The Laughing Dogs
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1974-75) - Ronny Carle (a.k.a. Ronny Altaville) -- vocals, bass, harmonica - Carter Cathcart -- vocals, guitar, keyboards, vocals - James Leonard (a.k.a. Jimmi Accardi) -- vocals, guitar - Paul "Skip" Reed -- drums, percussion
line up 2 (1975-) - Ronny Carle (a.k.a. Ronny Altaville) -- vocals, bass, harmonica - Carter Cathcart -- vocals, guitar, keyboards, vocals - James Leonard (a.k.a. Jimmi Accardi) -- vocals, guitar - Moe Potts (a.k.a. Marc Potocsky) -- drums, percussion (replaced Paul Reed)
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- Jimmi Accardi (aka James Leonard) (solo efforts) - Aesop's Fables (Ronny Carle Altaville) - Carter Cathcart (solo efforts) - The Duophonic Band (Carter Cathcart) - Jing (Ronny Carle Altaville) - Mud In Your Eye (Ronny Carle Altaville and James Leonard) - New Heavenly Blue (Carter Cathcart)
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Genre: rock Rating: **** stars Title: The Laughing Dogs Company: Columbia Catalog: JC-36033 Country/State: New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: promo stamp on back cover; custom inner sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $20.00
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New York's The Laughing Dogs came together in 1974. The original line-up featured singer/bass player Ronny Carle (a.k.a. Ronny Altaville), singer/multi-instrumentalist Carter Cathcart , singer/guitarist James Leonard (a.k.a. Jimmi Accardi) and drummer Paul "Skip" Reed. Altaville had previously been a member of the horn band Aesop's Fables and with Leonard in the obscure Mud In Your Eye (see separate entries).
The band got their first break when they started playing at Hilly Krystal's famed CBGB's. At least to my ears The Laughing Dogs were an odd band to pair with CBGBs. Unlike many CBGB regulars like The Dead Boys, The Ramones, Patti Smith, or Television, these guys were experienced, highly competent musicians who had a knack for crafting catchy melodies coupled with great harmonies. They could certainly play a rawer styled of rock, but their hearts were more in line with say Blondie, or perhaps the ever-quirky Talking Heads.
Apparently hoping
to take advantage of the public's growing interest in punk and new wave,
Columbia joined the string of labels pursuing CBGB associated bands, signed
The Laughing Dogs to a recording contract, perhaps not realizing they were
more of a power-pop, or new wave entity. The fact they were better
dressed than most of the co
"The
Laughing Dogs" track listing: 1.) Get 'im Outa Town (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:26 rating: **** stars Complete with waves of jangle guitar and Reed's energetic drumming 'Get 'im Outa Town' opened up with a first-rate and highly commercial rocker. The track also showcased the band's awesome harmony work. Hard to believe a band like The Knack could score a massive hit and these guys couldn't get arrested. Columbia seemed interested in the song, financing a promotional video and released the song as a promotional single:
- 1979's 'Get 'im Outa Town' b/w 'Get 'im Outa Town' (Columbia catalog number 1-11069) You can see the video at: The Laughing Dogs - Get 'Im Outa Town 2.) Low Life (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 2:56 rating: **** stars Upping the catchy quotient, 'Low Life' was another awesome slice of jangle-rock. If you thought bands like The A's, Doug Fieger and the Knack, or The Romantics were cool, listen to this one. This was the kind of rocker Eric Carmen could only dream of having recorded. 3.) No Lies (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:00 rating: **** stars Built on Carter Cathcart's rollicking, '50s styled piano work 'No Lies' reached another level courtesy of some of the sweetest harmonies this side of The Hollies. Cathcart also turned in a great Hammond B-3 solo. 4.) Johnny Contender (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:19 rating: *** stars Almost rockabilly, 'Johnny Contender' was the first disappointment. Imagine something that Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats would have ridden onto the charts. Yeah it had a great guitar solo and the harmonies where sweet making it better than anything The Stray Cats could have done, but it was still a rockabilly tune. The song also appeared as the "B" side on their 'Reason for Love' single. 5.) Reason for Love (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 2:19 rating: **** stars The harmonica and organ opening sounded like something out of Springsteen's '70s catalog. When the glistening vocals kicked in the song swung into the NRBQ catalog. One of the album's standout performances and a great choice as a single, though it did nothing commercially.
