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Does anyone remember Battersea Fun Fair? asks Colin Bell

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photo Stewart Townsend. Cover from the 2020 book. More details… https://joylandbooks.com/books_new/battersea-fun-fair.htm

Colin Bell… After recently watching the film, ‘The Day The Earth Caught Fire’ which featured lots of memories of Battersea Fun Fair, I wondered who else has memories of this fair?

Robert Carey… Worked right on Queenstown Roundabout in 60s and always over there. Great fun.

Paul Crimin… Sure do!

Steve Thorpe… Went there as a kid, I remember the high level walk through the trees and the water splash

Alan Esdaile… I remember going on The Rotor at Battersea funfair and probably about 9/10 years old. Excited to tell my mates at school and explaining it went really fast, then you got stuck to the wall when the floor disappeared. No one believed me!

Phil Little… Used to visit Battersea funfair when I first moved to London in 1972, it was one of the cheapest things to do.

Jane Hartley… I remember going as we had friends in South London, can’t be more specific though!

Colin Bell… The best thing for me was the Schweppes Grotto with its four caves ‘air’ ‘fire’ ‘earth’ and ‘water’ i’ll never forget crossing over the ‘molten lava’ in the fire cave, it was all magical for a 10 year old. The tree walk at night was amazing with its illuminated ‘dragons’ ‘pixies houses’ and animals etc. Then when you had seen all that next to it was the Guinness Clock with all its animations, a version of which came to Hastings seafront opposite the entrance to Robertson Street in the 1950’s. Different world but brings back so many happy memories in this grim time. Stay safe and well everyone x

Rick Pentecost… I went there a few times when I was very young. I loved it! Was there a Guinness Clock,- or did I imagine that?

Nicola Dobson… Yes my dad used to take me there..loved it and the roller coaster

Peter Houghton…My partner comes from Battersea And he used to ride the rides before the fun fair opened. And he used to work on some of the stalls + worked in the cafe there

Janet Horton… I had relatives in Middlesex at the time, it would be 1964 and I was 10. They took me to the fun fair, and I went in the grottos. Magic. It was funny at the time though, because I didn’t know you glowed purple and this woman came walking towards me. I thought she was a ghost, lol. Then she said, look at your own clothes and I was glowing purple. I remember it so well, we all laughed about it for ages.

G Tatton… In reply to Colin Bell, Yes I do 1969, School trip for a week in London.
Last night was spent at Battersea fun fair. My favourite was the motor boats three times on them. There was a governor on them below the accelerator, needless to say I wound mine down on one of them. We were under orders not to use the big dipper, because of our age. I’m watching , “Up The Junction” at the moment with Susan Kendal. The movie is from 1968. All about Battersea.

Dennis Torrance… Used to go there a lot late sixties with mates apart from the Big Dipper remember the gondola ride with mates there holding on tight to boat then seeing the walls go around we all cracked up lol

Charmaine Bourton… Yes I remember Battersea Funfair = a treat for good behaviour! Two of the girls who were injured in the 1972 Big Dipper accident went to my school Ravensboure School for Girls in Bromley. I remember seeing one in hospital on “News at 10” and the other was very seriously injured but survived.

Ruby Whitman… I went on a works outing to Battersea fun fair in the 50’s. I loved it. What’s in its’ place now?

David Gill… My girl friend and I when to the Battersea Fun Fare on a number of occasions, but one sticks out as being different. I was due to go into the RAF the next week and I wanted to leave my girl friend with something to remember me by. I won a teddy bear for her to cuddle only it was 5ft tall. Can you imagine trying to get on a tram with. 5ft teddy bear. We don’t have the teddy any more but more importantly we still have each other. In October we will have been married for some 62 years. But we still have a laugh at “teddies” expense. Dave and Pat Gill.

Jean Peck… (in reply to Colin Bell) Trying to trace the magical smell in the grotto. Aitkinsons perfumery of Mayfair London had some connection. They have moved to Italy. Wonder if Schweppes would have a record of it. Never forget that magical place. Our childhood treat .

