The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band
Encyclopedia
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was an American
psychedelic
rock band
of the late 1960s, based in Los Angeles
, California
.
, but his initial attempts to develop a Hollywood career, either in movies or as a pop singer, met with little success.
At around the same time, brothers Shaun and Danny Harris, children of composer Roy Harris
, also moved to Los Angeles, and by 1963 had both begun playing with a teen surf band, the Snowmen. When they started attending Hollywood Professional School in 1964, they met up with Michael Lloyd, who had been playing in several groups, latterly the Rogues. The Harris brothers and Lloyd decided to form a new band, initially called The Laughing Wind, and they recorded demos for a mutual friend, record producer Kim Fowley
. Fowley already knew Markley, and suggested that the band use some of the latter’s lyrics.
In 1965, Fowley arranged a private party in Markley’s house at which the Yardbirds
performed, and which the Harris brothers and Lloyd also attended. Markley was impressed by the large number of teenage girls attracted by the band, and the much younger musicians were impressed by Markley’s financial resources and potential ability to fund good quality equipment and a light show. Fowley encouraged them to join forces and, with the addition of drummer John Ware, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was formed. The general approach was intended to parallel that being developed on the east coast by Andy Warhol
and the Velvet Underground. Markley used his legal background to ensure that he held all rights to the band’s name.
The band’s recording debut in 1966, Volume One
, featured Michael Lloyd, Shaun Harris, Dennis Lambert (guitar) and Danny Belsky (drums), with Markley on some vocals. It seems that much of the material was completed before the time Markley became involved. The rudimentary album included contemporary hits and original compositions and was recorded in a self-made studio on San Vincente Blvd, just outside Beverly Hills. The album was originally issued on the tiny Fifo label in Hollywood, and probably only 100 or so were made at the time. It was reissued on vinyl in 1994. An original copy of this album, complete with sleeve, sold for more than $15.000 in the early 2000s.
With their impressive light show, the band became popular around Los Angeles and were signed by Reprise Records
. Their first "proper" album, Part One, ranged from anthemic pop songs and acoustic ballads to harder-edged psychedelic numbers. It reflected the tensions between the band’s musicians and Markley, who effectively controlled the band’s output but who was regarded by the others as musically untalented. Markley contributed rambling pseudo-psychedelic lyrics and spoken sections, and the album also included inputs from co-producer Jimmy Bowen
, songwriters Baker Knight
and P.F. Sloan, drummer Hal Blaine
and pianist Van Dyke Parks
. Disputes between Markley and Michael Lloyd also led to the inclusion of guitarist Ron Morgan who, over time, became a fully fledged member of the band.
Recorded and released in 1967, Volume Two – Breaking Through was a more ambitious and coherent album, with all of the tracks credited either in whole or in part to members of the band. It featured Markley’s anti-war rant "Suppose They Give A War And No One Comes?" – partly based on a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt
and later covered by Punk band T.S.O.L. – and the song "Smell of Incense", featuring Morgan’s guitar work and later covered by Southwest F.O.B.
The album also started to demonstrate Markley’s lyrical obsession with young girls.
The next album, Volume 3: A Child's Guide To Good And Evil
is generally regarded as the group's high point. However, again the naive peace-and-love message of some of the songs sat uneasily beside the ironic cynicism of tracks like "A Child Of A Few Hours Is Burning To Death", and the songs showed a tension between the Harris brothers’ melodies, Morgan’s strident lead guitar and effects, and Markley’s sometimes bizarre declamations. By this time, the band effectively consisted of Markley, Morgan and Shaun Harris, with Danny Harris having withdrawn through illness.
The two Harris brothers, both disillusioned with Markley and with the group’s lack of commercial success, reunited in 1968 to form a touring band, California Spectrum, apparently also with Michael Lloyd’s involvement. However, this was not a success, and they returned to record a further West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band album, "Where's My Daddy?" This was credited to a line-up of Markley and the Harris brothers, although both Lloyd and Morgan also contributed. In 1970, a further album emerged, "Markley, A Group", which, although presented as a Markley solo album, had the active involvement of the whole band, including both Lloyd and Danny Harris.
After that time, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band ceased to exist. Michael Lloyd became the Vice President of A&R
at MGM
, aged 20, in 1969, and went on to win a Grammy Award
with Lou Rawls
, to produce hits for the Osmonds, Shaun Cassidy
and Leif Garrett
, and to produce the best-selling soundtrack to Dirty Dancing
. Shaun Harris released a solo album in 1973, and worked with Barry Manilow
, but eventually retired from the music scene to set up a successful children’s film festival. Danny Harris also released a solo album, in 1980, and has worked as a folk musician and actor. Ron Morgan went on to join Three Dog Night
and then the Electric Prunes, and later worked as a cab driver and janitor, before his death in 1989. Bob Markley worked as a record producer and later fell into ill health before dying in 2003.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
psychedelic
Psychedelic
The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words ψυχή and δηλοῦν , translating to "soul-manifesting". A psychedelic experience is characterized by the striking perception of aspects of one's mind previously unknown, or by the creative exuberance of the mind liberated from its ostensibly...
rock band
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
of the late 1960s, based in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
History
In about 1960, Bob Markley, the adopted son of an oil tycoon, and a law graduate, moved to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a star. He was already a local TV personality in OklahomaOklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, but his initial attempts to develop a Hollywood career, either in movies or as a pop singer, met with little success.
