A worthy successor to The Cramps. Unreleased album from 2007.

David Grant - Vocals
Nicole Lang - Vocals
Marty Key - Guitar
Brian E. Smith - Guitar
JT Yost - Farfisa, Harmonica
Jason Bishop - Bass
Frank Coleman - Drums

Recorded at The Cutting Room, New York City
Engineers: Rocky Gallo, Patrick Ermlich and Frank Coleman

RIP

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery

Heather 7 - Guitar, vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, vocals

From the "Feelin' Lucky" EP, (c) 2005 plus live tracks.

777s - Feelin' Lucky?

The biggest band out of Boston that nobody's ever heard. As such, it occupies a peculiar spot in music history. We had the most elaborate recording studio / soundstage of any band in Boston. We played for hundreds of kids in high schools in MA, CT and NY, but never a single nightclub. Never released any tracks to radio. Truly a shame. Robert, of course, went on to play guitar for 'Til Tuesday, and now you hear him every time "Voices Carry" is played.

It’s hard to put into words how profoundly weird it feels to rediscover long-forgotten songs that were once embedded in my DNA. 

Despite the ragged condition of the source material, and occasionally the performances (no autotune in those days!), it's plainly obvious we were a tight band and there was some world-class pop songwriting going on. 

The French-inflected “I Won't Lose Her" should have been a #1 smash, and maybe would be today if it were farmed out to another band. Hearing it again after all these years took my breath away. 

I should also mention the band underwent a LOT of name changes, which was surely part of the problem. They began life as "Maze," with a very young Robert on guitar. This lasted until they were sued by Frankie Beverly and Maze. Then came The Dots, as I knew them. Then Hip Hip Hooray (for some reason). Then we finally hit on a name that everyone sort-of liked, and in those pre-Internet days, we had to spent a lot of money on a lawyer to search the US and UK to make sure nobody else was using it. They weren't. Our relief was short-lived, though. The name was "Men at Work." We'd neglected to search Australia. After that, we broke up.

Other should-have-been hits include "Romance," "American Dad," and "We've Lost Contact" although if they were, it might have put us all on very different life paths that I'm not sure we'd have preferred. Bands are like families and ours had its share of dysfunction. But this was a lifetime ago, and we are all very different people now. Ultimately, if anything stands, it’s the work, as it should be, and I’m very thankful it gets to survive. 

Nearly all tapes of the band have been lost for nearly 40 years, but these are from a cache of recently rediscovered cassettes that I captured and remastered. Unheard anywhere until now, and arranged in rough chronological order. There are still some great tracks missing, so recovery efforts will continue.

In addition to playing my first serious rock and roll gigs, it was my first deep dive into recording and mixing, and everything that entailed on both sides of the glass. 

I would record the drum parts first, by myself, with no click track and no other musicians playing. Just singing the song to myself in my head, from top to bottom. It had to be an unbroken take, and then everyone else would overdub their parts later. It was boot camp for me, but we were well-rehearsed so it usually went pretty quickly. 

So while the experience left me with my share of scars, it also gave me an education I couldn't have gotten at Harvard, and for that, I have to be grateful. 

Track List:

No Feelings *
I Won't Lose Her (Live)
Hip Hip Hotel *
It's Alright *
All The Way *
On The Brink (Rev. 2)
Just Imagine
Romance
American Dad
We've Lost Contact (Live)
Girls
She's OK
Look Out
All The Ropes
The Room
Rebel Rebel (Live)
The File + Drum Solo (Live)
Drums vs. Guitar (Live)
Big Blue Eyes (Unfinished)
You Looked Better From A Distance (Unfinished)

Robert Holmes - Guitar, Vocals
Tom Kerwin - Bass, Vocals
Bob Greene - Keyboards, Vocals
Frank Coleman - Drums, Vocals

(except * - Brian Lauzon, Drums)

Recorded at 186 Lincoln St. and 210 South St., Boston, MA., 1978-80.
Original mix and digital remaster by Frank Coleman

The Dots - Greatest Hits

Preliminary sketch of a hypothetical work in progress.

More effective than a hammer (draft 052821)

I have a confession to make. This is the only Madonna song I like... but I like it a lot!

This will be featured in a longer show on Mixcloud. I'm a huge EDM fan and I've been wanting to mash in my own drum parts forever, so here we go. 

I've always loved Sasha's mix from the Ministry of Sound sessions, so I chopped it up and added drums, guitar, bass, keys, and percussion.

Enjoy.

Madonna - Ray Of Light (Frank Coleman Vs. Sasha Remix)

A worthy successor to The Cramps. Unreleased album from 2007.

David Grant - Vocals
Nicole Lang - Vocals
Marty Key - Guitar
Brian E. Smith - Guitar
JT Yost - Farfisa, Harmonica
Jason Bishop - Bass
Frank Coleman - Drums

Recorded at The Cutting Room, New York City
Engineers: Rocky Gallo, Patrick Ermlich and Frank Coleman

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery - Evil Thing

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery - Stake Through My Heart

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery - Revival Fire

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery - Demon's Tweed

Frank Coleman III (1935 - 1970) - Voice, acoustic guitar.
Recorded at home, circa 1968.

He was a talented actor and singer (both opera and folk) and a deep believer in social justice and peace. He was only 35 when he died in 1970, of kidney failure brought on by undiagnosed malignant high blood pressure. Rescued from a long lost cassette.

Flowers of Peace (Trad. / Pete Seeger - Lyrics)

Gwendolyn Coleman (Ermlich), Vocals.
Frank Coleman III - Guitar.
Recorded at home, circa 1968.

My mom & dad were accomplished actors and singers, and a bit unusual, in that they sang Opera and Folk. They must have recorded over 200 songs together, but little survives. I recently stumbled across a long-lost cassette of them singing, separately and together. This hasn't been heard anywhere in 50 years.

Gwendolyn Coleman - Tiny Sparrow (Peter, Paul & Mary)

Frank and Gwendolyn Coleman were actors and singers in New York City in the 1960s. They recorded over 200 songs, separately and together, until Frank's death in 1970 at the age of 35, from undiagnosed high blood pressure. Many of the original tapes are lost or extremely fragile, but a full-length cassette from Gwen's sister surfaced in 2017 and was digitally remastered by their son, Frank IV.

Frank and Gwendolyn Coleman - The Crow on the Cradle (Sydney Carter)

ULCER GULCH by The Bentmen, remixed by Frank Coleman with special guest Will Sergeant (Echo & The Bunnymen, Glide).  Includes samples from COSMOS from Will's Glide album, "Space-Age Freak Out," gratefully used by permission from Ochre Records, 1997.

Loops, arrangement, additional drums and bass, Frank Coleman.

Bentmen - Ulcer Gulch (Glide Cosmos Remix - Frank Coleman w/ Will Sergeant)

Heather 7 - Guitar, vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, vocals

From the "Feelin' Lucky" EP, (c) 2005

Feelin' Lucky...? (EP)

777s - Ain't Worth Believin'

777s - 13

777s - Because of Me

Heather 7 - Guitar, vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, vocals

Recorded live at CBGB, New York City, circa 2005.

Live at CBGB's EP 10-19-05

777s - A Better Day (Live at CBGB)

777s - Baby on a Barrel (Live at CBGB)

777s - Shit Out Of Luck (Live at CBGB)

777s - On And On (Live at CBGB)

Heather 7 - Guitar, vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, vocals

Recorded in New York City, circa 2005.

777s - On and On

777s - 13 (Demo)

777s - Walk Away (Live at CBGB)

Heather 7 - Guitar, vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, vocals

Recorded live at The Pussycat Lounge, New York City, March 12, 2005.

