CILLA BLACK/CILLA PCS 3063 (-65) UK STEREO

 This was her debute album. But as I already have and am very pleased with the the mono - please check that for more on the release itself  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/06/signed-by-brian-epstein-1961-cilla.html - why would I need the corresponding stereo? Because it was produced and partly arranged by George Martin, who also oversaw the mixing. This was recorded at about the same time as "Beatles For Sale"   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-beatlesbeatles-for-sale-pcs-3062-64.html    and with the, for its time, very enjoyable two-channel mixes on that I wished the ones here would come out as good. And they actually do, at least to my ears. One of the better UK 1964 stereo mixes I've heard so far. The equipment they used very primitive compared with todays standards. From back then you often got vocals and music divided between the speakers or rhythm section in one and the rest in the other. But this comes all very well balanced. There are nice stereo effects, but lead vocals mostly centered to a fully fledged background. Maybe not my all time favourite female singer, she could sound a little strained sometimes, but the production, arrangements, mixes and audio here are just dandy, so good listening and a keeper for sure. Originally issued like this also in Germany, Downunder, Israel, Rhodesia and South Africa. Japan 2017 CD on Oldays Records (ODR 6450) came with four bonus tracks. This copy seems to be one of the first pressed as it has -1/-1 matrices and 1/G 1/G mother stampers  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=%28ZLE%C3%84*%29  . It came with label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover with "EMITEX" inner.  (FÄV*)  (CÄLÄ*)  (PÖX*)

                                                                         

                                                                          

                                                            

 

THE HAPPENINGS/PSYCLE SHA-U 100 (-67) GERMANY

 US New Jersey combo starting as "The Four Graduates" 1961, but changed name after being signed by B.T. Puppy Records. Successful as a cover band, taking known hits and remaking them in their own special style. Between 1966 and 1969 they released three albums, of which this was the second, and during that time also managed nine top 100 45:s on Billboard, where of two - "See You In September" and "I Got Rhythm" got to #3. Listening today one can argue that the style on this album isn't all their own, but sometimes reminding a lot of same period Beach Boys - the harmonies, the adventure and the softness embedding it all. But on the other hand it's all very well done. The harmonies maybe not totally up with Beach Boys though still beautiful enough. And I do get a feeling what it would have sounded like if Brian Wilson and the boys would have chosed to cover Al Jolson's "My Mammy", Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" and the classic "Bye Bye Blackbird". So even if I felt a little distrurbed because of the similarity to Beach Boys at first, now I'm enjoying a very well performed, arranged and produced album with enough twists to entertain. Originally released in US on B.T. Puppy Records in stereo and mono (BTP/S 1003), also in Canada, UK, France, Spain, Downunder and a couple of South American countries. Japan 2019 CD on B.T. Puppy Records (ODR 6839) came with two bonus tracks. First German had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.  (GÖXÄ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                    

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

 

 

THE ROLLING STONES S 17005 P (-73) MONO GERMANY

 

A reissue of the 1964 German release of the Rolling Stones debute album (BLK 16 300-P). As a fan of the band and collector of original issues in general that would be the real prize for me and I'm hoping to find that one day. But this has benefits too having totally different sleeve design, including a colour live pic on rear, and carrying a giant Mick Jagger poster. Never heard the German original mono so I can't compare with that, though this mono sounds mostly brighter and wider than the UK, can't say if better or worse, just different. However it was the poster that made me pick it. I have checked a large number of copies last decades lacking it so buying this was a no-brainer. First released as a record club issue 1970 and reissued many times including poster with only small differences between them. Reasons I think this is the 1973 one is the rear sleeve lacks both the small "stereo" print top left rear and the "6.21695 AF" under the S to the right and that it is true mono, not fake stereo. Please right me if I'm wrong. Anyway it came with label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with a 96x65 cm poster having Mick Jagger on one side and German discography on the other. Th MJ pic is way too large for my scanner, but it's the same as on the front sleeve, so I've cut that to get you an idea.  (GÖXÄ*)  (RÅ*)

                                                                                     

                                                                                     

                                                                                   

 

