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Showing posts with label Tony Rounce (Liner Notes). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tony Rounce (Liner Notes). Show all posts

Sunday 17 March 2024

"The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES – Including Singles and Album Tracks featuring Eugene Record (June 1987 Original and February 2004 Reissue (with Different Artwork) UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation with Adam Skeaping Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...




https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Chi-Lites/dp/B0000013C8?crid=3MH9PTKJOO0VH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OSZ3pHPfLng0nvJ2dVIF5Q.JysE5fp3ETdQ7sVGjQU7Jkko4-VY7aRDsaMeBi49RUo&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667291125&qid=1710683153&sprefix=029667291125%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=dd73ab563e9356db53c391f00fe2dc52&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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Rating: *****

"...I Found Sunshine..."

When Ace Records of the UK started issuing CDs back in the late Eighties (much to the excitement of collectors)  – this peach on CDKEN 911 was amongst their first vanguard of titles (originally released June 1987). I bought their Jackie Wilson CD compilation too - "Reet Petite" from May 1986 on Ace CDCH 902. I purchased both because they boasted astonishing remastered sound direct from original Brunswick master tapes. 

So why lose a winner to time because Ace has clearly decided to upgrade this early CHI-LITES CD compilation gem (the old artwork is pictured on the rear inlay - see photo above) by reissuing it in June 2004 with a different sleeve and better booklet (the same amazing Audio has been used). So here is the power to the people…

Re-issued February 2004 (see PS below) – "The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN 911 (Barcode 029667291125) breaks down as follows (74:18 minutes): 

1. Give It Away (January 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55398, A-side)

2. Let Me Be The Man My Daddy Was (July 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55414, A-side)

3. 24 Hours Of Sadness (February 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55426, A-side)

4. I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine) (July 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55438, A-side)

5. Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) (November 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55442, A-side)

6. (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People (April 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55450, June 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1138, A-side)

7. Have You Seen Her (October 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55462, Number 1 R&B hit, December 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1146, A-side)

8. Oh Girl (April 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55471, Number 1 R&B hit, April 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1156, A-side)

9. The Coldest Days Of My Life (July 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55478, July 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1162)

10. We Need Order (December 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55489, December 1972 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 1, A-side)

11. A Letter To Myself (February 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55491, March 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 2, A-side)

12. Stoned Out Of My Mind (July 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55500, September 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 7, A-side)

13. I Found Sunshine (November 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55503, June 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 12, A-side)

14. Homely Girl (February 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55505, March 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 9, A-side)

15. Too Good To Be Forgotten (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table)" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, A-side in the UK)

16. There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table) (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "Too Good To Be Forgotten" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, B-side in the UK)

17. Toby (January 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55515, January 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 15, A-side)

18. It's Time For Love (October 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55520, August 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 25, A-side)

19. You Don't Have To Go (July 1976 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55528, June 1976 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 34, A-side)

The 1987 original UK CD (as I recall) had a basic inlay – the 2004 reissue features great liner notes for noted Soul expert TONY ROUNCE in a 12-page upgrade – a man whose name has turned up on countless Ace and Edsel reissues. This time the track-by-track text is peppered with those great US Brunswick singles, UK demos and Trade Adverts. But once again what really grabs you is the audio - fantastically good remasters full of detail and huge presence – Ultimate Sound from original Brunswick Tapes done by ADAM SKEAPING. As most fans will know the Brunswick label famously had the talents of the 5-time Grammy winner BRUCE SWEDIEN as their Audio Engineer (later worked on Michael Jackson's "Thriller") and man does it show. 

Take a song like "We Need Order" – a No. 13 Billboard R&B hit in the States (not so in the UK) – it's a mixed tempo song – slinky one second – fast the next. The remaster brings out the fabulous rhythm and layered vocals and brass. The whole run sounds truly amazing and makes for a serious audio nostalgia fest that will have more than a few olden types like me reaching for the Kleenex before the kids see.

Every one of the 19 entries detailed above charted on the American Billboard R&B listings (they had 8 in the UK with "Have You Seen Her" having been a hit twice in 1972 and 1975). The first five tracks were US only 45s - tremendous Chicago-based Soul/R&B - the first British 'Brunswick' 7" single was the seriously synth-funky "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People)". 

Of course the big secret with THE CHI-LITES was the songwriting talent of EUGENE RECORD - even now in 2024 - you forget how good his songs are and why they were so popular. The talking/strings tunes like "A Letter To Myself" and "The Coldest Days Of My Life" border on the cheesy for sure and yet they tug on the heart strings with ease. 

"Have You Seen Her", "Oh Girl" and "Homely Girl" are gorgeous Seventies Soul and now bona fide classics (covered by many in tribute). And while I love the huge synth intro to "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People" and the Beyoncé-sampled brass of "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)" – my real poison on here has always been the fabulous "It's Time For Love" from 1975 – which in my book should have been a Number One. For me it encompasses everything that was so dash-darn good about 70ts Soul - Can You Dig It Y'all! Yes! I Do Brother!

There are lots of cheap CHI-LITES compilations (some with re-recordings bearing the same title) - but I urge you to look no further (seek this Kent Soul compilation out). A winner then and now…

PS: Rather confusingly both the 1987 and 2004 CDs for this release use exactly the same catalogue number CDKEN 911 – and worse – the same barcode 029667291125. I mention this because a seller will use the Barcode to locate the right issue for sale. You can therefore get the 1987 original issue with the lesser liner notes instead of the 2004 version with the upgraded booklet – so 'check' with your buyer that it is the 2004 version you're getting (the artwork presently showing on Amazon with the Kent Soul logo in the top right hand corner). 

I have included Front, Inner and Rear artwork photos above for the 2004 reissue so you know what to look for...

Friday 20 October 2023

"Back To The River: More Southern Soul Stories 1961 to 1978" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring Tracks by Betty LaVette, Judy Clay, Eddie Floyd, Mabel John, Clarence Carter, The Soul Children, John Fred, Clay Hammond, Don Covay and more (November 2015 UK Ace/Kent Soul 3CD Book Set – Duncan Cowell Remasters – Volume 3 in a Series of 3 – see also Volume 1 "Take Me To The River..." from 2008 and Volume 2 "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973..." from 2011) - A Review by Mark Barry...