John West… Female students told me that they were allowed to ride free on John Collin’s “Big Dipper” if they promised to scream. The opertors thought that it was good for business. It set a challenge to potential riders. Apparently, the ride was bought for scrap value from a Geman amusment park after the war. There was an identical ride at Roker Amusment Park near Sunderland. The Shwepps Grotto was beautiful when it was new with al the functions working. Sadly, over the years more and more of it failed and was not well-maintained.

 

Samantha’s Club – New Burlington Street. What clubs and venues do you remember in London? Tiffanys Club and Gullivers People chat.

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All images supplied by Colin Bell

Colin Bell… I was looking for something in my archives (I must organise them one day!) and came across this. I was struck by the artwork and how creative it was then. Samantha’s was in a basement off Regent Street and I was introduced to it on a night out with Clem (from the Foundations) and Jimmy James, from memory  it was around late 1969 early 1970. A great place with soul bands appearing and the D.J. ‘booth’ was the body of an E Type Jag (very swinging sixties). Drinks 2/6d! You could get well pissed for a coupla quid! I was lucky enough at that time to have the use of a mate’s flat in Berwick Street Soho, ideally placed to go to all the great clubs. Many hours spent at the Marquee, Whisky-a-go-go, the Flamingo, Middle Earth and Hatchetts in Piccadilly, a great club over 3 floors with a chill out bar level, a restaurant with a glass wall overlooking the ‘disco’ floor. I’d be interested to hear any memories of this period from other Smart members? Great times and great memories…………..

Alan Esdaile… Happy days in Wardour Street at The Marquee. Also the Speakeasy. Also remember auditioning bands at Tiffanys nightclub in Shaftesbury Avenue and a club in Piccadilly with the disco on the top floor, mirrored lift and the club had records stuck to the wall. 100 club, Roxy, Ronnie Scotts etc.

Peter Fairless… Went to some dodgy, some good clubs in London. Some were very dodgy but very good! Can’t remember all the names but most of those listed above.

Steve Gage… My mate Ray was a bouncer at Samanthas where are you now mate??? 🙂

Mick O’Dowd… Went to The Q Club in Paddington after seeing James Brown at The Rainbow in the 70’s I think. JB turned up after we got there and jammed with the band. Awesome!

Wendy Weaver… I went to Samantha’s in the 70s, loved the E Type jockeys booth. I worked in offices above La Valbonne in Regent Street for a few years. It had a large glass tank where people went for a dip – sometimes with their clothes on !

Eugene Hughes… I went to the Valbonne Wen. And Skindles in Maidenhead. Louis Brown has them both. Kingley St was la Valbonne.

Lena Jansson… Tiffany´s in Shaftesbury avenue was my favourite disco in 1977-1979, I remember the live band Gullivers people and the two DJ:s Ken Norton and the other one I can´t remember the name of, Dave? David? Would be great to hear from someone else who used to dance the nights away at Tiffany´s!!

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Gullivers People. photo source: http://paulrobinsondrummeronline.com/bio/

Lena Jansson… I only remember the female singer of  Gullivers People, I think her name was Kim or something like that, a name that both women and men use. She was quite tall with dark curly hair and a very strong voice. Their best cover was Alright now, a great song by Free.

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SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Too Far Out – Joe Meek’s Tea Chest Tapes. Beat, Mod & R&B from 304 Holloway Road 1963-1966, Various Artists 3CD Box Set

