The original line-up of the group consisted of vocalist John Dizek, guitarist Richard McKenna, drummer Jon Small, and organist Harry Weber. In 1966 Weber was fired from the band due to excessive drug use (found dead a few years later on a railroad track) and was replaced by Howie Arthur Blauvelt and Billy Joel on bass and keyboards respectively. It is with this lineup that the band recorded their self-titled debut album in 1967. Blauvelt departed the band early in 1968 but returned later on in the year. Dizek departed the band in late 1968, at which point Joel took over on vocal duties. The band recorded their second album, Hour of the Wolf, in 1969, before disbanding. Following the demise of The Hassles Joel and Small formed the duo Attila, whilst Blauvelt later co-founded Ram Jam. Joel later went on to a successful solo career and Small became a video producer and director.
John Dizek passed away on June 27, 2017 following a long battle with cancer.
Members
Richard McKenna - guitars (1964-1969)
Jon Small - drums (1964-1969)
John Dizek - vocals, harmonica, tambourine (1964-1968; died 2017)
Harry Weber - bass, organ (1964-1966)
Billy Joel - keyboards, vocals (1966-1969)
Howie Arthur Blauvelt - bass (1966-1968, 1968-1969; died 1993)
Glenn Evans, John Abrant, and Mike Cohen - road managers
Discography
Albums
The Hassles
Produced by Tony Michaels and Vinnie Gorman, The Hassles' eponymous debut album was released on November 21, 1967, and featured a number of cover versions of soul songs. The single "You've Got Me Hummin'" was number 112 for one week on the Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart, their only Billboard chart appearance.[3] The title should in fact be spelt "You Got Me Hummin'". In 1983, Billy Joel released a solo live recording of "You Got Me Hummin'" as a B-side to his hit "Tell Her About It" (available on the 12" maxi single, with the 'special remixed version' of the A-side).
Track listing
"Warming Up" (W. Joel) - 1:38
"Just Holding On" (L. Weiss) - 2:06
"A Taste of Honey" (R. Marlow, B. Scott) - 4:17
"Every Step I Take (Every Move I Make)" (W. Joel, T. Michaels, V. Gorman) - 2:30
"Coloured Rain" (S.Winwood, J. Capaldi, C. Wood) (originally by Traffic) - 3:22
"I Hear Voices" (G. Stashuk) - 2:53
"I Can Tell" (W. Joel) - 2:57
"Giving Up (Version #2)" (V. McCoy) - 4:16
"Fever" (J. Davenport, E. Cooley) - 3:19
"You've Got Me Hummin'" (I. Hayes, D. Porter) - 2:27
1992 Re-issued CD with following Bonus Tracks
"I'm Thinkin'" - 2:05
"I'll Be Around" - 2:01
"When I Get Home" - 4:23
"It's Not Enough" - 2:46
"Love Luck" - 3:21
"Look And You Will Find" - 2:58
"Blow My Mind" - 2:14
"Giving Up (Version #1)" - 4:08
Hour of the Wolf
Produced by Thomas Kay, the Hassles' second album was released on January 23, 1969. All songs on this album were original recordings written by Billy Joel, except where noted.
Track listing
"Country Boy" (W. Joel, J. Small) 2:35
"Night After Day" - 3:11
"Hour Of The Wolf" (W. Joel, J. Dizek) - 11:58
"Four O'Clock In The Morning" - 3:12
"Cat" - 4:15
"Hotel St. George" - 5:00
"Land Of Despair" (W. Joel, J. Small) - 3:36
"Further Than Heaven" (W. Joel, J. Dizek) - 7:16
Singles
Single "Great Balls of Fire" (B-side "Travellin' Band') United Artists label (1969)
Compilations
In 1992, the first album was released on CD, with a number of bonus tracks
In 1999, Razor & Tie re-released the Hassles' two albums as a "best of" collection on a single Compact Disc with "Hotel St. George" missing, but also with additional bonus tracks
In 2000, a low quality re-release of Hour of the Wolf was released along with demos from Cold Spring Harbor as Billy Joel Sings
In 2004, the same Hour of the Wolf tracks from Billy Joel Sings were released separately as Billy Joel: The Early Years.