 

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RATING: ***** 

HIGHLIGHTS: 

Third KENTSOUL 3CD Box Set in a Series of 3 

Highlighting Rick Hall's Fame Studios in the USA

Audio Between 3 and 5 (mostly 5)

Superb Content and Vastly Improved Packaging Over The Two Previous Sets

 

"...Going Back Home..."

 

Mighty big shoes to fill...

 

When Ace Records of the UK put out the "Take Me To The River" 3CD Book Set in 2008 to universally giddy reviews (England's Mojo Magazine called it "...the greatest Soul compilation ever made...") – it was followed in 2011 by a second gem-filled Southern Soul 3CD overview - "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973". So a 'threequel' to those two much-loved 3CD sets was always going to be a mouth-watering, trouser-trembling event for Soul fans everywhere. And e-by-gum but here it is at last – released late 2015 (delayed from 30 October to 20 November 2015) in all of its knee-knobbling Muscle Shoals glory...

 

"Back To The River: More Southern Stories 1961 to 1978" from England's Kent-Soul gives you 75 Remastered Mono and Stereo Tracks, 10 of which are Previously Unreleased Alternate Versions (including an Otis Redding Take 1 rarity) and with many of these Deep Soul sides making their CD debut for the first time anywhere after decades in the digital wilderness. It's presented once again in sumptuous packaging (and different in style thankfully to the awkward card slipcase and hardback look of the first two that caused so many problems) with liner notes that reflect Ace's knowledge, warmth and decades-long enthusiasm. Content wise - halfway through a second listen and I have to say that I'm thrilled with "Back To The River..." and am already thinking that its surely a shoe-in for Soul Reissue Of the Year 2015. There's a huge amount of info to get through so once more music lovers unto the Memphis Breach...

 

UK released Friday, 20 November 2015 (2016 in the USA) – "Back To The River: More Southern Soul Stories 1961 to 1978" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent Soul KENTBOX 18 (Barcode 029667073523) is a 75-track 3CD set housed in an outer Hard Card Slipcase and plays out as follows (all catalogue numbers are USA 7" singles unless otherwise noted):

 

Disc 1 – "Muscle Shoals Memphis Redux" (79:53 minutes):

1. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) – SOLOMON BURKE (1968, Atlantic 45-2507, A. Written by Billy Taylor – made famous by Nina Simone)

2. Nearer To You – BETTY LaVETTE (Allen Toussaint song - 1969, Silver Fox SF-17, A)

3. Private Number (Extended Version) – JUDY CLAY and WILLIAM BELL (2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a July 1968 US 7" single on Stax STA-0005)

4. Free Me (Take 1) – OTIS REDDING (2015 Previously Unissued Alternate Take of a 1967 US 7" single on Atco 6700, A)

5. A Touch Of The Blues – BOBBY BLAND (1967, Duke 426, B-side of "Shoes". Written by Deadric Malone aka Don Robey. Produced by Willie Mitchell)

6. This Love Won't Run Out –DEE DEE SHARP (1968, Atco 6587, A. Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter)

7. I Got Everything I Need – EDDIE FLOYD

(2015 Previously Unissued Alternate Take of a 1966 Stax Recording that was first issued on the March 1994 Various Artists CD compilation "3000 Volts Of Stax" on Stax CDSXD 102).

8. Please Don't Desert Me Baby – GLORIA WALKER and THE CHIVELLES (1968, Flaming Arrow FA-36, A, Produced & Written by Eugene Davis)

9. Sugarman (Extended Version) – SAM BAKER

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1968 US 7" single on Sound Stage SS7-2620, A. Kris Kristofferson cover version)

10. Think I'll Go Somewhere And Cry Myself To Sleep – JOE PERKINS (1969, Nugget NR-1029, A – written by Bill Anderson and first recorded by the country artist Charlie Louvin in 1965)

11. Sure As Sin – JEANIE GREEN

(1969, Atco 6619, A. Written by Eddie Hinton and Marlon Greene – Jeanie's husband. She later sang with Elvis Presley in 1969 on the Comeback Sessions)

12. What's That You Got – RUDOLPH TAYLOR

(Previously Unreleased 1966-1967 recording that first appeared on the June 2012 Various Artists CD compilation "Lost Soul Gems From Sound Of Memphis" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 378)

13. I Found What I Wanted – MARY WELLS (1971, Reprise 1031, A. Written by George Jackson and Raymond Moore)

14. I've Got Memories (Demo) – MELVIN CARTER (2015 Previously Unissued Goldwax Recording – written by Melvin Carter)

15. Message From Maria – JOE SIMON (1968, Sound Stage 7 SS7-2617, A. An Al Reed song - liner notes mistakenly credit it as Back Beat 631 – see 17)

16. Problems – MABLE JOHN (2015 Previously Unreleased Stax Recording. Possibly Isaac Hayes and David Porter song)

17. I've Been Searching – O.V. WRIGHT (1974, Back Beat BB-631, A. An Earl Randle song - Produced by Willie Mitchell)

18. She Ain't Gonna Do Right – CLARENCE CARTER

(2015 Previous Unissued Alternate Version of a 1967 US 7" single on Fame 1016, A. Written by Spooner Oldham and Dan Penn)

19. Give Me Back The Man I Love – BARBARA WEST (1969, Ronn RONN 32, A. Toussaint McCall song)

20. You're Gonna Want Me – BILL CODAY (1970, Crajon 48203, A and 1971, Galaxy 777, B-side of "Get Your Lie Straight". Written by Bill Coday – Produced by Willie Mitchell and Denise LaSalle)

21. I'm Just Living A Lie – BETTYE SWANN (1971, Fame 1479, A. Mickey Buckins and George Jackson song)

22. Home For The Summer – JIMMY BRASWELL

(Marlin Green and Eddie Hinton Song. 1970 USA 7" single on Quinvy Q-7004, B-side of "Hand Shaking". Originally recorded by Don Varner in 1967 on South Camp 7003, A)

23. Too Weak To Fight (Extended Version) – ELLA WASHINGTON

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1972 US 7" single on Sound Stage ZS7 1507, A. Clarence Carter cover version).

