THE MOVE/LOOKING ON FLY 1 (-70) UK

 When Jeff Lynne left Idle Race ( https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/04/idle-racethe-birthday-party-lbl-83132.html ) to work with his old friend Roy Wood in The Move there were already plans to kill the group and start a new one with emphasis on string infested rock. Both were fans of the Beatles songs "Strawberry Flields" and "I'm the Walrus" and wanted the same kind of heavy agenda. Those plans would later evolve into Electric Light Orchestra, but first they had to ride out The Move contract with two more LP:s (which would be this and "Message from the Country"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-movemessage-from-country-shsp-4013.html  and a number of singles (the late non-LP ones are best caught here   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-movecalifornia-man-shsp-4035-74.html ). On this it's very clear the aim is experimenting, both in songwriting and producing. With five of the tracks they're just trying to be as raw and heavy as they can, creating a very dark atmosphere. The two remaining are among the most complicated Lynne compositions ever, filled with ideas that partly would be re-used later on with ELO. During the sessions they also recorded "10538 Overture", originally intended for a Move B-side, but decided to save it for later and it became a massive UK hit for ELO 1972. The "Brontosaurus" track from the album was recorded previous to the LP and released as single on Regal Zonophone. It went top 10 in UK, but didn't do well in US. "When Alice Comes Back From the Farm" was the groups least commecial '45 and didn't chart at all. I'm very found of this album and think most of its charm comes from the obvious lack of commercial interest. The guys are trying out stuff here with the final goal still set two years ahead, yet there is so much talent and skill involved it never gets boring or introvert. A remain from a musical era when everything was possible. Full album below. Also issued on vinyl in Canada and USA (Capitol ST-658), Germany, Italy and Downunder. Japan 2001 CD on Cube (VICP-61315) came with ten bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover. (RÖWS*) (FXÖ*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                    

 

ELECTRIC MONSTER ROCK SHOW LBS 83423/424 (-70) GERMANY

 This is a sibling to the "Electric Rock"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2015/01/electric-rock-idee-2000-lbs-8337273x-70.html  and "Electric Rock ´71" https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/12/electric-rock-71-idee-2000-lbs-8349192x.html  samplers I endorsed earlier. Another of those albums that can work as a very pleasing substitute for all us vinyl lovers who lack the means to get every interesting original pressing. A well packaged 2-LP set containing a mix of recordings from today semi-common acts - as Canned Heath, Ansley Dunbar, Johnny Winter and Groundhogs - with really odd ones - like the one-off 45 from shortlived UK band "Big Bertha" (then with members Cozy Powell and Peter French), the late sixties Miami combo "Fantasy", the Seattle rock band "Floting Bridge", the German psych fusion band "Motherhood" or the Swiss rockers "Krokodil". At least for me, who's always trying to find rare cuts on LP as close to the fact as possible, it's a true gem. Hopefully there are other compilation loving collectors out that that do agree. Cuts added below. To my knowledge this was the only issue. It came with label as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover. (SÄM*)  (GÖXÄ*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                
                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

                                                                              

                                                                                

TIM HART & MADDY PRIOR/SUMMER SOLSTICE CAS 1035 (-71) UK

 A follow-up to the duo's 1968 "Folk Songs Of Olde England" Vol.1 and Vol.2 albums, recorded after they'd joined Steeleye Span and issued about the same time as the band's "Ten Man Mop..." LP - https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/11/steeleye-spanten-man-mop-or-mr.html . Far from the folky rock that would lead to further fame and bigger sales later on, this is a lot softer with sparse or non backing to the voices. "Dancing At Whitsun" comes with string arrangements by Robert Kirby (who also has worked with Nick Drake, Elton John, Strawbs and Elvis Costello among others), but the rest sounds close to traditional. I had a change of mind on British folk some time ago. Earlier I almost always went for the rock interprets, carried by sturdy drums and bass, though now I can feel a lot more at home with these sparser and softer versions. As arranged and performed here they offer calm and comfort to a ragged soul and put me in a state of mind where I can almost forget the ugly present. Whole album below for your pleasure. Also originally issued on vinyl in Holland and Downunder. US 1984 LP (79046) and cassette (5SHAN-79046) on Sanachie. Japan 2006 remastered CD in paper sleeve on Strange Days Records (POCE 1017). UK 1976 repress on Mooncrest (Crest 12). Premiere UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover.  (FÄV*)  (BRYF*) (FÄHZ*)

