AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Christie

Artist:Christie
Song:Yellow River
Album:Spirit Of Woodstock





Yellow River was the only big hit for Christie. I'm sure fans have heard the song but don't know anything about the group and they may even think it's by Lou Christie who was popular at the time. Christie were from Leeds, England. Lead singer, songwriter and bassist Jeff Christie was in bands like The Outer Limits, The Epics and Acid Gallery. Guitarist Vic Elmes and drummer Mike Blakely were in the latter two bands. Mike Blakely is the brother of Tremeloes guitarist Alan Blakely. Christie sent out demos mainly as a songwriter. It looks like he may have given up on performing. Alan Blakely liked his demo and the plan was to record Christie as a solo artist backed by The Tremeloes. When that didn't turn out well, Christie brought in Elmes and Mike Blakely. The band signed with Epic Records in the US and it was decided they would be called Christie. Apparently CBS Records head Clive Davis thought they could be like Creedence Clearwater Revival. Originally Yellow River was supposed to be recorded by The Tremeloes. After they recorded it, producer Mike Smith removed the vocals and had Christie and Elmes record vocals to The Tremeloes backing track. In 1970, Yellow River reached #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the British Singles chart. The Tremeloes version of Yellow River surfaced later. Christie's second single San Bernadino was a top ten hit in England but didn't get far in America. And the album didn't do as well as expected. Christie started having personnel problems in 1971. Blakely left and was replaced by Paul Fenton. Their second album For All Mankind tanked and then Fenton was replaced by Howard Lubin. But Christie and Elmes weren't getting along and Christie split up in 1972. The Christie recordings are available on CD but I think most will only be interested in Yellow River. This 3CD budget various artists comp from BMG looks OK. Jeff Christie continues to tour the oldies circuit. Vic Elmes became a session guitarist and is best known for his work on the soundtrack of the cult TV show Space: 1999. He also tours as Christie Again. So I guess the two still don't get along. Paul Fenton joined T. Rex and still tours with a version of the band. Here's the video for Yellow River by Christie.