WHAM! GLAM! THANK YOU MAM!/THE BEST OF GLITTER ROCK 1972-75 DIN-030 (??) AUSTRALIA

 Collection concentrating on the heyday of glamrock, bringing seventeen of the most celebrated hits from back then. To my taste the compiling is superb with many of the songs I dug most those days - two each from T.Rex and Sweet, then other killers by Slade, Wizzard, Alice Cooper, Suzy Quattro, Mott The Hoople and The Rubettes. I may not have had a very close relationship to the other artists represented, but it all fits for listening through in the same glittery mood. Just having the period classics "Metal Guru", "Ballroom Blitz", "Gudbuy To Jane", "See My Baby Jive", "All The Young Dudes", "48 Crash" and "Sugar Baby Love" on one vinyl is certainly good enough for me and I can also acqaint with a couple I haven't heard before, or just forgot about. Audio shifts a little between tracks though all comes out just fine providing good listen throughout. Would like to recommend this to all glam lovers, but as it was only issued in Australia (also on cassett DIN 030C) there may be limited access outside Downunder. Vinyl came with label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.  (SÄM*)  (DÖW*)

                                                                                             

                                                                               

                                                                                      

                                                                                 
                                                                               

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                               

 

ROY WOOD/THE BEST OF ROY WOOD 1970-74 MFP 4 15697 1 (-85) UK

 Can't seem to get enough stuff with Roy Wood, keep picking even if I have the songs many times already. He is one of the true heroes behind British music in the sixties and seventies, with bands like Move, ELO, Wizzard and solo. No matter the genre, his efforts always melodic and always downright catchy. Here I get fourteen tracks with some of the very best from the period 1970-74. Six late Move cuts, five Wizzard and three solo. The audio shifts a little due to the very dense production for some of the tracks, but it all sounds fine allowing me to listen through with a big smile on my face. Impossible to pick favourites from such a plethora of musical wealth, but three songs that make me especially happy are Wizzard's "Ball Park Incident", the collaboration between Wood and Jeff Lynne in "Chinatown" and "Goin' Down The Road (A Scottish Reggae Song)", the latter a gaelic reggae garnished with bagpipes - who could ask for more? Think I've made my point - if You like melodic and touching songs, but haven't bumped in to Roy Wood before this budget compilation that can be found in the cheapest bins today might be what You need. To my knowledge this was UK only, also on cassette (MFP 415697). Vinyl had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.  (RÖWS*)  (SXS*)

                                                                               

                                                                                 

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                            

 

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE/ARE YOU EXPERIENCED R 6261 (-67) US MONO

 Last decades I've plowed through a number of different issues for this album, including the UK and Australian monos (see earlier posts). Both those sound just fine, but I've always been curious about this US mono and how it compares to the others. Now that I finally found a nice copy and being able to hear it for the first time I'm blown away. It's like a different LP. Not only having a totally other sleeve design, the tracks "Red House", "Can You See Me" and "Remember", originally on most other releases, have been removed and replaced with "Purple Haze", "Hey Joe" and "The Wind Cries Mary", making it more of a greatest hits. Though what really strikes me is the audio - a lot more powerful, almost violent at parts, making it hit hard and giving it a live aura. The three tracks "new" to this all seem to have some slight reverb added in comparison to the UK originals, but nothing disturbing, they still sound very good and so does the whole album. This has now become my new favourite AYE. Listening to it at high volume I do feel...experienced. To my knowledge only legally issued like this in US and Canada. US 2013 CD on Experience Hendrix (88765455842) came with six bonus tracks. First US had label as shown here in a sleeve with glossy front. (YZÄ*)  (JHÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

                                                                                    

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

                                                                                  

 

20 GOLDEN GREATS 2475 601 (-76) MONO + STEREO GERMANY

 

 Continuing to pick and recommend collections I find worth having. One of many bearing this "Golden Greats" title, but in this case the compiling really lives up to it. All time classics by Who, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, James Brown, Bee Gees, Troggs, Slade, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Derek & The Dominos, Barry Ryan, and more. And even if they crammed in ten cuts on each side the audio is smashing. As I can hear all here are the 45 versions. For exemple "Wolly Bully", "Happy Jack", "I Feel Free", "Fire", "Wild Thing" and a couple more comes in mono, while "Layla" is a 2:43 version. Even if I have most of the songs before on albums it's nice to get the single cuts and there are also tracks new to my collection, like Marbles "Only One Woman", Jimmy Jones "Good Timin", Julie Driscoll "This Wheel's On Fire", Bobby Brown "Montego Bay" and Medicine Head "One And One Is One". Many music lovers today are starting to lose interest in vinyl compilations and instead go for CD ones, so items like this are getting harder to sell and therefore now often shows up in the cheapest bins. But if you're in it for the music, analog audio and sixties feeling and don't want to spend a fortune this comes highly recommended. Also issued on vinyl in UK and Austria (same numbers), plus as German cassette. German vinyl had label as shown here in a thin glossy cover. (SÄM*)  (GÖXÄ*)