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TOO FAR OUT   JOE MEEK’s TEA CHEST TAPES –  BEAT MOD & R & B  (1963-1966)
Once in a while over the last 10 years of Smart Sounds reviews a release comes to me because I have requested it from Cherry Red Records because I believe it to be an important one, however due to the period of the material covered I don’t feel qualified to write a knowledgeable review of the work in my usual fashion. Such is the case with today’s new 3CD set. In 2020 Cherry Red acquired ‘The Tea Chest Tapes’ 1000’s of recordings that Joe Meek left behind after his untimely death in February 1967. These recordings are a treasure trove of un-released, early recordings, demo’s etc of artistes some of whom such as David Bowie, Billy Fury, Tom Jones, Gene Vincent & many more would later go on to international fame. Since Cherry Red acquired this incredibly important collection of some 4000 hours of music spread over close to 2000 tapes they have set about digitising them & releasing these wonderful box sets split into various categories over the last 5 years. This latest 3CD Box set covers the period 1963-1966 & boasts 88 tracks of Beat Mod & R & B tracks produced by Joe in his inimitable style. To return to my aforementioned statement, regarding not feeling qualified to write a knowledgeable full on review of all this work, this is because I did not arrive in the business until 1967 & from that point on I think i can say without being egotistical I can write about music from my own experience of the bands/artistes that I encountered & often worked with from that point in time on. 1963-66 is a period of time that is important as aforementioned as it chronicles the birth of beat music here in the UK, but for me falls out of my reach for being that tad too early for me to be taking notice. And the last thing I want to do is write a ‘review’ for the many 1000’s of Joe Meek admirers from a point of largely ignorance. Thus, please look on this as less a ‘review’ but more a big heads up to all those aforementioned Joe Meek fans that love his work & are so much steeped in his work than I could ever be. All that being said, I do recognise & remember, hearing some of the tracks & bands featured on this collection courtesy of an older friend who lived with us for a time at the relevant period in the early 60’s. In fact the whole compilation kicks off with a number I do remember well from the wacky individual that was ‘Screaming Lord Sutch’ & his genuinely blood curdling opus ‘Jack The Ripper’ (see the video at the end of this piece). This is followed by Freddie Starr, who had a pretty decent voice albeit he was known for his comedic talent. His rendition of the ‘Peter Gunn Locomotion’ shows promise. Up next are another band vaguely familiar to me, The Syndicats with a spirited version of the classic ‘Maybelline’ which certainly gets the toes tapping. Other names spread across the collection that are familiar to me are The Riot Squad, The Cryin’ Shames (a great band) The Honeycombs & Heinz. Beyond that there is a wealth of names that will no doubt be known to Meek aficionados or anyone interested in this period & general beat genre. So to sum up, this is another hugely important release that the Joe Meek fraternity will love & will also appeal to those individuals just that bit older than me that grew up with this early beat genre. It’s certainly a voyage of discovery. The set comes in a sturdy clamshell box & is accompanied as ever by a lavishly illustrated & annotated booklet. Enjoy
For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk
Til next time……stay safe, take care….Colin

Alan Esdaile… I’m pretty sure Ray Fenwick was in The Syndicats.

Catherine Ireland… yes he was Alan

Mick O’Dowd… What a compilation! Brings back a lot of memories for me of my mis-spent youth. Remember all of the bands mentioned and the SLS clip at the end especially took me back to when I had a holiday job in Iorio Di Mascio’s shop on the roundabout by Iceland. Upstairs they had a video juke box and one of the selections was blanked out on the menu. The staff soon found out is was the video for SLS and the above song. (I’ve still got a Standard 8 video of this!). It was done so as not to upset children and their parents! What would they say in this day and age

Colin Bell… Great memories there mate, thanks for sharing, some of the young ladies in the SLS video look genuinely scared!

Joanna Marie Mod… Looks superb

Pete Prescott… I have to hear this !

 

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing The Magic Forest – More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975, Various Artists 3CD

