great to hear the soulbenders again. for several years i thought hey joe and 7 and 7 is were original to the soulbenders! still think your hey joe is the definitive version, jimi notwithstanding.
WOW! UNREAL! My mind just blew out of my head! In addition to the unique blend of fast and slow Hey Joe, you have home film footage of the group! Incredible! What a great piece of garage rock history!
Thank you for all the great music you made back in those days! I work at a local radio station here in The Netherlands, and together with another man, I do a emission about the sixties. We played your version of Hey Joe last time! I was wondering, what kind of organ did you use on the recording? It doesn't sound like a Vox.
Thanks for rsvp. Noting the Chet Powers credit on your single, I seem to remember an account that Chet was aka "Dino Valenti" of Quicksilver, who had a checkered past apart from that band, credited himself with penning Hey Joe over Billy Roberts. I also think Chet did however pen "Get Together." Love the tempo change in your version Hey Joe. Must have been cool to see your release ahead of Beatles, Turtles etc on the chart. Are you still a working artist?
@A1MaxJones I don't think the debate over who wrote this will ever be resolved since all are dead. I 'do' recall back in '67 after we won the local Battle Of The Bands when an older lady came up to me and said "I love that Hey Joe song. I remember my dad singing it to me when I was a kid". Could be an old folk song.
I'm 'not' still a working artist. After the bands dissolved, I got into on-air Rock radio. Did it for 37 years and finally retired 2 years ago when it stopped being fun.
ArisDisc, Are there still hot retro psych bands in GR? I'm a little weary of country/celtic folksy modes and want to hear other stuff. A couple years ago I missed Raveonettes who were dark and atmospheric. How about Mystic Eyes by Van Morrison...? Here's a Q for you: In 66-68 did people podo there? A circle where guys jump in the middle and flail about to My Generation, Bury My Body, Hey Joe extended solos? It got banned in Illinois, but was a proto punk ritual for a while that mocked sanity.
@A1MaxJones No current bands like that here in GR. And regarding 'Podo', that didn't happen either, since I've never heard the term. (I was 17-18 back then, so I'm sure I 'would' have). Interesting comment, thanks.
hi aris.just a further comment.you changed the direction of music in gr when you were with LAV.i don't think many would have ever heard of genesis,tull,camel and the deep album stuff if it wasn't for your passion for this stuff.i'm a big collector of this music thanks to you.your hipness changed the western mich music scene,thanks!
i was raised in gr.i heard your father was a record distributor and you got a copy of just about whatever was released.the rumor also said you have a hugh collection of vinyl.true?
@nomiclas Not quite...my dad was in the 'juke box' business, so I was surrounded by records by the early 1950's. I 'do' have a huge record collection, but most of the discs were obtained from doing 37 years of Rock radio. Radio stations get copies of almost everything that gets released.
Aris Hampers was a DJ in the early 70's on a Grand Rapids fm station. I listened often from Kalamazoo. Your show was great. Where did you ever come up with Phlegathon for a band name? Did you ever know Candlemass Eve? Whatever became of "Brother John" from the same station you were at? Thanks for the tunes. I see why you made #5 nationally. 7+7 is remains a little known gem. I can still hear that bluesy fade on the original that brought it all back home. Best to ya!
Wow, I am sorry I missed this in the 60's. This is so amazing. The video brings back memories of my own teen years. The music still holds up. I've played this and 7 and 7 is over and over. Thank you so much for sharing your music with us.
The interplay between the organ and guitar is great! This is awesome. Glad to be able to find this music! I'm just 21 now but I'm trying to organize some of my friends to start a 60's-style garage rock band. I feel it's like punk music but with some of that old-school rock soul... I don't know, it's definitely got something missing from modern music.
Aris - I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Hey Joe again for the first time since 1968 at our high school. I was heavily involved in everything music there and always admired you and the Soul Benders. You were 3 years ahead of me, so I didn't dare talk to you; thats the way it was then. I graduated with Pete's brother Brian, and he and I cut a record with the schools Jazz Ensemble when we were seniors. I remember Pete's awesome white Camaro! He'd pull wheelstands in front of the school.
aris you were part of another group,i think i heard you practice the the basement level of Chase Bowling Lanes in the late 60s,early 70s what was the name of that band
@clm621 Had a second group later called Phlegethon, but we never practiced at Chase Lanes. The 'SoulBenders' played a couple of gigs there however, so you're memory's just a little confused.
