Search - Randy & the Radiants :: Memphis Beat: The Sun Recordings 1964-1966

Memphis Beat: The Sun Recordings 1964-1966
Randy & the Radiants
Memphis Beat: The Sun Recordings 1964-1966
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (24) - Disc #1

Amongst the last releases on Sun Records were a pair of singles by Randy & the Radiants, one of the most popular teen combos in Memphis in the mid-1960s. The group are a fascinating anomaly within the Sun catalogue, fo...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Randy & the Radiants
Title: Memphis Beat: The Sun Recordings 1964-1966
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Big Beat UK
Original Release Date: 1/1/2007
Re-Release Date: 12/11/2007
Album Type: Import
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: Oldies, Oldies & Retro
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 029667426725, 0029667426725, 002966742672

Synopsis

Album Description
Amongst the last releases on Sun Records were a pair of singles by Randy & the Radiants, one of the most popular teen combos in Memphis in the mid-1960s. The group are a fascinating anomaly within the Sun catalogue, for they represent Sam Phillips' attempt to get back at the British Invasion with a Beatle-styled group of his own. Our brand-new Radiants anthology "Memphis Beat" showcases a fine band who were far more than your typical British knock-off of the era. In fact, their smooth harmonies and folk/countrified arrangements bring more to mind the Searchers or Hollies. Guitarist Bob Simon was an excellent songwriter whose originals such as 'Nobody Walks Out On Me' and 'Seek & Find' have a class that places the Radiants a cut above the average teenage garage combo. And lead singer Randy Haspel had an innately commercial voice, best showcased on the group's memorable 1966 regional hit 'Truth From My Eyes'. "Memphis Beat" is drawn from the group's many sessions with Phillips and his son Knox, cut between 1964 and 1966, most of which are unissued. It runs the gamut from raucous garage rock (the highly-rated 'My Way Of Thinking') via jangly pop ('I Won't Ask Why') and fascinating 60s updates of Sun classics such as 'Boppin' The Blues' and 'Blue Suede Shoes'. The booklet comes loaded with memorabilia and the Radiants story as told by Haspel and Simon.
 

CD Reviews

What A Find
Sputnik57 | 03/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a find for garage rock fans. This wasn't any garage rock band, it was Sun Records' garage rock band, produced by the legendary Sam Phillips and his son, Knox. The Radiants were already working when the British Invasion hit and they were among the first Memphis bands to adapt the new sounds. What makes the Radiants exceptional are their unheard original songs, which compete with any pop products of the day. They were hard rocking and used Hollies/Searchers type harmonies to make even cover songs sound unique. Of interest to Garage fans are the previously anthologized "My Way of Thinking," and "Truth From My Eyes," the band's two singles, but great songs like "To Seek and then Find," and "Nobody Walks Out on Me," are heard here for the first time. Sun Records was in its' decline during this time, which may explain why the Radiants didn't get wider exposure. This discovery from Ace Records is the remedy."