Alright so. After doing some good old fashioned detective work, I can report that I was able to make contact with with the guys behind this song and have some information to share for anyone who has, like me, been dying to understand anything about where this phenomenal track came from: - It was written by Rich Norkunas and Larry Smith, and Norkunas is singing. It was recorded in 1971 when they were teenagers in El Cajon, California, which is outside San Diego - not Los Angeles as DJ Shadow said. Both said they hadn't listened to the song for 40+ years before I contacted them! - They estimate that they only pressed about 100-200 45s. "Just a Star" as they titled the song, was actually the B-Side. The A-Side is called "Dedicated to Mama." They pre-sold the record at $5 a pop to fans in order to pay for the studio time. They hand-delivered the records to anyone who pre-payed. - Rich told me that a few years back someone from the Numero Group contacted him about possibly getting the song on one of their releases, but he doesn't have any of the original records anymore, so nothing came of it. Too bad because I think it would be fantastic for it to be on a Numero compilation! Also interesting because it means someone there figured out who was behind the song years ago, but obviously that info didn't seem to get out to the public at large. - Larry has two sons who are each involved in somewhat well known bands active now - Beach Fossils and Coast Modern. And Rich is active in a band right now called Hollow Dog who perform regularly around Portland. - Larry sent me the only photo he has of Smiles, which you can see here (Rich is wearing the striped shirt, and Larry is second from right with the dark long hair): i.imgur.com/OF6MUZU.jpg
Well I saw on the image of the 45 that was recently uploaded to Discogs that the song was credited to "Smith" and "Norkunas." Smith didn't give me a lot to work with, but I figured Norkunas was a distinctive enough name that I could go off of that. So I basically just Googled around a bunch trying to find anyone who was a musician or songwriter type who fit the bill, which led me to Hollow Dog and Rich Norkunas. Emailed him and turned out he was the guy, and then he put me in touch with Larry. Both of them were only very vaguely aware of the stir the song has caused so I'm really glad I could tell them about it, and of course also glad that this mystery is solved!
Dan Wohl cosmic kudos to you.im sure Anton will be grateful as well. I wonder what the b side dedicated to mama is like.:) Kind of a search for the sugarman deal. I think a doco could be made about this song.And often think on it.
Found this in an interview with DJ Shadow on solesides: Shadow: "The name of the group is "Smiles". I think it's a group from Los Angeles, and the song's dating back from 1968-69. Unfortunately, the writtings on the record are not in good shape. I've never seen another record. I remember Dante came to my house, he saw the record, listened to it. He will never stop digging to find that particular record."
Someone needs to make a documentary about the search for this band (a band called "Smiles," apparently, from the early 70s, per Discogs, with the song being "Just a Star.") -- like in the movie Sugar Man where they found Rodriguez. I want this band and this writer/singer revived! And appreciated! The end of this cut keeps giving me chills it's so damn good.
I love this song, so soothing. Hopefully one day more of their recordings will surface from the ether. Thanks for uploading it Anton & thanks to Shadow for first putting it in my ears. Yew! x
No idea but the guitar work sounds a bit like some early BJM stuff. Reminiscent of David Crosby of some early Crosby, Stills , Nash and Young records, say, like Deja Vu. Nice.
This tune is amazing, glad someone finally helped Anton out to find who made this song and thanks to Anton for uploading it and sharing great music as always :).
As said earlier it was on Diminishing Returns part 2 by DJ Shadow, but from what i know ... not sure i though i heard that The song was known as Unknown Song - Unknown Artist .
Interesting... I'm trying to track any pops or scratches that show up more than once, and judging from what I've found so far, I think this is from an LP or something else recorded at 33 1/3 RPM.
Paullywog it has been a while but now here it is: "the sunrise session” (vimeo) seen on "magic seaweed”: magicseaweed.com/news/the-sunrise-sessions/5953/
@@FokkerTISM that was really helpful, I might have it a bit wrong but, i'be been wanting to learn this for an age,age age age. :P soundcloud.com/desperanados/star-on-a-democratic-flag-just-a-starsmiles-cover
@Mrlostinterest phil just wouldn't say that... not dissin your guess or anything but his songwriting style was pretty specific and altho he railed against rich society people he would never use that phrase. maybe john trane would have tho.
@astrodaise1 well, whoever wrote it was most likely depressed as hell and seemingly disillusioned with their life's pursuits, this song has a lot of weight to it, and 'rich society people pushing me around' could conceivably be a play on the labor movement of which Phil was obviously a part of. It probably isn't him, though.
@diogodraws I don't think it's him. The timbre of his voice doesn't match up - compare it to "San Francisco", and this makes the singer sound like Kermit the Frog.