- 1979's 'Reason for Love' b/w 'Johnny Contender' (Columbia catalog number 1-11108)
6.) I Need A Million (Ronny Carle - James Leonard - Barry Taylor) - 2:54 And just to prove they could match up with the rawest of the CBGB crowd, along came the raucous 'I Need A Million'. Originally recorded by the short-lived Mud In Your Eye and included on their "Million" album (Mandax catalog MANX-003) it's punk, but with some sweet harmonies ... odd experience. Along with 'It Feels Alright Tonight' the track was included on the CBGB primer "Live at CBGBs" (Atlantic catalog number SD 2-508). YouTube has a black and white clip of the group performing the song Asbury Park's Convention Hall: The Laughing Dogs - I Need A Million - YouTube
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2) Opening up with some AOR guitar, the ballad 'It's Alright, It's Okay' was the album's most AOR-ish track. Perhaps because it was such an unexpected change of pace and the title track refrain, the result was actually ear catching. Funny to hear these guys beating the rank and file of corporate "long hair" bands at their own game. Shame it faded out so fast. This is the track I would have tapped as a single. 2.) I'm Awake (Carter Cathcart - Ronny Carle) - 3:14 rating: **** stars Opening up with some hypnotic Cathcart barrelhouse piano, 'I'm Awake' has always reminded me of a good Paul McCartney rocker. 3.) Round and Round (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 4:20 rating: *** stars Another unexpected AOR ballad, 'Round and Round' was a built on Reed's powerhouse drumming and sported one of their prettier melodies. The lyrics almost seemed to have a non-secular message. Cathcart also got an opportunity to showoff his Hammond B-3 skills. YouTube has another black and white performance clip from their Asbury Park's Convention Hall show. It shows they were as good live as in the studio. The Laughing Dogs: Round and Round (Live) 4.) It's Just The Truth (Carter Cathcart) - 3:48 rating: **** stars Opening up with Reed's take-no-prisoner's drums, 'It's Just The Truth' was another power-pop tune that reminded me of the likes of Eric Carmen and the Raspberries. Leonard's dirty guitar solo was wonderful and kicked the song to another level.
5.) Get Outa My Way (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 2:46 rating: **** stars How could you not like a song that opens up with such joyous guitars? With snarling vocals, Leonard's sizzling lead guitar and Reed's pile house drumming 'Get Outa My Way' was punk for people who don't like punk. One of the album's highlights. The song also appeared on the soundtrack to the film "CBGB" (Omnivore catalog number OVLP-74)
Interesting factoid - the late Jerry Abramowitz's cover photo was original chosen to grace a 1971 album by the New York City band Wicked Lester (which evolved into Kiss). Epic shelved the set prior to release, though the photo reappeared on The Laughing Dogs debut. The Wicked Lester saw an unofficial release in 2018 (Epic catalog number WLLP 1-01)
© Scott R. Blackerby Januuary, 2o25
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Genre: rock Rating: **** stars Title: The Laughing Dogs Meet Their Makers Company: Columbia Catalog: NJC-36429 Country/State: New York Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: white label; includes original custom inner sleeve Available: 1 Catalog ID: 765 Price: $15.00
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The Laughing Dogs second album for Columbia found them working with English producer Peter Ker. 1980's "The Laughing Dogs Meet Their Makers" was probably a major surprise to the band's CBGB's fan base who were accustomed to seeing them opening for the likes of Blondie and Patti Smith. Not saying it was a bad move, but unlike their 1979 debut "The Laughing Dogs", this time out any semblance of punk rawness and aggression was lost in this collection of surprisingly commercial pop-rock. Still, Columbia executives must have been dumbfounded to learn the band planned on naming their sophomore album "Hot Negro Feet". Given the album was released as "The Laughing Dogs Meet Their Makers" my guess is Columbia put a quick end to that marketing concept. Wonder if that had anything to do with Columbia doing little to promote the album and then dropping them from the label?
For
years I've tried to come up with a comparison for their sound. The
best I've been able to come up with is imagine a less quirky NRBQ, a less
frenetic version of The Knack, or perhaps a New York version of Canada's The
Wackers. By the way, those comparisons are both meant as
compliments. As on the debut LP bassist Ronny Carle, guitarist James
Leonard and multi-instrumentalist C
For a band with punk roots Paul Scher's album design and Jim Houghton's cover photo were hysterical. Judging by the inner sleeve photos, the ladies on the front and back covers were in fact the band members' moms.
