Darlings - WHY HE LOVES ME (Is A Mystery) - unreleased Associated Recording Studios acetate (1964)

Описание: NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Unreleased Associated Recording Studios acetate disc) This unknown recording is yet another example showing the quality, wealth and magnitude of the amount of pop music created in New York in the mid 1960's. So much so that, at times, not all of what was recorded would actually make it to an official pressing with a record label. Presented here is an absolute hidden jewel that was finished and ready to be put to vinyl and played over the airwaves. Alas, that was not to be for 'Why He Loves Me (Is A Mystery)' b/w 'Stop' by the Darlings. A tiring search through copyright listings of both songs, including variations of the titles, proved partially fruitless. The tune, 'Stop', was composed by Stuart Weiner and Johnny Brandon and actually recorded by Roddie Joy, whose version was issued on two Parkway Records discs in 1966. Roddie's version utilized the same backing track from a 1962 single by the Candies on Fleetwood Records and both singers were co-produced by Stuart Weiner. Nothing was dug up regarding the origins of the song, 'Why He Loves Me (Is A Mystery)'. No information regarding the producer, arranger, or group members can be found. Sadly, regardless of the amount of rehearsal time along with studio and musician costs involved with this marvelous coupling of girl group magic, it was virtually all for nothing.....That is, until the passing of nearly six decades since originally recorded when the songs would surface and be given exposure through the effort of music aficionado Kyler Schwartz who acquired the long lost 7-inch double sided acetate. Interestingly, the acetate was not cut on the commonly used 10-inch disc. In 2022, he presented it for inclusion on a CD compilation by Australia based Teensville Records entitled, 'Can't Play A Playgirl: 1960s Girl Goodies Lost & Found' with lovingly restored audio. Here is the complete, raw sound lifted from the A-side of that acetate. Ideally, the spoken intro could have easily been edited out and the track would still have been fantastic. 'Why He Loves Me (Is A Mystery)' has a beautiful melody and lyrics, although one might agree that the girl singing has a very poor self-image. The arrangement includes supportive and harmonic background vocals, and the drummer is actually the co-star of the session, making excellent use of his drum kit for this one. As for the group name, 'The Darlings', many girl group record collectors will no doubt hear the familiar sound of their combined voices leading one to conclude that the singers are more than likely members of another known New York City based female vocal group. The flipside, 'Stop', sounds as if it is an entirely different ensemble of female singers. More confusion for this Girl Group oddity. The answer to their true identity most likely will never be revealed.