                                                                                       

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

 

MARVIN GAYE/MARVIN GAYE LIVE! T6-333S1 (-74) US

 His second live album after the 1963 "Marvin Gaye Recorded Live On Stage". Gaye, suffering from stage fright, had long been pressed by Motown to tour again and after the success of the "Let's Get It On" LP he finally agreed. The concert recorded here, at Oakland Coliseum arena in front of 14.000+ fans, became a huge success and the album went to #1 on the US R&B chart and #8 on Billboard. They even released the live version of "Distant Lover" as a 45, which also reached high on the lists. First thing that hits me when listening to it now is the audio - wide and generous, allowing me to be there. Second is his relation to the audience as it seems as they're following every note and move, making it a joint experience rather than he's singing down to them. Third, but not least, the performance. Backing, of which the sleeve unfortunately doesn't tell anything, is very adaptive  - sweet or sturdy after what's needed - and the vocals just right. Sitting in my listening chair I don't just hear it as an LP, more like an invitation to travel back in time and join the audience. Not naming my favourite tracks here since to me it's best enjoyed in one long sitting and the parts works better together than detatched. Exemple below. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. First UK on Tamla Motown (STMA 8018). Japan 2009 remastered CD in a fold/out paper sleeve on Tamla (UICY 94041). Early US had label as shown here in a gatefold gimmick cover with die-cut page. (LYBÖ*)  (YZÄ*)  (GÖJI*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                         

                                                                                   

 

VANISHING POINT - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK SHU 8420 (-71) UK

 I keep picking soundtracks from films I haven't seen. In this case from what I understand is a kind of cult movie about a Benzedrine high driver who's fleeing the police through a number of US states. Maybe I get a chance to watch it some day, but till then I will just hear this as a regular compilation. And I do get a lot of good music here, coming from a blend of soul, gospel, country and rock. A couple instrumental but most of the fourteen cuts with vocals. Even if from different sources it goes very well together and the audio is smashing all through, so very good to both mind and ears. As an old Mountain fan I do appreciate the inclusion of "Mississippi Queen", but also Jimmy Walker's soul number "Where Do We Go From Here" and the gospelish "You Got To Believe" by Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. Though my absolut favourite here would be J.B. Pickers raw instrumental psych rocker "Freedom Of Expression" - both haunting and strangely attractive. So movie or not, this is to my taste a very good compilation that stands well on its own. Originally released on vinyl in US (Amos Records AAS 8002), Japan, Germany, France, South Africa, Brazil and Downunder. Japan 2009 issue on King Records (KIZB 66) came with all tracks on CD plus 2xDVD with versions of the movie. First UK had label as shown here in a laminated cover with "blue box" stereo inner. (ZÖNT*)

                                                                                           

                                                                                             

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                        

                                                                                  

 

LEE HAZLEWOOD ANN-MARGRET/THE COWBOY AND THE LADY LHI-S-12007 (-69) US

 The first LP by Hazlewood after leaving ABC and starting his own label. He'd also quit the long time collaboration with Nancy Sinatra, here replaced by a new lady - Swedish/American actress and singer Ann-Margret. Nothing penned by Hazlewood himself, instead an album covering more or less country classics. As co-produced by artist/songwriter/producer Donnie Owens (who also worked for Elvis and Duane Eddy among others) and co-arranged by harmonica legend Charlie McCoy (who worked for Elvis, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Chet Atkins plus many more) and Hazlewood himself the result comes almost too perfect to my ears. Not an expert on the genre myself, but I do prefer when the outcome is more naked and direct and this comes very smooth and radio friendly. The tracks that make me sit a little more straight in the listening chair are ones garnished by Ann-Margret - the ballad "You Can't Imagine" plus the up-tempo "Only Mama That'll Walk The line" and "Dead End Of The Street". Her vocals may not be absolutely perfect all the way, yet personal enough to catch my attention. I've seen reviews saying the best thing with this issue is the sleeve pics. I wouldn't go that far. Good listening that  might not be mind-blowing but certainly charming. First released on vinyl in US, Germany (London SHA-U 118) and Downunder. Also as US 8-track and MP3 17xFile plus a 2017 CD on Light In The Attic (LITA 160) that came with six bonus tracks. First US had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover. (YZÄ*)  (FÄV*) (ÄZL*)

                                                                              

                                                                                   

                                                                             

                                                                                        

                                                                                     

 

HEADS TOGETHER/FIRST ROUND 6360 045 (-72) UK

                                                                                    

