Great 18 track compilation from the vaults of Apple Publishing which would (at the time) nuture the careers of artists such as Focal Point, Grapefruit, Iveys, Paintbox & John Fitch & Associates, all included here.Some of the tracks here are exclusive to this package such as the previously unreleased demo's and alt. takes of the Focal Point, and the McCartney produced Grapefruit, plus the Iveys (pre-Badfinger). All of this is wrapped up in a sumptuous RPM poster inlay.States 3 misunderstood tracks on the sleeve but in fact they are not on the disc.
Lost masterpiece from 1969 by a US band who recorded their only album at Abbey Road in London before it was shelved by the label. Filled with styles varying from acoustic ballads to full orchestral productions the album is drenched in a late 60's Abbey Road production. Unasahamedly influenced by the Beatles, this is excellent 60s pop/sike. The band had 2 singles released by Parlophone in 1969 and then disappeared. Had their album been released they would have certainly beaten Badfinger to their pop, psyche crown. Absolutely beautiful. Includes an informative fold out booklet.
The essential vibes and grooves of the 1967-1975 period by this UK TV arranger.The focus here is on the music that swings in the clubs, the hammond organ driven beat sounds such as "Beat Boutique" and "Action Man", and the best chill out apres-ski numbers such as the stand out classic "Girl In A Sportscar". This is the only Alan Hawkshaw collection on the market and he remains a high profile name amongst collectors. The original Library albums and commercial releases are now highly sought after and these are club friendly grooves. It is the first time on CD for two-thirds of the collection.
Not another one!! Just when you'd got over the joys of discovering Jobriath, Brett Smiley, John Howard, Martin Gordon and Peter Straker, here comes another lost glam genius of a bygone era for glitterhearts of the world to drool and slaver over!! Australia and New Zealand of course, were never countries oft associated with glitter and decadence: the stereotypical image of the "Occa Yobbo called Robbo" put paid to that, although ironically this was the continent that gave us Edna Everage. . .The truth was, Anzac androgynes were more plentiful than one could imagine, with acts like Skyhooks, Sherbet, Duffo and William Shakespeare all registering high on the glam-o-meter. NZ's own particular contribution to this fascinating subgenre of music was Alistair Riddell (no. not the Terrorizer journalist/ doom metal guitarist) who in 1975 laid down this Bowie- influenced masterpiece in 1975, armed with a sci-fi fixation, clothes made of velvet curtain material, and some seriously good songs. Now sadly forgotten- but not for long, as the album finally gets its first non-Antipodean release- this CD, described on its original LP issue as conjuring up "an androgynous and disquieting imagined world, a planet that shifts on its tectonic plates, with neither flag nor borders, devoid of God, comprising metal-flake, eyeliner and nine precious idylls" will soon be taking pride of place on the shelf of any serious glam collector. Coming next: Broderick Falconer maybe? Yes, he exists too. . .
Collection of 22 of his best production/writing outings, taken from the vaults of the Instant and Alon labels. Includes artists such as Aaron Neville, Benny Spellman, Ernie K-Doe, Irma Thomas, Jessie Hill, Chick Carbo, Sonny Fisher and more...
The long awaited sequel to '94 Baker Street', the first Apple popsike compilation. Half the Apple Music Publishing Company's recordings were never issued, because as we know the company didn't last particularly long: here, many of those songs are given their first official airing. Highlights include four more previously unissued Iveys tracks, the first recordings of Gallagher And Lyle, and the rare-as-hens-teeth recordings of the cult band Bachdenkel, among obscurities from the original Jigsaw, Lace, Majority (later known as Majority One) , Mortimer and Tramp. Sleevenotes are a lovingly documented essay by Stefan Grenados, an expert if ever there was one. Ideal for popsike collectors or just anyone who loves good music. The sleeve notes are a lovingly documented essay by Stefan Granados including many rare pics and memorabilia. 1. An Apple A Day The U (Don't) Know Who (aka Bachdenkel)2. Great idea Jigsaw 3. Ivy Unrehearsed Gallagher & Lyle4. I Am Nearly There Dennis Couldry5. Black & White Rainbows Iveys 6. Girl In A Mini Skirt Iveys 7. Soldier Lace8. Technicolour Dream Gallagher & Lyle9. In Your Wonderful Way Gallagher & Lyle10.People Who Are Different Mortimer11. Tomorrow Today Iveys 12. James In The Basement Dennis Couldry13. Strange People The U (Don't) Know Who (aka Bachdenkel)14. Charlotte Rose Majority One15. Somebody's Turning On The People Goldrush16. Fairytale Second Hand17. Sister Saxophone Turquoise18. Now And Again Rebecca The U (Don't) Know Who (aka Bachdenkel)19. Mr Strangeways Iveys 20. Good As Gold Cups21. Woodstock Turquoise (alt. version)22. Evil Loving Woman Peter Cooper
Live performance from the easy listening crooner, originally recorded for TV. Split into two fifty minute shows and intercut with revealing interview footage, this is Williams in full flow wowing the crowd. Performing with the London Symphony Orchestra and his own band, he confidently switched from his ballads to pop numbers, musical numbers and hymns. Includes: "Just The Way You Are", "McArthur Park", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Hush Little Baby."
There is no doubt that the murder of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of The United States, on November 22nd 1963. inflicted a wound so deep on the American psyche that even now, over forty years later, it is still not fully healed. The vivid, startling and moving recordings on this disc, originally compiled from more than 85 hours of audio material, should be heard by anyone with the slightest interest in the controversy surrounding the assassination. On the spot reports from newsmen stationed along the route of the motorcade capture the chaos and horror of JFK's death, the anger and dismay of accused assassin Oswald's arrest, and the sombre, almost unreal atmosphere of Kennedy's funeral. The terrifying and tragic events are brought into sudden sharp focus by the immediacy of these recordings. No-one who has heard FOUR DAYS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD has not been moved by it. The inlay, with a detailed break down of the contents, contains historical notes and front page reproduction of a newspaper from the time.
Making up the four great bands of the 1966 pop-apocalypse were The Who, The Action, The Creation and finally The Attack. Four names that in their brevity summed up the instant flash of mod-pop appeal. More energy than an H-bomb after flash, they hit the senses and soul with a long awaited wake up call.Led by ex Ready Steady Go dancer Richard Shirman, and Nice guitarist David O'List , the Attack recorded four singles for Decca, plus a number of unreleased tracks and radio session. All included here .A definitive collection, which includes gems like "Try It" bugged out insanity,with sexual overtones blowing the Standells version into oblivion; " WeDon't Know " a tight explosion of mod-soul, "Anymore Than I Do" a freak beat classic - plus of course their version of "Hi Ho Silver Lining".Detailed booklet with full involvement of Richard Shirman.- A Must for all collectors- Includes for the first time on CD all four Decca singles.
Previously unissued John Peel, Richard Skinner and David Jensen sessions. Fascinating reworkings of studio tracks, plus material which the band never recorded elsewhere. Complete session discography included.
One of the foremost '80s indie bands with two women - two men line up who set out to show that the sexes could work together in the rock business. All subject matter was tackled in a forthright manner from monogamy to political prisoners which gained them a huge reputation, along with their post punk funk sound. This CD includes the original album which charted in 1981, along with three singles including the infamous "Come Again", banned by Radio One.
Twenty four track collection of tracks McGuire recorded when he was in the New Christy Minstrels, a vocal pop / folk group. Signed to the short lived folk label Horizon, they recorded Star Folks vol 1 & 2 in 1963 (two years before Barry found fame with "Eve Of Destruction"), these two albums make their debut on CD. Joining him for the sessions were Minstrel members Karen Gunderson, Art Podell, Paul Potash and Barry Kane. A cracking little collection of early sixties folk with a stellar cast list. Note that the group would go on to make a further two volumes of Star Folk but with a different singing personnel.
Volume three in an ongoing investigation of intriguing UK Pop Record labels. This one in itself following on from the Strike Records album as its owner Miki Dallon started Young Blood in 1969 following the demise of his previous company paymasters that owned Strike, in 1968. Bringing with him the key artist Don Fardon, ex lead singer of the Sorrows, Dallon scored huge international hits with Fardon in particular Belfast Boy and Indian Reservation. This was very much an International operation with the UK charts only one part of Dallon’s target market. Mac & Katie Kissoon scored hits in the USA, Canada, Australia and their record I've Found My Freedom hit no.1 in Holland, Belgium and France. (Their version of Chirpy Chirpy made the top 20 in the US, Middle of the Road never even charted). A made up group name of Apollo 100 (in reality Miki Dallon and Tom Parker) reached no.6 in the US singles chart with Joy and achieving the 2nd best instrumentalist award in Cashbox. The label ran from 1969-1972 as Young Blood Records and from 1972 until its final singles releases in 1974 as Young Blood International. It represents a fascinating microcosm of the early 70's UK music pop sound with the emphasis on the hit pop record that was good for the discotheques. In 1969 Mac Kissoons record Get Down With It is great Northern Soul from the 60's, by 1974 the sounds incorporate heavily laden drums and synthesised, keyboard riffs and Billy Oceans debut with the group Scorched Earth shows the way things will go in the second half of the decade. At the same time Youngblood also dabbled in other fields with the blues/rock of Python Lee Jackson, the folk rock of Dando Shaft and the Prog rock of Julians Treatment and Salamander. Includes a fold out poster inlay with plenty of pics, memorabilia and essay.
First ever overview compilation of highly quirky and individual US singer,songwriter and satirist, regarded as the natural successor to Tom Lehrer, American equivalent to Viv Stanshall, and spiritual father to Jad Fair, but most of all recognised as an influence on none other than David Bowie, who covered his "Fill Your Heart" on "Hunky Dory" and "Buzz The Fuzz" in his live sets. Rose also had a near hit with "Molly" and was once even backed by Van Dyke Parks: surely one does not need any further recommendation to check out the works of this true iconoclast, whose career began on the TV shows of Johnny Carson and the Smothers Brothers, and is now undergoing appraisal of a new kind- as a renowned painter!! None of the material here has ever officially appeared before on CD.
Big Jim Sullivan was the most sought after session sitar player during the 60's. This was his debut album from 1968 an East meets West a-go-go. Includes covers of then current rock faves like "A Whiter Shade of Pale", "Sunshine Superman" and the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home". All psyched up with tantric sitar vibes. One of the best '60's sitar psych albums ever made and features Jimmy Page. Highly recommended!
Twenty two track compilation of the highly underrated pop singer. Very much part of the '60's scene, Billie regularly hanged out with the major pop figures and fashion types and her records moved with the times. This is the first time on CD for the complete mid sixties singles collections, including her tracks with R&B singer Keith Powell and the title track appeared in the film Top Gear.
Preston was a prodigy on organ and piano, he built an enviable reputation as a session musician, even backing the Beatles on their 'Let It Be album'. Captured on this compilation are some of his best pop psyche soul, highlights being "Billy's Bag", " I Am Coming Through", "My Girl", "Lowdown" and "Stop! In the Name of Love"
Drawn mainly from a pair of rare and sought-after UK-only LP's issued in the early 1970's under the name 'Birds n' Brass' on the Rediffusion label, the tracks were created by arranger and composer Keith Roberts, famous for his contributions to Scott Walker's classic early solo albums. Also included here are ten never before released tracks from the Rediffusion production library. A healthy mixture of pop, lounge and jazz funk, including "Sort Of Soulo" which would become the TV theme to ITV's coverage of the world ice skating championships in the 70's. Trivox fans please note, one of the twenty tracks found on here features the rare / curious keyboard instrument in all it's glory.
First ever reissue of this classic 1971 US Folk album. Best known for writing the much covered hit "Elusive Butterfly", Bob emerged from the mid American folk clubs in the mid '60's to be quickly labelled as the next Bob Dylan. Certaining undermining his own song writing gifts, this label did little to help his career. This much sort after release is making it's debut on CD and should delight fans who have been having to search the internet for the original that had only a limited release. Features performances by the Dillards and Gene Clark. Included are four bonus tracks supplied by Bob from his own collection.
Bobby Robinson became a key figure in independent New York record production during the 1950s through to the mid-60s. Here are 22 classic soul/R&B cuts that bear the identity hallmarks of Bobby Robinsons production with tracks by Buster Brown, King Curtis, Jack Dupree, Elmore James & loads more.
The complete recordings of the post-Tomorrow UK band recorded between 1967 and 1970. Featuring the guitar of Steve Howe, this ranges from the early pop-sike to a later more progressive rock sound. Yes fans must have the track "Nether Street" which is an early version of the riff from "Starship Trooper". A fully annotated booklet rounds of this impressive package.
Just what we all wanted- hot on the heels of 'Glitterbest' and 'Velvet Tinmine' comes another prime slection of stomping, scarfwaving, stackheeled, kipper-tie wearing yob dandies from around the globe plying their wares for your delectation. Iron Virgin appear again, this time telling of their 'Teenage Love Affair' and 60s popsike hearthrob Paul Ryan makes an appearance, but so do 'Jimmy Jukebox' (better known as Kim Fowley ) Ice Cream (produced by Glitterbander John Springate) the Jets (not to be confused with either Jet, who appeared on 'Glitterbest', the Salford Jets or the later mockabilly popsters) featuring Cockney Rebel keyboardist Milton Reame James, Angel (not the US glam-progsters), produced by Andy Scott, and 'Roxy Roller' by Canada's prime peacock poseurs Sweeney Todd, featuring Nick Gilder of 'Hot Child In The City' fame and one Bryan Adams on guitar!! The essential soundtrack to anyone's slightly sexually deviant 70s schooldays and clubnights. Boobs it may be, but balls it certainly isn't. Grreat stuff.
First ever release for this long lost Andrew Loog Oldham produced effort from 1973. Backed by Jim Keltner, David Spinozza, Steve Marriott, Ken Ascher and Don Costa (Frank Sinatra's musical director) this is a manic amalgam of vintage Bolan & playful Bowie.The whole album has a characteristically dramatic Oldham production and exceptional playing by all involved. Informative fold-out booklet gives the lowdown on this tragic career which, in a bizarre turn, was revived to cult acclaim in the early Noughties!!!.
