Sounds Good, Looks Good...

The SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOK Series...

1971

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE

Your All-Genres Guide To

Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters

Nearly 2,100 E-Pages of Reviews from the discs themselves...

* 2,100 E-Pages of info, 302 in-depth reviews for quality CD Remasters, July 2019 Update
* Formats included - CD, SACD [Super Audio CD], HDCD [High Density Compatible Digital], Japan SHM-CD and Japan Platinum SHM-CD [Super High Materials]

* Major Label Box Set Retrospectives from – EMI, Sony/Legacy, Universal and WEA

* Best Independent Reissue Labels highlighted...

– Ace, Audio Fidelity, Bear Family, Beats Goes On, Big Break Records (BBR), Cherry Red, Earth, Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Lemon, Light In The Attic, Mobile Fidelity, Raven, Repertoire, Rev-Ola, Rhino, Salvo, Soul Music Records, Sundazed and Panegyric

* Technical data from the discs themselves (total playing times and more)

* Release Date, Catalogue No and Barcode to locate the correct issue

* CD Track lists and Details on Bonus material (if any)

* VINYL Discographies referencing CD Box sets (track numbers to sequence singles and albums from the discs – huge number of record labels covered

* UK and US catalogue numbers and release dates for original vinyl albums, 7” singles and EPs within each review

* Remaster/Tape Transfer Engineers highlighted

* Packaging descriptions, size of booklets, what’s contained within, who wrote the liner notes, repro artwork explained

* Reference to the Audio Quality of the CD - analysis of songs

* Guest Musicians highlighted – Cover Versions noted

Having worked for RECKLESS RECORDS in London for over 20 years as one of their principal Vinyl and CD buyers (one of the best secondhand record shops in the West End) and having in excess of 3870 posts on Amazon (CDs, DVDs, BLU RAYs - Top Ten Hall Of Fame Reviewer) - as you can imagine I come across a huge number of reissues - some far more worthy than others.

To that end I've collated together the SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOKS Series as guides to Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters offering up in-depth reviews on a wide range of titles. And it doesn't have to cost the earth to Sound Good either – you just need to know which CD is the right issue to buy. Many entries in this large and unique book cost less than £10 while others are under a fiver. And even if some Box Sets/Deletions have acquired a price tag - because they’re the best I've included them along with artists/titles that deserve your attention…

Enjoy The Reads - MARK BARRY (2019)

The SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOK Series...

1972

TUMBLING DICE

Your All-Genres Guide To

Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters

1,990 E-Pages of In-Depth Information
258 Reviews from the discs themselves...

* 1,990 E-pages of info, 258 in-depth reviews for quality CD Remasters - July 2019 Draft

* Formats included - CD, SACD [Super Audio CD], HDCD [High Density Compatible Digital], Japan SHM-CD and Japan Platinum SHM-CD [Super High Materials]

* Major Label Box Set Retrospectives from – EMI, Sony/Legacy, Universal and WEA

* Best Independent Reissue Labels highlighted – Ace, Audio Fidelity, Bear Family, Beats Goes On, Big Break Records (BBR), Cherry Red, Earth, Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Lemon, Light In The Attic, Mobile Fidelity, Raven, Repertoire, Rev-Ola, Rhino, Salvo, Soul Music Records, Sundazed and Panegyric

* Technical data from the discs themselves (total playing times and more)

* Release Date, Catalogue No and Barcode to locate the correct issue

* CD Track lists and Details on Bonus material (if any)

* VINYL Discographies referencing CD Box sets (track numbers to sequence singles and albums from the discs – huge number of record labels covered

* UK and US catalogue numbers and release dates for original vinyl albums, 7” singles and EPs within each review

* Remaster/Tape Transfer Engineers highlighted

* Packaging descriptions, size of booklets, what’s contained within, who wrote the liner notes, repro artwork explained

* Reference to the Audio Quality of the CD - analysis of songs

* Guest Musicians highlighted – Cover Versions noted

PREFACE

ot too many Music Books (let alone a review tome concentrating on 1972) contain slots for artists like Mordicai Jones, Pamela Polland or Miroslav Vitous – but this one does! I make a point of showcasing Artists and Titles you probably don’t know but deserve your attention…music that’s worth getting into your life in other words. Price tag isn’t a factor either. Many entries in this large and unique book cost less than £10 while others are under a fiver. And even if certain Box Sets and Deletions have acquired a bit of an unsavoury price tag since release - because they’re the best, I’ve included them for your (audio) culinary delight.

And just what is the right issue to buy? It’s always a subjective argument when it comes to Audio I know – but in today’s marketplace of multiple format reissues, those kinds of decisions can be a bit of a minefield to navigate. I worked as the Principal Rarities Buyer in Reckless Records in Soho’s Berwick Street for nearly 20 years (one of the best secondhand record shops in London). So as you can imagine, I came across hundreds of CD reissues – some better than others. This book (like most of my Sounds Good series) is about highlighting those reissues that creep to the top of the pile.

Major label retrospectives are in here from Universal UMC, Sony/Legacy and WEA etc. The best Independent Reissue Labels (defunct or not) are also highlighted throughout the text and include – Ace Records, Audio Fidelity, Bear Family, Beats Goes On (BGO Records), Big Break Records (BBR),Cherry Red,Earth (Record Label), Edsel, Esoteric Recordings, Grapefruit, Hip-O Select, Lemon, Light In The Attic, Mobile Fidelity, Raven Records (Australia), Real Gone Music, Repertoire, Rev-Ola, Rhino, Salvo,Soul Music Records, Sundazed and Panegyric to name but a few.

There are 258 titles reviewed - CD reissues and remasters beginning in the 1990s and continuing through to 2019 (July 2019 Update). If the album was issued in 1971 in the USA but didn't arrive until 1972 in the UK (or vice versa) – I've included these too. Compilations that carry 1972 singles or rarities or interesting album tracks are also in there. In fact there's a huge 1,990 E-Pages...so plenty to read and for a good price. Genres include Pop and Rock, Blues Rock, Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Kraut Rock, Avant Garde, Folk, Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Soul, Funk, R n B, Reggae, Ska, Soundtracks and a few other points in-between.

Each entry focuses on decent remasters with factual info that helps a purchase decision. You get catalogue numbers, barcodes to identify correct issues, track lists including info on original issues like album and 7" single catalogue numbers, total playing times, packaging and liner notes descriptions, what important guests played on what, cover versions highlighted, remaster engineers named and a lot of info on the original album. I provide a Discography for Box Sets and these lists also include Imports, some Audiophile Titles and Japanese SHM-CDs too where relevant or exclusive.

Enjoy the reads... MARK BARRY (2019)

"...Real Blues Reel..."

Brendan Power is a 63-year old virtuoso Harmonica blaster from Auckland, New Zealand (born in Kenya) now living in England that mixes in Blues, Celtic, Kiwi, Dixie Jazz and all manner of World influences into his musical palette. And what a sound he makes...

Blowing Diatonic and Chromatic harps - 2004's "Tradish" on Tethnik Records TETHNIK 109 (Barcode 829667018629) appears to be a self-published effort (62:28 minutes total playing time) that features 15 Tracks (14 BP originals and one cover) all sporting an impressive guest list of International Trad players (especially from Ireland and the UK). Names like...

STEPHEN COONEY - Guitar

IAN CARR - Guitar on "Hakanoa Hideaway" and "Farewell To Muswell Hill".

CHRIS NEWMAN - Guitar and Bass on "Tom's Tune" and "Monaco Madness"

ANDY IRVINE - Mandolin on "The M1 Reel"

GARY VERBERNE - Guitar and Bass

GERRY O'CONNOR - Tenor Banjo on "The Bloom Of Youth" and "20 Out Of 10"

DECLAN MASTERSON - Flute on "Hakenoa Hideaway" and Uilleann Pipes on "20 Out Of 10"

BOB SHEPHERD and NEIL HARLAND - Bass

STEVE GARDEN - Drums

GREG SHEEHAN - Tambourine

MICK KINSELLA - Diatonic Harmonica on "The Real Blues Reel"

The all-original instrumentals were recorded across 8 years in three different studios (Dingle and Kildare in Ireland, Ilkley in England and Auckland in New Zealand) with the above list of musicians as impromptu guests (Power also plays Mandolin and Mandola on "Tom's Tune"). Only "The Bloom Of Youth" is a cover - a Traditional arranged by Power.

A very cool album with amazing harp blowing – technically brill but still with feeling and panache – a sort of Irish Trad vibes meets Rock meets Real World Records. The final tune "Lament For The 21st Century" has just him and his Chromatic wailing away like he was born to impress. A fabulous CD album then that deserves better attention...

"...Snow Play..."

The masterful soundscape-maker himself THOMAS NEWMAN gives us a typically beautiful and poignant CD soundtrack - and the music is from a year where Newman's skill with a sweeping emotion seemed to be utterly inspired – 1994 – home of the mighty Redemption.

This time his strings and lush arrangements went to the 1994 girly-fest movie remake of "Little Women" directed by Gillian Armstrong (Winona Ryder and Gabriel Byrne have almost shocking chemistry in the affection department).

1. Orchard House (Main Theme)

2. Meg's Hair

3. Snowplay

4. Scarlet Fever

5. Ashes

6. Spring

7. La Fayette's Welcome

8. A Telegram

9. Two Couples

10. Burd3ns

11. New York

12. Harvest Time

13. Maria Redowa

14. Letter From Jo

15. Amy Abroad

16. Limes

17. Beth's Secret

18. For The Beauty Of Earth

19. Little Women

20. Learning To Forget

21. Valley Of The Shadow

22. Port Royal Gallop

23. Domestic Experiences

24.The Laurence Boy

25. Lovelornity

26. Under The Umbrella (End Title)

USA CD released 10 January 1995 - "Little Women – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" written and conducted by THOMAS NEWMAN on Sony Classical SK 66922 (Barcode 074646692226) was Produced by TN and BILL BERNSTEIN.

Lots of the 26 cuts are admittedly short - sometimes less than a minute in some cases and they often feeling like snatched moments - which is of course exactly what they are (even with that number of titles, its total playing time is only 37:24 minutes). But it's the beauty of the opening 3:29 minutes of "Orchard House (Main Title)" for instance or the 3:41 minutes of "Under The Umbrella (End Title)" at the finish line that show why Newman was and still is nominated so many times for Oscars and many other awards.

TN is also famously a close relative of the iconic songsmith Randy Newman – himself a prolific Soundtrack writer who has contributed to some of Pixar's most famous movies "Toy Story" and "Monster’s Inc." to name but a few. Thomas Newman also did the gorgeous sweeping music to Pixar's much-loved "Wall-E"– another beauty with an exclusive Peter Gabriel song in the closing credits.

"Little Women" is not "The Shawshank Redemption" for sure where every second feels soul touching and epic (others would passionately disagree and say "Little Women" is its musical equal). But I have to own everything this songwriter has ever done and I suspect after one listen to the loveliness contained within this - you may become the same...

"...Make The Best Of What's Around..."

The last time the Police's catalogue was remastered in 2003 (by Bob Ludwig), each CD was an enhanced version with a single video of note as the bonus track ("Roxanne" for the debut, "Walking On The Moon" for the second and so on). This 2018/2019 reissue goes back to basics...removing the vids and net content and adding peripheral recordings from the band's initial studio output between 1978 and 1983 (they disbanded when Sting went solo in 1984).

Police fans will know that this gorgeous box set first appeared a year ago with the same title as a VINYL 6LP treat on 16 November 2018 – all records remastered and pressed up as Half-Speed Masters at Abbey Road. This is simply the belated CD variant of that box set (unfortunately minus the 24-page booklet). All five of their Studio Albums onto 5 Individual CDs (using those 2018 Abbey Road remasters) and a Bonus Disc Compilation called "Flexible Strategies" that gathers up 12 straggler B-sides and rarities (I've broken it down track-by-track, see list below).

The bonus track "Murder By Numbers" that was on the original Cassette and CD versions of 1983's "Synchronicity" (also the B-side of the "Every Breath You Take" single) has now been moved over to that compilation and each card repro sleeve made into a gatefold (including No. 6). The collage photo of the band for "Zenyatta Mondatta" and the inner sleeve for "Ghost In The Machine" (which admittedly was never much to look at) are at least reproduced on the inside of the card gatefolds - but the lyrics for "Synchronicity" are AWOL (the first two LPs only had paper inners). While there is no booklet or any lyrics (mores the pity), there is a pleasingly oversized clamshell box with a ribbon inside to remove the card sleeves without too much damage (there are no inner protective bags for the CDs which are tight inside the flaps – so watch that as you remove them).

But surely the big news is the upgraded mastering which to my ears is mindblowingly good and the intro price of less than seventeen spondulicks for six CDs – a proper Christmas cracker if ever there was one. So what do you get...

Released Friday, 15 November 2019 - "Every Move You Make: The Studio Recordings" by THE POLICE on UMC/A&M/Polydor 779 757-7 (Barcode 602577975776) is a 2019 6CD Clamshell Box Set of 2018 Abbey Road Remasters that breaks down as follows...

