SMART SOUNDS – Page 12

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing Line Up by Graham Bonnet.

January 21, 2023May 1, 2016 by Alan Esdaile

Hope all Smarties had a good Easter. Im sure it will come as no surprise to regular readers to see this album featured! Over the last few months ive brought you HNE’s remastered Alcatrazz albums, which of course feature Graham as lead singer. Ive loved his voice since first hearing The Marbles ‘Only One Woman’ right back in ’67. There is no mistaking that distinctive vocal used to such effect and probably most famously with his sojourn in Rainbow and the two massive hits ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ and ‘ All night Long’. Departing the band in 1980 the following year saw the release of Line Up. Gathering together an impressive array of musicians including Jon Lord,
Mick Moody, the incomparable Cozy Powell and Francis and Rick from Quo Line Up unleashed 11 tracks of hard rocking songs provided by an array of distinguished songwriters from the likes of Russ Ballard, Ray Davies, Chuck Berry and Phil Spector amongst others. Kicking off with the Top Ten single ‘Night Games’ here in its full version with an electric sitar intro from Francis Rossi its a great start to some ass kicking rock S.O.S.and Don’t Stand in the Open’ being two great examples. Its the choice of two standards that are really interesting to me The Kinks ‘Set Me Free’ and The Ronettes ‘Be My Baby’ incongruous choices in a way but they work really well. Although I must admit Ronnie Spector will always OWN ‘Be My Baby’ (She’s coming to Bexhill soon, cant wait!) anyway back with Graham this mixture of melodic rock for grown ups certainly hits the spot and really rewards repeated listens. This expanded version features four bonus tracks including the ‘single edit’ of Night Games. The sleeve notes make for informative and amusing reading! and the sound quality is superb. Its rumoured Graham is touring this year, if that’s so i’ll be right there!

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk colin-head-111x150

Til next time……. Colin

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing The Honeycombs, The Three Degrees and The Isley Brothers cd’s.

January 22, 2023March 3, 2016 by Alan Esdaile

304 HOLLOWAY ROAD REVISITED The Honeycombs

For those of you of a certain age like myself the album title will be immediately familiar. It is of course the address in North London of the legendary RGM studios home of maverick genius producer Joe Meek. If you haven’t seen ‘Telstar’ the excellent film of his life you really must. The Honeycombs gave Joe his third (and last) No.1 with the thumping ‘Have I The Right’ back in 1964. Founder of the band Martin Murray intended this new album to be released in 2014 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that achievement, the deadline overran due to this and that but is now here. Martin wanted to utilise the technology now available to re-imagine, rework and re-arrange The Honeycombs songs and keep to the spirit of Holloway Road. The majority of the songs were written by the emerging team of Ken Howard and Alan Blakley who were to have major success and endless hits with notably DD.D.B.M & T, The Herd and even Elvis. Indeed ‘Its so hard’ recorded by DDBMT appears on this album. So do these reworkings work? Yes in the main they do and I get Martins desire to put a new take on things. HITR becomes a slower tempo orchestral country tinged affair as opposed to the Dave Clark style stomper it was back in the day. Opening tracks ‘Leslie Anne’ and ‘Mary Jo’ both uptempo numbers sound fresh and ‘retro’ at the same time and there is no doubting the musical ability on display. Totem Pole 9 (theme from Howards Way) yes. you read that right! manages to come away sounding like a homage to the Tornados ‘Telstar’ Deliberate? don’t know but brought a smile to my face. I have to say the track that didn’t work for me was ‘That’s The Way’ The Honeycombs second hit, here given a reggae style makeover, reminding me of Blondie’s ‘Island of Lost Souls’ (I didn’t care for that either!). But overall as aforementioned Martin has made a refreshing, enjoyable and engaging album.