Very well known musician and composer, from his time with The Shadows and since as a writer of music for Film and TV. Perhaps best known on TV is his music for the Ruth Rendell Mysteries series. On Aim High we present the music from his early composing days when contracted to the major KPM production library. As all the music was written for TV we have packaged our detailed ‘best of’ as a period TV series action drama, that it might all have fitted into. It’s all there for every likely scene - high 70’s rock, pop, glam and synth.Thus this album will appeal to a cross over market of Shadows/Bennett collectors, Soundtrack enthusiasts, Production Library collectors. Enhancing the must have appeal for these markets is the fact that all the recordings have never been commercially released.
"One of the most influential British youth movies of all time" Mojo, May 2003. Set in London's East End at the close of the sixties, this brilliant film follows two teenage runaways as they hole up with Joe 'Bronco Bullfrog' and try to stay one step ahead of the law. Includes 30mins of bonus features. PAL, Region 0.
Original movie soundtrack to this long lost youth film which is a piece of neo-realism and a fascinating document of working class life in London's East End in 1969 that contains important dialogue extracts, music themes (by Audience) plus bonus recordings from the sessions.The CD has an enhanced element bearing the film trailer.
The first time on CD, the full title of this release is Barrelhouse And Jugband Rock N Roll 1969-1973; it features the folk / blues roots groups releases with Mungo Jerry producer Barry Murray. Their brand of upbeat acoustic rock n roll boogie proved sadly unpopular and they quickly folded after their first album and a few singles. This release features the shelved second album plus tracks the group recorded when they were called The Jug Trust, nine of these tracks are unreleased.
An important document of the late 60s blues scene that spilled over into hard rock, partially sparked by the band formed by Bob Brunning (Fleetwood Mac/Savoy Brown). From the acid drenched debut album "Bullen St. Blues" in 1968 through to the ironically more blues based "I Wish You Would" and beyond, the outfit always attracted big names to guest on their records such as Peter Green, Bob Hall, Dave Kelly, Steve Rye and many more. This twenty two track collection features their best recordings as Tramp (featuring Danny Kirwan) and as a hugely influential electric Blues act.
Next volume in the Lipsmackin’ series looks at the ultra pop yet decidedly quirky side of the glam tinged early 70’s as presided over with considerable success by Jonathan King. His UK label rivalled Bell and Rak as the most successful indie label of the period. For every hit on the label there was another side to the production output as JK’s idiosyncratic approach to recording materialised like off the wall production sounds and very poppy lyrics. Very much the auteur, like Joe Meek, JK would reuse chord sequences, string arrangements, backing sounds, and taken overall the JK sound becomes immediately identifiable. Includes Simon Turner, Ricky Wilde, Tractor, Tibble, Del, Brendan and more- great stuff to be sure, but maybe a little dodgy with hindsight!! Just how many of these teen acts Mr King, er, 'helped' into their recording contracts is unknown, but hey, judge the art not the artist.
Thought lost forever, 'Those Plucking Strings' (nice title) is one of the rarest recordings (or at least it was until now) associated with that godlike genius of popular music, the late Joe Meek. One of two groundbreaking albums recorded in 1960 (the other being the legendary first ever concept album, 'I Hear A New World'), this was Joe's first album-length collaboration with his then 20-year old arranger (stop sniggering at the back, we know what you're thinking) Charles Blackwell, featuring musicians from the show 'Oh Boy' such as guitarist Eric Ford and drummer Andy White. Blackwell would later go on to work with everyone from the good (Francoise Hardy) to the mediocre (PJ Proby) to the often quite bad (Mike Sarne)- but 'These Plucking Strings' show the earliest flowering of his arrangemental flair, and still remains one of his more interesting works. The idea of the music itself- basically, orchestrated skiffle- was an oxymoron, but in a way curiously in step with the genre's DIY aesthetic, something that Meek would use in many different contexts. Consisting (until now) of only one acetate copy that prior to 1997 was gathering dust on the shelves of none other than the daughter of Violet Shenton (Meek's landlady, whose life he took before putting a period to his own existence) before she dropped it into a certain North London record store, this is a release that has been greatly anticipated.
The early Sixties career of Chris Farlowe is well documented here in these tracks recorded between 1962 and 1965. Rock and roll, soul, blue beat and R & B are all covered, with Chris's fabulous vocal interpretations dominating. His main backing band during this period were no slouches either, with the Thunderbirds including Albert Lee and Dave Greenslade at various times.
A bit of a gem from those chaps at RPM (hey, it rhymes!!), this is the first compilation ever of the multi-faceted talents of Clare Torry- from her late 60s singles as a pop chanteuse (a sort of UK Francoise Hardy), her advert music (in particular for British Caledonian Airlines) and even the theme to the sadly-missed UK sitcom 'Butterflies'. On 'One Way Street' and 'Love For Living' (both her own compositions) she is backed by Hudson Ford and Man respectively: there are several great originals and covers here, but of most note his her thme tune to the film 'OCE': the wordless, wailing improvisation brings to mind nothing so much as the performance Clare is best known for, on Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig In The Sky". Obviously the Floyd's 'people' wouldn't allow that to be included here, but rest assured everything else included on this disc is as fine as that particular nugget. Produced in cooperation with Claire herself.
A rock'n'roller who became a country superstar. In the latter guise Twitty notched up 40 no.1 Country chart hits between 1968-1986, a significant feat and one which ensures that Twitty is well remembered. Through his tenure with MGM (1957-1963) Twitty began as a rock'n'roller with Elvis in his eyes, scored a no.1 with It's Only Make Believe, his first MGM release, was taken up as pop star producing a sequence of rhythm based standards and easing into 'Countrypolitan' (sophisticated country ballad style). On Looking Back RPM present the cream of the Twitty style for that period, an amalgam of rockin' rhythm and country soul. They come from albums, unreleased sessions, singles A and B-sides - a definitive overview from the complete breadth of Twitty's MGM output.
Release of the month!! The long-lost 10" EP, recorded in 1970 and not released on vinyl until 1991 in a limited edition of 500, thus rendering it immediately collectable. Now available for the first time on CD, after the appetite-whetting inclusion of 'High School Dropout' on the compilation 'Glitterbest', digitally remastered and presented in a luxurious digipak. For those not in the know, this may have been the first ever British punk rock album, (although Deviants fans may disagree) as crucial to the genre this side of the pond as 'Funhouse' or 'Kick Out The Jams' were in the States, but it also set the tone for most of the bootstomping terrace glam that followed (Slade, Mott and the Faces for starters) in the ensuing 18 months. Be warned though: this is SERIOUSLY raw (as in practically a demo) quality- it makes 'Raw Power' seem like 'Dark Side Of The Moon' by comparison!! Hated by the beardy prog'n'psych establishment of the time (not that there's anything wrong with that stuff either) but now validated as a seminal influence, as is the band's leader, the one and only Jesse Hector (later a Hammersmith Gorilla, and a vital link between London pub rock and punk) on dirty high energy rock and roll as we know it, and how it should be today. Let us not forget either the near-legendary status of pinup drummer/ occasional vocalist/ teen actor Darryl Read, who now collaborates regularly with Ray Manzarek. The gatefold 10" design is replicated with plenty of pics and cartoons and full liner notes, and a bonus version of '. . .Dropout' not before released.. In other words, one not to miss. And possibly the best band name ever !
Beautiful box set that contains the three original albums by the cult UK hippy folk rock band. Their brilliant dope tale "Whispering Ned" is here on a triple LP collection that features all of the bands first three albums 'An Evening With', 'Dando Shaft', and 'Lantaloon' plus bonus tracks and all in the original artwork. Classic rustic 70's UK folk rock albums with psychedelic overtones and a psychy mystic vibe. Comparisons to Pentangle are inevitable but there is a trippier twist.
Three original albums by the cult UK hippy folk band with psych touches. Their brilliant dope tale "Whispering Ned" is here on a double CD collection that features all of the bands first three albums 'An Evening With', 'Dando Shaft', and 'Lantaloon' plus bonus tracks. Classic rustic 70's UK folk rock albums with psychedelic overtones and a jazzy feel. Comparisons to Pentangle are inevitable but there is a trippier twist. This is the definitive collection bar none. Features fold out booklet packed with info and photos.
Cliff Richard's contemporary, Dave was signed by Cliff's manager and groomed for stardom. Despite a hit with "Sweet Dreams" and some great follow-ups, the breaks never came. His undoubted talent is illustrated on this complete collection: singles, EP tracks and unissued Abbey Road masters.
As song writers, between 1965 and 1973, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway wrote 25 UK top ten hits, plus many others around the world, for the likes of the Fortunes, Cliff Richard, Hollies, Blue Mink, the Drifters and one of the biggest 'in the world ever' as Virgin would say, in I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing.As artists, Cook and Greenaway's alter ego David and Jonathan 's own biggest hit was a cover of the Beatles Michelle, which made no.11 in the Uk, and no.18 in the US. Their Beatles link stemmed from being signed by producer George Martin to his Air Productions stable, producing the majority of their recordings during a peak period between 1965 and 1968. It yielded two more international hits in their own songs Lovers Of The World Unite , and How Bitter The Taste Of love.Musically Cook and Greenaway recorded in a similar vein to the Ivy League with close harmonies over beat backings. Their vocal skills were further in demand as session singers, such as backing the first Paul and Barry Ryan hits, Peter Sellers on his memorable take on the Beatles A Hard Days Night, and the lead on the title song to the cult movie Modesty Blaise.During their period as David and Jonathan, Cook and Greenaway recorded early versions of many of their songs that became hits for others, such as You've Got Your Troubles, This Golden Ring (The Fortunes) , Softly Whispering I Love You (The Congregation) , Somethings Gotten Hold of My Heart (Gene Pitney) , Green Grass (Gary Lewis & Playboys) .All the hits and versions of hit songs for others, mentioned above, are present on this new and comprehensive 25 track compilation compiled with the assistance of messers Cook and Greenaway.r.
David and Jonathan , the hit artist alter ego of songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. As writers between 1965 and 1973 they wrote 25 UK top ten hits , plus many others around the world, for the likes of the Fortunes, Cliff Richard, Hollies, Blue Mink, the Drifters and one of the biggest 'in the world ever' as Virgin would say, in the Seekers' " I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing", later ripped off by Oas. . .er, anyway! Ironically David and Jonathan's own biggest hit was a cover of the Beatles' Michelle, which made no.11 in the UK, and no.18 in the US. Their link with the Beatles was not so surprising however given that they were picked up as artists by producer George Martin, who produced the majority of their recordings for his Air Studios set up, during a peak period between 1965 and 1968. It yielded two more international hits in their own songs Lovers Of The World Unite , and How Bitter The Taste Of Love. Musically Cook and Greenaway recorded in a similar vein to John Carter/the Ivy League with close harmonies over beat backings. Their vocal skills were further in demand as session singers, such as backing the first Paul and Barry Ryan hits, Peter Sellers on his memorable take on the Beatles A Hard Days Night, and the lead on the title song to the cult movie Modesty Blaise. During their period as David and Jonathan, Cook and Greenaway recorded early versions of many of their songs that became hits for others, such as You've Got Your Troubles, This Golden Ring (The Fortunes) , Softly Whispering ILove You (The Congregation) , Somethings Gotten Hold of My Heart (Gene Pitney) , Green Grass (Gary Lewis & The Playboys). All the hits and versions of hit songs for others, mentioned above, are present on this new compilation of the best of David And Jonathan, compiled with the assistance of messers Cook and Greenaway. And no, it's not the same Roger Cook that had a 'report' on ITV!!!
An Irish folk rock artist who in 1967 released three albums of his own material on the Major Minor label. An amazing period of productivity matched by the amazing consistency of quality throughout all the material he wrote and recorded. Musically he backed himself on 6 and 12 string guitar with further arrangements and orchestration provided by the then wunderkind producer Mike Leander. The combination of McWilliams heartfelt lyrics and songstyle with Leanders evocative arrangements of the simple melodies still sound bewitching today. 'The Days Of Pearly Spencer' was covered by Marc Almond in the early 90's and 'Three O'Clock Flamingo Street' is another radio favourite. There has only been one other McWilliams compilation, released by EMI when the Almond single was a hit in 1992. That collection has long since been deleted and this RPM collection only repeats four tracks from the EMI set. For McWilliams fans and 60's folk/rock fans the idea is to follow up this present collection with a Volume two later in the year. The RPM collection presents a range of subject matter, some of their time such as Hiroshima and Harlem Lady, others love songs that transcend time. The English had Donovan, the Americans had Dylan, the Irish had McWilliams.
Since the release of the first volume of McWilliams work, "The Days Of David McWilliams", the artist sadly died in 2002. After a respectful delay RPM continued their work on volume 2 with the co-operation of his daughter and estate. Whilst Volume 1 focused on his 'Hit ' period, Volume 2 now offers a representation from across his entire career, beginning with his first single in 1966, followed by more choice cuts from his Major Minor label career 1967-1969, then songs from the early 1970's when albums were released by Dawn, his major label signing with EMI in the mid-late 1970's, ending with the last recordings released during the 1980's.The early 1970's period is represented by 8 recordings of McWilliams that are previously unreleased. Some were songs he later re-recorded for Dawn, others remained on the reel -to- reel. All are quintessential McWilliams, personal lyrics with a heartfelt performance. The package includes photos from the McWilliams archive and a biographical essay from Irish music writer John O'Regan and also 8 previously unreleased tracks.
The 1968 solo album from the Quicksilver Messenger Service lead singer. Moving away from the trademark QMS guitar pyrotechnics, this is a reflective album with a country folky feel that includes a fine version of "Me And My Uncle".Produced by Bob Johnston (the man who oversaw much of Dylan's classic 60's output) it's sound is stripped down to haunting minor acoustic chords swelled by wads of studio reverb. Chemically deranged but incredibly charming. Fully detailed sleevenotes round off the package with some great shots of Dino busking.
Don Covay may be familiar from major hits ‘Mercy Mercy’ and ‘SeeSaw’ from the golden age of mid-1960s Atlantic Records, but as that label moved towards the rock market in the early 70's, Covay moved on to his distinctive style of story-line soul songs, first with an LP for Janus in 1970 followed by two Mercury releases in 1973 and 74, each contain a typical mixture of gospelly soul ballads and chunky, lyrical funk items. First up on Shout is the 1973 LP,now, reissued in its entirety, with a bonus for the collectors the first tracks from the Janus LP (second Mercury LP Released as a concept-album and gaining both critical approval and healthy sales. Includes"Overtime Man" typical southern funk, while"Leave Him" and "I Was Checkin' Out" are deep soul balladry. The bonus tracks from Janus LP 'Different Strokes for Different Folks' likewise include a strong mix of ballads and funk. Unavailable for many years, all are keenly-sought collectors' items, (with many enquiries on the Southern Soul lists) which fit splendidly into the profile and catalogue of Shout Records.
