~ Chrry Bat ~ |
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Characters - Relationships - Session Musicians - Songs ~ Recording Sessions ~ Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - Part Fourteen - Part Fifteen Part Sixteen - Part Seventeen - Part Eighteen - Part Nineteen - Part Twenty Part Twenty-One - Part Twenty-Two - Part Twenty-Three |
Mid - Late January 1974
After the overwhelming success of the band's third album, and their two recent hit singles "Shake Rattle and Die", and "Cocoa Star Rookies", the band continued to record new songs in their rock and roll vein, sometimes mixing their music style with blues rock, hard rock, boogie rock, pop rock, and power pop.
The band's intention was for their next album to take most of the year to record, and then release it as a double album. Since they were planning to release their next album in December, the plan was that their next album would be a Christmas one, so the last few songs the band would record for their fourth album would be Christmas themed.
17th January 1974
This was the band's first official recording session for their fourth album. The band members of Cherry Beat would use their music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron as a spare musician to a greater extent than on their third album in which the band played nearly all the instruments themselves. They would employ session musicians to a greater extent for this album so they would have fewer overdubs to record.
On this day the band recorded two original compositions. "The Caravan Song" and "Can't Stop the Jive" were both early 60's american styled rock and roll songs written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby. Both songs would be released as a double single, marking the first time a composition primarily by Peter McDonald would be released as an A-Side. Up until then, all the A-Sides were written solely or predominantly by Sam Whitby, since he was proven to have been the stronger half of the McDonald-Whitby partnership in the band's early years.
Both of these songs were not recorded inside the studio. Instead they were recorded outside on the deck of the back of studio. As the back of the building had a large deck, it was perfect for the band to record their rockier numbers. However "The Caravan Song" and "Can't Stop the Jive" were two of the few songs Cherry Beat recorded outside, that weren't recorded live. As Peter described it "We wanted these two songs to sound as if they were recorded live, which is why we decided to record them outside. We did however record earlier takes of these songs in the studio, since we didn't want to accidentally repeat the same event that The Beatles had done back in January 1969".
The Caravan Song
A-Side: | Can't Stop the Jive |
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Chart Position: | #1 (UK Single) #5 (US Single) |
Album: | Greatest Hits |
Released: | 15th June 1974 (Single Release) 10th February 1985 (Album Release) |
Recorded: | 17th January 1974, 3:36 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:16 |
Genre: | Jump Blues, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano |
Can't Stop the Jive
A-Side: | The Caravan Song |
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Chart Position: | #1 (UK Single) #3 (US Single) |
Album: | Greatest Hits |
Released: | 15th June 1974 (Single Release) 10th February 1985 (Album Release) |
Recorded: | 17th January 1974, 3:20 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:12 |
Genre: | Jump Blues, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano |
1st February 1974
The band members were in the studio recording two more compositions. "Back on Top" was one of two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album. "Bright and Cherry" was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.
Back on Top
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 1st February 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:25 |
Genre: | Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Chudley Maron |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ Oliver Janas — Harmonica |
Bright and Cherry
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 1st February 1974, 11:46 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:03:27 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, 12-String Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Grand Piano Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] Chester McGlade — Cello |
12th February 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Mary-Anne" was a composition written solely by Peter McDonald, while "Sexy Young Hips" was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby.
Mary-Anne
B-Side: | Sexy Young Hips |
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Chart Position: | #2 (UK Single) #11 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 17th March 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 12th February 1974, 12:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 13th February 1974, 9:41 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:38 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — 12-String Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Double tracked lead vocal, Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Classical Rhythm Guitar Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4] Chester McGlade — Cello Bryce Beighley — Harpsichord |
Sexy Young Hips
A-Side: | Mary-Anne |
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Chart Position: | #49 (UK Single) #53 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 17th March 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 12th February 1974, 1:39 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 13th February 1974, 11:18 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:46 |
Genre: | Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Hammond Organ Oliver Janas — Harmonica |
13th February 1974
Peter McDonald records a harmony vocal overdub for "Mary-Anne". He also double tracks his lead vocal for the song.
Sam Whitby records a backing vocal overdub for "Sexy Young Hips". He also double tracks his lead vocal for the song.
9th March 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more compositions. "Diamonds and Cherries" was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.
