CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 9

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: This is the ninth and ultimate post in our list of newly found cover versions.

First I have to give prominence to Bjørn Knudsen of Norway for all the work he’s done of finding Berry covers in the most unusual places. He has been of invaluable assistance.

A US singer, songwriter and guitarist James McMurtry has a song titled “Choctaw Bingo” (2002), you can listen on You Tube, which sounds like an extraordinary long slower version of You Can’t Catch Me, with new lyrics, clocking in at 8:47. It’s a selfpenned song but the verses are sung exactly like Berry’s. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

Here’s a “new” Berry tribute as follows:

LEGACASTER (Spain)

Rockabilly trio consisting of El Lega (vocals, guitar), Daniel Nunes (ac. Bass), Berto Martinez (drums). Album below recorded at Kathrina Studio (Lliça d'Amunt Barcelona) October 2016.

Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) (1:48) (Drake-Stokes) 2016

45 EP: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRMNLP-002] ● Spain , 2017
CD: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRLPCD-007] ● Spain, 2017

There’s a video on You Tube of this tribute. The EP has 6 tracks, the CD has a bonus track “Monkey’s Uncle” (Ray Sharpe).
The above Tribute is actually a cover of a song that was originally recorded and released in 1963 by Big Daddy G on Hyland Records. You will find this on the newly released compilation album “The Chuck Berry Sound” on Atomicat Records ACCD-162. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

And here we go with our "new" Berry covers:

BUSTER SHUFFLE (UK)

Ska punk band from London.

You Never Can Tell (2:05) 2013

CD single: Century Media Records ● UK, 2013 (PS)

Very ordinary rendition in the way they are singing but it rocks all right.

THE OTHER HALF (USA)

Garage rock quintet from Pottstown, Philadelphia according to Secondhandsongs.. They were active in about two years 1965-67. Life as a Berry cover enthusiast is pretty tough. Searching for The Other Half shows a group from San Francisco that usually pops up which was active in the mid to late ‘60s. And to make things even harder, there was a group from Chicago by the same name at about the same period of time.

Carol (2:25) 1966
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:35) 1966

LP: The Other Half [7/2 Records HS-1 2] ● USA, 1966

1313 MOCKINGBIRD LANE (USA)

1989-1996 garage, punk band from Albany, New York. They released several 45s and two albums.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:51) 1990s

LP/CD: Unfinished Business (The Toilet Tapes) [Cacophone Records CALP/CACD-2030] ● USA, 2020

13 tracks previously unissued. Noisy rock music but with a good drive.

CATFISH JOHN TISDELL (USA)

Blues, folk-rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player from Idaho. He has since the early ‘70s performed solo or in various bands. If you check out his catalogue on Bandcamp you’ll be surprised how many digital albums he has !!! You can’t ignore a man who’s so dedicated to his work and music.

No Money Down (3:58) 2009

Digital: Honky Tonk Blues [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2009
Digital: Workin’ Overtime [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2017
Digital single: No Money Down [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2018

Catfish John (vocals, guitar), Rick Martinelli (bass), Steve Wright (drums). A pretty good version. If I couldn’t have listened to this track I would have assumed they were different versions from different years.

Rock And Roll Music (3:29) 2016

Digital: Better Get It While You Can [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2016

Catfish John (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Dave Stang (lead guitar).

TRACY (Taiwan)

See TRACY HUANG

TRIMBLE TONES (Canada)

5 guys whose inspiratiom must have been the American golden age of popular music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I saw the expression Old Time Band.

Johnny B. Goode (2:23) 1974

LP: Take 30 With The Trimble Tones [Soundaround International SSE-7425] ● Canada, 1974

They have a smooth sound as some of the American groups like the Four Freshmen, and I enjoyed this version because it’s different but a little boring. The album itself has too much polka and accordion.

Memphis, Tennesee [as “Memphis”] (2:15) 1976

LP: Whole Lotta Shakin’ [Soundaround SSE-7615] ● Canada, 1976

The LP title should indicate that this is a rock’n’roll album, however, it’s not. Although they include the title, “Rock Around The Clock” and “Memphis”, but that’s about all.

TURBOSOS (South Korea)

I have tried to find information about this but without any luck. There are many albums on Bandcamp and all of them seem to have been released in the Spring of 2017. In case, a very productive gang. But the reason I have included them is the fact that they are pretty good in what they do. And very versatile and varied in musical taste. Maybe they are just some studio musicians/friends who have recorded a lot of various tunes and hey! let’s just put them out on various albums. Their album “Red Face” and several others feature pop/crooner tunes sounding like Nat King Cole. Very professional and extraordinary if you compare them to the more rockin’ uptempo albums below. Are we talking about the same guys or what???

