Jersey Beat–You’ll Be Beggin’ For More!
June 20th, 2007|
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The long-awaited Rhino boxed set, “Jersey Beat,†featuring a 76-track collection of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ hits, along with a spectacular DVD of the group’s rare television, concert, and promotional performances has arrived!
“Jersey Beat†is more than a chronological compilation of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ blockbuster hits, album cuts, B-Sides, and TV and concert appearances; it honestly gives you insight into why the music of the Four Seasons has become an enduring part of American pop culture!
Sure, I expected the “Jersey Beat” boxed set to contain a booklet—listing the songs and maybe a bit of history and trivia about the group, but this booklet is an 84-page treasure of rare photos taken in recording studios, the concert stage, and television appearances. Everything from the early days of the clean-cut Four Seasons dressed in matching suits, to the late ‘60s more casual guys wearing goatees and hip turtlenecks, along with album sleeve pictures spanning decades, and pictures of 45s (many of which are all over my house to this day!).
The photos have kept me entertained for the last week, but the real magic of this booklet is in the essays (by The Smithereens founding member and drummer Dennis Diken and “Jersey Beat†Associate Producer Charles Alexander) and the track-by-track commentaries from musical geniuses, entertainers, celebrities, and die-hard Four Seasons fans from across the world who have been touched by the Four Seasons’ music over the past 45 years. Contributors include legends and stars such as Dick Clark, Barry Gibb, Cher, Joe Pesci, the Jersey Boys (Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, J. Robert Spencer, and John Lloyd Young), and Bob Dylan! Along with these big names, quite a few die-hard fans had the opportunity to contribute. I am honored (and still somewhat shocked!) to have been asked to contribute!
Here is a sneak peek of the stars’ (and fans’!) commentaries:
Dick Clark: “Sherry”–Over the years, literally hundreds of new songs have been introduced on American Bandstand. In addition, boatloads of artists have made their first appearances on the show. One of the most outstanding introductions I recall took place in 1962, when we first played “Sherry†by the 4 Seasons. When they appeared on the show, the reaction from the kids was phenomenal! It was obvious the song was a hit, and the group had a long road of success ahead of them.
John Lloyd Young: “Fallen Angel”–At the end of Jersey Boys, Frankie Valli experiences a great and devastating personal loss. This is one of the rare moments in the show where the lyrics fit the dramatic situation so perfectly, that the actor can just open up and sing them as if they were written lines. The lyrics of loss and despair, the swelling emotion of the song, mirror exactly my feelings as an actor playing Frankie at this tragic point of his story in Jersey Boys.
Here’s mine: “Good-Bye Girl”–The first memory I have as a toddler was hearing “Sherry” on my older brother’s record player. My Mom used to tell me one of my first full sentences was, “Play ‘Walk Like A Man’ again, will ya?” The 4 Seasons were masters of the break-up song with hits such as “Dawn” and “Bye, Bye Baby.” The lesser known “Good-Bye Girl,” from the 1967 “New Gold Hits” album, had a softer, more subtle musical style, with Frankie fading at times almost to a whisper. But the poignant lyrics tugged at your heart as strongly as ever. Listening to the 4 Seasons’ amazing music has been a ride like no other. I never want to get off, and I hope never to be their “Good-Bye Girl.”
The 3-CD collection is an amazing compilation of Four Seasons/Frankie Valli solo chart-toppers; Top 40 smashes; B-sides (that could have easily hit the Top 10), and album cuts– ranging from “Sherry†in 1962 to 1992’s “Hope and Glory.†Thanks to Top 40 Radio of the past and today’s oldies stations, we all know the hits, but “Jersey Beat†provides the most comprehensive collection of the group’s evolution over a 30-year period. Below is preview of the rock classics on “Jersey Beatâ€!