In between his time as lead singer for cult freakbeat band The Sorrows, and, the mega (but novelty) hit Indian Reservation in 1970, Fardon cut some very exciting pop beat records, what one would have termed at the time "real hip groovy music". The source material for this collection are the recordings Fardon made with Miki Dallon in 1968 and 1969. Some were released on an LP called The Love Story of Don Fardon, others for singles, mostly released in Europe on Vogue and the US on GNP Crescendo. The music is very much of its time, bold brass, swinging string arrangements, rocking guitar, groovy hammond, backing Fardon's rich baritone. Happily this finds much favour with todays 60's clubs, and one track in particular 'I'm Alive' is requested in the northern soul clubs and on radio. There is also a brilliant cover of the Beatles 'Back In The USSR' which Fardon growls through and a hammond swirls through the middle eight. The Sorrows were neatly packaged by Sanctuary, and Indian Reservation is available on many hits compilations. However RPM presents the essential selection of Fardons peak recording period, and with none of the recordings having been released on CD in the UK, this is an essential purchase for any 60's collector. This is the first proper collection of Fardons recordings after the Sorrows Great 60's pop beat collection and contains excellent club material with the title track a Northern Soul favourite. This is the first time for the recordings on CD!
An essential collection and guide to the pre-cursor of Rockabilly music and musicians that helped lay foundations for American Rock'n'Roll and Country.Radio DJ and record collector Mark Lamarr has assembled an essential guide to this period of musical development, being careful to select tracks largely unavailable elsewhere including Faron Young,Merle travis,Jerry Reed,Louvin Brothers,Hank Thompson and more. Naturally we are talking singles you would only be able to pick up from US sources, and then after serious searching. Mark has also supplied the extensive liner notes and astonishing memorabilia from a collection probably unique in Britain.The Americana label on the front cover is no accident or invention on our part. Early on Capitol Records ran a series of these singles releases labelled as Capitol Americana. Proving there is nothing new under the sun today’s coinage of the term is some 50 years after it was first used.
First time on CD for these 24 Brit girl classics from the '60s, carefully selected by St. Etienne front-man Bob Stanley, most reissued here for the first time. A collectors dream, the CD features many well-known names alongside others who only ever cut one or two discs before vanishing forever.
Excellent compilation that focuses on British female recordings of the sixties and features Linda Laine, Elkie Brooks, Cilla Black, Samantha Jones and more. 22 tracks in total and a fully informative booklet.
This is the fourth volume in the successful 60's Brit girl series. All records included are highly collectable, and highly regarded on the scene. Some celebrity turns on display from: Twiggy (the face of '66), Linda Thorson (who appeared in Hammer Horror movies and The Avengers), and Ros Hannaman (a model who was the face of '68 for the Evening Standard). Standout groups are the Chantelles (never before reissued), the McKinleys (first introduced on Dream Babes 3), the Breakaways (the prolific sessioners), and the legendary Coventry-based schoolgirl outfit produced by Shel Talmy, The Orchids. The usual full range of uptempo sounds, soaring production and supreme vocals- from the era of "ello darlin" and a dozen dizzying babes, when even bimbos were talented.
Continuing the series that focuses on British female recordings of the sixties.The rise of folk rock in the mid 60's, together with that of the singer/songwriter troubadour, are the backdrop and theme to this edition of the Dream Babes series. The arrival in '65 of Marianne Faithfull encouraged many producers to push forward their own wistful and innocent (only a figure of speech in Marianne's case, obviously) proteges. Examples abound here, such as Trisha with a Donovan song, and include Faithfull's guitarist of the time Caroline Carter. The latter a Tony Calder Production (at times Andrew Loog Oldham's business partner) , with another example being Phillipa Lewis on a number written and musically directed by Jimmy Page (one of four tracks on this album that Page had a hand in). Not all were in the Faithfull field and Page's work in London with beau Jackie De Shannon yielded some cracking Folkrock gems such as De Shannons own Don’t Turn Your Back On Me. An immediate successor to Faithfull , but who later found her own niche, is Vashti (Bunyan). Her recordings with Loog Oldham, appearance in the cult film Tonite Lets All Make Love in London, and classic album ' Just Another Diamond Day ' are some examples. The two tracks here are from '66 after she'd come down from Oxford where she had been part of an art and music scene with Jennifer Lewis & Angela Strange. This circle also included Michael Palin. More of this great interweaving story and history is to be found on the essay written by Bob Stanley for the album . With unreleased tracks and first time reissues this album not only sounds good but contains many rarities as well. A perfect addition to the series!
Compilation of 22 tracks (including 2 more recent additions never previously released) showcasing the UK's finest rock'n'soul girl singers of the late 60s, with the standard backing of thumping bass, loud brass, sweeping strings and gang chorus vocals providing the now-classic accompaniment. A new formula then, much imitated since. The Carrolls, Liz Christian, Pattie Lane, Val McKenna, Lesley Duncan, Julie Driscoll- even our former Eurovision star Clodagh Rodgers turns up with the hit 'Come Back and Shake Me'. Ideal for swinging hipsters everywhere.
this successful Brit Girl series has hit seven volumes already. This one has a strong Beat theme running through its twenty two tracks. Four of these tracks have never been issued before now, half the album makes it's debut on the CD format havning never been reissued. Featuring tracks by Val Lenton, Goldie, Billie Davis, Carol Friday, Polly Perkins and Jenny Moss.
One of Britains finest blues singers, this is one of the few sessions that Duffy got involved in that actually resulted in a completed album. Unavailable for thirty years, this 1973 Long Player was produced by Adrian Miller and features Dana Gillespie, Pam McKenna and Alexis Korner as backing singers. Original ten track album expanded with three bonus tracks originally intended for release on a follow up album that never saw the light of day. Booklet features song by song accounts by Duffy and unseen photos from his personal archive.
One of Britains finest blues singers, this unique collection comprises rare tracks from the mid-60s and a long lost 1971 album. Duffy assisted with compiling the definitive versions of the songs many of which were previously unissued. On the sessions the musicians include Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, John McLaughlin, Rod Argent, Danny Thompson, Alexis Korner, Jim Sullivan, Ollie Halsall.
Second edition of the series collecting together all of this great jazz / blues solo artists' sessions from the '60's. This thirty three track anthology concentrates on his '66,'69, '71 and '90's sessions and contains previously unreleased material. These recordings have a wonderful stripped down feel to them, it's always a pleasure hearing a talented musician in the middle of the creative process. The first disc features support from Danny Thompson and John McLaughlin, while the second focuses on an unreleased session with the Keith Tippet Sextet and includes tracks from 2006. Includes: "God Bless The Child", "I Want You To Love Me (unreleased)", "Holiday (Unreleased)" and "Fixing A Hole."
Having previously been a member of the Spencer Davis Group, Hardin went on to release this, his debut solo album, in 1972. This is a first time CD reissue and includes guest spots from Ian Paice, Elton John band's Dee Murray. Heavy on the lush piano arrangements and orchestration, this is a soft rock classic.
Amazingly good 70s sunshine pop created by former Ivy League man John Carter, full of harmonies strings and hooks. With the background of the musicians involved- (Spencer James was ex-Searchers and Tony Burrows the man behind Edison Lighthouse, Flowerpot Men, White Plains, Pipkins (not the programme) and the original Brotherhood Of Man-, one could expect something somewhat akin to dreadful MOR pop pap or bad soft rock, but somehow this studio-only group, who recorded two albums (and started the sessions for an unreleased third) and had a UK Top 20 hit in 1974 with 'Beach Baby' actually delivered some of the best orchestrated pop gems anyone had heard this side of early Cat Stevens and Chris Andrews, with the added bonus of a female vocalist (Clare Torry) who had just sung the lead vocal on Pink Floyd's prog-gospel opus 'Great Gig In The Sky'! This remastered compilation, taken from those first two albums, also includes 7 previously unissued tracks including the v. rare 1985 reformation single that never quite happened, and notes from Mojo writer Kieron Tyler.
Packed with imagination, first rate songs and confident performances that range from the swaggering hard rock of ‘Gold Digger’ to the dreamy psychedelic pop of ‘Sunday Morning’, ‘The Five Day Week Straw People’ is one of those rare LP’s where the music it contains more than justifies it’s decent price in the record price guides. It is now also to be found listed in Record Collector’s 100 Greatest Psychedelic Records. A 1968 concept album, about people who work monotonously during the week and then try to enjoy themselves at weekends, (some things never change eh) created by David Montague and Guy Mascolo, it finally receives a long overdue re-mastering from the original tapes, and is augmented by two further character songs from writing sessions in the same year.Five Day Week Straw People / I'm Going Out Tonight / Gold Digger / Postman / Car Wash / Feel Like Having A Party / Sunday Morning / Does It Rain / If You Were Around / Dust In My Eyes / Bonus Tracks- As My Love Is For You / Father Martin
A rock stage play from 1975 with tongue firmly in cheek about Flash and his crew landing on the planet Zorg to battle Zorg women who plan to conquer Earth... Includes contributions from UK rock luminaries Elkie Brooks, Alice Cooper, Jim Dandy, James Dewer, John Entwistle, Maddy Prior and many others!
Nineteen track album released to celebrate the 40th anniversary since The Flower Pot Men's summer of love classic "Let's Go To San Francisco" was released. Collected here are various tracks the group recorded with numerous different line ups and under different names such as Dawn Chorus, Friends, Haystack and the solo Neil Landon. A number of these mid to late '60's remastered tracks (mono versions, alternate takes, demos and singles) are unissued before now or are making their debut on CD. Booklet contains sleeve notes with most of the artists who were involved over the years.
Emerging in the late 60's psychedelic era with 'Lets Go To San Francisco'- a British response to Scott Mckenzies 'Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair'- The Flowerpot Men were a studio creation of John Carter. This album proves that there was far more to the band than just a one off hit. Mellotron drenched progressive pop-psike featuring a rich vein of melody and harmony. Dreamy trippy '60's music inspired by psychedelic Beach Boys and Beatles material. Includes CD ROM of the band on TV in 1967and the full length epic mono mix of "Let's Go..."
All time classic UK '60s psych album that's full of great swinging London psych. Small Faces meets Traffic with flashes of Procol Harum and Spooky Tooth. Hammond organ, fuzz guitar, sitar, trippy lyrics etc. Includes the brilliant "Butterfly" - featured on the first "Rubble" comp. Essential for any UK collection. This re-issue contains 2 bonus demo tracks not on original LP.
All time classic UK '60s psych album that's full of great swinging London psych. Small Faces meets Traffic with flashes of Procol Harum and Spooky Tooth. Hammond organ, fuzz guitar, sitar, trippy lyrics etc. etc. Includes the brilliant "Butterfly" - featured on the first "Rubble" comp. Essential for any UK collection.Ltd 180 gram gatefold sleeve pressing.
Yep, it's the groovy '60s film with Marianne Faithful dressed in leather!! Lounge exotica go-go music by Les Reed. Strings and orchestral pieces dominated by groovy Hammond organ work and motorbike sound effects. Vocal tracks by Mireille Mathieu and Cleo Laine also. Far out man!
A companion release to the UK Brit Girl series Dream Babes ,this CD looks at the US Girl scene in the mid 60's. Plenty of obscurities to whet the collectors appetite such as: Margie Day's "Tell Me In The Sunlight", written and produced by Scott Walker; Patti Seymour's "The Silencer", written for the film of the same name but not used,and the Murmaids version of Traffic's "Paper Sun". The CD also includes some maybe better known artists such as The Honeys and Lou Christie's associates the Tammys. Excellent detailed booklet rounds the package off.
Live highlights from Campbell's music show filmed for the BBC in in the early '70's. backed by his regular band and the BBC Concert Orchestra, Campbell performed his greatest hits plus his own personal favourites. This DVD brings together seventeen tracks, the audio and visual quality is understandably superb having been recorded by the BBC. There is also additional bonus material: Glen performing three songs with Jimmy Webb in 1975 and six selections from his live show recorded 1978. This is Campbell at the height of his powers.
Unlucky not to have had a hit but a superb vocalist who is credited with some of the finest performances in the '60s. Beat numbers which still crackle today, produced by Joe Meek and backed by Meeks session crew including The Outlaws (Ritchie Blackmore). All her singles are included plus four previously unissued tracks and an inlay telling her story written by Meek biographer John Repsch plus a full discograhy.
Appealing to punk and glam fans alike, this stunning collection features 20 tracks from,Crushed Butler (with Jesse Hector), Hollywood Brats (featuring Casino Steel), Chris Spedding & The Vibrators, Englands Glory (later The Only Ones), Tiger Lily (later Ultravox) and many others. Aside from the fact that these tunes are great anyway, many are extremely rare as singles and will only be found on this compilation. If your tastes stray anywhere between post sixties and the late seventies punk explosion, this is mandatory.
Collapsed lungs, the Beatles in Hamburg, meeting Roy Orbison, singing with Tom Jones, African sticks, acting as Minder for Kenny Everett, smashing pianos, a full on rock'n'roll lifestyle when The Who were still in nappies. Grant Tracy & The Sunsets were one of the rockingest and genuinely exciting British rock'n'roll bands of the early 60's. The fact that two members went on to form the acclaimed Honeybus (Pete Dello and Ray Cane) merely gilds the lily. It’s a fascinating story retold in full in our detailed packaging, with significant input from Pete Dello and Roy (Grant Tracy) Barker, including memorabilia from their archive. RPM collect together all their singles, released through Ember, Telefunken, Decca, plus the Ember LP and unreleased tracks from Pete Dellos sound archive, from 1961 - 1964. None of the recordings have made it to CD before. This collection includes the rock'n'roll instrumentals that showcased the Sunsets musical prowess, the Roy Orbison and Elvis vocal styling of Grant Tracy and the early songwriting talent of Pete Dello. A must collection for Rock'n'Roll fans, Instrumental fans, Pete Dello & Honeybus collectors. This is a first reissue and first time on CD. All the groups recordings are here in one brilliant package.