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THE MAGIC FOREST – More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975
I’ve been looking forward to this release. Regular readers may remember the first 3 CD box set in this series issued back in 2022 ‘Deep In The Woods’. An excellent collection of trad folk/experimental acid folk/jazz/rock/funk & more besides, which may sound a rather confusing mix of genres, but trust me it all makes wonderful, blissful sense when it enters your ears. I love that first collection so much that its become my ‘go to’ listen when I want to relax & drift off to other worlds & immerse myself in all things esoteric, where there’s an aural surprise lurking around every corner. This new release is a companion piece to that first collection & like its predecessor the first thing you notice is the exquisite artwork spread out over the digipack which is a feast for the eyes as it draws you into ‘The Magic Forest’ I could just stare at that artwork all day, let alone being carried away by the music. This time round the set contains more of the rare, obscure & long forgotten gems as before, sprinkled with the more well known names, well, they’re well known if you’re into this whole scene as I am. The compilation has once  again been put together by Richard Norris, a man clearly in love with what he does & he has done another fine job annotating the tracks. And speaking of tracks there are 61 spread across the 3 CD’s to delight in. The whole collection gets off to a fine start with the track that gives the compilation its title ‘The Magic Forest’ by Fat Mattress a band whose name will be familar to a wider audience, who enjoyed a fair degree of success, & included along with Noel Redding, an old friend of mine Neil Landon, who prior to forming FM was a member of The Flower Pot Men. I’ve chosen this track to feature as the accompanying video to this review to give you a sample of what to expect. This is followed by the gentle strains of the eastern flavoured ‘Dreams’ by The Woods bands & already a sense of peace & relaxation is taking hold of the listener. One of the most collectible bands of the 60’s, the wondrous Mellow Candle are up next with ‘Sheep Season’ featuring their haunting blend of voices & experimental sounds that infused their solitary album ‘Swaddling Songs’ for which you’d need a second mortgage to buy if you were after an original vinyl copy. Track 4 comes from a very underrated artist in my view Shelagh McDonald with the haunting folk ballad ‘Stargazer’ More standout tracks on CD1 come from Prelude, Keith West (of ‘Grocer Jack’ fame), Agincourt, another highly collectable act, Forest, Affinity & one of my favourite singer/songwriters Clifford T Ward with ‘A Dream’, a sheer delight. CD2 kicks off with a legend of folk, Sandy Denny with ‘Next Time Around’ followed by, new to me, a gorgeous number from Fairfield Parlour with ‘Aries’ with some very ordinary themes in its lyrics that become far more interesting when combined with the band’s music. The unmistakable voice of Roger Chapman heralds the arrival of his band Family with ‘My Friend the Sun’ one of the more well known artistes to grace the compilation. More highlights on CD2 come from Heron, Fresh Maggots, Tim Hollier, Oberon & another old friend i worked with, the enigma that was Tim Rose with Tim’s take on ‘If I Were A Carpenter’. RIP old friend. Compared to the first collection ‘Deep in the Woods’ aforementioned. this second 3CD outing features more singer/songwriters. CD3 opens with a band I’ve always had a fondness for, the excellent Jade Warrior with the gentle, dreamy ‘Morning Hym’ followed by a band completely unknown to me The Ghost with a track called ‘Hearts & Flowers’ which reminds me of something else I can’t quite pin down annoyingly, but I’m very taken with their lead singer, one Shirley Kent. I’d like to hear more from this band. Track 3 serves up a great number from Pete Dello & his band Honeybus, best known of course for ‘I Can’t Let Maggie Go’ but there was so much more to them than that commercial hit single. Elsewhere other highlights on the final disc come from Fotheringay, Pentangle, Roy Harper, Marsha Hunt & Snafu amongst others. In conclusion compiler Richard Norris has curated a glorious collection of the esoteric, seldom heard & unfamiliar which if you have a mind that seeks out the different,  may just turn into your very own familiar, I do hope so. Enjoy.
For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk
Til next time……take care….Colin

Alan Esdaile… I agree Colin, great sleeve and thanks for the reminder of the Fat Mattress track. I remember a local group used to play this track in their set but can’t remember who it was?

 

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Mark Wirtz: Dream Dream Dream – The Anthology, 5CD deluxe clamshell box.

