SANDIE SHAW/REVIEWING THE SITUATION NSPL 18323 (-69) UK

 For more on her please check post on her debute  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2013/09/sandie-shawsandie-npl-18110-65-uk-mono.html  . This was her fifth original LP. It's been on my want list for a very long time. Not only because I happen to like sixties female vocal, but also since it's different from all she'd done earlier. Here's a girl famous for pop ballads and schlagers suddenly recording a self-produced album with covers of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Dylan, BeeGees, Beatles, Loving Spoonful, Dr John and Donovan. Backed by Ian Wallace (King Crimson) on drums and some to me unknown guys on guitar, bass, saxophone and flute. Most reviews has been less than favourable and it didn't sell at release, but let's give it a chance fiftysix years later. First thing that hits me is how down to earth it is. For exemple versions of the Stones and Zeppelin stuff far from the originals elaborate and hard hitting productions. Instead it's all very relaxed, like a couple of skilled friends getting together and playing for fun. And the audio is superb, bringing a very natural feel. To me good listening all through, but if to pick favourites it'd be the rather sexy bossa "Love Me Do", the very cool versions of "Your Time Is Gonna Come" and Rufus Thomas' "Walking The Dog". I guess an album that won't attract modern listeners in general, or many lovers of her earlier stuff, but for me the combination of her voice and the choice of tracks really work. Vinyl issues also Downunder and in South Africa. UK 2013 CD on Salvo (SALVOCD 066) and the EU 2xLP "Record Store Day" issue on UMC (0836040) both came with ten bonus tracks. Premiere UK (also as mono NPL 18323) had label as shown here in a very thin and brittle fold/out cover. (FÄV*)  (PÖY*)