24. Everytime It Rains – NA ALLEN (Nathaniel A. Allen is the brother of Denise LaSalle. It’s a cover of the old 1950 Ruth Brown hit on Atlantic called "Teardrops From My Eyes". 1970, Ronn 47, A)

25. Yesterday – THE SOUL CHILDREN (2015 Previously Unreleased Stax Recording from 1974 of The Beatles 1965 classic from "Help!")

NOTES on Disc 1:

Tracks 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 to 22 and 24 and 25 are MONO

Tracks 1 to 5, 9, 12, 13 and 23 are STEREO

Tracks 3, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23 and 25 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

Disc 2 – "Southern Routes" (79:30 minutes)

1. The Only Girl (I've Ever Loved) – JOE TEX (1961, Dial 45-3000, A)

2. Rainy Night in Georgia – BROOK BENTON (1970, Cotillion 44057, A. Tony Joe White cover version)

3. Love Comes In Time – JOHN FRED (and his Playboys) (1966, Paula 247, B-side of "Outta My Head")

4. Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone – JOEY GILMORE (1971, Saadia 7985, A and 1971, Phil L.A. Of Soul 345, A)

5. I Found All These Things – C. P. LOVE (1971, Chimneyville CH-438, A. Joe Broussard song)

6. A Woman Will Do Wrong – HELENE SMITH With the Rockateers (1960, Deep City 2638, A)

7. Depend On Me – STEVE DIXON (1969, Spotlite 101, A)

8. I'm In Love – ESTHER PHILLIPS (1969 Recording first appeared in 1986 on the US 2LP Set "Set Me Free" by Esther Phillips on Atlantic 7 81662-1. A Linda Cooke and Bobby Womack song)

9. Easier To Say Than Do – SAM DEES (1969, Lo Lo L-2306, A)

10. Without Love What Would Life Be – TERRIE & JOY LA ROY with the Bill Parker Show Band (1971, Anla ANLA 119, B-side of "Why I Shed So Many Tears")

11. I've Got To Tell You – COUNT WILLIE with LRL and The Dukes

(1975, Minaret NR6156 and Brown Dog BD-9010, A. Cover of Al Green's "God Blessed Our Soul" credited here as "I've Got To Tell You")

12. You Need Me – JOE WILSON (1972. Avco 4609, A)

13. Nearer To You – JOE MEDWICK (1967, Tear Drop 3197, A)

14. Your Love Is All I Need – DELLA HUMPHREY

(1968, Arctic 144, B-side of "Girls Can’t Do What The Guys Do" - Written by James Corbitt and Clarence Reid)

15. Nothing Takes The Place Of You – TOUSSAINT McCALL (1967, Tear Drop 3197, A. UK May 1967 7" single on Pye International 7N.25420, A)

16. How Sweet It Would Be – GEORGE PERKINS (1972, Soul Power SP-113, A. Tommy Tate and Helen Washington song)

17. Daydreaming – WARREN STORM (1968, Preview 1005, A)

18. No More Ghettos In America – STANLEY WINSTON (1970, Jewel 149, A. There is a later re-recorded version on Golden Records GR 111, A. Written by Stanley Edwards (Stanley Winston’s real name) and Eugene Harris)

19. Do Right Man – LITTLE BEAVER (1970, Saadia 5283, A. Real name William Hale)

20. (Sometimes) A Man Will Shed A Few Tears Too – JOHNNY ADAMS

(1966, Pacemaker PM-249, B-side of “When I’ll Stop Loving You”. Makes its CD debut here)

21. Asking For The Truth – REUBEN BELL (1975, Alarm 107, B-side of "I'll Be Your Woman")

22. I Can't Stand to See You Go – JOE VALENTINE (1967, Val 67119, A and Ronn RONN 14, A)

23. You Got Everything I Need – DON HOLLINGER (1973, Dash 5008, A)

24. A Sad Sad Song – CHARLES CRAWFORD (1973, Hy Sign 2114, A)

25. Tell It Like It Is – AARON NEVILLE (1966, Par Lo 101, A)

NOTES on Disc 2:

Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 to 20 and 22 to 25 are MONO

Tracks 2, 8 and 21 are STEREO - No Previously Unreleased

 

Disc 3 - "Going Back Home" (78:45 minutes):

1. Going Back Home – GROUND HOG (1970, Turbo TU-010, A. Written by William Guy and Joseph Richardson.

Features William Guy on Vocals (ex Coasters) and Joseph "Ground Hog" Richardson on Guitar (later with Don Covay's band)

2. Cry To Me –FREDDIE SCOTT (1967, Shout 211, A. Bert Barns song – a Solomon Burke hit in 1962)

3. Lookin' For A Home – LITTLE BUSTER (1964, Jubilee 5491, A. Edward "Little Buster" Forehand)

4. The Girls From Texas (Extended Version) – JIMMY LEWIS

(2015 Previously Unreleased Unedited Version of a US 1967 7" single on Minit 32017, A. Written by Clifford Chambers, Jimmy Holliday and James Lewis)

5. Ain't No Way – ARETHA FRANKLIN

(1968, from the Stereo LP "Lady Soul" on Atlantic SD 8176 - a Mono Version appears on the US 7" single Atlantic 2486, B-side to "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone". Features The Sweet Inspirations on Backing Vocals - especially her sister Carolyn Franklin)

6. I Found A Man In My Bed – ROY C (1970, Alaga 1003, A. Roy Charles Hammond)

7. Take Your Time – CLAY HAMMOND (1966, Kent 468, A. Written by Clay Hammond)

8. Just A Touch Of Your Hand – AL GARDNER (1968, Sir-Rah 504, A)

9. You're Good For Me – DON COVAY (1965, Landa 704, A. Different cut to the version on his debut album)

10. I Found The One – BILLY SHA-RAE (1970, Hour Glass 007, B-side of "Do It". Bobby Womack cover version)

11. Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes – Z.Z. HILL (1971, Hill 222, A)