TEMPTATIONS/SKY'S THE LIMIT GS 957 (-71) US

 The combo's fourteenth album. For more of their catalogue and history check this link  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=%28%C3%84I%C3%96*%29  . When I spotted this in a bin and saw it was produced by Norman Whitfield I expected to hear some good Motown soul psych and that's just what it is. Not overly psychedelic, but with enough small twists here and there to make it a bit else. Like the the rather odd arrangements with "Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love", the borderline mean guitar in the funky "Smiling Faces Sometimes", or the vocal reverb crowning "Love Can Be Anything (Can't Nothing Be Love But Love)". Not a lot, but sufficient to bring balance to the melodic and mostly soft songs, making it very good listening all together. Soothing with just enough tickling moments. Full album below. Issued and/or reissued pretty much all over the world on vinyl and/or CD, also as reel, cassette and 8-track. EU CD on Motown (530 101-2) came with one bonus track - the 45 "Ball Of Confusion". First US had label as shown here in a glossy cover with Motown ad inner.  (TÖMÖ*)  (ÄIÖ*)

                                                                                

                                                                                     

                                                                        

 

MADAME CATHY BERBERIAN/REVOLUTION - AN OPERATIC FIRST SRF 67564 (-67) US

 As a big fan of Beatles own recordings I also have an interest in different cover versions. This is a whole LP of such and certainly a very odd collection. Cathy Berberian (1925-83) was an American mezzo-soprano that through her life immersed herself in a variety of musical genres. Performing classic opera, but also working together with experimental composers as Igor Stravinsky, John Cage and Darius Milhaud, and interpreting works by Kurt Weill and Villa-Lobos. I didn't know a thing about her when I spotted this in a bin a while ago and by just seeing the sleeve design thought it would be something light weight, something to smile on, like the Mrs. Miller albums. Though this is dead serious. I'm not that familiar with opera, but can at least hear that her performance is very profesional and clean on every label and the classic backing featuring strings, wind instruments and clavicord on the spot. Also the audio on this issue is superb - natural and crystal clear. However I'm having a hard time listening to it all through without resting between songs. Even though I'm usually a sucker for female vocal my ears just can't adapt to sopranos and those strong high pitch voices. I appreciate the effort and the cunning US sleeve design and will keep it for sure, but probably won't listen a lot more. First issued as "Beatles Arias" in France, Germany and UK - all three with differing sleeve design. To my taste this US (also as mono MGF27564) is the best variation - named "Revolution" (after the 45 track?) and with design refering to the "Revolver" sleeve. It came with label as shown here in a gossy cover. (FÄV*)  (YZÄ*)

                                                                                     

                                                                                     

 

CREAM/I FEEL FREE 2872 244 (-83) GERMANY

 German collection, also issued as "Golden Greats" and "Sunshine Of Your Love", all with same tracking but differing sleeve designs. Had to have one of them since "Anyone For Tennis" is included, the only Cream cut I didn't have on LP before. And it's also very sweet listening since the compilers did choose some of the band's most melodic compositions - like "Wrapping Paper", "White Room", "Badge", "Strange Brew", "I Feel Free" and "Sunshine Of Your Love". Even if I through the years have been a big fan of their more blousy offerings, later in life I tend to listen more to the catchier stuff and here I get a lot of that all together. Also the audio is superb all the way - AFT is enhanced mono the rest true stereo. Question is - do one really need a large number of compilations with about the same tracks from artists where you already have all or most of them. In some cases - yes. If the track sequence differs and the sleeve design is unique it can give you new vibes. So albeit "Anyone For Tennis" wasn't included here I probably would have picked it anyway. All vinyl variations were German. Also issued as CD in Poland on Selles label (Sell 1073). (GÖXÄ*)  (CÄRÄ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                       

                                                                                  

  
 

HOLIDAY BREAK

Taking my usual break from posting over Christmas and New Year. Not that I'm celebrating especially, just using the holidays to pipe down and rest my mind. I don't get the fuzz during this time of year. People stressing their hearts to pieces to buy things. The true meaning of Christmas seems to be long gone. Instead it's a celebration of Mammon with some Jesus thrown in here and there to make it legit. Better withdraw and listen to some good music. See You again next year. Wishing You a nice and relaxing holiday wherever You are/Erik