All of the known radio sessions that Grapefruit made for the Beeb between 68 and 69 together for the first time. These fourteen tracks reveal a side of the group that you don't hear on their studio release, many of these high energy taeks were recorded in four hour sessions and feature few overdubs. Another bonus is the fact that several of these songs were never officially recorded or commercially issued by the group. Sessions were recorded for Jimmy Young, Top Gear, Stuart Henry and Dave Cash. Booklet features new archive photos and interviews with the band.
Volume ten in our mood music series, this twenty four track release explores the output of Associated Rediffusion TV label (69-74). Beginning life as Reditune 1954 they supplied the American supermarkets with the piped music they played to entertain and entice the housewifes of the late '60's. This highlights the best of their Rediffusion International Music off shoot label formed in '68. A number of future loungecore session players and stars started their recording career on the numerous sessions of the era such as Harry Stoneham, Pete Moore, Alan Morhouse and Tony Osbourne. They took part in the covers of pop classics and even threw in some of their own cracking originals. Cheesy music of the absolute highest order.
Not often heard and actually incredibly good jazz-prog effort recorded at the tail end of 1969 just as the music was being born. Eddie Hardin and Pete York were the keyboardist/ vocalist and drummer respectively in the post-Winwood lineup of the Spencer Davis Group (which Hardin still fronts to this day) and had often indulged in widdly sections during the band's incendiary live shows: on this album, considered to be one of the most far-out releases of its time, they put this to work ably in the studio, aided by bassist Herbie Flowers (fresh from recording his peerless solo on 'Space Oddity' next door) and Joe Cocker's backing vocalists Sue and Sunny. In a way similar to the Lee Michaels/Frosty duets, but with that quaint eeriness only British musicians seem to be able to pull off, this is required listening for noodlers and widdlers worldwide- especially in this digipak format with the added bonus of FOUR extra unreleased tracks from the sessions. It does have a concept (of sorts) but one can't quite explain what it is!! We think it may be something to do with time and the cosmos. . .
Great UK sunshine pop from the early 70's produced by Tony Rivers which contains beautiful harmonies equal of CSN&Y & uniquely for a UK band Love.Includes 4 previously unissued tracks.
A 1962 collection of all the songs that Nilsson recorded in one session (all 22 tracks!). Co-writer's on some tracks include John Marascalco, Guy Mitchell and Buddy Holly. The demos from this session were deemed so good that a few months later Leon Russell, Herp Alpert, Hal Blaine and James Burton were brought in to add backing to the songs. They are a fine testament to a remarkable singer at the start of his career.
In the early 60's Shapiro was England's teenage pop music queen. Material on this compilation has until now remained unavailable including much of the excellent 1963 'Helens Sixteen' album. This RPM collection has every non EMI cut, including eight rare singles tracks. For the rock-oriented listener's taste at any rate, the later tunes are by far the most satisfying;
In 2001 there are rival hits albums in the "Now" series and the "Hits"series (ah, but who remembers "Chart Trek"? Only me, obviously), and 30 years ago the same thing occurred with the "Top Of The Pops" series and the "Hot Hits" series. They were scoring high chart positions and selling in their millions, and even though they were subsequently banned from the charts the sales continued. They were a significant part of the pop music buying fabric in the early 1970's. "Hot Hits" produced 20 volumes from which RPM present to you the top 50 tracks. The albums were part of a much bigger 'Hits' catalogue with other titles such as 'Soul Hits', 'Rock'n'Roll Hits', 'Hits '67', 'Hits '70' and our sleeve notes tell the story of this bigger picture. As examples from this period that predate the actual HH series, the compilation includes a few sound samples such as 'My Baby Loves Loving', 'United We Stand', 'Penny Lane', 'A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You' and so forth. The whole catalogue was recorded by commissioned session musicians and singers, and included musicians like Larry Adler, and singers like Tina Charles, David Byron ( later of Uriah Heep), Daniel Boone, Perry Ford, Dana Gillespie, R (&J) Stone (who had a hit of their own in 1974 with 'We Do It'), plus on the aforementioned four songs Elton John (2) and David Bowie (2). Recording quality throughout is of the highest order as many were made at top studios like Abbey Road. Notable to buyers are the magnificent sleeves that the series were housed in, which boasted commissioned photo sets, unlike TOTPs solitary front cover stock shot. HH also had themes per album cover such as the sporting ladies on our Top 50 cover (taken from six of the originals), all of which you can see for yourself in RPMs lavish 40 page booklet which reproduces every original LP . So 70s, so Pete Walker. Unmissable.
Cool comp of '60's UK R'n'B that presents itself as the ultimate Mod collection. Features a wealth of bands including The In Crowd, Rod Stewart, The Yardbirds, Rocking Vickers (with Lemmy!) Les Fleur Des Lys, Johns Children, Episode Six, Brian Auger and The Trinity and more! (some of this is more freakbeat/psych than Mod! )
Another cool compilation of '60's UK mod soul and R'n'B that presents itself as the ultimate Mod collection. Features a wealth of bands including Love Affair, Spencer Davis Group,Pretty Things, The Smoke and Chris Farlowe The Trinity and more!
Fifteen track best of from these John Peel approved sonic terrorists. From Manchester, they deliberately turned their back on the jangly nature of the alternative guitar groups of the early '80s to create a raucous, high octane crash of rock n roll. This anthology combines their singles and album tracks, all areleased in the '80s. Includes: "Plenty More Mutants", "Devil InMy Room", "Opium Den" and "The Diseased Strangers Waltz." Sleevenotes by band member Harry Stafford, includes rare pictures from the era.
Second Jackie DeShannon reissue from the excellent RPM label, collating several very Diana Ross-style tunes ( but who influenced who?) Jackie's hit "I Can Make It With You", the Bacharach- David collectables "To Wait For Love" "Windows And Doors" and "So Long Johnny" and a slew of eight bonus tracks originally released as non-LP singles. Endorsed by the Jackster, as she was never known, herself: mastered from original vault tapes, and never before reissued in any format.
Wonderful collection of originals and covers from this first lady of Pop, including her best known compositions 'When You Walk In The Room' and 'You Won't Forget Me' both of which have been recorded by all and sundry.- compiled in 1964 to capitalise on her status as tour support to the Beatles. Arranged by the legendary Jack Nitzsche, with notes by Jim Pierson and Jackie herself, remastered from the original tapes, and released on CD for the first time- the mega bonus being EIGHT tracks not included on the original album, drawn from the singles of the time. Fab.
Classy orch-pop album from 1967 featuring the string arrangements of Calvin Carter. Next to the rock and roll oriented material she had previously been known for, this is a whole different world of delights to discover. Includes 'When I Fall In Love' 'It's All In The Game' and several others, as well as several bomus tracks from the preceding album 'New Image'.
Originally released in 1968, this album is one of Jackie's personal favourites and one of the strongest she ever recorded, including versions of 'The Weight' and 'Sunshine Of Your Love', plus 'Come Stay With Me' written by Jackie for Marianne Faithfull. Barry White also appears on the album, but in a well disguised role: memorabilia and pictures from Jackie's own archive have been added to the package, and rare masters, including one of her best known toons 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' complete another irresistible dose of DeShannon magic.
Originally released on Imperial in 1969, this was at least the thirteenth of Jackie's albums in nearly half that amount of years- and marked a further collaboration with Jimmie Holliday and Randy Myers, giving her massive Top Ten US hits with the title track and 'Love Will Find A Way'. Includes several bonus tracks from the 1970 album 'To Be Free' although why they didn't just rerelease that as well is something of a mystery. Great music though.
At time of writing, no information given!! However, hereare the notes from Cherry Red that cover all three of May's DeShannon releases: RPM is proud to present a second set of Jackie DeShannon album packages, to follow the highly successful initial set of three released last autumn. We now move into the late 60's early 70's, a time when female singer-songwriters were more accepted in the industry. A situation opened up by Jackie DeShannon during her early 60's success as a songwriter. Again each package has been lovingly re-mastered from original Capitol Studios tape masters, plus bonus tracks, and boast more exclusive photos and memorabilia from the Jackie DeShannon personal archive. Making these releases absolute must haves for fans. Second set of three album packages following up Autumn '05 successful releases, featuring bonus tracks and exclusive packaging material.
The woman who made the sixties really swing! Star of the infamous two-way mirror sex parties, Janie cut a number of 45s - and scored a hit with "Witches Brew". This CD collects all her singles plus a number of unissued tracks. As a bonus her comeback single with The Clash, who of course penned an ode to her on their classic debut album, (credited to the Lash) is also featured on CD for the very first time.
The man has been making sweet soul music since 1959 and his influence upon generations of soul singers such as Freddie Jackson and Eugene Wild is undisputed. Butler was nicknamed the Ice Man for being a model of cool restraint during performances but at the same time delivering the deepest soul emotions with his vocals. In all Butler had 6 Top 40 US hits and they are all on this definitive overview of his earlt '60s soul career before he signed with Mercury in 1967. Including his originals of "Moon River" and "Make It Easy On Yourself"- this package now comes with a fold out poster inlay with plenty of memorabilia from the period.
A stalwart of the rock scene who began in 1959, became a scenester in the mid 60’s, and an urban legend in the mid and late 70’s (Crushed Butler). Jesse has proved to become an icon and a rock legend. This compilation, pulls the best recorded evidence together. Stripped down band set up, often live in the studio, no frills, plenty of menace, high energy, a Rock ’n’ Roll sensibility underpinning everything. Where Jack White has drawn on Blues,Jesse Hector drew on Rock ‘n’ Roll. It is no coincidence that both acts produced some of their best work at Toe Rag studios, the first three on this compilation being recorded and produced by Liam Watson.Other producers have also got great results from Jesse, Chiswick’s Roger Armstrong producing the punk era classic "Gatecrasher" and the later Jesse Hector & The Sound recordings, Larry Page producing the equally classic version of "You Really Got Me". The album is timeless, like it’s a brand new album, even though the recordings span 1972-1988, they bear a consistent sound and performance. Even the bonus track on the end, Jesse’s first recording in 1959 doesn’t sound out of place!
Released to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the infamous, important producers death in February '67, this twenty one track compilation feaures long unavailable and unreleased tracks. Featuring Meek's production on tracks performed by Ray Dexter, Joy And Dave, Glenda Collins, The Saints, The Moontrekkers, Carter Lewis & The Southerners. Included are rare stereo mixes, demos and long forgotten / unreleased tracks by artists that never hit the big time. Booklet includes personal insights of working with Joe Meek by the artists.
In the growing world of Meek collectors this album stands as the most fascinating. Recorded in 1960 the album was inspired by Meeks own fascination with outer space and much of the album is devoted to 'other world' sound effects. Used to their full extent on what must be one of the earliest stereo recordings of its type and almost certainly the first concept album ever. Now you know who to blame for prog!! This album is growing in status as tracks have been recently compiled and sampled by '90s artists... Only 99 copies originally pressed on vinyl!
Another round-up of material from the Mighty Meek Man, this time recorded by some of the lesser-known but still historically important groups he produced and to some extent created betwixt 1957 and 1967. Names such as The Puppets, Tony Dangerfield And The Thrills, Blue Rondos, Bobby Rio & The Revelles and the Syndicats (whose final single, from whence the title of this compilation is taken, is EXTREMELY rare ) may not be immediately known to even hardened Beat collectors, but that makes the package all the more fascinating. Topped off of course with fascinating liner notes by Meek archivist Roger Dopson, and with the Syndicats material taken from original masters, this is one not to miss.
You want examples of Meek's inimitable outer space bathroom production techniques well here are some for you!!! Some of his finest, most collectable productions, intense beat cuts, ghost strings, compressed percussion, spooky keyboards and ethereal vocal melodramas. Another Meek collector's special.
Legendary 60's British rock & roll producer. A collection of rare and unissued material including demo's, acetates and tapes recorded for his Triumph label in 1959 and 1960. '50s rock to rockabilly to pop ballads and even lounge piano singing. CD includes an impressive fold-out inlay, with comprehensive notes, and even includes snatches of Meek himself at work composing.
John Barry is one of the best-known composers of soundtrack music of the late 20th Century. Fantastic scores from two great movies, the 1964 film 'Zulu' was his first digital stereo recording work. Epic orchestral themes.
He may have been a veritable one man recording industry during the 60's and 70's with hit songs, performances and productions: RPM focuses on John Carter the performer with a definitive collection of his essential recordings as the artist from 1963-1977. Compiled by Bob Stanley and John Carter the track list uncovers plenty of previously unissued material, as well as original versions of hit songs such as Winchester Cathedral (New Vaudeville Band) and Sunshine Girl (Hermans Hermits). The Anthology ends with a mini collection of some of the many adverts Carter has written and recorded such as those for British Airways and Jelly Tots! Presented on a mid price double CD with package notes from Bob Stanley, and photos from the John Carter archive.As a prime exponent of Britain's answer to sunshine pop, the close harmony driven records of Carter have become increasingly popular amongst the retro taste makers during recent years. This anthology follows very successful collections of the Ivy League and the Flower Pot Men.
The third album from John Howard from 1976 that was to be his second "official" album for CBS. Produced by Biddu and arranged by Pip Williams, the songs are given a lush treatment with fascinating touches such as sitar and piccolo trumpet on "Two People In The Morning" and restrained strings, glockenspiel and flutes on the title track (which, like the album title, is a wry comment from Howard on having to work under such conditions). Very much in the vein of the singer-songwriters that had started to proliferate at the time (Billy Joel, Leo Sayer, Dean Friedman, Andrew Gold) but still sounding every inch a John Howard album, this was the album CBS advised him to make after rejecting the demos that would have become 'Technicolour Biography'. Of course, displaying all the usual logic and intelligence that major labels are known for, they also rejected this upon its completion because it didn't sound like the introspective artist they had signed in '74!! Having said that, it's doubtful whether or not John would have wanted to continue in this vein for long, as the songs, whilst beautifully melodic and full of his usual panache, are shorn of the eccentricity and individuality that characterised his preceding albums- and "I Got My Lady", whilst a fine choice for a single with an irresistible hook and a bridge to die for, was an ill-advised attempt at feigning heterosexuality that would have fooled no-one, least of all John himself!! Only on "Finally Adored" (a cynical look at celebrity inspired by a comment made by Lennon) does he touch on decadent subject matter: the majority of this love-song based album is uplifting, positive and almost dreamily smooth- and on 'Don't Shine Your Light' and 'I Can Breathe Again' leans toward the Bee Gees at their best. There are few artists who have the talent to play this kinda stuff without straying into Manilow territory- luckily Howard is one such artist, and even at its most MOR, the album still sounds like the work of a serious musician with deftness of touch. And you lucky people get a chance to see the man in his full 70s glory thanks to a bonus CD-ROM clip. 30 years on, the world is ready for 'Can You Hear Me OK?'- make sure you're at the party.