For more information go to http://www.angelair.co.uk

STRATEGY (OUR TRIBUTE TO PHILADELPHIA) The Three Degrees

I have to confess straightaway that back in the 1970’s when the girls were huge with songs like ‘When Will I See You Again’ ‘Year of Decision’ ‘Take Good Care of Yourself’ et al I was to put it nicely… underwhelmed..ive always strived to be honest in 45 years of reviewing. To me those hits were too cabaret, over produced and to my ears dare I say soulless. So having said that I approached this new release with some trepidation. Celebrating 50 years in the business original members Helen Scott and Valerie Hobday along with (relative) newcomer Freddie Pool (she joined in 2011) have released this first new studio album in 25 years. Whether its the injection of Freddie, the superb choice of material, all covers/tributes to the O’Jays, McFadden and Whitehead, Billy Paul, The Trammps, Harold Melvin etc this is a whole different ballgame. This is SOUL, all those negatives I had are swept away. This is Proper with a capital P, the arrangements are stunning, I particularly single out ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ (always a personal favourite song), but there is not one track that doesn’t now ooze with real emotion and a real groove. This is an all new Three Degrees for me. Maybe they now have more freedom to record the way they want to, whatever, the end result is light years on. They may be covering old songs but this album is as relevant as any contemporary soul artist. Listen to the very ‘now’ lyrics in ‘Love Train’. I wasn’t aware until reading the press release that they are in the Guiness World Records as the longest running female vocal group in history. On this showing they’ve earned that status. Superb. And in closing I dedicate this review to SMART member and old friend Andre who worked a lot with the girls back in the day at Kings and probably wholeheartedly disagrees with my opening comments!….

MASTERPIECE/SMOOTH SAILIN (2CD SET) The Isley Brothers

I guess you could see this release as the third coming of the Isleys. The first being the Tamla glory days of Twist and Shout, This Old Heart of Mine, and my favourite Behind A Painted Smile and many more in the 60’s. Then moving into the 70’s with a revamped sound that brought forth hits like That Lady and Summer Breeze. This 2CD set released for the first time and recorded for Warners in 1985 and 1987 features the original three man line up of Ronald, O’Kelly and Rudolph Isley. In relation to the previous 2 decades this is the Isleys in a new direction using other songwriters as opposed to their own material. Covering Phil Collins ‘If Leaving Me Is Easy’ for example and making it a 7 minute exquisite soulful blissed out track. Indeed Masterpiece relies on lush ballads as befitted US R’n’b radio stations at that point in time. Out goes raw and in comes silky and that ubiquitous use of synthesizers and the (for real drummers) the prolific use of sodding drum machines..ahem, anyway despite the fact this has 80’s production stamped all over it you cant drown the sheer quality of vocals of the brothers, lets be clear they could sing the phone book and it would still encapsulate soul. Masterpiece isn’t for dancing (well only upclose and personal!) But to chill to it is right up there. Try ‘Come To Me’ as a prime example. Perfect to relax to and bathe in the warmth of a timeless band. Smooth Sailin, despite its title is a bit more of an upbeat affair Ron Isleys distinctive vocal is more to the fore on tracks like ‘Everything is Alright’ and the funk element is more prominent, as are the synth/drum…Smooth Sailin Tonight and ‘Come My Way’ standout, however I think of the two CD’s in this package Masterpiece just edges it for me. You, quite rightly, will make up your own minds.

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk

Til next time, keep warm, Colin

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing Peter Sarstedt England’s Lane CD.

January 22, 2023January 22, 2016 by Alan Esdaile

ENGLAND’S LANE Peter Sarstedt

Say Peter’s name and inevitably most peoples thoughts go immediately to ‘Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)’. No 1 in fourteen countries, multi million seller and all time classic. However that mega hit is just a fraction of the timeless, beautiful haunting songs that have poured out of Peter over 5 decades.
‘England’s Lane’ was originally released in 1997 and is now available remastered on this Angel Air release.
Right from the opening title track the unique vocal could not be mistaken for anybody other than Peter. His phrasing, wit, humour, emotion and ability to paint pictures and take you to places are truly art. Listening to ‘Biarritz’
‘British Museum’ ‘Castles in Spain’ and the glorious ‘Spanish Made Easy’ are virtually cinematic experiences. Ray Davies is the only other singer I can think of that masters that ability (Village Preservation Society being a prime example). Peter’s wistful warm honey coated voice seeps into your conscience, stays there and makes the world a better place for 45 minutes and these days we could all do with that.
Whether tackling his skiffle roots on ‘All Together Now’ (with Albert Lee on guitar) or revisiting Marie-Claire on the closing track ‘The Last Of The Breed’ this remains, for me, one of his finest albums. And as a closing thought get a copy of his debut album which contains the wonderful ‘I Am A Cathedral’ and the FULL version of WDYGTML which they NEVER play on the radio!

