The Others (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | South Kingstown, Rhode Island , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles |
The Others emerged as a garage rock ensemble from South Kingstown, Rhode Island in 1964. Drawing inspiration from British Invasion bands, they quickly established themselves as one of the leading groups in New England, largely propelled by their debut single "I Can’t Stand This Love, Goodbye". This track has been prominently featured on numerous 1960s garage rock compilation albums such as Pebbles, Volume 8. Throughout their tenure, the Others issued three singles with national distribution that reflected a level of musical advancement rarely seen in garage rock acts.
History
Jim DeStout, who co-founded the band and played lead guitar, initially performed with the Regions, a Rhode Island-based teenage group that adopted British Invasion influences. While attending Rhode Island University, DeStout connected with Pete Shepley (lead vocals) and Mike Brand (rhythm guitar). Alongside drummer Mike Patalano and bassist John Costa (also on vocals), they established the Others, emphasizing rich three-part vocal harmonies. Their debut performance took place at a college talent show where they covered The Beatles' "When I Get Home", signaling DeStout’s full dedication to the band.
The Others quickly gained traction within the local live music scene, expanding their reach to other campuses and venues by performing original compositions crafted by Brand, Shepley, and Costa. Thanks to Brand's father arranging an audition with talent manager Bob Marshall in New York City, the group was introduced to producer Clyde Otis. This connection led to a recording contract with RCA Victor Records. In June 1965, they recorded four tracks at RCA Studio A: their single "I Can’t Stand This Love, Goodbye" as the A-side, Otis’s composition "Until I Heard It from You" on the B-side, plus two additional songs that remained unreleased.
As plans for a national release progressed, the Others became the house band at DJ Scott Muni’s Rolling Stone discothèque during mid-1965. Their residency was supported by an endorsement deal with Vox, which supplied them with amplifiers. The single "I Can't Stand This Love, Goodbye" was released in September 1965 and achieved regional radio success across the Northeast; however, it did not break into the national charts due to the band’s decision to prioritize returning to college over touring.
Buoyed by their regional achievements, RCA financed another recording session in November 1965. The second single included "Lonely Street" paired with the earlier recorded "The First Time I Saw You". Following this release, bassist John Costa departed to concentrate on his studies and was replaced by Bob Johnson from J. C. and the Disciples. Issued in March 1966, "Lonely Street" revealed significant artistic growth through its Dylan-inspired lyrics and classical music elements that anticipated the baroque pop movement.
With continued support from RCA, the Others resumed live performances at Rolling Stone and other venues in New York City. Despite "Lonely Street" gaining regional popularity, it failed to enter national charts, resulting in RCA terminating their contract by mid-1966. Nonetheless, the band maintained a strong live presence opening for renowned groups such as the Byrds, the Lovin' Spoonful, and the Animals. Producer Clyde Otis facilitated their signing with Jubilee Records for a third single release.
In November 1966, they recorded "Morning" backed by "My Friend the Wizard", which showcased sophisticated harmonies and early psychedelic influences. Although this single became another regional favorite without national success, it marked their final studio effort. The group continued performing within college circuits until 1969. After Brand left to attend law school and Patalano enlisted for military service in Vietnam, replacements Bob Angell and Joe Parisi joined from the blues rock outfit Blues Outlet. The Others ultimately disbanded in 1969; Pete Shepley remained musically active under the name Penny Arcade in 1970. Later on, Shepley and Brand reunited in Chelsea, a precursor band to Peter Criss's pre-Kiss project.
"I Can't Stand This Love, Goodbye" was reissued during the 1980s on various compilations including Pebbles volumes 8 and 10 as well as Mindrocker. "My Friend the Wizard" appeared on New England Teen Scene volume 2 along with Mindrocker volume 12. Surviving members came together again in 2015 for their induction into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.
Discography
- "I Can’t Stand This Love, Goodbye" backed with "Until I Heard It from You" – RCA Records (47-8669), 1965
- "Lonely Street" backed with "(I Remember) The First Time I Saw You" – RCA Records (47-8776), 1966
- "Morning" backed with "My Friend the Wizard" – Jubilee Records (45-0550), 1966