NICO/THE BLUE ANGEL SX-T 90 (-87) POLAND

 A to my taste superb Nico collection, gathering some of her absolutely best. Side one starting with two cuts from the Velvet Underground debute, followed by two from "Chelsea Girl"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/05/nicochelsea-girl-v-5032-67-us-mono.html    and one from "Desertshore". Side two lifts off with no less than four tracks from her absolutely best album "Drama Of Exile"  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/08/nicodrama-of-exile-aul-715-81-sweden.html   to be concluded by the title track from the "The End" album   https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/08/nicothe-end-ilps-9311-74.html   . There can be no regrets about the song choices here. She has made quite a few more or less questionable recordings through the years, but all the ones in this are done with top production and backing, showing her changing from the late sixties up to mid eighties. Apart from the Velvet Underground tracks being cut very loud - as on the originals - the audio on this Polish issue is very good to the ears. The "Drama Of Exile" cuts maybe not as powerful as on the original, but still enjoyable listening. 1985 vinyl issues in UK (Aura AUL 731), Scandinavia (Mega Rock MRLP 3024) and Greece (Music Box SMB 40304). UK 1986 CD on Aura (AUCD 731). First Polish had label as shown here in a thin matt cover with info in both English and Polish on rear.  (NÖC*)  (BÅC*)  (FÄV*)

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                    

                                                                                       

                                                                                 

 

BRAM STOKER/HEAVY ROCK SPECTACULAR WMD 117 (-72) UK

 For a long time I adopted the common knowledge this was recorded by an incognito studio outfit, but after checking a post by "RDTEN1" on the RYM site I'm feeling truly enlightened. Apparently it was made by a UK prog rock band initially formed by Bournemouth guitarist Peter Ballam and drummer Rob Haines. For a while former Shadows bassist Jet Harris was a member but got sacked due to unseemly behavior and replaced by singer/bassist Jon Bavin. After recruiting former Renaissance Fair keybordist Tony Brondson they adopted the name Bram Stoker and got out on tour, playing clubs, universities and festivals, thereby developing a loyal following. After supporting The Who at one gig Roger Daltrey invited them to record a demo at his home. They also got attetion from Rolling Stones manager Tony Calder. How all this hype only resulted in one LP on Windmill, a label specializing in easy listening and collections and sold exclusively in Woolworth stores, I don't know. But the album is well worth exploring, especially for us who love getting drenched in tons of good organ, but also appreciate psych guitars and occational rhythmic gaming. If You dig Nice or early Deep Purple You'll feel at home here. I'm not that fond of Jon Bavin's vocals, but larger part is instrumental anyway so no big deal. Audio very good all through. Favorite track - "Born To Be Free" with its blend of killer organ and adventurous psych guitar. Adding the whole album below so You can hear for Yourself. The 1972 issue was UK only. Later reissued on vinyl in Gemany (same label and number), Italy (Black Widow BWR 042) and UK (Talking Elephant TELP 302). Japan 2014 2xCD on Belle Antique (BELLE 142211-2) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere UK had structured label as shown here on thick unflexible vinyl in a laminated cover. 

                                                                                   

                                                                                  

                                                                            

 

SPENCER DAVIS GROUP, TRAFFIC, ANDY ELLISON/HERE WE GO ROUND THE MULBERRY BUSH 669 159 (-68) GERMANY

 

Soundtrack to a sort of semi-erotic movie of a kind common late sixties to early seventies. This about a young man trying to lose his virginity by hitting on a number of girls. Haven't seen it myself, but it was re-released on DVD and Blue-Ray 2010 if I should want to eventually. I do find this soundtrack intriguing. Not the common mix of background music and a couple of songs you could expect, instead twelve good songs from major acts, some initially exclusive to this. Andy Ellison may not be recognized as major today, but back then he was member of known psych band John's Children  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2016/09/johns-childrenin-midsummer-night-scene.html  together with Marc Bolan. The Traffic title song was also released as a 45, while "Utterly Simple" is another version than on their "Mr. Fantasy" LP and "Am I What I Was Or Was I What I Am" exclusive to this. Spencer Davis "Looking Back" released as a 45, while their remaining seven songs took off here. Most of them have shown up on later compilations or as bonus tracks, but this was the original. To my ears all together an appealing psych pop compilation carried by mostly very good audio. Favorite tracks - the Traffic and Andy Ellison cuts plus a number of Spencer Davis ones, like "Picture Of Her" or "Possession". Issued on vinyl 1968 in US (UAS 5175/UAL 4175), UK (S/ULP 1186), all over Europe, Downunder, Japan and a couple of South American countries. Also US 8-track and Reel. UK 1997 CD on RPM Records (RPM 179) came with four alternate versions as bonus tracks. First German had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.  (GÖXÄ*)  (TXÄW*) (SÄM*)  (ZÖNT*)