CD1 "Outlandos D'Amour" (38:17 minutes) - originally UK released November 1978 UK on A&M Records AMLH 68502

CD2 "Regatta De Blanc" (41:56 minutes) - originally UK released October 1979 on A&M Records AMLH 64792

CD3 "Zenyatta Mondatta" (38:28 minutes) - originally UK released October 1980 on A&M Records AMLH 64831

CD4 "Ghost In The Machine" (41:20 minutes) - originally UK released October 1981 on A&M Records AMLK 63730

CD5 "Synchronicity" (39:55 minutes) - originally UK released June 1983 on A&M Records AMLX 63735

CD6 "Flexible Strategies" (43:38 minutes) - released 15 November 2019

1. Dead End Job - non-album B-side to "Can't Stand Losing You" in October 1978 (UK, A&M Records AMS 7381)

2. Landlord - non-album B-side to "Message In A Bottle" in September 1979 (UK, A&M Records AMS 7474)

3. Visions Of The Night - non-album B-side to "Walking On The Moon" in November 1979 (UK, A&M Records AMS 7494)

4. Friends - non-album B-side to "Don't Stand So Close To Me" in October 1980 (UK, A&M Records AMS 7564)

5. A Sermon - non-album B-side to "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" in November 1980 (UK, A&M Records AMS 7578)

6. Shamelle - non-album B-side to "Invisible" in September 1981 (UK, A&M Records AMS 8164)

7. Flexible Strategies - non-album B-side to "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" in October 1981 (UK, A&M Records AMS 8174)

8. Low Life - non-album B-side to "Spirits In The Material World" in December 1981 (UK, A&M Records AMS 8194)

9. Murder By Numbers - non-album B-side to "Every Breath You Take" in May 1983 (UK, A&M Records AM 117)

10. Truth Hits Everybody (1983 Remix) - non-album B-side to "Every Breath You Take" in May 1983 (UK, A&M Records AM 117 DOUBLE-PACK Version - second 45 was catalogue number A&M AM*01)

11. Someone To Talk To - non-album B-side to "Wrapped Around Your Finger" in July 1983 (UK, A&M Records AM 127)

12. Once Upon A Daydream - non-album B-side to "Synchronicity II" in October 1983 (UK, A&M Records AM 153)

What's missing - fans will notice the May 1977 UK debut 45 for "Fall Out" b/w Nothing Achieving" on Illegal Records IL 001 is not here - probably licensing - and several B-sides like the live version of "Man In A Suitcase" that turned up on the second 45 in the "Every Breath You Take" double-pack is also AWOL. The remake for But in truth these are minor omissions once you clap your ears on the clarity of the Remasters. Album cuts like "Bring On The Night", "Deathwish" and "The Bed's Too Big Without You" simply rock-fabulous - huge bass and drums - all that power-trio tightness roaring out of your speakers. The Zenyatta double of "Driven To Tears" segueing into "When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around" is stunning as is the sheer thump that comes off "Voices In My Head". The brass on "Too Much Information" and the sexy sway of "Tea In The Sahara"– all better.

But in truth - and excepting better B-sides like "Murder By Numbers", "Low Life", "Someone To Talk To" and "Once Upon A Daydream" - overall the supposed Bonus Disc "Flexible Strategies" makes for a painful listen. Police B-sides really were not the greatest - the ludicrous speed of "Landlord" and the throwaway nature of instrumentals like "Shamelle" and "Flexible Strangers" haven't worn well. And that 1983 remix of "Truth Hits Everybody" sanitised the cool punk kick the original debut album version had – neutering a punchy anthem.

To sum up - the five albums only remind you of how good THE POLICE really were - a fantastic singles band too – Sting’s writing getting better with each outing – Andy Summers on Guitar with Stewart Copeland on Drums making the perfect trio. The remasters are genuinely ace, it looks damn good and "Every Move You Make: The Studio Recordings" is currently selling its rather tasty little booty for less than a half-assed Brexit decision.

"...When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around..." - Sting sang on that thrown-together third album. Even on a bad day, The Police were still head and shoulders above so many bands of the time. My advice, grab this oversized regatta de bollocks while you still can...

"...Dreaming Of Henry Ford..."

This is the kind of twofer reissue that Beat Goes On Records of the UK does so well (BGO for short) - four now forgotten and obscure albums remastered in full onto two CDs by Audio Engineer Andrew Thompson. You get a classy looking card slipcase – foldout double jewel case, new liner notes and a decent asking price. The original vinyl was "Jerry Reed" from 1972 alongside three from early to late 1973 - "Hot A' Mighty", "Lord, Mr. Ford" and "The Uptown Poker Club" - all originally on RCA Victor Records in the USA.

UK released 31 May 2019 - Beat Goes On BGOCD1377 (Barcode 5017261213778) offers up all four albums newly remastered in high def in their entirety - the third platter included giving the witty Georgia Boy a US Country Music No. 1 with the oil, gas, wheezing, automobile spluttering song "Lord, Mr. Ford" - a lyrically very funny tune by Dick Feller that tapped into the truckers craze of the early Seventies.

In fact wit abounds in songs choices like "Alabama Wild Man" and the Rock n' Roll tribute album of sorts "Hot A' Mighty" where he tackles hunks of Chuck Berry but still manages to slot in Mickey Newbury's "Sweet Memories". With Chet Atkins production across all four of the platters (played Guitar too on most) and a huge bevvy of quality Nashville players – it’s no wonder that the audio transfers are lovely - really clear and full of body. His acting career skyrocketed then (eventually becoming integral to the Smokey & The Bandit films) and he gave music a bit of a back seat.

For sure Seventies Country music (on RCA especially) has had the reputation of being just the wrong side of hick - but when Reed covers songs like Rodney Crowell's "You Can't Keep Me Here In Tennessee" and "Everybody Has Those Kind Of Days" whilst throwing in his own "It's Tough All Over"– JR showed his smarts and sass at picking a winning tune. It can be dated in places as these albums tended to be, but this is a very good reissue from BGO (yet again) highlighting a songwriter and personality who deserves a second-go-round. Nice one...

The CD Soundtrack To

"The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

by THOMAS NEWMAN

"...First The Knees, Then The Names..."

Thomas Newman's knack at taping into our deepest emotions via his gorgeous and emotive movie music stretches back to 1994 to his magisterial work on the mighty "Shawshank Redemption" - a film and soundtrack CD that still sends chills up my spine ("Little Women" from the same year is beloved too by fans).

2015's "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is a clever meeting of Eastern Rhythms meets Western Moodscapes - both musical cultures jostling alongside each other in lovely compliment. One moment it's all delicate keyboard fills and plucked harp strings - the next you're doing the neck jerk and donning a Sari for the Modern Indian Dance Funk of "Ye Ishq Hai" by Shreya Ghosha. The mixture of contemporary Indian pop with his short instrumental passages of mood and sway (28 tracks, 61:39 minutes) works beautifully. In fact I remember as I watched the film in the snazzy new Empire Cinema in E17 thinking how pretty the interlocking weave was - a properly lovely Soundtrack winner.

US released 2015 on Sony Classical 88875031972 (Barcode 888750319722) - the booklet is an 8-page basic affair with Director John Madden quite rightly waxing lyrical about Newman's contribution to the whole upbeat mood of the film. There are credits, photos of the cast - the usual stuff. The audio is exemplary - beautifully recorded and produced - a genuine pleasure to listen to (UK even saw a Music-On-Vinyl 2LP set for this film). Which brings us back to the music.

For instance Track 3 is called "Knees Then Names" - it's only shy of two minutes - yet Newman crams in more subtly and prettiness and emotive chords in those 180 seconds than most do in 10-minute passages. The 1:28 minutes of "Nimish & Abhilash" mixes his rhythms with Indian vocalists and the short result is hypnotically brilliant. And of course there's that fabulous multi-cultural feel to the whole shebang.

Another lovely listen from Thomas Newman - buy and enjoy...

"…Truly Fine Citizen…"

In the Summer of Love - California's MOBY GRAPE was to be the next ‘big thing’ and Columbia Records went to great (and some say stupid) lengths to inform the American Public of this. That overkill (promo singles of every single track on the debut album doled out to the press) overshadowed the musical goodies on offer.

But this brill little double-CD concentrates primarily on their first three albums from 1967, 1968 and 1969 and makes a strong case for looking again at a band that got lost inside hype and industry crap that did their musical legacy no favours. Here are the Motorcycle Irenes, Murdered Judges and Humiliated Grapes…

UK released November 1993 on Columbia/Legacy 483958 2 (Barcode 5099748395825) as a 2CD set - "Vintage: The Very Best Of Moby Grape" by MOBY GRAPE breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (68:48 minutes):

1. Hey Grandma

2. Mr. Blues

3. Fall On You

4. 8:05

5. Come In The Morning

6. Omaha

7. Naked, If I Want To

8. Rounder [Instrumental]

9. Someday

10. Ain't No Use

11. Sitting By The Window

12. Changes

13. Lazy Me

14. Indifference

15. Looper (Audition Version)

16. Sweet Ride

17. Bitter Wind (Alternate Version)

18. The Place And The Time

19. Rounder (Live – Recorded 1968)

20. Miller's Blues (Live – Recorded 1968)

21. Changes (Live – Recorded 1968)

22. Hey Grandma [Single Version in Mono]

23. Omaha [Single Version in Mono]

24. Big

All tracks on Disc 1 remastered in STEREO except 22 and 23 – which are MONO.

Tracks 1 to 7 and 9 to 14 are their entire debut album "Moby Grape" in sequential order – released June 1967 in the USA on Columbia CL 2698 (Mono) and CS 9498 (Stereo). Stereo used in all cases.

Tracks 8, 15 to 21 and 24 are all PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Track 22 "Hey Grandma" is the Mono A-side to the 1967 USA 7" single on Columbia 4-44174 (its B-side was "Come In The Morning")

Track 23 "Omaha" is the Mono A-side to the 1967 USA 7" single on Columbia 4-44173 (it’s B-side was "Someday")

Disc 2 (70:35 minutes):

1. Skip's Song ("Seeing" Demo)

2. You Can Do Anything (Demo)

3. Murder In My Heart For The Judge

4. Bitter Wind

5. Can't Be So Bad

6. Just Like Gene Autry: A Foxtrot

7. He

8. Motorcycle Irene

9. Funky-Tunk

10. Rose Colored Eyes

11. If You Can't Learn From Your Mistakes (Peter Solo Version)

12. Ooh Mama Ooh

13. Ain't That A Shame

14. Trucking Man

15. Captain Nemo

16. What's To Choose

17. Going Nowhere

18. I Am Not Willing

19. It's A Beautiful Day Today

20. Right Before My Eyes

21. Truly Fine Citizen

22. Hoochie

23. Soul Stew

24. Seeing

All tracks on Disc 2 in Remastered/Remixed STEREO

Tracks 1, 2, 11 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Tracks 3 to 10 are from their 2nd studio album "Wow"– released July 1968 in the USA on Columbia Records CS 9613 (Stereo)

Tracks 12 to 19, 22 and 24 is all of their 3rd studio album "Moby Grape '69" released February 1969 in the USA on Columbia Records CS 9696 (Stereo, excepting Track 12 "If You Can't Learn From Your Mistakes" which has been replaced with a Previously Unreleased Piano Version)

Tracks 20 and 21 are from their 4th studio album "Truly Fine Citizen"– released September 1969 in the USA on Columbia Records CS 9912 (Stereo)

Compiled with obvious affection by BOB IRWIN - the substantial 28-page booklet features liner notes by Rolling Stone's DAVID FRICKE with contributions from band members BOB MOSLEY, PETER LEWIS, JERRY MILLER, DON STEVENSON and SKIP SPENCE (passed away in 1999). There’s black and white photos of the boys in silly publicity shots and witty discussions of the disastrous Columbia Records launch of the band as the next big thing – parties full of Moby Grape wine no one could open (no corkscrews) and flower petals that fell from the ceiling but became wet and slippery and had journalists and music insiders sliding around on their derrieres. But the great news for fans of the rather excellent music is the VIC ANESINI remixes and remasters – an engineer’s name who has graced Elvis Presley, The Byrds, Carole King, Dennis Wilson, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Jayhawks to cite but a few. His work is typically ace – ballsy, full of life and detail and without being compressed or over trebled for effect.

The debut has its obvious moments like "Come In The Morning" which feels like an edgier Association while "Sitting By The Window" feels like The Mamas and Papa's meets The Byrds. They get all Simon and Garfunkel on the lovely Miller/Stevenson composition "8:05" and those great vocal harmonies continue on the can I buy an amplifier ditty "Naked, If I Want To". Skip Spence's explosive guitar style kicks hard on the frantic LP finisher “Omaha”. And his instrumental "Rounder" (previously unreleased) will be a nugget fans will eat up.

If the debut was an indication of greatest within the ranks – I always thought the follow-up LP "Wow" was a huge leap forward in the right direction. I've loved "Murder In My Heart For The Judge" for years now – A Sixties compilation winner if ever there was one. There's a feeling that the band is finding itself in songs like Mosley's trippy "Rose Colored Eyes" (so cool a sound). It's represented here with in-studio dialogue at the beginning and sounds amazing. The Lou Waxman and Orchestra intro to "Just Like Gene Autry: A Foxtrot" with its faux 78" clicks and pops sounds the American version of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and makes me giggle. Things get all melodious again with Peter Lewis'"He" while Spence goes Honky-Tonk silly on "Funky-Tonk" complete with Donald Duck type vocals.

Raunchy Rock returns with the boogie of "Hoochie" on their accomplished third album "Moby Grape '69" where they showcase Byrds type melodies with "Captain Nemo" and the fuzzed-up "Going Nowhere". Country beauty fills Mosley's "It's A Beautiful Day Today". That Sweetheart Of The Rodeo vibe continues into the "Truly Fine Citizen" album with Lewis'"Right Before My Eyes" and the excellent melody of the title track "Truly Fine Citizen" (and again the gorgeous remaster really lifts). Amongst the unreleased stuff - the Peter Lewis solo version of "If I Can't Learn From Your Mistakes" impresses as does the knackered Stones drawl of Spence in "Skip's Song" where he barely keeps his vocals together (raw like a wound). For certain across 2 fairly loaded CDs - it isn't all undiscovered genius by any means - but the good stuff is great and at times cherishable.

Somehow always the band that came close but got no plaudit's cigar – this brilliant and reasonably priced 2CD set finally gives MOBY GRAPE's songs the audio polish up they deserve. Love (not murder) in my heart for this one…

"...What I Like About You..."