"The
Laughing Dogs Meet Their Makers" track listing: 1.) Zombies (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:20 rating: **** stars Kicked along by Carter Cathcart bubbly keyboards the rocker 'Zombies' managed to mash-up garage rock enthusiasm with a touch of punk energy and a giddy pop melody. In spite of the dark title the song was simply a blast to hear. Imagine a really good song by a band like The Knack. Always loved the "Arrivederci zombies" fade out. It made you wonder why they seemingly went out of their way to piss off their record label. YouTube has a poor quality, no budget promotional film made by the band and members of The Shirts in support of the song. The Shirts (Annie Golden, Artie Lamonica, John Piccolo, and Ronnie Ardito) played the Zombies. Zombie: The Laughing Dogs vs. The Shirts - YouTube Let me warn you the video is fairly grisly. 2.) Don't Bring Me Down (Carole King - Gerry Goffin) - 3:06 rating: *** stars The Animals enjoyed the original hit with their cover of this classic Goffin and King tune. For a moment I thought I'd put a Tommy James and the Shondells album on by mistake. The Laughing Dogs arrangement dropped some of the blues-influence in favor of a more pop orientation. Anyhow, once I got myself situated I have to admit they did a great job on the cover. Who knows why, but Columbia decided to pick the album's one cover as a promotional 12" single:
- 1980's 'Don't Bring Me Down' b/w 'Zombies' and 'Take My Chances' (Columbia catalog number As 846)
3.) Formal Letter (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:08 rating: *** stars One of the album's most mainstream efforts, 'Formal Letter' managed to blend AOR influences with their knack for catchy hooks and one of Leonard's prettiest solos. Based on the lyrics the track should have been titled 'Freedom In Chain'. 4.) Take My Chances (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:25 rating: **** stars Kicked along by Cathcart bouncy keyboards and a melodic Carle bass line, 'Take My Chances' upped the pop flavor. Adding another ear candy refrain made it even more appealing. It would have made another great single. 5.) Not What I Used To Be (Carter Cathcart) - 3:09 rating: **** stars The first of two Cathcart solo compositions, the ballad 'Not What I Used To Be' reflected an unexpected English pop feeling - imagine the Raspberries doing their best Paul McCartney impersonation. Awesome backing vocals on this one. Others may disagree, but to my ears Cathcart had the band's strongest and most commercial voice. Hard to believe Columbia didn't forgive the band's other sins in order to push this one as a single. 6.) Stand Up (James Leonard) - 2:59 rating: *** stars 'Stand Up' offered up another pretty, sentimental Eric Carmen-styled "big" ballad. Honestly the song seemed pretty routine until you got to the pounding, first rate chorus which has always reminded me of something off a Styx album. Extra star for the chorus.
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2) Normally '50s styled tunes don't do a lot for me but, the energetic, good natured 'Don't Bring Me Down' was an exception to the rule. This one reminded me of a good Huey Lewis & the News song. Another missed opportunity for Columbia's marketing arm. 2.) Reach Out for Me (Burt Bacharach - Hal David) - 2:29 rating: *** stars The Moorish ballad 'Reach Out For Me' (specifically the title track refrain) was one of the songs that made Dionne Warwick a major star. Their goal may have been tongue-in-cheek, but The Laughing Dogs up tempo remake kept the song's sweet melody and sense of innocence while adding a little energy to the tune. 3.) Melody Love (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 2:47 rating: ** stars The echo effect on the vocals gave the keyboard powered rocker 'Melody Love' a mild '50s flavor. Unfortunately this one never seemed to coalesce 4.) Reason for Wanting You (Carter Cathcart) - 2:58 rating: **** stars The giddy radio-friendly 'Reason for Wanting You ' was another tune that sounded like it had been penned to make Columbia executives happy. "Hey guys, let's write something so giddy that will make Columbia and leave us alone ..." My goodness I could see Paul Anka or the Captain and Tennille doing a cover of this one. 5.) What Ya Doin' It For? (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) 3:08 rating: ** stars Opening up with some bluesy harmonica from Carle and powered by Moe Potts powerhouse drumming 'What Ya Doin' It For?' was the album's rawest performance. Admittedly it wasn't even close to punk; more along the lines of a Huey Lewis & the News song. 6.) Two Who Are Willing (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:24 rating: **** stars Built on Cathcart's breezy organ washes and what should have been an illicitly catchy chorus, the sweet ballad 'Two Who Are Willing' sounded like a mash-up of a Badfinger song with Beach Boys harmonies slapped on top. It made for a glorious slice of power pop. (I would have paid to see them play this in front of a CBGB's audience.)
