SAM THE SHAM AND THE PHARAOHS/WOOLY BULLY MGM-C-1007 (-65) UK MONO

Following is what I wrote about the US mono 3,5 years ago - "This is personal. The song 'Wooly Bully' is connected to some strong memories from my early teens. I remember school dances and first puppy loves with sweaty hand palms and blushing cheeks at a loss for words. I must have sat through hundreds of Truth or Dares or bottle spins just to get a little closer to some sweet girl. Always akward, never really there. In other words a rather normal mid-sixties teenager. A few years on things would change considerably with drugs and the sexual revolution, but this was still innocent days. Back then 'Wooly Bully' was as wild as it got in the northern town where I grew up - a simple melody with nonsense lyrics to an enthralling bouncy rythm. Perfect for our first meetings with alcohol and early trials on the dance floor. No skill or preparation needed - just jumping up and down and shouting was enough. Good times. I've worn out a couple of singles through the years, but never had the LP till I found this copy a while ago. Listening today it's surprisingly good thoughout. Messy party music with a true garage feeling - uninhibited yet confident. 'Haunted House' reminds of early Them, 'Go-Go Girls' feels like a latin Bo Diddley and 'Every Woman I Know' is pure fifties rock. In many cases an album follow-up to a million selling '45 just contained that and nine or eleven fillers, but this is more. A tophole party LP filled with positive vibrations". I see no reason to change any of that when describing this UK mono now. It sounds exactly the same with the same joyful atmosphere and the connected memories remain. Only differences are this has the first design MGM LP label, skipped in US 1959 but used in UK up to 1968, and wrapped in a common Garrods & Lofthouse laminated flip/back cover instead of the US plain. That could maybe make it a little yummier for some collectors, but if it's just the music and audio you're after...it's a tie. (CPYC*) (ÖGÄ*)