This was done back in the day when we could be proud of our generations music. Not the crap that was being presented at the Grammy's recently. Bring back The Soulbenders!!!!
nice touches on this version - the tempo changes and blues mini-jam in the middle. also the guitarist's and the organist's styles, sounds like some modal stuff in there. i like it.
This is a great version of Hey Joe that I'd never heard. I love how it starts out rather smooth and slow and then changes tempo mid way through the song...very nice. You did an excellent job with the video, too. Looks like a nice group of young guys!
Of all the versions of Hey Joe I've ever heard, this is still my favorite. I'm glad that I had the chance to tell you in person at your shop. Thanks for posting this gem Aris!
CAUTION *this group has been known to permanently bend souls and continues to claim multiple victims daily. Those affected may experience ongoing addiction to regular doses of 7+7is, sometimes extending to randomnly, loud verbalisations of "ooh bip -bip yeah"
Very nice Aris. Being from Grand Rapids back in the day I remember this very well. I looked up to you as having the best band locally at the time. Kudos to you my friend.
Next to "Twist and Shout" and "Gloria"...this was a staple of many of 60's bands...including mine in Socal...brings back alot of memoires...thx guys...Gerry (of the "BLoomin' Flowers")
What the fuck...more fantastic stuff from the soul benders. A totally original take on the song. This band should've been massive. I've just discovered them via the Garage hangover site, and have been blown away by thire version of 7&7 is and their song Petals...and now this..very heavy and outrageously good..peace
Ah, the memories.... We had some real musical talent here in West MI. Wish Michael B. would have realized his talent. He could have gone a long way. Still miss ya Mike and bro Daniel.... Rock On!!!!!!
This has to be the VERY BEST cover of this classic. I actually like it better than Hendrix. First off The vocalist really tells the story beautifully here, the slow build from almost a ballad, adding musical elements on the bridges between verses-its pure garage band genius, especially the syncopation on the tempo build..gives you the feel of driving a bad-ass musclecar jamming through the gears burning rubber up Division Avenue. This song typifies the real feel of the "Grand Rapids sound."
This has officially moved up on my list of the best "Hey Joes" out there, and it's right near the top!
ShapelyDice 1 month ago 2
great to hear the soulbenders again. for several years i thought hey joe and 7 and 7 is were original to the soulbenders! still think your hey joe is the definitive version, jimi notwithstanding.
timeno62 1 month ago
Cool version of "Hey Joe" and cool memorabilia and film footage. Thanks for sharing!
smokeemonkee 7 months ago
WOW! UNREAL! My mind just blew out of my head! In addition to the unique blend of fast and slow Hey Joe, you have home film footage of the group! Incredible! What a great piece of garage rock history!
RetroJoe66 9 months ago 2
Thank you for all the great music you made back in those days! I work at a local radio station here in The Netherlands, and together with another man, I do a emission about the sixties. We played your version of Hey Joe last time! I was wondering, what kind of organ did you use on the recording? It doesn't sound like a Vox.
Sixtiesism 11 months ago 3
Thanks for rsvp. Noting the Chet Powers credit on your single, I seem to remember an account that Chet was aka "Dino Valenti" of Quicksilver, who had a checkered past apart from that band, credited himself with penning Hey Joe over Billy Roberts. I also think Chet did however pen "Get Together." Love the tempo change in your version Hey Joe. Must have been cool to see your release ahead of Beatles, Turtles etc on the chart. Are you still a working artist?
A1MaxJones 1 year ago 2
@A1MaxJones I don't think the debate over who wrote this will ever be resolved since all are dead. I 'do' recall back in '67 after we won the local Battle Of The Bands when an older lady came up to me and said "I love that Hey Joe song. I remember my dad singing it to me when I was a kid". Could be an old folk song.
