DOCUMENTARY UPDATE
It has been
a while since I last posted anything column-wise so I figured it was about time
to remedy that. It has been a busy
summer full of changes, happenings, and action.
The rock and roll front for me has been altered in quite the dramatic
way and it has been a fun ride thus far [more on that after I clue you fine
folk in on some other stuff]. However,
my long awaited Longview / Kelso music documentary has become quite a
journey. Here I shall share some of my
findings with you.
First off,
the initial thrust of the documentary itself was going to focus primarily on
the generation of music and musicians I myself have grown up with. There was going to be some historical
background information to sort of set the stage for what it is we have
experienced over the last 25-30 years here in our little local enclave of
rock. However, I have begun digging a
bit deeper and what was at one point a gathering of information has now become
a spirit quest of sorts. Yes, I have
officially become obsessed with this project.
Initially, I was only working on stuff when A. I felt like it and B. When someone submitted something or I found
stuff myself. There had been times where
the project lay dormant and I really could not bear to deal with it.
The biggest
thing that has changed for me and my approach to this project is its scope and
its focus of study or studies. First
off, it would be silly to believe that there was nothing going on around here
before The Jimmies or Marmalade. So it
got me thinking honestly about what it was that I was looking for. Here are some preliminary questions that one
must ask oneself when conducting research such as this:
1. How far back in
time should I go?
2. What sorts of
origins am I looking for?
3. What resources do
I utilize?
4. How do my findings
play into creating a “documentary” in the traditional sense?
5. Can I even make
this into a documentary?
My
traditional approach to all manner of research has been to cast as wide of net
as possible. For me, it is much more
preferable to have more information that I could possibly use. But, since I am attempting to relay a
narrative about a shared history, I simply cannot discard information that I feel
needs editing out of a final draft. All
information on this topic is of incredible importance. What I am finding out is that beyond simply
looking at the musical aspects, there is a much larger community history involved. With that being said, I feel very strongly
that this is a story about a community that was far more alive than it is
now. Now I shall answer the
aforementioned questions:
1. It was decided
that 1965 would be a perfectly acceptable year to start at. I had a few reasons for picking this
particular year. First, it seemed that
while a good deal of the bands that were on the scene at the time were
essentially playing all the hits by their favorite artists, were also starting
to slip a few of their own compositions into their sets. Many of the acts I
have discovered were starting to cut records which featured their original
tunes. Second reason was simply because
it was mid-decade, and most of the early rock trappings had kind of started to
seem somewhat “old hat” as rock music started getting a bit more interesting. However, let me be the first to say that I
will be going back further in time. The
more questions one answers, the more questions one will have which is always
the fun/frustrating part of research.
2. When it comes to
origins, it has always been my wish to examine the point in time when bands
stopped aping their heroes and started creating their own stuff. At what point did these early rockers start
saying “Hey man, fuck “Louie Louie” I got this song we should try.” While this
is an integral part of the study it is hardly the entirety of what I am
finding. There are cultural issues going
on in the larger world of 1965 that were affecting young minds. Countless examinations of large scale social
changes which informed and affected artistic endeavors have been done over the
years, mine is no different in that regard.
But what I hope to find in terms of origins come in the form of what our
town once was. I am not talking about
Peter Crawford and all those old pioneer assholes, I am talking about the local
lodges, the square dances, the movies, the food, the stores, the general
atmosphere that was ever present. We live
in a place that at one time was alive and vibrant, full of good stuff. What the hell happened?
3. At this point in
time I have been utilizing the Longview Public Library. You will find me at least 2 days a week
poring over microfilm, taking notes, making copies etc. My cohort / wife Hilarie has also suggested
looking at building permits as well.
Like all towns do, Longview / Kelso has gone through a tremendous amount
of change and by all appearances most of it has been for the worse. As my study
continues, there will be new avenues to explore in terms of resources. I have compiled a list of places, people, and
other sources that I will contact in order to glean more information. As always, this is YOUR project too, your
contributions are always needed and always welcomed.
