FRANK ZAPPA - MEMORIES OF EL MONTE - THE PENGUINS - GORDA 502
$
44
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Description
This is a nice copy an obscure issue by The Penguins, featuring Cleve Duncan: "Memories of El Monte" b/w "Confidential" by Sonny Knight (Gorda 502). A side is co-written by Frank Zappa and Ray Collins, who would later form the Mothers of Invention. Zappa plays vibes on "Memories of El Monte." It is unknown when this single was released, but we do know that it was unauthorized by Art Laboe, who first issued "Memories of El Monte" on his Original Sound label (OS 27) in April, 1963. This split 45 is one of the many incarnations of the well-known Frank Zappa and Ray Collins song, an homage to doo-wop ballads like "Earth Angel" and "Night Owl" and "You Cheated" and many others. Along with the Original Sound issue, the song also appeared on the Chief label (which was also a split single, with the Five Discs singing "Never Let You Go").
This particular issue up for auction, released on the Gorda label, is split with Sonny Knight, whose song of "Confidential" was written by Dorinda Morgan, husband of Hite Morgan who produced the Beach Boys first single, "Surfin" b/w "Luau" (Candix 331). Dorinda Morgan wrote the song "What is a Young Girl Made Of?" which was recorded by Brian Wilson (as "Kenny and the Cadets") and issued on the Randy label (Randy 422), with "Barbie" as the A side. Interestingly, the Zappa-Beach Boys connection doesn't end here. Apparently, father Murry Wilson first approached Art Laboe with the early Beach Boys tapes before he eventually signed a deal with Hite Morgan. Laboe turned the boys down, thinking they were too young. G 502 A and G 502 B are etched in the center dead wax of the A and B side, respectively. EX- condition. Some light paper scuffs are visible. Otherwise, super high gloss. Labels are really nice. No writing, stickers, or tears.
The record is in EX+/EX+ condition. Comes with a beautiful glossy cardboard sleeve, with original inner plastic sleeve. Just a gorgeous copy. Looks unplayed.
Thanks for looking, and please check out my other items for more rare and beautiful 45s. I specialize in rare surf, Beach Boys, and Brian Wilson related items.
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