THE BEATLES/BEATLES '65 T 2228 (-64) US MONO

  Including the "story" LP US Capitol released five Beatles albums 1964. This was the last of those. A kind of US version of the UK "Beatles For Sale", having eight tracks from that combined with both sides of the "I Feel Fine"/"She's A Woman" 45 and a leftover from the "A Hard Days Night" sessions - "I'll Be Back".  The IFF and SAW cuts have way too much reverb for my taste, which is a disappointment as I would love to have had them as they were close to the fact. Luckily there is a Swedish "Greatest Hits" from 1965 which contains those and a couple other early oddities totally unmuddled    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-beatlesgreatest-hits-pmcs-306-65.html  . The versions on here are not what I remember and therefore find them too strange, but guess if you grew up with those versions it's the ones you prefer. Some of the other cuts have reverb too, but not that disturbing, just making the audio more airy. And it is a good gathering of songs, so nevertheless a fine addition to any Beatles collection. Sixties issues also in Canada, Germany (Odeon SMO 83917), a couple of South American countries plus as US 4-track, 8-track and cassette.  EU 2014 CD on Apple (B0019703-02) came with all tracks in both mono and stereo. Not sure what the timeline is for this copy, but with rainbow label on medium thick vinyl in a glossy sleeve, if not the very first press it's certainly early enough for me. (YZÄ*) (BÄ*) (LGÅ*) (ÖXCÅ*)

                                                                                     

                                                                                 

     

                                                                                

 

A PSYCHEDELIC TRIP TO UNDERGROUND 88 436 DY (-69) SCANDINAVIA

 

A to my taste very rewarding collection of more or less odd cuts, blending psych, garage, funk and baroque  to a delicious dish. I get to me well known acts as Blue Cheer, Buddy Miles, McCoys, Fugs and H.P. Lovecraft, but also ones new to me, like The Hello People, Pearls Before Swine, The Tea Company and The Mesmerizing Eye. Audio loud and clear, almost offensive. With such a diverse array of acts and genres it might be a rocky road for some listeners, though with an open mind it's easy to take in and enjoy the journey. Have a lot of favorites here, but to mention a few - Daughters Of Albion "Well Wired", Blue Cheer "Aces 'n' Eights", Eyes Of Blue "Crossroads Of Time" and The Hello People "Anthem". To my knowledge only issued on vinyl in Scandinavia and Germany (same label and number) and that was it. Scandinavian had label as shown here in a laminated triple fold/out cover. (SÄM*)  (CCÖ*) (FÄV*)

                                                                             

                                                                              

                                                                                    

                                                                                         

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

 

BARRY RYAN/BARRY RYAN SINGS PAUL RYAN MGM-CS-8106 (-69) UK

 

 

  British twin brothers Barry (1948-2021) and Paul (1948-92) Ryan achieved success in UK as a pop duo in the mid-sixties. Within a couple of years they managed eight top fifty numbers on the UK list, whereof "Dont Bring Me Your Heartaches" reached highest at #13. But by 1968 Paul couldn't stand the stress of artist life and decided to step back and just work as songwriter. Their first offer as a composer/performer duo - "Eloise" - became a huge international success, managing #2 in UK and and #1 in seventeen countries, selling over three million copies. This follow-up album sold ok initially, but soon seems to have lost appeal and moved to the cheap bins.  Listening today one may think that was unfair. It's clear the label went all in with orchestral arrangements by Johnny Arthey (1930-2007), who also had worked with Petula Clark, Mary Hopkin and Engelbert Humperdinck among others. Both production and audio are tophole, providing very good listening. Musically bombastic and melodic with tons of feelings sipping through. Maybe not my daily choice, but if in a romantic mood or wanting to grieve lost loves it's perfect. Favorite tracks - "Eloise", "Why Do You Cry My Love" and "My Mama". Issued on vinyl over Europe, Downunder and South America, but to my knowledge never in US. EU 1991 CD on Polydor (849 070-2). Premiere UK (also as mono C-8106) had label as shown here in a stable fully laminated fold/out cover.