777s - Last Time (Live At The Pussycat Lounge)

Jayne County and the War Holes - Live at the Chelsea Hotel

Jayne County - Vocals
Bob Kuch - Guitar
Arena Bound - Guitar
Milo Rock - Bass
Frank Coleman - Drums

What a great gig this was! A pop-up art gallery / rock concert in the bowels of The Chelsea Hotel in New York City. The week before, it had been completely demolished, all the way to to the slats in the walls and floor. Amazingly, organizer Kymara and her crew stepped up and turned it into a glittering cross between the original Warhol Factory and Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.

We learned the tunes via mp3s, had two rehearsals (one with Jayne) and off we went. As it should be. The place was packed, the crowd went nuts and I got to chat with Deborah Harry.

From April 9th, 2010, here’s the final song of the night, the classic barnburner, “Night Time.” CRANK IT.

Live at The Chelsea Hotel

Jayne County and the War Holes - Night Time (Live at the Chelsea Hotel)

Scott Bellina - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar 
Max Holland - Lead Guitar 
Tom Meehan - Bass 
Frank Coleman - Drums 

Released November 22, 2008 

Produced by Max Holland 
Mixed & Engineered by Max Holland at The Production Plant NYC

Locomotive LIVE

F-Units - You Gotta Fight For Your Right (Beastie Boys cover - Live)

Recorded June 5, 1965. I'd played MacDuff's Son in MACBETH for Joseph Papp at the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, CT., about six months prior. My first professional acting job. For my audition, I'd memorized Hamlet's Soliloquy and Mr. Papp hired me on the spot. Honestly, if a 5 year old came in and did Hamlet from memory, *who wouldn't* hire them? ;)

Anyway, my dad obviously wanted to preserve this, so we recorded this in the bedroom where he had his little studio setup. He and mom are playing the other parts. This was all from memory, I'm not reading the lines from the script.

I haven't heard this in over 50 years until today, but I remember doing it. I've recently salvaged many hours of reel-to-reel tapes and this is the first little gem that surfaced.

Frank Coleman, Age 5, as MacDuff's Son in MACBETH

The Dots - More Feelings

The Dots - It's Alright

Should have gone straight up to #1. A studio version exists but has yet to be located.

The Dots - I Won't Lose Her (Live)

The Dots - Hip Hip Hotel

The Dots - All The Way

Heather 7 - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, Backing Vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, Backing Vocals

Recorded and Mixed at The Cutting Room, NYC

777s - Even The Score

Remix of Conjure One's classic, originally by Lunascape.

Includes samples from Hybrid's "Know Your Enemy," and "All I Want" by Echo & the Bunnymen, with additional drum, bass, strings and guitar-type sounds and treatments by yours truly. 

Conjure One - Tears From The Moon feat. Sinead O'Connor (4K Hybrid vs. Bunnymen Mix)

Live at Connolly's, Times Square, New York City. Circa 2009.

Bob Kuch - Guitar, Vocals
Pete O'Connell - Bass, Vocals
The Zuck - Guitar, Vocals
Frank Coleman - Drums

The Dead Ramones - New Rose (Live - Damned cover)

Heather 7 - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, Backing Vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, Backing Vocals

Another great Lost 45. Circa 2005.

Recorded at The Cutting Room, New York City
Engineers: Rocky Gallo & Patrick Ermlich

Heather 7 - Guitar, Lead Vocals
Becky 7 - Bass, Backing Vocals
Frankie 7 - Drums, Backing Vocals

Circa 2005.

Recorded at The Cutting Room, New York City
Engineers: Rocky Gallo & Patrick Ermlich

777s - Wake Up

Sandra Bernhard - Vocals
Chrissie Hynde - Vocals
Ted Mason - Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Producer, String Arrangements, Vocals 
Erol Josué - Vocals
Jean Paul Samputu - Vocals
Frank Coleman - Drums
Dave Eggar - Strings
Rachel Golub - Sitar, Strings

Recorded at The Cutting Room, NYC. Released 2009.

