Guest reverbfreak Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 (edited) To all interested persons, UPDATE - 1/9/06 All MP3s are again available for download and hosted at www.filelodge.com. See the links below. IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE -- THE MP3s ARE NOT TO BE REPACKAGED OR SOLD FOR PROFIT, ON EBAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE, AND ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR MUSICAL ENJOYMENT. ALL LEGAL RIGHTS RETAINED AND RESERVED UNDER U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS AND VIOLATORS WILL BE VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT POSSIBLE. MP3s for SpaceArk1 album are taken direct from the original (unreleased) 2-track stereo R/R master tape copy I received from the first mixdown session, with the exception of "Everybody's Trying" which is from the vinyl release. Afterwards, Troy Raglin the lead singer, remastered, speeded up the songs, and released them on vinyl. The original mixes are contained on these MP3s. I think these mixes are truer to the original intent/sound/feel of the songs than what was released on vinyl in 1974. MP3s for Spaceark2 album are copied directly from the vinyl release. ======================================== Recording Notes of Interest: The First SpacArk Album (from 1/4" mix tape): The MP3 mixes were created from a copy of a mastering test tape from which the final song order was decided. I prefer this 2-track master sound and song order rather than what was finally pressed to vinyl, and it doesn't have the normal scratchy sounds of an old record. The first LP was a group effort in all respects (with the exception of the mixdown which was done by Troy Raglin on his own which caused dissension in the group, especially on my part). Troy Raglin asserted control and behaved in a dictatorial manner, which continued from that point forward. It was his personal style, or lack thereof, which contributed to members leaving the group, and the group finally disintegrated when I left in 1979. (song credits - all lyrics Troiel Raglin except where noted, musical composition as noted): Welcome To My Door - Silberg Everybody's Trying - Raglin Fever Pitch - Silberg I'm Only Me - Reed - lyrics; Silberg I'm Walking - Silberg Jr. Blaster - Raglin Our Love Will Last - Raglin This World - Raglin Understand - Silberg Do What You Can Do - Reed, Raglin The "Lost" Second SpaceArk Album There was an original unreleased "second" LP that was composed, rehearsed, and basic tracks were recorded, but it was not moved forward. Mr. Raglin unilaterally decided it wasn't his vision and he trashed the effort, which greatly disturbed me. He subsequently selected/wrote almost all the "new" songs for the new "second" LP which was recorded, not as a group effort, but by Raglin using the members of the group as he saw fit in the recording effort. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the songs from the original second album and no recorded record exists with one exception. But I can tell you the songs were inspiring, well-written, and at times brought tears to my eyes. Ah, but onto creating more commercialism..... Unreleased Demo: Beautiful Machine - Silberg (test pressing) - this track is the only surviving example of a song from the lost original "second" album. It is just the rhythm track with Raglin dubbing his voice/lyrics in. He was so taken with this song, which I wrote, that he pressed an acetate, which I had for many years. Unreleased, unheard by anyone, except those that attended live stage shows. In fact, there were over 100 songs that SpaceArk wrote and performed, almost all of which are lost and fogotten, with the exception of the recorded LPs. I tried to determine if there were any cassettes that had not been destroyed, that Raglin kept, of our rehearsals and shows, which sometimes were recorded on mono or stereo cassettes, but they've all been lost......... And my memory can't recall other than a handful of unrecorded song ideas..... oh well. The released Second Album: Raglin wrote almost all of the songs contained on the released Second Album. I only added guitar overdubs to the recording sessions, and was the music composer for "Sexy Lady." This recording effort was the last the group completed, and I quit the group shortly thereafter. (song credits - all lyrics Troiel Raglin, except where noted, musical composition as noted): Sweet Hitchiker - Raglin Take Her Out Dancing - Reed, Raglin collaboration Sexy Lady - Silberg Ja More Mon A More - Raglin Phantom Lover - Raglin Each Song - Raglin In the years following my involvement with SpaceArk, I recorded song demos that included some songs that SpaceArk played, and which I composed, that were not recorded during the group's existence. There were also other unreleased recordings I composed and recorded, using other singers, that never saw the light of day. I retain possession of all of these rarities should anyone care to hear...... Drop me an email to petersil@[REMOVE_NOSPAM_]musician.org, or reverbfreak@[REMOVE_NOSPAM_]fastmail.fm and let me know how you like the music. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I had playing the songs those many years ago. Peter Silberg, original founding member and lead guitarist of SpaceArk ======================================================== LINKS TO DOWNLOAD MP3s COPY THE ENTIRE LINK INTO A BROWSER ADDRESS WINDOW (IT'S LONG......). A DOWNLOAD WINDOW SHOULD APPEAR IN A FEW SECONDS SO YOU CAN SAVE THE MP3 FILE. SpaceArk1 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track01%20-%20Welcome%20To%20My%20Door%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track02%20-%20Everybodys%20Trying%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track03%20-%20Fever%20Pitch%20Track%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track04%20-%20Im%20Only%20Me%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track05%20-%20Im%20Walking%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track06%20-%20Jr%20Blaster%20-%20SpaceArk%20.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track07%20-%20Our%20Love%20Will%20Last%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track08%20-%20This%20World%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track09%20-%20Understand%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track10%20-%20Do%20What%20You%20Can%20Do%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 1st album MP3s/Track11%20-%20RadioPromo%20-%20SpaceArk.MP3 SpaceArk2 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track01%20-%20Take%20Her%20Out%20Dancing%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track02%20-%20Each%20Song%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track03%20-%20Jaime%20Mon%20Amour%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track04%20-%20Phantom%20Lover%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track05%20-%20Sexy%20Lady%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track06%20-%20Sweet%20Hitchhiker%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/SpaceArk 2nd album MP3s/Track07%20-%20Beautiful%20Machine%20Demo%20-%20SpaceArk.mp3 BONUS TRACKS Dollyway - SpaceArk song recorded by group with horns and female vocal https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/Dollyway Dont Stop MP3s/Track01%20-%20Dont%20Stop%20-%20DollyWay.mp3 https://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd5/110527/Dollyway Dont Stop MP3s/Track02%20-%20Dont%20Stop%20-%20No%20Vocal.mp3 IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE -- THE MP3s ARE NOT TO BE REPACKAGED OR SOLD FOR PROFIT, ON EBAY OR ANYWHERE ELSE, AND ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR MUSICAL ENJOYMENT. ALL LEGAL RIGHTS RETAINED AND RESERVED UNDER U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS AND VIOLATORS WILL BE VIGOROUSLY PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT POSSIBLE. Edited January 11, 2006 by reverbfreak Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Greg Belson Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 'Sweet hitchhiker' is a fantastic record. Great stuff - thanks alot!!! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sutty Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 hi i don't post much on here so apologies if this is in the wrong place, but i've put this in reply to this original post from the original band member who posted this up in great trust. Rather disgusted to see this on ebay today https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...=ADME:B:SS:UK:1 including text relating to glitches from being recorded from vinyl that are on these mp3's. how do you let ebay know this is a bootleg? thanks Andy Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Nickg Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 hi i don't post much on here so apologies if this is in the wrong place, but i've put this in reply to this original post from the original band member who posted this up in great trust. Rather disgusted to see this on ebay today https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...=ADME:B:SS:UK:1 including text relating to glitches from being recorded from vinyl that are on these mp3's. how do you let ebay know this is a bootleg? thanks Andy Thanks for the info Andy, I've reported this to ebay and advised Reverbfreak-Spaceark to do likewise. Cheers Nick Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Got a 45 by em`,pretty good too!! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Wiganer1 Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Got a 45 by em`,pretty good too!! ==== just bought do what u can do again ,,,sold 2 copies really cheap years ago still a gr8 record Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 ==== just bought do what u can do again ,,,sold 2 copies really cheap years ago still a gr8 record Think that`s one,nice,cheap!?!?...... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 I also have reported this violation to Ebay and sent two CEASE & DESIST EMAILS to the seller. Thanks for bringing this violation of trust to my attention Nick, much appreciated!!! Thanks for the info Andy, I've reported this to ebay and advised Reverbfreak-Spaceark to do likewise. Cheers Nick Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Johnny One Trout Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Peter Thanks for the write up would just like to say how much enjoyment i get from your simply wonderful "Welcome to my door" certainly has been one of my favourite records over the last few years Cheers John Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Interesting stuff Peter ! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 To All SpaceArk Fans -- MP3s are again available for Free Download, see the original 11/8 posting for direct download links and information. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Johnny One Trout Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Just getting an error message Peter John Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted January 11, 2006 Share Posted January 11, 2006 Just getting an error message Peter John Hey John, try them again. The links to the first album MP3s had an error, which I fixed, all the other links for the 2nd album, etc. work fine. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 2/9/07 update. Filelodge, the hosting site, is out of commission. I will repost the Spaceark MP3s at another site as yet undetermined. Stay tuned. New Spaceark news - I am in contact after 33 years with the original bass player, Reggie Austin, and also the 2nd keyboard player, Jared Stewart. Perhaps I can find Skip Reed, the drummer... Also unknown are the whereabouts of Russell Greene, the original keyboard player. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Souljazera Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 awesome group...do what you can do was in my first few forays into record buying......blew me away as a child and still does the energy in it is unbelievable.. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 3/14/07 UPDATE -- MP3s for both SpaceArk albums plus extras are again available for download. Remember, the MP3s are not to be repackaged for resale. Enjoy and email me with your comments to reverbfreak@fastmail.fm Cheers to all fans, Peter Silberg, lead guitar, composer & founding member SpaceArk 1973-1979 Spaceark1 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468316 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468351 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468352 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468353 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468354 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468355 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468356 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468357 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468358 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468359 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468360 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468449 Spaceark2 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468432 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468433 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468435 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468437 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468438 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468439 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468440 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468441 https://www.badongo.com/file/2468442 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tony Turner Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 Thanks Peter. Great tunes. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Larsc Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 Great stuff Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
KevH Posted March 15, 2007 Share Posted March 15, 2007 "Do what you can do".Brilliant sound,,a spin for Colin Curtis in the Highland Room. (cue Mel Brat!!! ),,,,Kev. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 (edited) Hi SpaceArk fans, here is a recently discovered promo photo of the original group dated 1975. Yes we were all thin and young once upon a time.... I'm the white guy top right (Peter Silberg - lead guitar/band leader); top left is Skip Reed (drummer), Middle is Troy Raglin (lead singer/chief ego maniac), bottom front row sitting is Reggie Austin (bass - we are in email communications after 33 years), and bottom right is Russell Greene (keyboards) - Russ where are you??? Edited April 20, 2007 by reverbfreak Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 SpaceArk site is being created on MySpace. URL is: https://www.myspace.com/spacearklasoul Go there to contact band members, blog, updates, etc. It's likely I will not monitor this soul-source website very often anymore. You can download 4 SA songs (free), see pics and more. Upcoming will be the two released SA albums, historical info, and "30 years later" -- fans over the world are welcome to contribute to the Myspace site. SpaceArk Lives! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted August 14, 2007 Share Posted August 14, 2007 Updated URL for all SpaceAark MP3 downloads is: https://reverbfreak.badongo.com/ Enjoy and email me if you are a fan [remove nospam]_reverbfreak@fastmail.fm_[remove nospam] Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 (edited) New website as of 8/7/08 for SpaceArk info and downloads: https://www.unsigned.com/spaceark Please feel free to visit and contribute your comments to the website. Update: 3 original band members reunite after 30 years! Information posted on new site. More MP3s will be added to the site shortly. Edited September 19, 2017 by reverbfreak new email address spaceark@mail.com Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest reverbfreak Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 (edited) All new information about SpaceArk as of 11/17/2013. MP3s and CDs available, now on Facebook, etc. etc., and a revised BIO. Please read and enjoy.... SpaceArk email contact: spaceark@mail.com Please visit SpaceArk's Facebook websites at:www.facebook.com/SpaceArk.lasoul www.unsigned.com/spaceark SpaceArk video-photo slideshows are now on Facebook and YouTube:www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201081497943977&l=7620446419698531718 https://youtu.be/GeNxGV9iCeU MP3s and CDs can be listened to and purchased from iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Myspace, and many other streaming websites: iTunes SpaceArk Ihttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spaceark-i/id428998362 SpaceArk IShttps://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spaceark-is/id431720913 Amazon US SpaceArk I SpaceArk IShttps://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=spaceark&x=0&y=0 Amazon UK SpaceArk I SpaceArk IShttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004U3QRCS/ref=dm_dp_adp Myspace SpaceArk Ihttps://www.myspace.com/spaceark/music/albums/spaceark-i-17544861 SpaceArk IShttps://www.myspace.com/spaceark/music/albums/spaceark-is-17544814 SpaceArk CDs have been released on Creole Stream Records in Japan/Far East as a limited release. Enough promo, now please read on and learn about the group... ===================================== SpaceArk was an independent, seminal 1970s Los Angeles-based Soul/Rock group that began in 1973 and disbanded in 1979. The band's current status is inactive. The website is historical and exists so old and new fans can discover SpaceArk's music, and learn about the group's members. This website is maintained by Peter Silberg, original founding member and lead guitarist. Your comments and messages are welcome on this site or on Facebook, and you can email me at spaceark@mail.com. I love to hear from fans, especially if you were an original fan back in the day. Please enjoy and "Welcome to My Door".... ======================================== Once upon a dream.... a brief history of SpaceArk ======================================== Peter Alan Silberg Bio (Pre-SpaceArk): Offered recording/development deal with RCA Victor Records, England, at age 4 but emigrated to USA. Took up guitar after seeing Dick Dale "King of the Surf Guitar" perform live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (1961)." Lead guitarist for SoCal Surf Band "The Intoxicators" (1963-66). Lead guitarist for Epic Recording Artists, "The Bad Boys" (1966) . Lead guitarist for "The Black Watch" (1967-71), a local So.Cal. band, which formed from old members of The Intoxicators and rival surf rock bands. The music style morphed from surf and R&B classics to British Invasion and folk-rock, as time went forward. Keyboard player, Mark Weitz, went on to fame with the "Strawberry Alarm Clock." The Black Watch shared both concert and club venues with The Challengers, Bobby Fuller 4, Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs, The Coasters, The Standells, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Ben E. King, and other 60's rock & soul groups. In 1973, after many years working in SoCal, I decided to emigrate to England. Two weeks before I was scheduled to leave, I was contacted by songwriter/singer Troy Raglin. We met each other through a musician's contact service, hit it off, and subsequently spent that first summer composing original songs, recording rough demos on a 2-track reel-to-reel recorder, and attempted to market ourselves to major record companies as a song-writing duo. After no success in that direction, we decided to form SpaceArk to further develop our musical ideas, and play LIVE. We auditioned numerous players, and finally settled on the members who helped us record our first album. SpaceArk's musical compositions were created with all the band members' input, and after numerous live gigs (some initial duds and many more successes) the players cemented as a performing and recording unit. During the mid-1970s, SpaceArk released 2 independently produced and marketed albums and a handful of single 45s through our self-financed private Colorworld label. SpaceArk's records were produced at Sunset Sound and the original Ocean Way Studios in Santa Monica. Financing was obtained through individual investors and funded through the earnings from live performances, a novel approach 