                                                                                  

                                                                                

                                                                                 

                                                                                

                                                                              

      

 

THE BEATLES/THE BEATLES' SECOND ALBUM T 2080 (-64) US MONO

 For more on the issue please check post on the corresponding stereo  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-beatlesthe-beatles-second-album-st.html  . Even if interesting enough on its own I don't listen to that very often cause it has to my taste too much added reverb, which is disturbing to this fan since long accustomed to the drier UK versions. This mono however sounds a lot better to my ears. Except for "Roll Over Beethoven", "Long Tall Sally" and "I Call Your Name" ,which all comes dry enough, there is added reverb, though not as much as on the stereo. Apart from "She Loves You" it contains five cuts from "With The Beatles" left out from the "Meet The Beatles" issue, three UK flip sides - "I'll Get You", "Thank You Girl" and "You Can't Do That" - plus two songs that later would emerge on the UK EP "Long Tall Sally" - "I Call Your Name" and "Long Tall Sally". On this mono the versions of "You Can't Do That", "I Call Your Name", and "Long Tall Sally" are different from the ones used in UK, making them unique for their time. All the above makes this a for me important part of early Beatles history and something to hold on to and enjoy. Originally issued on vinyl in Canada, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, all over South America and as UK export (Parlophone CPCS 103). Also on US 4-track, 8-track, reel and cassette. US 2014 CD on Capitol (B0019698-02) came with both mono and stereo mixes of all tracks. This is not a very first press as that apparently lacked timing for "I Call Your Name" and "Long Tall Sally" on label. This has, but turns out early enough with label as shown here on medium thick vinyl in a glossy cover with Capitol ad inner. (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) (BÄ*) (LGÅ*)

                                                                                 

                                                                                     

                                                                                      

 

THE BEATLES/MEET THE BEATLES ! T-2047 (-64) US MONO

 First Beatles album on Capitol after they took over the rights to the band from VeeJay. It can be called a US version of "With The Beatles", containing nine cuts from that combined with "I Saw Her Standing There" from "Please Please Me" and both sides of the UK 45 "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"/"This Boy". Added reverb was one of the deadly sins the Capitol people engaged in dealing with early Beatles recordings. Sometimes it worked ok and actually added something, though mostly it just took away some of the presence. So I'm happy to announce that there's no such thing here. The audio is tophole all the way - clear and natural. I know there are hardcore collectors who frown at everything not British, epecially when it comes to Beatles, but I'm first and foremost a fan so I'll pick any original issue from anywhere as long as it delivers just a little extra. And since this has different tracking than UK, other sleeve design and offers very good listening it fills the criteria for having. Issued and/or reissued further in Canada, Japan, Jamaica, Taiwan and all over South America on vinyl and/or CD. Also as US 4-track, 8-track, reel and cassette. EU 2014 CD on Apple (B0019696-2) had all cuts in both mono and stereo. This copy seems to be an early press since the front sleeve has dark brown band name on top and the rear is without George Martin credit. It came with label as shown here on medium thick vinyl in a glossy cover with Capitol ad inner. (BÄ*)  (LGÅ*) (YZÄ*) (ÖXCÅ*) 

                                                                                   

                                                                              

                                                                                          

 

LINKIN' LOUISIANA PEPS/BLUES CONNECTION GMG-1212 (-68) SWEDEN

 Question is - can white men sing the blues? Well at least this one. Peps Persson (born Per Åke Tommy Persson 1946-2021) was a singer/songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player that through his carreer, from the early sixties up to his death, became one of the main sources for establishing blues and reggae as household genres in Sweden. Though with a rather odd personality and being open with his diligent pot smoking he eventually became something of a national celebrity with followers in all social layers. For more on his background check rear text below. Between 1968 and 2005 he released eighteen original album with various settings. This was the debute. What I like most about it is it's honest. He covers songs by Elmore James, Brownie McGhee, John Lere Hooker, Eddie Boyd, Otis Hicks and Walter Jacobs and it's very cool and right on at the same time. Often when white artist try to sing real blues it's like they're copying the black masters instead of living the music. Listening now it sounds like this guy at age 21 already was there, part of it instead of outside looking in. Backing is mostly soft and his vocals more caressing than upheaving. The mix and audio top class, providing good listening both close and as background. Favorite tracks are many, but to chose a few - "Blues With A Feeling" and "Five Long Years". Vinyl issues in Sweden and Australia (Phono Vox Records POP 628). Swedish 1994 CD on Sonet (GMGCD 1212). Premiere LP had label as shown here on heavy vinyl in a fully laminated cover.  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)

                                                                                   

                                                                                

                                                                                  

                                                                             

                                                                                       