Vying for position alongside Comus, Leaf Hound, COB, Margo Guryan and Vashti Bunyan as the most revered collectors' piece of all time, John Howard's debut album from 1975 is an astonishing piece of work with overtones of Bowie, Elton John, Todd Rundgren, John Cale and even Laura Nyro- a marvellously fey, rococo-flavoured collection of purple velvet-clad balladry and pop-rockery that on its release should have appealed to everyone from glitter-strewn decadents to bowl-haired Beatle fanatics. Sadly it didn't, but 30 years on John, with the help of Cherry Red (and Freak Emporium) is definitely making up for lost time. Between 2004 and 2005 two more (previously unreleased) albums from the 70s archives have appeared, as well as two brand new collections of songs- with a third to follow. This, however, was the album that started it all, and gave birth to a collector's cult.- the album with 'Goodbye Susie' and 'Family Man' (two of the greatest songs never to make the charts, both unbelievably banned from radio due to homophobia) 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner' and 'Deadly Nightshade' as well as a title track that's easily the equivalent of anything on 'Hunky Dory' or 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. This beautiful reissue features no less than SEVEN bonus tracks, among which the listener will find lurking the delightful drolleries of 'Pearl Parade' the eerie and inexplicable (even to the artist) 'Werewolves' and one of his finest compositions 'Small Town, Big Adventures' which not only recalls some of Love's finest moments but invents Suede's entire career in under three minutes. Produced by Tony Meehan and Paul Phillips, featuring members of Argent, and crammed full of liner notes from the man himself, 'Kid In A Big World' is the sort of album everyone should hear. Why haven't you bought it already?
This album has a somewhat chequered history- it was recorded with Paul 'Car 67' Phillips for CBS but was shelved due to 'lack of hit singles' and the proposed grandiose string arrangements never materialised, the album remaining undiscovered until now. Recorded at Abbey Road on the grand piano, the songs nevertheless sound huge, to the point where one can still imagine the band and orchestra there- a testament to the talents of this remarkable and unique songwriter pitched somewhere between Bowie, Elton John, Harry Nilsson and Brian Wilson. Standout tracks include the stream of consciousness 'Coconut Bible' the heartrending 'Hall Of Mirrors' and 'Blink In The Darkness', the wryly humorous 'Oh Dad Look What You've Done' and the two-part epic 'Take Up Your Partners' which would have bookended the original record. Added to this package are three alternate versions of songs from the sessions, including an unusual take of 'Kid In A Big World', the title track of his debut album, featuring trad jazz legend Harry Gold and his orchestra, the single version of 'Goodbye Suzie' and the rare track 'Casting Shadows', which was the theme tune to Peter Collinson's little-seen exploitation/horror/action film 'Open Season'.
Once heard the voice of Johnny Adams is never forgotten. Haunting and sad, but mighty, mighty powerful. This CD is an overview of his best recordings 1969-80 from the time he signed with SSS International onwards and is certainly a testament to Adams phenomenal vocal ability.
The Nashville born Reggae star's most acclaimed Long Playing achivement. Released by 1973, it doesn't feature any of the big crossover number that Nash would become famous for and was cruelly ignored by the public. Concentrating more on more soulful arrangements than the previous years: I Can See Clearly Now LP, it highlights his sweet vocal talents. A real gem.
Although Nash is Houston, Texas born, it was his recording sessions inJamaica in the late 1960's with local musicians that created numerous soul-reggae crossover hits. The release of these singles opened up the British and American airwaves to Reggae, before they'd been closed to it. Featuring three Bob Marley penned tracks, this was his album that followed his hit single "I Can See Clearly Now." It is filled with his flawless vocals, catchy pop songs and an immaculate rhythm track that opened the doors for many other reggae artist of the time on British radio.
Due to the recently reawakened interest generated by their tracks on 'Velvet Tinmine' and 'Glitterbest' compilations, now we get the never-before released debut 1976 album.Like other bands of the time, the Jook's ouvre was crunching riffs, shouted choruses, and simple three-chord pop rock songs, aimed at, as they put it, 'giving the working classes what they want to hear', all wrapped up in an image half-pretty boy, half bricklayer. Slade and Mott are obvious influences, but equally obvious is the influence the band would have on the later mod revival explosion: the Chords, the Lambrettas, and even the Jam, right down to the Mankowitz-designed sleeve and spraypaint logo. Key members Ian Hampton and Trevor White joined the first UK-based lineup of Sparks. With songtitles like 'King Kapp' 'Jook's On You' 'Oo-Oo-Rudi' 'Cooch' and 'Aggravation Place' (the track included on the recent RPM comps) one knows what to expect- sleazy, crunchy, poppy, perky rock'n'roll fun.
2 Mercury LPs by the US pop star plus all the singles, all of which were recorded with Jerry Ross between 1966 and 1967. A nice example of great late 60's US soft rock similar to the lighter pop moments of the Monkeys.This is the first time these sunshine pop albums have been re-issued. 27 tracks in total and a fully informative booklet.
Great new compilation from all aspects of Keith's career, including In Crowd, Tomorrow and Four+1 plus loads of unreleased solo material. Film soundtracks, B sides and demos all imbued with that special British pop-sike flair and invention. Also includes the little known follow up to "Excerpt from A Teenage Opera." called "Sam"....
Managed by the legendary Evie Taylor, Ken worked on Sandie Shaw's recordings from 1964-1975 as musical director, producer, arranger (Sandie also being managed by Taylor). Ken also either produced or was Musical Director on recordings for Adam Faith, Chris Andrews, Tom Jones, New Vaudville Band, Lulu, Roy Orbison, Congregation, Mia Farrow. His sounds were also heard in numerous Radio and TV shows and productions throughout the 60's and 70's. Trademark phased brass sounds proliferate Ken's work, the brass element not surprising as he was a trumpeter by profession in the 1950's playing with jazz dance bands up and down the country. If you listen to the mid sixties hits like Tom Jones 'Help Yourself', Sandie Shaw 'Long Live Love', Chris Andrews 'Yesterday Man' and hear the backing sounds they have in common you get some idea of the influence Ken Woodman had at the time on UK pop. RPM is proud to present Ken's own recordings from 1966 and 1969 of recordings released on the Strike and Vibraton (non UK) labels. Only two of the tracks have been reissued since, and those were "Mexican Flyer" and "Twelve by Two" on RPMs ' Thriller Memorandum' ( Mood Mosaic Vol.2 ) album (the former, incidentally, was later sampled for a Sega game ). Plenty of stand out tracks, Ken's own compositions in particular - 'Mexican Flyer', 'Twelve by Two', 'Fruggy Dukesville', 'Peter Popgunn' and of course the famous 'Town Talk' itself. This track was taken to the BBC in 1966 for consideration as a Radio sig. tune, it was picked up for the then star DJ Jimmy Young and has remained a sig. tune for over 30 years- as well as being parodied by Vic Reeves.
This is the first celebration of Kenny’s 1960’s recordings for EMI, taking in his seven hit singles, many of his self-penned gems, including songs co-written with recognised giants like Jerry Ragavoy and Mort Shuman.Includes. After all, My Own Two Feet and Movin’ Away which have been Northern Soul collectables for years. Also includes the uptown soul sounds of "For Loving You Baby" or "I’ll Stay By You" which show that Kenny was no slouch as a songwriter. It may have taken almost 35 years to document Kenny’s terrific and classy EMI recordings, but the wait for Nothing But The Real Thing has been worth it.
Twenty five compilation album of Kris Ife's late '60's work, recording under his own name and in the bands Judd and Jackson & Jones. First appearance on CD for all the tracks. A fine collection of UK Rock/Soul that only took place after Kris (at the time in The Quiet Five) was asked by a producer to sing a soulful version of the country song "Hush" (inspired by his version, Deep Purple recorded it as their first single.) It's success led to him continuing in the genre in various outfits and alone. Includes: "Odd Job", "Daylight", "Hard Loving Fast Moving Woman" and "All Right."
In 1964 Larry Page had in the Kinks one of the hottest English pop groups under his management. In order to gain further exposure for the songs Larry decided to record instrumental versions that would accentuate some of the melodies and bring the music to a wider audience... It worked! Packaging includes previously unpublished photos of the Kinks with Larry in the US plus an essay from Kieron Tyler including comments from Larry.
Following the highly successful 'Kinky Music' album, Larry Page continued producing instrumental versions of pop music with the Larry Page Orchestra. This CD contains the grooviest tunes from five albums produced by Page between 1967-70 that were originally released on his Page One and Penny Farthing labels. Includes commentary by Kieron Tyler with input from some of the original musicians.
Third album by notorious UK singer-songwriter and Pierrot-visaged pop star of the 70s and 80s, whose early work we believe is long overdue for reappraisal (NB: Freak Emporium does not recommend any work released after 1977's 'Thunder In My Heart'). Of a similar vein to Al Stewart, Tony Hazzard, Brian Protheroe, Alan Price and even Duncan Browne's work of the period, with semi-glam inflections and recurrent lyrical themes concerning bedsit life and all manner of English kitchen sink dramas (rather like the pop equivalent of a Pinter or Sillitoe script), this album, whilst not matching its predecessors for drama, is worthy of serious investigation. Hit single 'Moonlighting'-covered, as was most of Sayer's repertoire at the time, by Roger Daltrey- is about as English as it gets outside of Viv Stanshall, and other undiscovered gems include 'The Kid's Grown Up' 'Bedsitterland' (er, was Marc Almond a fan, perchance?) and the superbly evocative and bitter 'The Last Gig of Johnny B Goode' in which a reflective Sayer contemplated the end of a musical career. Strange to think that within a year he and bassist/writing partner Frank Farrell would have upped sticks to LA and become disco kings, leaving behind bedsitland, gritty realism and (eventually), good music forever. Ah well. . .
Second UK release for Sayer in 1974. Edging to a more commercial pop sound compared to his debut album, though it has good feel throughout and is a very entertaining set of performances. Contains the hit single 'Long Tall Glasses', the fan favourite 'Train' and of course the song from whence the album's title was taken, 'Giving It All Away' written for Roger Daltrey. Bonus tracks include 'Reasons' another song that Rog ended up using on that classic debut.
Debut album from 1974, combines mainstream pop, rock and some overlays of symphonic strings. Actually this is a better album than many would remember. For one thing, Sayer was a good, versatile singer with an impressive range and sometimes strongly echoes Elton John's early-'70s work,
A collection of rare groove singles, a fusion of Northern Soul, Classic Soul,psychedelia and Reggae recorded and released in the UK, mostly by UK artists, by the Beacon label. An overlooked chapter in UK music history. Before Trevor Nelson's Soul Nation was even a twinkle in the eye Britain was home to some fine soul artists and an enterprising record label producing indigenous soul and reggae. Beacon Records was started by Milton Samuels in 1968 after a few years of making productions that were leased to the major labels. Based in London, Samuels began with a few lease deals of his own including the Showstoppers 'Ain't Nothing But A Houseparty' which went top ten in 1968 as Beacon's first release (not available to this compilation), and Bobby Wells' title track. He then signed up a wealth of local writers and producers to make his own productions. The Showstoppers recorded all their next singles in Britain, and as a spin off their Jimi Hendrix alike guitarist John Fitch (no, not Jon Finch) recorded his one off single for Beacon over here too. The group were produced by Biddu, who also produced the Barry Davis single, as well as others on his way to becoming a major soul/pop producer in the 70's. In between the Equals and his own massive solo career Eddy Grant turned his hand to Producing before launching his own Torpedo label. The two Tony Morgan cuts are both written and produced by Grant, and are stunningly powerful soul funk in the James Brown meets Parliament mould. 'Little Piece Of Leather' star Donnie Elbert settled in Britain and was connected to Beacon, producing the Jeannie Dee Northern Soul single Come See 'bout Me. Another classic northern soul track appeared through Beacon, the Miki Dallon produced Love Is Wonderful by Paula Parfitt, and our nomination for future classic Northern Soul status is You Won't See Me Leaving by Cinnamon. Ram John Holder is well known these days as the actor in the sitcom Desmonds, playing the character Pork Pie. In the mid 60's he made records produced by Paul Jones then moved on to Beacon where he fully embraced the soul reggae crossover that to perfectly captures the scene at the time in London. On Goodwill To All Mankind he is backed by the British collective called Black Velvet whose own singles are terrific cross over sounds. The epitome of the best in British black music at the time. In terms of black music from Britain, this album sits in the middle of a chronological development: the Windrush years of the Calypso generation , mid 60's pop of the Foundations and Equals, the later funk disco of Hi Tension, and mainstream reggae of Aswad. All recordings are reissued for the first time on CD, with sleeve notes written by Beacons in house label manager and promoter Roger St Pierre. If you bought all the singles from a dealer this collection would set you back over £200!!
Some of Meek’s finest, most collectible productions in this area intense beat cuts and ethereal vocal melodramas are collected here in this 29 track collection.While legendary producer Joe Meek scored his biggest hits with the likes of John Leyton, Mike Berry and Heinz, these have wrongly overshadowed his work with female singers.Includes cuts by Pamela Blue,Glenda Collins (includes Richie Blackmore),Jenny Moss,Kim Roberts and more. 29 tracks in total
Following the hit rock'n'roll years with Specialty Records and a spell away from music, Little Richard signed to Vee Jay. This CD is the definitive compilation of his soul years including the sublime "I Don't Know What You've Got" written by Don Covay, "Cross Over" written by Alvin Tyler and "Dance What You Wanna" written by Sam Cooke.