I'm 'not' still a working artist. After the bands dissolved, I got into on-air Rock radio. Did it for 37 years and finally retired 2 years ago when it stopped being fun.
ArisDisc 1 year ago 3
ArisDisc, Are there still hot retro psych bands in GR? I'm a little weary of country/celtic folksy modes and want to hear other stuff. A couple years ago I missed Raveonettes who were dark and atmospheric. How about Mystic Eyes by Van Morrison...? Here's a Q for you: In 66-68 did people podo there? A circle where guys jump in the middle and flail about to My Generation, Bury My Body, Hey Joe extended solos? It got banned in Illinois, but was a proto punk ritual for a while that mocked sanity.
A1MaxJones 1 year ago 2
@A1MaxJones No current bands like that here in GR. And regarding 'Podo', that didn't happen either, since I've never heard the term. (I was 17-18 back then, so I'm sure I 'would' have). Interesting comment, thanks.
ArisDisc 1 year ago 2
The ending is spectacular !!!
huskyjerk 1 year ago 3
hi aris.just a further comment.you changed the direction of music in gr when you were with LAV.i don't think many would have ever heard of genesis,tull,camel and the deep album stuff if it wasn't for your passion for this stuff.i'm a big collector of this music thanks to you.your hipness changed the western mich music scene,thanks!
nomiclas 1 year ago 2
i was raised in gr.i heard your father was a record distributor and you got a copy of just about whatever was released.the rumor also said you have a hugh collection of vinyl.true?
nomiclas 1 year ago 2
@nomiclas Not quite...my dad was in the 'juke box' business, so I was surrounded by records by the early 1950's. I 'do' have a huge record collection, but most of the discs were obtained from doing 37 years of Rock radio. Radio stations get copies of almost everything that gets released.
ArisDisc 1 year ago 2
Oh! to be a teenager in the 60s and in a band (but there was that pesky draft).
This a great video, and a great version of Hey Joe.
geofbrit59 1 year ago 3
Aris Hampers was a DJ in the early 70's on a Grand Rapids fm station. I listened often from Kalamazoo. Your show was great. Where did you ever come up with Phlegathon for a band name? Did you ever know Candlemass Eve? Whatever became of "Brother John" from the same station you were at? Thanks for the tunes. I see why you made #5 nationally. 7+7 is remains a little known gem. I can still hear that bluesy fade on the original that brought it all back home. Best to ya!
A1MaxJones 1 year ago 2
Phlegethon was one of the 5 rivers of Hell. Glad we didn't pick 'Styx.
Didn't know Candlemass Eve. Brother John was a syndicated show out of New York.
Appreciate your compliments!
ArisDisc 1 year ago 2
Wow, I am sorry I missed this in the 60's. This is so amazing. The video brings back memories of my own teen years. The music still holds up. I've played this and 7 and 7 is over and over. Thank you so much for sharing your music with us.
ToledoRailfan 1 year ago 2
Great group and great video ! :o)
colamoonpig 1 year ago 2
Great tune.....great video
I like the two Vox Beatle amps.....classic stuff
Thanks for the post
guitargus 1 year ago 2
Your videos are awesome - great tributes to a great band
retrospecta2010 1 year ago 2
The interplay between the organ and guitar is great! This is awesome. Glad to be able to find this music! I'm just 21 now but I'm trying to organize some of my friends to start a 60's-style garage rock band. I feel it's like punk music but with some of that old-school rock soul... I don't know, it's definitely got something missing from modern music.
Ceraziefish 1 year ago 3
Very nice comment, thanks! I say: "run with it"! Guys your age are the future of rock n roll.
ArisDisc 1 year ago 5
Aris - I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Hey Joe again for the first time since 1968 at our high school. I was heavily involved in everything music there and always admired you and the Soul Benders. You were 3 years ahead of me, so I didn't dare talk to you; thats the way it was then. I graduated with Pete's brother Brian, and he and I cut a record with the schools Jazz Ensemble when we were seniors. I remember Pete's awesome white Camaro! He'd pull wheelstands in front of the school.
rexxcarz 1 year ago 2
aris you were part of another group,i think i heard you practice the the basement level of Chase Bowling Lanes in the late 60s,early 70s what was the name of that band
clm621 1 year ago 2
@clm621 Had a second group later called Phlegethon, but we never practiced at Chase Lanes. The 'SoulBenders' played a couple of gigs there however, so you're memory's just a little confused.
