THE LOST ‘65 SOUND CITY SESSIONS
by CHARLES CHRISTY & THE CRYSTALS
Vinyl LP

VTRLP2056

Label: VEE-TONE RECORDS

Charles Christy & The Crystals – The Lost ’65 Sound City Sessions, features 12 rare and previously unreleased recordings from the height of the Fort Worth teen scene. This collection is only available on limited edition transparent yellow vinyl, with no digital download or CD versions. Hear these amazing recordings the way they were meant to be enjoyed... on vinyl!

Unlike many of their counterparts at the time, Charles Christy & The Crystals weren’t trying to sound like any of the British invasion bands, everything they did had a Texas ‘twist’ to it, even when covering Beatles tracks. Until now, very little has been known about the band, however, by late ‘65, when these recordings were cut, they had already released ‘Cherry Pie / Will I Find Her’ locally on Cherry Records and nationally on Hanna-Barbera (charting). Their version of ‘Cherry Pie’ has appeared on numerous doowop bootleg collections over the years, assumed by many, that Charles Christy & The Crystals were in fact a ‘50s doowop act. Their follow up single, ‘In The Arms Of A Girl’ again on Hanna-Barbera, is a stunning self-penned doowop styled track, probably more at home in 1955 than 1965. A rare and undubbed alternate take of ‘In The Arms Of A Girl’ can be found in this collection.

These tracks provide a unique insight into the sounds of the mid-sixties Fort Worth teen scene, delivered by one of its most popular live acts. These guys were regular performers at the legendary ‘Panther A-Go-Go’ nights from Panther Halls. They even won the coveted ‘Panther A-Go-Go’ - ‘Battle Of The Bands’ competition in July ‘65, they were one hot live act! It’s clear that they were at the top of their game, at the time of these recordings, much of this collection represents their well-rehearsed live sets. From wild rockers, to sensual ballads, it’s all here in abundance, simply a great listen from start to finish.

The recordings featured on this album were totally lost to the band following the closure of Sound City studios in the mid-sixties, having tried unsuccessfully to retrieve their master tapes. So here it is, 56 years late, the debut album from Charles Christy & The Crystals!

This collection, the first ever album from Charles Christy & The Crystals, would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of Ron Dyer, founding member and drummer in the band. Sadly, Ron is the last surviving member of the original band, we dedicate this album to the memory of Bobby Jerrell - rhythm guitar, organ, backing vocals, Charles May (Christy) – lead vocals, Van Smith - lead guitar, backing vocals and Billy Spurlock - bass.

Side A
1. Justine (Harris, Terry jnr)
2. Mother In Law* (Toussaint)
3. Only Make Believe (Nance, Twitty)
4. School Days* (Berry)
5. All My Lovin’ (Lennon, McCartney)
6. We Belong Together* (Carr, Mitchell, Weiss)

Side B
1. In The Arms Of A Girl* (alternate undubbed version) (Smith, May)
2. Boys* (Dixon, Farrell)
3. Big Boss Man (Smith, Dixon)
4. I’m Down (Lennon, McCartney)
5. In My Room* (Wilson, Usher)
6. For Your Love (Goldman)
*Previously unreleased recordings