Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I listed this under artists because I did record these two songs with my original 1979 4001jg.I'm the skinny kid on the right;>)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=306&item=4703801062&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Two interesting things about the disc. Our lablemates at the time, and probably the only other group that recorded for Little Ricky were the Smithereens. The other is that when the record came out both Ira Kaplan(now in Yo La Tengo) and Peter Holsapple(from the Db's and later played with REM) both mentioned to the drummer and myself one night that they felt it was the best single to come out that year along with a then unknown to the outside world single called Radio Free Europe by REM.

Made me jealous then, would have been proud to here that now.

Yo La Tengo = great band. The last album was a little too adult contemporay for me, but they have a lot of good music.

In the late 70's`early 80's Ira Kaplan was a local critic and big time supporter of the local music scene. It doesn't surprise me at all the music he was able to create.

Marc,
Aren't The Smithereens still "out and about" playing music? And, what happened to The Cyclones?
What were the names of the other two members?

I was on a radio show with Pat from The Smithereens a few months back. They're still at it, but not as much. He liked my 4003.

Michael, My memory of the Smithereens was playing a gig with them at Folk City in NYC. Probably around 80-81.They were a very humble band.

As far as the Cyclones, the drummer was Dan Reich, who kept a great beat and who's drumming was heavily influenced by cult faves Big Star.

Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Donna Esposito joined up with someone named Frank Bednash in a group called the Riff Doctors, later Cowboy Spingirl. My understanding is they took the group to London and later to Seattle where I believe they currently reside, performing and recording under the name Toothpaste 2000.

To keep it relevant, I don't remember seeing Donna try to use a Rickenbacker, however, Richard Barone of the Bongos, who was a friend and supporter was/is well known for his use of them as well as Mitch Easter, another friend of the band who I guess I kinda replaced as bassist for the Cyclones.

It's interesting now, looking back at things, and posting on this forum. Back in the day, I had a chance to meet many artists known for using Rickenbacker including The Bongos,Mitch Easter and Let's Active, The Smithereens as well as REM.

"I never travel far, without a little Big Star"...The Replacements "Alex Chilton". Tommy Stinson was a Ric player, as was Paul Westerberg on occasion...

Another old memory...searching New York City for one of the Replacements as he went on a drinking binge ans was lost for two days...

Just for the record..The Cyclones covered September Gurls years before the Bangles...

"Children by the millions"...ahh, the Replacements. Let It Be (1984 Twintone Records) being a highlight, though Tim (1985) and So Pleased To Meet Me (1987) are also standouts.

I did not know they dabbled in/with Rics. Do you know which songs they may have used them on for recordings?

I know Stinson had a Ric 4001 with checker pickguard that was up for sale recently...

This from the earlier Mats days, "Tommy Stinson, the youngest and naturally most brand-conscious of the 'mats, won't leave home without his "partly orange Rickenbacker bass."

I have also heard a story of Paul getting rather upset at a soundcheck and smashing one of his Ricks, giving the "R" tailpiece to someone I know. Still has it.

On the cover of 'Tim' Tommy has a 4001 (though it's an illustrated cover). I also remember seeing a picture of him with a 4005 somewhere. When I saw them (the 'Tim' tour) he was playing a mightily abused 4001. As I recall I believe he'd removed the Rick TRC and put a Fender logo on. I certainly remember bottle caps being affixed atop the volume and tone knobs, and yes, it was partially orange in colour. I always assumed that that's a Rick on 'Favorite Thing' from 'Let It Be'.

Peter Buck played the solo on "I Will Dare" from the "Let It Be" album.

I went thru some of my Replacements videos the other night and saw some Rics in there, toward the end, Tommy was banging on a T-bird and Paul was playing a 335. (Don't Tell a Soul live concert video - 89).

That's the tour I saw them on, in Ottawa.

Can't remember the Ric's, but I can't remember much these days.

Thanks!