EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND/WASA WASA SHVL 757 (-69) UK

 British acid blues/rock power trio founded 1968 by brothers Edgar (vocals and guitar) and Steve (drums) Broughton plus Arthur Grant on bass. After gathering local following in their hometown Warwick they moved to London where they rather quickly got a contract with Harvest Records and issued five LP:s and six 45:s for the label up to 1973. This was their debute album. For a lover of filthy and offensively raw blues and rock this is a happy moment. With some inspiration from American sources as Captain Beefheart, Fugs and Iggy And The Stooges they're still doing their own thing. Full speed ahead from the start with unhinged vocals to violent guitars and pumping rhythm section. All tracks self-penned and the audio perfect. I don't hear any catchy melodies, though the dirt and the pure energy sure makes it worth thumbs up anyway. To me a kind of mood record. Not for snug moments, but if you for some reason feel pissed off how things turn out it's a perfect company. Favorite tracks - "Death Of An Electric Citizen", "Evil" and "Love In The Rain". Also originally issued and/or reissued on vinyl and/or CD in US, Canada, Downunder, Japan, South Africa and over Europe. EU 2019 CD on Parlophone (MOCCD 13531) came with five bonus tracks. Very first UK copies came with "Sold In UK..." print on label. This one hasn't, but as it got "The Gramophone Co. Ltd." top left and no EMI logo, early enough. It came in a laminated fold/out cover with Harvest ad inner.  For more also check post on their seond album "Sing Brother Sing"    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2023/02/edgar-broughton-bandsing-brother-sing.html  (HÄVL*)

                                                                                      

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

                                                                                       

                                                                                     
                                                                                      

                                                                                      

                                                                                      

  



 

THE BEATLES/SOMETHING NEW ST 2108 (-64) US STEREO

 The third Beatles LP on US Capitol and an exemple of what is called "butchering", where for exemple UK album cuts were picked from their original habitat and coupled with in ones only released on single or EP in UK, enabling the label to release more albums. Containing eight tracks originally on the British "A Hard Days Night", but left out from the United Artists soundtrack  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-beatlesa-hard-days-night-original.html , further two from the UK "Long Tall Sally" EP - "Slow Down" and "Matchbox" - plus the German version of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". But whatever one my think about "butchering" in general, this is a fine product, a least in my world. While most of the early Beatles two-channel issues on Capitol contain fake stereo cuts the ones on here are all true. And the audio is smashing - clear, yet relaxed - making it very good listening for this old Beatle buff. To a fan that grew up with the UK band releases early US ones can sometimes be percieved as hurried, but to my taste this is all in and should be a valuable addition to any Beatles collection. Also originally issued in Canada, Germany, Netherlands,  Peru and as UK export (Parlophone CPCS 101). US 2014 CD on Capitol (B0019701-02) came with all tracks in both mono and stereo. Not a clue about the timeline for the one here, but as it is on rainbow label on medium thick vinyl in a glossy sleeve, certainly early enough for me.  (YZÄ*)  (BÄ*) (LGÅ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                    

                                                                                  

 

GEORGIE FAME ILPS 9293 (-74) UK

  I've always percieved Alan Price and Georgie Fame as branches on the same tree. Both doing pop, blues and jazzy stuff, but allowing themselves to pick ideas from somewhat older traditions. And no matter which I'm listening to the music always put me in the same warm cozy place. When posting the 1974 Alan Price LP "Between Today And Yesterday" a while ago I was amazed the feeling was the same as with his sixties stuff. And I'm happy to hear that goes for this album too, so I you were a Georgie Fame fan in the sixties you'll feel very at home with this. It's a slight mix of styles - "That Ol' Rock & Roll" is obviously close to classic rock, but the rest his signature blend between blues, jazz and pop with excellent backing and crowned by those personal vocals. The audio soft and clear, making it very good to the ears. Easy listening that that still can grab hard. Favorite tracks - "Country Morning", "Donut Man" and "Leaving The City Behind". Also originally released like this in Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Downunder and South Africa. US and Canadian issues came with different tracking on side two, where "Johnny Too Bad" replaced "We Were Always Sweethearts". Never issued like this on CD, but the Japan 2008 2xCD "The Island Years 1974-76" comes with all tracks from here.  (FGÖ*)

