Dale's Old Fresno Records Part 2 12JUN12

Jun 12 2012
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The Clams-Big Bug 4-song 12inch 1982

Russ Reed - Bass, Keyboards, Vocals, Tony Negrete - Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Jim Carter - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, George Rotalo - Lead Vocal, Saxophone, Jeff Wilkins - Drums, Vocals, Twynes.

The first I heard of these guys was when Roy Nichols at Tower Records Fresno in the late 70s was going on about a band that played covers of his beloved Prog-rock bands. They were called "Orchid" and several of the Tower crew went to see them and raved about them. Shortly thereafter they changed their name to The Clams and became one of the most popular bands in Fresno. They gigged a lot at the Wild Blue Yonder nightclub and had a big following.This 4-song 12inch was Recorded at Trac Records by Stan "CUT 1!" Anderson.Trac Records was a recording studio on Maple avenue just north of Tulare and south of Belmont.

I know because Capitol Punishment also recorded there in '82. Stan Anderson was a senior gentleman who specialized in recording Square Dance songs which he actually recorded and "cut" 7inch promo copies in the studio. He proudly showed me his cutting lathe that he used to cut 7inch Square Dance records right there in the studio. He sure knocked it out of the park with this Clams 12inch. Crisp vocals and drums with sparkling guitars makes for a pleasurable listen so many years later.

http://www.soulsandsounds.com/neonman.html
http://soundcloud.com/tenpaces/the-clams-fresno-big-bug

T-N-T-Love isn't Free Valley Grown Compilation LP 1978

James Whetstone-Vocals, Robert Diebert-Guitar, Danny Z-Guitar & Synthesizers, David Starkey-Bass and Gary Mara-Drums.

The band initially gained success from their track "Love Isn't Free" which appeared on the "Valley Grown" album. The track got lots of airplay on the station, and was even used as a commercial for the album. The band's first headlining gig at Horse World in Clovis,CA resulted in over 3,000 fans showing up; and an ensuing riot when the local sheriffs department tried to close it down. The Fresno Bee's headline said "RIOT AT HORSEWORLD!". Most bands would kill to have that publicity, but this did not portend well for TNT.

Known for their quasi-Aerosmith sound and backline of Marshall stacks, vintage guitars, and Ludwig Vistalite drums, the band seemed destined for success. Bill Aucoin, of KISS fame, offered them a tour slot opening for ANGEL and The GODZ. Bad management, a search for a new singer, and the era of disco music fizzled the band's dreams.

Robert Diebert went on to found the heavy metal band Zion's Reign, and then the famous Led Zeppelin tribute band Houses Of The Holy. Both of which featured Danny Z (http://www.facebook.com/daniel.mysterioso) on vocals, who now is also a songwriter and editor/writer for various web publications including this history of TNT. Gary Mara (Gary O'Meara) now plays with Herman Rarebell of Scorpions, among other projects. David Starkey currently plays with the Hollywood based band Death And Taxes.

Miss Alans-Mata Hari's Butt 7inch 1993

Scott Oliver-Vocals, Manny Diez-Guitar, Jay Fung-Bass, Ron Woods-Drums

Like a bad-ass version of Fripp meets Eno, Miss Alans straddled the netherworlds of Art-rock and Grunge with wailing feedback through an AC30 by axe-man Manny Diez and crying vocals by Scott Oliver in a way so defiant as to throw the local scene in '93 on it's head... Where were they coming from? What were they singing about? I don't know but it was cool as hell as evidenced by this clear vinyl 45 RPM gem. We shared a rehearsal space with them back in the 80s and there were lots of big parties and rocknroll fun had by all.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Miss-Alans/121139221280831
http://fresnobeehive.com/2010/12/the_return_of_t.html

S.A.D. BOYZ-Shut up and Drink Shredder Records 7inch Compilation 1989

Steve "Mojo" Madrigal-vocals, John Sargentini-guitar, Steve Garcia-guitar, Rick Struhar-bass, Steve Daniels-drums
One of the coolest and baddest-assed bands to erupt from the 80s Fresno HC Punk scene, the SAD BOYZ came to prominence and popularity through hard work and bristling talent. Led by frontman Mojo, everyone felt the integrity of this hardcore punk band. There was nothing disengenuous about the SAD BOYZ. When they sang "Shut up and drink" it had a fierce ring of sincerity that was undeniable to the Fresno punks. True street punks with a major Fresno following they played many great shows in town and out of town.

http://www.myspace.com/sadboyz559
http://stagedive-records.com/sadboyz.html