Classic film from 1970 with great period music from Steve Ellis.His first project after leaving the Love Affair at the height of their success towards the end of 1969 and prior to a solo career with CBS in the early 1970's. The music was written by Keith Mansfield, well known amongst today’s club goers - for example you'll find samples of his recordings on the Blow Up clubs Exclusive Blend albums.The combination of Mansfield's writing /arrangements and Ellis produces a groovy blend of funky rock, plenty of Hammond and stomping beats.The movie is well remembered for its successful adaptation of Joe Orton's black comedy about two bank robbers who conceal the proceeds of their crime in their mothers coffin. It stars Hwyel Bennett, Lee Remick, Richard Attenborough and Milo O'Shea, and the soundtrack carries with it short extracts of dialogue.
Following the successful foray into the MGM vaults with the best sounds from Sandy Posey and Conway Twitty, RPM continues with the best from vocalist extraordinaire Lou Christie.There were three main phases to his 60’s career, initially with Colpix, then MGM, followed by Buddah, and in each period he scored chart hits.At MGM Christie released two LPs and 5 singles, the biggest of which was the hit Lightning Strikes, a US no.1 in Feb. 1966.This compilation has been put together by noted US pop expert Harry Young who has also supplied the magnificent memorabilia and photo sources.
Following our successful foray into the MGM vaults with the best sounds from Sandy Posey and Conway Twitty, RPM continues with the best from vocalist extraordinaire Lou Christie. There were three main phases to his 60’s career, initially with Colpix, then MGM, followed by Buddah, and in each period he scored chart hits. At MGM Christie released two LPs and 5 singles, the biggest of which was the hit Lightning Strikes, a US no.1 in Feb. 1966. This compilation has been put together by noted US pop expert Harry Young who has also supplied the magnificent memorabilia and photo sources. For fans of Bobby Goldsboro and the likes of.
Lou Christie's shrieking falsetto was among the most distinctive voices in all of pop music. 22 tracks on this release are by Lou Christie and the rest are by the Tammys,a girl group harmony pop-rock group, that he helped get signed and wrote some material for. A slice of mid sixties US teen pop.
Originally released in 1967, along with the singles that preceded it. Highlights include the gospelly "Really Got Carried Away", co-written by Bell and Doris Troy; Cissy Houston’s"Don’t Come Running To Me"; the long time Northern Soul dancer favourite "Picture Me Gone" all of which is wrapped up with a detailed story by Bob Stanley.
A true underground legend, Madeleine Bell may not be a household name (yet) but her position as the pre-eminent session singer for the past forty years means her warm, soulful tones are instantly recognisable. Her beautiful voice has floated across radio, television, film soundtracks, the internet and now is finally available solo on CD. "Doin' Things", her second Phillips LP from 1968, is being re-issued for the first time with two non-album singles from the same period as well as a b-side to a single that prefaced this LP, Go Ahead On, a co-write with Dusty Springfield, who also recorded her own version. Hopefully the well-earned awareness of Madeline Bell's 60's legacy will continue to grow and grow.
"One for sorrow, two for joy". . .With as much of a focus on fashion and culture as there is on music from the time, this extraordinary collection of gems from the early seventies is littered with TV themes, film music, adverts and incidental score. From Stanley Myers to Johnny Scott to Peter Wyngarde, these tunes will have you digging out the loon pants, flares and sheepskin coats within the first couple of minutes. Very groovy. Oh, and, er, Susan Stranks- phwoaaarrrrr.
Originally known as late 60s Hull-based popsike act The Majority, who released eight collectable Decca singles betwixt 1965 and 1968, and were Barry Ryan's backing group on 'Eloise', Majority One came to be when the band relocated to France in 1971, where they enjoyed their greatest popularity. Their biggest hit 'Because I Love' entered the Top Ten in Italy, Holland, Belgium and Brazil, sporting a sound somewhere between classic Moody Blues, Bee Gees and McCartney, which sounded three years out of date but somehow totally contemporary. No wonder it's so highly sought after by psych collectors everywhere- as are the tracks by their alter ego Black Label, also included here. With full sleevenotes by the bandmembers.
The follow up to the great 1968 album "Take A Picture" this collection of previously unreleased recordings is a unique collection of the demos us artist Margo made for her publisher Dartmoor Music, mostly in the late 60's but also a couple from the 70's and most intriguingly her earliest song written in 1966 but recorded in 2000. This final song and recording is the one that makes the perfect point - Margo’s songs and sounds are timeless, all of these sound as contemporary today as they did in 1968. Fabulous Sunshine harmony pop with a psike edge.
This series collects together all the Mark Wirtz solo recordings from the decade, including the albums Balloon, Hothouse Smiles, Lost Pets, the mini album Cartoon, and singles - all never reissued before - plus, as a bonus, all of Wirtz recent compositions recorded upon his return to the music business in the late 90's. The music is a continuation of theTeenage Opera Whimsy backed by complex arrangements, be they big Orchesteral Productions or Rock 'N' Pop band sounds, the sum of these parts being uniquely Wirtz.
Mammoth double CD package covering the career of the UK '60's pop producer behind Tomorrow, Keith West and the legendary pop psych Teenage Opera project. Featuring all of the important tracks from Mark Wirtz career the best parts of The Teenage Opera and tracks by Tomorrow, the Aquarian Age and others this is everything you need to know about an important era of experimental UK '60's psychedelia.
Part 1 of a collection that gathers together all the Mark Wirtz solo recordings from the '70s when Wirtz had moved to the US. Together both volumes include the complete albums "Balloon", "Hothouse Smiles", "Lost Pets", mini album "Cartoon" and singles - all reissued for the first time, plus as a bonus also includes Wirtz recent compositions recorded in the late '90s.
Philwit and Pegasus was another creation by Mark Wirtz. Encouraged by fellow writer producer Les Reed, who released the album originally on his own Chapter One label, Mark finally got to make a concept album. Most definitely not the Teenage Opera but a wonderful harmony drenched soft pop mind piece, enhanced through the involvement of John Carter, Peter Lee Stirling and Roger Greenaway. Contains 4 bonus tracks.
Legendary pop-art opera by the producer of '60's UK psych band Tomorrow. In many ways this is the UK answer to Brian Wilson's Smiley Smile, in that it was never fully completed in the '60's and has since gained a mythological status. Featuring members of Tomorrow it's a real period piece with a swinging London Carnaby Street atmosphere. The CD includes the associated singles such as "Grocer Jack" different versions of Tomorrow Songs, as well as orchestrated outtakes, demo's and previously unheard material. Lavish fully annotated fold out booklet.
Mark Wirtz was the famed producer of Tomorrow and writer of 'Teenage Opera'. Assembled from a few LPs and singles here is music from go-go scenes in B-movie soundtracks, fun easy-listening trash from the 60's, the classics "Touch Of Velvet and " A Sting Of Brass", plus tracks from his Ember period, all circa 1964/5.
Late of Mandrake Paddle Steamer and their classic Strange Walking Man, Martin Briley and Brian Engel were given access to Air Studios and budgets for orchestras plus musicians to come up with hit singles (I guess some people are just born lucky). What they actually came up with was an almost concept album that exhibited all that had influencedthem to that point, and let loose their humour and imagination. There is a heavy dose of excellent pop psychwhich progresses where Strange Walking Man left off. Most remained on the shelf, unreleased and forgotten about until now. These seventee ntracks are all that you duo recorded in their time at AIR, most of it making it's debut on any format.
Mike D'Abo's career has enjoyed a considerable resurgence in recent years, due in no small part to the renewed interest in two of his best known songs from the 60s, 'Handbags & Gladrags', and 'Build Me Up Buttercup' (famously a No 1 hit for the Foundations). This collection of songs, which makes up Volume 2, (title is from another famous d'Abo song as covered by Rod Stewart) is compiled from recordings he made from 1972- 1976, and is a worthy sequel to "The Mike D'Abo Collection Vol 1", which traced his early recording career from 1964- 1970. Featured here is the absolute cream of no less than three of his albums from the 70’s, "D'Abo Down At Rachel's Place" (1972), "Broken Rainbows" (1974) and, finally, "Smith & D'Abo" (1976) : an album which brought together the twin talents of D'Abo and the former Dave Clark Five pianist and singer, Mike Smith. A bonus track is also included, 'Stardust Serenade', previously only available in Japan, and released there as a single in 1974. All the familiar hallmarks of D'Abo’s writing can be heard in this collection of songs. They conjure up images of a romantic dreamer, often treading a rocky path in search of spiritual fulfilment. Yet, in spite of setbacks, the message conveyed is one of hope. These images accurately reflect D’Abo’s own recollections of those years back in the early 70’s.
Singles rarities 1964-1970," this is a good 22-track collection of solo material from the singer most known for his late-'60s stint in Manfred Mann. A concoction of Mersey beat, R&B, pop/rock and funky soul tracks feature. Plus his own version of his "Handbags and Gladrags" made famous later by Rod Stewart.
In June 2005 it is the 45th anniversary of the hit 'Come Outside' reaching No.1. The record that propelled Mike Sarne to fame and began Wendy Richard on her long show biz career- but we won't hold that aginst him. It is still an unusual record and one that is played regularly by a great many radio stations. The schpiel included on the inlay relates the story of this remarkable man's career, his satirists view of the world which shone through his recorded work. The music was arranged and directed by the wunderkind producer Charles Blackwell, still only 22 at the time and the man behind John Leyton's hit records. Leyton and Sarne were stable mates in Robert Stigwood's organisation both combining modelling, acting with singing and performing. Sarne later turned to photography, providing shots for the likes of Vogue and Cosmopolitan before reinventing himself again as a movie director and making Johanna (from which Scott Walkers hit of the same name sprang) and the Hollywood cult classic Myra Breckinridge. Highlights of this definitive collection include the No.1 single "Come Outside", the response number "Will I What" (with Billie Davis - also a hit), the motor- bikers parody "Just For Kicks", a recording of "Just Like Eddie" that predats the Heinz version, and songs from his early films 'A Place To Go' and 'Every Day's A Holiday'. As a bonus we have a CD ROM film clip from the latter movie where Sarne is backed by the R&B group The Leroys singing "Love Me Please". Lastly it is worth noting that whilst Come Outside is still played on the radio it hasn't been available even on compilations for many years because EMI lost rights a long time ago and no-one told Mike himself!! Consequently Mike has only just had the masters returned to him and this collection is born.
Miki Dallon was a well known songwriter and producer through the 60's and 70's who had his own performing career from the late 50's to the mid 60's. As a songwriter and producer he scored with The Sorrows' "Take a Heart" and Neil Christian's "That’s Nice" : the songs were also major hits by a variety of artists in most European territories. Miki undertook further independent production work for many Major labels throughout the 70's and 80's, having previously run the Strike and Youngblood labels as outlets for his productions through the '60's and '70 's. Beginning his career back in 1958 as a rock'n'roll pianist with Vince Taylor and Marty Wilde, he followed up with his own group the Medallions appearing on TV shows like 6.5 Special, before teaming up with Mickie Most as a group The Minute Men in 1964. The songwriting began at this point and Miki's first published work was a Most b-side called "That’s Alright" on which he also played piano. Miki spent the next few years writing for noted publishers Millwick Music, his trademark being swaggering beat pop and r&b, strident piano and heavy choppy guitar epitomised by his production of his own song "I'll Give You Love". As a result his own singles fared very well on the pirate radio stations and club scene. This is the first ever collection of Miki Dallon singles which also brings in previously unreleased session recordings. In addition, there are key productions from other artists bearing the Dallon sound and some very rare covers of his best songs. All recordings span 1964-1966, and highlights include Ritchie Blackmore's guitar on The Sessions' "Let Me In" and Jimmy Page's guitar on Neil Christian's "I Like It". And some early piano playing from Chas Hodges himself!! Lawd lav a dack.
An interesting one this- yet another hitherto undiscovered 70s bubbleglam gem (where DO the chaps at RPM keep finding these bands?) from a New York art-school outfit whose members connect to both Sparks and Roxy Music, with a sound pitched somewhere between both. Recorded in 1974 by Muff Winwood for Island, but not released, due to record company ineptitude, until 1976. The CD reissue also includes the single, album outtakes and rare demos. Plus sleevenotes by noted glamographer Nina Antonia, and archive photos. Anyone who bought the Jook ,Glitterbest or Brett Smiley albums should grab this with both hands. Glittertastic!!!
No, not the Sarf Lahndahn dance'n'techno club, but the sunshine-pop supergroup of the late 60s, featuring members of the Flowerpot Men, Fourmost, Ivy League and Tornados. Between 1966 and 1968 they recorded over two LP's worth of material- and here it is (with the exception of one or two which featured female lead vocals and turned up on the 'Sassy And Stonefree' compilation). Although steeped in the production of the day, these are far more 'meaningful' (for want of a better term) than the songs the writers had previously been associated with, and stretch from basic harmony vocal popsike to heavier soul-based rock sounds. Of the 35 tracks making their CD debut here, 31 of them have never been released before, but they sound so fresh they could have been recorded last week!! Remastered from original masters for that sparkling sound quality so beloved of the genre, and the perfect soundtrack to your summer afternoons. Shame it only comes out at the start of the Autumn!!
Twenty four track compilation containing mostly unreleased tracks from The Mirage singer Ray Minott's own archive and the six singles leased to Phillips in the mid '60's. Reminiscent of The Hollies and Revolver era Beatles, this is harmony laden upbeat pop. Having only appeared recently on Psychedelia compilations, this group have been largely forgotten about, but notably played with Elton John during his very early writing days and Dee Murray went on to become his long term bassist. A group that doesn't deserve to be ignored. Features: "The Wedding Of Ramona Blair", "Hello Enid", "Ebaneezer Beaver" and "Mrs Busby."
A career that began as a quick knock out single by Geoff Stephens that became a worldwide hit (Winchester Cathedral), a group was quickly pulled together to promote the song and they continued working into the '70's. A group to rival the Bonzos for their love of 1920's Swing time style with a touch of '60's pop band, this compilation pulls together their complete recordings including B-sides, exclusive outtakes and demos. Only the title tracks has ever found it's way onto CD before now. Includes: their hit singles "Peek A Boo", "Finchley Central", "Green Green Street" and "Rosie."