ArisDisc 1 year ago 2
This was done back in the day when we could be proud of our generations music. Not the crap that was being presented at the Grammy's recently. Bring back The Soulbenders!!!!
MrTomrush 2 years ago 12
wow. i dig this. a LOT
thebjm1967 2 years ago 5
nice touches on this version - the tempo changes and blues mini-jam in the middle. also the guitarist's and the organist's styles, sounds like some modal stuff in there. i like it.
mstern18 2 years ago 2
amazing!!!
zitellarules 2 years ago 2
Good job. Thanks very much.
13loomisst 2 years ago 2
This is a great version of Hey Joe that I'd never heard. I love how it starts out rather smooth and slow and then changes tempo mid way through the song...very nice. You did an excellent job with the video, too. Looks like a nice group of young guys!
WittoWed 2 years ago 2
Of all the versions of Hey Joe I've ever heard, this is still my favorite. I'm glad that I had the chance to tell you in person at your shop. Thanks for posting this gem Aris!
John
jrsn2cars 2 years ago 2
CAUTION *this group has been known to permanently bend souls and continues to claim multiple victims daily. Those affected may experience ongoing addiction to regular doses of 7+7is, sometimes extending to randomnly, loud verbalisations of "ooh bip -bip yeah"
demeneye 2 years ago 10
Very nice Aris. Being from Grand Rapids back in the day I remember this very well. I looked up to you as having the best band locally at the time. Kudos to you my friend.
ekimkamidar377 2 years ago 3
Thanks for the kind comment! -Aris
ArisDisc 2 years ago 2
great great great!!!!!!!! 1:54
marquis0r 2 years ago 2
Next to "Twist and Shout" and "Gloria"...this was a staple of many of 60's bands...including mine in Socal...brings back alot of memoires...thx guys...Gerry (of the "BLoomin' Flowers")
1Phoebus 2 years ago 2
Are you Aris ???
You rocks !
MisterReadytoRide 2 years ago 3
I am. Thank u very much!
ArisDisc 2 years ago
A golden nugget from the Garage. I Iove it .
vintagezigg 2 years ago 2
this is so awesome, the music and the vid, did you jam out to ? and the Mysterians?
BestTits 2 years ago 2
They are GREAT!! 5 stars. Thanks for sharing!!
HOGOUT 2 years ago 2
What the fuck...more fantastic stuff from the soul benders. A totally original take on the song. This band should've been massive. I've just discovered them via the Garage hangover site, and have been blown away by thire version of 7&7 is and their song Petals...and now this..very heavy and outrageously good..peace
stinkboat 3 years ago 4
Highest class version!
COGENTCOG 3 years ago 3
One of the best version I've heard!
great video too, thanks for posting!
COGENTCOG 3 years ago 2
love the heavy organ sound on this and "I can't believe".
bc191 3 years ago 2
Ah, the memories.... We had some real musical talent here in West MI. Wish Michael B. would have realized his talent. He could have gone a long way. Still miss ya Mike and bro Daniel.... Rock On!!!!!!
Thanks Aris, for the look back.
hmarkn 3 years ago 2
This has to be the VERY BEST cover of this classic. I actually like it better than Hendrix. First off The vocalist really tells the story beautifully here, the slow build from almost a ballad, adding musical elements on the bridges between verses-its pure garage band genius, especially the syncopation on the tempo build..gives you the feel of driving a bad-ass musclecar jamming through the gears burning rubber up Division Avenue. This song typifies the real feel of the "Grand Rapids sound."
rickycasino 3 years ago 6
Evocative..
gethepicture 3 years ago 4
very lemon foggish
beatbands1966 3 years ago 2
Cool version
MattDonaldson 3 years ago 3
Lots of great video for this time period. This band can rock!!
xyyyy1 3 years ago 5