"RINGO: With A Little Help" by MICHAEL SETH STARR - A Review Of The July 2015 Hardback Book (on Backbeat Books) by Mark Barry...

"...All I've Got Is A Photograph..."

It's Wednesday morning – the 15th of August 1962. Having had too many beers the night previous playing that lewd and lascivious Rock 'n' Roll music to impressionable teenage girls - Johnny Guitar of Johnny & The Hurricanes is sharing a trailer with a mate of his who is sleeping it off in the back. As Johnny opens the trailer door - he's greeted by two nattily dressed and equally cocky Liverpudlian reprobates. Johnny knows instantly that 'his' band's rhythm section is in trouble.

These two guys are part of the only pop group in Liverpool with an actual recording contract – a deal with a proper record company called Parlophone Records. In a heartbeat Johnny also knows what the young Paul McCartney and John Lennon want – the best Drummer in Liverpool – Richard Starkey - aka RINGO STARR. And thus history is made in a hung-over trailer on an unpromising summer morning. And then in September of 1962 - along with George Harrison (who championed Ringo joining the band all along) - they would fly as a foursome called "The Beatles" down to EMI's Abbey Road Studios in the big choke of London to meet professional Producer George Martin - and thereafter gingerly alter the fabric of the known Universe (cheeky buggers)...

After all these years (five decades plus and counting) - it seems odd that Michael Seth Starr (no relation) should be the first to claim an in-depth Biography of the world’s most famous Drummer – Ringo Starr. And it appears he’s done it without the subject’s permission or indeed interest. Yet across the 442 pages of this July 2015 Hardback Book published by Milwaukee’s Backbeat Books – Michael gives a blow-by-blow account of Ringo’s extraordinary life and some would say miraculous survival.

There’s 19 chapters beginning with "Little Richy" (his formative years) and ending with "Peace And Love" (a 35-year marriage of substance with Barbara Bach - an All Starr Band that has featured Joe Walsh and Nils Lofgren in its ranks). In between of course is the sheer lunacy and joy of "Beatlemania" – the movies "How I Won The War", "Candy" and "The Magic Christian" - the split – the chart years on Apple – the "Born To Boogie" movie with Marc Bolan's T.Rex - the drunken oblivion of the mid-to-late Seventies with Harry Nilsson and others – meeting Bond Girl Barbara Bach on the set of "The Caveman" film - Lennon's horrible assassination in December 1980 in New York and so on...

The early chapters describe his harsh upbringing - a toiling mother Elsie trying to put food on the table in Dingle (a rough part of Liverpool) – his father walking out - years of ill-health with stays in boy’s homes and finally salvation through American Rock 'n' Roll 45s coming off the ships down at the docks. Chapters 2 and 3 are called "It Was In My Soul" and "Ringo Starrtime" chart his early passion for rhythms and his rise as a drummer (his first kit was bought for him by a kindly work mate called Henry "Harry" Hunt for £12 – hauled all the way from London). Then that fateful meeting. Then "Please Please Me" hits the shelves of record shops in January 1963 and all Hell breaks loose...

The author keeps the details and facts coming and the two sets of photo plates chart the passing years up to 2014 with a smiling Ringo and Barbara still looking impossibly cool after all these years. Chapter 11 deals with the "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Sgt. Peppers" period of astonishing recording achievements – the pressure of global fame. Aged 30 in July 1970 – Ringo began his solo Apple career with hits like "It Don't Come Easy", "Back Off Boogaloo" and the gorgeous "Photograph" – but he also starred in the disastrous and bloody "Blindman" film and the Frank Zappa Avant Garde indulgence of "200 Motels". By the time we get to Chapter 14 delightfully and honestly entitled "We Were Junkies Dabbling In Music" – the lifestyle rot had set in and his marriage to his wife Maureen was over by 1975. In 1976 he shaves his head bald – in 1978 he makes a dreadful film called "Sextet" with an 85-year old Mae West – and in 1984 he plays on stage with The Beach Boys - but can’t remember it because he was so out of it (he hid his glaze behind dark glasses). By the time you arrive at "Getting Out Of Bed's A Problem These Days" and finally "Peace And Love" – you’re amazed him, his family and his relationship with McCartney and Harrison is still intact. There’s an Epilogue, Notes (references), Bibliography and an Index.