"Back Together" was the second of the two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album.
Diamonds and Cherries
A-Side: | Takin' a Ride for Money |
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Chart Position: | #45 (UK Single) #49 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 29th January 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 9th March 1974, 9:59 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 10th March 1974, 11:03 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:18 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar, Handclaps Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Wiley Stancill — Baritone Saxophone Ricky Stanbery — Tenor Saxophone Shaun Galloway — Baritone Saxophone Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone Marvin Comer — Drums with brushes Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [4] |
Back Together
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 9th March 1974, 10:30 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 10th March 1974, 11:14 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:04:10 |
Genre: | Blues-Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Chudley Maron |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Electric Piano Riley Ganz — Maracas |
10th March 1974
Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record handclaps for "Diamonds and Cherries".
Peter McDonald records handclaps for "Back Together".
8th April 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Great Lips" was a composition written primarily by Devon O'Connell, with input from Torquil Dohrn.
"Great Lips" became the first Devon O'Connell song to be commercially released. "Takin' a Ride for Money" was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby.
Great Lips
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 8th April 1974, 12:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 9th April 1974, 12:46 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:57 |
Genre: | Country Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Devon O'Connell, with Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Tack Piano Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit, Cowbell Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Grand Piano Chudley Maron — Sleigh Bells Riley Ganz — Maracas Marvin Comer — Conga Drums Grady Ashman — Viola |
Takin' a Ride for Money
B-Side: | Diamonds and Cherries |
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Chart Position: | #3 (UK Single) #6 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 29th January 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 8th April 1974, 2:45 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 9th April 1974, 12:23 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:04:07 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Tape Loops Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Electric Guitar Chudley Maron — Grand Piano Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4] |
9th April 1974
Peter McDonald records and adds tape loops to "Takin' a Ride for Money".
Devon O'Connell records and adds cowbell overdubs to "Great Lips".
14th May 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Sweet Little Suzie" was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby, while "She's Really Fun" was written solely by Torquil Dohrn.
Sweet Little Suzie
A-Side: | Her |
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Chart Position: | #42 (UK Single) #46 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 16th May 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 14th May 1974, 11:11 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:12 |
Genre: | Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Double tracked vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Riley Ganz — Percussion Ricky Stanbery — Tenor Saxophone Shaun Galloway — Baritone Saxophone |
She's Really Fun
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 14th May 1974, 12:12 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:07 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:04:27 |
Genre: | Blues-Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone |
15th May 1974
Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Sweet Little Suzie".
6th June 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Don't Listen to Her" was a composition written solely by Torquil Dohrn, while "Her" was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald.
Don't Listen to Her
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 6th June 1974, 9:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 7th June 1974, 1:02 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:28 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Lead Guitar, Moog Synthesizer Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [2] |
Her
B-Side: | Sweet Little Suzie |
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Chart Position: | #1 (UK Single) #4 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 16th May 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 6th June 1974, 10:54 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:19 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3] |
Duration: | 0:03:53 |
Genre: | Pop Rock, Raga Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4] Dominique Caraveo — Sitar Blaine Christ — Bass Pedals |
7th June 1974
Torquil Dohrn records a moog synthesizer overdub for "Don't Listen to Her".
15th June 1974
Single Release — Can't Stop the Jive / The Caravan Song
19th July 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Shakin' Up the Seventies" was a composition written by Sam Whitby, while "Nancy" was written by Peter McDonald.
Shakin' Up the Seventies
A-Side: | Nancy |
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Chart Position: | #43 (UK Single) #45 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 9th July 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 19th July 1974, 4:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:30 |
Genre: | Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ Oliver Janas — Harmonica |
Nancy
B-Side: | Shakin' Up the Seventies |
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Chart Position: | #2 (UK Single) #9 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 9th July 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 19th July 1974, 6:15 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:29 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3] |
Duration: | 0:03:32 |
Genre: | Folk Rock, Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Tack Piano Oliver Janas — Harmonica Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [4] |
20th July 1974
Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Shakin' Up the Seventies".
11th August 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions written by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby. "Sweet Sunshine" was a composition written primarily by Peter McDonald, while "Really Hot" was written primarily by Sam Whitby.
