T.REX/GREAT HITS BLN 5003 (-73) UK

There's probably been 50+ compilations with Bolan/Tyrannosaurus Rex/T.Rex through the years and not all are of the highest quality. I've posted two good ones earlier and this is another well worth having. All tracks are from 1972-73, wich was a very productive period for Bolan and the group. Apart from touring and releasing two original albums they also issued a number of non-LP singels, most of them with double B-sides. Although this has a few numbers from previous albums there's so much goodies here, for the first time on 33 rpm, I've always regarded it as an original LP between "Tanks" and "Zinc Alloy". Tracking tells a lot about his width those two years - from the cool "Lady" and whimsical "Solid Gold Easy Action" through boogie to the downright heavy "20th Century Boy" and "The Groover". All tracks are nicely implemented by producer Tony Visconti with pressing and audio in top shape. To my knowledge not issued in US, but had release in many countries all over the world with about same cover and tracking. First UK with label as shown here, fully laminated stickered cover and poster. (RÄX*)

COLOSSEUM/THE GRASS IS GREENER DS-50079 (-70) US

Colosseum is my all time favorite prog band and one of the best UK constellations ever. A combination of experience, skill, fantasy and moxie made them outstanding on the British scene. But this remarkable album was US only. A lot was going on around and within the band at this time - new members, labels and recordings - so by the time the Americans was handeling the "Valentyne Suite" issue, just a few months later, the group had developed considerably. New guitarist/vocalist Dave Clemson had replaced James Litherland and the music moved from rather traditional jazzy prog to a sound specific to the band. So instead of just being a US issue of "Valentyne Suite", this became a totally unique LP. There's only one original recording in common - "Elegy", still with Litherlands vocals. Three other cuts from the UK version was re-made with Clemson - "Butty's Blues", "The Machines Demands A Sacrifice" and "The Grass Is Greener" - all more edgy and emotional on this. And only here you'll get the studio originals of "Rope Ladder To The Moon", "Lost Angeles" and "Jumping Off The Sun". They later showed up on UK "Colosseum Live" and "Collectors Colosseum" issues, but in more or less changed form. The album in its UK shape is also very good, but this feels more free and adventurous and nails me to my listening chair - note by note. All tracks were recorded in London and produced by bassist Tony Reeves and Gerry Bron (who worked with Marianne Faithful, Manfred Mann, Uriah Heep and also managed his own label - Bronze Records). Re-issued in remastered form 2003 as part of a CD issue of "Valentyne Suite" (Sanctuary Records SMEDD 097). (CÖL*) (YZÄ*)

JOHN LENNON/SHAVED FISH PCS 7173 (-75) UK

Always a Lennon fan, but that doesn't mean I adore everything he did. I find parts of his later stuff borderline mushy and the production of some LP:s inferior. Each one of his original albums has magic moments, but to my ears the only fully fledged is the 1970 "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band". During Beatles break up and a few years after is when I liked him the most, when he posed as a rebel and political activist without getting too deep in the stuff. The attitude was reflected in the music, with catchy tunes performed simple and decorticated. All his early singles was in that manner and this was the first time they appeared on LP. "Give Peace A Chance", "Cold Turkey", "Instant Karma", "Power to The People" - that's Lennon for me. The rest on here comes from other albums, but "Mother" has a special edit, different from both album and US single, and "Woman Is The Nigger Of The World" uses the shorter '45 edit. Audio on this release is perfect, big and distinct with good separation. The only bad thing is "Give Peace A Chance" was butchered for the issue with two short pieces opening and closing the record. Premiere US on Apple (SW 3421). 1:st UK with label as shown here, fully laminated cover and glossy lyric inner. (BÄ*)(JYZÖ*)(ÄPLÄ*)