                                                                               

                                                                             

                                                                              

                                                                            

 

SOLID GOLD SOUL SD 8118 (-66) US STEREO + MONO

  I do love compilations and as pubic interest for vinyl ones has faded last decade, after CD:s and downloads has taken over that market, you can almost always get them very cheap nowadays. I especially like ones offering unique cuts - e.g. https://monolover.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-house-that-track-built-613016-69-uk.html - but also those that collect all top numbers, if issued close to the fact - like  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-vertigo-annual-1970-6499-4078-70-uk.html . Here's another exemple of the latter. A US Atlantic sampler gathering soul earrings from the label's most prominent male artists - Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Ben E. King, Joe Tex, Don Covay and Solomon Burke. I get a lot of classic originals here - like "In The Midnight Hour", "Mercy Mercy", "Stand By Me", "Mr. Pitiful" and more. And even if I have most of those on different albums already, it's still good to have them all in one place. The label say "stereo", but it's actually a blend of true stereo, true mono and ones you could call either fake stereo or enhanced mono. I'm usually very particular when it comes to mixes, but even if differing in format the tracks here come out surprisingly alike - big,strong and balanced - so in this case I'm good even with the modified ones. Futher on vinyl in UK (Atlantic 587037), Canada, Japan, Italy, Downunder and South Africa. Also as US 8-track.  This US released in both stereo and mono (8118). Premiere stereo had label as shown here in a glossy cover. (SÄM*)  (YZÄ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                            

                                                                                

                                                                                   

                                                                         

 

BRUCE CHANNEL/KEEP ON SBLL 110 (-68) UK

 American singer/songwriter today mostly considered a one-hit-wonder because of the Billboard #1 1962 single "Hey! Baby", reaching #2 in UK. He also released a couple of mildly successful follow ups, non of which made it into the high 50´s in US, but did get a minor hit in UK and Australia with the song "Keep On", which also became a list topper in Sweden when covered 1969 by domestic rock star Jerry Williams (1942-2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs2c6iQQJcc . This LP seems to be a compilation of 45 A:s and B:s Channel released late sixties. Not sure which of those predates the LP and which was spawned from it. In any case it's a well put together album touching many genres, like r/b, country pop, baroque and soul. Produced by Dale Hawkins (also known for his all time classic hit "Susie Q") it is quite pleasant. Maybe more smooth than exciting, but still good listening. There are some very good melodies and all very well performed and arranged with top audio. Adding a couple below so You can hear for yourself. It was his only album released between the 1962 "Hey! Baby" (US on Smash MGS 27008/SRS 6708)) and the 1978 "Indian Summer" (US on Zeus S-1010), but for some reason only issued on vinyl in UK (also as mono MBLL 110). German 2001 CD on Repertoire Records (REP 4936) came with five bonus tracks. UK vinyl had label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover.

                                                                                

                                                                              

                                                                              

                                                                             

 

ARETHA FRANKLIN/I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVE YOU SD3189 (-67) US

  Her first LP after leaving Columbia, for which she had recorded nine albums 1961-67. Even if selling ok most didn't answer to the label's expectations and she actually ended up owing the company money, which was one of the reasons she decided to move to Atlantic. This was her debute for the label and also the starting point for one of the more legendary soul carreers. Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York and Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, it came in a for her then new and most fitting dress. It was an instant success in US, reaching #2 on Billboard while the spawned 45s - the Otis Redding cover "Respect" and the Ronnie Shannon penned "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You)" - got to #2 and #9. Listening today it's evident the magic still remains after all those years. Apart from enjoying the up-tempo soul classics "Respect", "Good Times" and "Save Me" you can aslo dive deep down in sincere ballads like "Drown In My Own Tears" and "Soul Serenade". To my taste this is good all the way through, fitting for close listening as well as background and party music. Guess all die-hard soul lovers have access to it in some form already, but if You are one and for some reason missed it I've added songs below for your pleasure. Issued and reissued on all possible formats through the years. UK on Atlantic (587 066). Japan 2008 CD on Atlantic (WPCR-75440) had three bonus tracks. Premiere US came in both stereo and mono (8139). First stereo had label as shown here in a laminated stickered cover.  (YZÄ*)  (FÄV*)

