The Tell-Tale Hearts on ‘It’s Happening’

Tell-Tale Hearts Peter Meisner, Mike Stax on "It's Happening"During its run from the mid-’80s to early ’90s, Audrey Moorehead’s and Dominic Priore’s cable series “It’s Happening” hearkened back to an earlier era of music television. The show featured clips from Priore’s video library as well as a cavalcade of the era’s garage bands.

“Priore and Moorehead choose the bands, design the Spartan sets, and write and edit the show, which is financed by Priore and grants from various cable companies,” the Los Angeles Times described in a 1990 article. “The equipment and crews are provided at no charge through the companies’ local access departments.

“The most striking element about the 30 low-budget segments that have been produced is their glaring, and oddly endearing, roughness. There are no jump cuts, computer-generated special effects or other MTV slickness.”

 These selections from Ray Brandes’ YouTube collection portray an appearance on “It’s Happening” by the Tell-Tale Hearts in summer 1986. The lineup reflects the era after guitarist Eric Bacher was replaced by Peter Miesner; other band members include Brandes (lead vocals); Mike Stax (bass); David Klowden (drums); and Bill Calhoun (harmonica, keyboards).

The footage, which was shot at Pasadena City College, features multiple takes of an interview with the band (which is fun to watch, considering how little video we have of our friends speaking). Performances include the Brogues“Don’t Shoot Me Down” as well as “It’s Not Me” and “I’m Going to Make You Mine.”

4 thoughts on “The Tell-Tale Hearts on ‘It’s Happening’

  1. I watch these clips, and The Chocolate Watchband comes unbidden, to mind.

    Try my friend loving all, the things we used to love
    I realize there was not very much to love
    but that’s no reason, to go on living in the past

    Try my friend doing all, the things we used to do
    If you could color me, it would be darkest blue
    Give me another chance, I’ll love you more than in the past

    It’s up to you to do, the things I want you to
    Don’t question me, it’s gotta be this way

    Please my friend hear me out, before you have to go
    It’s time your understood, I think you ought to know
    Give me another chance, I’ll love you more than in the past

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