12. What Can You Do When You Ain't Got Nobody – THE SOUL BROTHERS SIX (1967, Atlantic 2456, B-side of "You Better Check Yourself")

13. That's How It Is (When You're In Love) – OTIS CLAY (1967, One-derful 4848, A)

14. Go On Fool (Extended Version) – MARION BLACK (2015 Previous Unreleased Unedited Version of a 1970 US 7" single on Capsoul CS 20, A)

15. I Want Everyone To Know – FONTELLA BASS (1972, Paula 367, A. Don Bryant song – O.V. Wright cover version)

16. You Wants To Play – OSCAR WEATHERS (1970, Top & Bottom 405, B-side of "The Spoiler")

17. (I Want Her) By My Side – THE FULLER BROTHERS (1967, Keymen 110, A and 1971, Soul Clock 1002, B-side to "Stranger At My Door")

18. Shackin' Up – BARBARA MASON (1975, Buddah BDA 459, A. Jackie Avery song)

19. Don’t Blame Me – WILLIE HIGHTOWER (1973, Mercury 73390, A)

20. Stop – LESTER YOUNG (1966, Barry 1009, B-side of "Barefoot Time In New York". Lester Young song)

21. Someone To Take Your Place – BILL LOCKE (1968, Fraternity 1008, A. Joe Tex cover version)

22. If Loving You Is A Crime (I'll Always Be Guilty) – LEE MOSES (1968, Dynamo D-115, A. Written by Swamp Dogg using his wife's name Yvonne Williams)

23. Easy As Saying 1-2-3 – TIMMY WILLIS (1970, Jubilee 5690, A)

24. I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me - Parts 1 & 2 – LITTLE RICHARD (1965, Vee-Jay VJ 698, A. Written by Don Covay)

25. Mary Jane – BOBBY RUSH (1968, Galaxy GAL 778, A)

NOTES on Disc 3:

Tracks 1 to 4, 8 to 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25 are MONO

Tracks 5, 6, 7, 15, 18, 19 and 24 are STEREO

Tracks 4 and 14 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

 

PACKAGING and SOUND:

The mistakes made with the packaging of "Take Me To The River" (if you could call them that) where the flimsy card wrap and book were near impossible to not destroy – have been learned. There's an outer 'hard card' slipcase this time (far sturdier) that contains a foldout card digipak within (all three colour-coded CDs are on see-through plastic trays) alongside a stand-alone booklet. The separate 64-page booklet is an oversized softback and superbly laid out - much like the oversized booklets Soul Jazz Records use on their chunky and brilliant reissues. It contains brilliantly observed and informative liner notes by Soul Aficionados and Lifetime Fans DEAN RUDLAND and TONY ROUNCE (who also compiled the set). Alongside the factoids are copious amounts of photos of those desirable 45s on Sue, Stax, Atco, Sound Stage, Reprise, Monument, Back Beat, Ronn, Fame and all points in-between. Supporting the tens-upon-thousands of words are the usual plethora of beautiful studio publicity shots, Press and Trade Adverts, Biog Pages, In-Studio Session snapshots and even photos of local Record Shops on Beale Street in Memphis. DUNCAN COWELL has carried out the Remasters and an exemplary job has been done – most are none too hissy – and even if they are – the remastering hasn’t sucked the life out of them by compression or silencing techniques. This music feels alive and is a joy to hear in such clarity...and as you can see from the total playing-times of the 3 discs above – each is pushing the 80-minute envelope – so there's no scrimping either on content or value for money.

 

CD1:

It begins with a social-conscience statement from Solomon Burke doing a heartfelt rendition of "I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)" – an anthem made famous of course by Nina Simone. It may be slightly hissy – but "Nearer To You" by Betty LaVette is a torch-song stunner (a signed photo adorns Page 9 of the booklet). What is a shock is the 'Extended Version' of "Private Number" by William Bell and Judy Clay – it may only be 20 or 30 seconds longer but man what a difference it makes – turning the song into a more muscular experience. Then you’re hit with a sensation – a Previously Unissued Alternate of Otis Redding's "Free Me" on Atco 6700. Its 'Take 1' and his rendition is little short of magic – the audio beautifully clear too (top job done Mr. Cowell). Torch song versions continue with Eddie Floyd's "Everything I Need" and Gloria Walker's abandonment-anthem "Please Don't Desert Me Baby”. Things finally get slinky with the cool groove of "Sugarman" by Sam Baker (a Kris Kristofferson cover) where he laments how his baby has to sell her body to feed her 'sugar' habit. I love the chugging Soul of "What's That You Got" by Rudolph Taylor and the sophistication of "Sure As Sin" by Jeanie Greene where she tells her man the physical truth - "...I'm not a good woman...but I'm good for you..." The combo of Mary Wells and Rick Hall produced the excellent dancer "I Found What I Wanted" which feels like a great Stax side circa 1971 even though it was actually on Reprise Records. Rounce is right to call Melvin Carter's unadorned demo of "I've Got Memories" 'stunning' – it's raw, alive and deeply Soulful and surely one of the highlights amongst the Previously Unreleased material. Best Audio has to go to the stunning "Problems" by Mable John – an amazing piece of quality unreleased Soul. And as if that isn't enough to impress – Barbara West floors me with her beautiful version of Toussaint McCall's "Give Me Back The Man I Love" – a criminally forgotten 45 on Ronn Records from 1969.