30 years ago. None of the group members made any money on this venture, least of all me... SpaceArk's records were stocked at Tower Records (the biggest record store in Southern California at the time) and other small distribution chains and stores. SpaceArk's first album was also released in South America on Pirate Records. SpaceArk's first album and singles were played on AM and FM radio in Los Angeles, at KRLA and KMET, and helped the band get bookings and a following, both in local clubs and other venues. SpaceArk performed at regional Southern California scenes and clubs, and worked extensively on a tour circuit of Armed Forces service bases (Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy) in Southern California. During the 1970s opportunities and venues to play original music did not exist (unless you were a successful recording group and on the radio). So bands played the "hits of the day," to get gigs. Our sets would consist of popular hits and our own compositions so we could perform our music and see audience reaction to our original songs and ideas. That exposure helped shape the songs we performed and the direction we took musically as time progressed. As a promotion, we gave away many 45rpm singles, 8-tracks, and full-length albums at live performances. Because we extensively toured military bases club circuits, our records eventually made their way all around the world. SpaceArk's vinyl records are now highly sought-after collectibles in England, Europe, and the Far East, and are classified as "Northern Soul." No CDs exist of the group's recordings, only original release vinyl records, and copies sell for hundreds of dollars on Ebay and on esoteric record/vinyl websites around the globe. SpaceArk was ahead of the times (which we recognized back then), both in musical ideas, and in being self-produced, recorded, promoted, and owning the rights to their songs, which was rare in the 1970s. Unfortunately, SpaceArk was not successful in bringing their music to a wider audience, as they were not promoted by a major record label. Record companies did not know how to market SpaceArk. The group's music could not be classified as soul, rock, disco, or pop, as it contained many styles, as is represented in the individual songs. A/R men generally agreed the group was unique and talented, but as SpaceArk's music didn't fall into one of those neat marketing categories (we weren't rock, we weren't disco, we weren't pop...), the end result was major record companies passed on the group. Circumstances led SpaceArk to adopt a novel approach and create their own record and promotion company (largely the idea of singer Troy Raglin who had more experience in the music business than the other group members, being almost 10 years older). For the next 5 years, we worked diligently, rehearsed, recorded, and played hundreds of gigs, and performed over 100 original songs. SpaceArk produced 2 full length albums and a handful of 45 rpm singles, including recording solo guest artists that were signed to Colorworld, SpaceArk's record label. But the times were not favorable, and after many years of effort, with personnel changes along the way, in late 1979 I left the group and SpaceArk ceased to exist. Some factors which led to the group disbanding were lead singer Troy Raglin's dictatorial management style, the simultaneous efforts to market different artists at the same time as SpaceArk, and an exhausting and lengthy period of not performing live. SpaceArk's dream was over in 1980... All that survived were vinyl records, photographs, and many memories... 2009 update (30 years after the group disbanded) 3 of the original members of the group found each other and had a reunion, resuming their friendship --- Peter Silberg, Reggie Austin, and Bryan "Skip" Reed. How we found each other, and how I obtained a treasure trove of original SpaceArk pictures, tapes and artifacts of the group may be the subject of a later writing on this website. Regarding the other group members, the whereabouts of Russell Greene, the original keyboardist passed on sometime around 2009. I was contacted by Allen "Kenny" Chavis, our 3rd bass player who is well and living in Pasadena. Our 2nd bass player, Mahlon Hawk lives in Phoenix. Unknown are the whereabouts of friends, Jerry our roadie/record promo man, and the second female singer (name forgotten) who accompanied SpaceArk at various times during the late 1970s, recording and performing with the group. I have also been in sporadic email contact with Jared Stewart, our second keyboardist. Late in 2008, I learned lead singer Troy Raglin passed away 3-4 years prior. Reflecting all these years later, "Rip" was the nickname Troy gave me for playing fast and aggressive guitar. Troy's self-moniker was "Rags" for the the patchwork jeans he had a habit of wearing. RIP Rags... In June, 2009, I was contacted by the daughter of Dolores Hardy. I was able to provide her with recordings of her mother and photos. I unfortunately learned Dolores was tragically killed in the mid-1980s. Dolores Hardy had the most pure voice I'd ever heard, and