- The Mini-Pops – Mini-Pops (1981)
It may have been a while since you’ve thought about The Mini-Pops, but if you were a child in the 1980’s, if you didn’t own a Mini-Pops album, you probably knew someone who did. But the story behind original Mini-Pops is an interesting one, filled with inspired ideas and surprising success, which collapsed under the weight of controversy. Was The Mini-Pops just little kids having fun emulating their pop idols, or was it the “pedophile bait” that the British press deemed it to be? A deep dive into the rise and fall of The Mini-Pops, and the Canadian connection which made their albums the most successful children releases of the 1980’s. ExtraL Joanna Wyatt's unexpected success in France, and K-Tel’s attempt to rewrite the narrative in favor of their current group, “The Mini-Pops Kids.”
- The Osmonds – The Plan (1973)
In the early 1970’s The Osmond Family were no longer just another pop band, but were quickly becoming a musical empire conquering multiple areas of the entertainment industry. But for oldest brother Alan Osmond, being a pop star was not enough. Contemplating his own salvation, in 1972 Alan began composition of what would be he magnum opus, “The Plan,” a concept album outlining The Mormon’s Plan of Salvation, which had The Osmond Brothers shedding their bubble-gum flavoured roots, and stepping into the arena of prog-rock. Cleverly written with deep religious and theological overtones, “The Plan” remained marketable by containing songs that could be deciphered with multiple meanings, allowing the listener to meet it in their own way. Yet despite being the greatest album The Osmonds ever produced, it remains overlooked by critics and record collectors based on their continued misconception about who The Osmonds are, and what their musical legacy is.
- Andy and David Williams – Meet Andy And David Williams (1973) and “One More Time” (1973)
When twin brothers Andy and David Williams appeared on a 1974 episode of “The Partridge Family,” they had achieved a certain amount of fame as unlikely poster boys in teen magazines, and for being the nephews of TV crooner Andy Williams. But beyond the shaggy hair, matching sweater vests and their prepubescent appearance, Andy and David Williams had surprisingly mature singing voices and harmonized expertly with one another resulting in a pair of top notch bubble-gum albums. Yet despite having a niche fan base, by age sixteen Andy and David called it quits, only to reemerge on the LA power-pop scene in the late 1980’s as well versed critically acclaimed singer songwriters. A deep dive into Andy and David Williams, aka The Williams Brothers, in two acts – the teen years, and their later more introspective musical career.
- Claudine Longet – Colours (1968)
What do you see when you look into the eyes of Claudine Longet? Do you see the eyes of a gentle ingénue, or that of a cold blooded killer? On March 21st 1976 a gun shot was heard at the Aspen, Colorado home of Olympic skier Spider Sabich which he shared with French songstress Claudine Longet and her three children. One of the biggest celebrity scandals of the 1970’s, the unlikely crime made international headlines, and was filled with gossip of temper tantrums, jealousy and infidelity. Although she was found guilty for “criminally negligent homicide” in January 1977, as far as the public at large was concerned, Claudine Longet got away with murder. On the 50th Anniversary of the crime, we revisit the case of Claudine Longet and Spider Sabich – how it started, how it ended and how it went very wrong. Extra: Hunter S. Thompson, Mick Jagger and Saturday Night Live weigh in, how Andy William’s support of Claudine Longet potentially affected his own career, and the daughter that Spider Sabich never knew he had.
- Claudine Longet – Claudine (1967)
There seems to be only two things that people remember about Claudine Longet – that she was married to laid back crooner Andy Williams, and that she killed her lover, Olympic skier Spider Sabich. But before the headlines, the scandal and the sensational trial, Claudine Longet was known as a singer! With her soft whispy voice and her thick Parisian accent, Claudine Longet was recording some of the most unusual and inspired covers of the 1960’s in a way that may have been out of step with record buyers when released, but have aged beautifully over time. A deep dive into Claudine Longet’s music career which continues to be under appreciated and misunderstood still today.
- Glen Sherley – Live at Vacaville, California (1972)
Although he never had a hit, singer-songwriter Glen Sherley earned a place in country music lore as the prisoner who Johnny Cash signaled out for writing the song “Greystone Chapel” at his historic 1968 concert at Folsom Prison. After bonding with Cash following the performance, The Man in Black took the Man in Prison Grays under his wing, opening doors for him on the outside and setting him up in the music industry prior to his release, which led to the production of Sherley’s debut album, “Live at Vacaville, CA.” One of the most authentic outlaw country albums ever recorded, it continues to be a rare gem overlooked by the public. A deep dive into Glen Sherley – his life, his crimes, his music, his relationship with Johnny Cash and the tragic end that would go on to haunt the Man in Black until his final days.