Fo more inormation go to http://www.angelair.co.uk

colin-head Til next time, stay warm…

Colin

Tony Davis… I’ve always liked Peter’s music and bought this album when it came out in 1997. It was always a regret that I never saw Peter in concert doing a full set rather than just on the Sixties packages. Peter has now retired from the music business because of ill health so any chance has now gone. There is a live DVD recorded in 2004 I think called Live at the Crooked Billet but I’ve never been able to find a copy of that. If anyone has one that they want to part with or provide me with a loan of that would be great. I agree with what Colin says about his first album – a great piece of singer/songwriter pysch.

Colin Bell… Tony D, im not sure if they have it in stock but try http://charlyfilms.com for the DVD you are after. If no luck im in touch with Peter and happy to see if a can get a copy.

Tony Davis… Colin – tried Charly but they don’t seem to have it. If you could get me a copy that would be great thank you.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing The Musician/The Gambler (2CD set) by Tim Rose and ‘Toccata: An Anthology’ (2CD set) by Sky

January 22, 2023November 28, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

The Musician/The Gambler (2CD set) TIM ROSE

There are many reasons why Tim has a special place in my heart. I first saw Tim perform on Hastings Pier in June 1968 (a gig that’s been mentioned before on SMART for several reasons! Andre will remember!) But it was only a few years back that I learned from Tims friend and career spanning roadie that was Tims first gig ever in the U.K. and his drummer that night was one John Bonham…well he did well didn’t he! For Tim however his relationship with the music business was a torrid one. He once remarked ‘I can never be described as a has-been-I never made it in the first place’. Well in terms of record success that’s sadly true. However as a hugely gifted singer/songwriter and electrifying live performer he had few equals. His versions of ‘Come Away Melinda’ (an all time favourite), ‘Morning Dew’ and ‘Hey Joe’ are pure classics, the latter being the version that Jimi Hendrix nicked for his first hit. This release from RPM brings together 2 albums recorded between 1975-77. Of the two ‘The Musician’ is the stronger containing self penned great ballads like ‘Its Not My Life That’s Been Changin’ and ‘The Day I Spent With You’ delivered in Tims unique gutsy yet warm abrasive style. Other highlights are a great take on Neil Youngs ‘Old Man’ and beefed up contemporary reworkings of the aforementioned ‘Morning Dew’ and ‘Hey Joe’. The second CD in the set ‘The Gambler’ was unreleased at the time, its a country tinged affair and (for me) doesn’t work too well despite the inclusion of notable musicians like Andy Summers and BJ Cole. But that was Tim, a maverick who recorded what he wanted when he wanted or when he could get a deal with a record company. Many times over the years he would leave the music business, even becoming a stockbroker at one time, but ultimately music would pull him back. In the late 90’s Nick Cave ‘re-discovered’ him and Tims career was on the up again appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury and on Later with Jools Holland. I had always wanted to work with him again and was in the middle of talks with his then manager George about some gigs in 2002 when on the day after his sixty second birthday and following some surgery Tim passed away. A sad loss indeed but Im happy his star was in the ascendant again, he’ll never be a ‘has been’ in my book.

‘Toccata: An Anthology’ (2CD set) SKY

I must confess its many years since I listened to Sky. Back in 1979 when they were formed it wasn’t really my thing. However 35 years on I’ve been enjoying this anthology a lot. Sky, as I’msure you all know combined the talents of classical guitarist John Williams, Herbie Flowers, Kevin Peek, Francis Monkman and percussionist Tristan Fry. And it is the latter musician which has made me lend a closer ear. Being a sometime drummer I always listen much closer to the drummer and I had never really appreciated just how good TF was, now I do. Being at the time such a departure for John Williams he gained the most (arguably) press, but they were all of course stellar musicians and Tristan..you’re the man! This newly remastered 2 cd set compiles highlights across a fair proportion of Sky’s career and features the hit title track (obviously!) amongst many from ‘Dance of the Little Fairies’ ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ ‘Fantasia’ ‘Fool on the Hill’and the previously unreleased KP11 its a fine collection and overview of the band. Each cd runs for getting on 75 minutes, so if you’re looking to re(or)discover Sky this is excellent value for your money.