Having raved about The Romantics and their kick-ass Power Pop gem "What I Like About You" from 1979 on Nemperor Records - those terribly right-on and with-it chappies over at Ace and their Big Beat Records label imprint have come up with a whole compilation of similarish shampoo 'n' sneaker shakers.

But as another review has pointed out, there are classics in here like the one I've just mentioned but there are also close-runs, tracks that feel good rather than great. But - and this is the big but - across 24-tracks and 74:27 minutes, "Come On Let's Go: Power Pop Gems From The 70s & 80s" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Big Beat CDWIKD 344 (Barcode 029667095723) offers up a genuinely exciting listen. It really does...

1. Come On Let's Go - THE PALEY BROTHERS & THE RAMONES (1978)

2. I Wanna Be With you - THE RASPBERRIES (1972)

3. What I LIke About You - THE ROMANTICS (1979)

4. Let's Go - DIRTY LOOKS (1980)

5. Looking For The Magic - DWIGHT TWILLEY BAND (1977)

6. I Need That Record - THE TWEEDS (1980)

7. Shake Some Action (First Version) - FLAMIN' GROOVIES (Norton CD, 2002)

8. (My Girl) Mary Anne - THE SPONGETONES

9. Radio Heart - THE SECRETS (Numero Group CD, 2008)

10. Keri - ROBERT JOHNSON (1978)

11. The Trains - THE NASHVILLE RAMBLERS (1986)

12. Nuclear Boy - 20/20 (1981)

13. Better Than Anyone Else - THE TOMS (1979)

14. Nothing Comes Close - BILL LLOYD (1987)

15. (Baby) It's You - THE BOYS

16. It's Only Dark - WIRE TRAIN (1984)

17. Andy, Please - VAN DUREN and JODY STEPHENS (Omnivore Recordings CD, 2019)

18. Glitter Best - THE ROOKS (1995)

19. Teen Line - THE SHIVVERS (1980)

20. September Gurls - BIG STAR (1974)

21. Not The Way It Seems - GARY CHARLSON (1978)

22. Tomorrow Night - SHOES (Black Vinyl Records CD, 2007)

23. Rock And Roll Is Dead - THE RUBINOOS (1977)

24. One World - UTOPIA (1982)

The 28-page booklet penned by PP disciple DAVE BURKE is rammed with great photos, rare sleeve art like The Spongetones "Torn Apart" EP on Ripete Records in 1984 or The Flamin Groovies 2002 CD compilation "Slow Death: Amazin' High Energy Rock 'n' Roll 1971-73!" on Norton Records and The Nashville Ramblers giving it some "Trains" on their "American Heart & Soul" LP from 1986. Page 4 has a collage of nine 45 labels like Stiff, Beserkley, Ensign, Capitol, Bearsville, Arista for Dwight Twilley etc.

The Audio is fabulous - punchy and full - long time Audio Engineer NICK ROBBINS handling the transfers for Ace. Amidst the snappy guitar-jangling Joe Jackson bass slapping type energy, there is much to love and anyone interested in the genre should dive in. Another nice job done and discoveries too...

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"...English Rose..."

Even though I probably wasn’t consciously aware of it - by 1978 I was already an old fart. Yet like all my mates at the time (kids of the early Seventies) - we knew the real deal when it hit our eardrums. Amidst the amateur clatter, concert gobbing and clenched fists - the English New Wave was also producing The Clash, The Damned, The Stranglers, The Buzzcocks, The Undertones, The Sex Pistols and so many more - all of whom were evolving past mere spit and snarl. What was not to love?

But with a genuinely articulate wordsmith/songwriter in Woking's own Paul Weller - especially on the subject of all things British, working class and growing up – two years into Punk's explosive and abusive journey - The Jam in 1978 somehow stood above them all. Their undeniably angry yet life-affirming third platter "All Mod Cons" pierced my heart and grabbed my pogoing crotch with equal force - a musical and lyrical grip that has never loosened across 40 years. This is a fabulous album and I remember fondly discussing "…Mod..." with John Reed who had just penned a 26-page appraisal of his emotional-crave for England's Record Collector Magazine (he was compiling the first Price Guides for them at the time as well as writing one of the largest articles they’d ever done on this supremely collectable band) - his eyes ablaze like a kid who'd just found a new sixpence on streets awash with muck.

The albums "In the City" and "This Is The Modern World" from May and November 1977 were undeniably great opening bids and exciting mission statements in themselves (the second even made the lower reaches of the US charts) - but the mighty "All Mod Cons" was an entirely different toffee wrapper. Hell it even seemed to have a hidden-track on Side 1 - the gorgeous "English Rose". Much like "Train In Vain" on The Clash's "London Calling" the following year - "English Rose" was not credited on the rear cover artwork - but in this case did at least turn up as a label credit. And entirely out of keeping with the rest of the record's kick-'em-in-the-nadges mood (except maybe for the equally sweet "Fly") – the straight-up love song and its pastoral acoustic sound wrong-footed everyone (Weller even seemed embarrassed by it at the time).

What a blast "All Mod Cons" is and this 2006 2-Disc 'Deluxe Edition' remaster - itself sporting fresh material (both Audio and Visual) - only hammers home the greatness and legacy of that period masterpiece with Mod gusto. In fact this is one of those reissue instances when I would cry 'give me more' and not less. So with no bonds that can ever keep me from she, let's get to the Billy Hunts...

UK released 20 June 2006 - "All Mod Cons: Deluxe Edition" by THE JAM on Polydor/Universal 9839238 (Barcode 602498392386) is a 2-Disc Reissue (1CD and 1DVD) with Previously Unreleased Audio and Visual elements that plays out as follows:

CD - 78:54 minutes:

1. All Mod Cons [Side 1]

2. To Be Someone (Didn't We Have A Nice Time)

3. Mr. Clean

4. David Watts

5. English Rose

6. In The Crowd

7. Billy Hunt [Side 2]

8. It's Too Bad

9. Fly

10. The Place I Love

11. 'A' Bomb In Wardour Street

12. Down In The Tube Station At Midnight

Tracks 1 to 12 are their third studio album "All Mod Cons" - released November 1978 in the UK on Polydor Records POLD 5008 and Polydor PD-1-6188 in the USA. Produced by VIC COPPERSMITH-HEAVEN (real name Victor Smith) - it peaked at No. 6 and No. 204 in the UK and USA LP charts. All songs written by Paul Weller except "David Watts" which is a KINKS cover version written by Ray Davies.

BONUS TRACKS:

13. News Of The World

14. Aunties And Uncles (Impulsive Youths)

15. Innocent Man

Tracks 13 to 15 are the A & two B-sides of a February 1978 non-album UK 7" single on Polydor 2058 995

16. Down In The Tube Station At Midnight (Single Version)

17. So Sad About Us

18. The Night

Tracks 16 to 18 are the A & two B-sides of a October 1978 UK 7" single on Polydor POSP 8 (2059 068)

19. So Sad About Us (Demo)

20. Worlds Apart (Demo)

21. It's Too Bad (Demo)

22. To Be Someone (Demo)

23. David Watts (Demo)

24. Billy Hunt (Alternate Version)

25. Mr. Clean (Demo) - Previously Unreleased

26. Fly (Demo) - Previously Unreleased

All songs written by Paul Weller except "News Of The World", "Innocent Man" and "The Night" by Bruce Foxton while "David Watts" by Ray Davies of The Kinks and "So Sad About Us" by Pete Townshend of The Who are cover versions

DVD – NTSC REGION 0 - Aspect Ratio 4:3, Sound 5.1 and Stereo

1. The Making Of All Mod Cons - Directed by DON LETTS (36 minutes)

Features new interviews with all three members of The Jam, Promo Clips from the period and previously-unseen live footage

2. New solo rendition of "English Rose" by Paul Weller (2:30 minutes)

THEJAM was:

PAUL WELLER - Lead Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Piano and Harmonica

BRUCE FOXTON - Bass, Guitar and Vocals

RICK BUCKLER - Drums and Percussion

A plastic/stickered DELUXE EDITION wraparound slipcase houses a four-way fold-out card digipak with the two discs. The 28-page over-sized booklet has fresh liner notes from Mojo Magazine's LOIS WILSON that features new interviews and reminiscences from all three - with Weller honest about what he now knows was a watershed moment for his band. Working class roots, the influence of songwriters like Ray Davies and Pete Townshend who wrote about England with wit, honesty and dare-we-say-it 'affection' - the trappings of sudden stardom and his 'spokesperson for a generation' mantle, Soul Music and the Modfather image, the rip-off grind-you-down nature of the music industry who just wanted more pithy hits and clearly didn't think Punk or its New Wave music would evolve into something special - it's all here. There are comments from Producers Vic Coppersmith-Jones and Chris Parry as well as other key players, the NME front cover, a Strawberry Acetate for "Down In The Tube Station…", a Japanese Picture Sleeve and some UK 45s - but if I'm honest the booklet is also strangely lacking. The inner sleeve to the original album showing the boys photo/memorabilia collage of Soul, Ska and Mod roots (Creation singles, Tamla Motown 45s, 100 Club flyers, Battersea Power Station and Coffee cups etc.) along with the rear LP sleeve is reproduced on the inner flaps as are lyrics beneath the see-through CD trays.

Better news comes in the shape of a new GARY MOORE Remaster from original tapes that lifts up the record even more than the 1997 'Jam Remasters' version did (Audio Engineers PASCHAL BYRNE and DENNIS MUNDAY also helped with the remixes of the two Previously Unreleased demos dovetailing Disc 1). This reissue sounds fantastic - lickety split attack from the guitars, head boy snooty snarl in the vocals and Mister Clean f-u-up power to that pumping two-piece rhythm section (a great job done). Let's get to the place I love...

Side 1 opens with a triple upper-cut - first up being the short and angry 1-2-3-4 attack of "All Mod Cons" where Weller goes after the industry and its supposed 'artistic freedom'. But that's trampled on by the brilliant "To Be Someone..." where a killer Revolver riff kicks you in the nuts only to be followed by a fabulous musical interlude - Paul worrying about his very soul being swallowed up by the cocaine life of guitar-shaped swimming pools - a world that can 'quickly diminish' into cold streets after the pub has shut, stumbling home with all the other clowns to lonely rooms. The bolshy "Mr. Clean" sees Weller go after the 9-to-5 suits and their annual Christmas do – its vicious lyrics suddenly matching the killer beat as he threatens to f-up Mister Squeaky's missus and their cosy life. The angry-young-man then gets his teeth into Ray Davies' angry-young-anthem "David Watts" - head boy of the school and captain of the team - a pure and noble breed - and you suspect a bit of a knob. Then you get the completely unexpected - a wash of waves and acoustic guitars - a love song amidst the inner city angst that floored me when I first heard it. I've always thought "English Rose" a Weller gem - and the new version on the DVD is a highlight for me.

"In The Crowd" is surely one of album's best tracks too (I prefer it to "Down At The Tube Station At Midnight") - a song that doesn't sound like 40 years ago in any way. But rage is not far away. In the stabbing-riffage of "Billy Hunt" someone is a little dog messing up Paul's tree - our hero longing to be Clark Kent’s Superman or Steve Austin’s Bionic Man – superpowers/six-million dollars enabling him able to defend himself against Staff Sergeant Bob and his barking first-day-on-the-job commands. "It’s Too Bad" gets dangerously close to calling in the Beatles lawyers with its guitar melody – but it does at least lower the rage thermostat a few degrees and again shows a songwriting maturity way past the two preceding albums. Then just as you think you know the band – Weller hits you with another warm one – the fabulous "Fly" where again his songwriting leaps out of the speakers. Same thing happens with "The Place I Love" where he makes a stand against the world – the fantastic chug underpinned up by subtle organ giving the song a sort of Soul-Rock power. And of course it ends on the double-whammy of "'A' Bomb In Wardour Street" (an apocalypse in Doc Martins) and "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight" (miscreants after the pub and too many right-wing meetings). What an album…

The Jam were also a stunning singles band and the Bonus Tracks amply show why fans fretted over their 45-releases with such must-buy-it-the-day-of-release passion – even the flip-sides were cool and worth owning. In August 1978 Polydor UK put out two of the album tracks as a single - "David Watts" with "Wardour Street" as the B-side (Polydor 2059 054) – following that with "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight" in October 1978 on the A (Polydor POSP 8 – its two non-album B-sides are amidst the bonus cuts) – rewarding the band with No. 15 and No. 25 chart positions. Bruce Foxton got his two moments too on the "News Of The World" 45 that pre-empted the album in February 1978 (Polydor 2058 995 - Weller playing piano on "Innocent Man"). It's just one of the excellent single-sides that bolster up the CD. I love that Motown-ish cover of Pete Townshend's "So Sad About Us" (the demo is slightly disappointing) and it's unfortunately easy to hear why the awkwardly piano-happy "Worlds Apart" was not used. But the yeah-yeah-yeah demo of "It's Too Bad" is already showing greatness, as does "To Be Someone" where Foxton's Bass lines are more to the fore. The final two Previously Unreleased cuts are rough for sure but again only add more icing to an already tasty cake.

