THE DAVE CLARK FIVE/PLAY GOOD OLD ROCK & ROLL - 18 GOLDEN OLDIES SRS 5090 (-71) UK

At the time a cash-in project which in retrospective also could be called a transition album. I get tracks picked from two successful rock & roll medley 45:s, recorded by the old band 1969 and 1970, combined with a couple cut by Dave Clark and singer Mike Smith (1943-2008) with help from assorted session musicians after the original setting broke up. So...a rock revival LP blending earlier issued medleys from a band on the edge of break-up with later made studio assignments, issued on the Starline budget label...expectations better kept low. But it actually has some good things to offer. All played with classic rock settings, the quality high and very even making it impossible to separate the differently made parts just by listening. Further Mike Smith's vocals sound pristine DC5 all through, reminding me of the bands early heydays with "Glad All Over" and "Bits And Pieces". And the audio on this UK press is stunning - big, strong and natural. I just close my eyes and there's a rock band in my living room. Today probably a keeper mostly for the original band's fans and lovers of classic rock, but I'm both so why not. Originally issued on vinyl in Europe, Japan and Downunder. Also as 8-track and cassette, but to my knowledge never like this on CD. Premiere UK had label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (SXS*)