Alright so. After doing some good old fashioned detective work, I can report that I was able to make contact with with the guys behind this song and have some information to share for anyone who has, like me, been dying to understand anything about where this phenomenal track came from:
- It was written by Rich Norkunas and Larry Smith, and Norkunas is singing. It was recorded in 1971 when they were teenagers in El Cajon, California, which is outside San Diego - not Los Angeles as DJ Shadow said. Both said they hadn't listened to the song for 40+ years before I contacted them!
- They estimate that they only pressed about 100-200 45s. "Just a Star" as they titled the song, was actually the B-Side. The A-Side is called "Dedicated to Mama." They pre-sold the record at $5 a pop to fans in order to pay for the studio time. They hand-delivered the records to anyone who pre-payed.
- Rich told me that a few years back someone from the Numero Group contacted him about possibly getting the song on one of their releases, but he doesn't have any of the original records anymore, so nothing came of it. Too bad because I think it would be fantastic for it to be on a Numero compilation! Also interesting because it means someone there figured out who was behind the song years ago, but obviously that info didn't seem to get out to the public at large.
- Larry has two sons who are each involved in somewhat well known bands active now - Beach Fossils and Coast Modern. And Rich is active in a band right now called Hollow Dog who perform regularly around Portland.
- Larry sent me the only photo he has of Smiles, which you can see here (Rich is wearing the striped shirt, and Larry is second from right with the dark long hair): i.imgur.com/OF6MUZU.jpg
HOLY SHIT. how did you find this info!!!!!!!!!
Well I saw on the image of the 45 that was recently uploaded to Discogs that the song was credited to "Smith" and "Norkunas." Smith didn't give me a lot to work with, but I figured Norkunas was a distinctive enough name that I could go off of that. So I basically just Googled around a bunch trying to find anyone who was a musician or songwriter type who fit the bill, which led me to Hollow Dog and Rich Norkunas. Emailed him and turned out he was the guy, and then he put me in touch with Larry. Both of them were only very vaguely aware of the stir the song has caused so I'm really glad I could tell them about it, and of course also glad that this mystery is solved!
Dan Wohl cosmic kudos to you.im sure Anton will be grateful as well. I wonder what the b side dedicated to mama is like.:) Kind of a search for the sugarman deal. I think a doco could be made about this song.And often think on it.
best man alive
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
Found this in an interview with DJ Shadow on solesides:
Shadow: "The name of the group is "Smiles". I think it's a group from Los Angeles, and the song's dating back from 1968-69. Unfortunately, the writtings on the record are not in good shape. I've never seen another record. I remember Dante came to my house, he saw the record, listened to it. He will never stop digging to find that particular record."
Someone needs to make a documentary about the search for this band (a band called "Smiles," apparently, from the early 70s, per Discogs, with the song being "Just a Star.") -- like in the movie Sugar Man where they found Rodriguez. I want this band and this writer/singer revived! And appreciated! The end of this cut keeps giving me chills it's so damn good.
Rich from this band was in Smiles. you should contact him. hollowdogmusic.com/meet-the-band
@hgafaescotland man,if i wrote a song this good...the world would know about it.
Maybe you should collaborate with the last member of that band and re-create that song!
I think you up there my dude.
I love this song, so soothing. Hopefully one day more of their recordings will surface from the ether. Thanks for uploading it Anton & thanks to Shadow for first putting it in my ears. Yew! x
One of the best songs I've ever heard. Thanks Anton for sharing and also thanks to the guy who identified it
5 people have went to the trouble to click dislike on this.. there are 5 people roaming the planet with their heads up their holes.
No idea but the guitar work sounds a bit like some early BJM stuff.
Reminiscent of David Crosby of some early Crosby, Stills , Nash and Young records, say, like Deja Vu.
Nice.
This really needs a repress... Love to Shadow for bring it to our attention.
Just been reissued on 7" for Record Store Day!
This tune is amazing, glad someone finally helped Anton out to find who made this song and thanks to Anton for uploading it and sharing great music as always :).
reminds me a little of the brian jonestown massacre
even if it remains nameless, the anonymity makes it pretty interesting too. it's got that sound "don't know where i'm going"
So does your new album...Sounds great live too. Roll on Manchester this summer.
This song has gripped me,and now I'm the one that's not letting go....fantastic song
this song is god damn fantastic
@VonSeux i think anton is behind that too ;) The beat , the sound of the guitar , it's a great song btw !
This song is sooooo good
So the guy credited as "studio engineer" name is Ron Compton, I wish I had a badass name like that
Amazing Song!Great lyrics and sound!!
Christmas da, 2018, I found and fell in love with this song.
Do you know if it can be located on Spotify or elsewhere? Other than Pink Flames cover?