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk colin-head-111x150-111x150

Til next time…………Colin

Andre Martin… Colin – I dont know what you could be refering to ! Hah Hah!! –

Mick O’Dowd… Was at the Tim Rose gig. He was booed off because he was on something or other and kept fluffing his songs. It was his first gig but nearly his last. His albums were quite good though.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing No Parole From Rock ‘N’ Roll (Expanded Edition) by Alcatrazz

January 25, 2023October 13, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

I cannot tell you how pleased I was to see this on the Press Release for October. If what follows is less a review and more a eulogy I make no apologies!
A few facts, Alcatrazz were formed in 1983, basically as a star vehicle for lead singer Graham Bonnet. The other members were Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), Gary Shea (bass) both ex New England, Jan Uvena (drums) ex Alice Cooper and Iron Butterfly (great credentials!) and the 20 year old prodigy that was/is Yngwie Malmsteen. Bonnet had of course had an illustrious career beginning with The Marbles in the 60’s through to the Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow and solo success with singles like ‘Night Games’ in 1981. Alcatrazz was Bonnets vision of his own Rainbow. I first heard the track ‘Jet to Jet’ whilst driving to a gig and was completely blown away. I immediately got hold of a copy of NPFR&R and fell in love with the band. Since that time I have NEVER done a radio show without including at least one Alcatrazz track (usually 2!).
However, mention Alcatrazz to most people in the UK and you get a blank stare. If you were in Japan you would find Alcatrazz mentioned in the same breath as Zeppelin, Purple, Rainbow, Maiden etc they were and still are huge there. In the US MTV played ‘Island In The Sun’ and ‘Hiroshima Mon Amour’ (both from NPFR&R) on heavy rotation.
So to the album, 10 tracks of intelligent, melodic and perfectly realised hard rock/metal/shred cuts that never overstay their welcome. Kicking off with chugging mid tempo ‘Island in the Sun’ and the first taste of Yngwie’s licks playing to Grahams searing vocals morphing into the heavier vibe of track 2 ‘General Hospital’ then on to the (for me) apogee of ‘Jet to Jet’. As previously mentioned this was the first track I heard, and its Yngwie’s solo that blows you away. Now at this point I must, to be fair, address the views of other contemporary reviewers who, in my view, snidely wrote off Yngwie as a sub standard Ritchie Blackmore. Malmsteen never made any secret of his adoration of Blackmore. But a poor imitation? B@@@ocks! All musicians draw on influences and add their own twist. I would agree that Malmsteen, who left after this album to form his own Rising Force went on to make some overblown and bloated albums, I don’t need a 20 minute solo to be impressed! And there is the crux of what makes NPFR&R such a great album. Bonnet ‘contains’ Yngwie’s guitar parts to achieve a ‘less is more’ conclusion. The remaining 7 tracks all shine differently from the impassioned ‘Hiroshima Mon Amour’ to the good time feel of ‘Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live’. With this release you also get the added bonus of instrumental versions of all 10 tracks showing how they came together. Ive made no secret in these words of my admiration for this band and if one person reading this gets into Alcatrazz i’ll be personally delighted. But as ever I welcome your feedback, positive or negative. For me like the prison the band are named after its a life sentence im happy to serve!

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk colin-head-111x150

Until next time, take care…..Colin

Sarah Harvey… Going to play Alcatrazz on a future show…… what do you think is their best track? Also from ‘Disturbing The Peace’ and ‘Dangerous Games’.

Pete Prescott… I wrote two songs on Forcefield 3 that Graham Bonnet sang on with Ray Fenwick (hold on and hit and run). He has one of those voices that’s easily recognisable.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing Stone The Crows and Steve Ellis

January 25, 2023October 7, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

TEENAGE LICKS/ONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE
Stone The Crows (2CD Set)

