Olympics, The

2 LPs ON 1 CD

INCLUDES 5 BONUS TRACKS
 

Based in L.A., The Olympics are arguably one of the most underrated R&B vocal groups of all time, and one of the few bands in rock & roll history to successfully straddle the line between music and comedy. With their humorous lyrics, funny voices, and up-tempo beats, the band’s style was reminiscent of The Coasters (although they had their own sound and were far from clones). That engaging and infectious combination made The Olympics one of the most consistently entertaining vocal groups ever. Few acts of the ‘50s and ‘60s could match the chilling excitement of The Olympics' R&B-rock recordings. This release features their first two original LPs, which were recorded for the Arvee label between 1959 and 1960: Doin’ the Hully Gully and Dance by the Light of the Moon.
These two essential albums have been packaged together in this very special collector’s edition, which also includes 5 bonus tracks from the same period. All of these great songs – most of them penned by the team of Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith – were propelled by the strong performances of the vocal-harmony quartet, often with funny recurring lines produced/repeated by the bass voice, and fairly simple arrangements that relied heavily on strong rhythms. There's no better proof of The Olympics’ talents than these funny, energetic and sensational recordings.

“Zany tunes guaranteed to create mayhem from the rambunctious Olympics.” - Andrew Hamilton

16-PAGE BOOKLET - RARE PHOTOS - VINTAGE MEMORABILIA - DETAILED LINER NOTES

THE OLYMPICS:
Walter Ward (lead vocals), Eddie Lewis (tenor vocals),
Melvin King, Thomas Bush, Charles Fizer (baritone vocals).

Recorded in Los Angeles, between 1959 and 1960.
Produced by Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith.

TRACKS:

DOIN’ THE HULLY GULLY
01. (BABY) HULLY GULLY 3:39
02. BIG BOY PETE 2:13
03. STAY AWAY FROM JOE 2:31
04. THE SLOP 2:14
05. WHAT’D I SAY 4:07
06. BOO-DEE GREEN 2:23
07. PRIVATE EYE 2:30
08. DODGE CITY 2:56

DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
09. DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON 2:17
10. WORKIN’ HARD 2:03
11. BIG CHIEF LITTLE PUSS 2:15
12. STAY WHERE YOU ARE 2:19
13. PEANUT BUTTER (by The Marathons) 2:26
14. LITTLE PEDRO 1:52
15. I’LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE 2:13
16. DOOLEY 2:26
17. SHIMMY LIKE KATE 2:49

BONUS TRACKS
18. THE STOMP 2:11
19. PONY TIME 2:28
20. EVERYBODY LIKES TO CHA CHA CHA 2:36
21. HOOCHIE COOCHIE COO 2:26
22. PARTY POOPER 2:03

TOTAL TIME: 55:23