Spitballs

A collection of 60s covers executed by Berserkley Records label mates sometime in 1978 performing under the name `The Spitballs.' The original LP contained no group information save a bizarre photo on the cover backside depicted a European soccer team with the performers heads placed on the players bodies. Among the faces are members of The Rubinoos; the Greg Kihn Band; Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers; Earthquake and The Tyla Gang. The CD contains even less information as the aforementioned picture is omitted - you know, there is a decidedly bootleg feel to this product with the total absence of label information (Vintage Masters Inc.?); copyright data and writing credits. Still, the material is of such excellent quality - both in terms of song choice and performance - the CD stands own feet very well. Think of this as being at a party with a really, really good band capable of setting the world afire with music and then delivering on it. But, there is one caveat: `Chapel of Love,' as "sung" by Jonathan Richman, will make you wince.

Great album, terrible recording. It's doubtful that this was officially licensed from Beserkley. This CD-R was made from a record, not from the master tapes. That would be acceptable except that the vinyl used was well-worn. The sound is compressed and featured many drop-outs and tiny clicks. A difficult listen and overall disappointing. Stick with the vinyl.

I lie one or two re-makes of songs on this CD!!!

I have a few vinyl albums in my collection which I have to replace on CD, a few of which never have been or take some digging around to find. The Spitballs record falls into the latter category. I have owned the album for about 35 years and have only just now found this CD edition. And yes, it was worth the wait! The Spitballs were basically a collection of Beserkley Records artists-Earthquake, The Rubinoos, Jonathan Richman etc, who made a pretty decent covers album. Songs such as "Bad Moon Rising", "Telstar", "Knock on Wood", "Boris the Spider" and, my personal favourite, "Let her Dance". All belted out with great enthusiasm and gusto, with the different artists taking lead vocals. It's a real piece of musical history, and a good reminder of what great music there was around in the 1970's. I have a amusing memory of The Spitballs performing "Telstar" on The Old Grey Whistle Test years ago, with The Smirks in the background playing tennis racquets miming along to the songs.......happy days. Now, are there any Earthquake albums on CD yet?