The Age of Reason were five teenagers from the northern half of the Bronx: Kenny Dale on guitar, Sid Sheres lead guitar, Andy Adams bass, Alan Turner on vocals and Larry Russell, drums.
Larry Russell recalled:
Our original name was The Loose Ends but, when we recorded “Magnet” on 9/8/66, our manager decided to change our name (that night) because there had been another band with the same name that had a record deal before us. On that day we recorded four songs, the other two besides the single were “(It’s a) Dirty Shame”, which was going to be our follow-up single, and “Pride”, written by our producer and which, in our opinion, sucked.
TV host Clay Cole died on Dec. 18, 2010. He was a pal and great guy who presented my band in 1967.
United Artists released “(Your Love is Like a) Magnet” on its Ascot subsidiary in March of ’67. The song was written by the lead singer Alan Turner, who also penned a fine b-side, “I’m a Free Man” that surprisingly has never been comped or featured before. The 45 made local charts and gave the band the opportunity to appear on afternoon TV shows and open for bigger acts like the Box Tops and the Young Rascals.
“Dirty Shame” would have been a great follow-up, but UA wasn’t interested and it remained unreleased for over thirty years after the group broke up in 1968.
The Age of Reason – Dirty Shame
Thanks to Larry Russell for the photos and ad clipping.
I think the age of reason sounds like a great band and I would love to see them do some kind of reunion show! Make it happen!!!
The Age of Reason is reuniting on July 19th at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village New York City at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale at TicketWeb. Don’t miss this!
Age of Reason Reunion July 19th at The Bitter End, NYC. 5PM
I don’t know if that can ever happen now; we live too far from each other at this point.
But thank you very much for the comment.
Best,
Larry (drums)
Awesome songs, I’m getting crazy searching for a copy of this single…
Sorry for my bad english!!
Oscar (Spain)
In 1979-1980 I played drums for some casual jam sessions in Boulder, Colorado, with Sid Sheres on guitar. I was just thinking about my Boulder days and decided to search for info on the gang today. Thanks for this posting.
what a great refreshing sound you guys have straight out of 1966.fab gear and out of sight.
We are we reuniting July 19th at the Bitter End in the Village, New York City 5 p.m. $15.00
I remember seeing your band at Palisades Amusement Park. I remember thinking it was a “groovy, psychedelic experience. ” I was 11 at the time and was already into lots of music. Started my own personal journey as a musician when I began teaching myself guitar at age 18.
I’m so glad to have found this. I was good friends with Alan Turner in the 70s. He barely mentioned the Age of Reason, though I do remember him telling me that he had a band in the 60s.
Alan, I hope you see this some day. I’d love to see you again. Please message me via FaceBook some time. I hope all is well with you.
This is Alan, former lead singer of The Age Of Reason and seventies punk group
Sniper/ Kid Blast.
Music has changed and I can’t say for the better.
I was glad to be a part of it back then.
AlanTurner
Alan! I can hardly believe it’s you. I’d love to see you some time. It’s been 40+ years, but I’ve always remember you fondly. Please email me some time. I’m easy to find on Facebook.
I hope all is well with you. I was talking to Arlene’s old friend, Doreen, just yesterday.
How is Arlene?
I’m almost afraid to. ask.ala
Alan