"…Didn't we have a nice time..."– Weller shouted 40 years ago. Well I don't know about nice, and I haven't met the Queen yet either, but I'm still listening and I'm fa-fa-fa-fa f***ing loving it. Nice one son…

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"…Running Down Deep…"

Having not sold in quantity at the time - HELP YOURSELF albums have become pricey suckers on the auction circuit over the last few years and this superlatively presented 2CD set on Esoteric Recordings of the UK (part of Cherry Red) is a great way of accessing their British Country Rock/Prog leanings for a reasonable cost. It has fab presentation and quality remastering too. Here are the Electric Fur Trappers and Strange Affairs…

Released July 2014 – "Reaffirmation: An Anthology 1971-1973" by HELP YOURSELF on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 22459 (Barcode 5013929455948) is a 2CD retrospective and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (77:30 minutes):

1. Running Down Deep

2. I Must See Jesus For Myself

3. Paper Leaves

4. Old Man

5. Deborah

6. Street Songs

Tracks 1 to 6 are from their debut album "Help Yourself" released April 1971 in the UK on Liberty Records LBS 83484

7. Strange Affair

8. Brown Lady

9. Heaven Row

10. The All Electric Fur Trapper

11. Many Ways Of Meeting

12. Deanna Call And Scotty

Tracks 7 to 12 are from their 2nd studio album "Strange Affair" released April 1972 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29287

13. Alabama Lady

14. Reaffirmation

15. Passing Through

Tracks 13 to 15 are from their 3rd studio LP "Beware The Shadow" released November 1972 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29413

Disc 2 (69:14 minutes):

1. She's My Girl

2. American Mother

Tracks 1 and 2 are from their 3rd studio LP "Beware The Shadow" released November 1972 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29413

3. Mommy Won't Be Home For Christmas

4. Johnny B. Goode

Tracks 3 and 4 are the A&B-sides of a UK 7" single released December 1972 on United Artists UP 35466 – both tracks non-album

5. Candy Kane

6. Who Killed Paradise?

7. It Has To Be

8. Man, We're Glad We Know You

9. Blown Away

Tracks 5 to 9 are from their 4th studio album "The Return Of Ken Whaley" released July 1973 in the UK on United Artists UDG 4001. It was paired at the time of release with a free album called "Happy Daze" on United Artists FREE 1. See Tracks 10 and 11

10. Virginia

11. I've Got Beautiful You

Tracks 10 and 11 are from "Happy Daze"– see 5 to 9 above

12. Eddie Waring (Live)

Track 12 appeared on the MAN and FRIENDS (Various Artists) 2 x 10" live album "Christmas At The Patti" released in the UK July 1973 on United Artists UDX 205/6

Tastefully housed in a card slipcase – the compilation has been put together with obvious affection by MARK POWELL and TIM FRASER-HARDING (Powell has been involved in hundreds of quality reissues). The 16-page booklet has superb liner notes by MICHAEL HEATLEY featuring reminiscences on Malcolm Morley's songwriting and the band’s struggles sided with trade adverts, band photos and publicity shots, ticket stubs, Posters of 1971 Festival appearances and a rare advert for the first album on Liberty Records. But the great news for fans is a BEN WISEMAN remaster from original master tapes at Audio Archiving in London. I’ve had an old CD of their stuff from years back and the improvement here is immense – clear instruments, vocals upfront, power and subtlety on every track – top notch job done.

Although associated with guitar workouts – in the beginning HELP YOURSELF were often more British Country Rock via the USA than stoner boogie. Tunes like the lovely piano-soft “Deborah” on their debut and “Brown Lady” on their second LP come on like America circa “A Horse With No Name” in 1972. Then they get a bit boogie with excellent “Running Down Deep” and “Old Man” which sounds like Matthews Southern Comfort meets Neil Young – a languid chugger that lasts just under seven minutes – at times feeling like “Southern Man” off “After The Gold Rush” – very cool. Ken Whaley’s bass and the swirling fuzz-guitars on “The All Electric Fur Trapper” are so clear – beautiful job done with the transfer (bit of a tune too). The band had a genius in MALCOLM MORLEY who penned the bulk of these across-the-board songs flitting from Country to Funky to Boogie in a heartbeat. Ex British hard rockers SAM APPLE PIE and later a member of MAN – Morley’s guitar and moods dominates the albums. Light and rocking one moment (“Blown Away”) then acidic and lyrically heavy the next (“Who Killed Paradise?”) – he could be both soft (“She’s My Girl”) and creepy at one and the same time (“Candy Kane”).

The Yuletide single “Mommy Won’t Be Home For Christmas” is a broken-home slice of festive reality with kids who saw mommy “went away in October…Christmas sure is looking black…”) while its great B-side sees them get all Foghat on Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” – it’s a rarity on 7” and its inclusion here is a smart move. Things go all 12-minute Prog with the brilliant “It Had To Be You” – Morley’s Keyboard work layering synths and piano and trippy Man/Hawkwind moments. The same feeling comes with the compilation’s driving title track “Reaffirmation” – another near 13-minute slowy that builds into a sort of Deke Leonard funky guitar groove and just keeps going (bit of a discovery this one). In fact the live fourteen-minute “Eddie Waring” is just that – a Deke Leonard composition that wouldn’t have been out of place on say Man’s superb live set “Maximum Darkness” from 1975.

Ken Whaley went on to be with pub-rockers DUCKS DELUXE and sadly passed away in 2013 – Richard Treece and Malcolm Morley still gig occasionally to this day.

A stormingly good reissue for a band that deserves one – HELP YOURSELF to a slice of these forgotten English heroes…

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"...My Love Talks To Winking Windows..."

Popping more than balloons in the public parks of Sixties San Francisco – I'm sure she did mate. A visionary time – genius – indulgent knob – take your pick. I suppose in the 52-year comfort-zone of 2019, it's so easy to be pass-remarkable about the year 1967 and its hallucinogenic words, third-eye thinking and peaceful ideals. The Summer of Love – Flower Power – letting it all hang out – rebelling against the man, man - and all that. And yet if you ever wanted proof-positive of how to argue that 'experimentation and drug-taking indulgence will produce brilliance'– then a listen to the Airplane's out-there third album "After Bathing At Baxter's" from November of that astonishing year will settle it for you. It's bonkers – it's brill – it's gobbledegook (try listening to the second track "A Small Package Of Value Will Come To You, Shortly" and not laugh/cringe). For better or worse "After Bathing At Baxter's" is a truly evocative time capsule into that musically explosive year – echoes that still inform our listening peccadillos to this day.

Let’s frame the picture first. Jefferson Airplane had exploded onto the East Coast music scene in 1965 and their cutesy Byrds-like debut "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off" had hit the shops in August 1966 to critical acclaim and a respectable debut chart position. But the second platter "Surrealistic Pillow" and its two top-ten smash singles "Somebody To Love" and the trippy "White Rabbit" made them cultural icons and commercial stars (the LP shifted a million copies) with a public and record company eager for more come album number three – more hits – more controversy – more madness. But already feeling artistically strangled and deliberately eschewing the perceived commercialism of the day (consolidate your fan base and simply give them more of what they want) – the San Francisco band holed up in the studio for nearly six months and on RCA’s dime made the music they wanted without the boffins in ten-gallon hats and Crimplene slacks knowing what was going on. Probably just as well they weren’t listening to the nine-minute hippy-fest that is "Spare Chaynge" where Bassist Jack Casady, Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and Drummer Spencer Dryden have a wee bit of an instrumental wig-out while blissfully unaware RCA Victor hick-types foot the not inconsiderable bill. Even the LP sleeve was cryptic – you had to turn over the front cover to see what words the cartoon-drawn Fred Flintstone Whacky Races Jefferson Airplane was hauling on its trailing banner - "After Bathing At Baxter's" (the LP’s title is words from a Gary Blackman poem reproduced on the inner sleeve of original albums) – complete with an environmental message amidst the modern-day detritus splattered about the city below – ‘Every Litter Bit Helps’. And its eleven songs were also broken up into five thematic bits with weirdly-worded banner-headings like "Streetmasse" and "Shizoforest". Yeah man…

Co-founder Marty Balin and leading songwriter light on the "Takes Off" debut and its follow-up "Surrealistic Pillow" allegedly found the experimental jams and sessions gruelling and even distasteful - leaving Grace Slick and Paul Kantner to step forward and provide seven of the eleven songs with the remainder of the band improvising the rest (Balin has only one credit on the LP – a co-write with Kantner on "Young Girl Sunday Blues)". When it hit Billboard in late December 1967 - the public were amused and disinterested in equal measure with "…Baxter's" stalling at No. 17 whereas "Pillow" had busted No. 3 with ease. But time and distance has shown that their artistic freak-out had merit – especially when you take into account the equally cool and brilliant "Crown Of Creation" album that followed in 1968. Let’s get stuck into those wild tymes of the year before…here are the pooneils…

UK released August 2003 (July 2003 in the USA) - "After Bathing At Baxter's" by JEFFERSON AIRPLANE on RCA/BMG Heritage 82876 53225 2 (Barcode 828765322522) is an Expanded Edition 'Original Masters' CD Reissue with Four Bonus Tracks (three of which are Previously Unissued) and pans out as follows (68:30 minutes);

"Streetmasse" [Side 1]

1. The Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil

2. A Small Package Of Value Will Come To You, Shortly

3. Young Girl Sunday Blues

"The War Is Over"

4. Martha

5. Wild Tyme (H)

"Hymn to an Older Generation"

6. The Last Wall of the Castle

7. rejoice

"How Suite It Is" [Side 2]

8. Watch Her Ride

9. Spare Chaynge

"Shizoforest Love Suite"

10. Two Heads

11. Won't You Try/Saturday Afternoon

Tracks 1 to 11 are their third studio album "After Bathing At Baxter's" - released November 1967 in the USA on RCA Victor LOP-1511 (Mono) and December 1967 in the UK on RCA Victor RD 7926 (Mono) and SF 7926 (Stereo). The STEREO Mix is used for this CD reissue.

BONUS TRACKS:

12. The Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil [Live – Long Version]

13. Martha [Mono]

14. Two Heads (Alternate Version)

15. Things Are Better In The East (Demo Version)

Tracks 12, 14 and 15 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Track 13 is the B-side of the US 7” single to "Watch Her Ride" released December 1967 on RCA Victor 47-9398

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE was:

GRACE SLICK – Lead Vocals, Keyboards

JORMA KAUKONEN - Lead Guitars and Vocals

PAUL KANTNER – Lead, Rhythm Guitars and Vocals

MARTY BALIN – Lead and Backing Vocals

JACK CASADY - Bass

SPENCER DRYDEN – Drums, Vocals, Piano, Organ and Percussion

The 12-page liner notes are courtesy of band-expert and uber-fan JEFF TAMARKIN who authored "Got A Revolution! The Turbulent Flight Of Jefferson Airplane" issued on Atria Books the same year as the CD reissues (2003). The colour photo and handwritten song list that adorned the inner gatefold is spread across the two centre pages - but the cartoons-and-poem inner that came with original LPs is rather sloppily absent and without explanation. There are a couple of black and white photos of the band (from the sessions) and the usual reissue credits. Pieced together from insider interviews - his explanation of the album's recording history across six crazy months is affectionate and genuinely informative - even if he rather conveniently omits that other cultural sensation happening across the sea in Blighty (Sgt. Peppers released 1 June 1967 and dominating the rest of that year right into December) – an LP that would surely have had an impact on the band’s working process and thinking. Page 11 of the booklet also seems to want us to believe the album's US catalogue number was LSP-4545 - when it wasn't (that's a Seventies repress as I recall). But apart from these glitches mostly Tamarkin makes a good argument as to why fans love "…Baxter's" so much – it's true 'Plane'– dancing to the piper at the gates of their own SF dawn (with less smog and rain). But the big news here is a BOB IRWIN Remaster from original tapes – bringing the STEREO mix to life – and for me the amazing quality of the four Extras which feel like just that – like actual bonus material (three are unreleased).

Edited down to a more manageable 4:35 minutes from what now appears to have been a near 12-minute session - the album opens on the wailing guitar of Paul Kantner's "The Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil". Both Kantner and Slick trade oohs and aahs as the song finds its strange guitar groove. RCA tried it as a 45 prior to the album's release in September 1967 on RCA Victor 47-9297 with Side 2's "Two Heads" as the flipside - but it only managed a No. 42 placing on the American singles charts. It's followed by the mad voices of "A Small Package..." probably the most insufferable track on the album - a one and half minute indulgence of 'no man is an island' wit (he's a peninsula). Things pick up big time with the Balin/Kantner offering "Young Girl Sunday Blues" - a wicked groove you wish would go on longer (nice solo from Kaukonen).

Part 2 of 5 offers us "Martha" - another winner from Kantner - all acoustic guitars and collaborative vocals - it's one of my favourites on the record (the Mono version used on the 45 is one of this CD's bonus tracks). The band starts to really cook on "Wild Tyme" - a guitar-hooky Kantner rocker where everything is changing around them and singer Grace Slick reliably informs us that "...I'm doing things they haven't even named yet..." (nice). Jorma Kaukonen provided the 'teach me how to love' guitar-bop that is "The Last Wall of the Castle" - where halfway through he lets rip on a seriously gnarly solo (maybe Neil Young was listening to this over in the ranks of Buffalo Springfield). Grace then discusses "Ulysses" by James Joyce in her decidedly weird yet wonderful "rejoice" - a piano-jaunt that somehow manages to be sinister as she sings words like 'throw up on his leg' and a 'crotch that amazes'. I can only imagine what RCA executives must have made of "Spare Chaynge" - a nine-minute Avant Garde Prog Rock moment complete with its own funny spelling and deliberate difficulty. The final two "Two Heads" and "Won't You Try/Saturday Afternoon" must have offered solace in that they might be called actual 'tunes'. And off the Bonus Cuts - I'm loving the demo-delicacy of "Things Are Better In The East" - an original take of a song that would eventually morph into "Two Heads".

Studio set No. 4 "Crown Of Creation" was delivered in September 1968 and again featured an even more breathtaking leap forward (rightly revered back in the day and still is now). They really had lived up to that space-age-music moniker foisted on them by RCA Records on the rear cover of their 1966 debut album – here comes the 'Jet Age Sound'.