SYD BARRETT/OPEL SHSP 4126 (-88) UK

There was a lot of expectations for this issue and much hype surrounding it. On arrival it got some good reveiws and we were told Barrett himself approved. I liked every single track he made with Pink Floyd and most on the two solo albums. It wasn't just a temporary crush, I still find solo numbers like "Octopus", "Gigolo Aunt" and "Baby Lemonade" rewarding. I had big hopes opening the cover for the first time, finding out there was eight previously unreleased compositions and the rest alternate takes. I usually don't care about late issues of alternate takes. In 99% of the cases the reason they weren't used was the recordings had lower standard and that is certainly the case here. Non of these alternates reaches up to the ones on the solo albums and you certainly got to appreciate the work done by producers and musicians involved getting such a fine result on the issued versions. The previously unissued stuff consists of a few demos and mainly unfinished takes recorded between 1968-70. Some of them makes me sad when he's struggling with the guitar or stumbling over words, but two tracks stands out. "Lanky (part 1)" and "Swan Lee", both recorded in May -68, still have some of the old magic. Initially the two unissued Pink Floyd tracks "Vegetable Man" and "Scream Thy Last Scream" was supposed to be on here, but the inclusion was stopped by the group. So it could have been a lot better and it's not even close to the classic issues, but still essential to die-hard Barrett or Floyd fans. On the plus side - the cover has a nice lay-out with lots of information about the tracks and the audio is very good. US vinyl release on Capitol (CI 91206). UK first with label as shown here and glossy f/o cover. Also issued on CD and cassette in both US and UK. (PÅX*)(HÄVL*)

BEACH BOYS/LITTLE DEUCE COUPE T 1998 (-65) UK MONO

My favorite Beach Boys period for albums is between 1967 and 1973 - starting with "Wild Honey" and up to "Holland". Never been much for surf music. The arctic harbours where I grew up wasn't right for the sport and when I heard their earliest stuff the music just sounded like endless variations of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen". So the first three albums - Surfin' Safari, Surfin' USA and Surfer Girl - didn't catch my attention, but this did due to one track - the a capella "A Young Man Is Gone". It was so sad and beautiful at the same time I couldn't stop listening. Far from Beatlemania or dirty R&B, but serious and heart-breaking. I was amazed getting something like that from a rock'n'roll band. There's two more good slow songs on the album - "Ballad Of Ole' Betsy" and "Spirit Of America" - with magnificent vocals all the way. Unfortunately the rest is like surf rock, only with car themes this time, but three out of twelve isn't totally bad. The mix and audio of this mono is top notch. Never heard an original stereo, but as I understand that had separate mixes, made by studio engineer Chuck Britz. Premiere US 1963 on Capitol with same number. First UK 1965 with label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (BÅB)

ZAPPÉD PRO 368 (-70) US SAMPLER

Sampler sold through ads on innersleeves from issues by Warner Brothers labels and available by mail order only. Made to promote Zappas two labels - Bizarre and Straight - and sold for $1 plus postage. Non of the numbers from it, bar Zappa, can be described as commercial and it's a reminder of simpler times, when even the wierdest acts could get a record contract. Most of the LP:s this stuff came from didn't sell at all and many of the artists are today dead or forgotten. Though sentimental reasons may be enough to have it, there's also a bunch of very rare tracks here. My favorites are the ones from Jeff Simmons (with some great Zappa guitar), Tim Buckley and GTO:s. It also had a stock release in Australia (Reprise RS 5270) and a few other countries. US variations exist, with different covers and/or tracking, but I don't know wich ones are legit and wich are bootlegs. This is legit, has top audio and if you're into unusual stuff it's a must. It shows up on Ebay sometimes and is possible to get at a fair prize. Not issued on CD.(Back cover has comprehensive comments to all tracks, but my copy is too dirty to scan. Track list on pic below is from a WB ad inner and does not appear on the cover.)(ZÄP*) (YZÄ*) (SÄM*) (LÖZZ)

