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I Was There!

Mike Shell | Hueytown Alabama United States | 11/13/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Hello, I am Mike Shell, the fifteen year old(in 1966)guitar playe for the Tempos. This album is awfull.... but it is also wonderful. The fact that it is still here lends truth to both.
These are my 'baby steps' as a muscian caught for all to see. I knew only four chods on the guitar and had been playing for only about a year when we recorded the album. I was the youngest and the most niave but my memories of the three years with my group of friends are nothing but wonderful.
We really did write eight of the sngs on the album and the stories they tell are of the time and not all that bad. The muscianship is terrible and the recording technique is worse. The whole album was done in one day, in one room, on only two tracks. We played and sang live on two mics!
I am the only one of the guys who made a career of music. I progressed fast after the Tempos and have made literally millions of dollars in the music business since those early days but none of the times were as memorible as the times captured that day in Nashville way back in 1966!
I know own The Shell Entertainment Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Please call with any Tempo questions anytime. I love to talk about the 'good ole days'. 204-744-4688
All of the guys are still kicking and I talk to them all of the time. If you would like to have your album signed by the original Tempos just give me a call."

A Trip Back To The Sixities

Joe Rice | Wichita Falls, TX United States | 11/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Get ready for a trip back in time to when every teenage boy wanted to be in a rock and roll band. High school boys could be found in garages in every city of America during the mid to late 60s. The Tempos found their way out of the garage and into the studio to record this piece of music history. Several songs on the CD were cover versions of songs that most bands of the day played. Money, Wipeout, and Last Time were staples for bands of that day. The Tempos versions of these tracks is refreshing and unique. It took me back to the time when this writer played in a garage band. The music on the CD is very time period correct. While some may find the recording quality not to be up to todays standards, it is very reminiscent of what was going at this period of time. Yes, things have progressed since this day of innocence. Do not expect to hear the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" on this recording, but rather the youthful interpretations of four teenage boys.If you grew up during the sixties, no doubt you will find this music interesting. Close your eyes and return to the days of 25 cent gasoline and 15 cent hamburgers. Those that might not be too familiar with the music of the time period might find this an interesting journey into the roots of what was happening in those garages all across America. If you are more than a casual listener of this type of music, you will apppreciate this CD for what it is. Let me state this piece of work is not for everyone. It's my opinion you should have the essentials in your collection before delving into the more obscure recordings of the day.While I am not a professional reviewer of music, I appreciate this CD for what it is. Having spent 30 years as a radio disc jockey that featured music of the 60s and 70s has given me that appreciation."