Cherry Beat – Recording Sessions (Part Five – The Band's Fourth Album)

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==Mid – Late January 1974==
After the overwhelming success of the band's third album, and their two recent hit 'Shake Rattle and Die', and 'Cocoa Star Rookies', the band continued to record new songs in their vein, sometimes mixing their music style with , , , , and .
The band's intention was for their next album to take most of the year to record, and then release it as a double album. Since they were planning to release their next album in December, the plan was that their next album would be a , so the last few songs the band would record for their fourth album would be Christmas themed.
==17th January 1974==
This was the band's first official recording session for their fourth album. The band members of would use their and Chudley Maron as a spare musician to a greater extent than on their third album in which the band played nearly all the instruments themselves. They would employ s to a greater extent for this album so they would have fewer to record.
On this day the band recorded two original compositions. 'The Caravan Song' and 'Can't Stop the Jive' were both early 60's American styled rock and roll songs written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby. Both songs would be released as a double single, marking the first time a composition primarily by Peter McDonald would be released as an . Up until then, all the A-Sides were written solely or predominantly by Sam Whitby, since he was proven to have been the stronger half of the McDonald-Whitby partnership in the band's early years.
Both of these songs were not recorded inside the studio. Instead they were recorded outside on the deck of the back of studio. As the back of the building had a large deck, it was perfect for the band to record their rockier numbers. However, 'The Caravan Song' and 'Can't Stop the Jive' were two of the few songs recorded outside, that weren't recorded live. As Peter described it 'We wanted these two songs to sound as if they were recorded live, which is why we decided to record them outside. We did however record earlier takes of these songs in the studio, since we didn't want to accidentally repeat the same event that back in January 1969'.
==='The Caravan Song'===
A-Side: 	'Can't Stop the Jive' (Double A-Side)
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Single)♯5 (US Single)
Album: 	Greatest Hits
Released: 	15th June 1974 (Single Release)10th February 1985 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	17th January 1974, 3:36 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, , ,
Duration: 	0:03:16
Genre: 	, ,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — , ( )Peter McDonald — , ( )Devon O'Connell — ()Sam Whitby — , ( )Chudley Maron — ()
==='Can't Stop the Jive'===
A-Side: 	'The Caravan Song' (Double A-Side)
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Single)♯3 (US Single)
Album: 	Greatest Hits
Released: 	15th June 1974 (Single Release)10th February 1985 (Album Release)
Recorded: 	17th January 1974, 3:20 PM, Backyard Deck Outside, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:12
Genre: 	Jump Blues, Rock and Roll,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1969 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1970 Fender Rhodes)
==1st February 1974==
The band members were in the studio recording two more compositions. 'Back on Top' was one of two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However, the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album. 'Bright and Cherry' was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.
==='Back on Top'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	1st February 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:25
Genre: 	, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Chudley Maron
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, ( )Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, ()Oliver Janas — (Hohner C Chromatic)
==='Bright and Cherry'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	1st February 1974, 11:46 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 9:21 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:27
Genre: 	
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, ( )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, ( )Chudley Maron — ()Riley Ganz — , The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the sleigh bells.Chester McGlade — ()
==12th February 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Mary-Anne' was a composition written solely by Peter McDonald, while 'Sexy Young Hips' was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby.
==='Mary-Anne'===
B-Side: 	'Sexy Young Hips'
Chart Position:	♯2 (UK Single)♯11 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
17th March 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	12th February 1974, 12:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
13th February 1974, 9:41 AM, 10:33 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The first mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.The mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.
8th November 1974, 9:27 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The single mix and the mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:38
Genre: 	Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Semi-Acoustic Lead Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 360/12 )Peter McDonald — The mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omit the of the ., Harmony vocal The first mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the harmony vocals., Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — ( )Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells The single mix and the mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omit the sleigh bells.Chester McGlade — Cello (Pizzicato)Bryce Beighley — ()
==='Sexy Young Hips'===
A-Side: 	'Mary-Anne'
Chart Position:	♯49 (UK Single)♯53 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
17th March 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	12th February 1974, 1:39 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
13th February 1974, 11:18 AM, 1:43 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The first mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:46
Genre: 	Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Semi-Acoustic Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Double-tracked lead vocal , Backing vocal The first mix released on the Anthology 2 album omit the backing vocals., Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar ( )Chudley Maron — Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Oliver Janas — Harmonica (Hohner C Chromatic)
==13th February 1974==
Peter McDonald records a overdub for 'Mary-Anne'. He also his for the song.