But despite many five-star appraisals other than mine – I’m fairly certain that re-listening to Jefferson Airplane and their "After Bathing At Baxter's" album in 2018 will have the now-generation scratching their heads and fearing for our sanity and judgement - an acquired taste – like Balsamic Vinegar Crisps or the Metric System. But as the poster on the original US album cover proclaimed - "Consume!"– and for once I’m with the cartoonist…

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"...A Galliard..."

Virtuoso guitarist JAN AKKERMAN made his name as the principal axeman for the Dutch Prog Rock group FOCUS – a band that many's a spotty teenager bought on Polydor Records back in the early 70ts (especially 1971's "Moving Waves" and 1972's epic double album "Focus III"). After a few belated LP releases featuring 60ts material on Imperial and Harvest – his 3rd solo album "Tabernakel" from early 1974 on Atlantic Records showed where his heart really lay – ancient songs played on ancient instruments but in a very Classical/Seventies Prog Rock kind of way (Jeff Beck's musical buddies Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice guest on Bass and Drums on two tracks).

Akkerman even returns to his old Focus haunts with a new version of their instrumental hit – "House Of The King" - the B-side of "Sylvia" in December 1972. Coupled with a later album set called "Eli" that he did with the Dutch Blues vocalist Kazimir Lux in 1977 – this beautifully transferred Beat Goes On CD offers fans both albums in their entirety. Here are the lute-playing Minstrels in the Gallery...

UK released October 2015 – "Tabernakel/Eli" by JAN AKKERMAN and KAZ LUX on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1208 (Barcode 5017261212085) is a 2LPs onto 1CD Reissue and Remaster that plays out as follows (76:22 minutes):

1. Britannia by John Dowland

2. Coranto For Mrs. Murcott by Francis Pilkington

3. The Earl Of Derby, His Galliard by John Dowland

4. House Of The King

5. A Galliard by Anthonie Holborne

6. A Galliard by John Dowland

7. A Pavan by Thomas Morley

8. Javeh

9. A Fantasy by Laurencini Of Rome [Side 2]

10. Lammy

(i) I Am

(ii) Asleep, Half Asleep, Half Awake

(iii) She Is

(iv) Lammy, We Are

(v) The Last Will And Testament

(vi) Amen

Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Tabernakel"– released January 1974 in the UK on Atlantic K 40522 and February 1974 in the USA on Atlantic SD 7032. Bass and Drums by Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice on Track 4 and 10.

11. Eli

12. Guardian Angel

13. Tranquillizer

14. Can't Fake A Good Thing

15. There He Still Goes [Side 2]

16. Strindberg

17. Wings Of Strings

18. Naked Actress

19. Fairytale

Tracks 11 to 19 are the album "Eli" by JAN AKKERMAN & KAZ LUX – released January 1977 in the UK on Atlantic K 50320 and in the USA on Atlantic SD 18210

There’s the card slipcase on the outside that lends these Beat Goes On CD reissues a little class – and on the inside a 16-page booklet with full album credits, some black and white photos and new liner notes on Akkerman and the albums by noted writer NEIL DANIELS. The gorgeous (if not a teensy bit hissy) Audio is courtesy of new 2015 ANDREW THOMPSON Remasters licensed from WEA. Not surprising therefore given the purity of the instruments and the air around them (lots of acoustic madrigal strumming) that the Geoffrey Haslam original production values get to shine. This is a lovely sounding CD – and the combo of high-strung guitars and orchestral arrangements was always going to impress.

Firstly - the album "Tabernakel" isn't "Hocus Pocus" or even "Sylvia" - those looking for that should revert to the Focus catalogue. "Tabernakel” features instrumentals hankering back to ye Olde Englande – madrigals and galliards – beautifully played and produced. Both "Britannia" and "The Earl Of Derby" show his amazing playing credentials straight away and impressive they are too. Despite probably seeming like a good idea at the time - there's a rather pointless and not very good 'guitars and strings' cover version of the Focus hit "House Of The King" - the first of two tunes on the album to feature Jeff Beck's regular sidemen – Bassist Tim Bogert and Drummer Carmine Appice (the other is the epic "Lammy"). Far prettier is the simple acoustic strumming of two jolly ancient England pieces - "A Galliard by Anthonie Holborne" and "A Galliard by John Dowland".

"A Pavan by Thomas Morley" features the most exquisite acoustic guitar playing anchored and beautifully accompanied by a full string section of maybe 15 musicians (concert master Gene Orloff). The same lush orchestra sophistication applies to the Side 1 finisher "Javeh"– only this time with a more overtly Spanish flamenco feel in between the swooning Oboe and Violins. But Side 2 is dominated by the six-part "Lammy" which runs to just over 14 minutes. Bogert and Appice add rhythm spunk to the centre portions and Akkerman plays a mean Funk and Prog Guitar and even a very cool Lute made to sound somehow like a Sitar. During the Guitar/Drums battle before that huge organ and chorus of ELP doomy voices comes in – "Lammy" is Seventies Prog Rock at its very best.

But all of the goodwill built up by the accomplished "Tabernakel" LP goes out the Proggy window with the mostly mediocre and confusing "Eli" album where Akkerman lets Dutch vocalist Kazimir Lux loose on almost all of the songs to largely awful results. They also try to Funk things up all over the place but in most cases (not all) the record just fails to ignite in any real way. Lux has a good voice rather than a great one - when what was needed was Joe Cocker – so no amount of echo on "Eli" is going to save the song. The almost spoken "Strindberg" is ruined by his sub Nilsson nasally vocals and a weirdly poor production - especially after the spectacular "Tabernakel" LP. The fusion-funk of "Guardian Angel" at least has a good vocal while the slinky "Tranquillizer" trundles along with treated guitars that amble instead of impressing. It's not all bad - that old playing magic gets to shine on the lovely "Wings Of Strings" while Lux's own "Can't Fake A Good Time" is probably the best track on the album – properly funky like late 70ts Robin Trower. But the album ends on another ambling instrumental called "Fairytale" which is pleasant at best.

For me that 1977 LP seems out of place here and kind of lets the audio side down too (iffy Production) – but fans will absolutely love the "Tabernakel" LP on CD with such classy presentation too. Worth the price of admission alone I think...

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"...Top Of That Hill..."

Beat Goes On of the UK (BGO) touched on Jackie DeShannon's fab Sixties output back in August 2005 when they combined her "Don't Turn Your Back On Me" album (1964 on Liberty Records) with her 3^rd LP "This Is Jackie DeShannon" (1965 on Imperial Records) plonking both onto 1 CD (Beat Goes On BGOCD 684).

This complimentary 2015 two-disc set gives us four STEREO albums on Imperial put onto 2CDs and all of it in their customary tasty reissue style (card wrap, extensive booklet, quality remasters of Stereo and Mono mixes). Here are the details and the love what the world needs right now…

UK released March 2015 – "In The Wind/Are You Ready For This?/New Magic/What The World Needs Now Is Love" by JACKIE DeSHANNON on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1176 (Barcode 5017261211767) offers 4LP Remastered onto 2CDs and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (62:03 minutes):

1. Blowin’ In The Wind

2. Walkin’ Down The Line

3. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

4. If I Had A Hammer

5. Jailer Bring Me Water

6. Baby, Let Me Follow You Down

7. Needles And Pins [Side 2]

8. Little Yellow Roses

9. 500 Miles

10. Oh Sweet Chariot (Mono)

11. Puff (The Magic Dragon)

12. Don’t Turn Your Back On Me

Tracks 1 to 12 are her 4^th album "In The Wind"– released 1965 in the USA on Imperial LP-9296 (Mono) and LP-12296 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used except for track 10 "Oh Sweet Chariot"

13. I Can Make It With You

14. Music And Memories

15. Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Mono)

16. Are You Ready For This

17. To Be Myself (Mono)

18. Love Is Leading Me

19. Windows And Doors (Mono) [Side 2]

20. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me

21. So Long Johnny

22. To Wait For Love (Is To Waste Your Life Away)

23. Call Me

24. Find Me Love

Tracks 13 to 24 are her 5^th album "Are You Ready For This?"– released 1966 in the USA on Imperial LP-9328 (Mono) and LP-12328 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used except for tracks 15, 17 and 19 - which are Mono.

Disc 2 (68:05 minutes):

1. Come On Down (From The Top Of That Hill)

2. The Carnival Is Closed Today

3. I'll Be Seeing You

4. A Sunday Kind Of Love

5. The Wishing Well (from the motion picture Hawaii) (Mono)

6. Night And Day

7. I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do

8. Time

9. A Proper Girl

10. Where Does The Sun Go?

11. That's The Name Of The Game

12. Poor Someone

Tracks 1 to 12 are her 6^th album "New Image"– released 1967 in the USA on Imperial LP-9344 (Mono) and LP-12344 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used except for track 5 - which is Mono.

13. What The World Needs Now Is Love

14. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Lo Che Non Vivo)

15. It's All In The Game

16. So Long Johnny

17. Changin' My Mind

18. Windows And Doors (Mono)

19. A Lifetime Of Loneliness

20. Everything Under The Sun

21. To Wait For Love

22. Where Does The Sun Go?

23. Little Yellow Roses

24. Call Me

Tracks 13 to 24 are her 7^th album "What The World Needs Now Is Love"– released 1968 in the USA on Imperial LP-12404 (Stereo only) except for Track 18 – which is Mono.

The 16-page booklet has superb liner notes by noted writer and musicologist JOHN TOBLER as well as album credits, black and white publicity photos and original LP liner notes where available. Between it and the card wrap – you get a very classy feel to this reissue. But the real goodies come with the Stereo mixes of the albums which sound utterly brill thanks to quality remasters from BGO’s resident go-to Engineer ANDREW THOMPSON. I’ve sung this guy's praises before and he's done the business by these records. There are (as you can see from above) some instances where the Mono take is replaced by the Stereo version and the audio definitely takes a dip for the worse – but these Universal licenced tapes are clearly in great shape.

With the winds of change and social upheaval going through American society like a dose of salts – it’s clear that like so many others - the wallop of Bob Dylan's albums and his thought-provoking consciousness hit out Jackie hard. She opens "In The Wind" with no less than three Dylan covers in a row sounding like she means every word – then taps into Pete Seeger's "If I Had A Hammer" and Eric Von Schmidt's "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down" (another Dylan favorite complete with harmonica fills that ape BD's style). Even Bobby Darin's "Jailer Bring Me Water" is made to sound like a Folky anthem. I could probably live without her saccharine cover of Peter, Paul and Mary's "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" and the Mono cut of the Traditional "Oh Sweet Chariot" doesn’t do much for me either. Better is her lone composition on the album "Don't Turn Your Back On Me"– an excellent and hooky Pop hit that would give Goffin and King a run for their Brill Building money. Vanguard Records folky Hedy West provides the lonesome and lovely "500 Miles" - another highlight on a very strong album.

Returning to the melodrama of Phil Spector strings and girls – the “Are You Ready For This?” LP opens strongly with the Dusty Springfield sounding “I Can Make It With You” (another winner penned by Chip Taylor). But the album sees DeShannon’s songwriting talent start to shine through big time. The title track “Are You Ready For This?” is the first of four self-penned songs to kick in (“To Be Myself”, “Love Is Leading Me” and “Find Me Love” are the other three) which combined with “Windows And Doors”, “So Long Johnny” and “To Wait For Love” by Bacharach and David – give the album a strong edge by virtue of such strong material. “To Be Myself” and “Love Is Leading Me” give a musical nod towards the girl group sound of Motown and are so catchy – she even gives it a brassy stab at Tony Hatch’s “Call Me” - a huge hit in the UK for Petula Clark.

Things take a more decidedly Pop turn with the “New Image” album – very upbeat and cheery in that Summer Of Love kind of a way – epitomised by the opener “Come On Down (From The Top Of That Hill)”. The audio quality on “The Carnival Is Closed Today” is truly fabulous. Things getting decidedly soppy with “A Sunday Kind Of Love” but “The Wishing Doll” is dreadful film dross (made worse by dreary Mono). Things pick up with her chipper version of Cole Porter’s “Night And Day”. Both “Time” and “Poor Someone” are great upbeat/mid-tempo Sixties Pop but even better are her own two contributions – “Where Does The Sun Go?” and “That’s The Name Of The Game”.

Probably her most famous and beloved song – Bacharach & Davids "What The World Needs Now Is Love" still has that eternally optimistic Sixties magic about it. Another B&D winner comes in the shape of "So Long Johnny" while her own "Where Does The Sun Go?" gets another version that is so Bobbie Gentry in its delivery. "Little Yellow Roses" (with surprisingly deep lyrics) and Hatch's "Call Me" end it in style.