Sweet Sunshine
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 11th August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:36 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:03:19 |
Genre: | Power Pop |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Tambourine Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells [2] |
Really Hot
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 11th August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:03:27 |
Genre: | Power Pop |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] |
12th August 1974
Sam Whitby double tracks his vocal on "Really Hot".
22nd August 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Pixie" was a composition written by Peter McDonald, while "Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl" was written by Sam Whitby.
Pixie
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 22nd August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 23rd August 1974, 10:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:19 |
Genre: | Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Acoustic Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps Peter McDonald — Vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps Sam Whitby — Electric Piano, Handclaps Chudley Maron — Tambourine Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] Chester McGlade — Cello Luciano Ransome — French Horn |
Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl
B-Side: | Charlotte Wood |
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Chart Position: | #2 (UK Single) #6 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 12th August 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 22nd August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3] |
Duration: | 0:03:27 |
Genre: | Rhythm and Blues, Rock Music |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [4] Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone |
23rd August 1974
Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record handclaps for "Pixie".
11th September 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "You're Rather Gorgeous Today" was a composition written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, while "Iced Tea" was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Torquil Dohrn.
You're Rather Gorgeous Today
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 11th September 1974, 3:43 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 11:05 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:03:46 |
Genre: | Country Rock, Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] Jared Underhill — Trumpet Delmer Matousek — Trombone German Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone Chester McGlade — Cello Ned Morphis — Violin Neal Nobriga — Viola |
Iced Tea
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 11th September 1974, 5:11 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 11:17 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [1] |
Duration: | 0:03:21 |
Genre: | Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Pop |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, with Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Lead Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Rhythm Guitar Chudley Maron — Tambourine Tod Lowy — Bongo Drums Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells [2] Bennie Mourer — Cymbals Taylor Stgermain — Wood Block Lester Irion — Rain-stick Wm Shorty — Vibraphone Bennett Ackles — Celesta |
29th October 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Charlotte Wood" was a composition written primarily by Torquil Dohrn, with input from Peter McDonald. The song was inspired by Torquil's girlfriend at the time, Charlotte Henderson. Peter McDonald got the idea to name the title of the song "Charlotte Wood", since he thought it sounded more interesting than naming the song "Charlotte Henderson". Torquil agreed.
The band also recorded their first Christmas song for their 1974 double album which was intended to be a Christmas album. "Happy Christmas" which was a joint effort between Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby.
Charlotte Wood
A-Side: | Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl |
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Chart Position: | #43 (UK Single) #44 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 12th August 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 29th October 1974, 6:00 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 8th November 1974, 11:32 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [3] |
Duration: | 0:04:10 |
Genre: | Folk Rock, Raga Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Torquil Dohrn, with Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Bass Drums Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar Chudley Maron — Tambourine Riley Ganz — Maracas, Sleigh Bells [4] Ernesto Selby — Tenor Saxophone Alphonse Labounty — Boehm System Clarinet Dominique Caraveo — Sitar Jere Batres — Finger Cymbals |
Happy Christmas
A-Side: | A Christmas Tale |
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Chart Position: | #4 (UK Single) #3 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 23rd December 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 29th October 1974, 7:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:48 |
Genre: | Christmas Music, Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar Peter McDonald — Double tracked lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh Bells Elodia Torian — Backing vocal Alexandra Wright — Backing vocal Katie Russell — Backing vocal Amber Stark — Backing vocal Charlotte Henderson — Backing vocal |
30th October 1974
Peter McDonald double tracks his vocal on "Happy Christmas".
6th November 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. "Snowman" was a composition written by Sam Whitby, which he had written while thinking about "Happy Christmas" which they'd recorded several days earlier.
"Phoenix" was a psychedelic folk song written by Torquil Dohrn.
Snowman
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 6th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 7th November 1974, 11:43 AM, 12:26 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:03:35 |
Genre: | Christmas Music, Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — 12-String Acoustic Guitar Peter McDonald — Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Double tracked lead vocal, Double tracked harmony vocal, Double tracked backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar Chudley Maron — Grand Piano Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ Tod Lowy — Bass Drums Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells |
Phoenix
Album: | Merry Christmas |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 6th November 1974, 2:01 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:04:04 |
Genre: | Psychedelic Folk |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Torquil Dohrn |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Double tracked lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Guitar Chudley Maron — Electric Piano Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells |
7th November 1974
Sam Whitby records and adds harmony and backing vocals to "Snowman". He also double tracks his lead, harmony, and backing vocals on the track.