BEATLES' GREATEST OMHS 3001 (-70) SWEDEN

Not counting the American continent always releasing their own variations of Beatles albums, the first non-UK batch of compilation albums came arround 1965, mostly with unique domestic choices of tracking and cover design. Sweden had its own "Beatles Greatest Hits" (Parlophone PMCS 306). In Germany and Holland "Beatles' Greatest" had its first release, both initially with German number and cover (Odeon SMO 83991). 1967 it was re-released in Holland with different cover and number (OMHS 3001). After the group broke up 1970 there was another flow of domestic compilations all over the world. The Swedes did not make their own in the early seventies, but choosed to issue the Dutch -67 release in November 1970 on Parlophone instead of Odeon. Common for all three issues is "All My Loving" has a slightly longer edit with Ringos "count in" by five hits on the cymbal. (I haven't heard the German or Dutch originals, but guess they had the same versions as this.) All tracks are in true stereo, except "I Feel Fine" wich has the US fake version. "Long Tall Sally" is the US stereo, while "From Me To You" uses a rare UK -63 stereo mix. "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" is the UK 1965 mix. So it is a rewarding amalgamation of versions and edits and from the three issues having it, this Swedish is the most affordable. 1:st press with labels as shown here and fully laminated cover. (BÄ*)(SWÄU*) (PÖX*)(CCÖ*) (LGÅ*)

TAGES/2 PALP 3002 (-66) SWEDEN

While the debute (  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/11/tages-palp-3001-65-mono-sweden.html  ) was surpisingly mature for this fresh teen group, with garage style covers of R&B numbers and fine production, this is something else. The style is more contemporary UK pop/rock with clear inspiration from English bands in performing - an exemple is the homage "Guess Who", where drummer Freddie Skantze plays Keith Moon all the way. The debute was managed by Swedish top producer Anders Henrikson wich made it stick toghether all through in style and performance. This was self-produced and is more fragmented and less comprehensive. I feel some of the covers are a size too big for them and maybe an experienced leader in the studio could have made a better fit. But there are a few top numbers here I just can't be without - all self penned. "I Still Remember" is melodic slow pop with very tasty guitar work, "In My Dreams" a ballad driven by an acoustic guitar riff and the ballad "Go", also acoustic with a very nice feel to it. Released in compatible stereo only, but the '45 issues had separate mono mixes (you can find them on "Best Of Tages" https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-of-tages-palp-3005-67-mono-sweden.html ). First press with label as shown here, thick vinyl and fully laminated cover. (SCÄ*)(DÄXÖ*)(CCÖ*)

AL KOOPER/YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE S 63651 (-69) UK

His second solo album. While the first was more experimental, almost psychedelic at parts, this is down to earth r&b/jazz/pop with almost a big band feel to it. I can't help placing it in the same field as albums from the best US pop-prog bands of the era - like Chicago, BS&T and Flock - and in comparison I don't find this up there. Although it has some good songs I hear more skill than feeling and it don't touch me. Kooper is one of the founders of modern American rock, but he has done a lot better through the years. It will remain in my collection, but it's not one I play a lot. Premiere US issue on Columbia (CS 9855). First UK with label as shown here, thick unflexible vinyl with SBPG matrix and laminated cover with record number above logo on front and back. (ÄLCÖ*)

JOHN LENNON - WOMAN IS THE NIGGER OF THE WORLD/10 CC - DONNA (MONO) POLAND

Earlier I posted a Sovjet McCartney mono flexi as an exemple of East European issues from the communist era. This is one from Poland. It's not actually a flexi, but a one-sider pressed on thin cardboard with kind of wall paper pattern. The label is in relief with Lennon title "Kobieta Jest Murzynem Swiata" above mid-hole and 10 CC "Donna" below. It also has a "mono 45" triangle to the right (sorry I can't scan better). The monos of both tracks are fold downs. The audio is not very good, sounds muffled, but you get the songs. Don't know if it's legit or some kind of bootleg, maybe it came with a local magazine. I hope someone reading this knows more. It may not be of interest to all, but I always have room for odd issues like this. (BÄ*) (BÅC*) (JYZÖ*)