It's not all genius of course but for lovers of Jackie DeShannon and her Sixties Sound this is yet another great reissue from BGO. Fans should dig in right away and enjoy – especially given the superb audio and presentation…

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1970 - ALL THINGS MUST PASS
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CD Reissues and Remasters

"…It's All For The Love Of You…"

September 2008's "Ain't No Saint..." 4CD box set offers up 61 tracks across a 40-year career (over 30 are previously unreleased). The 36-page booklet is a bit slapdash with regard to exacting details - so I've deciphered all the info contained within and without - and can now provide the following detailed breakdown for Universal-Island 530 798-7 (Barcode 600753079874):

Disc 1 (75:51 minutes):

1. Fairy Tale Lullaby (from "London Conversation", 1967)

2. Sing A Song Of Summer (from "The Tumbler", 1968)

3. Stormbringer (from "Stormbringer", 1970) John and Beverley Martyn

4. Tree Green (from "The Road To Ruin", 1970) John and Beverley Martyn

5. Head And Heart (from "Solid Air", 1973)

6. In The Evening (a "Solid Air outtake, also on the 2009 2CD DELUXE EDITION)

7. Solid Air (an Alternate version, also on the 2009 2CD DELUXE EDITION)

8. Keep On (a "Solid Air outtake, also on the 2009 2CD DELUXE EDITION)

9. The Glory Of Love (a "Solid Air outtake, also on the 2009 2CD DELUXE EDITION)

10. Go Down Easy (from "Solid Air", 1973)

11. Ain't No Saint (an "Inside Out" outtake, an instrumental)

12. Fine Lines (from "Inside Out", 1973)

13. Eight More Miles (a "Sunday's Child" outtake)

14. Call Me Crazy (from "Sunday's Child", 1975)

15. Black Man At The Shoulder (a "One World" outtake)

16. All For The Love Of You (a "One World" outtake)

17. Working It Out (a "One World" outtake)

18. Couldn't Love You More (from "One World", 1977)

6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 to 17 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Disc 2 (79:29 minutes):

1. Advertisement (30-second Radio Spot for the March 1977 'Best Of' Island Records compilation "So Far So Good")

2. Small Hours - Instrumental [originally known as "Space Peace"] (a 10:18 minutes Alternate version, also on the 2004 2CD DELUXE EDITION of "One World"]

3. In Search Of Anna [credited on the box as "Anna"] (a 1979 Australian-only 7" single on Island Records K7450. Theme to a movie of the same name)

4. Lookin' On (from "Grace And Danger", 1980)

5. Amsterdam (from "Glorious Fool", 1981)

6. Hung Up (from "Well Kept Secret", 1982)

7. Acid Rain (from "Sapphire", 1984)

8. Who Believes In Angels (from "Piece By Piece", 1986)

9. The Apprentice (from "The Apprentice", 1990)

10. Hole In The Rain (from "Cooltide", 1991)

11. One World (alternate version from the re-recordings compilation "Couldn't Love You More", 1992)

12. Sunday's Child (a 1992 re-recording, an Alternate version)

13. Carmine (from "And.", 1996)

14. The Sky Is Crying (an Elmore James cover from "The Church With One Bell", 1998)

15. So Sweet (from "Glasgow Walker", 2000)

16. Back To Marseilles (from "On The Cobbles", 2004)

1 to 3 and 12 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Disc 3 (77:37 minutes):

1. Bless The Weather (Live at the Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, 22 August 1973)

2. Make No Mistake (Live at the Empire Theatre, Edinburgh, 22 August 1973)

3. So Much In Love With You (Live at Leeds University, 13 February 1975)

4. Spencer The Rover (Live at Leeds University, 13 February 1975)

5. My Baby Girl (Live at Leeds University, 13 February 1975)

6. You Can Deliver (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 16 March 1975)

7. Solid Air (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 16 March 1975)

8. I'd Rather Be The Devil (Devil Got My Woman) (a Skip James cover, Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 16 March 1975)

9. Outside In (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 16 March 1975)

10. Advertisement (18-second Radio Spot for a Sunday Night concert in Birmingham)

11. Big Muff (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 21 November 1977)

12. One Day Without You (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 21 November 1977)

1 to 12 is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Disc 4 (79:44 minutes):

1. Dealer (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 21 November 1977)

2. Smiling Stranger (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, 21 November 1977)

3. Johnny Too Bad (Live at BBC Bristol for "A Little Night Music" Television Show, 12 August 1981)

4. Hurt In Your Heart (Live at BBC Bristol for "A Little Night Music" Television Show, 12 August 1981)

5. John Wayne (Live at The Montreaux Jazz Festival, 18 July 1986)

6. Angeline (Live at The Montreaux Jazz Festival, 18 July 1986)

7. Mad Dog Days (Live at The Montreaux Jazz Festival, 18 July 1986)

8. The Moment (Live at The Town & Country Club, London, 12 November 1986)

9. Fisherman's Dream (Live at The Town & Country Club, London, 12 November 1986)

10. Sweet Little Mystery (Live at BBC Television Show "Later With Jools Holland", 5 November 1992)

11. May You Never (Live at the BBC Television Show "Later With Jools Holland", 5 November 1992)

12. Step It Up (Live at the BBC Television Show "Later With Jools Holland", 1 June 1996)

13. Sunshine's Better (Live at the "Andy Kershaw Show" for BBC Radio 1, 12 August 1996)

14. On For The Road (Live at BBC Television Show "Later With Jools Holland", 14 May 2004)

15. Over The Hill (Live at the BBC's "Radio 2 Folk Awards" Show, 6 February 2008)

1 to 15 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED; 15 features JOHN PAUL JONES of LED ZEPPELIN on Mandolin

The first 2 CDs provide a career retrospective of at least one song from all 22 of his studio albums (1967 to 2004) while Discs 3 and 4 are entirely made up of live and unreleased performances (1973 to 2008). The whole set has been remastered by PASCHAL BYRNE who did such a beautiful job on 2009's DELUXE EDITION of "Solid Air" (see separate review) - and the audio quality here is equal to that gem - especially on the earlier more folky tunes - warm and airy - just a gorgeous listen.

JOHN HILLARBY, long-time archivist and friend of Martyn has written the liner notes and cherry-picked the tracks. And while some of the choices are inspired (the rarely heard "Hung Up" from Well Kept Secret), others left me cold - even baffled. Why the ordinary "Back To Marseilles" from 2004's "On The Cobbles" when you could have ended disc 2 with "Goodnight Irene" with Mavis Staples. And do we need yet another 1992 alternate take of "Solid Air" (even if it is previously unreleased) when the live version of it on 1981's "Philanthropy" trashes it so completely. And why not decent tracks off "Piece By Piece" like "Lonely Love" or the title track or even a remaster of "Tight Connection To My Heart" - a rare non-album Dylan cover version on the "Angeline" CD single from 1986? Box sets are made for these sorts of things.

But there are gobsmacking gems on here to entice even the most weary listener; the ultra-rare and excellent "In Search Of Anna" - an Australian-only 7" single from 1979 finally gets a CD release - while "In The Evening" and "All For The Love Of You" (lyrics above) represent truly beautiful outtakes from "Solid Air" and "One World" respectively. And I never tire of "Hole In The Rain", "Carmine" or "So Sweet". His Nineties and 2000's stuff is superlative and never given enough room to shine.

Disc 3 and 4 are a mixed bag of the lovely (deliciously delicate versions of "Angeline" and "Sunshine's Better") running alongside the indulgent (13 minutes of "Inside Out") and the manic, but strangely powerful "John Wayne". And these live tracks also show a side to Martyn that needed serious acknowledgment - his ability with a full band to morph his older folk-acoustic songs into full-on modernized soulful versions which were often just as good as the originals - just updated in a fashion. It ends with John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin joining him on Mandolin on "Over The Hill" at the BBC's Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2008 - you can feel the audience's affection.

So there you have it - although "Ain't No Saint" is sometimes sloppy and disappointing in places - it's utterly captivating and life affirming too. And with his sad passing in early 2009 - you'll be glad you invested in it and left with a poignant feeling of true greatness lost...

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"…Walking On Sunset…Never Reach The End…"

"So Many Roads: An Anthology 1964-1974" is a long overdue 4CD 75-Track Book Set for England's Blues Rock maverick JOHN MAYALL. There's a huge trawl of great stuff on here so let's get to the blues breakers and shakers right away...

UK released July 2010 - "So Many Roads: An Anthology 1964-1974" by JOHN MAYALL on Universal/Decca 532 764-2 (Barcode 600753276426) plays out as follows...

Disc 1 (78:11 minutes):

1. Crawling Up A Hill

2. Mr. James (1 and 2 are A & B-sides of a May 1964 UK 7" single on Decca F 11900)

3. When I'm Gone

4. R&B Time

5. Runaway

6. What's The Matter With You (3 to 6 from the March 1965 UK LP "John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers" on Decca LK 4680)

7. Crocodile Walk

8. Blues City Shake Down (7 and 8 are A&B-sides of an April 1965 UK 7" single on Decca F 12120)

9. I'm Your Witchdoctor

10. Telephone Blues (9 and 10 are the A&B-sides of an October 1965 UK 7" single on Immediate IM012)

11. On Top Of The World (first appeared on the December 1967 UK LP compilation "Blues Anytime Vol.2" on Immediate IMCP 105)

12. They Call It Stormy Monday (part of the 1969 UK compilation LP "Looking Back" on Decca SKL 5010)

13. Have You Ever Loved A Woman (part of the 1977 "Primal Solos" UK compilation LP on London LC 50003)

14. All Your Love

15. Double Crossing Time

16. Steppin' Out

17. What'd I Say

18. Key To Love

19. Parchman Farm (14 to 19 are from the July 1966 UK LP "Blues Breakers" - John Mayall with Eric Clapton on Decca LK 4804)

20. Looking back

21. So Many Roads (20 and 21 are the A&B-sides of an October 1966 UK 7" single on Decca F 12506)

22. Long Night (from the January 1967 UK LP "Raw Blues" on Ace Of Clubs SCL 1220)

23. Dust My Blues

24. The Stumble (23 and 24 are from the February 1967 UK LP "A Hard Road" on Decca SKL 4853)

[Notes: 1 to 11, 14 to 21 are in MONO - all others are STEREO; CD1 also has an uncredited Track 25 which is simply called "Title 25"]

Disc 2 (76:44 minutes):

1. You Don't Love Me

2. It's Over

3. The Super-Natural (1 to 3 are from the February 1967 UK LP "A Hard Road" on Decca SKL 4853)

4. Sittin' In The Rain (A-side to a January 1967 UK 7" single on Decca F 12545)

5. Ridin' On The L&N

6. All My Life (5 and 6 are from a January 1967 UK EP "John Mayall Bluesbreakers with Paul Butterfield" on Decca DFE 8673)

7. Double Trouble (A-side of a June 1967 UK 7" single on Decca F 12621)

8. Suspicions (Part One) (A-side of an October 1967 UK 7" single on Decca F 12684)

9. Oh Pretty Woman

10. Snowy Wood

11. Checkin' Up On My Baby (9 to 11 are from the September 1967 UK LP "Crusade" by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers)

12. No More Tears

13. Brand New Start (12 and 13 are from the November 1967 UK LP "The Blues Alone" on Ace Of Clubs SCL 1243)

14. Picture On The Wall (A-side of a February 1968 UK 7" single on Decca F 12732)

15. Look In The Mirror

16. No Reply

17. Hartley Quits (15 to 17 are from the June 1968 UK LP "Bare Wires" on Decca SKL 4945)

18. 2401 (A-side of a November 1968 UK 7" single on Decca F 12846)

19. Walking On Sunset

20. Medicine Man

21. Miss James

22. Fly Tomorrow (19 to 22 are from the November 1968 UK LP "Blues From Laurel canyon" on Decca SKL 4972)

[Notes: 4 to 8, 12 to 14 and 18 are MONO - all others are STEREO]

Disc 3 (75:38 minutes):

1. The Laws Must Change

2. California

3. Room To Move (1 to 3 are from the November 1969 UK LP "The Turning Point" on Polydor 583 571)

4. Sleeping By Her Side (recorded at the Fillmore East 12 July 1969 - Previously Unreleased)

5. Don't Waste My Time

6. Something New

7. Waiting For The Right Time

8. Counting The Days (5 to 8 are from the April 1970 UK LP "Empty Rooms" on Polydor 583 580)

9. Off The Road

10. Crying

11. Nature's Disappearing (9 to 11 are from the November 1970 UK LP "USA Union" on Polydor 2425 020)

12. Accidental Suicide

13. Prisons On The Road

14. Unanswered Questions (12 to 14 are from the June 1971 UK 2LP Set "Back To The Roots" on Polydor 2657 005)

Disc 4 (77:04 minutes):

1. Television Eye (from the June 1971 UK 2LP Set "Back To The Roots" on Polydor 2657 005)

2. Memories

3. Nobody Cares (2 and 3 are from the 1971 UK album "Memories" on Polydor 2425 085)

4. Good Time Boogie

5. Got To Be This Way

6. Mess Around

7. Country Road (4 to 7 are `live' from the 1972 UK LP "Jazz Blues Fusion" on Polydor 2425 103)

8. Moving On

9. Things Go Wrong

10. High Pressure Living (8 to 10 are from the 1973 UK LP "Moving On" on Polydor 2391 047)

11. Driving `Til The Break Of Day

12. Burning Sun (11 and 12 are from the 1973 UK LP "Ten Years Are Gone" on Polydor 2683 036)

13. Little Kitten

14. Gasoline Blues (13 and 14 are from the 1974 UK LP "The Latest Edition" on Polydor 2391 141)

The attached 38-page colour booklet is a treasure of great photos (many unpublished until now), album sleeves, concert posters, trade adverts for singles on Decca and brilliant liner-notes by MARK POWELL (has contributed to major Universal box set projects and Esoteric CD reissues). All the big musician names that travelled through the Mayall catalyst camp are in here too - Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Taylor, Paul Butterfield, Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Keef Hartley, Don "Sugarcane" Harris, Johnny Almond, Roger Dean and a whole plethora of other luminaries too numerous to mention.

But for me the big news is the fabulous PASCHAL BYRNE remasters carried out at The Audio Archiving Company in London from original master tapes. I've got most of the important Sixties albums on great Decca remasters ("Blues Breakers", "Bare Wires" and the mighty "Blues From Laurel Canyon") - but what a blast to hear Disc 3 and 4 where it stretches into uncharted remasters - the Seventies. I love the weary piano misery of "Nobody Cares" (from 1971's "Memories") and the live slinky Blues of "Country Road" with a band that's cooking in front of an appreciative crowd (dig Clifford Soloman on Sax). And Laurel Canyon's 9-minute "Fly Tomorrow" is trippy genius - featuring superb Mick Taylor guitar work (later with The Stones) while Colin Allen gives it some California Tabla and cool vibes. It also sounds glorious. You get a little Jazz Blues on "High Pressure Living" and it ends on the funky "Gasoline Blues" bemoaning the foreign oil crisis ("I'm stuck out here in the Hollywood hills...waiting in line `til your engine croaks...").