                                                                             

                                                                              

                                                                                       

                                                                                

                                                                             

 

PERCY SLEDGE/WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN 588015 (-66) UK STEREO

 Had the UK corresponding mono for years  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2017/11/percy-sledgewhen-man-loves-woman-587.html  and still enjoying that when in the mood. It is one of the best and most successful sixties romantic albums, reaching high on many lists back then, e.g. #1 on Billboard and #6 in UK. So when I spotted this stereo in a bin at a reasonable price thought it would be nice to pick it and see if that in any way could add something. Since the mono have high quality mix and audio I hoped this in some way could answer to that and maybe offer new insight. But I shouldn't have bothered. There's nothing even close to stereo here. Some parts may have been slightly enhanced mono and some may had have a miniscule duophonic treatment, but most of the time pressing the mono button on the stereo makes no difference at all. I actually had to check the matrices to see if it was a mislabeled mono, but as they were 588015 A#1/588015 B#1 that wasn't the case. However the audio is good so it's not a bad choice if you just wanna enjoy, but if you already have the mono you won't need it. Never heard a US stereo and am curious if that is true, or sounds like this. If anyone reading this knows, please comment and tell. For more details on the UK release check link above.(PÖCY*)  (ÄTHP*)

                                                                           

                                                                               

                                                                               

                                                                                            


 

OUM KALTOUM/OULIDA EL HOUDA S.C.3363 (??) MONO EGYPT

 When checking the bins I mostly pick things on my want list ot at least stuff I'm familiar with. But sometimes I see something with music content totally new to me that tickles enough to make me wanna have. Like the issue with Japanese koto master Michio Myagi  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2016/01/michio-myagimasterpieces-of-koto-jl-7.html  , or this one I just found (eng. title translation - "The Prophet Is Born"). I learned from the Wikipedia article that Oum Kaltoum (also apparently spelled Om Kalsoum, Umm Kulthum or Omm Kalthum) was an Egyptian singer/songwriter and actress, born either 1898 or 1904, that from the twenties up to her death 1975 became immensely popular throughout the Arab World, highly rewarded and sometimes called "the voice of Egypt" or "the forth pyramid". She was also ranked by Rolling Stone magazine at place 61 on a list of 200 greatest singers of all time. So it was with great expectations I put it on my turntable and sat down to listen. At first I didn't get it at all. It's not the kind of music I usually listen to and I don't understand the language. But after trying to get rid of all musical preconcieved notions I can appreciate. As I understand this is one long piece, split over two sides of the LP. It's a very old kind of music, with roots going back hundreds of years, very rhythmic and emotional, in a way calming and somtimes almost hypnotic. Her voice is so woven in with the backing instruments it becomes an instrument in itself. With my western pop/rock/blues background I may not be ready to grasp the beauty as much as any Arabian listener, but can cherish it from an outsiders point of view. Tried to find this issue on the net to date it, but no luck. I spotted a French seventies stereo with the same title, but different number, which I believe is a later re-issue of this mono. I guess it's from the sixties with label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a glossy cover. (FÄV*)

                                                                                  

                                                                               

                                                                                

 

 

ALAN PRICE/BETWEEN TODAY AND YESTERDAY K 56032 (-74) UK

 

Counting his work with Alan Price Set, his "Together" collaboration with Georgie Fame and the "O Lycky Man!" soundtrack this was his sixth solo album after leaving The Animals 1965. But with all that'd been between this and his charting sixties singles (can be heard on the superb 1970 collection "The World Of Alan Price"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/10/alan-pricethe-world-of-alan-price-pa-77.html  ) it's amazing this has the exact same atmosphere as those. Warm and snug, guaranteed to put you in a cozy mood. Side one has songs in a twenties or thirties style handeling British working class issues, while side two comes with a more modern appeal. Rear side image also mirrors different times, having large picture with him as a kid and smaller of him grown up. All cuts penned by Price who also produced. Though I really like the "today" side two a lot - and then especially "Look At My Face" and "Angel Eyes" - the "yesterday" music-hall style songs makes my heart beat even faster with joy. That's good all through, but if to pick some favorites from it - "Left Over People", "In Times Like These" and "Jarrow Song". The audio is excellent and very good to the ears. To my taste in all a very enjoyable album. 1974 issues  on Warner Brothers in US, Canada, Japan, Downunder and over Europe. Also as US cassette and 8-track. UK 2003 CD on Castle Music (CMRCD 739) came with five bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a thin matt cover. (ÄNÄ*)