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I’m delighted to bring to you a long overdue extremely comprehensive 5CD retrospective collection of a man whose name outside of the music business is quite possibly unknown to many people. However if I was to say ‘Excerpt From A Teenage Opera’ (or ‘Grocer Jack’) that it’s often referred to, that would instantly be recognised by any ‘baby boomer’ as one of the most well loved songs from 1967. And we wouldn’t have the record to luxuriate in if it wasn’t for its co-writer & producer Mark Wirtz. When Mark passed away in August 2020 the music business lost, in my opinion, a titan whose name should be up there with the likes of Joe Meek, George Martin, et al. This lovingly put together exhaustive collection of Mark’s work by fan & later collaborator Stephen C  Wilson of duo Sound Menagerie is a perfect celebration of a mans lifetime work, a man who was not only a visionary producer but also variously a singer, writer, composer, poet, arranger, painter & even in latter years a stand up comedian. One might say Mark had an embarrassing amount of multi-talents. Born in Strasbourg & brought up in Cologne he moved to London in 1962 where he initially studied performing arts at RADA & had  his own beat band The Beatcrackers who were signed to EMI in 1963 as Mark Rogers & the Marksmen, the first of many different names attached to his life’s work & career. By 1965 he had formed his own production company working with big names including Marlene Dietrich. In 1966 he wrote & produced a piece that after ‘Grocer Jack’ is probably his best known piece to the public, the instrumental ‘A Touch of Velvet- A Sting of Brass’ credited to The Mood Mosiac, it was much played on pirate radio & used as a theme by several DJ’s, notably Dave Lee Travis on Radio Caroline. It was his next work that really caught my attention. After accepting an invitation to join EMI as an in-house producer in 1967 & working at Abbey Road alongside Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick, Mark started working with Hastings Pier regulars Kippington Lodge & Keith West & Tomorrow, the latter producing psychedelic classics ‘My White Bicycle’ & ‘Revolution. Together with Keith he then embarked on his most famous work the ultimately unfinished ‘Teenage Opera’. This work has been mentioned by industry ‘heavyweights’ Pete Townshend & Paul McCartney as an influence on their own projects ‘Tommy’ & ‘Abbey Road’ respectively. Although ‘Teenage Opera’ was never fully realised it did also produce one of my favourite singles of the 60’s in ‘Sam’ the follow up to ‘Grocer Jack’ another delightful whimsical tale, beautifully realised & produced. This new compilation gives you an unrivalled journey through the ‘opera’ story & so much more as Mark moved into the 70’s. Over 5 CD’s this collection spans the years 1963 on through the 70’s with 131 tracks, featuring outtakes, previously unheard & unreleased material, spoken insights into Marks world, Mono mixes that have been unavailable for over 50 years for some of his most famous work like ‘Grocer Jack’ & so much more. The 5 CD’s come in separate sleeves in a sturdy clamshell box that also contains an exclusive yellow badge & a facsimile letter of the handwritten lyrics to ‘Grocer Jack’ & as an added bonus if you order the set direct from Cherry Red Records themselves you get a bonus digital download of additional tracks. The accompanying 40 page booklet perfectly annotates the tracks with a wealth of detail I sadly don’t have the space to go into here, but rest assured if you, like me, are a lover of 60’s psyche or just want to go on a magical journey of discovery into Mark Wirtz’s fascinating world of diverse musical projects then indulge yourself with this set. Its a cracking start to this years Smart Sounds & 10 years of my association with Cherry Red. Enjoy.

For more information go to https://www.cherryred.co.uk
Til next time….take care…Colin

Steve Wilson… Thank you so much for this lovely review of the Mark Wirtz box set

Colin Bell… My pleasure Steve, love his work

Alan Esdaile… I also really like the track ‘Sam’.

 

Mastins and double decker bus

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supplied by Colin Bell

and possibly Dawn & Dorset Laundry van behind?

Richard Porter… My Father in law’s roundabout

Ann Scott… Dawn & Dorset van behind the bus

Stuart Moir… Fountain Hastings seafront

Sue Strong… I remember the great Christmas grottos at Mastins

Jane Hartley… Sue, the best ever.

Ralph Town… Lovely Atlantean

Tracy Birrell… I do! I also worked as a Telephonist/Receptionist at The Dawn and Dorset Laundry in the 70’s.