For the band's hardcore fan base (all ten of you), they eventually got around to releasing the second album as they'd originally envisioned it. Released in 2011 "Hot Negro Feet" included numerous songs that didn't make the Columbia release, as well as different takes of those that were on the album.
"Hot Negro Feet" track listing: 1.) Formal Letter (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:23 2.) Whatcha Doin' It For (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 3:22 3.) I'll Take My Chances - 3:01 4.) Reason For Wanting You -3:02 5.) Stuck In Reno - 4:05 6.) Melody Love (Ronny Carle - James Leonard) - 2:48 7.) Pastafazoolin' - 3:17 8.) Stand Up (James Leonard) -2:52 9.) Zombies (Ronny Carle - James Leonard)- 3:44 10.) Keep Your Distance - 3:30 11.) Ecstasy - 2:05 12.) Transit Town - 1:55 13.) The Mule - 3:02 14.) Don't Push It - 3:16 15.) Smell Like A Mouse - 3:52 16.) I'm Your Man - 3:05 17.) Not What I Used to Be - 3:24 18.) Talk to Me - 3:08 19.) Mr. Victor's Ending - 2:19
© Scott R. Blackerby December, 2024
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mpetition
(complete with skinny ties) should have clued Columbia in, but it didn't.
Released in 1979 the Bruce Botnick produced "The Laughing Dogs"
found singer/bassist Carle and guitarist Leonard handling the bulk of
song-writing chores. Multi-instrumentalist Cathcart also contributed
to a pair of songs. These
guys seemingly had it all - three talented singers in Carle, Cathcart and
Leonard; two energetic guitarists in Cathcart and Leonard and an
enthusiastic rhythm section in Carle and Reed. Judging by performances
like the opener 'Get 'im Outa Town', 'Low Life' and the single 'Reasons for
Love', not only were the Laughing Dogs talented, but they seemed to actually
enjoy working together.
These guys were also interesting for the breadth of their catalog. The
bulk of the album
showcased an
unexpectedly polished pop-rock sound, with almost every one of the
performances having radio potential. At the same time, kind of like NRBQ,
they seemed capable of handling multiple musical genres. 'I
Need A Million' was a blazing punk-ish
rocker. 'I'm Awake' was a Paul McCartney-styled rocker. 'It's
Alright, It's Okay' and 'Round and Round' were AOR-styled rock ballads.
The band toured in support of fellow CBGB acts Blondie and The Patti Smith
Group, but album sales proved disappointing. Shame since it was a fun
album from start to finish; all the better for retaining some of their rawer
bits. Extra star for the fact you can still find affordable copies of
the album.
arter
Cathcart shared writing chores. The album's ten original compositions were
rounded out by two covers
- the Goffin-King classic 'Don't Bring Me Down' (made a hit by Eric Burden
and the Animals) and the Bacharach-David ballad 'Reach Out for Me' (a hit by
Dionne Warwick). These guys were blessed with three capable lead
singers in Carle, Leonard and Cathcart. Based on performances like 'Not
What I Used To Be' and the radio friendly
'Reason for Wanting You'
Cathcart struck me as being the most talented (certainly the most
commercial) voice of the three. Anyhow, I've listened to this album dozens
of times over the years. It originally struck me as competent, but
forgettable new wave, bordering on
power-pop. Over the years it has grown on me more and more. What was
mere competence has steadily revealed itself to be an enjoyable collection
of catchy and energetic power-pop laced with great hooks, sweet harmonies;
Leonard throwing in some tasteful lead guitar moves. Personally I
thought these guys were at their best of up-tempo rockers like the leadoff
'Zombies' and 'Formal
Letter'. Admittedly ballads and pop
tunes like the Cathcart penned 'Not
What I Used To Be', 'Don't
Push It' and 'Reason
for Wanting You' were more
radio-ready. A fun listen from start to finish.