Sandra Bernhard w/ Chrissie Hynde - All Around

And now for something completely different. It may not be readily apparent, but my roots were actually in Classical music before I ever got into rock and roll. Taking the Bernard Herrmann strings out for a spin here. This was a one-take improvisation, which I duplicated and mapped the bass to the low cellos for a little extra oomph. Other than that, WYSIWYG. I've always been a sucker for those huge Herrmann-esque major-third modulations, and the way he'll bring dissonance into a consonant scene like a flock of threatening birds hovering overhead.

Scratch Project 07 - 23 - 2020

The rules: Starting with a blank canvas, try to come up with an idea in one sitting, and publish whatever you get. First attempt. About 90 minutes, from zero to finished.

This one sounds like it's going to turn into a Secret Agent track.

Scratch Project 07 - 22 - 2020

This was a little more involved, about two and a half hours. Starts out a bit weird but then settles into something that definitely sounds like a love song.

Scratch Project 07 - 24 - 2020

An old fashioned punk raveup. A definite tip of the skull to The Psychedelic Furs first album. This one was about 90 minutes to put together.

Scratch Project 07 - 25 - 2020

This one has definite Secret Agent potential. I can easily see this one getting developed further.

Scratch Project 07 - 26 - 2020

Another Secret Agent track possibly bubbling to life. This has that world weary, 2 AM, deserted bar, overlooking the city, or the sea, feeling.

Scratch Project 08 - 01 - 2020

David Grant - Vocals
Nicole Lang - Vocals
Marty Key - Guitar
Brian E. Smith - Guitar
JT Yost - Farfisa, Harmonica
Jason Bishop - Bass
Frank Coleman - Drums

Recorded at The Cutting Room, New York City
Engineers: Rocky Gallo, Patrick Ermlich and Frank Coleman
Circa 2007

It ain't cheatin' if you're dead...

Direct From Hollywood Cemetery - (It Ain't) Cheatin' With Me

The Home Office is pleased to confirm the first Secret Agent dossier, "Buenos Aires International Airport" has been declassified and final mastered and will soon be released publicly on Mi5 Recordings. 

It features extensive contributions from Special Agents John Chmaj (Seattle Division) on flute and Robert Holmes (UK Division) on guitar. All other instruments and final analysis by Agency Director Mr. Big.

Recorded at an undisclosed location.
Mastered at The Cutting Room, NYC

Special thanks to Field Agents Tim Lucas and Patrick Ermlich who assisted greatly in compiling this final report.

(c)(p) 2015 Secret Agent / Mi5 Recordings
All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Request Level 1 Security Clearance at http://www.secretagentband.com

//

Transcript:

According to the note we got, he was to be here at exactly one o'clock!
We have two men on the station platform.
Except for the moustache, he's a perfect double!
I don't think this is a safe place to be.
If you're such a model citizen, how about that little cargo of jewels I sent you?
What's wrong, Captain?
Nothing, kind of a hallucination.
What do you want?
No arguments. Just follow me.
Who died in your place, Arthur?
In Calgary?
Does it matter?
They had me locked in the cellar. I managed to get away.
Line up for your tickets now, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Wait a minute, you're not going anywhere. Not without me.
Line up for your tickets now, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Jewels? Robert, I --
Tomorrow, the news will be in the morning papers,
So I suggest you leave the villa for a few days.
(silencer) (gasp)
We can see everything better from up there.
I'd like to say that I feel sorry for you,
But I can't forget all those men you shot down in cold blood.
Let's go...

//

Secret Agent - Buenos Aires International Airport

Frank Coleman is the drummer for John Ashton (ex-Psychedelic Furs)/ Satellite Paradiso. Also played with Will Sergeant (Echo & the Bunnymen); Modern English; Jayne County & The War Holes; Sandra Bernhard; The Bentmen; many others. Award-winning actor, writer, filmmaker, producer and interactive media pioneer.

Frank Coleman

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