 

SANTA'S GREATEST HITS SGH 1 (-85) UK MONO + STEREO

 Time for this year's Christmas album...and it's a good one. A 2-LP set containing twentyfour season classics from Bing Crosby to ABBA. All original recordings - mono or stereo - and the audio good all through. So if you're not fed up with hearing this kind of music already or loving it anytime - this is for you. All sweet and embracing, setting the mood just right. It would take too much to write something on all artists involved, but check the songlist and you'll get the drift. Exemples below. After hearing Christmas songs since early November I should be allergic by now, but sitting down and listening through the whole thing did work and I got the feeling all right. To my knowledge only issued on vinyl in UK and Ireland (same number) and as UK cassette (SGHC 1) and that was it. UK had label as shown here in a fully laminated fold/out cover with colour pics of all involved artists inside.  (SÄM*)  (CXÅ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                       

                                                                               

                                                                                

                                                                                 

OWE THÖRNQVST/14 X OWE THÖRNQVIST MLP 15033 (-59) MONO SWEDEN

 A record probably most important to Scandinavian lovers of fifties rock'n'roll or those into his later domestic hits. But it is an oddity and therefore I think well worth a post. Owe Thörnkvist, born 1929 in Uppsala, started his musical carreer 1953 and is still active today at age 95 (2024). After early in life combining law studies and boxing he released his first 78rpm "Diverse Julboogie" (Diverse Christmas Boogie) 1955, a rock number issued a year before Bill Haley's and Elvis Presley's US breakthroughs. Other early rock numbers were "Varm Korv Boogie" (Hot Dog Boogie) and "Rotmos Rock" (Turnip Mash Rock). Through the years he's written and performed songs in a variety of genres, apart from rock also latino, country, ballads and children songs, mostly with humorous lyrics, sometimes reflecting his teen years in Uppsala, among them about two girls he was in love with - "Gun Från Dragarbrunn" and "Svartbäckens Rödaste Ros". This LP is a collection of cuts recorded 1956-59, among others containing a couple of the aforementioned songs. Unfortunately missing "Diverse Julboogie" and "Rotmos Rock", but there are other cuts that can be percieved as rock'n'roll, or at least rock-ish. Like "Anna Kaffepanna" (Anna Coffee Pot), "Hjälp!" (Help!) and "Dagny". Many of the tracks on here were re-shaped and re-recorded in the sixties and seventies and became popular domestic hits, but here they are all pure garage, very simple with lots of feelings shining through. Though I kind of like the re-recordings it's these original versions that really gets to me. Seemingly recorded live in the studio without any further meddling it sounds a little unbablanced at parts, yet 100% honest, conveyed through a warm fifties audio. To my knowledge this was the only issue.  It had label as shown here on heavy unflexible vinyl in a fully laminated flip/back cover. I only had the ability to download one original version from YouTube, but here's also a link to "Dagny" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ROP444h9E  and one to "Varm Korv Boogie"   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VihR4CtrTrs   . (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                             

                                                                              

                                                                                 

THE BEATLES STORY STBO-2222 (-64) US STEREO

 

 A 2-LP issue carrying a great historical value, but not all fun to listen to. A mishmash of interviews, press events and episodes of their songs, either original or orchestrated, mostly with voice-over commentaries and separate comments taking up too much of the time. It turns out more about The Beatles than with them. To me the only interesting musical piece here is the around thirty second portion of "Twist And Shout", which would be the first live segment from the band on vinyl. The rest of the snippets just fillers. The interviews with the guys and some of their fans is fun to listen to the first time, though not necessarily something you long to return to over and over. I guess this issue was a must for many fans back then as it reached #7 on Billboard and was certified gold in US. But with all that's been since its value today lays more in it being a part of the original US Capitol catalogue and therefore collectible, or as a time machine, a chance to get back to when it all happened. Also issued on vinyl in Canada, Japan, Taiwan and a couple of South American countries. Japan CD on Capitol (STBO 2222) as "mini LP" in paper sleeve. This copy is not a first press as the label has the longer "subsidiary" rim text. It came with label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover with band pics inside. (BÄ*) (YZÄ*) (LGÅ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                   

