THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE 1960s THAT NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD
866) The Dovers — “What Am I Gonna Do”
This is a song in “the pantheon of sixties garage rock classics. . . . [f]ew tracks of the decade are so plaintively innocent, and almost none are so perfect.” (Matt Ryan, http://strangecurrenciesmusic.com/on-distant-stations-the-dovers/) Its “seductive melodies and writer Tim Granada’s quavering, emotional vocals re-encased in a vibrant, Spector-esque production . . . elevate the single from mere pop jangle into something positively transcendent”, and it “became a big hit in Santa Barbara and Ventura County”. (Mike Stax, liner notes to the Nuggets CD comp)
Matt Ryan puts it atop the Nuggets heap:
Nestled among scuzzy Stones knock-offs and nascent punk sides, “What Am I Going To Do” is a breath of fresh air – practically ethereal in comparison to what surrounds it. Led by a simple 12-string guitar riff, and punctuated by a (Wurlitzer?) organ embellishment, it is easily one of the most appealing songs on a truly indispensable set. . . . [with a] uniquely atmospheric sound.
http://strangecurrenciesmusic.com/on-distant-stations-the-dovers/
The Dovers (see #386) were Santa Barbara garage greats — “a group everyone agrees should’ve been big stars. Their four [’65-’66] singles are classics one and all. Yet, although one was picked up for national release by Reprise, nothing came of it . . . .” (liner notes to the Pebbles comp, Vol. 8: Southern California 1)
Richie Unterberger writes that:
The[y] are rightly revered among collectors for having released a few of the finest obscure pop-oriented singles in the ’60s garage rock style. . . . The best of the songs [including] “What Am I Going to Do” — were all among the best such singles to combine heavily Beatles/Byrds-influenced guitars, melodies, and vocals with a distinctively self-pitying teen garage sullenness.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/were-not-just-anybody-mw0001534399
Mike Stax adds:
Few groups from any era have managed to leave behind so much brilliant music yet remain so shrouded in mystery. Formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1964, the Dovers had several members who had been in an earlier band called the Vandells, which dated back to ’61. . . . The Dovers quickly developed an original, hauntingly melodic sound.
liner notes to the Nuggets CD comp
Matt Ryan tells us:
By 1964, the[ Dovers] had been joined by Tim Granada (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Robbie Ladewig (bass), the latter of whom convinced a friend, Tony Cary, to act as the group’s manager/producer. It was Cary who chose the name The Dovers, suggesting that its “British” sound would play well in the wake of the British Invasion.
http://strangecurrenciesmusic.com/on-distant-stations-the-dovers/
Jim Campos writes:
Granada [recalled] that they were mobbed during a performance in Fresno, such was their popularity. At the time of the interview, the Dovers were riding high with a regional hit record, “She’s Gone,” that was getting regular air play throughout California, especially in the Los Angeles market. He was hoping the Dovers would have enough material to put out an album soon. His, and the band’s newfound popularity, meant long hours of practice and songwriting. “As long as people enjoy my music, I don’t mind all the work I put into it,” said Granada. The Dovers’ time in the limelight, unfortunately, was short-lived, not lasting even a year. In-fighting and drug use short-circuited their path to fame.
https://www.coastalview.com/news/granada-and-the-dovers/article_03043ed8-9b00-11ea-a153-d77e583033eb.html
Pay to Play! The Off the Charts Spotify Playlist! + Brace for the Obscure 60s Rock Merchandise
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