Georgie Fame & Alan Price & compere Colin Bell – White Rock Pavilion 28th October 1973

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supplied by Sarah Harvey

Alan Esdaile… Can you remember who the support was Colin?

Matt Thomas… Probably played one of my favourite tunes ‘Rosetta’ 

Mick O’Dowd… Remember working on this one. I think it may have been Martin-Casson only gig at White Rock.

Colin Bell… I can’t be absolutely certain but I think they were called ‘Highway’, I remember the actual night very well as they were a heavyish rock band and the audience hated them! I should add that it wasn’t because Highway were bad far from it, it was just not what the audience were expecting as a support act, I liked them! The late Paul Casson and I hid in the bar til the second half when F & P did their set. Fortunately the night then ended well! Not the best night to be compere, especially in my home town..lol..Also backstage it was clear F & P didn’t get on, they arrived separately didn’t speak a word to each other and left separately without a word. On stage together chemistry, offstage………Ah the memories!..

Geordie plus Bitch or Moonstone?? and Colin Bell – Hastings Pier 26th October 1973

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poster supplied by Mick Mepham

Pete Prescott….after Brian Johnston left the reformed Geordie to join ac/dc i was briefly in the band that struggled to continue (with a different name – the DUDES ) they tried terry slesser from crawler.i replaced him.i recorded three tracks with them at Luxembourg studios.they wanted me to re locate to newcastle.i couldn’t do that.nice guys.

Yvonne Cleland….Great band, Geordie! Saw them on the pier! it was a good gig!

Pete Fairless….The best Slade record Slade never made!

Pete Prescott….i sang love if you want it another night in the city and the last one escapes me.i think i have the versions of terry slesser singing them as well as mine.brian sang nutbush city limit at the ac/dc audition and got the job instantly.i was told he is a nice guy.

Andy Qunta…..singer of Geordie was Brian Johnson, who later joined AC/DC, and still with them now! After Factory’s gig with them in Torquay, I met him in the motorway services Gent’s (accidentally, not pre-arranged, before your minds start working overtime!). He was very flustered! He had been driving their truck, it was one of those where the cab tipped forward to get to the engine. After checking the oil or something, apparently the cab wasn’t locked properly, so when he got to some traffic lights, the whole cab tipped forward, and he was properly freaked out! Geordie almost lost his liggy!

Peter Howard… I know one of Bitch

Colin Bell… Always handy to know what i was doing ! I remember Brian (Johnson) being a really nice guy, sadly i don’t remember Bitch.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Pour A Little Sugar On It – The Chewy Chewy Sounds of American Bubblegum 1966-1971, Various Artists 3CD Box Set

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POUR A LITTLE SUGAR ON IT (THE CHEWY CHEWY SOUNDS OF AMERICAN BUBBLEGUM 1966-71)  3CD SET