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                       

 

ABBA/SUPER TROUPER POLS 322 (-80) SWEDEN

 

  After posting 2500+ records here only two of them are by ABBA - "Voyage" and the UK compilation "The Singles - The First Ten Years"   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2013/01/abbathe-singles-first-ten-years-abba-10.html  . It may seem strange since they are one of the most famed and big selling acts ever, but it might have to with I'm Swedish and therefore always seen them as too obvious. I do like their singles, but never dived in to any original album, so this will be a first. It was a million seller world wide and so were the three spawned 45:s - "Super Trouper", "The Winner Takes It All" and "Happy New Year". Those three alone would be enough for love, but there's a lot more goodies going on here. I'm not all in with the over all synth sound, but do like the medieval style "The Piper", the latino "Put On Your White Sombrero" and the "Andante Andante" ballad. Listening through one have to admire the compositions, but also remember the female vocals are equally important - so controlled, yet bursting with feelings. So in spite of the often too prominent synths this has been a revarding listening and I will get in to more of their albums eventually. Issued and reissued all over the world on every possible format through the years. First Swedish had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with hard glossy lyric/credit inner. (FÄV*)  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

                                                                                       

                                                                                    

                                                                                 

 

THE RATIONALS CR-1334 (-69) US

 A band totally new to me so I had to check the net to get any info. Apparently a Michigan garage combo founded 1964 and from 1965-69 releasing thirteen 45:s for various labels. Even if highly appreciated localy they never caught on nationally and this one-off album became their last effort before breaking up. However that was, listening today makes this old garage lover very happy. A blend of slow and fast, where the up-tempo tracks have a frenzie reminding me of MC5 and The Stooges - right on with blatant guitars, screamy vocals and hard hitting drums - sounding just right. The calmer cuts obviously less manic, but still performed with that kind of carelessness defining good garage. There's no attempt to please any lover of enjoyable melodies or well played instruments here, just music filled with tons of raw energy. Even if it all fits I'm more for the heavy stuff - "Barefootin", "Guitar Army" and "Sunset". And for those accustomed to Rod Stewart's cover of "Handbags And Gladrags", the peeled off version here might come as a shock. Audio very direct giving the impression of a more or less live performance. The contact is instant - this is them playing for me fiftyfive years later. Early vinyl issues in US, Canada, Germany, Downunder and a couple of South American countries. EU 2011 CD on Big Beat Records (CDWIKD 298) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover.  (YZÄ*)

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                

THE BEATLES/BEATLES '65 T 2228 (-64) US MONO

  Including the "story" LP US Capitol released five Beatles albums 1964. This was the last of those. A kind of US version of the UK "Beatles For Sale", having eight tracks from that combined with both sides of the "I Feel Fine"/"She's A Woman" 45 and a leftover from the "A Hard Days Night" sessions - "I'll Be Back".  The IFF and SAW cuts have way too much reverb for my taste, which is a disappointment as I would love to have had them as they were close to the fact. Luckily there is a Swedish "Greatest Hits" from 1965 which contains those and a couple other early oddities totally unmuddled    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-beatlesgreatest-hits-pmcs-306-65.html  . The versions on here are not what I remember and therefore find them too strange, but guess if you grew up with those versions it's the ones you prefer. Some of the other cuts have reverb too, but not that disturbing, just making the audio more airy. And it is a good gathering of songs, so nevertheless a fine addition to any Beatles collection. Sixties issues also in Canada, Germany (Odeon SMO 83917), a couple of South American countries plus as US 4-track, 8-track and cassette.  EU 2014 CD on Apple (B0019703-02) came with all tracks in both mono and stereo. Not sure what the timeline is for this copy, but with rainbow label on medium thick vinyl in a glossy sleeve, if not the very first press it's certainly early enough for me. (YZÄ*) (BÄ*) (LGÅ*) (ÖXCÅ*)