The DVD contains a dozen rare television appearances, concert performances, and promo film clips from the early ‘60s through the late ‘70s, including a 1963 appearance on “The Steve Allen Show,†a 1964 appearance on “On Broadway Tonight†that includes some surprising dance moves from the guys, and a 1971 “Tops Of The Pops” appearance from London. Whether you’re a fan from the early days, or a brand new fan thanks to Jersey Boys, you will surely enjoy this incredible DVD!
“Jersey Beat” is not just a Four Seasons’ anthology—it’s an experience!
I asked you to contribute, Susie, because I knew from the blog that you are a terrific writer. Thanks for the great post, Charles
Comment by Charles Alexander — June 20, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
I have my copy on the way via Amazon.com, not to mention taking the package deal with the “Jersey Beat” set plus the Jersey Boys book, which releases in October, 2007.
It will be definitely great having more songs than what is on our “Four Seasons Greatest Hits” CD because since I’ve started watching Jersey Boys, that CD plus the JB Original B’way Soundtrack and XM radio channels “60′s on 60″ and “On Broadway” are where we are getting our “Four Seasons” fix from.
Also, the DVD portion showing past clips from TV appearances will definitely get a lot of air time at our house. Finally seeing the music performed by the original group will be so cool!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — June 21, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
OK… you’ve convinced me that these CDs, along with the DVD and booklet, including its rare footage and extensive perspectives from so many legends, are a ‘must have’!
Like the boxed set, the JB Blog once again, with this thorough description, seems to ‘have it all’. Although Charles commented on your obvious talent for writing, it goes beyond that.
This article is written with such innate knowledge and affection for the group; its historical, 30 year journey, and of course, the artistry of their songs- from their genesis right up to the birth of Jersey Boys. Thanks as always for the articulate coverage.
PS. BTW, this myfabrik.com feature is really cool. You guys continue to impress us Blog readers.
Comment by Audrey — June 21, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
Another super job by Charles Alexander and some great commentary on the songs especially by our Susie and by Frank Rovello. I agree with Bobby Spencer’s comments on “Girl Come Running” – an outstanding recording in my view. For those who might not be familiar with GCR you should take a listen.
Another “diamond in the rough” so to speak is “Hope & Glory.” For those who may not be familiar with this song, it is the title cut of the album of the same name released around 1992. The album has a lot of great material on it but again was not a big seller. For those who may not have heard this song, the cut of this song presented above is really not sufficient for it presents only one of the co-lead singers of the song, Frankie Valli. Frankie shares lead vocals on H & G with that famous reluctant performer, none other than Bob Gaudio. He does a nice job.
Having seen the original 4 Seasons of the ’60s perform so often I agree 100% with Tommy DeVito’s comments on “Tell It To The Rain” when he, Bob and Joe performed that song live. They really got a work out recreating all the instrumentation of that song live on stage, as well as providing outstanding background vocals. And as Tommy says Frankie’s lead vocal was extraordinary. Also, the thunder sound effects and flashing lights Tommy mentions were ahead of their time, remember we’re talking 1967 here. In my view, “Tell It To The Rain” was a highlight of every concert for four plus years.
Comment by David Cace — June 22, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
Since FM Radio in the late 1960s and 1970s failed to give us the “Deep Tracks” of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, this compilation is a must for your Rock and Roll Musical Education. It is their deepest single CD/DVD compilation yet.
It’s hard to know where to start to recommend tracks that many have never heard.
David and I discussed this on another thread here.
One that constantly comes to mind is the absolute ORIGINAL version of “Can’t Get Enough Of You Baby”.
Though also recorded nearly comtemporaneously by the Toys, and ? And The Mysterians as a single a year later, the British band Colour Field in the 1980s, and Smash Mouth in 1998, The Four Seasons version stands musically head and shoulders above the later Garage Band arrangements.
Comment by Ted Hammond — June 22, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
I just opened up the Sunday morning newspaper and am saddenned to report that Hank Medress, formerly of the original Tokens, and producer of “Our Day Will Come” for Frankie, has passed away at age 68. Look for Mr. Medress’ story about producing ODWC in “Jersey Beat.”
