Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Roque - The Chocolate Watchband (1960s Garage Rock)
The Chocolate Watchband was a band formed in 1965 in Lost Altos, California. The band was formed by Ned Torney and Mark Loomis and then were originally joined by Rick Young, Pete Curry, Jo Kemling, and Danny Phay. However, this was only the first version of the band because they broke up after Ned Torney, Danny Phay, and Jo Kemling all left the band to pursue other thigs. The version of this band never recorded or performed anything commercial, but the other versions of the band became very successful, commonly being compared to the Rolling Stones. The second version of the band, consisting of Mark Loomis, Bill Flores, Gary Andrijasevich, Dave Tolby, and David Aguilar, produced their first single "Sweet Young Thing" and their most popular song, "I'm Not Like Everybody Else." This version of the band broke up in 1970. Finally, after almost 20 years apart, the Chocolate Watchband reunited with the revival of garage rock in pop culture in the 90s. The 1999 reunion included Dave Aguilar, Tim Abbott, Bill Flores, Gary Andrijasevich, and Michael Reese. What makes this band really cool is that this version of the Chocolate Watchband is still together and producing music! The bottom link that I included is the band singing "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" at a concert in 2016, but their most recent album came out in 2017. What originally drew me to the band was their name and the album covers of some of their older albums. One album cover looks like a chocolate bar wrapper which I thought was funny in conjunction with their name. I find it really interesting and unique that after all of the versions of the band and after more than 20 years, the band is still together.
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I think it is so interesting that in 1965 The Chocolate Watchband was formed and even in the year of 2017, are still creating music. I also find it intriguing that they still perform garage rock music live in both Europe and America.
ReplyDeleteThis is where the garage sound meets up with psychedelia. Their biggest hit - "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" - was a Kinks cover, which conforms to what we know about garage rock and its fascination with the British Invasion.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that the first version of the band was seemingly not so successful, but then the second version being compared to the Rolling Stones! It's cool that they came back together after being apart for so long and then remaining together until present day.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this group, the cover of the album, I can't help but think of Charlie and the Chocolate factory? I could really hear how garage was taking on those psychedelic characteristics here. Thanks for the background!
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