At around the same time, brothers Shaun and Danny Harris, children of composer Roy Harris
Roy Harris
Roy Ellsworth Harris , was an American composer. He wrote much music on American subjects, becoming best known for his Symphony No...
, also moved to Los Angeles, and by 1963 had both begun playing with a teen surf band, the Snowmen. When they started attending Hollywood Professional School in 1964, they met up with Michael Lloyd, who had been playing in several groups, latterly the Rogues. The Harris brothers and Lloyd decided to form a new band, initially called The Laughing Wind, and they recorded demos for a mutual friend, record producer Kim Fowley
Kim Fowley
Kim Vincent Fowley is an American record producer, impresario, songwriter, musician, film maker, and radio actor. He is best known for his role behind a string of novelty and cult rock pop singles in the 1960s, and for managing The Runaways in the 1970s...
. Fowley already knew Markley, and suggested that the band use some of the latter’s lyrics.
In 1965, Fowley arranged a private party in Markley’s house at which the Yardbirds
The Yardbirds
- Current :* Chris Dreja - rhythm guitar, backing vocals * Jim McCarty - drums, backing vocals * Ben King - lead guitar * David Smale - bass, backing vocals...
performed, and which the Harris brothers and Lloyd also attended. Markley was impressed by the large number of teenage girls attracted by the band, and the much younger musicians were impressed by Markley’s financial resources and potential ability to fund good quality equipment and a light show. Fowley encouraged them to join forces and, with the addition of drummer John Ware, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was formed. The general approach was intended to parallel that being developed on the east coast by Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andrew Warhola , known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art...
and the Velvet Underground. Markley used his legal background to ensure that he held all rights to the band’s name.
The band’s recording debut in 1966, Volume One
Volume One (West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band album)
Volume One was the first album recorded by the psychedelic rock band The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. It was first released in 1966 on the small record label FIFO, before being reissued on both compact disc and vinyl in 1997 by the reissue label Sundazed. The album features covers of pop...
, featured Michael Lloyd, Shaun Harris, Dennis Lambert (guitar) and Danny Belsky (drums), with Markley on some vocals. It seems that much of the material was completed before the time Markley became involved. The rudimentary album included contemporary hits and original compositions and was recorded in a self-made studio on San Vincente Blvd, just outside Beverly Hills. The album was originally issued on the tiny Fifo label in Hollywood, and probably only 100 or so were made at the time. It was reissued on vinyl in 1994. An original copy of this album, complete with sleeve, sold for more than $15.000 in the early 2000s.
With their impressive light show, the band became popular around Los Angeles and were signed by Reprise Records
Reprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
. Their first "proper" album, Part One, ranged from anthemic pop songs and acoustic ballads to harder-edged psychedelic numbers. It reflected the tensions between the band’s musicians and Markley, who effectively controlled the band’s output but who was regarded by the others as musically untalented. Markley contributed rambling pseudo-psychedelic lyrics and spoken sections, and the album also included inputs from co-producer Jimmy Bowen
Jimmy Bowen
Jimmy Bowen is an American record producer and former pop music performer.Bowen was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He began as a teenage recording star in 1957 with "I'm Stickin' With You," originally the flip side of the hit record "Party Doll" by Buddy Knox, but ultimately a Top 20 recording...
, songwriters Baker Knight
Baker Knight
Baker Knight was an American songwriter and musician from Birmingham, Alabama.He was born Thomas Baker Knight Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama to Thomas Baker Knight Sr. and his wife Mary Knight. His father died in 1939 at the age of 32, and because of his mother's poor health Knight was raised mainly...
and P.F. Sloan, drummer Hal Blaine
Hal Blaine
Hal Blaine is an American drummer and session musician. He is most known for his work with the Wrecking Crew in California. Blaine played on numerous hits by popular groups, including Elvis Presley, John Denver, the Ronettes, Simon & Garfunkel, the Carpenters, the Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra, and...
and pianist Van Dyke Parks
Van Dyke Parks
Van Dyke Parks is an American composer, arranger, producer, musician, singer, author and actor. Parks is perhaps best known for his contributions as a lyricist on the Beach Boys album Smile....
. Disputes between Markley and Michael Lloyd also led to the inclusion of guitarist Ron Morgan who, over time, became a fully fledged member of the band.
Recorded and released in 1967, Volume Two – Breaking Through was a more ambitious and coherent album, with all of the tracks credited either in whole or in part to members of the band. It featured Markley’s anti-war rant "Suppose They Give A War And No One Comes?" – partly based on a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
and later covered by Punk band T.S.O.L. – and the song "Smell of Incense", featuring Morgan’s guitar work and later covered by Southwest F.O.B.
Southwest F.O.B.
Southwest F.O.B. was a 1960s psychedelic rock group from Dallas, Texas, now perhaps best remembered because it featured Dan Seals and John Colley, who later found great success as the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley....