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Tennessee”] (2:33) 2017
Roll Over Beethoven (2:49) 2017

Digital: Music Ogg [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Released March 2017. These guys are quite good.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:07) 2017

Digital: Tried Now [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Also released March 2017. Again a solid version.

TUULA-HELENA (Finland)

Tuula Helena Hooli, pop/country singer, born in Keuruu. Mainly active in the 1970s and ‘80s.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie Sanoi Vaari” ( : ) 1982

CD: Uusilla Urilla – I Nya Spår [CWC Records CWC-1005] ● Sweden, 1982

TWANG (Germany)

Rock’n’roll, Americana, country, TexMex quintet from Braunschweig. Founded in 1998. They have released many singles, EPs and albums since 1999, even 3 Xmas ones including the one below.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2019

CD: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Presents [Countryfied Records (Riptide) no cat no] ● Germany, 2019

It runs too fast and loses the soul of the song.

On the album “Ten Yeeehaws After” from 2008 they do a song by Baccara, “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”, where they actually used the melody of Chuck’s “You Never Can Tell” throughout. To be quite honest it sounds like Berry’s with new lyrics. Maybe Berry is co-credited?

BOBBY TYLER (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from St. Louis. Country, rock’n’roll and rockabilly. Named “The Rocker” by Chuck Berry.

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2020

CD: Lonesome Ride [BT self-released] ● USA, 2020

Recorded at Graveless Studos, St. Louis, Mo., engineered, mixed and mastered by Michael Girard. Also available as digital for downloading. He’s also done “Rock’n’Roll Christmas” (Digital December 2023 on Bandcamp), the Berry soundalike from George Thorogood (see page 1903 Vol.4).

TYMON & THE TRANSISTORS (Poland)

Rock band led by Tymona Tymańskiego, founded in 2002.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:24) 2014 feat. Wojciech Waglewski

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Agora SA 97 8832 68136 7 2] ● Poland, 2014

Waglewski’s English pronunciation is not the best, however, they have at least done their own version and still keeping the Memphis beat, sort of.

MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (USA)

See WINTER WONDERETTES

HANK RASCO (USA)

See Wasted Rangers

U.K. SUBS (UK)

Punk-rock group (quartet) from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and have released many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990

LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones.

See also CHARLIE HARPER

UNSPOKEN WORD (USA)

A prog rock quintet (4 guys and a girl) hailing from Long Island, New York. Formed in the late ‘60s. Angus MacMaster, Denise Puma, Gene Boris Stashuk, Greg Buis and Les Singer.

Around And Around (5:17) 1970

LP: The Unspoken Word [Atco Records SD-33 335] ● USA, 1970

This is different from anything else I’ve heard so far. Very psychedelic and unstructured with much organ and distorted guitars. It’s Denise Puma who’s doing the vocals on this unusual Berry cover, always interesting to hear a female interpretation. There’s not many.

STAN URBAN (Scotland/Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1582 for biographical info.

Little Queenie (3:25) 2014 (live)

Digital: Live From Graceland Randers [Memphis Mansion ] ● Denmark, 2015

Recorded live with Stan and his el.piano. Randers is a town in Jylland, Denmark. The recording place is a house (museum) built like Graceland in Memphis.

VULTURE CULTURE (Germany)

Punk Rock quartet from Paderborn, formed in 1989. Two ladies and two men.

Maybellene ( : ) 1997

7” EP: Hypocrite! [Flight 13 FLI-047] ● Germany. 1997

I have heard “Country Roads” (John Denver) in a terrible speed-ed up version. So I can just imagine what Maybellene sounds like (?)

HANNAH WADDINGHAM (UK)

Stage actress and singer, born 1974 in Wandsworth, London. She also goes by the name of just Hannah. She possesses a powerful voice.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2023 (live) feat. Sam Ryder

Digital album: Home For Christmas – Soundtrack From The Apple Original [Self-released 50 5944 91515 3 3] ● UK, 2023

Recorded live at the London Coliseum backed by a big band, and featuring Sam Ryder on vocals (duetting with Hannah) and guitar.

WAILIN’ WALKER & THE HOUSEROCKERS (Canada)

Al “Wailin” Walker, from Vancouver, British Columbia. Singer, guitarist who’s been around since the late ‘70s. Regarded as one of the finest blues/rock guitar players in Canada. 3 & 4 March 1981 they were the opening act for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, two shows each night.

