"The REAL Lost 45's" Part 5

[Pete70s]

Here's more:

"Calling Occupants"/"Sub-Rosa Subway"- Klaatu (Capitol, 1977 #62)
Since the demise of The Beatles in 1970, fans everywhere held onto hope that the Fab Four would reunite. And, in the spring of 1977 (despite the fact that all four Beatles had successful solo careers), rumors flew about this new record by Klattu. It SOUNDS a lot like the Beatles, and even was released on Capitol records. The group name was taken from the classic film "The Day The Earth Stood Still", which Ringo had used a scene from for the cover of his "Goodnight Vienna" album.
Despite the rumors, this double A-sided 45 didn't crack the top 40 (a cover version of "Calling Occupants" by the Carpenters, of all people, would hit #32 that fall).
Klaatu, in actuality, were a canadian band who would continue to record, but with no further success, breaking up in 1982.
www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B0009QTRXG001008/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_008/104-4452271-2723162
www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B0009QTRXG001002/104-4452271-2723162

"We Were Always Sweethearts"- Box Scaggs (Columbia, 1971 #61)
After leaving The Steve Miller Band in 1968, Boz Scaggs would begin a solo career that would not hit paydirt for eight years. But. in the interim, he did make some very good recordings, including this blue-eyed soul recording from '71. It was his first charted hit, and highest ranking until "It's Over" in '76.
www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000002AI2001002/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_002/104-4452271-2723162

"Fire" - Five By Five (Paula, 1968 #52)
In the early days of FM radio, young, upcoming bands would record cover versions of popular album cuts that weren't released as singles by the original artists. Then they would release their version as a single, so the fans would get their version when they went to the record store looking for a 45. Pretty cheap way to get a hit, if you ask me. The Arkansas band Five By Five's cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Fire" sold well enough to chart to #52, but they never had a follow-up. (If you have the 45, check out the b-side, "Hang Up", a psychedelic rocker that far surpasses the cover of "Fire".)

"Bad Misunderstanding" - The Critters (Kapp, 1966 #55)
"Mr Diengly Sad" and "Don't Let The Rain Fall Down On Me" were their only two songs to crack the national Top 40, but "A Younger Girl" and "Bad Misunderstanding" did really well in several markets, and could very well be better than their two Top 40's!
www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000003H6H001015/104-4452271-2723162

[Ken]

"Calling Occupants"/"Sub-Rosa Subway"- Klaatu (Capitol, 1977 #62)
Two excellent songs - I'm a big fan of Klattu and remember reading about them back in the 70's. I didn't hear any of their songs until the 1980 album Endangered Species when my middle brother bought a copy. It includeds the tune Knee Deep in Love which if you have never heard it - I highly recommend - it's among their best.


"We Were Always Sweethearts"- Box Scaggs (Columbia, 1971 #61)
That's really good! I like that very much. The only other early song I know from Boz is Loan Me a Dime - which is also good.



"Bad Misunderstanding" - The Critters (Kapp, 1966 #55)
I have a very nice copy of this on 45 I bought it for $1 back in the mid 80's. At the time I was only familiar with the band's name. I had not heard any of their songs so I wanted to check it out. I played it as soon as I arrived home and LOVED it. The B side Forever Or No More is excellent as well.Thank you Pete for including the chart position - I have never been able to find chart info on the soing.

[Dawn]

Both Klaatu tracks are excellent, especially Calling Occupants. Though I've known the Carpenters' version for years, I actually wasn't familiar with Klaatu's until much later. A shame it didn't do better on the charts. Very reminiscent of some of ELO's work from the era, and some definite Beatle-esque elements.

I've been getting acquainted with more of Boz's solo work in recent years, and though I generally prefer his Slow Dancer through Middle Man era material, he had some great early tracks, including this track. It's interesting how his style changed and evolved over the years.

I'm not familiar with the Five by Five's version of Fire, but it sounds intriguing.

I agree with you about Bad Misunderstanding - great track, every bit as solid as their more well-known singles. Younger Girl is also excellent.

[KittyKat - RIP Luciano]

Ooh, I actually know most of these!

"Calling Occupants"/"Sub-Rosa Subway"- Klaatu
I only recently heard this version. The Carpenters' cover of "Occupants" is like the cheesiest song EVER, but enjoyable anyway.

"We Were Always Sweethearts"- Box Scaggs
One of my faves. I just love Boz.

"Bad Misunderstanding" - The Critters
I know this one from my dad and/or uncle.