Spiral Starecase

Although primarily known as a one-hit wonder act, the Spiral Starecase left behind an enviable legacy with their solitary standout, "More Today Than Yesterday." This lively shuffling number has turned into a perennial favorite on oldies radio thanks to its straightforward yet skillfully written words and an earworm melody that lingers long after playback. A deeper dive into their slim catalog demonstrates the band’s capacity for further successes, derailed only by ineffective oversight and repeated misfortune.

Formed in Sacramento, California, under the name the Fydallions, the group included saxman Dick Lopes, bassist Bobby Raymond, organist Harvey Kaye, drummer Vinnie Parello, and Alabama-born lead singer-guitarist Pat Upton. Columbia Records expressed interest after an audition but rejected the original title. Lopes borrowed a phrase from a film, altered the spelling slightly, and thereby secured both the new name and the recording contract. Producer Gary Usher oversaw their first two singles, which achieved regional traction in markets such as Phoenix. Sonny Knight, himself a one-hit wonder with “Confidential” on Dot, was then brought aboard as producer.

Encouraged by Usher to create original material, Upton supplied “More Today Than Yesterday,” which became the follow-up single and breakthrough release. Given the song’s enduring radio presence, its modest national peak at number 12 remains surprising. The Starecase issued one album and a handful of additional singles before poor management and disputes over money prompted the band’s breakup by 1969. Harvey Kaye briefly fronted a substitute lineup, while Upton turned to session work and eventually sang backup for Rick Nelson. In the mid-’80s, after Nelson’s death, Upton became a regular on the oldies circuit, his voice sounding as wonderful as ever.