LULU/SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT LK 4719 (-65) UK MONO

Scottish singer born Marie McDonald Mc Laughlin Lawrie in Glasgow 1948. At the time for this debute album seventeen years old, but already an experienced artist. Started as vocalist for local band Bellrocks when she was twelve and got signed by Decca a few years later. Her first big seller was a cover of Isley Brothers "Shout" at age fifteen, reaching #7 in Britain 1964. During the sixties she had five more top 10 singles in UK and a US #1 ("To Sir, With Love" 1967) while the LP:s didn't chart at all in UK. Listening today it's rather surprising this wasn't a hit. Sixteen cuts, more or less standard covers, blending lighter pop and raunchy rockers. Recordings made between 1963-65 with five previously released on '45:s. Produced by Peter Sullivan (who at about the same time worked with Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdinck) and arranged by renowned pop conjurer Mike Leander (1941-96). Three of the earlier cuts with her then regular band "The Luvvers", the rest backed by studio musicians and/or orchestrated. The atmosphere is very much 1965, but the vocals transcends. It's amazing how a girl in her mid teens can be so mature and professional still with tons of youthful energy coming through. Favorite tracks - a bouncy "Night Time Is The Right Time" with prominent organ and "I'll Come Running Over" - cool uptempo carried by some playful rythm guitar from studio musician James Patrick Page. Don't know of any US release before 1973 (Pickwick SPC-3237) and then as a ten track. 2008 CD on Rev-Ola (B0012NOK12) with four bonus cuts. Pressed in mono only with top audio. First had ridged label as shown here, laminated flip/back cover and handling/playing inner. (FÄV*) (LÅL*)