"I'll be way up in the sky...", John Mayall sings on "Fly Tomorrow". If you want to start your journey - then I'd advise you begin your trip with him to the many varieties of The Blues right here...

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"…Now And Zen Will Do…"

Back in the day I can remember being fascinated by the Eastern mysticism of Mediation Guru SRI CHINMOY whose name began to appear with almost Godlike reverence on Santana, Robert Flack and Mahavishnu Orchestra albums around about 1972 and 1973 (with his followers having a penchant for dressing in heavenly white). Rock-Jazz-Fusion had been gaining ground on CTI, Atlantic, Douglas and Columbia/CBS since 1970 and instrumental in this was England's fusion guitar sensation JOHN McLAUGHLIN and his band THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA (Maha the Creator - Vishnu the Preserver).

Beat Goes On put out these albums in the Eighties, Sony's own Legacy CD reissues then turned up in 1991 and there's been others since. Well along comes BGO again to whet your appetite once more with a brand new 2014 remaster by ANDREW THOMPSON - and stompingly good it is too. Here's the Devadip inner oneness direct from the fountain of babbling knobosity...

UK released September 2014 - "Between Nothing & Eternity/Visions Of The Emerald Beyond" by THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1161 (Barcode 5017261211613) gives us two straightforward albums remastered onto 2CDs and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (42:07 minutes):

1. Trilogy: The Sunlit Path, La Mere De La Mer, Tomorrow’s Story Not The Same

2. Sister Andrea [Side 2]

3. Dream

Tracks 1 to 3 are their 3rd album "Beyond Nothingness And Eternity" - released December 1973 in the USA on Columbia Records KC 32766 and January 1974 in the UK on CBS Records S 69046 (42:07 minutes). The LP was recorded 'live' in August 1973 in New York's Central Park and featured JOHN McLAUGHLIN on Lead Guitar, JAN HAMMER on Piano and Moog, JERRY GOODMAN on Violin, RICK LAIRD on Bass with BILLY COBHAM on Drums. It rose to Number 43 on the American album charts.

Disc 2 (40:17 minutes):

1. Eternity’s Breath Part 1

2. Eternity’s Breath Part 2

3. Lila’s Dance

4. Can’t Stand Your Funk

5. Pastoral

6. Faith

7. Cosmic Strut

8. If I Could See

9. Be Happy

10. Earth Ship

11. Pegasus

12. Opus

13. On The Way Home To earth

Tracks 1 to 13 are their 5^th album "Visions Of The Emerald Beyond" - released January 1975 in the USA on Columbia PC 33411 and CBS Records 69108 in the UK. It made Number 68 in the US Albums chart. Many more musicians supplemented the band - namely JEAN-LUC PONTY- who brought his electric violin to the proceedings. All songs on Disc 1 and 2 written by JOHN McLAUGHLIN except “Cosmic Strut” by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN

There's a classy card wrap/slipcase on the outside and equally superb liner notes by noted Jazz writer CHARLES WARING (Mojo, Record Collector) in the substantial 20-page booklet. ANDREW THOMPSON did the new 2014 Remasters and they’re typically clear and full of presence – the dense instrumental passages now breathing anew...

Taking its name from the last lines in a 1972 Sri Chinmoy poem called "My Flute" - the live "Between Nothingness & Eternity" LP was amazingly consistent despite the crazy the length of the three tracks (one taking up a whole side). The opener "Trilogy" (The Sunlit Path/La Mere De La Mere/Tomorrow's Story Not The Same) has beautiful guitar passages - a melodic trippy opening seguing into Fusion and back again. "Sister Andrea" is the same while the sidelong "Dream" sees McLaughlin trade licks and keys with Hammer in a wonderfully musical dance of virtuoso playing. Even now its impressive stuff and given the venue - so well recorded by Engineer TIM GEELAN.

By the time they reached album number five "Visions Of The Emerald Beyond" in mid 1975 - JEAN-LUC PONTY (ex Zappa's Mothers) brought his distinctive electric violin playing to the cosmic stew. The opening duo of Parts 1 and 2 of "Eternal Breath" are amazing Jazz Rock with Keyboardist GAYLE MORAN and Violinist CAROL SHRIVE adding suitably wailing backing vocals. You're also hit once again with the gorgeous production values - the swirling guitar treatments of "Lila's Dance" and the Jeff Beck "Blow By Blow" choppy rhythms in "Can't Stand Your Funk". Thompson is to be praised for a really fantastic sounding remaster. It all gets a bit hippy-dip with the vocal on "If I Could See" but comes back strong with the mellow keyboard and flute vibe of "Earth Ship". Again Jeff Beck's nasty Rock Funk is in evidence on the stabbing rhythms of "Cosmic Strut" - the only non John McLaughlin song on the album - penned by the then 22-year old drummer Michael Walden (soon to become funk's Narada on Atlantic Records).

It's been decades since I played these albums and while you could do without the metaphysical waffling - the playing is still striking, innovative and at times downright extraordinary. A superb little CD Reissue and recommended...

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"…Blues With A Feeling…"

Quite possibly one of the best Blues-Rock CD Mini Box Sets I have in my fine household (can’t tell the wife how many there are lest I suffer serious physical injury – after the mental torture that is) – Paul Butterfield’s Blues Band is a very definite jewel in the erratic crown of WEA’s “Original Album Series” reissues. When the 5-disc series began in 2009 – ‘some’ of the first vanguard of 40 or so titles featured remasters (many unfortunately didn’t). This beauty is one that does – and from the second the opening track “Born In Chicago” on their incendiary debut hits your speakers – it rocks like a madman on Blues Boogie acid and doesn’t let up. Here are the harmonica wails, guitar licks and chooglin’ white boys doing the blues details…

Released March 2010 in the UK - "Original Album Series" by THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND on Elektra/Rhino 8122 79834 0 (Barcode 081227983406) is a 5CD Mini Box Set and breaks down as follows (all are Stereo mixes):

Disc 1 (38:09 minutes):

1. Born In Chicago

2. Shake Your Money-Maker

3. Blues With A Feeling

4. Thank You Mr. Poobah

5. I Got My Mojo Working

6. Mellow Down Easy

7. Screamin’

8. Our Love Is Drifting

9. Mystery Train

10. Last Night

11. Look Over Yonders Wall

Tracks 1 to 11 are the LP "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band" - their debut album released December 1965 on Elektra EKS 7294 in the USA (May 1966 in the UK same no.)

Disc 2 (44:47 minutes):

1. Walkin’ Blues

2. Get Out Of My Life, Woman

3. I Got A Mind To Give Up Everything

4. All These Blues

5. Work Song

6. Mary, Mary

7. Two Trains Running

8. Never say No

9. East-West

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "East-West" - released September 1966 on Elektra EKS 7315 in the USA (December 1966 in the UK same no.)

Disc 3 (45:45 minutes):

1. One More Heartache

2. Driftin’ And Driftin’

3. Pity The Fool

4. Born Under A Bad Sign

5. Run Out Of Time

6. Double Trouble

7. Drivin’ Wheel

8. Droppin’ Out

9. Tollin’ Blues

Tracks 1 to 9 are the LP "The Resurrection Of Pigboy Crabshaw" - released January 1968 on Elektra EKS 74015 in the USA (February 1968 in the UK same no.)

Disc 4 (34:30 minutes):

1. Last Hope’s Gone

2. Mine To Love

3. Get Yourself Together

4. Just To Be With You

5. Morning Blues

6. Drunk Again

7. In My Own Dream

Tracks 1 to 7 are the LP "In My Own Dream" - released August 1968 on Elektra EKS 74025 in the USA (September 1968 in the UK same no.)

Disc 5 (42:11 minutes):

1. Love March

2. No Amount Of Loving

3. Morning Sunrise

4. Losing Hand

5. Walking By Myself

6. Except You

7. Love Disease

8. Where Did My Baby Go

9. All In A Day

10. So Far So Good

11. Buddy’s Advice

12. Keep Moving

Tracks 1 to 12 is the LP "Keep On Moving" - released October 1969 on Elektra EKS 74053 in the USA (November 1969 in the UK same no.)

ARTWORK/PACKAGING:

The five single card sleeves reflect the 'original' front and rear US LP artwork (the gatefolds are unfortunately not reproduced). Also each front sleeve is now 'bordered' with a colour and the label on the CD then reflects that colour code - Green for Disc 1, Light Blue for 2, Orange for 3, Dark Blue for 4 and Brown for 5. It would have been more appropriate to have the original label colour configurations - maybe even the Elektra inner bags (like they did on the Doors albums in the Complete Studio Recordings box set), but alas... The track list is to the left on the CD label with band members with recording credits listed on the right (as there's no booklet nor site to download details from - as there is on the Sony issues - this is some compensation to the lack of readable details).

It has to be said that the outer card box is lightweight and therefore disappointingly flimsy (unlike the glossy hard-card Sony issues). Having said that the card sleeves still look cool once out of the box and it's nice to see the original artwork used - which in these cases are very sweet to look at (it really makes such a big difference on the Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Drifters and Clyde McPhatter rear sleeves too - beautiful original album artwork). As you can see from the timings - there are no bonus tracks.

SOUND:

The music is incredibly bluesy and ballsy –truly stunning Paul Rothchild Sixties Production values coming at you on every disc. The instrumental “Thank You Mr. Poobah” for instance will probably have your speakers for breakfast. The opening guitars on “Walkin’ Blues” are the same – back in the mix – but still powerful. Don’t get me wrong – these CDs aren’t amped up for effect – they’re just beautifully handled – and it’s sonically obvious that the original master tapes are in tip-top condition. And throughout the records - you get Butterfield’s deep and muscular harmonica slaying all in its path.

Highlights are many and varied – their Soulful and Brassy cover of Marvin Gaye’s “One More Headache”, the wailing Blues of Otis Rush’s “Double Trouble” and the huge Albert King power of “Born Under A Bad Sign”. I love the slinky “Come Together” (Beatles) bass line that opens the slightly jazzy “Last Hope’s Gone” – a sort of precursor to Blood, Sweat & Tears debut album “Child Is The Father To The Man:”. Elvin Bishop provides the witty “Drunk Again” (“ain’t got a dime and smellin’ like a brewery…”) while “No Amount Of Loving” on “Keep On Moving” is a tremendous chugger.

If you want a slice of Sixties Blues-Rock - then you can't go much wrong with these albums (although for me the quality really tapers off on Disc 5). Fans who already own these treasured LPs on previous CD incarnations may balk at acquiring this box set just to have those dinky little card sleeves – but everyone else should just get with the beat, crank up that stereo and annoy the neighbours right away...

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"...All This...And More..."

With a name loosely based around a Burmese Blue Cat - Procol Harum and their droning melodrama has always been something of an acquired taste - beloved and derided in equal measure. But there's no doubting that there's properly great tunes on their 3rd album for EMI's Regal Zonophone Records. "A Salty Dog" saw the three songwriters in the band all step up with the moody goodies - singer Gary Brooker, keyboard player Matthew Fisher and ace-axeman Robin Trower. There are also six worthy bonuses on this 40th Anniversary Celebration CD chosen by Gary Brooker (mostly the LP-line-up band in fine form on an American Tour in April 1969). Here are the squint-eyed seafaring details...

UK released May 2009 - "A Salty Dog: 40th Anniversary Edition" by PROCOL HARUM on Salvo SALVOCD 020 (Barcode 698458812025) breaks down as follows (67:52 minutes):

1. A Salty Dog [Side 1]

2. The Milk Of Human Kindness

3. Too Much Between Us

4. The Devil Came From Kansas

5. Boredom

6. Juicy John Pink [Side 2]

7. Wreck Of The Hesperus

8. All This And More

9. Crucifiction Lane

10. Pilgrim's Progress

Tracks 1 to 10 are their 3nd album "A Salty Dog" - released June 1969 in the UK on Regal Zonophone SLRZ 1009 (Stereo) and in the USA on A&M Records SP-4179. It peaked on the UK charts at 27 and 32 in America.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. Lone Gone Geek - non-album track, B-side to "A Salty Dog" released May 1969 in the UK as a 7" single on Regal Zonophone RZ 3019

12. Goin' Down Slow (Live In The USA, April 1969)

13. Juicy John Pink (Live In The USA, April 1969)

14. Crucifiction Lane (Live In The USA, April 1969)

15. Skip Softly (My Moonbeams)/Also Sprach Zarathustra (Live In The USA, April 1969)

16. The Milk Of Human Kindness (Take 1; Raw Track)

PROCOL HARUM was:

GARY BROOKER - Lead Vocals, Piano, Celeste Three Stringed Guitar, Harmonica Recorder and Woods

MATTHEW FISHER - Organ, Vocals, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, Piano Recorder and Rhythm Guitar

ROBIN TROWER - Lead Guitar, Vocal, Acoustic Guitar and Sleigh Tambourine

DAVID KNIGHTS - Bass Guitar

BARRIE WILSON - Drums, Conga Drums and Tabla

KEITH REID - Lyrics on all 10 tracks

Along with Lyricist Keith Reid - Gary Brooker provided "A Salty Dog", "The Milk Of Human Kindness", "The Devil Came From Kansas" and "All This And More" - while Robin Trower penned "Too Much Between Us" and "Juicy John Pink" with Matthew Fisher writing the remaining three - "Boredom" (a co-write with Brooker), "Wreck Of The Hesperus" and the album finisher "Pilgrim's Progress". The fold-out three-way oversized card sleeve has tasty black and white photos of band members (taken by Peter Sanders) and a reproduced letter by Alan White of Northumberland to the Melody Maker newspaper of 26 July 1969 bemoaning the lack of public interest in "A Salty Dog" and urging said punters to "...go out and buy it!"