Now revered as an Elder Statesman of Rock – Ringo has been there and done that – and has indeed survived with more than a little help from friends. I enjoyed this crazy journey far more than I thought I would. I’ve always had an affection for Ringo Starr and a sneaking admiration for his wit and occasional musical brilliance - and this hugely entertaining read (sanctioned or not) has only made my smile every time I see him - wider ...

"Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" by JIM CAPALDI (2011 Universal/Island 4CD Box Set of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

“…All These Years…”

Compiled with love and care by his wife Aninha Capaldi and friends/admirers Paul Minkkinen and Daryl Easlea – "Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story" by JIM CAPALDI was released June 2011 on Universal/Island 5333997 (Barcode 600753339978) as a 4CD Book Set spanning his entire musical career. 

67-Tracks include early songs with The Hellions, Revolution and Deep Feeling – then onto his stay with TRAFFIC and collaborations with PAUL KOSSOFF of FREE, GEORGE HARRSION, DAVE MASON of TRAFFIC and ERIC CLAPTON. It includes 11 Previously Unreleased songs and breaks down as follows…

Disc 1 (75:53 minutes):

1. Dreaming Of You – THE HELLIONS (1964 UK 7” Single on Piccadilly 7N 35213, A-side)

2. Hallelujah – REVOLUTION (1966 UK 7” single on Piccadilly 7N 35298, A-side)

3. Pretty Colours – DEEP FEELING (Autumn 1966 recording made in London)

4. Dealer – TRAFFIC

5. Mr. Fantasy – TRAFFIC (4 and 5 from their debut album “Mr. Fantasy”, 1967 on Island ILPS 9061)

6. Light Up Or Leave Me Alone – TRAFFIC

7. Rock And Roll Stew – TRAFFIC (6 and 7 from the LP “Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys”, 1971 on Island ILPS 9180)

8. 40,000 Headmen – TRAFFIC (Previously Unreleased Version)

9. Pearly Queen (Live) – ERIC CLAPTON & FRIENDS (from “Eric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert”, 1973 LP on RSO 2394 116)

10. Tricky Dicky Rides Again – JIM CAPALDI (1973 UK 7” single on Island WIP 6165, features PAUL KOSSOFF of FREE on Guitar. Later appeared as “Dirty Business” on JC’s “Contender” album)

11. Oh How We Danced

12. Eve

13. Don’t Be A Hero

14. Open Your Heart

15. How Much Can A Man Really Take (11 to 15 are from his debut solo LP “Oh How We Danced”, 1972 on Island ILPS 9187)

16. Low Rider

17. Whale Meat Again (16 and 17 are from his 2nd LP ‘Whale Meat Again”, 1974 on Island ILPS 9254)

Disc 2 (78:07 minutes):

1. It’s All Up To You

2. Love Hurts

3. Short Cut Draw Blood

4. Boy With A Problem

5. Seagull (1 to 5 from his 3rd LP “Short Cut Draw Blood”, 1975 on Island ILPS 9336)

6. You And Me – JIM CAPALDI with PAUL KOSSOFF and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (first appeared on the “Koss” double-album anthology in 1977 – first appearance on CD here)

7. Game Of Love

8. Elixir Of Life (7 and 8 from the LP “The Contender”, 1978 on Polydor 2383 490)

9. Shoe Shine (Disco Mix) – (a UK 12” Promo Remix on Polydor 2141 164 issued in 1979. Is a track on the “Electric Nights” LP)