 

CD2:

Early days for Southern Soul comes with Joe Tex's "The Only Girl (I've Ever Loved)" – a 1961 pleader on Dial Records. I've always loved Brook Benton's magisterial version of Tony Joe White's wonderful "Rainy Night In Georgia" – a million seller for Benton and his 7th USA R&B No. 1 (a stunning Arif Mardin production where even the syrupy strings don't ruin the song). When you look at the Paula 45 repro'd on Page 30 of the booklet with a credit to John Fred and his Playboys – you don’t automatically think 'Otis Redding soundalike' – yet that's what you get. With the chops of say Eddie Hinton – the "Judy In Disguise" frontman puts in a Soulful barnstormer on "Love Comes In Time". I don't know Joey Gilmore (shame on me) but his lovely "Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone" is a sweetie and I’ll look into his Blues albums of late. An intensely Soulful C.P. Love (Carlton Pierre) recorded the aching "I Found All These Things" at Malaco's studios in Jackson, Mississippi and saw it released on Chimneyville in 1971 (what a nugget this track is). Genius choice goes to Helene Smith's version of Paul Kelly's "A Woman Will Do Wrong" – a 'man she loves' tale of caution and woe (so sweet a tune). Uber rarity goes to Steve Dixon's "Depend On Me" – said to exist in only 500 copies on the obscure Spotlite Records – and for me probably the sweetest song on Disc 2 (stunning Eddie Hinton-type vocals).

 

A threesome of Lo-fi and crude recordings (but full of genuine feeling) – first is the duet pleader "Without Love What Would Life Be" by Terrie & Joy La Roy - a real sweetie – second is Joe Medwick's impossibly rare "Nearer To You" and third is the morose (and very hissy) "Nothing Takes The Place Of You" by Toussaint McCall. But then you're hit with a triple-whammy of well-recorded Seventies classy Soul – sky-bound is the beautiful "I've Got To Tell You" by Count Willie (Smith) with LRL and The Dukes – an obscure piano-led wonder from 1975 that steadfastly remains dateless (what a find this is) – and next up is the Mississippi-recorded "You Need Me" by Joe Wilson which Rudland describes as 'exquisite' – and he'd be right. Last is the truly gorgeous strum of "Asking For The Truth" by Rueben Bell – a fabulous and heartfelt vocal performance enhanced by quality arrangements. Discovery-time includes the lovely Tommy Tate/Helen Washington written "How Sweet It Would Be" by George Perkins – an organ led 'love and loneliness' tune. The predominately ballad-driven Disc 2 continues – but with Stanley Winston's gospel-driven "No More Ghettos In America" - things get passionate and real as he speaks and wails of equality. The long run of smoochers and pleaders ends with a genuine classic – "Tell It Like It Is" with the ethereal vocals of Aaron Neville.

 

CD3:

After the ballad-fest of Disc 2 – Ground Hog's "Going Back Home" comes as welcome butt-wiggling delight – it's a mean and cool Funky Al Green Type Groove. Co-written by Ex Coaster's singer William Guy and Joseph Richardson (later with Don Covay's Jefferson Lemon Blues Band) – it features Richardson's Albert King-like guitar licks throughout and is the kind of winner you wish you owned so you could impress your friends with your knowledge and smarts. The boogie is short-lived though – but you don’t mind because Freddie Scott's slow and wailing "Cry To Me" (written by Bert Barns and a hit for Solomon Burke) is a truly fantastic pleader – and here is gorgeous Audio. The 'love them right or leave them alone' words of wisdom in "The Girls From Texas" comes in an 'Extended Version' for Jimmy Lewis - while Aretha's sister and songwriter Carolyn Franklin (from The Sweet Inspirations) threatens to steal the 1968 crown from the Queen Of Soul with Carolyn's operatic backing vocals on the beautiful ballad "Ain't No Way". Marital trouble and shenanigans hit both Roy Charles Hammond (Roy C) in the funky but sore-headed "I Found A Man In My Bed" - while Clay Hammond says that despite his love and a house full of kids – his missus is out on the razzle every night and he should have listened to mama when she advised Clay to "Take Your Time" (oh dear). Z.Z. Hill has it just as bad – another man gave his lady six babies – but he's the one that gives them a home in the slinky stepper "Don't Make Me Pay For His Mistakes". Of their group's five Atlantic 45s – the pain-dripped B-side "What Can You Do When You Ain't Got Nobody" by The Soul Brothers Six is probably their best cut coming complete with the screeching Bobby Womack-like vocals of John Ellison. The funereal "Go On Fool" by Marion Black mines the same misery territory of Toussaint McColl (see Track 15 on Disc 2) – but is actually far better in my book.

 

Pure class 70ts Soul shows up with Fontella Bass and her cover of O.V. Wright's "I Want Everyone To Know" (penned by Don Bryant) from her "Free" album on Paula Records in 1972 (beautifully arranged and produced by Oliver Sain). Originally issued as the B-side to the Van McCoy written “The Spoiler” – American DJs had other ideas and flipped the Oscar Weathers single to find "You Wants To Play" – giving its simple but heartfelt Blues-Soul the air time instead of the slicker A (I can so hear why). Busybody neighbours gossip during the rap-spoken "Shackin' Up" by Barbara Mason – a cool outside-marriage follow-up to her "From His Woman To You" hit in December 1974 (Made No.3) – "Shackin' Up" rightly made the US R&B Top 10 peaking at No. 9 in April 1975. Next we get a flurry of mid-tempo Southern Soul pleaders – especially enjoyable is the 'Lord have mercy' croaking of Lee Moses on the wonderfully titled "If Loving You Is A Crime (I'll Always Be Guilty)" and a stunning two-part Soul workout from Little Richard on his excellent "I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me" – an overlooked nugget from his years at Vee Jay. It ends on an out-and-out winner – the Funky Blues of "Mary Jane" by Bobby Rush – the kind of groove I eat for breakfast and always want a second helping of...

 

SUMMARY:

With Disc 2 being made up of entirely ballad-like material and Discs 1 and 3 featuring copious amounts of the same Southern Soul ache and plead – those expecting boogie and shuffles should stay away (I think this 3CD set might have been re-named "Kent-Soul Ballads" and be done with it). Best of all though is the discoveries – the wonderful finds - I'm dipping in all the time and loving it more and more – a genuine feast.

 

For sure 2015's "Back To The River..." is not as utterly immediate as 2008's "Take Me To The River" – but its 60ts and 70ts Soul pleasures are so many that I know I’ll be turning to it years from now – petting its wicked 'Fame Gang musicians stood on a bridge' cover like it's a Star Wars toy I'm glad I didn't wreck or throw away when I was young and too stupid to know its true beauty.

