (174), The Who (147) The Kinks (141) and The Yardbirds (127).
Interestingly, the British bands that were not considered to be influential (but may have been in some quarters) had strong runs in the charts. These were The Shadows (268 weeks), Herman’s Hermits (250), The Dave Clark Five (177), Gerry & The Pacemakers (158), Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich (127), The Troggs (124) and The Searchers (107).”
Regrettably, despite their popularity, the radio airwaves in Australia have been a DC5-free zone since the Sixties. They seem to be a forgotten band which is such a shame given their exciting recordings, lead by the magnificent voice of Mike Smith.
As an aside, where would Allan Clarke and Mike Smith rank in a listing of British band lead singers of the Sixties, and indeed, all-time?
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Post by peterc on Feb 7, 2024 5:25:43 GMT
Thank you, Eric! As with my other books, I've concentrated on the MUSIC rather than any (supposed) scandals.
The DC5 are never heard on the radio here, either.
The Shadows are extremly under-appreciated, despite their enormous influence everywhere except the USA.
As for vocalists, I'd certainly put Mike Smith and Allan Clarke in the top 10 - along with John Lennon, Eric Burdon and Paul Jones.
Here's the DC5 playing LIVE!
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Post by irelandcalling4 on Feb 7, 2024 11:18:48 GMT
This looks amazing! Is there any Hollies book like this I wonder, a track by track?
The DC5 were great, and what a singer in Mike they had! Been discovering their U.S. catalogue, quite a lot of albums.
This book looks to be a treasure trove for fans, I shall definitely be ordering. The paperback is not on Amazon UK yet but once it is, I'm there!
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Post by peterc on Feb 7, 2024 12:24:30 GMT
This looks amazing! Is there any Hollies book like this I wonder, a track by track? The DC5 were great, and what a singer in Mike they had! Been discovering their U.S. catalogue, quite a lot of albums. This book looks to be a treasure trove for fans, I shall definitely be ordering. The paperback is not on Amazon UK yet but once it is, I'm there! Thank you!  The paperback is definitely on Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV49N3N5It is possible that it's not for sale in Ireland yet (for some reason, it takes a week or two after publication). As for The Hollies: www.amazon.co.uk/Hollies-Track-Every-Album-Song/dp/1789521599/(I have mixed feelings over The Hollies book to be honest, though it's certainly more than acceptable). |
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Post by irelandcalling4 on Feb 7, 2024 18:46:24 GMT
Thanks for that Peter- the hardback is available to order but paperback not yet for me, must be as you said, maybe a week or two after publication for Ireland
They had a strange discography with just a handful of UK albums but many more US releases. As far as I know never properly released on CD. It's a catalogue that should be given the care and attention it deserves, hopefully will be one day.
The book is a must - not many books on this great band, so thank you for creating this session archive on them.
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Post by peterc on Feb 8, 2024 5:57:29 GMT
Thanks for that Peter- the hardback is available to order but paperback not yet for me, must be as you said, maybe a week or two after publication for Ireland They had a strange discography with just a handful of UK albums but many more US releases. As far as I know never properly released on CD. It's a catalogue that should be given the care and attention it deserves, hopefully will be one day. The book is a must - not many books on this great band, so thank you for creating this session archive on them. I only got my copies yesterday, and I'm pleased with the way it's turned out (particularly the hardcover - as well as being more sturdy, the printing appears to be a tad better). Hopefully, it'll make people look beyond 'the hits' more, as my books on The Searchers and The Tremeloes have done. |
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Post by moorlock2003 on Feb 8, 2024 12:13:42 GMT
Graham Nash: “The Dave Clark Five couldn’t play worth s);t”.
Nash was correct. That’s why they mimed on TV 99% of the time. The Dave Clark Five played live on The Ed Sullivan Show once and it was such a disaster that they mimed for every appearance after that.
Contrast them with Herman’s Hermits, who always played live (and extremely well) on Ed’s show.
Frankly I can’t think of a duller subject for a book than The Dave Clark Five.
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Post by thejanitor on Feb 12, 2024 9:03:32 GMT
I'll admit that The DC5 are one of those very rare instances (another being The Troggs) of a big 60s band that don't really do anything for me based on the few hits I've heard. I even recently decided to check some deeper tracks from the 67-70 period (Everybody Knows, If Somebody Loves You, etc.) and while it is pleasant stuff, still comes across as bang average imo. I will say that Mike Smith is a very good looking fellow!
What are some cuts you would suggest to maybe change my mind about them?
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Feb 12, 2024 9:48:03 GMT
If you're Canadian, this is an interesting curiosity...a cover of the Stampeders' "Sweet City Woman."