4. While the initial
idea of creating a documentary seemed to be the end goal, this is no longer the
case. A documentary film on the subject
matter I am studying is simply too constraining. It is my belief that if I was
to do a film of approximately 1-2 hours would require me to gloss over a lot of
stuff and not tell as rich of a story as I feel needs to be told. While the documentary film is something I
will strive toward in the future, I will simply allow the study and gathering
to inform me as to what should be included.
There is also the possibility of going the Ken Burns route and doing a
several hour series of sorts. Again, I
am in the gathering and study stages of this thing, I am in no particular hurry
and I have very loose time tables as for when I would like to have stuff
done. In several years time I am
confident that I will know what form this massive undertaking will coalesce
into. So yes I know that if my focus is
narrowed and my presentation is kept tightly regimented I know I could make a
traditional documentary film.
5. This is sort of
answered in question 4 but I will go a bit further. This film can be made with the proper support
and aid from a vast array of people.
While it is true that I am conducting my study alone, Hilarie has been
immensely helpful to me as her way of thinking helps jar me out of dead ends
and keeps me on track. I prefer to work
on this portion of the study alone as I know what I am looking for and have now
developed a system in doing so. So in
terms of making a film, I am at minimum 2-3 years away from even filming a
thing; and I am not even particularly interested in doing so. The study itself does not require it at this
time. When it comes to conducting
interviews on camera with the various players I will want to be armed with as
much information as possible so that I do not come off like some sort of
dummy. As stated in previous blog
postings, this project is not simply mine, it is YOURS as well. You and your friends and relatives from both
near and far all have a role to play, contributions to make, and stuff to
say. The wider I can cast my net, the
better this project will be. This is not
just about music. It is about the formulation of ideas, the handing down of
traditions, and helping these traditions to survive in the face of an
increasingly fragmented and troubled world.
I do not
know if I answered my own questions as I presented them but I feel that I am
definitely onto something. My research
thus far has been so incredibly enlightening and just plain fun. This project is something so incredibly
important to me. When I read old
newspaper articles, see the ads, I feel like I am there. It is my hope that as this project takes
shape and I share things with all of you that it spurs you into action as
well. Go find your treasures and share
them and help me bring this history to life.
Seek out your relatives and let them know that I want to hear from them,
I am interested, and that I care.
History has powerful properties which can transport you, immerse you,
and enable to time travel. All this
discussion of magic and immersion has got me in the mood to share some
statistics with you.
For me, compiling, analyzing, and conducting
statistical tests are something I believe to be very illustrative. It helps to make immense compilations of data
easier to understand. With that being
said, here are some stats that should really blow your mind.
SPECIAL NOTE: I
compiled this information from analyzing the Longview Daily News from each day
in the year 1965. I am conducting this
study in real time by examining each edition of the paper. My show list is extensive and far
reaching. However, I will not claim that
this list is complete, but I can pretty much guarantee that it is as accurate
as anyone is ever willing to go.
1965 THE YEAR IN ROCK:
·
256 shows in total which works out to
approximately 21.3 shows per month.
·
129 of those shows were in Longview/Kelso at a
rate of approximately 10.75 shows per month.
·
127 of those shows were in towns such as Castle
Rock, Woodland, Kalama, Rainier, Clatskanie, Cathlamet, Puget Island, LaCenter,
Ridgefield, Centralia, and Winlock at a rate of approximately 10.6 shows per
month.
·
Local shows took place at 19 venues such as
George’s Broiler, The Smith Center, Triangle Mall, I.O.O.F. Hall, A.W.P.P.W.,
Three Pigs Tavern, Twin City Tavern, Owl Tavern, Capn’ Yobys, Riverside Park,
Bunker Hill Grange, Kelso High School, R.A. Long High School, Mark Morris High
School, Lower Columbia College, St. Rose Gym, Y.M.C.A., Commerce Avenue, and Lake
Sacajawea.