The original vocalist from Manfred Mann cut a series of excellent but until now long neglected solo albums and singles between 1966 and 1971 which charted his musical development from pop R&B to progressive, through Dylan to psychedelia. Vol. 1 - cut from the original EMI masters - includes the 1966 solo album "My Way", with Paul's first big hit "High Time", plus three non album single sides, two unissued tracks, and all four tracks from the chart EP "Privilege", including the hit "I've Been A Bad Bad Boy".
The second in this series centres around the 1967 album "Love Me Love My Friends", a richly varied selection from the folk rock of Dylan's "Lonseome Death Of Hattie Carroll", through the rock & roll of "Boney Moronie" and "Charlie Brown" to the country blues of "Nosher Burns". The bonus cuts include the uncensored "Bugger Burns" plus singles tracks and six unissued recordings from 1967, all originally recorded for EMI.
Contains his 1969 album in full plus ten rare bonus cuts; outtakes, non album singles, a Swedish only release and others. Paul has been interviewed at length for the detailed notes which take the story on from Vol. 2. Highlights include the "And The Sun Will Shine", "The Dog Presides" that featured Jeff Beck on guitar and Paul McCartney on drums!
For the first time on CD the entire 60's output of this driving soul duo, in fact it's the first time on CD for most of these recordings. Produced throughout the 60's for Shelby Singleton's SSS International label this cd features all the singles plus their two albums. This soul act boast a unique and distinctive electric sitar sound in their backing band and thats just one explaination for their enormous impact on the soul scene throughout the mid-60's. A CD of beautifully exotic soul that features an essay from Clive Richardson, poster inlay, rare photos plus album cover sleeves
RPM has been operating in its own corner of the collectors market for 10 years and it is high time more people in the world know this. So we present for the first time ever a sampler of the delights to be found on the label. The selection runs in chronological order from 1960 onwards taking the listener through a range of sounds from pre-Beatles pop to mod/r&b to Brit girl, to psychedelia & freakbeat, to soundtracks, to harmony sunshine pop to singer songwriter.A listener will hear a bit of cult soundtracks A Teenage Opera and Girl On A Motorcycle, something of legendary 60's figures Shel Talmy, Mark Wirtz, Joe Meek, also Lemmy's first band, Steve Howe's first band, Ritchie Blackmore guitar, oh and a couple of Top 40 hits. In its own way it's a pocket sound guide to the 60's scene. Presented in RPMs trademark poster inlay packaging with details of every release sampled and designed by RPM acolyte Phil Smee at Waldos.
Legendary 1972 RCA album that was withdrawn amidst great controversy after just one week. Obviously intended as a cash in on Richard Harris' recent success as a singer, the label didn't realise what they were letting themselves in for!! Produced at his peak of popularity as Jason King, Wyngarde, whom RCA foolishly (but luckily for us) allowed to write his own material, proto-raps and deliberates on a number of somewhat transgressive subjects- rape, skinheads and 'trolling the Dilly' for example- in that cool silky enticing King vocal style over a suitably Loungecore backing by Vic Smith. The allure of Jason King as the coolest, smoothest most non PC character of the '70s is undiminished and this album is a real gem of its time. Indeed deedy!!
Back by popular demand! A reissue of the first RPM Petula Clark release that brings together Pet's first ever recordings on disc. Already a star on film and Radio Petula's recording career was a guaranteed success and over a six year period she released 23 singles on Polygon before switching to Pye and cementing her legendary status. Tell Me Truly is a unique collection with her first singles, plus foreign releases, and out takes making it an absolute must have for all Petula fans. This is also a significant nostalgia piece for the radio listeners of the 1950's and a unique collection of Petula Clark's first records with a lovingly annotated collectors' piece by Richard Harries, co-ordinator of all Pet Clark reissues.
The Pirates, a seminal influence on guitar throttling rock, were the hardest gigging UK band on the circuit between 1977 and 1982. This previously unissued live CD, comes with a full complement of originals plus rock 'n' roll covers.
Planet was the label of the legendary producer Shel Talmy. These recordings, taken from 1965/66, features tracks from John Lee's Groundhogs, Creation, Gnomes of Zurich, Dan Sheridan, Untamed and many more. Pop, soul, R & B, mod and more, all with the trademark production qualities of Mr T. Full discography and poster in the accompanying booklet too.
The first compilation of UK pop singer Polly Browne's work. Features singles from Pickettywitch, Sweet Dreams (including a cover of Abba's "Honey Honey" which went top ten) and "Up In A Puff Of Smoke" went US Top 20 in 1975. Assembled by Polly who also helped write the definitive sleeve notes.
Rare 1982 album reissued here plus 7 extra previously unissued live tracks. The album was taped at Nottingham, London, Montreux and an additional dance remix by the band has been added. Melodic pop rock with the outstnding vocals of Paul Young.
An excellent collection of the complete works of this much-revered 60s harmony vocal beat group, featuring later members of Judd, who were best known for their covers of 'Honeysuckle Rose' 'Homeward Bound' and the Stones' "I Am Waiting" but also wrote and recorded several fine songs of their own. These tracks are much sought after by psych and beat collectors alike and appear here on CD for the first time ever.
Taped during the bands first ever UK tour in 1983, this well recorded interview reveals the intriguing story of REMs early days as told by Michael Stipe and Peter Buck. Tales about REMs formation, musical influences, early gigs, first recordings, songwriting, life on the road, death threats, biker bars, the girl with the see through shirt and raiding fridges.
Digi-Paks re-issue using the original front cover artwork.The bands second album also released in 1972 contained the hit "I Wanna Be With You". Great 70's power pop blending the firey power of the Who and Small Faces with Beatlesque pop.
By the time The Raspberries burst on the US scene in 1971, their brand of Beatlesque rock was already an anomaly. This CD contains their first two albums "Raspberries" and "Fresh" with supremly crafted fab three minute pop songs.
Digi pack re-issue with original cover of the bands debut album from 1972.They were the quintessential 70’s Power Pop group. Their music, from the pen of founder member Eric Carmen, blended Beatlesque pop with the fiery power of The Who and Small Faces. They believed in the power, the spirit of a supremely crafted three-minute pop song packing the excitement of their musical idols.Includes their hit "Go All the Way".
Recorded and released in 1973 ‘Side 3’ was the Raspberries most assured and explosive album, as a band, where they achieved in the studio the sound they delivered on stage. A highlight is the first track, also released as a single, Tonight, packing a visceral punch enhanced by Bryson’s magnificent guitar work, Carmen’s raw Steve Marriott styled singing, and Bonfanti’s wild approximation of Keith Moon.Having said that this is the album where the Raspberries found more of their own voice rather than just following their 60’s idols. At the time tours of England, France, Germany confirmed this as new audiences were won over.
Recorded and released in 1974. The group changed line up, two left , two came in, including Nebraskan Scott McCarl and former Cyrus Eyrie (the pre cursor Raspberries band) member Michael McBride.‘Starting Over’ contains an all time classic 45 single, the epic aural movie Overnight Sensation, which still racks up radio plays today.
First time on CD, unreleased since 1974. Effectively a vehicle for cult figure David Kubinec (World Of Oz), he writes all of these ten tracks and the musicians were brought in to back him up. Only sessioners, the 70's glam rock grooves they create are first class, aided by the production of ex Joe Meek engineer Adrian Millar. They create an excellent base for Kubinek's despairing lyrics; a lost Glam classic including the genius single "Turtle Dove", "Very Small Child" and "Queen."
From Hull, the Red Guitars found instant acclaim via their debut 45 "Good Technology" in 1983. This CD comprises their BBC sessions re-corded for John Peel and others between 1983 and 1985. As a bonus the original studio version of "Good Technology" has been included.
Bass player / Vocalist with the Quiet five and song writer for the Hollies, Andy Williams, Clif Richard and many more, Richard Barnes managed two solo albums of his own in the late '60's and early '70's. Possessing an incredible vocal range with a powerful soulful punch, he teamed up with Gerry Bron to record Barnes' own compositions. Although a minor hit, he did make it onto Top Of The Pops, was successful in Europe and a few of his tunes became Tony Blackburn's and Kenny Everetts "song of the week." this twenty track collection combines the best tracks from his two long players, the singles and unreleased recordings. Compiled and remastered by Barnes and Bron themselves, this is a perfect overview of a much admired career.
The entire recording output of this short lived R&B Mod band covers only fourteen tracks. Four singles plus unreleased tracks (one of them featuring one time member Lemmy in his first recording session ever!) This loud band are comparable to Creation and early Byrds with their raucous sound and great live reputation. Includes: "I Just Stand There", "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart", "Dandy" and "I Go Ape."
Best known for the inclusion in their ranks of a very young Lemmy, this dynamic UK foursome concentrated largely on cover versions for their singles. Both sides of all four singles are featured here, together with a host of unreleased tracks from their mid-Sixties heyday. More than just a footnote band in UK rock history, this long overdue collection will appeal to Hawkwind completists and quality UK 60's rock collectors alike.
Rosetta Highower was lead voice with the Orlons, the prime US girl group who scored several top 10 US hits between 1962-1964. Their full Cameo Parkway releases and sessions have just been reissued by Abkco. Rosetta first recorded in England in the late sixties , and joined the ranks of the then all conquering female sessions singers who seemed to back every hit going. Madeline Bell, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner , Kiki Dee, Liza Strike, Sue and Sunny . Moving permanently to England in 1970 Rosetta married musician producer Ian Green and recorded an album for CBS , swiftly followed this one for Rediffusion (not the TV company, surely?) There are some truly fine arrangements of Motown songs complete with orchestration by Martyn Ford , and backing vocals from Kay Garner and Liza Strike . With Rosetta's powerful and strident vocals this album has a great pop soul crossover sound. In all, a widescreen approach to music. Bonus tracks are the first solo singles released by Rosetta in the UK on the collectable Toast label , from 1968. A rare item, and collectable by US and UK girl group fans alike.
The 2005-released RPM sampler, featuring artists both past, present and future from this fine label. Artists include Don Fardon, Iron Virgin, Bronx Cheer, Stavely Makepeace, Mike D'Abo, Tina Charles (covering, of all things, America's "You Can Do Magic"), Leo Sayer, Margo Guryan, and RPM's flagship singer-songwriter John Howard, who collaborates here on 'Staying At Home Kinda Guy' with former Alan Parsons Project/ Camel vocalist Chris Rainbow. Just goes to show that for every lover of pop there's a prog connection in there somewhere!! Superb stuff and a bargain at a mere three of your earth squid.
For lovers of American vocal groups 1963 was a vintage year and the last in which the home team had the field more or less to themselves. In those innocent months before the hairy hordes from across the pond would tear down the walls of Tin Pan Alley, US teens luxuriated in the chart-topping sounds of the Essex, the Chiffons, the 4 Seasons, the Angels, and the Tymes, with the Ronettes, Vandellas & Jaynetts all snapping at their heels. One of the tastier titbits amidst this smorgasbord of goodies was "Our Day Will Come", the sublime debut of Ruby & the Romantics, four guys and a gal from Akron, Ohio. With so many of their contemporaries feted today, Ruby & the Romantics are often overlooked in the ranks of the great vocal groups. But make no mistake, they were a fabulous act; the silky, intensely layered and often adventurous harmonies of the male quartet always supplying the perfect counterpoint to one of the greatest lead vocalists of the era, the immaculate Ruby Nash. RPM present the highlights of their career for the Kapp label, 1963-1966 on a comprehensive double CD collection. This includes the big No.1 and title track here, the original versions of "Hey There Lonely Girl" (a hit for Eddie Holman in 1974 ), "When You're Young And In Love" ( a hit in 1967 for the Marvelettes and for the Flying Picketts in 1984), "Hurtin' Each Other" (a 1972 hit for the Carpenters ), plus their other Pop and R&B chart picks. This is a first time reissue in the UK for most of the recordings, in a package that also contains an essay by noted 60's collectors Mick Patrick and Malcom Baumgart.
Initially part of The Vernons Girls, Sam went solo in 1964 Her voice was soulful enough for her to be signed by United Artists in the US. Here are the best of her recordings 1964-68 including recordings with Chris Blackwell, Spectors sidekick Arnie Goland and finally Mark Wirtz.
Sandy Posey, brought up in the music rich area of Memphis, was a backing singer for the Nashville Studios. Singers she backed on record included Elvis Presley, Tommy Roe, Bobby Bare, Joe Tex, Percy Sledge and Skeeter Davis, and later in spite of her own success she continued to contribute her voice as part of the famous Nashville Sound background. Nashville publisher Gary Walker and writer producer Chips Moman wondered how she would sound solo so brought her into the studio in 1966 to record as the main artist. She scored five Top 40 single hits and released four albums all on the MGM label between 1966 - 1968. We present the very best of these recordings, nearly all produced by Chips Moman. Great melodic and rhythmic 60's pop, reminiscent of the girl-talk records of the early 60's, innocent and submissive, with splashes of Posey's country music background which at the time brought her widespread radio and jukebox play. Although many of the songs were written by others Posey's strength was her song styling. Packaging includes an essay written by Record Collector editor Peter Doggett, based around his recent interview with Sandy Posey. This package will find many takers among 60's pop fans as there have been very few collections of Posey's recordings down the years. Added to which is the cross over appeal to country fans.
Of all the '60s pop girl groups, the Shangri-Las remain by far the most memorable. A truly satisfactory Shangri-Las anthology, comprising every cut for Red Bird, both sides of an earlier 45, an alternate take of "Give Him A Great Big Kiss", and four off-the-wall Radio commercials from 1965.
Often referred to in pop history as Eddie Cochrans girlfriend, and that's it. In fact Sheeley has been a highly successful songwriter and this CD has been compiled from the surviving tapes of demo material recorded between 1959 - 1962 and featuring a stellar crew of session men. A fascinating glimpse into the pre-Beatles world of pop music, writing and recording.
Recorded at sessions during the period 1972-1974. Before, during and after this period Shuggie Otis continued his work as a session musician partly for his father 's (Johnny ) ongoing productions at his own Hawk Sound Studios, where much of 'Inspiration Information' was recorded .This CD presents you with the best of the sessions Otis Jnr recorded around the same period in the same studio with many of the same sidemen . The specific project Johnny had embarked upon was to record some of the pioneers of R&B in a modern context for release on the Blues Spectrum label series. Shuggie was used as session guitarist, pianist, arranger, writer. The music is a mixture of blues, r&b, funk, soul.It represents a perfect backdrop to the famous Inspiration album.The RPM release comes in a digipak with an essay on Shuggie.