 I've always loved compilations and then especially those who carry odd or even unique tracks you can't fine anywhere else. This is one of those. A Vertigo follow-up to the much praised 1970 "Vertigo Annual"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-vertigo-annual-1970-6499-4078-70-uk.html , though with a somewhat different agenda. Still a very good exposé over contemporary more or less experimental music, but as it seems with a couple of cuts originally not even issued on Vertigo. For exemple Sunbird "Brother Bird", a ballad with some psych feeling by Patrick Campbell-Lyons from the sixties psych band Nirvana, was a one-off 45 on Philips. Also the Martin Carthy cut was originally on Philips and the Pete Atkin one on Fontana. But the real treat here is Lassoo "Brothers" - very catchy and well sung up-tempo folky style with a nice organ break - connected to Sunbird by the Campbell-Lyons production. I've been combing through the net trying to find it anywhere else, but without luck, so I guess this sampler is the only record you can get it on. It's all very happy listening indeed. I not only get lots of good music, but can also enjoy a couple of true rarities and even one track unique to this. Luckily the whole album is posted on YouTube, so you can enjoy it even if you don't care about merchandise. To my knowledge this was also issued on Vertigo In South Africa, but never on vinyl elswhere or anywhere on CD. UK came with labels as shown here in a matt fold/out cover with dated swirl inner. (SÄM*)  (WLÖ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

                                                                                     

              
                                                                                 

 

ELVIS PRESLEY/GOLDEN RECORDS VOLUME 3 LPM 2765 (-63) MONO GERMANY

 Long time since I found an Elvis vinyl worth buying, then this suddely occured. Not in a bin, but as a present from a former girlfriend by mail. Maybe too private to share here, though it made me so happy I just have to tell. Number three in a serie with some of his best. For the two former check  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=elvis+golden+records . Here I can enjoy classics like "It's Now Or Never", "Stuck On You", "Surrender", "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Little Sister" in mono with absolutely smashing audio - big warm and natural. At gunpoint I may prefer his earliest stuff over these more neatly arranged recordings, but the backing here, including The Jordanaires, is so perfect and his voice so intriguing I just have to give in. I mean - Elvis is Elvis and there will be no other like him...ever. Now I'll get back to my listening chair, put this on the turntable and just enjoy. Issued and reissued all over the world on all possible formats through the years. I can't count them all. This German seems to be an early second press, having the same matrices and and sleeve as the original, only label design differs. It came with label as shown here on heavy vinyl in thin fully laminated cover. (GÖXÄ*)  (ÄWY*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                  

  

 

KEEF HARTLEY/LANCASHIRE HUSTLER SDL 13 (-73) UK

 After releasing six LP:s with Keef Hartley Band he decided to release one as a solo project, then including singers Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer plus guitarist Pete Gage from Vinegar Joe, which he'd been working with on the album "Rock'n'Roll Gypsies" a year earlier. Also with vocalist Jess Roden from Alan Bown, Jamaican guitarist Junior Kerr and bassist Philip Chen, keybordist Jean Rouselle (session musician who's worked with about everyone from George Harrison to Thin Lizzy), Mick Weaver on hammond and moog (Wynder K. Frog) and guitarist Jim Mullen (Pete Brown & Piblokto and Brian Auger). So a very experienced backing it is. I've seen it got some mixed reviews through the years, some calling it aimless, lacking some of the strength of his earlier albums. This is the first listen for me and I must say I'm positively surprised. A blend of soul, r&b, rock'n'roll and jazz, sometimes with a prog twist and sometimes more towards psych, though always melodic with top vocals. No surprise some reminding of Alan Bown and some of Vinegar Joe, but in all pretty unique. Favorite tracks "Circles" and "Jennies Father". I'm certain this enchants most of KHB:s old fans, but it may also do it for lovers of the involved genres in general. Vinyl issues also in US and Canada (Deram XDES 18070), Mexico, Japan and South Africa. UK 2009 CD on Esoteric Recordings (ECLEC 2102). First UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover with "blue box" inner.  (DÄRR*) (KÄÄF*)

                                                                                 

   

                                                                                   

                                                                              

                                                                                

 

SPENCER DAVIES GROUP/THE BEST OF THE SPENCER DAVIES GROUP FEATURING STEVIE WINWOOD ILPS 9070 (-68) UK MONO + STEREO

 Compilation issued after Stevie Winwood decided to leave the band at age 18 and instead join Traffic. For me Spencer Davies Group was an essential part of British sixties music. Always well performed, melodic and catchy with a string of hits and lots of radio play during the short time - 1963-67 - Winwood was part of the combo. As this British issue was the first hit collection I've been trying to find an original on "eye" label for a long time. But since it didn't sell very well on home turf initially and had separate presses in other countries it hardly ever shows up like this in ok nick, at least not in my search area. But now I've found one and truly rejoicing. Even if the label say stereo, what I hear is a mix of mono and true stereo cuts and the audio is very warm all the way, no doubt from original tapes. So now I can enjoy "I'm A Man", "Gimmie Some Lovin", "Keep On Running", "When I Come Home", "Somebody Help Me" and many more as they were meant to be heard. I even get two rare 45 B-sides - "Waltz For Lumumba" and "Trampoline" - in original shape. I'm aware sixties music is starting to lack attraction nowadays as some of us who were there then are passing away and others are getting rid of their vinyl collections, favouring CD:s and downloads instead. But I'm still here and I wont let go. This has been issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. Premiere UK (also as mono ILP 970) had label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a laminated flip/back cover. (TXÄW*)  (ÖSÄP*)