Giving you a peak at the post-Elvis/pre-British Invasion era in America, we are thrilled to present The Lost Album by the once obscure '60s teen rock 'n' roll band, Johnny's Uncalled Four.
If you're the type of music fan who meticulously studies the production credits on your favorite albums, then John “Johnny” Golden is a name that may already resonate with you. With a career spanning back to the late sixties, Golden has earned a reputation as a prolific mastering engineer, having worked on countless records by iconic artists such as the Fifth Dimension, Bill Withers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Iggy Pop, Sonny Rollins, and Brian Eno.
Golden's wild journey began in 1982 when he served as a staff engineer at K-Disc in Hollywood. It was during this time he mastered Black Flag’s seminal punk single, "TV Party,”, which subsequently led to work with Sub Pop, K Records, Touch & Go, and on the entire SST catalog. In 1994, Golden and his daughter, April, established Golden Mastering, an audio sanctuary in Ventura, California. Today, the studio continues to flourish under the joint operation of Golden, his wife Diane, and his son J.J., an accomplished mastering engineer in his own right.
In 2011, Daptone Records sought out the expertise of the Goldens for their first record mastering session, marking the beginning of a unlikely partnership. One fortuitous afternoon, while attending a session with J.J. at Golden Mastering, Daptone's Gabriel Roth overheard John immersed in the playback of some old reels in the adjacent room. Intrigued, Roth inquired further and learned that these tapes contained recordings of John's former band, Johnny's Uncalled Four. Overwhelmed by the quality of the music and the spirit of the recordings, Roth immediately sent the transfers back to Daptone HQ for the Wick Records team to evaluate. The result was a Wick Records 45 release featuring two tracks from Johnny's Uncalled Four, which received an overwhelmingly positive response. This success paved the way for discussions about unveiling the long-lost album by Johnny's Uncalled Four, ultimately culminating in a collection of 14 post-Elvis/pre-British Invasion, pure rock 'n' roll tracks.
The Lost Album is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and visionary spirit of a true artist and polymath, Johnny Golden. It offers a glimpse into a pivotal era in music history, capturing the raw energy of the burgeoning rock scene. Each track showcases the band's undeniable talent and their contribution to the evolution of rock 'n' roll during that transformative period. This release not only brings the lost recordings of Johnny's Uncalled Four to light but also celebrates the immense talent and artistry of John Golden, a revered figure in the world of mastering engineering.
The Lost Album showcases the timeless allure of rock music and the unwavering passion of its creators. It serves as a reminder that hidden gems can emerge from the depths of musical history, resonating with audiences and sparking renewed appreciation for the artists who helped shape the landscape of rock music. The Lost Album invites listeners to embark on a journey back in time, immersing themselves in the vibrant sounds and infectious spirit of an era that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.