The Hondells
The Hondells were an American studio group put together by producer Gary Usher . It wasn't a band with a permanent cast, but an artifact made up of constantly changing studio musicians who came from Los Angeles .
history
The majority of the early songs were composed by Usher and Roger Christian. Both Usher and Christian were co-authors of Beach Boy Brian Wilson at this point.
The first song recorded by the Hondells in 1964 was Little Honda , written by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys . The musical style of the Hondells did not differ much from that of the Beach Boys. Thematically, the Hondells revolved around everything that had to do with motorcycles, cars, hot rods and races. The first album by the band Go Little Honda from 1964 contained titles such as A Guy Without Wheels , Hot Rod High , Death Valley Run , Haulin 'Honda and Black Boots and Bikes . In 1965, the Hondells recorded the advertising song You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda for the Japanese company Honda , thereby supporting their successful advertising campaign.
The Hondells produced two albums and 13 singles, none of which could repeat the initial success of the first single.
Gary Usher produced a number of "dummy groups" like The Kickstands, The Knights, The Four Speeds, The Sunsets, The Competitors and others. He was one of the driving forces behind Southern California hot rod and surf music .
Discography
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Albums
- 1964: Go Little Honda (Mercury SR 60940 / MG 20940)
- 1964: The Hondells (Mercury SR 60982 / MG 20982)
Compilations
- 1995: You're Gonna Ride With Us, Vol. 1 - 1964 (ATM 3811)
- 1996: California Sunshine, Vol. 2 1965-1970 (ATM 3814)
- 1998: Vol. 3 Aliases And Alternatives (ATM 3824)
- 2000: Vol. 4 More Aliases and Early Recordings (ATM 3829)
Singles
- 1964: Little Honda / Hot Rod High (Mercury 72324)
- 1964: My Buddy Seat / You're Gonna Ride With Me (Mercury 72366)
- 1965: Little Sidewalk Surfer Girl / Come On (Mercury 72405)
- 1965: Do As I Say / Sea Of Love (Mercury 72443)
- 1965: Sea Cruise / You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda (Mercury 72479)
- 1965: Follow Your Heart / Endless Sleep (Mercury 72523)
- 1966: Younger Girl / All American Girl (Mercury 72563, DE: Mercury 127248MCF)
- 1966: Kissin 'My Life Away / A Country Love (Mercury 72605)
- 1967: Show me Girl / Cherryl's Going Home (Mercury 72626)
- 1967: Yes To You / Just One More Chance (Columbia 4-44361)
- 1968: Atlanta Georgia Stray / Another Woman (Columbia 4-44557)
- 1970: Shine On Ruby Mountain / Follow The Bouncing Ball (Amos 131)
- 1970: Shine On Ruby Mountain / Legend Of Frankie And Johnn (Amos 150)
Web links
- Allmusic: The Hondells Biography by Richie Unterberger (English)