Cherry Beat – Recording Sessions (Part Thirteen – The Band's Twelfth Album)

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==December 1981==
The recording sessions for the band's eleventh album saw the departure of the band's Devon O'Connell. Their Chudley Maron had refused to lend a hand in the eleventh album's production, due to the ongoing conflicts and tension within the band.
Longtime Riley Ganz who'd produced several of the band's songs from 1977 to 1981 was fired by Peter McDonald, when his partner Sam Whitby suggested that Riley should become the sole producer for the band's twelfth album, a suggestion which infuriated Peter, as he wasn't satisfied with most of Riley's production efforts.
Near the end of the recording sessions for the band's eleventh album, Chudley Maron, at Peter's request, found Gregory Dogan, a young producer whose production efforts were on par with Chudley's own. Gregory produced the last recorded song for the band's eleventh album, and was to continue serving as the band's producer for the entire recording session for the band's twelfth album.
When the band's eleventh album was released, it had become clear that the band was passing their popularity peak outside the . The band's eleventh album X-Rayed only managed to reach ♯29 in the , while the band's latest 'Moolah Mogul' only reached ♯43 in the United States.
For the band's twelfth album, it was decided that the new material would be recorded in the stadium, at the back of Moonlight Bay Studios. It was perfect for a live performance. The band would record the new material live in front of a private party consisting of their friends, relatives, and associates.
The recordings would not feature any live cheering nor anything beyond that from the audience, so it was much like recording their music in the studio, only they were recording outside in the stadium.
The parties at Moonlight Bay made sure that no one in the neighbourhood would be disturbed by the private performance. They didn't want to accidentally replicate something similar to what back in 1969.
There was one concern that was raised prior to the band's upcoming private performance, as Devon O'Connell had left and the band was in need of a drummer. Sam Whitby suggested that they could get Percy Duncan, a session drummer to play for the band's private performance, but the other two band members disagreed, as they didn't want anyone outside of the band to contribute to the band's performance.
In the end they decided to have Peter McDonald program a before the performance so that it could play alongside the band members. Peter had previously programmed a drum machine for a few of the band's tracks on their eleventh album.
==31st December 1981==
This was the night that the band had decided to host their private performance. The band recorded and played a total of fifteen new songs, thirteen of which would be released on the band's twelfth album, while the other two would be released as a non-album single.
The songs the band played at the performance were 'Moonlight Bay', 'Carnival', 'Electronic Blues', 'Hailstones', 'Kōkako', 'Funky Rhythm', 'Pigeon Post', 'Sub-Station', 'Vintage Days', 'Bishops and Knights', 'Knee Length Skirt', 'Cherry Tree', 'Woodland Drive', 'Viking Helmet', and 'Executive Putter'.
As with the number of songs recorded for the band's 1975 album Heavy Rock, the songs recorded for the band's album Sunset Stadium featured an equal amount of compositions from Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, and Torquil Dohrn. The three of them had contributed five songs for Sunset Stadium each.
However since two of Sam's songs were released as a non-album single, only three of his songs made the album. Curiously most albums were dominated either by Peter or to a slightly greater extent Sam. For Sunset Stadium, Peter and Torquil dominated the album as all five of their respective compositions were included on the album.
Both of Sam's songs that were released as a non-album single would however be reunited with their siblings on the 1997 reissue of Sunset Stadium, so thus he had an even number of tracks to the amount Peter and Torquil had on the album in 1997 onward.
==='Moonlight Bay'===
B-Side: 	'Carnival'
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Single)♯32 (US Single)
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	15th February 1982 (Single Release)
9th April 1982 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:30 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, , , 
1st January 1982, 8:41 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 5 album omitted the and overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:04:28
Genre: 	, ,
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — , ( )Peter McDonald — , ( ), ()Sam Whitby — , ( ), () The mix released on the Anthology 5 album omits the Moog synthesiser.Gregory Dogan — () The mix released on the Anthology 5 album omits the music sequencer.