                                                                                    

                                                                              

                                                                                     

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                               

                                             
                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                    
                                                                                      


 

URIAH HEEP/LOOK AT YOURSELF SRM-1-614 (-71) US

  In my world still after fifty plus years remaining one of the better hard rock albums with its blend of heavy metal, prog and melodic, proficiently performed with top vocals. So certainly worth a reminder with added tracks, this time with the US issue. For more on the album itself, please check post on the UK  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/07/uriah-heeplook-at-yourself-ilps-9169-71.html . Unlike  their two previous albums the US tracking coincides with UK on this. I can hear no major differences in audio - at some places the US can be a tiny bit clearer and at others it's the UK that has slightly better separation - but the deviations are so small it's hardly worth mentioning. Both sound great. The mirror sleeve designs differ though and as a whole I do prefer the more colorful US, even if the UK comes with a more readable info/lyric insert. So question is - if you have one is it really necessary to get the other. Sure if you're a die-hard fan of the band, either in the money or like this not so wealthy bloke just happens to make a lucky bin find.  First US had label as shown here in a matt "mirror" cover. (YZÄ*)  (ÖRHÄ*)

                                                                                

                                                                                   

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

 

CHICKEN SHACK/FORTY BLUE FINGERS FRESHLY PACKED AND READY TO SERVE S7-63203 (-68) UK

  Combo founded mid-sixties by former members of blues bands Sounds Of Blue and The Shades 5. After doing a successful gig at The Windsor National Jazz And Blues Festival 1967 they got a contract with Blue Horizon label and recorded this debute album. Until then there had been changes in the group with members coming and going, but those partaking here was guitarist Stan Webb with Christine Perfect on keyboards, Andy Silvester on bass and Dave Bidwell on drums - reinforced by saxophone players Dick Heckstall-Smith https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/12/dick-heckstall-smitha-story-ended-ilps.html   and Johnny Almond. As a long time fan of early Fleetwood Mac I feel aquainted. This has a similar mix of self-penned and blues covers and the Mike Vernon production and audio comes out about the same. Very cool. I may prefer Fleetwood Mac for Peter Green's guitars and voice, but this has its moments too. Guitars are great all through and I like Perfect's vocals on her own compositions "When The Train Comes Back" and "You Ain't No Good" ...which also happens to be my favorite tracks on here. The rest is sung by Webb. Not bad but I wish she'd done more of the songs. To my taste maybe not the best white blues album ever, but certainly good enough and probably a must for every die-hard fan of the genre. Originally released on vinyl in US and Canada (Epic BN 26414), Downunder on CBS, Japan on CBS/Sony and Germany on Blue Horizon. Japan 2005 CD on Sony (MHCP 872) came with four bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as mono (7-63203) had structured label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a laminated cover.  (BLÖH*)  (FÄV*)

                                                           

                                                                                      

                                                                                

 

PHIL SPECTOR'S 20 GREATEST HITS 2307012 (-76) UK MONO

 

  Most of his life Phil Spector (1939-2021) was both loved for his ability to write and produce classic hits and hated, or even feared, for his temper and sociopathic tendencies. Things came to an end when he was found guilty of killing actress Lana Clarkson by shooting her in the mouth and sentenced to life in prison. After that the love for his music seems to have faded in certain circuits. I still listen to him though. Whatever he did outside the studio later years don't diminish the fact that he was one of the most prominent American music makers back then. This is one of many many compilations embracing his heydays. Don't know if it's the best, but it's certainly no the worst. Starting with Ike & Tina Turner "River Deep Mountain High", The Crystals "Then He Kissed Me" and "Ronettes "Be My Baby" then on it goes. A multitude of classic mono hits presented as bombastic and reverb drowned as expected. Often when this many tracks is crammed in on one vinyl the audio suffers, but this sounds surprisingly good. Maybe a bit ballooned in comparison to the original issues, but nothing disturbing. Good listening.  Also released on Polydor in Ireland and New Zealand. UK cassette (ACBC 00260). To my knowledge never issued like this on CD. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.  (SÄM*)  (FÄV*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                  

                                                                              

                                                                                 

 

JAMES TAYLOR/SWEET BABY JAMES WS 1843 (-70) US

 