Sam Whitby records a overdub for 'Sexy Young Hips'. He also double-tracks his lead vocal for the song.
==9th March 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more compositions. 'Diamonds and Cherries' was a Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby composition, which had been written primarily by Peter.
'Back Together' was the second of the two compositions the band's music supervisor and producer Chudley Maron had written for the group to record. The band refused to record it for their third album, because they wanted their third album to be composed entirely of their own songs. However, the band members were pleased to have been offered new compositions by their producer, and agreed to record it for their fourth album.
==='Diamonds and Cherries'===
A-Side: 	'Takin' a Ride for Money'
Chart Position:	♯45 (UK Single)♯49 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
29th January 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	9th March 1974, 9:59 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
10th March 1974, 11:03 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the recorded on this day.8th November 1974, 9:36 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The single mix and the mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:18
Genre: 	Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar ( ), The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the handclaps.Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S ), Handclaps Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood), Handclaps Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino ), Handclaps Chudley Maron — Electric Piano ()Wiley Stancill — Ricky Stanbery — Shaun Galloway — Baritone SaxophoneErnesto Selby — Tenor SaxophoneMarvin Comer — (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells The single mix and the mix released on the Anthology 2 album omit the sleigh bells.
==='Back Together'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	9th March 1974, 10:30 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
10th March 1974, 11:14 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:10
Genre: 	, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Chudley Maron
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S ), Handclaps Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Electric Piano (1970 Fender Rhodes)Riley Ganz — s
==10th March 1974==
Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record for 'Diamonds and Cherries'.
Peter McDonald records handclaps for 'Back Together'.
==8th April 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Great Lips' was a composition written primarily by Devon O'Connell, with input from Torquil Dohrn. 
'Great Lips' became the first Devon O'Connell song to be commercially released. 'Takin' a Ride for Money' was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Sam Whitby.
==='Great Lips'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	8th April 1974, 12:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
9th April 1974, 12:46 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:57
Genre: 	, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Devon O'Connell, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, ()Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S )Devon O'Connell — Lead vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood), The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the cowbell.Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Grand Piano ( )Chudley Maron — Sleigh BellsRiley Ganz — MaracasMarvin Comer — Grady Ashman —
==='Takin' a Ride for Money'===
B-Side: 	'Diamonds and Cherries'
Chart Position:	♯3 (UK Single)♯6 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
29th January 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	8th April 1974, 2:45 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
9th April 1974, 12:23 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the s recorded on this day.8th November 1974, 9:54 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:07
Genre: 	Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1969 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S ), The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the tape loops.Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Grand Piano (1964 Hamburg Steinway Baby)Riley Ganz — , Sleigh Bells
==9th April 1974==
Peter McDonald records and adds s to 'Takin' a Ride for Money'.
Devon O'Connell records and adds overdubs to 'Great Lips'.
==14th May 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Sweet Little Suzie' was a composition written solely by Sam Whitby, while 'She's Really Fun' was written solely by Torquil Dohrn.
==='Sweet Little Suzie'===
A-Side: 	'Her'
Chart Position:	♯42 (UK Single)♯46 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
16th May 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	14th May 1974, 11:11 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
15th May 1974, 4:41 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the lead vocal overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:12
Genre: 	Boogie Rock,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Semi-Acoustic Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the double-tracking of the ., Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 325 )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1970 Fender Rhodes)Riley Ganz — PercussionRicky Stanbery — Tenor SaxophoneShaun Galloway — Baritone Saxophone
==='She's Really Fun'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	14th May 1974, 12:12 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 10:07 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:27
Genre: 	Blues-Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 325 )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1965 Hohner Pianet C)Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Tod Lowy — Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells German Sprinkle —
==15th May 1974==
Sam Whitby double-tracks his on 'Sweet Little Suzie'.
==6th June 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Don't Listen to Her' was a composition written solely by Torquil Dohrn, while 'Her' was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald.
==='Don't Listen to Her'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	6th June 1974, 9:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
7th June 1974, 1:02 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the overdubs recorded on this day.
8th November 1974, 10:13 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas and the mix released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:28
Genre: 	Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1971 Fender Stratocaster ), () The mix released on the Anthology 2 album omit the Moog synthesiser.Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S )Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E )Chudley Maron — ()Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas and the mix released on the Anthology 2 album omit the sleigh bells.