Comment by David Cace — June 24, 2007 @ 7:25 am
I finally received my copy! I especially loved the notes accompanying the song titles. All star cast paying respects to a group that touches all generations of music lovers! The songs I consider my favorites (besides the standards in Jersey Boys) are:
Candy Girl
“Stay”
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
“Beggin”
Swearin To God
Our Day Will Come
Also, the two first DVD “music videos” featuring Nick Massi were very emotionally charged, knowing that he is no longer with us, but remembering his musical genius and the contributions he made.
Jersey Boys, the musical is “must-see”!
Jersey Beat, the multi CD set w/DVD is a “must-own” for Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons fans!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — July 2, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
I just received my copy yesterday, and the set is remarkable. I’ll have a great trip next week to Texas listening and watching.
Dennis Diken and my friend Charles Alexander, kudos for a wonderful job of detailing the history of the group and the songs, and the genesis of “Jersey Boys.”
I was so, so touched by the quotes from so many musical geniuses, laughing out loud at some and almost being moved to tears by others. Some of the more memorable ones, in my opinion, in addition to the ones above were:
From Paul Shaffer on “Ronnie”: “One day, after about the fifth play, my mother cried out, ‘Forgive Ronnie already and come have lunch!’ Next to Ronnie, Mom, you were my first love.”
From Billy Joel on “Rag Doll”: “I wrote ‘Uptown Girl’ as the flip side to ‘Rag Doll’”.
From Andrew Loog Oldham on “Big Man in Town”: “If I heard it today, I’d think that Martin Scorcese had made a Western and this was the theme.”
From Felix Cavaliere on “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby”: “When I saw ‘Jersey Boys’, I saw people finally realized the amount of hits, status, and success these guys had, and I was in tears. We’re getting our day in the sun. This is American music at its best.”
From Daniel Reichard on “Opus 17″: “At times, the songs feel as if they were written especially with you in mind.”
From Joey Dee on “To Give”: “‘To Give’ was an entirely appropriate song for Frankie. No one gives more to an audience.”
From Crescenso Capice Jr. on “Idaho” about the arrival of our boys to Idaho, the state: “Jersey Boise. Don’t worry folks. They’ll get there right after Godot.”
AND MY FAVORITE:
From Nicole Kidman on “My Eyes Adored You”: “Life is made up of connections and separations, and this song seems to sum up that experience really vividly”….”The wonderful thing about this song is that it is full of yearning and some regret for lost possibilities, yet the feeling it conveys is one of optimism, hope, and (most importantly) respect.”
Thanks guys. “Jersey Beat” is a wonderful treasure.
Comment by Howard Tucker — July 13, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Howard,
Nice comment! You certainly picked out the cream of the comments from the boxed set. But for me, the most exciting part of this set is finally owning some of the live performances taken from television shows and concert appearances from the sixties and seventies. And, as Mike Magbaleta noted and commented on so well, the first two video tracks on the dvd were perhaps the most special for they contained performances by all four of the original Jersey Boys: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and, most especially, the late Nick Massi. I would love to see a second volume of videos released on dvd containing even more selections of live performances; not the lip-synched versions found on the old television shows such as ‘Where the Action Is,’ but performances recorded live from ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ ‘The Mike Douglas Show,’ and ‘The Midnight Special,’ just to name a few.
Perhaps if the boxed set sells well enough, then someone like Mr. Charles Alexander might be able to pick up on this concept. Just a thought.
Comment by Len Gersten — July 13, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I was at the Friday 8/17 show and Erich Bergen fell (some stage malfunction)….and word as to his condition??? What an excellent show !! Roy
Comment by Roy — August 19, 2007 @ 11:52 pm
should proof these before I send… does anyone know about Erichs fall? The show was stopped for a few minutes and the characters were switched around as Erich was unable to continue… He was great…just hoping he’s OK and does anyone know what happened..
Comment by Roy — August 19, 2007 @ 11:56 pm
Roy: http://jerseyboysblog.com/?p=1687
Comment by Leanna — August 20, 2007 @ 12:32 am