The album also started to demonstrate Markley’s lyrical obsession with young girls.
The next album, Volume 3: A Child's Guide To Good And Evil
Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil
Volume 3: A Child's Guide To Good And Evil, is a psychedelic rock album by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The group's third album, released on Reprise , it is widely regarded as their best...
is generally regarded as the group's high point. However, again the naive peace-and-love message of some of the songs sat uneasily beside the ironic cynicism of tracks like "A Child Of A Few Hours Is Burning To Death", and the songs showed a tension between the Harris brothers’ melodies, Morgan’s strident lead guitar and effects, and Markley’s sometimes bizarre declamations. By this time, the band effectively consisted of Markley, Morgan and Shaun Harris, with Danny Harris having withdrawn through illness.
The two Harris brothers, both disillusioned with Markley and with the group’s lack of commercial success, reunited in 1968 to form a touring band, California Spectrum, apparently also with Michael Lloyd’s involvement. However, this was not a success, and they returned to record a further West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band album, "Where's My Daddy?" This was credited to a line-up of Markley and the Harris brothers, although both Lloyd and Morgan also contributed. In 1970, a further album emerged, "Markley, A Group", which, although presented as a Markley solo album, had the active involvement of the whole band, including both Lloyd and Danny Harris.
After that time, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band ceased to exist. Michael Lloyd became the Vice President of A&R
A&R
Artists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
at MGM
MGM Records
MGM Records was a record label started by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio in 1946, for the purpose of releasing soundtrack albums of their musical films. Later it became a pop label, lasting into the 1970s...
, aged 20, in 1969, and went on to win a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
with Lou Rawls
Lou Rawls
Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls was an American soul, jazz, and blues singer. He was known for his smooth vocal style: Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game"...
, to produce hits for the Osmonds, Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Paul Cassidy is an American actor, singer, writer, and producer. He is the eldest son of Academy Award winning actress Shirley Jones, and the second son of Tony award-winning actor Jack Cassidy...
and Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett is an American singer and actor. He became famous in the late 1970s as a teen idol, but received much publicity in later life for his drug abuse and legal troubles.-Early life:...
, and to produce the best-selling soundtrack to Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic film. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the film features Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the lead roles, as well as Cynthia Rhodes and Jerry Orbach...
. Shaun Harris released a solo album in 1973, and worked with Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, producer, conductor, and performer, best known for such recordings as "Could It Be Magic", "Mandy", "Can't Smile Without You", and "Copacabana ."...
, but eventually retired from the music scene to set up a successful children’s film festival. Danny Harris also released a solo album, in 1980, and has worked as a folk musician and actor. Ron Morgan went on to join Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night
Three Dog Night is an American rock band best known for their music from 1968 to 1975. During that time the band charted 21 Billboard top 40 hits in America, three of which reached Number One...
and then the Electric Prunes, and later worked as a cab driver and janitor, before his death in 1989. Bob Markley worked as a record producer and later fell into ill health before dying in 2003.
Band members
- Bob Markley (August 25, 1935, Tulsa, OklahomaTulsa, OklahomaTulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
– September 9, 2003, Gardena, CaliforniaGardena, CaliforniaGardena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 58,829 at the 2010 census, up from 57,746 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Gardena is located at ....
) - Shaun Harris (born 1946, Colorado Springs)
- Danny Harris (born 1947, Colorado Springs)
- Michael Lloyd (born Michael Jeffrey Lloyd, November 3, 1948, New YorkNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
) - Ron Morgan (June 8, 1945, Colby, KansasColby, KansasColby is a city in and the county seat of Thomas County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 5,387.-History:...
– 1989)
Discography
- Volume OneVolume One (West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band album)Volume One was the first album recorded by the psychedelic rock band The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. It was first released in 1966 on the small record label FIFO, before being reissued on both compact disc and vinyl in 1997 by the reissue label Sundazed. The album features covers of pop...
(1966, reissued 1997) - The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Part One (1967)
- Vol. 2 (Breaking Through)Vol. 2 (Breaking Through)Volume 2 is a psychedelic rock album by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The group's second album, it was released in 1967 on Reprise . On the back of original LP release appears 'Breaking Through' and the declaration: "Every song in this album has been written, arranged, sung and played...
(1967) - Volume 3: A Child's Guide To Good And EvilVolume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and EvilVolume 3: A Child's Guide To Good And Evil, is a psychedelic rock album by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The group's third album, released on Reprise , it is widely regarded as their best...
(1968) - Where's My Daddy? (1969)
- Markley, a Group (1970)
- Transparent Day Sampler on Edsel Records ED 180 (1986)
Singles
- Reprise RecordsReprise RecordsReprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
- "Shifting Sands" / "1906" (1967)
- "Help, I'm A Rock" / "Transparent Day" (1967)
- "Smell of Incense" / "Unfree Child" (1968)
- Amos Records
- "Free As A Bird" / "Where's My Daddy" (1969)
External links
- Album Review of 'A Childs Guide to Good and Evil'
- Creativeartisticliving.com
- West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, a comprehensive webpage from RockMuse.com
- Interview with Michael Lloyd from http://www.harmony-central.com