10. Hotel Blues

11. Tabitha

12. Electric Nights

13. Wild Geese (10 to 13 are from the LP “Electric Nights”, 1979 on Polydor 2383 534)

14. Every Man Must March To The Beat Of His Own Drum

15. Man With No Country

16. Going Home (14 to 16 are from the LP “The Sweet Smell Of Success”, 1980 on Carrere CAL 116)

Disc 3 (80:33 minutes):

1. Let The Thunder Cry

2. Favella Music

3. Child In the Storm

4. Warm

5. Old Photographs

6. We Don’t Need (1 to 6 are from the LP “Let The Thunder Cry”, 1981 on Carrere CAL 123)

7. Tonight You’re Mine

8. Living On The Edge

9. That’s Love

10. Gifts Of Unknown Things (7 to 10 are from the LP “Fierce Heart”, 1983 on WEA Records U 0057 in the UK/Europe - Atlantic 80059-1 in the USA)

11. Lost Inside Your Love

12. Tales Of Power

13. Warriors Of Love (11 to 13 from the LP “One Man Mission”, 1984 on WEA Records 251350-1

14. Something So Strong

15. Oh Lord, Why Lord

16. Love Used To Be A Friend Of Mine

17. Some Come Running (14 to 17 are from the LP “Some Come Running”, 1988 on Island 259 439

18. Living On The Outside (on the CD album “Living On The Outside”, 2001 on SPV Records 085-72512)

Disc 4 (76:38 minutes):

1. Standing In My Light

2. Anna Julia

3. Love You ‘Til The Day I Die (1 to 3 are on the CD album “Living On The Outside”, 2001 on SPV Records 085-72512)

4. State Of Grace (Demo) (from the 1994 TRAFFIC reunion album sessions for “Far From Home” – Previously Unreleased)

5. Tallulah (Demo) (written for his daughter and was one of his last recordings - Previously Unreleased)

6. Humanity (Just Another Checkpoint) (Demo) – Recorded sometime in the 2000s - Previously Unreleased

7. Bright Fighter (from the CD album “Poor Boy Blue”, 2004 on SPV Records 085-70412)

8. Strange Bird (Demo) (no dates provided) - Previously Unreleased

9. How Do I Get To Heaven (Demo) - Previously Unreleased

10. Love’s Got A Hold On Me (with GEORGE HARRISON) (Demo prepared for this Box set) - Previously Unreleased

11. Song For George [aka George’s Song] (Demo) – written after his friend Harrison had passed - Previously Unreleased

12. The Time Of Cholera (Demo)

13. Invaders Of The Heart (Demo) (12 and 13 recorded sometime in the 2000s – Both Previously Unreleased)

14. Getting Stronger (from the CD album “Poor Boy Blue”, 2004 on SPV Records 085-70412)

15. Love Will Keep Us Alive (Live) – DAVE MASON and JIM CAPALDI (from the album “Live 40,000 Headmen Tour”, 1999 on Receiver Records RRCD 270 Z)

16. Dear Mr. Fantasy (Live) – TRAFFIC (recorded at the rehearsals for Traffic’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004 - Previously Unreleased)

The presentation is first class – the pasted-in chunky booklet is crammed with period colour photos, album covers, music press adverts, concert posters, facsimiles of rare Island singles, snaps of him with pals George Harrison and Eric Clapton, hand-written lyrics – and a track-by-track breakdown on each entry.

But for me the real news comes with the fantastic sound – tapes transferred, remastered and mulled over by two names familiar to anyone whose bought the Polydor, Island, Vertigo or Deram 3CD mini box sets – MARK POWELL and PASCHAL BYRNE. Their work here is exemplary – each track exuding warmth and clarity (I’d even swear these TRAFFIC remasters are better than what’s gone before).