 

What a journey...and kudos to all involved for bringing this Soul joy to us in such style...

Sunday 29 January 2023

"The Man In The Street: The Complete 'Yellow' Stax Solo Singles 1968-1974" by WILLIAM BELL - A&B-sides of Twelve American 45-RPM 7" Singles featuring Booker T. Jones, Eddie Hinton, Al Jackson Jr. and more (February 2023 UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...





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"...All God's Children Got Soul..." 

Always somehow second-tier to the likes of Marvin, Aretha and his own label mates Eddie Floyd and Isaac Hayes - William Bell's seriously classy output on Stax Records is due for ripe rediscovery. 
 
I own and reviewed Ace's Volume 1 in this probable 3-parter series covering his 45-single stay at Stax - May 2020's "Never Like This Before: The Complete 'Blue' Stax Singles 1961-1968" - Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 510 (Barcode 029667105620) being a 28-Track all Mono CD Compilation running to just under 76-minutes. 
 
For Volume 2, we move from the 'Blue' label of Stax USA onto 'Yellow' and get just below 78-minutes this time (Volume 3 will probably deal with his duets with Judy Clay, Mavis Staples, Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor). For this CD release, I've provided both US and UK catalogue numbers for collectors. All of God's children got Soul, got no colour y'all. Let's get to the details...
 
UK released Friday, 24 February 2023 - "The Man In The Street: The Complete 'Yellow' Stax Solo Singles 1968-1974" by WILLIAM BELL on Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 515 (Barcode 029667107426) is a 24-Track CD Compilation (21 in Stereo, 3 in Mono) that plays out as follows (77:38 minutes): 
 
1. I Forgot To Be Your Lover 
2. Bring The Curtain Down
November 1968 US 45-single on Stax STA-0015, A&B-sides
February 1969 UK 45-single on Stax STAX 110, A&B-sides (same)
6 February 1976 UK 45-single on Stax STXS 2038 reissued and paired "Happy" on the A-side (see Track 5) with "Bring The Curtain Down" on the B-side
 
3. My Whole World Is Falling Down
4. All God's Children Got Soul
April 1969 US 45-single on Stax STA-0032, A&B-sides
30 May 1969 UK 45-single on Stax 121, A&B-sides (same)
Note: In the UK "Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday" b/w "Ain't Got No Girl" was issued prior to "My Whole World..." as a British 45-single 21 March 1969 on Atlantic 584259 - both tracks are on Volume 1 "Never Like This Before" 
 
5. Happy 
6. My Kind Of Girl 
June 1969 US 45-single on Stax STA-0038, A&B-sides 
22 August 1969 UK 45-single on Stax STAX 128 with "Johnny, I Love You" on the B-side (not on either CD compilation)
 
7. Born Under A Bad Sign
8. A Smile Can't Hide (A Broken Heart)
October 1969 US 45-single on Stax STA-0054, A&B-sides 
13 February 1970 UK 45-single with "Bring The Curtain Down" on the A-side (see Track 2) and "Born Under A Bad Sign" on the B-side. "A Smile Can't Hide (A Broken Heart) possibly contains Lead Guitar by Eddie Hinton
 
9. Lonely Soldier 
10. Let Me Ride 
July 1970 US 45-single on Stax STA-0070, A&B-sides 
No UK release for either side
 
11. A Penny For Your Thoughts 
12. 'Till My Back Ain't Got No Bone
May 1971 US 45-single on Stax STA-0092, A&B-sides
No UK release for either side - however, Stax Records UK issued "Winding, Winding Road" b/w "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" instead, 30 April 1971 on Stax 2025 025 ("I Forgot To Be Your Lover" is Track 1 on this CD, "Winding..." not on either CD volume)

13. All For The Love Of A Woman
14. I'll Be Home 
September 1971 US 45-single n Stax STA-0106, A&B-sides 
No UK release for either side 

15. Save Us
16. If You Really Love Him
April 1972 US 45-single on Stax STA-0123, A&B-sides
21 July 1972 UK 45-single on Stax 2025 123 with "Lonely For Your Love" on the A-side with "Save Us" as the B-side

17. Lovin' On Borrowed Time
18. The Man In The Street
March 1973 US 45-single on Stax STA-0157, A&B-sides
No UK release for either side (for all further releases)

19. I've Got To Go On Without You
20. You've Got The Kind Of Love I Need
August 1973 US 45-single on Stax STA-0175

21. Gettin' What You Want (Losin' What You Got)
22. All I Need Is Your Love 
February 1974 US 45-single on Stax STA-0198

23. Get It While It's Hot 
24. Nobody Walks Away From Love Unhurt 
July 1974 US 45-single on Stax STA-0221
NOTES: 
All Tracks in STEREO except Tracks 7, 10 and 24

Compiled and annotated by Soul aficionado TONY ROUNCE (a long-time writer for Ace compilations), our Tone does his usual brilliantly informative track-by-track explanation in the 16-page booklet itself festooned with all those American 'yellow' label Stax 45s that collectors so adore. Fans will notice that Stax catalogue numbers featuring Judy Clay ("Private Number" and "My Baby Specialises"), Mavis Staples ("Love's Sweet Sensation"), Carla Thomas ("I Need You Woman") and multiple-artist releases with Johnnie Taylor and more are 'not' here - they're probably being lined up for a future-date Volume 3. The Audio is superlative right from the super-clean but full-sounding audio to the gorgeous 1968 Southern Soul feel to "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" on to the inner-city wah-wah funk of "Save Us" from 1972 - Remasters by expert Remaster maestro DUNCAN COWELL.