Record FOUND: www.discogs.com/Smiles-Dedicated-To-Mama-Just-A-Star/release/10316216
As said earlier it was on Diminishing Returns part 2 by DJ Shadow, but from what i know ... not sure i though i heard that The song was known as Unknown Song - Unknown Artist .
Interesting...
I'm trying to track any pops or scratches that show up more than once, and judging from what I've found so far, I think this is from an LP or something else recorded at 33 1/3 RPM.
play it again again again again again and again...
Does DJ Shadow still have the record he ripped this song from?
beautiful!
powerful!
strong as hell!
AWESOME!!!!
the music has transcended identity
This song fully encapsulate's Easy Rider
I tought "unknown song - unknown artist " was the name of a new song from Anton
how do you know that? do you know anything else put out by the band/anything about them?
Just found this one as the backgorundmusic of a surf video - epic!
mind sharing that video?
Paullywog it has been a while but now here it is: "the sunrise session” (vimeo) seen on "magic seaweed”: magicseaweed.com/news/the-sunrise-sessions/5953/
chris dreyer and what a coool song for a surf video.
you rule.
It's a very obscure band you've probably never heard of.
Oh how I would like to have the chords for this!
let me know if you work it out. I had a go but not that clever...
Its basically G#m B C# and then E F# C#
Flipper St. Cool This, and G#m F# C# for the chorus
This was slightly slowed down. It's Am C D in the verses and F G Am in the choruses. The outro is F C D.
@@FokkerTISM that was really helpful, I might have it a bit wrong but, i'be been wanting to learn this for an age,age age age. :P soundcloud.com/desperanados/star-on-a-democratic-flag-just-a-starsmiles-cover
@Mrlostinterest phil just wouldn't say that... not dissin your guess or anything but his songwriting style was pretty specific and altho he railed against rich society people he would never use that phrase. maybe john trane would have tho.
But how do you even know the band is called Smiles?
compilation on my funeral
Perfectly Imperfect brought me here
@astrodaise1 well, whoever wrote it was most likely depressed as hell and seemingly disillusioned with their life's pursuits, this song has a lot of weight to it, and 'rich society people pushing me around' could conceivably be a play on the labor movement of which Phil was obviously a part of. It probably isn't him, though.
Never heard this song before - I like it. :)
@antonfjordson record your own version of it and share it with the world
where can i download this?
@AlBoerik long time no see dead tv is hibernating now ;)
it really sounds like scott mackenzie!!!
I'm just a star on a democratic flag
And I've never had a friend
Wow! this is really, really good!
The singer doesn't know who he is, either.
You win.
Rick Norkunas is the singer.
is this song by the pink flames or smiles????
Pink flames covered it the second I uploaded it - their best idea.. copy / it's a band from 1970 that spooky found called smiles -
anton newcombe I’m addicted to this song... man it’s so moving
This is an earworm, Anton
i shazamed this thing and got no matches
This is my top #Brexit song!
Memories 2017...
this song is nice!
lyrically it sounds like it could be a phil ochs song
@diogodraws I don't think it's him. The timbre of his voice doesn't match up - compare it to "San Francisco", and this makes the singer sound like Kermit the Frog.
I count on you (with no doubt)!
this song is so killer
Anton once again many thanks
has anyone tried to shazam kazaam it? i personally don't use that piece of satanic software so... but it may solve the mystery...
Damn this is good,
I hate you for dragging me into this mystery :/ Sick tune nonetheless.
so sweet
for all the music you upload..
I own the Dj Shadow CD...Sorry rais, don't have any more info on Smiles. Shame cos it's a fantastic song.
@AlBoerik hi alboerik
sounds ace
sounds pretty much like we the people
thanks God Anton!
Obviously not the Feldons though.
@astrodaise1 tried with shazam. no results.
same'
Thanks justinwiggy! Mystery solve-ed.
Indeed
Shadow did a video on this track! th-cam.com/video/UyVQIzPsA7M/w-d-xo.html
are you the really anton?
midomi/com might help
Please, find it!
im just a star on a democratic flag
Occupy Dead TV!
but we'll never know i've tried for a long time ago
I'm Just a Star on a Democratic Flag by Smiles.
Turns out I was right. Do I get a prize?
NO MATCH in shazam hahahahahahahah
@DarkFragor haha anton always hunting mysteries ... i think i agree with alboerik that its smile...actually
yellow label
any word guys???
+Dallas McKinley Amen
obviously it's us
dont know
GODDAMN HIPPIE'S
@Mrlostinterest phil ochs would never say "rich society people" you need to study phil ochs a little more methinks.
ehehehehe....the bear jumps up and down when i hover on the video