Torquil Dohrn double tracks his lead vocal on "Phoenix".
8th November 1974
Session musician Riley Ganz records sleigh bell overdubs for "Bright and Cherry", "Mary-Anne", "Diamonds and Cherries", "Takin' a Ride for Money", "She's Really Fun", "Don't Listen to Her", "Her", "Nancy", "Sweet Sunshine", "Really Hot", "Pixie", "Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl", "You're Rather Gorgeous Today", "Iced Tea", and "Charlotte Wood".
The sleigh bell overdubs were added to the majority of the songs that would be released on Cherry Beat's 1974 Christmas album, to give the album a more Christmas feel. Note that the overdubs that were recorded on this day were not included on these songs when they were released on singles, or other albums.
2nd December 1974
The band members were in the studio again recording one last composition for their 1974 Christmas album. "A Christmas Tale" was written primarily by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell. The musicians that participated in the track's creation were the same ones that participated in the recording of "Happy Christmas".
A Christmas Tale
A-Side: | Happy Christmas |
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Chart Position: | #2 (UK Single) #2 (US Single) |
Album: | Merry Christmas |
Released: | 21st December 1974 (Album Release) 23rd December 1975 (Single Release) |
Recorded: | 1st December 1974, 5:37 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Duration: | 0:04:02 |
Genre: | Christmas Music, Pop Rock |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn, Devon O'Connell |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, 12-String Acoustic Guitar Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Guitar Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh Bells Elodia Torian — Backing vocal Alexandra Wright — Backing vocal Katie Russell — Backing vocal Amber Stark — Backing vocal Charlotte Henderson — Backing vocal |
2nd December 1974
Session musicians Ellsworth Hutchins and Ricky Stanbery were called into the studio to record overdubs for two songs that Cherry Beat had covered back in 1971 on this day.
Ellsworth would record a violin overdub for the band's cover of "Soldier of Love (Lay Down Your Arms)". While Ricky would record a tenor saxophone overdub for the band's cover of "The Twist".
The mixes of both songs without the overdubs recorded during this session were released on the Cherry Beat compilation album "Rock and Roll Covers, 1971" in 1988.
5th December 1974
The band recorded a new composition on this day. "I've Been Pinched" was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald. Although it was written and recorded during the sessions for the band's 1974 Christmas album, it was not intended to be released on that album. It was not intended to be released on the band's next album either, come to that.
I've Been Pinched
Album: | Neapolitan |
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Released: | 2nd November 1976 |
Recorded: | 5th December 1974, 9:22 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom 24th March 1976, 10:28 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom [5] |
Duration: | 0:03:38 |
Genre: | Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Author: | Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Personnel: | Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Lead Guitar, Handclaps [7] Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Guitar, Handclaps [7], Cello [8] Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Ludwig Drum Kit, Handclaps [7], Percussion [9] Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Rhythm Guitar, Handclaps [7] Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ |
21st December 1974
Album Release — Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas — Album
Chart Position: | #1 (UK Release) #1 (US Release) |
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Released: | 21st December 1974 |
Recorded: | 1st February - 1st December 1974, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, United Kingdom |
Genre: | Christmas Music, Pop Rock, Rock and Roll |
Label: | Sky Dive Records |
Producer: | Chudley Maron |
Track Listing — Disc One: | Happy Christmas You're Rather Gorgeous Today Back Together Mary-Anne Sexy Young Hips Diamonds and Cherries She's Really Fun Don't Listen to Her Snowman Bright and Cherry Phoenix Her Sweet Sunshine |
Track Listing — Disc Two: | A Christmas Tale Iced Tea Back on Top Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl Nancy Really Hot Great Lips Takin' a Ride for Money Pixie Charlotte Wood Shakin' Up the Seventies Sweet Little Suzie |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the sleigh bells.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 The single mix omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 The single mix omits the sleigh bells.
- ↑ The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the handclap overdubs recorded on this day.
- ↑ The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the cello and percussion overdubs recorded on this day.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the handclaps.
- ↑ The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the cello.
- ↑ The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the percussion.