An absolutely fascinating album from two absolutely fascinating musicians. Max Crook (aka Maximillian) and Scott Ludwig, originally known as Del Shannon's songwriters and rhythm section, were also the inventors and innovators of two early electronic instruments, the Musitron (which plays the famous break in Shannon's "Runaway") and the Sonicon, as well as popularisers of the first Moogs: what is lesser known is that they toured their own material under the name 'Sounds Of Tomorrow', hitting the supper clubs and school halls clad in sparkling jackets, and recorded enough of it to make a full-length album. Here we present that album as it would have been, plus SEVEN bonus tracks of live material (including Gershwin, Animals, Tommy Boyce and Martin Denny covers given the full electro treatment!!) including a full explanation to the audience of the abilities of their instruments. Compiled by author Mark Brend, with the assistance of the musicians themselves: mastered from original archives, and never before released in any format. Album of the month.
Excellent live set from the 1973 Spencer Davis Group reunion, with tracks taped by the band in concert including the (very) extended 'I'm A Man' and as an added bonus the radio sessions from the said period have also been included.The set also features an in-depth 12 page colour booklet that contains period photo's posters and detailed notes about the tour.
Twenty-three tracks recorded between 1965 and 1968 - largely for various BBC radio shows. Showcasing the R & B background that the band emerged from, and with the soulful vocals of Steve Winwood gradually altering the direction towards a more pop based sound, this is a fine testament to one of the UK's hardest working Sixties bands.
More archive material from the UK soul and R & B giants. This disc concentrates on live concerts, here featuring shows from Germany and Finland (both 1966) as well as a brace of UK gigs from 1965 and 1968. Recording quality varies, but again this is another fascinating document from this fine band.
Had The Spencer Davis Group released an album during the Summer Of Love, it would have been similar to this. Included here are tracks from the British film "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush", and the band's 1967 singles together with previously unissued '67 demos. Classic UK material that sits well with Blossom Toes, Tomorrow, Traffic's debut and other '67 pop-psych gems.
Twelve singles, five Eps, two LP's and two soundtrack songs by the popular folk pop group collected together. This recordins represent a unique moment in time before Dusty Springfield finally decided her roots were no longer in silver threads and golden needles but in the blonde peroxide bottle of sixties pop. The three piece were undoubtably the springboard to her success, it got Dusty onTV, into the charts with productions by her future studio stalwarts Johnny Franz and Ivor Raymonde and, most importantly, got her to the States where she would eventually base much of her later career.
Centred on the irrefutable talents of Nigel Fletcher and Rob Woodward, Stavely Makepeace began their career in the late 60s releasing singles on 8 different labels. In the mid 1970’s they also released records as an alter ego novelty band, Lieutenant Pigeon, and scored massive hits. Enough to keep funding the more serious side to their work as Stavely Makepeace. The group actually beat their novelty alter ego onto Top Of The Pops when in 1970 they appeared to promote the single Edna. Their records also used to achieve significant amounts of airplay from DJs such as Chris Tarrant and Annie Nightingale. We present the first ever collection of their work (no album having been released to date), with the focus on their early - mid 1970’s peak period. Fletcher and Woodward cultivated an extraordinary sound through recording with home made equipment in the front room of Woodward’s mum's house, the same Mum who played piano in Lieutenant Pigeon!! Spending up to 15 hours a day running tape loops, sound effects, playing conventional and unconventional instruments, Stavely Makepeace occupy the same territory as Delia Derbyshire and Joe Meek in producing experimental pop music. As such the recordings have attracted followers from today’s music tastemakers including St Etienne’s Bob Stanley and Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker. The styles run the whole gamut from music-hall ('Gimme That Pistol') R'n'B popsike ('I Wanna Love You Like A Mad Dog') proto-sleaze glam ('Sundance') Scaffold-style novelty pop ('Walkin' Through The Blue Grass') utter bubblegum ('Cajun Band' 'Smokey Montain Rhythm Revue') and even Eurovision-style fare ('There's A Wall Between Us') but all with the eccentric and quite frankly bonkers edge of true outsider musicians. Even the later material, such as the 80s-recorded 'Mr Pleasant' 'Just Tell Her Fred Said Goodbye' and 'Baby Blue Eyes' is possessed of the same strangeness. Sadly the legendary (among collectors) 'Reggae Denny' isn't included, otherwise that would have been yet another fascinating tangent to investigate. Whatever the style, Stavely Makepeace are worthy of place in anyone's record collection..
Early recordings from Yes guitar wizard, an overview of his early career. Starting in 1964 with the raw R&B/beat band the Syndicates, moving onto soul-mod with the In Crowd, psychedelia with Tomorrow and progressive rock with Bodast. A treassure trove of hidden masterpieces. 6 unreleased gems.
Subtitled "A Trunk Full Of '60's Pop Exotica", this is the story of a classical label that decided to dabble in the field of Pop music throughout the '60's. A brief business arrangement with Joe Meek and his Triumph Label, this was followed by a Production Library that worked in Film Production and the recording of original Pop songs. This twenty six track compilation is cherry picked from the master tapes that were placed in the British Museum in the '90's and forgotten about. Only the Five Day Week's two contributions have seen the light of day in the past forty odd years, this is a high quality collection of hard to find originals making their CD debut. The labels output is notably varied, with Psych, Pop, Lounge and Rock exotica found here. A cracking compilation for collectors.
A reissue of their 1966 debut album, doubled in length here with the addition of some 1966-67 singles They were one of Holland's most successful and influential bands. The songs are largely mid-'60s soul pastiches, with some vague flower pop influence on the later tracks. Standout tracks "Play That Record", " Midnight Hour" and "Colours of the Rainbow". Rare pics, discography and English/Dutch sleevenotes.
The hit album released under a pseudonym by Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts in 1972. A great mix of jug band and acoustic blues shuffle reminiscent of Mungo Jerry and Bronx Cheer, it reached number two in the UK. Led by the genius of Jona Lewie who would go on to be a huge solo star in his own right, they often coloured their records with tin cans, kazoo, african whistles, washboards, sirens, dustbin lids and a ruber duck! This remastered release features the non album A and B sides as bonus tracks.
A unique collection of '60s mood music, capturing the essence of the decades spy and thriller films through the tunes and productions of many classic easy orchestral and pop practicioners, and including many rare and new to CD tracks. Groovy!
Rose's 3rd and 4th albums from 1970 and '72 respectively, continuing to show off his inspirational songwriting. He favoured a throaty blues folk-rock style with pop production flourishes. Intensified musically on this collection from some superb playing by Gary Wright (Spooky Tooth), Mick Jones (Foreigner), plus legendary session men Herbie Flowers and Clem Cattini. Similar in style to Tim Hardin.
The third of RPM's Tim Yuro series, here capturing Timi at the legendary PJ's club in 1969. Withdrawn quickly after it's initial release, and has been a collector's rarity. This digitally remastered reissue includes two bonus tracks.
Rereleased due to public demand: a 26- song set by one of the most unique voices in 1960s soul, the great Timi Yuro. Culled largely from her recordings for Liberty, the CD reissue includes rare a & b-sides, classic album cuts and even stretches into the 70s by the inclusion of two extremely rare singles. The added attraction? All of these tracks appear here for the first time on CD. Many longed to hear Timi's idiosyncratic, androgynous voice on a digital format, and the predecessor to this set achived that - for those of you who still haven't, now here's the chance.
RPM's second Timi Yuro volume features classic '60s Liberty album tracks and singles, a couple of which were never released in the UK. All the tracks are new to CD in the UK, and several make their first-ever appearance here on any format.
Following on from the previously successful collections of Timi Yuro on RPM , "What’s A Matter Baby" marks the first of a series of original LP reissues, each one boasting bonus tracks that will round up non LP singles and extra session tracks.This was one of her best known and most soulful albums, originally released in 1962.
Scoring 4 UK single hits in 1976, including the number one "I Love To Love", this is the album that came out in the same year. Perhaps a little unusual, but the eight bonus tracks that make up this expanded edition come at the start of this album; it has been sequenced in chronological order and the tracks stem from her days as a session singer and fledgling solo artist (the earliest tracks stretching back to 1969 when she was only fifteen). Includes "Rich Girl", a 1975 Disco tune she that Tina was brought to sing lead vocals but was released (and mimed) by the group 5000 Voltts. Other highlights chart the quick revolution in her sound from pure pop to early disco and finally some chart recognition. Fourteen tracks in all.
This compilation brings you some of the best performances from the height of his career in the late 60's and early 70's. and the funky rock styles of the period really suited his macho belting voice.Includes "Puppet Man","Venus","Polk Salad Annie","Keep on Running","Get Back" and more.18 tracks in total and a fully detailed booklet.
What a find! Unreleased recordings, radio sessions and live material by this legendary UK '60s psych band. Beautiful flower children in the most beautiful surroundings. Stunning packaging with full sleeve notes..... Ace..
An English band with a penchant for doing surf-harmony type numbers. This teams both sides of all seven Tony Rivers & the Castaways singles from 1963 to 1966, with 14 previously unreleased tracks from 1963 to 1967. A fair match for any California vocal surf acts.
Harmony-driven pop/rock, heavily influenced by the Beach Boys and American sunshine pop. Their complete recordings 1968 - 1970 (the last Castaways recordings) and tracks after a name change to Harmony Grass. Wax your boards and hit the beach!
During the '70s Tony moved on from being the leader of permanent groups into initially a producers role then session singing and arranging, one off group projects and publishing. His projects ranged from singing lead and arranging the theme to "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads", creating Mike Read's Radio 1 jingle and covering "Bohemian Rhapsody" for a "Top Of The Pops" album! RPM's selection from this era collects together more of the familiar Beach Boys style sounds, rock'n'roll styled recordings, and the move into Philly styled pop/funk/soul...
This is the first ever collection of Twinkle's singles and features many rare tracks, covering her entire recorded output from the '60s. Including her hits "Terry" and "Golden Lights". Extensive sleeve notes, discography, rare pictures and other memorabilia complete the packaging.
This is the first ever collection of Twinkle's singles and features many rare tracks, covering her entire recorded output from the '60s. Including her hits "Terry" and "Golden Lights", the latter of which was famously covered by The Smiths!! Extensive sleeve notes, discography, rare pictures and other memorabilia complete the packaging.
Hailing from the South Coast of the UK, the Untamed were largely the brainchild of singer and guitarist Lindsay Muir. Various other musicians came and went during the period documented here (1965/6) Despite the lack of chart action, this was excellently produced beat pop with soul influences, usually produced by Glyn Johns under the direction of maverick Shel Talmy. This collection includes all of the singles from that period together with previously unreleased tracks.
20 lipsmackin' stackheeled toons from the long lost days of the 70s when even football hooligans wore makeup- first of three on this label. You won't believe how many bands and singers there were in this genre until you've heard this CD and its siblings!! Plenty of power, space boogie, bovver, aggro and androgyny from Iron Virgin (much beloved of the Datsuns) Hello (covering a Hollywood Brats tune!!) Warwick, The Damned (not THAT Damned) Flame (not Slade) Simon Turner, Ricky Wilde (son of Marty, sister of Kim) Brett Smiley, Arrows, Crunch, Bearded Lady, Fancy, Tubthumper, Plod, The Washington Flyers and Stavely Makepeace, the electronic lo-fi experimentalists also knownb as Lieutenant Pigeon. Unmissable.
Recorded at the Civic Theatre, Halifax England, this is a full funk workout from War still at it's peak with founder members. This was filmed not long after their biggest UK hit "Low Rider" was released and the group are riding high with their trademark jazz funk improvisations. After a decade together, they were now effortlessly hitting their groove but do manage to reign in the at times indulgent jams to present two pristine versions of "Cicso Kid" and "Low Rider."This DVD version has remastered audio and visual quality. Main feature: 58 minutes.
Not for the faint hearted, this collection takes in Wayne's controversial tracks such as "Eddie And Sheena", "Fuck Off" along with EP and album tracks. The Electric Chairs thrived on shock and outrage. Wayne's transsexual tendencies adding an extra edge to the proceedings. Punk with a touch of glam, bang and thang.
Ever since the popular TV series began in November '63, record releases have spun off from the show, ranging from variations on the theme music through to songs featuring cast members from the TV episodes and films, to simple cash-ins inspired by the programme. This CD combines releases from the first decade of the shows history into one handy pocket sized collectors compendium of sound.
Inspired by the legendary music magazine of the same name, our next volume in the Lipsmackin' 70's series unearths the long, lost singer songwriter gems, the one off minor hits and radio play list favourites, that all deserved much more . These are singles from the early 70's that didn't really fit into any genre being in turns a bit folky, a touch proggy, a tad rocky, a little glammy, some poppy, country'ish - so an all encompassing name soft rock was coined to cover it. The artists are predominantly English, all the recordings were made in England , and that too flavours the compilation . All unique sounds in a time of one off production deals and experimentation with new artists. Some were the first vehicles before stardom (Leo Sayer in Patches , Neil MacArthur was Colin Blunstone, Chris Neil became a hit producer in the 80's, Jimmy Edwards from Guest & Edwards later with Sham 69 and Time Uk), others came from writer producers (Shine is Tony Rivers, Stormy Petrel is John Carter, then Mike Hurst and Mike d'Abo ), also the unclassifiable individuals (Laurie Styvers, John Howard, Clifford T Ward, Howard Werth , Ewan Stephens , Curtiss Maldoon (who later had a song covered by Madonna -Sepheryn into Ray of Light trivia fans !) and those who'd had a taste of the business in the 60's and were forging a new direction (Steve Ellis in Ellis , Lesley Duncan previously a well known backing singer, Tim Rose, Ray Fenwick from the Spencer Davis Group, the Sarstedts featuring brother Peter of Where Do You Got To My Lovely fame) . Our Lipsmackin' series is really starting to take a hold and to further this we have hired a PR Promotion person to work the series. Already tracks from the first volumes are being played by club DJs, live support DJs, being stocked in retro fashion stores, checked out and bought by current artists such as Noel Gallagher and The Datsuns.
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