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*)

                                                                                     

                                                                                 

     

                                                                                

 

A PSYCHEDELIC TRIP TO UNDERGROUND 88 436 DY (-69) SCANDINAVIA

 

A to my taste very rewarding collection of more or less odd cuts, blending psych, garage, funk and baroque  to a delicious dish. I get to me well known acts as Blue Cheer, Buddy Miles, McCoys, Fugs and H.P. Lovecraft, but also ones new to me, like The Hello People, Pearls Before Swine, The Tea Company and The Mesmerizing Eye. Audio loud and clear, almost offensive. With such a diverse array of acts and genres it might be a rocky road for some listeners, though with an open mind it's easy to take in and enjoy the journey. Have a lot of favorites here, but to mention a few - Daughters Of Albion "Well Wired", Blue Cheer "Aces 'n' Eights", Eyes Of Blue "Crossroads Of Time" and The Hello People "Anthem". To my knowledge only issued on vinyl in Scandinavia and Germany (same label and number) and that was it. Scandinavian had label as shown here in a laminated triple fold/out cover. (SÄM*)  (CCÖ*) (FÄV*)

                                                                             

                                                                              

                                                                                    

                                                                                         

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

 

BARRY RYAN/BARRY RYAN SINGS PAUL RYAN MGM-CS-8106 (-69) UK

 

 

  British twin brothers Barry (1948-2021) and Paul (1948-92) Ryan achieved success in UK as a pop duo in the mid-sixties. Within a couple of years they managed eight top fifty numbers on the UK list, whereof "Dont Bring Me Your Heartaches" reached highest at #13. But by 1968 Paul couldn't stand the stress of artist life and decided to step back and just work as songwriter. Their first offer as a composer/performer duo - "Eloise" - became a huge international success, managing #2 in UK and and #1 in seventeen countries, selling over three million copies. This follow-up album sold ok initially, but soon seems to have lost appeal and moved to the cheap bins.  Listening today one may think that was unfair. It's clear the label went all in with orchestral arrangements by Johnny Arthey (1930-2007), who also had worked with Petula Clark, Mary Hopkin and Engelbert Humperdinck among others. Both production and audio are tophole, providing very good listening. Musically bombastic and melodic with tons of feelings sipping through. Maybe not my daily choice, but if in a romantic mood or wanting to grieve lost loves it's perfect. Favorite tracks - "Eloise", "Why Do You Cry My Love" and "My Mama". Issued on vinyl over Europe, Downunder and South America, but to my knowledge never in US. EU 1991 CD on Polydor (849 070-2). Premiere UK (also as mono C-8106) had label as shown here in a stable fully laminated fold/out cover.

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                                

                                                                              

      

 

THE BEATLES/THE BEATLES' SECOND ALBUM T 2080 (-64) US MONO

 For more on the issue please check post on the corresponding stereo  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-beatlesthe-beatles-second-album-st.html  . Even if interesting enough on its own I don't listen to that very often cause it has to my taste too much added reverb, which is disturbing to this fan since long accustomed to the drier UK versions. This mono however sounds a lot better to my ears. Except for "Roll Over Beethoven", "Long Tall Sally" and "I Call Your Name" ,which all comes dry enough, there is added reverb, though not as much as on the stereo. Apart from "She Loves You" it contains five cuts from "With The Beatles" left out from the "Meet The Beatles" issue, three UK flip sides - "I'll Get You", "Thank You Girl" and "You Can't Do That" - plus two songs that later would emerge on the UK EP "Long Tall Sally" - "I Call Your Name" and "Long Tall Sally". On this mono the versions of "You Can't Do That", "I Call Your Name", and "Long Tall Sally" are different from the ones used in UK, making them unique for their time. All the above makes this a for me important part of early Beatles history and something to hold on to and enjoy. Originally issued on vinyl in Canada, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, all over South America and as UK export (Parlophone CPCS 103). Also on US 4-track, 8-track, reel and cassette. US 2014 CD on Capitol (B0019698-02) came with both mono and stereo mixes of all tracks. This is not a very first press as that apparently lacked timing for "I Call Your Name" and "Long Tall Sally" on label. This has, but turns out early enough with label as shown here on medium thick vinyl in a glossy cover with Capitol ad inner. (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) (BÄ*) (LGÅ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

 

THE BEATLES/MEET THE BEATLES ! T-2047 (-64) US MONO

 First Beatles album on Capitol after they took over the rights to the band from VeeJay. It can be called a US version of "With The Beatles", containing nine cuts from that combined with "I Saw Her Standing There" from "Please Please Me" and both sides of the UK 45 "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"/"This Boy". Added reverb was one of the deadly sins the Capitol people engaged in dealing with early Beatles recordings. Sometimes it worked ok and actually added something, though mostly it just took away some of the presence. So I'm happy to announce that there's no such thing here. The audio is tophole all the way - clear and natural. I know there are hardcore collectors who frown at everything not British, epecially when it comes to Beatles, but I'm first and foremost a fan so I'll pick any original issue from anywhere as long as it delivers just a little extra. And since this has different tracking than UK, other sleeve design and offers very good listening it fills the criteria for having. Issued and/or reissued further in Canada, Japan, Jamaica, Taiwan and all over South America on vinyl and/or CD. Also as US 4-track, 8-track, reel and cassette. EU 2014 CD on Apple (B0019696-2) had all cuts in both mono and stereo. This copy seems to be an early press since the front sleeve has dark brown band name on top and the rear is without George Martin credit. It came with label as shown here on medium thick vinyl in a glossy cover with Capitol ad inner. (BÄ*)  (LGÅ*) (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) 

                                                                                   

                                                                              

                                                                                          

 

LINKIN' LOUISIANA PEPS/BLUES CONNECTION GMG-1212 (-68) SWEDEN

 Question is - can white men sing the blues? Well at least this one. Peps Persson (born Per Åke Tommy Persson 1946-2021) was a singer/songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player that through his carreer, from the early sixties up to his death, became one of the main sources for establishing blues and reggae as household genres in Sweden. Though with a rather odd personality and being open with his diligent pot smoking he eventually became something of a national celebrity with followers in all social layers. For more on his background check rear text below. Between 1968 and 2005 he released eighteen original album with various settings. This was the debute. What I like most about it is it's honest. He covers songs by Elmore James, Brownie McGhee, John Lere Hooker, Eddie Boyd, Otis Hicks and Walter Jacobs and it's very cool and right on at the same time. Often when white artist try to sing real blues it's like they're copying the black masters instead of living the music. Listening now it sounds like this guy at age 21 already was there, part of it instead of outside looking in. Backing is mostly soft and his vocals more caressing than upheaving. The mix and audio top class, providing good listening both close and as background. Favorite tracks are many, but to chose a few - "Blues With A Feeling" and "Five Long Years". Vinyl issues in Sweden and Australia (Phono Vox Records POP 628). Swedish 1994 CD on Sonet (GMGCD 1212). Premiere LP had label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a fully laminated cover.  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)