For me this compilation is all about one of my favourite subjects - B-sides that are better or just plain whomp the A. The sheer cultural joy of "All Of God's Children", the sexy Bluesy Soul of "A Smile Can't Hide (A Broken Heart)" where I think it's Eddie Hinton that rips out the most fantastic and unexpected guitar solo half way through and then the far better Presley-melodrama ballad "'Till My Back Ain't Got No Bone" (a co-write with Eddie Floyd) - walking through the city asking everyone have they seen his baby. The shimmering guitar and brass Funk of "I'll Be Home" is another good example - this time the legendary Eddie Hinton confirmed as the guitarist (shame he didn't share vocals). And while I can understand the social motivation of "Save Us" in 1972 as the A Plug Side - whole cities being drowned in drugs - I still prefer the impassioned straight-up Slow Soul of its flipside "If You Really Love Him".
 
Bell really does bring down the pace with the smooch of "Lovin' On Borrowed Time" - a love-trap captured-by-your-charms pleader where poor Will can't stay away from the arms of another man's wife (we're there for you Bill - stay strong - even if you have to sneak around). A co-write with Horace Shipp, Jr. - "The Man On The Street" is literally Bacharach-Soul - a song that remains moving because of its lyrics - broken folks signing-on-the-dotted-line - pushing forward those repayments to hopefully better days ahead. Stax made the right choice for 'A' with "I've Got To Go Without You" - a gorgeous slow-set song that's backed up with the rather aimless "You've Got The Kind Of Love I Need". By the time we reach 1974, the audio is amazing and William wants to warn us that your woman is looking good to other men on the street and if you're not on the emotional ball, you maybe gettin' what you want elsewhere, but you're "Losin' What You Got". In a nice twofer, the flip is equally good - sweet ladies backing up Bell's vocals for "All I Need Is Your Love" - a co-write with James McDuffe. And it comes to a close with more late-night smooch sides - "Get It While It's Hot" (Bill has been saving up his love) and "Nobody Walks Away From Love Unhurt" - both sides more-than-influenced by Marvin Gaye's 1973 bedroom rummages with "Let's Get It On" (the previous year). 
 

"The Man In The Street: The Complete 'Yellow' Stax Singles 1968-1974" by William Bell isn't all magisterial for sure, but there's some fabulous and largely forgotten sides on this wickedly good CD compilation. Ace Records of the UK do these kinds of retrospectives so good and they have done it again here.

 

I've stashed it alongside 2022's Volume 1 "Never Like This Before" and will cast an affectionate eye on both in the years before the cataracts take over...

Wednesday 14 September 2022

"Clowns Exit Laughing: The JIMMY WEBB Songbook" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - featuring Glen Campbell, Dionne Warwick, Nocturnes, Shane martin, Chuck Jackson, Walker Brothers, Everything But The Girl, Nina Simone and many more (September 2022 UK Ace Records CD Compilation of Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...




 
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"...If Anybody Could..."
 
I'm a long time fan of England's Ace Records - surely one of the best reissue labels in the world - and I've bought, collected and reviewed their 'Songbook' or 'Songwriter' series up to a nerd-head pencil-pusher point.
 
But I've always had my suspicions about anyone telling me that Jimmy Webb is one the premier songwriting geniuses of the 20th Century – I think they need to get out more. Undoubtedly Tony Rounce - whose typically brilliant and informative liner notes grace yet another exceptional Ace release - would disagree and sends the boys around with implements to 'persuade' me of my momentary moment of well, insanity?
 
And with 180 or more cover versions of "Wichita Lineman" beside 175 more covers of "Up, Up And Away" along with Frank Sinatra's appraisal of "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" as 'the greatest torch song ever' will dissuade our Tone from accepting my dissing on Jimmy. But Webb has always felt like an easy-listening lightweight to me and I find some of the material on this otherwise brilliant CD bares that out. Anyway, to the finite details...
 
UK released Friday, 2 September 2022 - "Clowns Exit Laughing: The JIMMY WEBB Songbook" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records CDTOP 1620 (Barcode 029667106320) is a 24-Track CD-only compilation of Stereo and Mono Remasters (most are 60ts tracks) that plays out as follows (75:29 minutes):
 
1. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - GLEN CAMPBELL (November 1967 US LP "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" on Capitol ST 2851 in Stereo)
 
2. Up, Up And Away - DIONNE WARWICK (March 1968 US "Valley Of The Dolls" LP on Sceptre SPS 568 in Stereo) 
 
3. Carpet Man - THE NOCTURNES (July 1968 UK 45-single on Columbia DB 8453, A-side in Mono)
 
4. When Eddie Comes Home - THE EVERLY BROTHERS (1966 unreleased Warner Brothers Stereo Demo recording first appeared on the 2006 Bear Family 8CD Box Set "Chained to A Memory" on Bear Family BCD 16791 1M)
 
5. I Need You - SHANE MARTIN (August 1968 US 45-single on Epic 5-10384, Mono B-side of "You're So Young")
 
6. Honey Come Back - CHUCK JACKSON (August 1969 US 45-single on Motown M-1152, Mono A-side)
 
7. Where's The Playground Susie? - EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL (September 1986 UK 12"-Single on Blanco Y Negro NEG 23T, Stereo B-side of "Don't Leave Me Behind" with Ben Watts on Lead Vocals)
 
8. Midnight Mail - JOEY SCARBURY (August 1969 US 45-single on Dunhill D-4209, Mono B-side of "House Of The Rising Sun")

9. The Moon's A Harsh Mistress - THE WALKER BROTHERS (Recorded 1975 in Stereo with Scott on Lead Vocals, first issued 2001 on the CD Compilation "If You Could Hear Me Now" on Columbia 503302 2)

10. Wichita Lineman - TONY JOE WHITE (July 1969 UMS Debut LP "Black And White" on Monument Records SLP 18114 in Stereo)

11. Didn't We - JAMES DARREN (June 1967 Us 45-single on Warner Brothers 7053, Mono A-side)

12. MacArthur Park - WAYLON JENNINGS and THE KIMBERLYS (July 1969 US 45-single on RCA Victor 74-0210, Stereo A-side - also on the 1969 "Country-Folk" US LP on RCA Victor LSP-4180)

