Saturday, March 23, 2024

The Neuz - I'm Gonna Pop

The Neuz were from Atlanta, GA. This was the first of two records. The second was a four song EP, on Hib-Tone Records in 1982. I found a video, that shows the second record as being a 2 piece. David Ford on guitar and vocals, and the late Bruce Smith on drums, and vocals. I'm not sure if this record is the same guy on drums?



Ear Records 1980

1. I'm Gonna Pop
2. Take It

Sunday, March 10, 2024

The Vers - Without You Single

   The Vers were a Monroe, Wisconsin five piece, around from 78 to 83.The band was formed by members of Yancy Derringer. The name Vers was derived in 1978 on the way back from a gig in Medford, Wisconsin, passing through Colby on Highway 13. They spotted some three-foot high, black letters, on the side of an old garage spelling out “VERS,” which Hall took as a sign from above. This was the bands only single, 500 copies were sold. They also appear on a handful of compilations.
   Jim Hall developed polyps on his vocal cords. Options were: surgery, requiring three months recovery, or stop singing and talking while it healed for the same amount of time. The latter was chosen. Mondo took a forced hiatus while the Vers went on with a temporary replacement; however no one could replace Mondo. Sadly, he couldn’t either; he essentially suffered a nervous breakdown, and upon returning to the group both he and they went into a freefall culminating in an inevitable explosion “in flames of fatigue, frustration and bitter disappointment.
    Jim Hall passed away August 22, 2001 of a massive heart attack, he was 51. Boyd Williamson passed away from heart issues, Feb. 27, 2014. Gabriel Berrafato is a Home Depot sales manager in Beloit. Charlie Kuchler fronts a Zydeco band called the Zydegatorz, and Jim Stein is an event promoter at a club.

***Big Thanks to Video Dave, for his help, filling in many of the blanks for me!***



Websites:



Line up


Jimmy Clayton Hall (Mondo Vers) - vocals
Boyd Williamson (Zoid Asteroid Machine) – lead guitar
Gabriel Berrafato – Bass
C.F. "Charlie" Kuchler (Charlie Calendar) - Keys, vocals
Jim Stein – Drums

Ignorus Records 1979

1. Without You
2. Five Year Love


Saturday, March 2, 2024

Third Floor Strangers - Lorraine

    Originally called The Tourists; Third Floor Strangers were a Buffalo, NY four piece, formed in 1979. They released this single, and a full length titled, "Last Chance" before disbanding in 1983. Lorraine also appears on their LP, but I prefer this version. Sadly, I read Mark Lukich, and Jef Allen passed away.





Line Up-

Bob James - vocals, guitar
Mark Lukich - guitar, vocals
Jef Allen - Bass
Chuck Cavanaugh - Drums

Trelaine Records 1980

1. Lorraine
2. You are the one