could effortlessly sing any style or dynamic. I also learned Michael McAllister, our group photographer and second roadie, passed away an unknown number of years ago. On behalf of the surviving group members, I thank Michael for his hard work, dedication and belief in the group. ======================================== SpaceArk's Musicians: ======================================== SpaceArk's founding members were Peter Silberg (lead guitar) and Troy "Troiel" Raglin (lead vocals). Original band members were Reggie Austin (bass), Bryan "Skip" Reed (drums), and Russell Greene (keyboards). Subsequent band members were Mahlon Hawk (bass2), Allen "Kenny" Chavis (bass3), and Jared Stewart (keyboards2). SpaceArk also periodically performed with 2 female singers, Dolores Hardy (who recorded "Don't Stop" a Silberg/Raglin composition), and another wonderful singer whose name I have unfortunately forgotten. The members of SpaceArk came from different musical backgrounds and brought unique playing styles and ideas to the group. I contributed the Rock and Surf music stylings, and the others uniquely brought Pop, R&B/ Soul, and classical/jazz flavorings to the mix. As musicians, we collectively strove to create unique, danceable, and melodic compositions with meaningful lyrics. To this day I haven't heard any group "duplicate" our sound and our ability to pursue such varied musical directions. The band members' musicianship and dedication was of the highest level and each person was passionate about music, and brought skill and vision to the group. We enjoyed playing and hanging out together and had a lot of fun, besides the hard times that all musicians are familiar with... SpaceArk was a high-energy live act, and eventually achieved a terrific audience response. We were full-time dedicated musicians, believed in the group and our "mission" and did everything we could to be successful. Who knows how different circumstances would have been if SpaceArk had existed during modern times? ======================================== Spaceark's Music: ======================================== There were over 100 songs that SpaceArk wrote and performed, most of which were not recorded and are now lost and forgotten, with the exception of the recorded LPs, and a few singles. I do have some primitive demos of songwriting sessions from the beginning of the Raglin/Silberg duo, which I may post online. There are also re-recordings of SpaceArk songs that were created after I left the group, which I may also post online at some point in the future. Over the years, I've attempted to obtain cassettes or other sound recordings of the group playing live and rehearsing, but until recently was not successful. Quite by luck, I was contacted and offered numerous boxes of photos, tapes and documentation, which were rescued from being tossed into the trash by a "caring" musician, who thought they might be of interest. Indeed they were and I'm very fortunate to have received this treasure trove, some of which is suitable for uploading, and other materials which are only of historical interest. I do have a direct memory of SpaceArk being taped by KCET public television for a membership drive where we performed two lip-synched songs. Lastly, memory can only recall a handful of unrecorded song ideas, but some of the old cassette tapes I did receive contained portions of songs we wrote that were not professionally recorded. However, SpaceArk's professionally recorded material survives along with a selection of wonderful photographs posted to the website. ======================================== SpaceArk I - Recording Notes: ======================================== MP3s for the SpaceArk1 album were duplicated from the original (unreleased) 2-track stereo R/R master tape copy from the first mixdown session, with the exception of "Everybody's Trying" which is from the vinyl release. After the recording and first mix session, Troy Raglin remastered and VSO'd (speeded up) the tracks, which were then pressed to vinyl. These song versions come from the original mixes which I believe were more representative of the original intent/sound/feel of the songs as performed live. As the MP3 mixes were taken from a mastering test tape the tracks do not have normal scratchy sounds associated with an old record. Song credits - all lyrics Troy Raglin except where noted, musical composition as noted): Everybody's Trying - Raglin Understand - Silberg/Raglin Fever Pitch - Silberg/Raglin/Greene I'm Only Me - Reed/Greene/Silberg/Raglin Jr. Blaster - Austin/Raglin Welcome To My Door - Silberg/Raglin Our Love Will Last - Raglin/Greene I'm Walking - Silberg/Raglin Do What You Can Do - Reed/Greene This World - Austin/Raglin ======================================== The "Lost" SpaceArk II Album ======================================== After Spaceark's first album, a new group of songs were composed, rehearsed, and tested before live audiences. We subsequently began recording a "second" LP but it was not to be completed. Troy Raglin decided it wasn't the direction he thought the group should go in and the recordings were