 

EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND/WASA WASA SHVL 757 (-69) UK

 British acid blues/rock power trio founded 1968 by brothers Edgar (vocals and guitar) and Steve (drums) Broughton plus Arthur Grant on bass. After gathering local following in their hometown Warwick they moved to London where they rather quickly got a contract with Harvest Records and issued five LP:s and six 45:s for the label up to 1973. This was their debute album. For a lover of filthy and offensively raw blues and rock this is a happy moment. With some inspiration from American sources as Captain Beefheart, Fugs and Iggy And The Stooges they're still doing their own thing. Full speed ahead from the start with unhinged vocals to violent guitars and pumping rhythm section. All tracks self-penned and the audio perfect. I don't hear any catchy melodies, though the dirt and the pure energy sure makes it worth thumbs up anyway. To me a kind of mood record. Not for snug moments, but if you for some reason feel pissed off how things turn out it's a perfect company. Favorite tracks - "Death Of An Electric Citizen", "Evil" and "Love In The Rain". Also originally issued and/or reissued on vinyl and/or CD in US, Canada, Downunder, Japan, South Africa and over Europe. EU 2019 CD on Parlophone (MOCCD 13531) came with five bonus tracks. Very first UK copies came with "Sold In UK..." print on label. This one hasn't, but as it got "The Gramophone Co. Ltd." top left and no EMI logo, early enough. It came in a laminated fold/out cover with Harvest ad inner.  For more also check post on their seond album "Sing Brother Sing"    https://monolover.blogspot.com/2023/02/edgar-broughton-bandsing-brother-sing.html  (HÄVL*)

                                                                                      

                                                                                     

                                                                                    

                                                                                       

                                                                                     
                                                                                      

                                                                                      

                                                                                      

  



 

THE BEATLES/SOMETHING NEW ST 2108 (-64) US STEREO

 The third Beatles LP on US Capitol and an exemple of what is called "butchering", where for exemple UK album cuts were picked from their original habitat and coupled with in ones only released on single or EP in UK, enabling the label to release more albums. Containing eight tracks originally on the British "A Hard Days Night", but left out from the United Artists soundtrack  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-beatlesa-hard-days-night-original.html , further two from the UK "Long Tall Sally" EP - "Slow Down" and "Matchbox" - plus the German version of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". But whatever one my think about "butchering" in general, this is a fine product, a least in my world. While most of the early Beatles two-channel issues on Capitol contain fake stereo cuts the ones on here are all true. And the audio is smashing - clear, yet relaxed - making it very good listening for this old Beatle buff. To a fan that grew up with the UK band releases early US ones can sometimes be percieved as hurried, but to my taste this is all in and should be a valuable addition to any Beatles collection. Also originally issued in Canada, Germany, Netherlands,  Peru and as UK export (Parlophone CPCS 101). US 2014 CD on Capitol (B0019701-02) came with all tracks in both mono and stereo. Not a clue about the timeline for the one here, but as it is on rainbow label on medium thick vinyl in a glossy sleeve, certainly early enough for me.  (YZÄ*)  (BÄ*) (LGÅ*)

                                                                                    

                                                                                    

                                                                                  

 

GEORGIE FAME ILPS 9293 (-74) UK

  I've always percieved Alan Price and Georgie Fame as branches on the same tree. Both doing pop, blues and jazzy stuff, but allowing themselves to pick ideas from somewhat older traditions. And no matter which I'm listening to the music always put me in the same warm cozy place. When posting the 1974 Alan Price LP "Between Today And Yesterday" a while ago I was amazed the feeling was the same as with his sixties stuff. And I'm happy to hear that goes for this album too, so I you were a Georgie Fame fan in the sixties you'll feel very at home with this. It's a slight mix of styles - "That Ol' Rock & Roll" is obviously close to classic rock, but the rest his signature blend between blues, jazz and pop with excellent backing and crowned by those personal vocals. The audio soft and clear, making it very good to the ears. Easy listening that that still can grab hard. Favorite tracks - "Country Morning", "Donut Man" and "Leaving The City Behind". Also originally released like this in Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Downunder and South Africa. US and Canadian issues came with different tracking on side two, where "Johnny Too Bad" replaced "We Were Always Sweethearts". Never issued like this on CD, but the Japan 2008 2xCD "The Island Years 1974-76" comes with all tracks from here.  (FGÖ*)