Great to see these two albums getting a release after many years out of print.
STC career was all to brief (1969-73) but they left behind a great body of work in that short space of time. As the press release remarks, the early 70’s was an era when creativity was flourishing. And critically Record Companies (well some of them) were letting go the reins and encouraging bands to experiment. STC were certainly experimental, not many bands used a Stylophone and a vibrator on the guitar!
The band were fronted by Les Harvey guitar (Alex’s younger brother) and the incomparable Maggie Bell on vocals. And for me and I guess many others its Maggie’s vocal pyrotechnics that linger. I always thought of her as Britains own Janis Joplin as im sure many did. Essentially a blues/rock band I loved, and still do that ‘dirty’ guitar blend with Maggies abrasive vocal which blazes from the kick off on tracks like ‘Big Jim Salter’ ‘Faces’ Dylans ‘Don’t Think Twice’, just three of the highlights of the eleven (2 live) tracks on Teenage Licks originally released in 1971.
The band were then dealt a terrible blow in May 1972 with the tragic death of Les, electrocuted onstage at Swansea. He had already laid down most of the guitar parts for follow up album Ontinuous Performance. Jimmy McCulloch (a lovely guy I knew well at the time) came aboard and finished off the parts and the band elected to carry on. OP is overall a more laid back bluesey album than TL, ‘Penicillin Blues’ being an outstanding example. Maggie said at the time ‘the fire had gone out of us’ which is naturally completely understandable but its not discernable on OP and the whole album showcases what a great band STC were. Maggie has had a long and distinguished career since then working with the best, that’s her on Rod Stewarts ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ and long may it continue.

BEST OF DAYS Steve Ellis

A few weeks ago I reviewed Love Affairs 3CD anthology and now we have an album from frontman Steve Ellis. Possessed of a much admired voice ‘Best of Days’ had a long gestation, being due for release back in 2004. Released in 2008, and now being given a re-release in 2015. Fourteen tracks commencing with a beautifully reworked unplugged version of ‘Everlasting Love’ its a fine start to a very accomplished album showcasing Steve’s voice and talent for picking and writing great material. No surprise to find Paul Weller (mod champion) featured and Steve’s old friend Roger Daltrey weighing in on ‘Nu Clear Blues’ with a great harmonica part. Its (for me) songs like Steve’s ‘Little One’ and the title track ‘Best Of Days’ that stand out, the latter being genuinely uplifting. Elsewhere minor hit ‘El Doomo’ gets a reworking, again to great effect. Overall a class album that rewards and deserves multiple listens.

For more information go to http://angelair.co.uk

Til next time (featuring my all time favourite hard rock band of the 80’s!)……

Alan Esdaile…. Who remembers seeing Maggie Bell? Brilliant voice and performer .

Andy Qunta… Factory supported STC at a gig shortly before Les Harvey passed away. They were fantastic! Also their roadies were very nice and helpful to us, & gave us great advice about how to get better sound. Been a big fan ever since, & keyboard player, Ronnie Leahy, a big influence on me!

Geoff Peckham… I remember it well, Andy. We shared the ‘dressing room’ with them (Maidstone Art College, wasn’t it?) and Les Harvey was playing some nice guitar on a practice amp. Lovely guy, great guitarist, great loss.

Mick O’Dowd… Steve Ellis was highly underated as a singer.

Tony Davis… Saw Maggie Bell about a year ago on one of these 60s/70s packages. She still has an awesome voice. STC were a great band and I have managed to track all their albums down on CD (prior to this re-release). Nice to see El Doomo given a whirl by Steve Ellis as well. I thought that was a great track and so under-rated. I remember that we used to play it quite a lot on Merlins Music Box at the Astral Club and Crypt when it first came out.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell. Reviewing Jimmy Helms & All About The Girls.

January 25, 2023September 25, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

GONNA MAKE YOU AN OFFER…The Complete Cube Recordings 1972-1975. Jimmy Helms

Its March 1973 and the top three chart positions are filled by Slade, T.Rex and The Faces and we are deep into the Glam Rock era. Then appearing from nowhere is Jimmy with the sublime ‘Gonna Make You An Offer’ up there at number eight. Tragically (in my view) the only ‘hit’ he attained. I say tragically because the mans voice deserves to be heard so much more, and not be just a ‘one hit wonder’. This compilation pulls together all his work for Fly/Cube for the first time and brims with that incredible four octave range. Kicking off with ‘So Long Love’ (his first single) which should have fared much better the Gospel roots Jimmy came from are there in spine tingling form, a great opener. Track three the title track is naturally THE song for which he’ll always be remembered and needs no introduction. The Follow up to GMYAO was ‘Jack Horners Holiday’ which, until listening to this comp some forty odd years later I had largely forgotten. In the same vein as GMYAO (im sure his record company made it so deliberately) should have cemented his chart success but no. However of course hit singles are not the be all and the remaining fifteen tracks (including two previously unreleased) ooze soul with a capital ‘S’. Jimmys take on The Drifters ‘Like Sister and Brother’ is a real gem and Stevie Wonders ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer’ gets a treatment that’s more impassioned than the original and I don’t say that lightly. It’s no ‘covers’ album though Jimmy contributes nine songs proving his talent as a songwriter as well as a hugely unique vocalist. Im very happy this new comp has seen the light of day, if you’ve got an ounce of soul in your body, you’ll be happy too. Enjoy!

ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS (Lost Girl Group Gems of The 1960’s) Various Artists.

Ive always been partial to this genre, who isn’t? The Ronettes, The Crystals, Shangri-Las all featured in my life as a backdrop to growing up in the 60’s.
Well, of course the title of this album does what it says on the tin and gives us 24 tracks of the hundreds of girls trying for their place up there with the aforementioned premier league. That doesn’t mean this comp is second league, there is much to enjoy. I love the two and a half minute vignettes of soap opera’s love lost, love found, girl meets boy, girl breaks up…well you get the picture…The titles of the songs say it all! Daddy Daddy (Gotta Get a Phone in My Room), Its Murder for Roberta, Hard Guy To Please, Poor Little Puppet, Bobby is My Hobby and Popeye Does the Mashed Potatoes!! Priceless! Cod Motown, Doo Wop, Sha la la and doo langs abound. If you ever stood in front of the mirror (girls) with a hairbrush miming this is your album! Lots of fun from an innocent era, sadly lost.

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk colin-head-111x150

Til next time…..Colin

Mick O’Dowd… What a voice!

Tony May… Jimmy went on of course to be a part of the group LONDONBEAT and you can hear more of his amazing vocal talents there. ‘I’ve Been Thinking About You’ was their biggest hit but other songs like ‘A Better Love’ and ‘Katey’ are well worth checking out as is their debut hit, ‘9.AM.’.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Time Hasn’t Changed Us – Love Affair & Steve Ellis

January 25, 2023August 21, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

‘TIME HASN’T CHANGED US’ (complete CBS recordings 1967-1971} Love Affair/Steve Ellis

L.A. are no doubt remembered famously, or should that be infamously, for being ‘outed’ for not playing on their hits. When ‘Everlasting Love’ hit No.1 in February 1968 the music press had a field day. Well it was no surprise to me, or anyone else in the business. I could write a list as long as my arm of ‘bands’ doing the same then and now.
So leaving all that to one side what did we have? Over roughly an 18 month period 5 beautifully crafted pure pop songs. Kicking off of course with ‘Everlasting Love’ followed by ‘Rainbow Valley’ (a personal favourite) both covers of Robert Knight American releases. Phillip Goodhand-Tait a very talented songwriter gave L.A. their next 3 hits with ‘A Day Without Love’, ‘One Road’ and ‘Bringing on Back The Good Times’ and then it was basically all over. Steve Ellis with his blue eyed soul voice, reminiscent of Steve Marriot moved on to a solo career with mixed levels of success. L.A. recruited Gus Eadon and soldered on but with little success. This 3CD set neatly divides the years with CD1 focusing on the hit period and cover versions of contemporary hits by other artists e.g. ‘Hush’, ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’ ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ etc.
CD2 kicks off with another great PGT song ‘Baby I Know’ and a recently discovered acetate, yet again by PGT, ‘Time Hasn’t Changed Us’ which would surely have given L.A. another big hit had it seen the light of day.
Takes on ‘All Along the Watchtower’ and ‘Walk on Gilded Splinters’ make for interesting listening. By track 8 Steve Ellis has left the building and the aforementioned Gus Eadon takes over, sounding remarkably like Paul Jones at times. CD3 is devoted to Ellis’s solo recordings, such as ‘Loot’ (from the film) and a plethora of ‘covers’ ranging from Jimmy Webbs ‘Evie’ to ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’ ‘Somethings Gotten Hold of My Heart’ ‘Holly Holy'(probably Neil Diamonds worst song!) ‘Gimme Shelter’ etc an eclectic mix, some work well others frankly (for me) don’t. This is the first ‘anthology’ to get a comprehensive release, sound quality is excellent, the lush orchestral arrangements that featured so prominently on the hits fill the speakers, informative sleeve notes and packaging is to a high standard. Overall to sum up a satisfying package for completists and fans. And whether you agree or disagree on the issue of session musicians at the end of the day some great pop music was created that has stood the test of time. For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.uk/rpm/