Still prefer the original though.
I always liked their cover of Bobby Day's "Over and Over", with a guilty-pleasure fondness for the b-side, "I'll Be Yours (My Love)". The lyrics are nothing to write home about, but it's a good vocal from Mike Smith.
And I always preferred their cover of "You Got What It Takes" over Marv Johnson's. Bombastic, but in a Buckinghams/Early Chicago way.
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Post by peterc on Feb 15, 2024 7:25:58 GMT
What are some cuts you would suggest to maybe change my mind about them? Will have to get back to you on that one! Here's an interview I did a couple of days ago. |
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Post by peterc on Mar 10, 2024 13:16:06 GMT
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Post by peterc on Mar 18, 2024 21:16:47 GMT
On 5th February 2024, I published a book called 'The Dave Clark Five - Bits & Pieces!', which was favourably received by many, and got some great reviews. On 18th March 2024, I UN-published the book, as a certain Mr. DC didn't like it quite as much as other people. Here - minus all the images - is the full text of the book. peterchecksfield.com/the-dave-clark-five-bits-pieces/FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!! |
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Post by baz on Mar 18, 2024 21:32:06 GMT
On 18th March 2024, I UN-published the book, as a certain Mr. DC didn't like it quite as much as other people. Hmmm. A shame... I had a feeling this would happen.  |
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Post by peterc on Mar 18, 2024 21:56:26 GMT
On 18th March 2024, I UN-published the book, as a certain Mr. DC didn't like it quite as much as other people. Hmmm. A shame... I had a feeling this would happen. Me too. I love them as a group, but I'm with Graham on their leader! |
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Post by baz on Mar 18, 2024 22:46:11 GMT
Hmmm. A shame... I had a feeling this would happen. Me too. I love them as a group, but I'm with Graham on their leader! Still, at least you tried and you DID manage to get the book published which is more than what others have managed so you can at least take some solace in that.  |
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Post by JamesT on Mar 19, 2024 7:00:09 GMT
On 5th February 2024, I published a book called 'The Dave Clark Five - Bits & Pieces!', which was favourably received by many, and got some great reviews. On 18th March 2024, I UN-published the book, as a certain Mr. DC didn't like it quite as much as other people. Here - minus all the images - is the full text of the book. peterchecksfield.com/the-dave-clark-five-bits-pieces/FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!! What's his problem? |
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Post by peterc on Mar 19, 2024 7:24:56 GMT
On 5th February 2024, I published a book called 'The Dave Clark Five - Bits & Pieces!', which was favourably received by many, and got some great reviews. On 18th March 2024, I UN-published the book, as a certain Mr. DC didn't like it quite as much as other people. Here - minus all the images - is the full text of the book. peterchecksfield.com/the-dave-clark-five-bits-pieces/FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!! What's his problem? Technically, the copyright on album (etc) artwork usually belongs to the artists and/or record companies, but ALL artists - Beatles and Stones included - regard it as "promotional material". Except Mr. C., that is. I suppose I could re-publish it without images, but I've lost heart in it, and anyway he'd still probably kick up a fuss about me making money on his name. If you read the book, you'll see that I largely praised the band highly, and I avoid any controversies - but he doesn't care about the band's legacy, he just wants complete control over everything. |
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Post by johnt on Mar 19, 2024 9:29:11 GMT
Don't give up on writing your books, Peter.
Don't let a control freak put you off.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Mar 20, 2024 9:58:42 GMT
Eric Haydock threw stinkbombs for a reason.
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Post by peterc on Mar 20, 2024 10:59:11 GMT
Eric Haydock threw stinkbombs for a reason.  |
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Post by Stranger on Mar 20, 2024 17:32:18 GMT
Any chance of a Hollies one Peter?
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Post by peterc on Mar 20, 2024 17:53:22 GMT
Any chance of a Hollies one Peter? There's no need. Malc's superb biography along with Andrew Darlington's 'On Track' pretty much has everything covered. |
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Post by Stranger on Mar 20, 2024 18:09:00 GMT
Any chance of a Hollies one Peter? There's no need. Malc's superb biography along with Andrew Darlington's 'On Track' pretty much has everything covered. Can't say I've a lot of faith in On Track but maybe the details like dates of releases etc are correct. |
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Mar 21, 2024 8:45:55 GMT
There's no need. Malc's superb biography along with Andrew Darlington's 'On Track' pretty much has everything covered. Can't say I've a lot of faith in On Track but maybe the details like dates of releases etc are correct. I might have completely fluked it, but the one time I flipped through my copy and read that Tony sang "Suspicious Look In Your Eyes" didn't fill me with confidence. |
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