TELEVISION/MARQUEE MOON K 52046 (-77) UK

Sometimes when writing here I make it too big and maybe get lost in translation. But with this I'll keep it short. If You are a fan of punk, garage, new wave, hard rock, classic rock, killer guitars or rough stuff in particular...or just happen to fancy good songs, top audio or recordings with few overdubs...and for some reason don't have this already - go buy immediately! It wasn't a big seller on first release and an early press can be tricky to find, but there has been many re-issues through the years, both vinyl and CD, so there's no excuse for not having it. I've had copies since first release and through 35 years it hasn't aged a bit - still fresh, still a mind blower. One of the greatest rock albums ever. Premiere US on Elektra with picture/lyric inner (7E-1098). First UK with label as shown here, thin glossy cover and picture/lyric inner.

THE BEST OF THE DAVE CLARK FIVE SRS 5037 (-70) UK EXPORT

A genuine floor filler at the school dances and teen parties where I grew up was "Glad All Over". It couldn't get happier or more positive than that. Two plus minutes of pure joy and everyone was dancing. Back then we didn't know DC5 for a short while was one of the sixties top groups with a stack of million sellers world wide, twelve top 40 hits in UK and seventeen top 40 on Billboard. They were one of the first UK bands to tour US and filled arenas through the country, had eighteen guest appearances at Ed Sullivan Show and their own TV special. All we cared about was the music and some of the groups other '45:s, like "Do You Love Me" and "Bits And Pieces was also true party savers. However the songwriting and style, with short up-tempo rock numbers and clean cut ballads, were very much tied to the early sixties and as the big scene moved towards psych and more drug infested rock, sales started to drop and the band broke up 1970. In a few years they released over 20 original LP:s in US and UK together. To my taste they were at their best with the singles. I've had a number of original albums but non of them got me 100% - a few good songs on each, but also rather meaningless fillers. So if you gonna have one album with the group I recommend a compilation. This was a UK low budget one with all their best songs and top audio, still possible to get for a good prize. It has about the same songs as the UK 14 track version (Columbia SX 6105) of US Epic collection "Dave Clark Five's Greatest Hits" (LN 24185/BN 26185). But while that UK issue was mono only this has all tracks in true stereo, probably using the Epic mixes. 1:st press with label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (ÖXÄP*)(SXS*)

IGGY AND THE STOOGES/RAW POWER S 65586 (-73) UK

Today the band is regarded as an early inspiration for punk rock, heavy metal and alternative rock, with an almost iconic status. But back then they didn't sell at all and the first two albums sank quickly. They had a live reputation, but the public often responded with hate and violence. Electra records saw no future for the group and dropped them in 1970. One of their early fans was David Bowie (Iggy...Ziggy...Stooges...Spiders...a coincidence? I don't think so) and he set out to save the group, picked up the remains and got them a new contract with Columbia. This LP was recorded in London CBS studios September and October 1972. Iggy himself produced and initially mixed the whole album, but the result was considered too crude and Bowie was asked to re-mix it. The Iggy mix had only used 3 channels of 24 with vocals on one, lead guitar on second and the rest of the band on third, so there wasn't much Bowie could do but altering volume on either vocals or guitar. So on this the background comes through very dense with little or non separation, while the vocals and lead guitar partly seems bright and loud in comparison. For decades I thought that was the original plan and really dug into it. Listening today, knowing the history, I don't mind if the audio is half-bad. It is a true classic and one of the rawest albums ever. Most critics liked it back then, but it didn't sell much on release, peaking at #182 at Billboard and staying away from the UK charts. First US on Columbia (KC 32111) with b/w picture inner and sticker on front. Premiere UK with label as seen here, thin matt cover and b/w picture inner. (ÅGGÅ*)