13. I Keep It Hid - THE SUPREMES (November 1972 US LP "Produced And Arranged by Jimmy Webb" on Motown M-756L)

14. Do What You Gotta Do - NINA SIMONE (August 1968 US 45-single on RCA Victor 47-9602, Stereo A-side - September 1968 UK 45-single on RCA Victor RCA 1743, B-side to "Ain't Got No - I Got Life")

15. Galveston - DON HO (December 1968 US 45-single on Reprise Records 0800, Mono B-side of "Has Anybody Lost A Love?")

16. The Worst That Could Happen - B.J. THOMAS (June 1969 US LP "Young And In Love" on Scepter SPS 576 in Stereo)

17. Requiem: 820 Latham - MEL TORME (February 1970 US 45-single on Capitol 2743, Stereo A-side)

18. Magic Garden - DUSTY SPRINGFIELD (August 1968 UK 4-Track 45 EP "If You Go Away" on Philips BE 12605, Track 2 on Side 1 in Mono)

19. Rosecrans Blvd. - THE 5th DIMENSION (August 1967 US 45-single on Soul City 755, Stereo B-side of "Another Day, Another Heartache" - also on the Stereo LP "Up, Up And Away" on Soul City SCS-92000)

20. Which Way To Nowhere - THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE (March 1969 US Debut LP "Brooklyn Bridge" on Buddah BDS 5034 in Stereo)

21. Clowns Exit Laughing - THE FORTUNES (1970 US LP "That Same Old Feeling" on World Pacific Records WPS 21904 in Stereo)

22. P.F. Sloan - RUMER (from the May 2012 CD album "Boys Don't Cry" on Atlantic 5053105230853)
 
23. Highwayman - WAYLON JENNINGS, WILLIE NELSON, JOHNNY CASH, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON (from the 1985 US LP "Highwayman" on Columbia FC 40056)
 
24. If This Was The Last Song - DEE DEE WARWICK with THE DIXIE FLYERS (September 1970 Us 45-single on Atco 44-6769, Stereo A-Side)
 
Tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 to 24 - STEREO
Tracks 3, 5, 6, 11, 15 and 18 - MONO 
 
A beautifully laid-out 20-page booklet pours on the photos, memorabilia and period shots aided and abetted by TONY ROUNCE who seems to know more about Sixties Pop and Soul than the artists themselves who recorded it. NICK ROBBINS did the superb Remasters – very clear, punchy and full – despite the myriad sources – this is a cohesively great sounding CD compilation. To the tunes...
 
"Clowns Exit Laughing..." not surprisingly opens with the artist most associated with Jimmy Webb - Glen Campbell - and Webb's most covered tune of all time "By The Time I Get To Phoenix". A smart move too opening the CD with two Stereo cuts even if Dionne Warwick's rendition of "Up, Up And Away" (a song more associated with The 5th Dimension) is a big syrupy. First seriously clever choice comes in the form of "Carpet Man" by England's Nocturnes - itself a cover of a 5th Dimension Webb song they'd put out Stateside in early 1968. The tune is very upbeat, even Motownish (more of that later) and The Nocturnes featured both Lyn Paul and Eve Graham who went on to be with The New Seekers. Can't say I'm too enamoured with the schlock of "When Eddie Comes Home" even if the mighty pipes of The Everly Brothers are going at it in Demo form (took 40 years for it to appear on Bear Family's magnificent "Chained To A Memory" 8CD Box Set).
 
Far better is the first of a trio of B-sides that British Northern Soul boys latched on to - and given their sexy Motown-vibing Soul shuffles - hardly surprising they did. New Orleans lad Shane Martin recorded a series of 45s for Epic and Columbia between 1967 and 1970, but when a British DJ flipped Epic 5-10384 to find "I Need You" - talcum powder dancers practically lost it (been a big-ticket item on the scene ever since). The second big-drums, brass and tinkling vibes dancer is the 14-year-old Joey Scarbury who punched out "Midnight Mail" on ABC's Dunhill label imprint - thereafter discovered by the scene's legendary Ian Levine and championed - great stuff. Number three is the much-missed Tony Joe White going at "Wichita Lineman" with a sincerity only his voice and swamp guitar could emulate - gorgeous audio too as the piano and brass arrangements kick in (want you for all time).
 
Genius choices must also go to "Where's The Playground Susie?" done as a twelve-inch Blanco Y Negro B-side in 1986 by England's Everything But The Girl - Ben Watts taking a rare lead vocal over Tracy Thorn (she adds harmonies on this truly lovely version). Recorded in 1975 as one of four outtakes for the "No Regrets" reunion album but unreleased - "The Moon's A Harsh Mistress" is a truly gorgeous cover with Scott Walker (of The Walker Brothers) adding a bottom-of-the-sea deep lead vocal. Beautifully recorded, it would not be heard until the 2001 CD compilation "If You Could Hear Me Now" on Columbia Records. Things go downhill with Time Tunnel actor James Darren doing "Didn't We" and Waylon Jennings with The Kimberley's going at "MacArthur Park" - a very hissy piece of overdone. And I can't understand why Tony didn't use the gorgeous "5:15" over "I Keep It Hid" from The Supremes LP Written and Arranged by JW. Nina Simone souls up "Do What You Gotta Do", but it feels forced-into-doing-this-song to me and Don Ho's "Galveston" comes at you like Perry Como fodder that's pretty and not much else.
 
And on it goes to Dusty giving it some big-haired melodrama on "Magic Garden" (a 5th Dimension hit) - better is the lyrically-unsettling "Rosecrans Blvd." by the aforementioned 5th Dimension (produced by Johnny Rivers) and The Brooklyn Bridge doing their musically excellent album cut of "Which Way To Brooklyn" - a song picked by British White Soul Boy James Royal in 1969. Beautiful production values too on 1970's "Clowns Exit Laughing" courtesy of Noel Walker and Billy Davis while Rumer's 2012 acoustic take on "P.F. Sloan" is almost Carpenters beautiful.
 
It's not all genius - but there's enough to satisfy and plenty to please and even at times amaze. The Wichita Lineman is still on the line. Nice...

INDEX - Entries and Artist Posts in Alphabetical Order