==='Her'===
B-Side: 	'Sweet Little Suzie'
Chart Position:	♯1 (UK Single)♯4 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
16th May 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	6th June 1974, 10:54 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 10:19 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The single mix omitted the sleigh bell overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:53
Genre: 	Pop Rock,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1969 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ (1965 DSO Heritage)Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells The single mix omits the sleigh bells.Dominique Caraveo — Blaine Christ —
==7th June 1974==
Torquil Dohrn records a overdub for 'Don't Listen to Her'.
==15th June 1974==
Single Release — 'Can't Stop the Jive' / 'The Caravan Song'
==19th July 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Shakin' Up the Seventies' was a composition written by Sam Whitby, while 'Nancy' was written by Peter McDonald.
==='Shakin' Up the Seventies'===
A-Side: 	'Nancy'
Chart Position:	♯43 (UK Single)♯45 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
9th July 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	19th July 1974, 4:55 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
20th July 1974, 12:27 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:30
Genre: 	Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1969 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Double-tracked lead vocal , Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ (1965 DSO Heritage)Oliver Janas — Harmonica (Hohner C Chromatic)
==='Nancy'===
B-Side: 	'Shakin' Up the Seventies'
Chart Position:	♯2 (UK Single)♯9 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
9th July 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	19th July 1974, 6:15 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 10:29 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:32
Genre: 	Folk Rock, Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1971 Fender Stratocaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Electric Bass Guitar ( )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Upright Piano (1964 Challen)Oliver Janas — Harmonica (Hohner C Chromatic)Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells
==20th July 1974==
Sam Whitby double-tracks his vocal on 'Shakin' Up the Seventies'.
==11th August 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions written by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby. 'Sweet Sunshine' was a composition written primarily by Peter McDonald, while 'Really Hot' was written primarily by Sam Whitby.
==='Sweet Sunshine'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	11th August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 10:36 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:19
Genre: 	
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1971 Fender Stratocaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — TambourineRiley Ganz — Sleigh Bells
==='Really Hot'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	11th August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
12th August 1974, 9:42 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England 
8th November 1974, 10:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:27
Genre: 	Power Pop
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1971 Fender Stratocaster )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1972 Fender VI )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Double-tracked lead vocal , Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ (1965 DSO Heritage)Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells
==12th August 1974==
Sam Whitby double-tracks his vocal on 'Really Hot'.
==22nd August 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Pixie' was a composition written by Peter McDonald, while 'Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl' was written by Sam Whitby.
==='Pixie'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	22nd August 1974, 11:43 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
23rd August 1974, 10:45 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England 
8th November 1974, 10:51 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:19
Genre: 	Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E ), Handclaps Peter McDonald — , Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Handclaps Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood), Handclaps Sam Whitby — Electric Piano (1970 Fender Rhodes), Handclaps Chudley Maron — TambourineTod Lowy — Bongo DrumsRiley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells Chester McGlade — Cello (Pizzicato)Luciano Ransome —
==='Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl'===
B-Side: 	'Charlotte Wood'
Chart Position:	♯2 (UK Single)♯6 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
12th August 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	22nd August 1974, 12:32 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:27
Genre: 	,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Semi-Acoustic Lead Guitar (1970 Gretsch 6122, Chet Atkins 'Country Gentleman' )Peter McDonald — Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 325 )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1970 Fender Rhodes)Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells Ernesto Selby — Tenor SaxophoneGerman Sprinkle — Alto Saxophone
==23rd August 1974==
Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell record handclaps for 'Pixie'.
==11th September 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'You're Rather Gorgeous Today' was a composition written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, while 'Iced Tea' was written primarily by Peter McDonald, with input from Torquil Dohrn.
==='You're Rather Gorgeous Today'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	11th September 1974, 3:43 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 11:05 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:46
Genre: 	Country Rock, Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1971 Fender Stratocaster )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1965 Hohner Pianet C)Riley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells Jared Underhill — Delmer Matousek — German Sprinkle — Alto SaxophoneChester McGlade — CelloNed Morphis — Neal Nobriga — Viola
==='Iced Tea'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	11th September 1974, 5:11 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 11:17 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:21
Genre: 	,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, with Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Electric Lead Guitar (1969 Fender Telecaster )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Epiphone Casino )Chudley Maron — TambourineTod Lowy — Bongo DrumsRiley Ganz — Percussion, Sleigh Bells Bennie Mourer — s ()Taylor Stgermain — Lester Irion — Wm Shorty — Bennett Ackles — ()
==29th October 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Charlotte Wood' was a composition written primarily by Torquil Dohrn, with input from Peter McDonald. The song was inspired by Torquil's girlfriend at the time, Charlotte Henderson. Peter McDonald got the idea to name the title of the song 'Charlotte Wood', since he thought it sounded more interesting than naming the song 'Charlotte Henderson'. Torquil agreed.