Til next time…………

Barry Newton… Its been awhile since I last heard this, good times

Dave Nattress… Everlasting Love – fabulous pop single and so reminds me of my school days. I have a cassette of the LA hits and have often thought of getting a CD – will look out for this one as the sound on the old cassette is a bit poor now. Steve Ellis also went on to form Widowmaker a quite often (back then), so-called Supergroup with Ariel Bender, Paul Nicholls, Huw Lloyd-Langton and Bob Daisley, and did one album but then left. Widowmaker then made a 2nd called Too Late to Cry. A friend had the vinyl of the first album yonks back and I’ve got a CD containing the first album, some live tracks and some off the 2nd album.

Sandra Cunningham… Saw them on the pier about 1968 I think x

Mick O’Dowd… Steve Ellis has always been a rated singer in my books.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing David Courtney Anthology CD

January 28, 2023August 7, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

DAVID COURTNEY ‘Anthology’

Earlier this year I reviewed DC’s own albums, now comes this superb collection. A few facts, David is a Grammy nominated songwriter and producer with over 30 million record sales to his credit. Starting off as the drummer in the Roulettes (Adam Faith’s backing band) he went on to discover Leo Sayer and work closely with Roger Daltrey (amongst many others). All the tracks on this 2CD set (37 tracks) are either written or produced by David. The sheer scope and diversity of his talents is breathtaking. ‘One Man Band’, ‘The Show Must Go On’ ‘Long Tall Glasses’ ‘Giving It All Away’ ‘Shooting Star’ ‘Magic Touch’ are just some of the best known songs contained here. Its fascinating to hear Daltreys ‘Giving it All Away’ and to be able to then compare it with Leo’s version both contained here and to do the same again with ‘One Man Band’ but away from the immediately recognisable are some real gems ‘Midnight Child’ Roger Chapman. Maggie Bell’s ‘In My Life’ ‘Rag and Bone’ Steve Ellis and ‘The Dancer’ a Smokie track ive personally not heard before but is superb. I’d also single out Joe Egan with ‘Back On The Road’ and a wonderful take on The Who’s ‘Squeeze Box’ a duet with Roger Daltrey/Adam Faith but to use an old phrase ‘its all killa and no filla. I didn’t skip a single track. The list of featured musicians is awesome, McCartney, David Gilmour, Steve Cropper, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Rod Argent, Ray Parker Jnr and on and on…To sum up this overview of one mans work is class, pure class and a joy to listen to. I can do no better than to quote the late great Harry Nilsson who said of David Courtney ‘he’s the English Phil Spector’. With you on that Harry.

The Anthology is released on September 4th. For more info angelair.co.uk

Till next time…… Colin

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Nearly A Sin by One The Juggler.

January 28, 2023June 26, 2015 by Alan Esdaile

‘Nearly A Sin’ ONE THE JUGGLER

I must confess that for whatever reason until receiving this album OTJ flew completely under my radar back in 1984 when this was first released. Their best known single ‘Passion Killer’ rang a distant bell and that was all. So here for the first time on CD is this release with an additional nine bonus tracks for good measure. So what do we have, well the immediate impression is of a post punk band with glam rock leanings and the odd touch of strings ala ABC. I try to avoid comparisons but I don’t think anyone would argue with the obvious Bowie/Mott/Roxy vibe going on here. Indeed Bowie was a hero to the band and Mick Ronson was lined up for the producers chair on the follow up album. N.A.S. needs, in my view, a good few listens to get the aforementioned influences out of the head and get down to the essence of the band. Clever lyrics and some memorable melodies emerge ‘Djangos Coming’ and ‘Damage Is Done’ are two examples. The interplay between acoustic and electric guitar is neat and the band can certainly rock when they want to. I get the overall feeling that like so many bands OTJ were no doubt a great ‘live’ act who didn’t quite capture their all on disc.
However if you like glam rock with a twist you’ll love this and the quality of the recording is first class. The band has recently reformed and will be playing gigs. I think its quite possible i’ll go along to one!

For more information go to www.angelair.co.uk Coming soon ‘Stone the Crows’ til then….

Janet Crowl…. Did you get to a gig Alan?

Alan Esdaile… No sorry missed them, so did Colin Bell who wrote the review. However keep us updated on any future gigs.