Influenced by doo-wop of the sixties, mixed with the surf take over, came rockers, The Trashmen. Recording first as Jim Thaxter & the Travelers (“Sally Jo/”Cyclone”) from their home of Minneapolis. Ironically playing surf tunes to an audience more than a thousand miles from any beach, received their break when they decided to combine three Rivingtons tunes (“The Bird’s The Word” and “Pa-Pa-Ooh-Mow-Mow” and “Mama-Oom-Mow-Mow”) to form the hit “Surfin’ Bird.” By 1964 The Trashmen were at the top of the charts, known for their screaming vocals and pounding rhythms.

The band consisted of Tony Anderson on lead, Dan Winslow on guitar and vocals, Bob Reed on bass, and Steve Wahrer on drums and vocals. The guys came together in 1962 had their hit in 1964, and did chart with a few other singles, “Bird Dance Beat” hit #30 in the states. The group overall released 14 albums, however broke up in 1967.

Just before the group broke up they recorded a single in Houston for Tribe records under the eye of, “Crazy Cajun” Huey Meaux. Huey met The Trashmen and their manager, while the group was on the road, through Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers via Sir Douglas Quintet. The group was between labels and with Huey’s savvy business sense and ear for music offered to record a single for the group on tribe who Huey worked with often. The recording took place in Pasadena right out side of Houston in Meaux’s studio called Recording Services. It was January 1966 when The Trashmen laid down “Same Lines” and “Hanging on Me.”

The topside is an original by Anderson with a strong Dylan influence smeared with an edgy garage sound. “Hanging on Me” is a jangly pop tune written by Mark Charron who wrote a few tunes for B. J. Thomas. The group liked the single, however sales were too small to warrant another Tribe release. So with out any further adieu I give you The Trashmen with the Crazy Cajun at the wheel.

I would like to thank Doug Hanners for providing me with information and the promo shot below, which features the group and their signatures along with Meaux’s signature.

LISTEN: The Trashmen – Same Lines