The band also recorded their first Christmas song for their 1974 double album which was intended to be a Christmas album. 'Happy Christmas' which was a joint effort between Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby.
==='Charlotte Wood'===
A-Side: 	'Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl'
Chart Position:	♯43 (UK Single)♯44 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
12th August 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	29th October 1974, 6:00 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
8th November 1974, 11:32 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:10
Genre: 	Folk Rock, Raga Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn, with Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Lead vocal, ( )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, ()Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E )Chudley Maron — TambourineRiley Ganz — Maracas, Sleigh Bells Ernesto Selby — Tenor SaxophoneAlphonse Labounty — ()Dominique Caraveo — SitarJere Batres — s
==='Happy Christmas'===
A-Side: 	'A Christmas Tale' (Double A-Side)
Chart Position:	♯4 (UK Single)♯3 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
23rd December 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	29th October 1974, 7:30 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
30th October 1974, 3:37 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:03:48
Genre: 	, Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Acoustic Lead Guitar (1965 Framus Hootenanny 5/024 )Peter McDonald — Double-tracked lead vocal , Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E )Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano (1964 Hamburg Steinway Baby)Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh BellsElodia Torian — Backing vocalAlexandra Wright — Backing vocalKatie Russell — Backing vocalAmber Stark — Backing vocalCharlotte Henderson — Backing vocal
==30th October 1974==
Peter McDonald double-tracks his vocal on 'Happy Christmas'.
==6th November 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording two more original compositions. 'Snowman' was a composition written by Sam Whitby, which he had written while thinking about 'Happy Christmas' which they'd recorded several days earlier.
'Phoenix' was a song written by Torquil Dohrn.
==='Snowman'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	6th November 1974, 10:58 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
7th November 1974, 11:43 AM, 12:26 PM, 1:27 PM, 2:23 PM, 3:36 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The first and second mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the backing vocal overdubs recorded on this day.The first three mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the lead vocal overdubs recorded on this day.The first four mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the harmony vocal overdubs recorded on this day.The mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omitted the backing vocal overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:35
Genre: 	Christmas Music, Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Acoustic Lead Guitar (1965 Framus Hootenanny 5/024 )Peter McDonald — Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Double-tracked lead vocal The first three mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omit the double-tracking of the vocals., The first four mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omit the double-tracking of the vocals., The first and second mixes released on the Anthology 2 album omit the backing vocals., Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E )Chudley Maron — Grand Piano (1963 Baldwin Ebony Satin)Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Tod Lowy — Bass Drums (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells
==='Phoenix'===
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	6th November 1974, 2:01 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
7th November 1974, 4:25 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:04
Genre: 	
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Torquil Dohrn
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Double-tracked lead vocal , Acoustic Lead Guitar ( )Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Electric Bass Guitar (1970 Rickenbacker 4001S )Devon O'Connell — Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Backing vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1974 Gibson J-200 )Chudley Maron — Electric Piano (1965 Hohner Pianet C)Harris Galvin — Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Riley Ganz — Sleigh Bells
==7th November 1974==
Sam Whitby records and adds harmony and backing vocals to 'Snowman'. He also double-tracks his lead, harmony, and backing vocals on the track.
Torquil Dohrn double-tracks his lead vocal on 'Phoenix'.
==8th November 1974==
Session musician Riley Ganz records overdubs for 'Bright and Cherry', 'Mary-Anne', 'Diamonds and Cherries', 'Takin' a Ride for Money', 'She's Really Fun', 'Don't Listen to Her', 'Her', 'Nancy', 'Sweet Sunshine', 'Really Hot', 'Pixie', 'Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl', 'You're Rather Gorgeous Today', 'Iced Tea', and 'Charlotte Wood'.
The sleigh bell overdubs were added to the majority of the songs that would be released on 's 1974 Christmas album, to give the album a more Christmas feel. Note that the overdubs that were recorded on this day were not included on these songs when they were released on singles, or other albums.
==2nd December 1974==
The band members were in the studio again recording one last composition for their 1974 Christmas album. 'A Christmas Tale' was written primarily by Peter McDonald and Sam Whitby, with input from Torquil Dohrn, and Devon O'Connell. The musicians that participated in the track's creation were the same ones that participated in the recording of 'Happy Christmas'.
