1996.12 Released in December 1996 was a CD by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, "Part One & Vol. 2" (HEAD 3096), which features a cover version of "Here's Where You Belong", making its first appearance on CD. It's worth hunting down for those of you who don't have record players!
1996.11.21 On 1996.11.21, MCA Victor, Inc., Japan released The Grass Roots' "All Time Greatest Hits", which features 3 songs co-produced by P. F. Sloan, two of which were co-written by him.It also contains a short "interview conducted expressly for this project". This Japanese pressing contains lyrics, a discography, and a (Sloan-unrelated!) bonus track.
1996.11 In November 1996, EMI Records released the 2-CD compilation by Jan & Dean "All The Hits - From Surf City To Drag City" (E2 53730). This includes four Sloan - Barri compositions, most notably "Music City", the previously unreleased version of "(Here They Come) From All Over The World". A significant number of tracks also feature backing vocals by Sloan & Barri.
1996.11 From Luxembourg, an unofficial Jan & Dean CD, "Rough City" (Midnight Beat MB CD 085) was released around November 1996. Track 11 is take 10A of "Tell 'Em I'm Surfin'", featuring "Jan's rough vocal, Sloan & Barri on back-ups, no fade-out".This was the first release by the people who would go on to produce the legendary "Sea Of Tunes" bootleg series of the Beach Boys.
1996.11 Kenny Rogers & The First Edition covered "New Design" on their 1969 album, "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town". In late 1996, this was issued on their "Greatest Hits" CD on the Hip Records label (MCA) (HIPD-40016). Even if you dislike country, you might find this surprisingly accessible!
1996.09 On 1996.09.13, at 20:00, a performance of Brian Wilson's "Pet Sounds" & "Friends" was held at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, performed by The Wild Honey Pocket Symphony Orchestra with Guest Vocalists. P. F. Sloan was the guest vocalist on "Sloop John B", contributing his time and services for free, in order to benefit Sweet Relief, which provides for musicians with catastrophic medical needs. For those who missed the performance, the programme states: "Look for a record release of this and previous Wild Honey presentations in 1997". However, the 12 October, 1996 Billboard indicated that no deal had been struck with any CD company yet. It must be said that "Sloop John B", whilst arguably being the weakest track on "Pet Sounds", was elevated to being one of the best performances of the night, being given a more plaintive reading than the Beach Boys' version. Unfortunately, such live appearances are all too rare these days, but P. F. Sloan stated after the concert that he would love to have the opportunity to give more concerts. I'm sure his wish is shared by lots of people!
1996.07 Varese Sarabande also issued a Surf / Hot Rod compilation "Wax, Board And Woodie" in July 1996, featuring the previously unreleased Sloan - Barri demo of "Dragon Lady", credited to Phil Sloan and The Fantastic Baggys! (But I thought Phil was one of The Fantastic Baggys....) In addition to this, the vocal version of Willie And The Wheels' (a.k.a. The Rincon Surfside Band, a.k.a. Sloan & Barri) "Skateboard Craze", a re-working of "Surfin' Craze", appears (unfortunately from a vinyl source) for the first time on CD!
1996.04 In April 1996, Los Angeles based label, Varese Sarabande, issued a CD by The Vogues, called "You're The One The Best Of The Vogues" (VSD-5680). This contains two previously unreleased 1965 Vogues' recordings of "Autumn" and "You Baby". Unfortunately, a third Sloan-Barri composition, "Can I Get To Know You Better" did not make it onto this compilation.