angel air – SMART

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.

Hi to one and all. As SMART goes from strength to strength and thread to thread, Alan and I had a natter and decided to have a Record Review feature.As previously posted first there was ‘Top Sounds’ which I passed to Alan after a couple years. After a break of a year or so and a change of location, ‘On The Record’ was born and ran for 35 years in about 28 newspapers. So having hummed and haaad we’ll call this one ‘SMART SOUNDS’ cos its apt and im out of inspiration!…

Midsummer Madness/Shooting Star (2 albums on 1 Cd) DAVID COURTNEY

Of interest straightaway, David was responsible for local resident Roger Daltrey’s first foray as a solo artist,writing or co-writing the album ‘Daltrey’ which included what I personally consider one of Roger’s best vocals on ‘Giving It All Away’. David also discovered Leo Sayer for whom he wrote ‘The Show Must Go On’ and ‘One Man Band’. Good credentials…his own work, if it had to have a label on it, it would fall into the ‘prog rock’ box,but thankfully not the overblown 20 minute solo’s variety. Its thoughtful stuff and on the excellent ‘The Easy Way Out’ penultimate track very poignant. The second of the two albums on the CD is a concept piece displaying his interest in Ufology, so less prog rock..more space rock, and maybe the odd echo of Elo. The big surprise is the title track ‘Shooting Star’, amazingly the very song the er..Dollar hit the top twenty with, Yup, David wrote it, but trust me his original version is a long way from the twee twosome. The intro alone will give your ears and your speakers a work out. Overall a interesting listen and the first time released on CD.

Rock and Roll I Gave You Songs KEVIN JOHNSON

And now as far from local as we can get.. Im sure we are all familiar with Rock And Roll I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life’, never was a song so meaningful to many a musician! Originally released in Kevin’s native Australia in 1973 it was edited (by Johnathan King) and released on his UK Record label in 1974 making the top thirty. In fact the edit version is available for the first time on this CD along with the longer album version. Sandwiched between these two cuts are sixteen tracks that demonstrate that KJ was/is no one trick pony and had the potential for more hits. He writes of childhood, money, love, mundanity and life in general with a wistful touch, its overall a gentle listen, one to chill out to.

45 Years And Beyond RUPERTS PEOPLE

And back to Britain and Hastings Pier 1960’s regulars. I have to hold my hands up here and try and be impartial with this one! Having been responsible for compiling the first RP Collection already posted on SMART with liner notes by yours truly..However what you do get extra with this updated release in addition to Reflections, I Can Show You etc is hard to find bonus tracks by Matchbox, Swampfox and Rod Lynton. Oh ok and better mastering….grrrrr

In keeping with the ethos of SMART albums reviewed will be generally of the 60’s/70’s although new releases. All the above CD’s are released on the Angel Air Record Label.

For more information go to www.angelair.co.uk

Bye for now….. Colin

Mick O’Dowd… Nice debut review Colin!

Jane Hartley… You need a column in the Observer Colin!

supplied by Colin Bell

Colin Bell… Nice photo of David Courtney, Roger and Jimmy Page at Reunion!

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

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell… reviews David Courtney, Kevin Johnson & Ruperts People.