CHRIS FARLOWE/THE ART OF CHRIS FARLOWE IMLP 006 (-66) UK MONO

His second Immediate album and a follow-up to the domestically successful "14 Things To Think About". It has been said that since the label was constantly out of money this was rushed to cash in while the hype was on for the first. Maybe so, but it's still a fine LP. Vocals both powerful and personal with flexible arrangements and the audio on this mono impeccable. Recorded at Pye Studios, London, but the rest seems to have been an indoor affair for Andrew Loog Oldham. Four of the songs by Jagger/Richards, two by Skinner/Rose from "Twice As Much" and one written by Farlowe himself. Group backing provided by Farlowe's own band "The Thunderbirds", keyboards and orchestral arrangements by Art Greenslade. Glyn Johns engineered and Mick Jagger co-produced with Oldham. Alltogether it's good blue-eyed soul with Farlowe sounding as black as a white man can get. Maybe they shouldn't have done "Reach Out I'll Be There". Nothing can match Four Tops' version, so packed with emotions and an incredible flow. In comparison the backing here sounds polite and almost sluggish. It sure was a long way to Detroit. Most interesting is the "Paint It Black" arrangements. The handeling here must have been a major inspiration for the Eric Burdon & The Animals version on the 1967 "Winds Of Change" album. It's a similar solo violin in the beginning and both timing and attack corresponds. On German CD 1992 (Repertoire Records REP 4292-WY). Early vinyl issue in UK only with structured label as shown here and matt flip/back cover. (MÖRS*) (YDÄ*)