A-Ooga!!! Stamp & Shake With The Routers The Routers

£17.83

Genre:
Rock'n'Roll
Label:
Ace Records
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDLUX 008

Most UK football fans would be surprised to learn that one of the most instantly recognisable hand-clapping chants heard throughout England’s soccer grounds during the 60s was created by two brothers born on a small farm in ruralIllinois, Lanny and Robert Duncan. Having settled in Los Angeles, Lanny was signed by A&R man Joe Saraceno, who was looking for likely pop stars in the early 60s teen idol mould. Lanny was not only a pop star in waiting but, when paired with songwriting partner Robert, also a source of catchy instrumentals, such as the Routers’ ‘Let’s Go’ – an irresistibly infectious tune delivered by the twangy guitar of Tommy Tedesco, the rasping sax of Plas Johnson and the big beat of drummer Earl Palmer. Layered on top of everything was the most maddeningly contagious sequence of handclaps that virtually begged you to clap along. And the world did.

Joe Saraceno and his right-hand man, writer and musician Michael Z Gordon, had already scored a couple of instrumental hits with their independent productions released on Liberty under the name of the Marketts. The duo had everything at their fingertips to create more of the same; top arrangers Ernie Freeman and Rene Hall and the cream of LA session guys were on call. They had so many good commercial ideas that they created a second vehicle for their productions under the name of the Routers. Saraceno took the master for ‘Let’s Go’ to Joe Smith at Warner Bros and watched as the disc rose to #19 towards the end of 1962, and then make it up to #32 early the following year in the UK. Saraceno preferred his easygoing relationship with Smith and so transferred the Marketts’ future releases to Warner Bros (the best of which can be heard on their Ace CD “Outer Space, Hot Rods & Superheroes” CDLUX 006).

As well as providing ideas, helping with arrangements and production and writing some of the material, Michael Z Gordon also took charge of promotion by leading several line-ups of touring musicians (including Scott Walker at one time) out on the road as both the Marketts and the Routers. In the CD booklet Michael recalls some of his experiences on the road. He also very kindly provided several photos of the touring bands he led, several of which have not been seen before.

“A-Ooga!!! Stamp & Shake With The Routers” collects together the band’s best recordings, including the hits ‘Let’s Go’ and ‘Sting Ray’, all of the rare non-LP 45s and highlights from their four albums. Best of all, there are four unreleased tracks which we are delighted to present here for the first time anywhere. We confidently declare it the best Routers CD ever.

Dave Burke

Share

Track listing

Show

Side 1

Delivery & Returns

Show

We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Ace Records, Such Close, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1JF, United Kingdom. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

Customer reviews

Show

Customers who bought this item also bought