At long last those wonderful people at Grapefruit Records have put together an exhaustive new compilation of what many have derided over the years as disposable (being polite) or simply just crap music (being impolite!) the genre that became known as ‘bubblegum music’. Characterised by 3 minute, 3 chord (deceptively) simple pop melodies often with meaningless lyrics played by many ‘bands’ a large amount of which didn’t exist, but comprised studio concoctions using session managers. The whole sound was aimed at capturing the early teen market in America in the mid-late 60’s as pop and rock music grew more sophisticated for older buyers. It’s roots can reasonably be traced back to the advent of The Monkees and their manufactured pop sound created in 1966. With their massive success came many more imitators jumping on what became, at least, for a few short years a lucrative bandwagon. On this new compilation just about every major successful effort is represented alongside a wealth of long obscure ‘bands’. This new 3CD set comprises of 91 tracks spanning 4 hours of sugar sweet sounds that defined ‘bubblegum’ so sit down with a sherbert fountain or a bag of dolly mixtures and here’s what you’ll find. Disc1 kicks of with a trio of songs that exemplify the whole bubblegum movement with ‘Simon Says’ ‘Yummy Yummy Yummy’ & ‘ A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You’ by respectively the 1910 Fruitgum Company, Ohio Express & of course The Monkees. The first 2 tracks came out of New York based Buddah Records who were undoubtedly the kings of the genre (after Don Kirschner with The Monkees). Buddah gave us the majority of the really big hits from the aforementioned 2 bands plus Kasenetz-Katz Flying Orchestral Circus, with ‘Quick Joey Small’, Lou Christie with ‘I’m Gonna Make You Mine’ & ‘She Sold Me Magic’ (all included) & a host of others. As ever its away from these big names that the long forgotten and obscure sit with fabulous names such as Salt Water Taffy, Lt Garcias Magic Music Box & The Raspberry Pirates all giving us their take on the genre. There are some surprising names on Disc1 (as there are on Discs2 & 3) that are included as they had an abberation away from their normal output. The Grass Roots & Neil Diamond to name a couple. However I must take issue with the inclusion of The Electric Prunes! A beloved group of mine! Ok, ‘Everybody Know You’re Not In Love’ may be a long way from ‘I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night’. But bubblegum?! No siree! Other well remembered names from Disc1 turn up with Crazy Elephant, Lobo & The Cuff Links. The latter sporting Ron Dante on lead vocals. Ron was to American pop what Tony Burrows was to us over here in the UK. He was everywhere as a studio session singer as well as putting out singles under his own name, examples of which you can also hear on the compilation. Disc2 begins with a big personal favourite ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ from Tommy James & the Shondells whose record company Roulette Records also were heavily involved in releasing bubblegum. This is followed by The Lemon Pipers with the evergreen…er ‘Green Tambourine’! a fusion of bubblegim & psyche. Other treats come from Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Mama Cass, Bobby Bloom, Tommy Roe & The Archies. Again its the lesser known that provide some extra treats with the likes of The Pineapple Heard with an excellent version of ‘Valleri’ made famous by The Monkees. Again there are some unlikely names cropping up with forays into bubblegum territory including The Beach Boys, The Cowsills and would you believe The Velvet Underground! Again I have to take issue with the inclusion of The Box Tops who are featured twice, they were definitely pop/soul in my book, but heyho each to their own opinion. Finally Disc3 serves up more big hitters with Melanie, Rick Nelson & Bobby Sherman to name but three. Plus more hits from 1910 Fruitgum Company, The Lemon Pipers, Kasenetz Katz, John Fred & his Playboy Band and more. Amongst the obscure treats are tracks from South Amboy Port Authority, The Peppermint Trolley Company & The Love Generation amongst others. I’d have to argue again that the inclusion of Bruce (‘Hey Baby’) Channel with ‘Keep On’ merits the bubblegum tag, more pop/soul yet again in my book. The whole compilation comes to a close with what is really the poster child for the whole movement with The Archies ‘Sugar Sugar’ (video coming up). Its a funny old world, especially in music. I started by saying bubblegum was defined by 3 minute, 3 chord disposable songs with meaningless (in the main) lyrics. For this the artists were often derided and looked down upon by ‘musical snobs’, which i find pretty funny and ironical. If you wound the clock on a decade to 1976 it was all repeated, the 3 minute, 3 chord……etc. Except this time it was called Punk….which ‘musical snobs’ embraced….think about that. As ever this compilation comes housed in a sturdy clamshell box complete with a fascinating 48 page booklet. Enjoy.

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

Til next time….stay safe…..Colin

Mick O’Dowd… What a compilation Colin. I’m with you regarding the simplicity of the genre. This gave us DJ’s a lot of dancing toons between them and were also very popular. Like you, there are several names on there that I wouldn’t put in that genre but hey ho!

Colin Bell… Hi Mate, certainly brings back some memories for us

Alan Esdaile… Always loved ‘Quick Joey Small’.