==='A Christmas Tale'===
A-Side: 	'Happy Christmas' (Double A-Side)
Chart Position:	♯2 (UK Single)♯2 (US Single)
Album: 	Merry Christmas
Released: 	21st December 1974 (Album Release)
23rd December 1975 (Single Release)
Recorded: 	1st December 1974, 5:37 PM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:04:02
Genre: 	Christmas Music, Pop Rock
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Peter McDonald, Sam Whitby, with Torquil Dohrn, Devon O'Connell
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher: 	Donby Music Limited
Personnel: 	Torquil Dohrn — Harmony vocal, Acoustic Lead Guitar (1965 Framus Hootenanny 5/024 )Peter McDonald — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin )Devon O'Connell — Harmony vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1970 Gibson J-160E )Chudley Maron — Backing vocal, Grand Piano (1964 Hamburg Steinway Baby)Harris Galvin — Backing vocal, Hammond Organ (1969 RT-3)Tod Lowy — Backing vocal, Bass Drums (1970 Ludwig Hollywood)Riley Ganz — Backing vocal, Sleigh BellsElodia Torian — Backing vocalAlexandra Wright — Backing vocalKatie Russell — Backing vocalAmber Stark — Backing vocalCharlotte Henderson — Backing vocal
==2nd December 1974==
Session musicians Ellsworth Hutchins and Ricky Stanbery were called into the studio to record overdubs for two songs that had back in 1971 on this day. 
Ellsworth would record a overdub for the band's cover of ' (Lay Down Your Arms)'. While Ricky would record a overdub for the band's cover of ''.
The mixes of both songs without the overdubs recorded during this session were released on the compilation album Rock and Roll Covers, 1971 in 1988.
==5th December 1974==
The band recorded a new composition on this day. 'I've Been Pinched' was written primarily by Sam Whitby, with input from Peter McDonald. Although it was written and recorded during the sessions for the band's 1974 Christmas album, it was not intended to be released on that album. It was not intended to be released on the band's next album either, come to that.
==='I've Been Pinched'===
Album: 	Neapolitan
Released: 	2nd November 1976
Recorded: 	5th December 1974, 9:22 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
24th March 1976, 10:28 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omitted the handclap overdubs recorded on this day.
26th March 1976, 9:50 AM, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas and the mix released on the Anthology 3 album omitted the and overdubs recorded on this day.
Duration: 	0:03:38
Genre: 	Boogie Rock, Rock and Roll
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Author: 	Sam Whitby, with Peter McDonald
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Publisher:	Donby Music Limited
Personnel:	Torquil Dohrn — Backing vocal, Semi-Acoustic Lead Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 360/12 ), Handclaps The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas omits the handclaps.Peter McDonald — Harmony vocal, Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar (1969 Höfner 500/1 Violin ), Handclaps , Cello (Pizzicato) The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas and the mix released on the Anthology 3 album omit the cello.Devon O'Connell — Backing vocal, Drum Kit (1970 Ludwig Hollywood), Handclaps , Percussion The mix released on the 1993 Compact Disc reissue of Merry Christmas and the mix released on the Anthology 3 album omit the percussion.Sam Whitby — Lead vocal, Semi-Acoustic Rhythm Guitar (1969 Rickenbacker 325 ), Handclaps Chudley Maron — Lowrey Organ (1965 DSO Heritage)
==21st December 1974==
Album Release — Merry Christmas
===Merry Christmas — Album===
Chart Position: 	♯1 (UK Release)♯1 (US Release)
Released: 	21st December 1974
Recorded: 	1st February – 1st December 1974, Dohrn Studios, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Duration: 	0:48:39 [Disc 1]0:43:29 [Disc 2]
Genre: 	, , ,
Label: 	Sky Dive Records
Producer: 	Chudley Maron
Track Listing — Disc One:	Side One:'Happy Christmas' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'You're Rather Gorgeous Today' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Back Together' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Mary-Anne' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Sexy Young Hips' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'Diamonds and Cherries' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'She's Really Fun' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]Side Two:'Don't Listen to Her' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Snowman' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Bright and Cherry' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Phoenix' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Her' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Sweet Sunshine' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]
Track Listing — Disc Two:	Side Three:'A Christmas Tale' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'Iced Tea' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Back on Top' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Brown Haired Gorgeous Girl' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Nancy' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Really Hot' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]Side Four:'Great Lips' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Takin' a Ride for Money' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Pixie' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Charlotte Wood' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP Mix]'Shakin' Up the Seventies' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP/45 Mix]'Sweet Little Suzie' [LP Version / 1974 Stereo LP/45 Mix]
==References==
Category:Pages
Category:C.Syde's Pages
Category:Cherry Beat