CHERRY SLUSH INTERVIEW

DON'T WALK AWAY: First generation garage rock greats the CHERRY SLUSH took their own advice from the B-side of their 1967 signature single, I Cannot Stop You. The band is back with a vengeance with their all new single, Girl On The Beach. Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell discusses the creative process with drummer Dick Coughlin and guitarist Charlie Woodward below (Click on above image to enlarge). 

    

GIRL ON THE BEACH:

FIRST GENERATION

GARAGE ROCK GREATS

THE CHERRY SLUSH

CELEBRATE NEW SINGLE

By Michael McDowell

The Bells Of Rhymney have come full circle.

Inspired by the town of Rhymney in the county borough of Caerphilly, South Wales, The Bells Of Rhymney first rose to prominence in song via a 1958 live recording by Almanac Singers / Weavers alumnus Pete Seeger, who set to music the lyrics of poet Idris Davies. Most enduringly, The Bells Of Rhymney was covered in 1965 by the Byrds on their debut album for Columbia. That California quintet included in their ranks Jim "Roger" McGuinn, who had co-authored and recorded the July 1963 classic, Beach Ball for Capitol alongside Bobby Darin and Frank Gari as part of the City Surfers.

Also in 1965, an ambitious first generation garage rock outfit from Sagninaw, Michigan took their cue from that Byrds track. They signed with the Bossmen's late front man, Richard Allen "Dick" Wagner's Dicto label for a one off 45 deal as The Bells Of Rhymny.  

But by 1967, the group had reinvented itself as the Cherry Slush. They made their recording debut under that name for the Mount Morris, Michigan-based Coconut Groove label (also the recording home of the Haymarket Riot, the Frantics and the Nocturnal Day Dream) with the monster classic single, I Cannot Stop You, which was reissued at year's end on the USA label.

More than a half century after the fact, Cherry Slush drummer Dick Coughlin and lead guitarist Charlie Woodward have drawn from all of those inspirations with a brand new single that is fast becoming a highlight of the year to date, Girl On The Beach.

"A new original, written by Walt 'Hot Dog' Sima and (me)", said Couglin.

"I will never do a cover again. If I write it, it gets done the way I want it!"

For this project, Coughlin and Woodward have cherry picked a dream team Cherry Slush to help realize that vision. On board as percussionist and executive producer is the band's long time manager, Jimmy Hollywood, for whom the band recorded Birthday in 1969 on his Chivalry label. The present incarnation of the Cherry Slush is rounded out by Sima on lead vocals, along with rhythm guitarist Danny Parsons and bassist Steve Little. 

"It was a six month project" said, Coughlin.

"The radio stations tell me we're right on time. Spring fever is here for some, and it's going to be big during the summer".

Like their fellow first generation garage rock greats, the Cyrkle (whose all new Revival album for the Big Stir label is one of the year's most acclaimed releases to date) has astutely opted to confound expectations with their latest effort, rather than resting on their respective legacies. 

"It has a built in hook", said Couglin.

"After the verses, the background vocals sing, 'Stay with me, don't ever go away' ".

Aiding and abetting in the creative process were vocal coach Noah Scriber, who collaborated with Coughlin in arranging the background harmonies. Chris Lewis served as engineer at Saginaw's Fire Hyena Studios, with three-time Grammy winner Mack Woodward also contributing in that capacity at Mason Records in Atlanta, Georgia. 

"I did some voice overs for a station in Philly and for Bounce Radio in British Columbia", said Coughlin.

"It's number six on the regional indie chart. Whatever that is!"

Coughlin, whose professional endeavors are currently divided between the Cherry Slush and his role as an off ice penalty box official with the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit club, is committed to the band's renewed success for the long haul.

"Charlie and me are fine", he said.

Woodward concurred.

"I'm really proud of Dick and Walt on this one", he said.

"Dick produced it and did an amazing job with the vocal arrangement".

For the moment, Girl On The Beach remains available only in a streaming capacity. Coughlin hopes to augment it soon with a vinyl release, despite the protracted turnaround times that have plagued the vinyl industry since the loss of a materials plant in a fire several years ago.

"Would I not check that out ahead of time?", he asked.

"Waiting to hear back from the pressing plant. Name recognition also helps!"

Indeed, the Cherry Slush is a name that has represented the best in first generation garage rock from the onset. And as Girl On The Beach underscores, their legacy is one from which (in the words of one of their classic B-sides) you Don't Walk Away.