                                                                                  

                                                                               

                                                                                     

                                                                                 
                                                                            

                                                                                 

                                                                             

                                                                            

                                                    
                        

 

THE TURTLES/YOU BABY WW-S 7112 (-66) US STEREO

  This was the band's second LP, issued one year before their big breakthrough "Happy Together"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-turtleshappy-together-ha-u-8330-67.html . While that album, with all right, has become a sought after classic, this slightly less smooth one is by many regarded as not that important. I can't understand why. To my ears a very fine blend between raw garage, well sung ballads and a couple of songs that could be called psych but I rather say weird. Production and arrangement mostly right on, making them come close. Stereo mix has too many parts where vocals and backing are split between the speakers making it sound rather unnatural in earphones, but coming out quite all right as background. I do like the garage style cuts best - like the frenzied "Almost There" and "Flying High" plus the slow and harsh "Pall Bearing, Ball Bearing World". Never thought I'd hear Turtles as a garage band, but here it is and it's good. Definitely one I will listen too many times more. Sixties issues in Canada and Mexico. Later reissued on vinyl and/or CD in Germany, Downunder, UK and Downunder. US issue also as cassette, 4-track, 8-track and reel. US 2016 CD on FloEdCo (MFO 48042) came with all songs in both mono and stereo. Premiere US vinyl had label as shown here in a laminated cover.  (YZÄ*) 

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

                                                                                 

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

 

PROCOL HARUM/THE BEST OF PROCOL HARUM SP-4401 (-72) US MONO + STEREO

 In my world there are no bad Procol Harum records. Original recordings or compilations in any size or format it's all good. Like this US collection blending sweet melodic hits like "Whiter Shade Of Pale", "Homburg", "Shine On Brightly" "Conquistador" and "A Salty Dog" with pearls like "Whisky Train" and "Simple Sisters". You also get three 45 B-sides - "Lime Street Blues", "Long Gone Geek" and "In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpence" - that did show up on various other compilation about this time, but here all together for the first time on an American issue. "Homburg", "Lime Street Blues" and "In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpance" comes in original mono. "Long Gone Geek" and "Whiter Shade Of Pale" fake stereo, the rest true. Audio shifts a little depending on original recordings, but I get very enjoyable listening all through. For fans who don't have all those cuts yet and prefer to listen to analog recordings in an analog way, or those new to the band who wanna try them without paying a fortune, it's highly recommended. Also originally issued on vinyl in Canada, Downunder and a couple of South American countries. US remastered CD on A&M (3259). Very first US vinyl had brown label. The design shown here existed between 1973-75, so somewhat later. It came in a silvery-black fold/out cover.  (YZÄ*) (PRÖX*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                                      

 

CRABBY APPLETON EKS 74067 (-70) US

 California band existing in the early seventies. Came to be when Los Angeles band Stonehenge - consisting of Casey Foutz – keyboards, Hank Harvey – bass, Phil Jones – drums and Flaco Falcon – percussion - was joined by singer/songwriter Michael Fennely, originally in sunshine pop band The Millenium. Their greatest moment was the debute 45 "Go Back", reaching #36 on Billboard, but non of the other singles or the two LP:s - this debute and the follow-up "Rotten To The Core" - sold that well, so they disbanded after just a couple of years. On this I hear a melodic blend of folk rock, plain rock and psych, much of it sounding surprisingly British. I'm listening to "Go Back" again as I write this and that is just beautiful - catchy melody with sweet vocals, attractive guitars and appealing drum sound. Further "The Other Side" has some nice Fennely falsetto and I also like the organs in "Peace By Peace" and the psych "Hunger For Love". The whole thing can be regarded as somewhat uneven, but it's certainly strong enough to be enjoyed all through, especially since both mix and audio are top notch. In fact the stereo is so good here even I don't long to hear what a mono mix could be. Early seventies issues also in UK, Canada, Germany, Downunder and a couple of South American countries. US 2002 CD on Collectors Choice Music (CCM-285-2). Premiere US had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with Elektra co. inner  (YZÄ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                                 

 

MERIT HEMMINGSON/HOVEN DROVEN 7C 062-35475 (-77) SWEDEN

 While some of her early seventies LP:s - e.g. "Huvva!" and Trollskog"   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2019/02/merit-hemmingsonhuvva-4e-062-34273-71.html  - to the larger part were mosaics of old hymns, herding calls and Sami jojk, all dressed in a mostly jazzy outfit, this comes a lot more stylish and distinct. Therefore I'm confused by the title "Hoven Droven", an expression from a northern Swedish dialect, hard to translate but can mean things like "chaotic", "upside down" or "some of this and some of that". It is a mix, this time beteween a brides march, herding calls, a pilgrim song, troubadour songs and classical pieces, some of it with a jazzy motion, so innovative for sure. But since it has a clearer production than the two aforementioned albums and comes out more compartmented it's actually less "hoven droven" than before and some of the old magic is gone, at least for me. And I would liked to have heard more from her hammond. Even if she handels the piano and clavinet very well too, it's the hammond play that's always been the icing on her cake. All that said it's still good listening and best enjoyed all through. If I have to pick a favourite, why not her version of Ravel's "Pavane". To my knowledge this was the only issue, also on cassette (7C 262-35475). Vinyl came with label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with picture/credit inner. (FÄV*)  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                       

                                                                                

                                                                                    

                                                                                

 

PURE GOLD ON EMI/20 HITS BY THE ORIGINAL ARTISTS EMK 251 (-73) UK

 Compilation containing twenty UK 45 cuts originally released 1968-73. It's a mixed bag, blending melodic rock by acts like T.Rex, Deep Purple, Wizzard and ELO with soul from Temptations, Jackson Five and Stevie Wonder. I also get perky pop from Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, New World and much more. Some of the best from the British list back then. All cuts have later showed up on numerous of other vinyl and CD collections, so why is this worth noticing? For me it's the variation, considering the time and place over the genres and therefore becoming a kind of time capsule that can put me back then whenever I'm listening through. I didn't fancy all of those songs back in the days, but can appreciate the full monty now as part of the context. So in a way it helps me to broaden my taste. Mostly when twenty cuts are crammed into a single LP the audio suffers, but this sounds surprisingly good, allowing me to fully enjoy. Two of the tracks - Bruce Ruffin "Mad About You" and Kenny "Heart Of Stone" - are fake stereo, the rest true. So much going on here I can't pick any absolute favourites, but adding a few below. Checking the net I can see it was also released on vinyl in Greece (same number). UK also issued on cassette and 8-track. Vinyl had label as shown here in a fully laminated "golden" sleeve with cut corners giving the impression of a box. (SÄM*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                               

                                                                                  

 

CLIFF RICHARD WITH THE SHADOWS/WONDERFUL LIFE 33SX 1628 (-64) UK MONO

 

This is the twelfth album from Cliff Richard and/or The Shadows I'm posting here. They were a large part of my early teens, forming a kind of connection still valid today. I can't be a critic and say their albums from that time are good or bad in any way, just that I feel at home with the music and therefore it's good to me. This is a soundtrack from one in a serie of musical movies made in the sixties involving the combo. Ten of the cuts has Cliff singing to orchestral backing, two with him and The Shadows and two by The Shadows alone. The orchestral tracks sounds far from pop, then more like ordinary late fifties or early sixties musical tunes with him singing very sweet or even crooning. The ones with him and/or the Shadows perks it up a bit, sounding just as expected from them and then. As a whole it doesn't make me wanna jump up and down and scream with joy, but as it all is so well done - performance, production, arrangements, mix and audio - it's good to the ears and very soothing. And the package is lavish with rear sleeve having eleven colour pics from the movie and the inner sleeve twentyfour b/w ones. Favorite tracks - "On The Beach", "Theme For Young Lovers" and "Wonderful Life". Originally issued like this over Europe, Downunder, Japan, India, South Africa, Turkey and Israel. US version as "Swingers' Paradise" (Epic LN 24145) had different sleeve design. UK 2005 CD on EMI (7243 4 77718 2 8) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as stereo SCX 3515) had label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover with picture/credit inner.  (CXÄ*)