                                                                                  

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

                                                                             

                                                                                 

 

THE ROLLING STONES/STICKY FINGERS COC 59100 (-71) UK

 

One of those all time classic albums that's been dissected down to the smallest molecules on every possible level through the years and I got nothing to add on that. Already posted the Spanish original, wich is intriguing because of its different tracking and other sleeve design - more on that here  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/06/rolling-stonessticky-fingers-hrss-591.html . But even if that is more odd and thus in a way more interesting I still wanted a UK press as they originally were a British band. It proved to be hard since those hardly show up in the local bins where I get all my vinyl and when they do in ok nick the price is mostly way out of my league. But now I've finally found one fitting my wallet and feel I have to post something on it. Had other copies since release and gone through every track as favorite. Though later years there's been especially two - two opposites. The languishing "Moonlight Mile", which to my taste is the most touching Stones song ever with its beautiful string arrangements by Paul Buckmaster (1946-2017), and  "You Gotta Move" - an old spritual here transfomed into a dirty blues number. Both still giving me goose pimples if I'm in the mood. This is not a very first UK press. Seems the earliest came as fold-out and/or with larger zipper and/or without the "Promotone" text on label. But since it has the original sleeve design and insert and the audio is smashing - loud, clear and offensive - it's good enough for me.  (RÅ*)

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                              

                                                                                 

                                                                               

 




 

OTIS REDDING/HISTORY OF OTIS REDDING S 418 (-67) US STEREO

 

  Already posted a number of Otis Redding issues  https://monolover.blogspot.com/search?q=(%C3%96R%C3%96*)  . Here's another favorite that also could work as an introduction for those still unfamilliar with the man. Compilation issued one month prior to him passing away, making it the last album issued during his lifetime. It's also the first of many retrospectives on his carrer with recordings from the years 1962-67. To my taste an absolutely stunning collection of songs. No fillers on this, it's all top class, a mix of self-penned and covers sung by one of the best male soul voices ever to empathic backing. I usually shy away from fake stereos - here called "electronically enhanced" - and still hoping to find the US mono version, though this is not all bad and can certainly be enjoyed without earsores. I could go on praising each song, but better adding a couple below for your pleasure. Issued and reissued on vinyl all over the world, also reel, 8-track and cassette, but to my knowledge never like this on CD. First UK in mono and stereo on Stax/Volt (S/418). Premiere US had label as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover.  (YZÄ*)  (ÖRÖ*)  (TÄX*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                               

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

                                                                                

                                                                              

                                                                            

 

EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND/SING BROTHER SING SHVL 772 (-70) UK

  UK psych blues band formed 1968 in Warwick as "Edgar Broughton Blues Band", but after starting to involve psych elements in their music skipping the Blues from the name. Though not from the performance, which can clearly be heard on this second album. Even if a blend of various styles as folk, rock, jazz and psych it still rests on a blues foundation, sometimes hard to hear but you know it's there. Closing my eyes in the listening chair I'm taken on a bumpy ride through hard and soft, sweet and ugly, ordinary and absurd. Sounds like one of those period albums where the bands just did what they liked themselves without any regard to sales or public acclaim. It can be hard to take in at once, but still very honest and refreshing, especially in comparison to all the calculated crowd pleasers flooding the music scene today. Favorite tracks - the Captain Beefheart-ish heavy blues  "Old Gopher" and the hard rock "Momma's Reward". Full album below if You dare. Originally issued on vinyl in Germany, Italy, France and Japan, but to my knowledge not in US. UK 2004 CD on Harvest (07243 8 64124 2 3) came with eight bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here, without the EMI logo, in a laminated fold/out cover with lyric/credit/doodle inner.  (HÄVL*)