The Revival Story

Coin Records was born in the early 1980s, a dream etched on a double-sided 45 record by The Blue Trolley Band—Jim Reynolds Sr., Bugsy Reynolds, and Bob ‘Boothy’ Booth. Recorded at Spider Sound and pressed in 1984, the record featured ‘Chasing a Dream’—a song by friend Tulsa Churilla, reimagined as a surprise for his birthday—and ‘Billys Sneaker,’ with lyrics by Boothy’s dad, R.H. Booth Jr. The name ‘Coin Records’ came from the band saving spare change to fund the pressing, a story reflected in the logo’s coin-inspired circles. Though the original master tape was lost, we’re re-releasing this iconic 45 as a digital transfer from vinyl, remastered with care, to launch the Cameron Studios Archive and revive the Coin Records legacy.

A Labor of Love

In the early days of The Blue Trolley Band, Jim, Bugsy, and Boothy rehearsed in Cameron Studios—laying the groundwork for their 45 record, which was pressed in 1984. They used an Oberheim DX to program drums, playing covers and originals at venues like the Clam House on Jeyser Avenue and The Keyser Valley Community Center for Tulsa’s birthday party.

‘Chasing a Dream’ started as a rough cassette recording by Tulsa, transformed by the band into a polished track with a heartfelt performance. ‘Billys Sneaker’ carried its own family legacy, penned by Boothy’s dad.

When the studio's multitrack recorder, the Teac 2340SX, broke down during rehearsals, they recorded at Spider Sound to keep the project moving, a testament to their determination. The 45, inscribed with the Coin Records logo, was shared with friends and family—a small but meaningful release in a pre-internet era. Now, Coin Records returns to give this music, and decades of unreleased recordings, the platform they deserve.

The Blue Trolley Band’s debut of ‘Chasing a Dream’ at Tulsa Churilla’s birthday party, Keyser Valley Community Center, early 1980s—a surprise that sparked the 45 record journey.

The 1984 Blue Trolley 45 record, Billys Sneaker side, featuring the Coin Records logo—born from spare change and collaboration.

Boothy (left) and Bugsy (right) refining vocal arrangements in Cameron Studios’ control room, early 1980s—laying the foundation for Coin Records’ early sound.

Explore the Music

Listen Now

Explore Blue Trolley's other tracks and more on the Music page, where the Cameron Studios Archive comes to life.

←Back to Home

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse