SIMON AND GARFUNKEL/PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY AND THYME CL 2563 (-66) US MONO

 Their third album and the one that's mainly considered their breakthrough. It reached #4 on Billboard, #13 in the UK, has been rewarded 3xPlatinum in US and also from 1999 in the Grammy Hall Of Fame. All songs except the traditional "Scarborough Fair" and "Silent Night" penned by Paul Simon, "Cloudy" co-written by him and Bruce Woodley. There's a lot more on the album you can get from Wikipedia, but I'm not going into that. Check here instead  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley,_Sage,_Rosemary_and_Thyme  . Just wanna say that I'm stunned how fantastic this still sounds today. Not only because the vocals and backing, or that you get the three classics "Homeward Bound", "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy") and "Scarborough Fair", but also for the pressing and audio. This US mono is one of the best such I've ever heard. Big and clear with tophole separation it embraces me from first to last cut and make me wanna listen again immediately. It's like the guys have travelled all the way from 1966 just to pay me a visit. This is why the audio of an original is as important as the music itself. If honest and right-on it can take you back to the recordings and listen to the artists intentions. If distorted by various technical manners or transcribed to other more modern formats it becomes something else. Not necessarily bad, but...something else. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover with Columbia ad inner.  (YZÄ*)  (ÖXCÅ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

                                                

                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                 

                                                                               

                                                                               

 

MONICA TÖRNELL/ALRIK 6316 033 (-73) SWEDEN

 If the only album you've heard from her is the out there jazz/soul/funk third LP   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2025/02/monica-tornelldont-give-damn-6316-052.html  this second may come as a surprise. Deeply rooted in Swedish folk music with only one track - John Bundrick's "Magical Fountain" - sung in English, the rest in Swedish. Some of the tracks are interpretations of traditional tunes, like "Öje Brudmarsch" (Öje Bride's March), "Suplåt" (Drinking Song) and "Inte Äger Jag Gods Och Guld" (I don't Own A Big Estate Or Gold). The latter has an odd subtitle - (eng. translation) "Polka from Dalarna written down at Nicolai police station". Haven't found any explanation for the location, but she was known to be rather wild, so maybe she spent a night in the slammer at some point. Three of the songs sung a capella, the rest backed by assorted instruments as fiddle, flute and keyboards, mostly to a body of guitar, bass and drums. If you're in the mood for traditional folky stuff, sometimes in a more modernized style, mixed with sweet ballads and even some rock'n'roll, this might be it. I really like her voice - sometimes girlish, sometimes mature, but always personal. I dig it all so it's hard to pick favourites, but I've added a few below.  To my knowledge this Swedish was the only original release. Also issued 2012 as 11xFile, Flac, Album, 44.1KHz-16bits by Universal Music. Vinyl had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover. (FÄV*)  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                               

                                                                                 

                                                                          

                                                                             

                                                                                    

  

                                                                                         

      
 

DIANA ROSS AND MARVIN GAYE/DIANA AND MARVIN STMA 8015 (-73) UK

 Two of Motown's brightest stars doing a duet LP, produced by Valerie Simpson, Nicholas Ashford and Berry Gordy. Sounds like a dream for a Motown fan, but apparently it took time to get right. As the story goes...there were plans for it already 1970, but as Ross then had full time with launching her solo carreer and Gaye initially refused to do one more duet album due to his last three had come just before his partners had left the label - Mary Welles and Kim Weston quit and Tammi Terrell died of a brain tumor - and therefore he felt like cursing who ever he sang with. When the recordings finally started 1971 the two didn't get along. Ross was pregnant and didn't like Gaye smoking dope in the studio. They recorded one song together - Wilson Pickett's "Don't Knock My Love" - after which Ross was occupied with her baby and film projects while Gaye had other things planned, so to get going Motown decided to record them separately and then mix their vocals together. It took to 1973 before the album was ready for release. It got good reviews, but just reached #26 on Billboard while managing #6 in UK. Though even with such an uncertain becoming I can hear no trace of that here. It's a beautifully crafted love album with top audio and they sound close all the way. Maybe not one I would choose for sparkling moments or a pick me up, but perfect for relaxing or soft love meetings. It all fits very well together in a snug atmosphere, but if to pick favourites - the funkiest cuts "Don't Knock My Love" and "My Mistake (Was To Love You)" plus the emotional "Just Say Just Say". Issued and reissued all over the world on every possible format through the years. Premiere US on Motown (M-803V1). US 2001 CD on Motown (012 157 173-2) came with four bonus tracks. First UK had label as shown here in a matte fold/out cover. Unfortunately this copy have the groove somewhat unfocused on side two, which make the music sway at some of the cuts. Don't know if that goes for all copies of this pressing, but now I have to find another one of some kind to get it right. (TÖMÖ*)  (FÄV*) (GÖJI*) (ZYZÖ*)

                                                                               

                                                                                  

                                                                                    

                                                                                      

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

 

A MOTOWN SPECIAL DISCO ALBUM 2C068-98.729 (-77) FRANCE

  As a Motown freak I'm mostly into the sixties songs, but since I am addicted to the label I also wanna try later stuff to see if there's something there for me. Here's a collection of eight disco hits recorded 1975-77. And though I know the artists all of the songs are new to me. My own best disco memories are all from the sixties and early seventies, when we jived to Sly Stone, Beatles, Stones, Colosseum and Motown stuff in general, so I haven't danced to any of the numbers here and therefore have no emotional connection. But it's easy to fall in love with Diana Ross "Love Hangover" and Thelma Houston "Don't Leave Me This way" - both starting slow and emotional, then progressing to up-tempo and even more emotional. And both Eddie Kendricks "Goin' Up In Smoke" and Tata Vega "Full Speed Ahead" has enough of the classic Motown feeling to get me. Also the audio is very good, so if played loud it would certainly gild any dance party. Even if I have no previous relation to any of the songs they still do me good and I may just get up and start moving my old legs to this record before too long. Also released on vinyl in UK, South Africa and Greece, but to my knowledge never on CD. First French had label as shown here in a thin glossy cover. (TÖMÖ*) (MFÄX*) (FÄV*) (SÄM*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                       

                                                                                   

                                                                                  

 

SANDIE SHAW/REVIEWING THE SITUATION NSPL 18323 (-69) UK

 For more on her please check post on her debute  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2013/09/sandie-shawsandie-npl-18110-65-uk-mono.html  . This was her fifth original LP. It's been on my want list for a very long time. Not only because I happen to like sixties female vocal, but also since it's different from all she'd done earlier. Here's a girl famous for pop ballads and schlagers suddenly recording a self-produced album with covers of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Dylan, BeeGees, Beatles, Loving Spoonful, Dr John and Donovan. Backed by Ian Wallace (King Crimson) on drums and some to me unknown guys on guitar, bass, saxophone and flute. Most reviews has been less than favourable and it didn't sell at release, but let's give it a chance fiftysix years later. First thing that hits me is how down to earth it is. For exemple versions of the Stones and Zeppelin stuff far from the originals elaborate and hard hitting productions. Instead it's all very relaxed, like a couple of skilled friends getting together and playing for fun. And the audio is superb, bringing a very natural feel. To me good listening all through, but if to pick favourites it'd be the rather sexy bossa "Love Me Do", the very cool versions of "Your Time Is Gonna Come" and Rufus Thomas' "Walking The Dog". I guess an album that won't attract modern listeners in general, or many lovers of her earlier stuff, but for me the combination of her voice and the choice of tracks really work. Vinyl issues also Downunder and in South Africa. UK 2013 CD on Salvo (SALVOCD 066) and the EU 2xLP "Record Store Day" issue on UMC (0836040) both came with ten bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as mono NPL 18323) had label as shown here in a very thin and brittle fold/out cover. (FÄV*)  (PÖY*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

                                                                              

                                                                               

                                                    

 

CATHERINE HOWE/"HARRY" SF 8407 (-75) UK

 British singer/songwriter born 1950. Though award winning and with tons of positive critical acclaim through the years - among other things appointed "one of the great unrecognized voices" and "Kate Bush before her time" -  she's still sadly unknown by the large public. There's lots of more info on her in Wikipedia, go there and see  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Howe#Bibliography  . This was her second of seven studio albums up to 2015. If you're in need of snug stuff it's a gem. All cuts but two - Dylan's "To Be Alone With You" and Tom Jans "Loving Arms" - self penned. Profoundly produced and arranged by Del Newman (1930-2020), who also worked with artists as Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Caryl Simon. Sitting in my listening chair I'm feeling relaxed by the songs. Doesn't matter if slow or slightly up-tempo, it's smooth and caressing and her vocals always on the spot. Orchestrated ballads are usually not my cup of tea, but here it all fits and I have to give in. A lovely album, perfect for piping down moments. Favorite tracks - "When The Sparrow Flies", "Loving Arms" and "Harry". Also issued on vinyl in US and South Africa. Japan 2018 CD on RCA (SICP 5775). Premiere UK had label as shown here in a matte cover with her name and frame embossed on front. (FÄV*)

                                                                                      

                                                                                    

                                                                                     
                                                                                   

                                                                          

 

ESPERANTO/LAST TANGO SP-4524 (-75) US

 British-Belgian outfit existing between 1971-75, in that time releasing three LP:s of which this was the last. Founded by Raymond Vincent, formerly in Wallace Collection  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=wallace+collection . The settng here consists of two violins, one cello and two vocalists backed by drums, bass and keyboards. And since the genres involved are psych, prog and art music it should be an interesting ride. And it sure is, starting with one of the most adveturous Beatles covers I've ever heard - "Eleanor Rigby" performed with frenetic strings to odd rhythms, so off that if if wasn't for the lyrics I wouldn't have recognized it. Then  "Still Life" - a strange mix of art music and funk with eastern influence. And on it goes with freaky genre blends, often in high speed but always expertly executed. This is not for the faint-hearted listener, but if you enjoy taking a less certain road, for better or worse, just to see what's happening it might be something for you. Full album below. Issued on LP and/or CD all over the world through the years. Japan 2016 CD on Belle Antique (BELLE 162512) came with two bonus tracks.  First US had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover. (YZÄ*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

                                                                                     

 

ABC TELEVISION'S THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS VOL. 2 LK 4554 (-63) UK MONO

 One of two LP:s released 1963 in association with the UK TV-show "Thank Your Lucky Stars", broadcsted between 1961-66. While the other was a sampler of Pye artists  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2023/04/brian-matthew-introduce-abc-televisions.html , whith more "grown-up" music as pop ballads and smooth jazz, this was mainly directed towards a younger audience. I love picking and digging in to stuff like this, where I can get a mix of today still well known acts and ones that disappeared from the public eye long time ago. Apart from the obvious Rolling Stones I bet most lovers of sixties music also are familiar with Brian Poole & The Tremeloes, Tornados, Heinz and Bachelors. Though the real gold for me here are the recordings that otherwise only surfaced on 45:s or long forgotten LP:s back then and therefore sadly forgotten by most today. Some of them has resurfaced on CD:s or as downloads by now, but as this sampler was almost coincident with the recordings it's worth more to me. Good to hear tracks like The Caravelles "You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry" - femal vocal duo with enough spunk to catch, The Big Three "By The Way" good Merseybeat pop, Kathy Kirby "Dance On" emotional rhythmic pop and Mickie Most "Mr. Porter" an exemple from his early artist carreer before he became a successful producer. All in original mono with smashing audio. To my knowledge only issued on vinyl in UK and Israel (PAX ISK 1003) and that was it. Premiere UK had label as shown here with "Recording First Published 1963" and "Made In England" only at the top in a laminated flip/back cover with Handling/Playing inner.  (SÄM*)  (FÄV*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                      

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                    

                                                                                          

 

SAM APPLE PIE LK-R 5005 (-69) UK MONO

 My last post on this was too meager, so here I go again with added music. London based blues rock band existing between late sixties and 1974. Originally formed by members from a "Bottleneck Blues Club", but going through a number of personal changes during their short existence. This was their first album of two, including Sam Sampson on vocals, Mike Smith and Andy Johnson on guitar, Bob Rennie on bass and Dave Charles on drums. Produced by Ian Sippen and Peter Shertser (who both also worked with Ashkan and Clark-Hutchinson) and partly arranged by Andy Clark from Clark-Hutchinson who also contributed some piano. All songs but one - Rufus Thomas "Tiger Man" - self penned. To my taste this is very good white blues. A fine mix of slow and up-tempo, all carried by smashing guitars. It all blend so well together there's no need to jump tracks, just taking them in one after another. If I have to pick favourite cuts it'll be "Hawk" with its double guitar solo and the thoughtful "Sometime Girl". Full album below. As released on Decca 1969 the mono is without doubt a fold. This sounds just right though, so probably from a very good compatible. 1969 issues also in US (Sire SES 97020) and Germany (Decca SLK 16637-P). UK CD on Repertoire Records (REPUK 1017) came with mono mixes for "Tiger Man" and "Sometime Girl" as bonus. Premiere UK mono had label as shown here in a laminated cover with stereo/mono die-cut hole on rear and red rim inner. (YMÖ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                    

                                                                                     

                                                                                

 

MONICA TÖRNELL/DON'T GIVE A DAMN 6316 052 (-75) SWEDEN

Swedish singer/songwriter born 1954. After releasing two albums - "Ingica" and "Alrik" - sung in Swedish in a folky ballad/rock style - she totally changed subject with this, trying out fusion, psych and soul, all sung in English. Ten tracks whereof four self-penned, produced by Björn J:son Lindh and backed by members of Stockholm jazz band Splash together with ABBA crew Janne Schaffer, Mike Watson, Ola Brunkert and Tomas Ledin. A top gang indeed. And I'm floored - by the skill, oddity and diversity. For exemple - "I'm In Love With A Big Blue Frog" very heavy soul rock to screamy vocals, "Angels And Devils" odd rhythmic thing with vocal chants, "(People) Don't Give A Damn" slow funky jazz, "Sam Hill" heavy blues with mean guitars. She may not have the most strong soulful voice, yet her energy and personality still nails every song. Also the audio here is smashing - big, strong and natural. Very happy to have found this. Picked it because it was cheap and I liked the front pic, but it turned out to be a gem...at least in my world where odd female vocal stuff is much loved. The tracks below were the only original ones from the LP I could find on Youtube. Issued on vinyl in Sweden and Japan (Swedisc SW25-6007). Also on Swedish cassette (7125 058), but to my knowledge never reissued on CD or any other format. Swedish vinyl had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.   (FÄV*)  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                               

                                                                             

                                                                           

                                                                               

                                                                         

 

 

 

TAMLA MOTOWN IS HOT, HOT, HOT/THE SUPER KOLOSSAL GIANT KINGSIZE HOT, HOT, HOT ALBUM 5C 180-50252/3 (-73) NETHERLANDS

 This 2xLP compilation was the last part of a serie of volumes issued in Germany, Netherlands and Scandinavia early seventies and in a way a summary as it contains tracks earlier released on other single LP compilations in the serie. I can't say if it has the best picks to everyone's taste, but it sure gets me with twentyeight cuts all oozing with Motown feeling. Though I have most of the tracks before it's nice to have them all in a row, listening through with a big smile on my face. I got so many favourites here. To mention a few - Supremes "Love Child", R. Dean Taylor "Gotta See Jane", Smokey Robinson & The Miracles "Tears Of A Clown", Marvin Gaye "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", The Isely Brothers "This Old Heart Of Mine". All immortal classics that will stay alive through re-issues and cover versions long after we're gone. And that's just my pick for now. I guess if You're a Motown fan You probably see many other highlights when checking the song list below. Also the audio is fine all through, partly coming out somewhat softer than the originals, but hitting the ears just right. If You're new to Motown or a beginner that want more of the best they could offer - it's recommended.  First Dutch had label as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover. (TÖMÖ*)  (HÖLX*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

                                                                                 

                                                                                      

                                                                                 

                                                                              

                                                                              

                                                                                

 

THEM/HERE COMES THE NIGHT PAS 71005 (-65) US STEREO

 

By most often simply seen as a US version of the band's classic UK debute   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2023/08/themthe-angry-young-them-lk-4700-65-uk.html . A twelve track omitting "Just A Little Bit", "I Gave My Love A Diamond", Bright Lights Big City", "My Little Baby" and "You Just Can't Win", instead adding "Here Comes The Night", "One More Time" and "One Two Brown Eyes". But with the different tracking, sleeve design, label and title I rather se it as a separate issue than just a different version. This is new to me and after playing a couple of copies of the UK to pieces since the sixties and getting more than accustomed to that it's a much welcome addition. I do have two of the added songs already on the "World Of Them" mono    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/11/themthe-world-of-them-pa-86-70-uk-mono.html   , but as that is a later compilation and this an original it's closer to the fact and therefore closer to my heart. As expected this "stereo" is fake, though as such not bad at all. I mostly hear some kind of enhanced mono, somewhat brighter than its UK sibling, but with tophole separation making it very ok listening. After more than fifty years with the band I'd say all tracks here are favourites, but if to pick a few - "Here Comes The Night" and "Mystic Eyes". This variation was also issued in Canada, Japan, a couple of South American countries and as UK export . Japan 2021 CD on Oldays Records (ODR 7066) came with all tracks in mono and stereo. Not sure if the stereos on that are the original fakes of some kind of re-mixes. If You know - please comment and tell. Premiere US had label as shown here in a laminated cover.  (YZÄ*)  (VMÖ*)