4 O'Clock In The Morning
The Hassles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Four o'clock in the morning, there's a mist that's all around
As the time that I like best to walk around about the town
And I rave onto the morning for the solid tune I've found
Four o'clock in the morning, I can dig into my mind
Four o'clock in the morning, I'm surprised that war I find
'Cause I'm walking on the cobblestones, I feel the world is mine
Four o'clock in the morning, four o'clock in the morning
I can escape to a world of my own where I can be alone
Four o'clock in the morning, there's a hush I can't ignore
Four o'clock in the morning, and I'm headed out the door
And I'm stepping out to see a world that no one seen before
And I rave on to the morning when the world holds something more
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
The Hassles's "4 O'Clock In The Morning" is a song that paints a serene and peaceful picture of the world at an early hour when most people are still asleep. The lyrics describe how this time provides the perfect opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and indulge into personal introspection. The singer takes a walk through the town and feels like the world belongs to him. The misty atmosphere and the quietness help him delve deep into his mind and explore his thoughts with clarity. He is able to escape the chaos of everyday life and find solace in the stillness of the hour.
The lyrics also suggest that this peace comes with an element of surprise. The singer is surprised at the wars he finds within himself during this walk. This indicates that this serene time may also be an opportunity to confront and face the challenges that one faces within. The lyrics suggest that the journey and exploration of one's self is never ending and there is always something more to discover. In this way, the song offers a positive perspective on life's challenges and provides hope that one can always find new discoveries and positive possibilities in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Four o'clock in the morning and the two is on the ground
It's 4am and the street lamps are off
Four o'clock in the morning, there's a mist that's all around
There's a fog in the air
As the time that I like best to walk around about the town
This is the preferred time to take a walk
And I rave onto the morning for the solid tune I've found
I'm enjoying the music and dancing
Four o'clock in the morning, I can dig into my mind
At 4am, I can focus on my thoughts
Four o'clock in the morning, I'm surprised that war I find
I'm discovering my inner conflicts
'Cause I'm walking on the cobblestones, I feel the world is mine
I feel a sense of ownership over the world as I walk on the cobblestones
And I rave on to the morning for this little slice of time
I'm enjoying the moment and not taking it for granted
Four o'clock in the morning, four o'clock in the morning
It's still 4am
I can escape to a world of my own where I can be alone
I am able to find solace in my own thoughts at this hour
Four o'clock in the morning, there's a hush I can't ignore
The silence is too noticeable to ignore
Four o'clock in the morning, and I'm headed out the door
I'm embarking on a new adventure
And I'm stepping out to see a world that no one seen before
I'm anticipating the unique experiences the world has to offer at this hour
And I rave on to the morning when the world holds something more
I'm excited for the possibilities the future holds
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
It's still 4am
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
It's still 4am
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
It's still 4am
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
It's still 4am
Four o'clock in the morning (four o'clock in the morning)
It's still 4am
Contributed by Lucy S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@susanmorgado3472
KMD, DJ SUB-ROC the pioneer of folkllore sampling
@brettinoloverromantico4095
Right, "Subroc's Mission"...
DJ subroc was from the future
@ShimmeringPilgrim
grateful to the morning for the solitude i found
@shmiqqy
KMD/Subroc were genius on this sample.
@FR2xEDOM1312
Beatnuts, too ;)
@KyleWrightfilm
SHAO 73O the hip hop Hendrix
@siordamc
This version slaps hard!
@soundlesssundew
Beatnuts
@bloodshotred6334
Surprised anyone here even knew about that song lol
@coconutplayingcards8538
@Bloodshot Red same