After visiting UK and recording an album for Apple  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2022/04/james-taylor-apcor-3-68-uk-mono.html  Taylor went back to US. Treatment in Britain for his heroine addiction hadn't worked out 100% so he was hospitalized when arriving to New York. Later homeless and in a bad psych mood, living at producer Peter Asher's place, he still managed to make a successful live performance at Newport Folk Festival. However shortly after he was injured in a motorcycle accident and prevented from playing for months, but continued to write songs and eventually secured a new contract with Warner Bros. At that time his Apple debute had been released to kind reviews, but failed to sell due to lack of promotion. This follow-up, as the first produced by Asher, did a lot better - both the LP and the spawned 45 "Fire And Rain" reaching #3 on Billboard - thus becoming the starting point of one of the most prosperous American singer/songwriter careers for decades to come. To me this reminds a lot of the debute. Melodies that may not catch 100% at first listen but then slowly grows on you, concerned lyrics not shying away from difficulties or set-backs, all performed in a kind of country blues way and crowned by his warm vocals. This however more evenly produced and mixed, creating a better flow. Personally I do prefer the debute as it comes slightly more adventurous, but maybe that's just me. Issued and reissued on all possible formats all over the world through the years. First UK on orange label (WS 1843).  Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover with lyric/pic poster.   (YZÄ*)

                                                                                     

                                                                                   

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

                                                                                    

                                                                                  

 

GERRY RAFFERTY/CITY TO CITY UAS 30104 (-78) UK

  Gerald Rafferty (1947-2011) was a Scotish singer/songwriter. After playing folk rock with The Humblebums 1965-71 and releasing his first solo album 1971 - "Can I Have My Money Back?" - he became one of the founding members of Steelers Wheel, most known for their International hit "Stuck In The Middle With You", managing #8 in UK and #6 on Billboard. After they broke up 1975 he has released ten solo albums, where of this was the first. It was an immediate success, reaching #1 on Billboard, #6 in the UK and high on charts in many other countries. That no doubt much because of one of the spawned 45:s - "Baker Street" -  which became a world wide blockbuster. And that song is the reason I bought this album. After 45 years it still gives me goosebumps all over if I'm in the mood. Not only because of the emotional saxophone riff or the brilliant guitar solo. It's the balance between those and the touching melody sung so poignantly creating an irresistable flow of regret. It gets me every time. The rest of the LP has songs in about the same mood, providing cozy listening all through, but to my taste not carrying the same edge and feeling as "Baker Street". A perfect track that I'm sure will continue to give me goosebumps for many years to come.  Issued and reissued across the world on all possible formats through the years. First US on United Artists (UA-LA840-G). Premiere UK had label as shown here in a thin fully laminated cover.  

                                                                                    

                                                                            

LITTLE RICHARD/GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY & 11 OTHER ALL-TIME HITS GP-9915 (-67) MONO SWEDEN

  Have to admit that though I love rooting in rock history and listen to the originals I've never owned a Little Richard album before. It's shameful but explainable. His fifties recordings helped to pave way for rock as we know it and he's frequently mentioned as a forerunner and role model by rock musicians and genre fans. So through the years I've been trying to find his first two original US albums to a price I could afford, but no luck. Then I saw this in a cheap bin and realised the tracking in a way coincided with US - side one has the same tracking as side one from his first "Here's Little Richard" (Specialty SP-100) and side two same as side two on his second "Little Richard" (Specialty SP-2103).  And as the front sleeve say - "These are Little Richard's original hit recordings". All tracks oozes fifties atmosphere and it's obvious no meddling has been done with mixes or audio. It all comes out loud and offensive with a pristine glow. So even if the US originals still refuse to show up I can at least get some of the magic through here and listen to the songs as they were meant to be heard from the beginning. Happy days! Issued as fake stereo with the same title in UK 1969 (Specialty SNTF 5000) and Spain (Discophon SC 2087). The Italian 1972, named "All Time Hits" also seems to be fake stereo, while the French 1972 2-LP "Originals" (Specialty 2C 154-93389/90) might be original mono, but I haven't heard it so I'm not sure. To my knowledge never issued like this on CD. First Swedish had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover with top opening.   (SÖNÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                  

                                                                              

                                                                                 

                                                                                

 

JIMI HENDRIX/WINFRIED TRENKLER PRESÄNTIERT DIE JIMI HENDRIX STORY 2310286 (-73) GERMANY

 

  Of about a zillion posthumous Hendrix compilations I don't know how many one can, or even is allowed to, have. I probably got way too many already, but every now and then I see and hear one more copy that sticks out enough to attract. Like this one. Not sure why the Germans issued special compilations that was presented by DJ:s or such.  Here's another exemple https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/10/frank-zappa-mothers-of-inventiondolf.html . Can't seem to find much on this Winfried Trenkler other than he was a journalist and DJ, working in Germany in the seventies and eighties. But whoever he was this collection has a lot going for it. To my taste a very good tracking all through. I get many of my Hendrix favorites - like "I Don't Live Today", "Woodo Chile (Slight Return)", "All Along The Watchtower" and "Angel" - all on the same plate, conveyed by smashing audio - loud and distinct. So even if the flogging of this horse has gone on many decades after his death with various results it's clear he still has a lot to give...if you can find the right source. Don't know of any other issues. This had label as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover with "story" and pics inside. (JHÄ*) (GÖXÄ*)