Highlights for me are the Funky-Rock of “Low Rider” (not the War tune) and the echoed menace of the title track from “Whale Meat Again”. His writing became far more sophisticated by 1975 – “It’s All Up To You” and “Boy With A Problem” while his chipper cover of “Love Hurts” (first brought to us by The Everly Brothers) saw him break the Top 5 in October 1975. The “You And Me” track from 1977’s “Koss” double is a gem here featuring Kossoff in sly form (the song was later reworked by Capaldi as “The Contender”). The Disco Mix of “Shoe Shine” doesn’t come over as hideous as its title sounds – it funky and has clever synth runs and guitar breaks. The ache in “Every Man Must March To The Sound Of His Own Drum” is real and defies its slick Eighties production. Of the previously unreleased stuff his “Song For George” is very Traveling Wilburys and the song “Tallulah” for his daughter is very pretty. The ‘loose’ “Dear Mr. Fantasy” rehearsal in 2004 that ends Disc 4 is a nine-minute blast – beautifully recorded and played with Winwood sounding stunning. It’s a nice way to bring the whole box set full circle.

Capaldi never had the best of voices or the song-writing chops of say Steve Winwood or even Dave Mason – but there’s much on here to love. And with that top notch sound and trawl of desirable rarities – a real fan pleaser…

"It's Like You Never Left" by DAVE MASON (of traffic) (2014 Beat Goes On CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry…

DAVE MASON is part of my Series "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

"...Troubles To Mend..."

This is a smart reissue by Beat Goes On of the UK. Mason’s 4th Solo album after Traffic has been languishing in digital Purgatory for years (with an early issue garnishing a hefty price tag). And second to his “Alone Together” album on Harvest in 1970 and the wonderful duet album with Mama Cass on Probe in 1971 – 1973’s “It’s Like You Never Left” has long been a fan favourite. Well they’re going to love this beautifully handled remaster with its exceptional sound quality. Here are the cat-on-the-lap details…

UK released 9 June 2014 – "It's Like You Never Left" by DAVE MASON (of Traffic) on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1153 (Barcode 501726211538) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the album and plays out as follows (34:46 minutes): 

1. Baby…Please
2. Every Woman
3. If You’ve Got Love
4. Maybe
5. Head Keeper
6. Misty Mountain Stranger
7. Silent Partner
8. Side Tracked
9. The Lonely One
10. It’s Like You Never Left
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album “It’s Like You Never Left” – originally released October 1973 on vinyl LP in the UK on CBS Records S 65258 and Columbia Records KC 31721 in the USA

The outer card wrap is a nice touch and gives all of these BGO reissues a classy look and feel. The 16-page booklet has superb liner notes by noted writer and music lover JOHN O’REGAN (before and after the album history) and comes complete with lyrics, photos of foreign 45s (Traffic included) and repro details of the inner gatefold sleeve of the original album. But it’s the fabulous new 2014 ANDREW THOMPSON remaster that will thrill – it’s gorgeous and reflects the staggeringly professional self Production job Mason did back in the day. Instruments are warm and clear and there’s no compression to my ears – it’s an album unleashed (bit of a lost class vibe going on too). 

Three tracks on Side 1 feature the superb harmony vocals of Graham Nash adding real back-up punch – the opener “Baby…Please”, then “Every Woman” and the excellent Side finisher “Head Keeper”. A careful listen to the zippy “If You’ve Got Love” and you can quickly name-check the distinctive guitar playing style credited on the sleeve to ‘Son Of Harry’ – it’s George Harrison Of The Beatles using a pseudonym for contractual reasons. 

But there’s much better than that. The sheer melody and acoustic guitar playing on “Maybe” is more than impressive (lyrics from it title this review). The aching words could be a road map to Dave Mason’s life – bad management – restrictive contracts – drug and alcohol abuse – relationship meltdowns. As a song - its extraordinarily pretty music – yet at its core is a strange darkness and pleading that I’ve always found moving (and haunting with phrases like “strangers until our dying day…”).