·
26 venues outside of Longview/Kelso were hosts
to shows on a weekly basis such as Gram’s Annex, Sunnyside Grange, Castle Rock
Grange, Eagles Hall, Rainier Theater, Rainier High School, Kalama Community
Hall, Kalama High School, Norse Hall, Puget Island Grange, Long Beach Pavilion,
Woodland Grange, Veterans Hall, Winlock Community Center, Winlock High School,
Centralia Rollerdrome, Foodland, Svensen Grange, Clatskanie High School, La
Center High School, Ridgefield High School, St. Helens Teen Center, JC Pennys,
and St. Helens High School.
OTHER FACTS AND TIDBITS:
·
Located on Commerce Avenue, the Smith Center was
the spot to see some of the top local bands as well as touring acts from as far
away as Minnesota. Some notable acts
whom appeared there were: Paul Revere
and the Raiders, Don and the Goodtimes, Dick and DeeDee, The Liverpool Five, The
Kingsmen, and The Wailers [who came to town a staggering 8 times during the
year].
·
The Triangle Mall was another great spot in town
which hosted public dances and rock and roll shows. Many of these events were broadcast live on
KEDO.
·
Quite possibly one of the busiest local bands
was the well dressed, hearse driving combo Jerry and the E.T.s who played 38
shows throughout the year all across Cowlitz county.
·
The Daily News was just as dismissive of local
music in 1965 as they are today. Rampant
misspellings have made research “interesting” to say the very least. A few bands who suffered at the hands of
local scene reporter Steve Ponder were The Marchands who were also called The
Marshans, and The Torques who were labeled as The Torquays and Torque As. Ponder also liked to make not so witty quips
about rock and roll music which has been a long standing Daily News tradition
now being studiously upheld by Tom Paulu.
Pretty amazing stuff to say the
least and as I begin studying 1966 I am sure that there will be more surprises. While I am working on all of this I still
hope to hear from all of you, both familiar and unfamiliar. Yes it is true that I am doing the heavy
lifting here, this story is going to need contributions from participants and spectators
alike. No piece of memorabilia is too
insignificant as each photo, flyer, article, video, and recording has a special
place in the grand scheme of things. I
urge all of you to speak to friends, relatives and neighbors who were around
during these early years. So many people
are unaware of what I am attempting to do and I hope that with your help; my
friends and co-conspirators; I can spread the word far and wide. As I stated at the beginning of this long
manifesto, the most thorough studies are only as effective as the net that one
casts. Contact me by whatever means you
choose. I am available for questions,
comments, and discussion most waking hours.
Again, I thank those of you who have contributed items thus far and
thank all of you in advance for all your help and support.
MINTY ROSA: DEAD OR ALIVE?
In amongst
all this research I have been doing, it has been a busy time at Rock Alliance
World Headquarters. As many of you know
Minty Rosa bit the dust several months ago.
While the intent was to simply lay the band to rest, I have a strong
hunch that this is not to be the case.
Details are sketchy at this time but it is my belief that there is still
more work to do. Our leader and
songstress Hilarie Hughes has been making new songs and I feel that both myself
and drummer Jeremy Denman need to get back to work. Whatever form any future outings as Minty
Rosa may take are purely speculation at this point and nothing is set in stone.
As the person who gets to hear her
recordings first hand, I can safely tell you that Hilarie is going next level
with her songs. The next few months will
be interesting to say the least.
BLUES FOR THE DEFORMED SECRETARY
Your
favorite one man lo-fi recording stud CHUCK ROAST spent the entire month of
March recording a song a day. The
results came in the form of my 34th solo outing “Blues For the
Deformed Secretary.” You can check out the tunes at my soundcloud page www.soundcloud.com/chuck-roast-1
and hear all 31 songs. I am very proud
of these songs as I feel they capture some of the spontaneity of my older
recordings. Let me know what you think.