abandoned after the original instrumental rhythm tracks were recorded. This decision was made unilaterally by Troy and distressed the group's members, being one of the main factors in the original keyboardist, Russell Greene, leaving the group. The original song selections for the second album concept were group-composed and rehearsed, and performed at live concerts. The songs were uniformly inspiring, well-written, and I can recall some of the songs brought tears to my eyes when we finished rehearsals because they were so heartfelt. Ah, but onto creating more pop commercialism... Troy Raglin subsequently and unilaterally worked on and composed a new group of songs (mostly without the band's input) and re-recorded a "new" second album entitled "SpaceArk Is." As far as the original second album's tracks, no recorded record exists except for two songs Beautiful Machine & Don't Stop (recorded by Dolores Hardy and released as a 45 single). Original Lost Album track (Beautiful Machine - demo): This track is the first surviving example of a song from the lost original "second" album. Music composed by Peter Silberg; and Troy Raglin dubbed a guide vocal. Troy was so enthusiastic about this song that he pressed a studio acetate. This track was unreleased, and until now was unheard by anyone, except fans who attended our live stage shows. Original Lost Album track (Don't Stop - featuring Dollyway/Dolores Hardy, one of the singers who sometimes appeared with SpaceArk). Music was composed by Peter Silberg, lyrics by Troy Raglin. Musicians were SpaceArk augmented by a horn section lead by Bobby Keyes (the sax player for the Rolling Stones). Don't Stop was a featured song at SpaceArk live performances and was a song from the original second album concept. ======================================== SpaceArk Is -- Recording Notes: ======================================== Tracks are copied directly from the vinyl release. Troy Raglin composed most of the songs contained on the SpaceArk Is Album and directed the recording efforts unilaterally. I contributed guitar overdubs, and was the composer of "Sexy Lady." SpaceArk's band members contributed the rhythm music tracks (Skip Reed, Drums; Kenny Chavis, Bass;and Jared Stewart, Keyboards). Skip Reed sang lead on "Take Her Out Dancing." Song credits - all lyrics Troy Raglin, except where noted, musical composition as noted: Sweet Hitchiker - Raglin Take Her Out Dancing - Raglin/McAllister Sexy Lady - Silberg/Raglin Ja More Mon A More (I Love My Love) - Raglin/Silberg Phantom Lover - Raglin/McAllister Each Song - Raglin ======================================== IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE -- MP3s ARE NOT TO BE REPACKAGED AND SOLD FOR PROFIT, AND ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR MUSICAL ENJOYMENT. ALL LEGAL RIGHTS RETAINED AND RESERVED UNDER U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS. ======================================== A special thank you to Randy & Lisa for providing the SpaceArk photos and other artifacts to me, and saving them from oblivion... Peace to all, Peter Silberg, founder and lead guitarist of SpaceArk, email spaceark@mail.com Edited September 19, 2017 by reverbfreak new email address spaceark@mail.com Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
reverbfreak Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 (edited) April 2022 update (noticing it's been ages since anything was posted to this website). SpaceArk home page - https://www.spacearklasoul.com/ The complete SpaceArk-Colorworld archive catalog is now available online, distributed by DistroKid, on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Pandora, Amazon, Instagram, YouTube, Tidal, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and numerous online stores & streaming services world-wide. The SpaceArk-ColorWorld catalog is also available at spaceark.bandcamp.com SpaceArk-ColorWorld albums: SpaceArk - 1st album 1975; Re-released on vinyl and CD by Mr. Bongo Records, UK 2018 SpaceArk Is - 2nd album 1978; Re-released on vinyl and CD by Mr. Bongo Records, UK 2018 Diamonds & Demos, Vols.1 & 2 released May 2020 by DistroKid world-wide, and spaceark.bandcamp.com. A collection of 21 tracks including extended versions, unreleased masters, and demo recordings. Diamonds & Demos, Vol.3 - Future Beginnings released April 2022 by DistroKid world-wide, and spaceark.bandcamp.com. A collection of 18 tracks including demos, rehearsals, and the 1973 acoustic songwriting tape by Troy Raglin and Peter Alan Silberg, founding members of SpaceArk Diamonds & Demos, Vol.4 - Eternity Row; released April 2022 by DistroKid world-wide, and spaceark.bandcamp.com. A collection of 27 solo album demos featuring Peter Alan Silberg, SpaceArk lead guitarist. Eternity Row EP - released April 2022 by DistroKid world-wide, and spaceark.bandcamp.com. A collection of 6 demos not included on Vol. 4 Peace to all. Peter Alan Silberg, lead guitarist for SpaceArk. Edited December 20, 2022 by reverbfreak Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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