The 20-page booklet is a sophisticated affair - liner notes by HENRY SCOTT-IRVINE that go into each track - there's trade adverts from various musical newspapers, a Regal Zonophone British label bag that actually advertises the December 1968 "Shine On Brightly" LP (along with the Move's latest), superb pictures of the 7" single for "A Salty Dog" from Germany, Spain, France, Holland and Japan, posters for their concerts at Bill Graham's Fillmore East in San Francisco (gorgeous artwork) and even a photo of the road sign for Crucifix Lane in London's SE 1 on which the song is based (deliberately misspelt as Crucifiction). There are recent recollections on certain songs by band members Robin Trower and Matthew Fisher along with the original LP Engineer Ken Scott. It's all very tastefully done actually (a bit of care taken)...

The CD itself sports the FLY label on which it was reissued in 1972 as part of a Twofer LP deal because I think that's who now own the licensing rights - while the Transfers and Remasters have been carried out by ROB KEYLOCH (at Church Walk Studios) and NICK ROBBINS (at Sound Mastering in London). Track 16 was transferred and mixed by NICK WATSON in 1998. Beautifully produced by Matthew Fisher and Ken Scott in the first place - the 2009 remaster is warm and very clear. Even when Trower's guitar gets a bit wild in places (and grungy for that matter) - the stereo imaging isn't too harsh - still reflecting the original Production values. Those big vocals and church-sombre organs sound suitably 'Procol Harum' - there's minimal hiss and where there is - it's not going to detract...

It opens with the Classical-meets-Rock fusion of "A Salty Dog" and immediately the arrangements and melody feel epic - a single you feel should have done better. I've always felt though that the albums two masterpieces come from Trower and Fisher. Trower gives us the unexpectedly lovely acoustic vibes of "Too Much Between Us" - I can't help thinking it should have been single number two off the album with Fisher's equally pretty "Pilgrim's Progress" on the flip (Fisher does the vocal rather than Brooker). A&M Records put out "The Devil Came from Kansas" b/w "Boredom" in the USA on a 45 (A&M 1111) in July of 1969 - but it failed to chart. The British 45 of "A Salty Dog" b/w "Lone Gone Geek" on Regal Zonophone RZ 3019 managed a respectable placing of 44 in the UK - especially given how awkward the track was to pigeonhole in a Pop context. The sleigh bells of "Boredom" make the tune sound like Quintessence or Dr. Strangely Strange or some such hippy happiness. Side 2's grungy guitar vs. harmonica opener "Juicy John Pink" puts an end to that pronto - sounding like its recorded in a garage to get that gritty sound. The best Audio on the disc goes to "All This And More" where the piano, guitar and Brooker's vocals all sound with new clarity.

The Bonus Track B-side "Long Gone Geek" is a fabulous addition to any CD - the Procol Harum going all Small Faces with Reid nicking Bob Dylan lyrics. There then begins a similarly heavy set of live cuts from April 1969 with the band giving it what for to some of the album's heavier cuts (Trower lovers will lap this up).

I bought this Salvo CD when it was first reissued in 2009 but since its deletion it's acquired a nasty top-end price tag. If you can get it at a reasonable cost - seek it out and enjoy. If not there has also been a 2015 updated Anniversary issue on Esoteric Recordings (see review also)...

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"...It Went To My Head..."

Sometimes it's the artists you think of as lightweights that surprise you the most. And Louisiana's Clarence "Frogman" Henry is a case in point.

His earlier sides on Argo have been done on the "Ain’t Got No Home – Original Chess Masters" CD from 1994 (see review) - this British reissue CD (a limited edition of 1,500 copies) gives us almost all of his post-period decade (1964 to 1974) and for lovers of New Orleans R'n'B will be a big draw. Amidst the 28-cuts are nine Previously Unreleased, Rarities from a long out-of-print 1999 British CD on Edsel and the remainder make up American single-sides on Parrot, Dial and American Pla-boy. Here are the details for this fabulous CD...

UK released Monday 27 April 2015 – "Baby Ain’t That Love: Texas & Tennessee Sessions 1964-1974" by CLARENCE "Frogman" HENRY on Ace Records CDLUX 016 (Barcode 029667071628) is a LIMITED EDITION CD of 1500 and pans out as follows (70:59 minutes):

1. Ain’t Got No Home (1964 USA 7" single on Parrot 10822, A – a re-recording of his 1956 hit on Argo)

2. The Glory Of Love (Previously Unreleased cover of The Monotones hit)

3. Savin’ My Love For You (Previously Unreleased)

4. Think It Over (1966 USA 7” single on Parrot PAR 45-309, B-side of “Cajun Honey”)

5. Baby Ain’t That Love (1964 USA 7” single on Parrot 10822, B-side of “Ain’t Got No Home”)

6. You Made Me Love You (Previously Unreleased)

7. Looking Back (Previously Unreleased)

8. Cajun Honey [aka Lovin' Cajun Style] (1966 USA 7” single on Parrot PAR 45-309, A)

9. Cheatin' Traces (first appeared on the May 1999 UK CD compilation “I Like That Alligator, Baby: The Crazy Cajun Recordings” on Edsel EDCD 605)

10. You've Got A Lot To Learn (Previously Unreleased)

11. Sea Cruise (as per 9 – Frankie Ford cover)

12. Long Lost And Worried (Previously Unreleased)

13. You Darling You (Previously Unreleased)

14. I Can’t Take Another Heartache (as per 9)

15. Heartaches By The Number (Previously Unreleased)

16. Hummin' A Heartache (1967 USA 7” single on Dial 45-4057, A)

17. That’s When I Guessed (1968 USA 7” single on Dial 45-4072, B-side to “Shake Your Money Maker”)

18. This Time (1967 USA 7” single on Dial 45-4057, B-side to “Hummin’ A Heartache”)

19. Shake Your Money Maker (1968 USA 7” single on Dial 45-4072, A)

20. It Went To My Head (as per 9)

21. We’ll Take Our Last Walk Tonight (1974 USA 7” single on America Pla-Boy AP-1986, A)

22. You Can Have Her (1974 USA 7” single on American Pla-boy AP-1990, A)

23. Mathilda (as per 9)

24. Rock Down In My Shoe (as per 9)

25. In The Jailhouse Now (1974 USA 7” single on American Pla-boy 1986, B)

26. A Certain Girl (as per 9)

27. Hurt Control (Backing Track) (Previously Unreleased)

28. Sock-A-Dilly Alabam (as per 9)

Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15 and 27 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Collectors will notice that three Parrot 45s are conspicuous by their absence but the liner notes explain they weren’t available for license; they are 1964’s “Have You Ever Been Lonely” b/w “Little Green Frog” on Parrot 45-PAR 45004 and “I Told My Pillow” b/w “Can’t Hide My Tears” on Parrot 45-PAR 45009 and 1965’s “I Might As Well” b/w “Tore Up Over You” on Parrot 45-PAR 45015.

The 12-page booklet pictures label repros of American Dial, Parrot and American Pla-Boy 45s as well as rare UK issues on London along with some colour photos, trade adverts and UK tour reviews with Canon & Ball. The TONY ROUNCE liner notes are typically brilliant – a feast of factoids and heart – his enthusiasm for what he clearly knows is an underappreciated groover is palatable. And once again NICK ROBBINS does a blasting job on the remasters – fabulous sound throughout even on the slightly rougher cuts that turned up on the 1999 Edsel compilation “I Like That Alligator, Baby: The Crazy Cajun Recordings”.

It opens with a rather excellent remake of his 1956 Argo Records smash “Ain’t Got No Home” which is followed by a lovely keyboard rolling version of The Monotones Vocal Group classic “The Glory Of Love” (the first of nine Previously Unreleased cuts). The audio is fantastic on his cover of Huey Meaux’s R’n’B stroller “Think It Over” (originally a B-side for Jimmy Donley on Chess 1843). Rounce is right to highlight how good the New Orleans flavoured B-side “This Time” is (written by Chip Moman). The funky “Shake Your Money Maker” is a wicked Sixties neck-jerker with the Fats Domino sounding stroller “That’s When I Guessed” as its flipside. The dancefloor boogie continues with “It Went To Your Head” which sounds like John Lee Hooker guitar meets Fats Domino piano with a dollop of Soulful Funk thrown in – shockingly good.

The Jimmie Rogers classic “In The Jailhouse Now” is excellent. In fact the 1974 American Pla-Boy cuts sound like Fats Domino again only with an updated backing track and on tunes like “We’ll Take Our Last Walk Tonight” Henry just about pulls it off. Far better is the more Soulful Clarence Carter keyboard Soul-Funk of “You Can Have Her” originally a 1961 hit for Roy Hamilton. Even towards the end the pleasant surprises keep coming at you – Dave Edmunds may indeed have nicked his entire Seventies sound from Henry’s slinky version of Ernie K Doe’s “A Certain Girl” – very cool indeed. “Mathilda” is lovely too.

This CDLUX Series has produced some properly beautiful and thoroughly tasty releases for artists that a major label wouldn’t touch with a bargepole - compilations that are aimed at both the head and the heart. Both lovers of New Orleans R'n'B and Soul will have to own it. Ace Records do it again – a Reissue Of The Year 2015 - dig in folks while stocks last...

PS: Titles in this Ace Records Series so far are (each is a Limited Edition of 1500):

1. Detroit Rock 'n' Roll Began Here! – THE ROYALTONES (Ace Records CDLUX 001)

2. The Satintones Sing! The Complete Tamla And Motown Singles Plus – THE SATINTONES (Ace CDLUX 002)

3. Just A Little Bit: Federal's Queens Of New Breed R&B – TINY TOPSY & LULA REED (Ace CDLUX 003)

4. Exotic Guitars From The Clovis Vaults (Norman Petty Masters) – VARIOUS ARTISTS (Ace Records CDLUX 004)

5. Bandera Doo Wop – VARIOUS ARTISTS (Ace Records CDLUX 005)

6. Outer Space, Hot Rods & Superheroes – THE MARKETTS (Ace Records CDLUX 006)

7. Big Sixties Frat Party!!! – SANDY NELSON (Ace Records CDLUX 007)

8. A-Ooga!!! Stamp & Shake With The Routers – THE ROUTERS (Ace Records CDLUX 008)

9. We're The Soul Girls! The Complete Volt Recordings – JEANNE AND THE DARLINGS and THE CHARMELS (Ace Records CDLUX 009)

10. Mannish Boys: The Stax, Volt & Truth Recordings 1969-1974 – THE NEWCOMERS (Ace Records CDLUX 010) [See REVIEW]

11. Classic Innocents: The Reprise, Decca, Warner Bros and A&M Recordings...Plus More – THE INNOCENTS (Ace Records CDLUX 011)

12. Sweet Sweetheart: The American Studios Sessions And More – CARLA THOMAS (Ace Records CDLUX 012)

13. Long-Lost Honkers & Twangers: Unreleased 60s Gems From The Ventures, Fireballs, Rondels, Titans and Reveliers And Many Other Instrumental Rarities – VARIOUS ARTISTS (Ace Records CDLUX 013)

14. A Scene In-Between 1965-1967 – THE STAINED GLASS (Ace CDLUX 014)

15. Hurricane Force! Rare & Unissued – JOHNNY & THE HURRICANES (Ace Records CDLUX 015 [2-disc set with 20 Unreleased])

16. Baby Ain't That Love: Texas & Tennessee Sessions 1964-1974 – CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY (Ace CDLUX 016)

"1971 - I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE" - Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters - A SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOK by Mark Barry...

"1972 - TUMBLING DICE" - Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters - A SOUNDS GOOD MUSIC BOOK by Mark Barry...

"Tradish" by BRENDAN POWER (2004 Tethnik Records CD) featuring Ian Carr, Chris Newman, Declan Masterson and Andy Irvine - A Review by Mark Barry...

"Little Women - Original Soundtrack Album" by THOMAS NEWMAN (1995 Sony Classical CD)

"Every Move You Make: The Studio Recordings" by THE POLICE (15 November 2019 UK UMC/A&M/Polydor 6CD Clamshell Box Set of 2018 Abbey Road Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"Jerry Reed/Hot A' Mighty/Lord Mr. Ford/The Uptown Poker Club" by JERRY REED – Four Albums from 1972 and 1973 (3) originally on RCA Victor Records (May 2019 UK Beat Goes On Reissue – 4LPs onto 2CDs – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...First The Knees, Then The Names..." - The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by THOMAS NEWMAN (Soundtrack CD)

"Come On Let's Go: Power Pop From The 70s & 80s" by VARIOUS (26 July 2019 Ace/Big Beat Records CD Compilation – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"All Mod Cons" by THE JAM featuring Paul Weller (June 2006 Polydor/Universal 2-Disc 'Deluxe Edition' Reissue with 1CD and 1DVD – Gary Moore Remaster) - A Review By Mark Barry...

"Tabernakel/Eli" by JAN AKKERMAN [of Focus] with KAZ LUX - Albums from 1974 and 1977 featuring Bassist Tim Bogert and Drummer Carmine Appice (October 2015 Beat Goes On Reissue – 2LPs onto 1CD – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"Original Album Series" by THE PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND (March 2010 Elektra/Rhino 5CD Mini Box Set Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"A Salty Dog: 40th Anniversary Edition" by PROCOL HARUM featuring Gary Brooker, Robin Trower, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid (Lyrics) (May 2009 Salvo Expanded CD Reissue – Rob Keyloch and Nick Robbins Audio Restoration and Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

CLARENCE "Frogman" HENRY - "Baby Ain’t That Love: Texas & Tennessee Sessions 1964-1974" (April 2015 Ace Records Limited Edition CD Compilation – Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...