Tulane (2:59) 1978

LP: Rock It Day & Night [Jitterbug Records 00666JR] ● Canada, 1983

According to Bandcamp and other sites it says that this was released in 1978, however, on discogs the LP label says 1983. Maybe a reissue? Anyway, you’ll find several albums by Wailin’ Walker for downloading on Bandcamp.

CLIFF WARD & THE CRUISERS (UK)

They were a ‘60s beat quintet. Clifford Thomas Ward from Stourport On Severn. Singer, songwriter, born 1955, died in 2001. As Clifford T. Ward he released his first album “Singer, songwriter” in 1972 and many others followed.

No Money Down (2:54) late ‘60s

2-CD: Path Through The Forest-The Secret World Of Clifford T. Ward 1964-71 [Wooden Hill WHCD-028] ● USA, 2009

This is a compilation CD-set of 57 tracks, containing recordings by Clifford T. Ward, Cliff Ward & The Cruisers, The Secrets, Simon’s Secrets, and Martin Raynor & The Secrets.

WASTED RANGERS (USA)

Country-rock group from Vancouver, Washington, fronted by singer and pianoplayer Hank Rasco.

Johnny B. Goode (4:19) 1978 (live)
Maybellene (5:22) 1978 (live)

2-LP: The Wasted Rangers [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 1978

Recorded live at The Last Hurrah in Portland, Oregon, 23 December, 1978. Album probably sold at gigs.
Reissued on CD in March 2021, again self-released. On bandcamp it says it was recorded live in 1977, but on the actual record it says it was recorded 23 December 1978, and released in 1978 (?) Something is wrong here…

Promised Land (2:48) 1976 as Hank Rasco & The Wasted Rangers

CD: Wasted: Dead Or Alive [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released 6 March 2021 on Bandcamp.

WEIGHT WATCHERS (Italy)

Rock band, but actually I haven’t the slightest idea. The label Mellow Records was located in Piacenza, Italy.

Maybellene [as “Mabellene”] (1:55) 1995
Reelin’ and Rockin’ (3:09) 1995
Sweet Little Sixteen (00:29) 1995
Too Much Monkey Business (2:58) 1995

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Mellow Records MMFS-1004] ● Italy, 1995

Regarding “Sweet Little Sixteen”, it is the last track on the album and sounds like they have had too much jungle soda or whatever. It’s just a total mess. On the back sleeve it says: all songs were recorded live, but on the bandcamp site it says it was a studio album. Anyway, was released for downloading 26 April 2018.

RICK WETZEL’S GROOVIN’ HIGHER (USA)

Trumpet player who grew up in Garden Grove, California. He’s played and arranged for artists like The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Four Tops and more. Also a contractor for horn and string sections for national and international acts and various star shows.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Johnny Be Good”] (3:40) 2018

CD: Rockin It [Groovin’ High Records no cat no] ● USA, 2018

A solid rendition, with a good horn section and an excellent bass player. It’s a vocal version but I don’t know for sure who’s singing as nothing is mentioned, but should we indicate Rick himself(?)

WHISKY HOLLOW (Canada)

Country rock band founded in 1974. Very popular band. They released 3 albums and several singles many of them charted.

Promised Land (2:36) 1976

LP: Population 4 [Rowdy Records RMR-104] ● Canada, 1976
45: Shotgun Records SGR-711 ● Canada, 1978
LP: Lively Country [Shotgun Records SGR-717] ● Canada, 1979

WHISTLE BAIT (Finland)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly sextet from Hamina. Formed back in 1984. Their first single came out in 1987, and several albums since 1990.

You Never Can Tell (2:58) 2008 (live)

CD: On Stage With Whistle Bait [Goofin’ Records GRCD-6151] ● Finland, 2008

A mini album (7 tracks), limited edition. The Berry cover sounds like everybody else’s.

TAM WHITE & THE DEXTERS (Scotland)

Thomas Bennett Sim White. Blues and jazz singer, guitarist and actor. Born 1942 in Edinburgh, died 2010. In 1968 he released singles on Decca and later on Deram, Astor and RAK. His first album came in 1970.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:20) 1985 (live)

LP: Tonite! Live At The Preservation Hall [SRT Records KCLP-001] ● UK, 1985

Album recorded 28 and 29 April 1985 in the Preservaion Hall, Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Featuring guitarist Jim Condie. A soul/rhythm & blues version with a big horn section. Also available on Bandcamp as digital 23 July 2022.