THE HICKMANS DON’T LIKE YOU
Well it is
getting to be that time again and your favorite local legends THE HICKMANS are
gearing up to celebrate 15 years of true Longview rock. Guitar hero Biff Dougan and myself are going
to bring the classic acoustic duo back to show you sonsofbitches how it is
done. Of course, being the geniuses we
are, while preparing for the 15th anniversary party we will be
recording a new CD with brand new odes to chicks, drugs, booze, and criminal
behavior.
DON’T BE SOBER WHEN I CALL YOU
As former
member of THE SUNKEN, noise geek Gene Symptoms is putting the finishing touches
of his second solo album entitled “Don’t Be Sober When I Call You.” It features guest appearances by SBTDOH, Don
Haugen, Regosphere, and Cedric’s Lettuce.
Some of the tracks slated to be on the disc are “I Miss You Susan” and “Monoxide
Radio.” Early listens to the mixes are
proving to be amazing as they are a radical departure from his previous disc “Horses
of Rome.” It should also be noted that Gene Symptoms has signed a deal with
Headless Pymp Rock Alliance. When asked
why he did so his response was “Fuck it.
Why not?”
THE LOLLIGAGGERS:
CALM DOWN VAN GOGH
Well, as
many as you know, the lineup for Longview’s longest running punk rock band THE
LOLLIGAGGERS has been dramatically altered.
For some of you this has been a welcome changes and for some of you it
has been a difficult transition. Let me
help set the record straight for you.
Both myself and bass player Joe Deal were brought in to help the band
out when their frontman/bassist could not make it to some shows. I was asked and I accepted the invitation
without any hesitation. We got together,
started practicing, and apparently everyone enjoyed the process. Three shows have been played thus far and it
has been a great time for everyone involved.
However, with drummer Dustin Wheeler having moved to Nashville to pursue
his musical aspirations, a major hole was left to be filled. I am happy to say that MINTY ROSA drummer
Jeremy Denman has agreed to step in and handle the drumming duties. It goes without saying that Dustin will be
missed but his spot is being held down by a true local legend and a great dude
to boot.
So what
does this mean for the future of THE LOLLIGAGGERS? We recorded some songs before Dustin departed
and those will see the light of day very soon.
Additionally, we are starting to compile ideas for new songs for a
future album. Lots of stuff is starting
to happen and ideas are flowing like wine.
However, for you sissies that are afraid the band is going to veer off
course let me be the first to tell you that the new ideas Eric Lolligagger laid
down on 4 track are about as classic as it gets when it comes to THE LOLLIGAGGERS. Keenan also has aces up his sleeve and his
newest contribution “One of Those Days” is a real anthem. Even your old pal CHUCK ROAST has brought a
tune to the party entitled “You’ll Never Love Me Right.” The intention of this new lineup is to keep
it true to Eric’s vision as well as go only slightly off the beaten path. Does that make sense? Nope.
Just wait till you hear what comes next.
Now, for
all you fine folks who have come out to the shows and said how much you like
this new lineup and the changes that it has brought, we thank you. For those of you who have cried your eyes out
and said “it’s just not the same” and “it’s just not The Lolligaggers anymore”
all I can say is TOUGH SHIT….GO FIND A NEW BAND TO LIKE. For a brief moment Eric did contemplate
changing the name but I talked him out of it.
Eric has put 20 years of his life into this thing and as long as it
feels like THE LOLLIGAGGERS to him then that is exactly what it is. All you sniveling poor sports are just going
to have to get over it. The proof is in
the pudding muthafucka. THE LOLLIGAGGERS
are not going anywhere anytime soon so you might as well just shut your trap,
come to a show, and taste the pudding.
Tis quite a tasty pudding indeed.
Cheers,
Tyler Stockton AKA Chuck Roast
Headless Pymp Rock Alliance
Longview Washington
Go check out my youtube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9AIWeDRbMX6QCj-rX9gYUQ
AS WITH MY OTHER DOCUMENTARY UPDATES HERE ARE SOME PICS:
AS WITH MY OTHER DOCUMENTARY UPDATES HERE ARE SOME PICS:
