Twentieth Century Zoo aka The Bittersweets - a biodiscography [HD]

0:09 - "Cry Your Eyes Out" / 3:07 - "You Don't Remember" Before they became the Twentieth Century Zoo, the Phoenix rock group was known as The Bittersweets. Their first record (covered here) was 1966's "Cry Your Eyes Out" b/w "She Treats Me Bad." Near the end of 1967 the group would change its name to Twentieth Century Zoo, and release their first single "Clean Old Man"; the flip side "You Don't Remember" is also featured. This 2-part 2010 biodiscography tracks the group's transition utilizing archival photos, press clips, and images. While rumors spread over the years that they were a California band or relocated there, the group was Phoenix-based from end to end. The Bittersweets evolved from a surf band called the “LTDs” formed in 1965 by Alan Chitwood (bass/vocals), who recruited Greg Farley (guitar/vocals) and other musicians from their high school in Phoenix. The band soon accepted an offer from college student Forrest Higginbotham to manage the group and line up bookings. Higginbotham eventually struck up an alliance with band manager Chari Zelman, who was handling another Phoenix group “The Laser Beats.” When the LTDs lead singer left for California, Higgenbotham and Zelman arranged for auditions at a local country club for a replacement. Among the half dozen singers who auditioned was Bob Sutko, who was chosen unanimously. A few weeks later the group looked to replace its drummer and at Bob’s recommendation Paul Bennett was brought into the group. After going through one or two more name changes and Zelman taking over as manager, the “Bittersweets” cut their first record in 1966. Shortly after the release when the band’s lead guitar player was drafted, Zelman brought in Skip Ladd (from the disbanded Laser Beats) and the lineup was complete: Alan Chitwood - bass/backing vocals, Greg Farley - guitar/backing vocals, Bob Sutko - lead vocals/harmonica, Paul Bennett - drums/backing vocals, Skip Ladd - lead guitar/backing vocals. The Bittersweets third and final single was released nationally on Original Sound in 1967. Producers for the label insisted on a ill-fated change in the plug side’s vocal structure, opting for the lead to be sang in a single note through the verses. The release was panned by critics. This disappointment would trigger the band to change its musical genre and its name to Twentieth Century Zoo in late 1967. Other changes would occur along the way. After the release of the first TCZ single, drummer Paul Bennett received his draft notice and opted to join the Air Force. Randy Wells was chosen at auditions to replace Bennett. In late 1968, Wells was replaced with drummer Reid Fehrman and keyboardist Mike Martinez was added in 1969, expanding the group from five members to six. Between 1966 and into 1969, the band recorded seven singles and two albums, the first album titled "Thunder On A Clear Day" was released through L.A. label Vault Records in late summer 1968. The group disbanded in early 1970 and a second Vault album recorded in early summer 1969 tentatively titled "A.W.O.L." was never released, except for the single "Only Thing That's Wrong" b/w "Stallion Of Fate." Those cuts and three more from the second album were released by Sundazed on a Twentieth Century Zoo compilation CD in 1999. Over the years the group opened shows for such acts as the Turtles, Byrds, Iron Butterfly, Illinois Speed Press, Seeds, Blue Cheer, Canned Heat, Music Machine, Howlin’ Wolf, Sweetwater, and Mothers Of Invention. Following a summer tour in 1969 that took the band to the Electric Circus in NYC and the Eastown Theater in Detroit, the group’s disbandment began in a series of rapid steps. Original members Alan Chitwood and Greg Farley left TCZ in October 1969 and replacements were brought in. Shortly after Skip Ladd received his draft notice and a replacement was hired. The group’s swan song occurred a month or so later in what was said to be a highly disappointing performance at Phoenix’ Celebrity Theater. Reports were that lead singer Bob Sutko was noticeably aloof on stage during the set. A few years later Bob would disclose that his actions were intentional. “I just wanted it to end”, Bob said, “it just wasn’t the same band anymore.” Reissues: “Thunder On A Clear Day”/Vinyl LP/Line-Taxim/Germany (1983) “Thunder On A Clear Day”/CD Album/Afterglow/U.K. (1995) “Thunder On A Clear Day”/CD Album + Bonus Tracks/Sundazed/U.S. (1999) “Twentieth Century Zoo”/Vinyl EP 7”/Sundazed/U.S. (1999) "Thunder On A Clear Day"/Vinyl LP 180gm/Radioactive/U.K. (2004) “Thunder On A Clear Day”/Vinyl LP Pic. Disc/Radioactive/U.K. (2004) “Thunder On A Clear Day”/CD Album/Radioactive/U.K. (2004) “Thunder On A Clear Day”/CD Album/Essential Media Group/Australia (2012)