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December 26, 2017

THE SONICS

Happy Holidays, Spy Vibers! After many days with a fever, my mind has just started showing signs of climbing back to clarity. Yes, it's been a tough week here at the Spy Vibe lair. But I'm happy to say I had a tiny morsel of attention today and caught this on my radar. The Sonics recorded two Christmas tracks by Gerry Roslie in 1965 to add holiday spice to their garage rock repertoire: I Don't Believe in Christmas and Santa Claus. These guys started out in Washington State in 1960, recorded through the decade, and even had some reunion tours for a number of years. I like their edge in I Don't Believe in Christmas (the tune is derived from Too Much Monkey Business by Chuck Berry). Even though most of us poured over the Sears toy catalogs at Christmas time and dreamed of presents and celebrations, it's nice to see alternative views expressed. Actually, that reminds me of one of my favorite teachers in high school, who later became my colleague when I started teaching. He would always cast the dissenting vote, just to make sure our faculty decisions were fair and considered. He had no patience for BS and always pushed us toward our truth. He helped introduce me to Fellini's films as a kid, and years later we would enjoy chatting about Marcello Mastroianni movies. He passed away about a week ago. He was a true giant and a great mentor. I dedicate these Sonics tracks to David Calicchio. In other news, check out my episodes of Cocktail Nation radio as I introduce some of the great spy classics and soundtracks: Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint), and Episode #5 (The Avengers)Episode #6 (The Prisoner), and Episode #7 (The Ipcress File), Episode #8 (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.). Enjoy!


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.