JOHNNY WILD AND THE DELIGHTS (USA)

From Orlando, Florida. It’s a seven piece band, four men and three ladies. So far I have seen three albums.

Johnny B. Goode (2:46) 2016

CD: One Night With You [Chesterwick Recording EPA-4237] ● USA, 2016

Pretty tough and goode rockin’ version.

MANOS WILD (Greece)

Rockabilly/country/pop singer, songwriter. He started his career in the rockabilly band Breathless in Thessaloniki in 2006. If you go to Bandcamp and search for this guy you wouldn’t believe how many “albums” and “singles” he has out !!!

Maybellene (2:45) 2021

CD: Rockin’ Days [Self-released ] ● Greece, 2021

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2023

CD: A Session For Everyone [Rebel Music Records RM-5034] ● Germany, 2023

MARTY WILDE (UK)

Reginald Leonard Smith. He was one of the English rockers that really had hits and popularity. Besides hitting with a string of American covers, he did chart with an original song “Bad Boy” in 1959/60. In addition to all the singles, he‘s released many albums and his latest came in 2020, “Running Together”. He’s the father of Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde and Roxanne Wilde.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1996

CD: It’s Been Nice [Select Records SRCD-02] ● UK, 1996

I have always wondered why Marty has never appeared in this survey before. Strange that this album above slipped my attention? He often performed “Roll Over Beethoven” (YouTube) in his concerts, and also “Sweet Little Sixteen”.

MIKE WILLIAMS (USA)

Singer, pianist from New York State.

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1981
Roll Over Beethoven (3:08) 1981

LP: Pleasing You [Trackdown Records RR-42581] ● USA, 1981

Recorded at Trackdown Recording Studios, Glens Falls, N.Y. However, both sound like it was done in a living room, very amateurish and simple.

RANDY WILLIAMS, GEOLOGIST (Canada)

Randy Bruce Williams from Edmonton, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, painter you name it. Has released a lot of albums and singles for downloading.

Memphis, Tennessee (4:27) 2003 (?)
Sweet Little Sixteen (6:35) 2003 (?)

CD: Rare Antiquity – Digging Down To The Past [Archaeology Communications Canada CD-41745 2 3] ● Canada, 2009

This I was about to forget completely. Sorry to say but he can’t sing and Sweet Little Sixteen is particularly bad. He’s off key most of the time. And 6 minutes? On YouTube it says 2003 not 2009 as on SecondHandSongs, and produced by Williams, but I have not made time to check any further. Do I have to?

WINTER WONDERETTES (USA)

A musical called The Marvellous Wonderettes that performs pop songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s used as a vehicle paying homage to the high school songleader squads of the ‘50s. The first musical opened in Milwaukee in 1999. It was revived in 2001, and then to Los Angeles in 2006, the first Off Broadway play was in 2008 and a revival in 2016. Different actors. It even got a UK premiere in 2019.
The album below is a variation of the group doing Christmas songs, therefore calling themselves Winter Wonderettes.

Run Rudolph Run (2:13) 2010

CD: Original Studio Cast Recording [LML Music CD-255] ● USA, 2010

This sounds a little tame, maybe since it’s reflected more to the female teenagers of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.

WITNESSES (USA)

Punk-rock band (quartet), and the version below is a little bit too much although I have heard worse.

Run Rudolph Run (2:53) 2002

Various CD: The Night Before [Rich & Sexy Inc. RSI-001] ● USA, 2002

Subheading: A New York Christmas: Past, Post, Punk, Present & Future.

BERNIE WOODS & THE FOREST FIRES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1613 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 2014

CD: Bernie Woods & The Forest Fires [Foot Tapping Records FT-143] ● UK, 2014

SHÕJI YOKOUCHI And The Beat Beat Beat (Japan)

Jazz guitar player, arranger, composer. Born 1933, died 1996. Released many albums, the first in 1962.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1965 (instr)

LP: Let’s Go Guitar Beat [Polydor SLJM-1178] ● Japan, 1965

ZLATNI AKORDI (Yugoslavia/Croatia)

Rock quintet from Zagreb who started out back in 1963 but had several changes in the line-up. The album below must have been a reunion, since the band only lasted until the mid ‘70s.

Johnny B. Goode (2:45) 1999

CD: Povratak Ruku [Croatia Records CD-5256625] ● Croatia, 1999

Recorded at J.M. Sound Studio in Zagreb late December 1998 and early January 1999. This really rocks!