==='Carnival'===
A-Side: 	'Moonlight Bay'
Chart Position:	♯39 (UK Single)♯67 (US Single)
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	15th February 1982 (Single Release)
9th April 1982 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:36 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
1st January 1982, 1:47 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:36
Genre: 	Hard Rock, Power Pop, Synthpop
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Electronic Blues'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:42 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
1st January 1982, 3:33 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:38
Genre: 	, , Hard Rock
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Hailstones'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:48 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
1st January 1982, 4:47 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:17
Genre: 	
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, ( ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Kōkako'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:53 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
2nd January 1982, 8:57 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:20
Genre: 	
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, ( ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, ( ), , Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Funky Rhythm'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 7:59 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
2nd January 1982, 10:38 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:39
Genre: 	Hard Rock, ,
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Electric Bass Guitar ( ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Pigeon Post'===
B-Side: 	'Cherry Tree'
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Single)♯38 (US Single)
Album: 	Greatest Hits
Released: 	6th March 1982 (Single Release)10th February 1985 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:05 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
2nd January 1982, 2:45 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:42
Genre: 	
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1974 Gibson J-200 ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Sub-Station'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:10 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
2nd January 1982, 6:01 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:25
Genre: 	Blues-Rock, Electric Blues, Hard Rock
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Vintage Days'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:16 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
3rd January 1982, 9:41 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:32
Genre: 	Pop Rock, ,
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Bishops and Knights'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:21 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
3rd January 1982, 11:11 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 6 album omitted the Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:37
Genre: 	Power Pop, Synthrock
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) The mix released on the Anthology 6 album omits the Moog synthesiser.Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30) The mix released on the Anthology 6 album omits the music sequencer.
==='Knee Length Skirt'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:25 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
3rd January 1982, 1:04 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:06
Genre: 	Power Pop
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Cherry Tree'===
A-Side: 	'Pigeon Post'
Chart Position:	♯45 (UK Single)♯73 (US Single)
Album: 	Sunset Stadium [1997 Compact Disc Reissue]
Released: 	6th March 1982 (Single Release)24th October 1997 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:30 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
3rd January 1982, 4:44 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:55
Genre: 	Blues-Rock,
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, ( ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Woodland Drive'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:29 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
4th January 1982, 10:38 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:00
Genre: 	Power Pop, Synthrock
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Viking Helmet'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:33 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
4th January 1982, 11:32 AM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:44
Genre: 	Folk Rock, Power Pop
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==='Executive Putter'===
Album: 	Sunset Stadium
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, 8:38 PM, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
4th January 1982, 5:01 PM, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:58
Genre: 	, Psychedelic Rock, Synthpop
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1976 Fender Telecaster ), Moog Synthesiser (1972 IIIp) Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1979 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Drum Programming (1981 Roland TR-606)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1978 Epiphone Casino )Gregory Dogan — Music Sequencer (1977 Yamaha CS-30)
==1st January 1982==
Sam Whitby and Gregory Dogan respectively record and for 'Moonlight Bay' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
Peter McDonald and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Carnival', 'Electronic Blues', and 'Hailstones' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
==2nd January 1982==
Sam Whitby and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Kōkako', 'Funky Rhythm', and 'Pigeon Post' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
Peter McDonald and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Sub-Station' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
==3rd January 1982==
Peter McDonald and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Vintage Days' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
Torquil Dohrn and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Bishops and Knights' and 'Knee Length Skirt' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
Sam Whitby and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Cherry Tree' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
==4th January 1982==
Torquil Dohrn and Gregory Dogan respectively record Moog synthesiser and music sequencer overdubs for 'Woodland Drive', 'Viking Helmet', and 'Executive Putter' at Moonlight Bay Studios on this day.
==15th February 1982==
Single Release — 'Moonlight Bay' / 'Carnival'
==6th March 1982==
Single Release — 'Pigeon Post' / 'Cherry Tree'
==3rd April 1982==
Torquil Dohrn publicly announces that he is no longer a .
==9th April 1982==
Album Release — Sunset Stadium
===Sunset Stadium — Album===
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Album)♯43 (US Album)
Released: 	9th April 1982
Recorded: 	31st December 1981, Moonlight Bay Stadium, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England1st – 4th January 1982, Moonlight Bay Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:53:20
Genre: 	,
Label: 	Moonlight Bay Records
Producer: 	Gregory Dogan
Track Listing: 	Side One:'Moonlight Bay' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'Electronic Blues' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Carnival' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'Executive Putter' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Viking Helmet' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Woodland Drive' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]Side Two:'Funky Rhythm' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Knee Length Skirt' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Kōkako' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Hailstones' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Bishops and Knights' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Vintage Days' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]'Sub-Station' [LP Version / 1982 Stereo LP Mix]
==26th April 1982==
 is now officially disbanded. Without Torquil Dohrn and Devon O'Connell around to help keep Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby together, the coleaders of the band basically splintered, dissolving the band entirely. All four band members privately sensed that there would eventually be a band reunion or two. But none of them had any idea when.
==References==
Category:Pages
Category:C.Syde's Pages
Category:Cherry Beat