Terry Corder… Some great songs there. Thanks.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Gerry And The Pacemakers: I Like It! Anthology 1963-1966, 3CD

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‘I LIKE IT’ ANTHOLOGY 1963-1966    GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS  (3CD SET)

I’m delighted to bring you this latest fine compilation from Strawberry Records. Back in 1963 at the birth of Merseybeat in Liverpool, Gerry & the lads were serious contenders to The Beatles crown and this exhaustive new collection brings that home. Running to roughly 4 hours of listening time and spanning just under a 100 tracks (98) it reminds you just how successful they were. Sharing both The Beatles manager Brian Epstein & record producer George Martin they released some classic singles. As I’m sure most pop fans are aware, but if not, they were the first UK band to have their first 3 single releases all go to No 1, ‘I Like It’ ‘How Do You Do It’ & ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ a feat even the aforementioned ‘fab four’ didn’t match. That record was to stand for 2 decades until eventually matched by Frankie Goes To Hollywood in the 80’s. So what does this new compilation have to offer on its 3 disc? As you might expect Disc1 contains all the hit singles that the band had between 1963 and 1965, as well as the big 3 already mentioned there are ‘I’m the One (No 2) & my personal favourite the haunting and exquisite ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying’ (No 4 in both the UK & USA). The latter written by Gerry for his then girlfriend, later wife, Pauline, has to be one of the greatest love songs ever written in pop music. Gerry was a prolific writer, roughly half of the tracks on the compilation were composed by himself, it’s fair to say they are not all as great as DLTSCYC, but he was no slouch. He also had the ability (& taste) to cover others great songs such as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel & a personal favourite ‘Walk Hand in Hand’ written by Johnny Cowell with aplomb making them his own. Disc1 also contains some rockers such as ‘Maybelline’ ‘What I’d Say’ & ‘Dizzy Miss Lizzy’ also recorded by The Beatles who provided Gerry with ‘Hello Little Girl’ also contained here which was originally planned to be their 3rd single. Elsewhere there are more tracks by Gerry quite a few of which are new to me. Disc2 kicks off with the massive hit from the film of the same name ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ like YNWA another enduring classic for which Gerry will always be remembered. Followed by another UK hit with ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ (No 24 UK & USA) more covers of rockers abound with the likes ‘Reelin & Rockin’ & ‘A Whole Lot of Shaking Going On’ sitting alongside many original songs written by Gerry. As I said earlier not all his songs reached the gold standard of DLTSCYC and its cleat that his contemporaries John & Paul were moving ahead at a much greater creative pace by ’64/65′ with songs such as ‘And I Love Her’ & ‘I Feel Fine’ leaving Gerry’s songs feeling somewhat mundane with their simple ‘Moon & June’ style compositions, and i think the slowing down of his success by the mid 60’s does ultimately come down to the songwriting in my humble opinion. Disc3 contains a jewel in the crown of this fascinating compilation with the presentation of a live concert recorded in Oakland California in 1964 where the guys sound on fabulous form as they deliver the hits and more, and the recording quality is excellent. Throughout the compilation there are scattered ‘alternate takes & mixes’ of various tracks and the set is brought to a close on Disc3 with (amongst some others) some stereo versions of DLTSCYC ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ & a lush ‘Walk Hand in Hand’ and they sound  simply magnificent reminding us what a warm and special voice Gerry possessed. As ever the digipack is packed with photo’s and facsimile posters under each disc (a nice touch) and the usual informative and colourful booklet. A thoroughly recommended listen. Enjoy.

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

Til next time…..stay safe take care, Colin

Mick O’Dowd… Nice compilation including a lot that i’ve never heard before not being a huge fan. Welcome back Colin. Missed your reviews!

Alan Esdaile… Likewise I always loved ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying’ and ‘Walk Hand In Hand’

Nigel Ford… Lambretta Li Series 3 – no dampers on front forks and no disc brake like the bigger-engined TV’s had. My mum’s sister, Auntie Winnie, took brother and I to see Ferry cross the Mersey plus another, maybe one featuring Heinz (?) at the Gaiety cinema Queens Road in ’63/64 ish one easter /summer school hols ,probably on a wet day…….Kia-Ora anyone, or a paper-wrapped block of ice-cream in an oblong cone?