Vocally too – Mason is also more confident than ever on this album – like he knows the material warrants his best – and the whole shebang is certainly helped by that thoroughly professional Production polish. 

The two Side 2 openers are particular strong – “Misty Mountain Stranger” and the religious “Silent Partner” – both featuring blistering guitar work on Electric and Acoustic - sounding not unlike Emitt Rhodes at his Probe Records best. The funky “Side Tracked” has always been a soft touch for me - a sort of Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac instrumental Rock tune on a Soulful tip. With the rhythm section of Jim Keltner on Drums and Greg Reeves on Bass – it plays up a blinder.  

“The Lonely One” features the distinctive Harmonica of Motown’s legendary Stevie Wonder throughout and is easily the most commercial track on here. CBS Records issued it as a UK 45 in May 1974 on CBS S 2153 with “Misty Morning Stranger” as its B-side (delayed from April). It was a strong song-combo - but of course it went nowhere in Blighty at the time. Perhaps the “God’s Eternal Son…” lyrics of peace and love were out of step with the changing Rock/Pop/Disco landscape. 

So there you have it - a great album given a proper dust off and polish for 2014. Fans will need this and the curious should dig in and give it a lash. 

There’s a lot of quality songmanship and mature playing on Dave Mason’s “It’s Like You Never Left” – and its very sweetly presented too. Nice one…

PS: see also my separate reviews for "Alone Together" (his debut solo LP from 1970) and "Dave Mason And Cass Elliot" (his duet LP with The Mamas and The Papas singer from 1972) – both reissued and remastered by Rev-Ola with superb audio...

“Where’s There’s A Will There’s A Way – The ABC-Dunhill Recordings” by BOBBY WHITLOCK. A Review Of The 2013 Light In The Attic CD Reissue Which Remasters His First Two Vinyl Albums “Bobby Whitlock” (1972) and “Raw Velvet” (1973).

This review is part of my Series "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

"…You're The Only One…"

These two albums used to fill out the racks of used record stores and just sit there. And even though the self-titled debut contained heavy hitters - like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann (of "Revolver" fame), Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, Chris Wood of Traffic, Rick Vito (Bonnie Raitt's band, Bob Seger's band and Fleetwood Mac) and even The Edwin Hawkins Singers  - both were largely ignored by the buying public. Now at last top US reissue label Light In The Attic (using their Future Days Recordings imprint) has given them a newfound respect with a world-class CD reissue.

Released June 2013 - "Where’s There’s A Will There’s A Way: The ABC-Dunhill Recordings" by BOBBY WHITLOCK on Light In The Attic/Future Days Recordings FDR 602 (Barcode 82626853060226) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD and breaks down as follows (70:29 minutes):

1. Where There’s A Will

2. Song For Paula

3. A Game Called Life

4. Country Life

5. A Day Without Jesus

6. Back In My Life Again

7. The Scenery Has Slowly Changed

8. I’d Rather Live The Straight Life

9. The Dreams Of A Hobo

10. Back Home In England

Tracks 1 to 10 is his debut album "Bobby Whitlock" issued March 1972 in the USA on ABC-Dunhill DSX 50121 and on CBS Records S 65109 in the UK.

11. Tell The Truth

12. Bustin’ My Ass

13. Write You A Letter

14. Ease Your Pain

15. If You Ever

16. Hello L.A., Bye Bye Birmingham

17. You Came Along

18. Think About It

19. Satisfied

20. Dearest I Wonder

21. Start All Over

Tracks 11 to 21 is his 2nd album "Raw Velvet" issued November 1972 in the USA on ABC-Dunhill DSX-50131 and in the UK in early 1973 on CBS Records S

65301.

Produced by Andy Johns and Bobby Whitlock - the debut was recorded in London's Olympic Studios and featured an impressive array of British based Rock musicians. George Harrison and Eric Clapton (guitars) join Bobby Keys on Saxophone (practically an honorary member of The Rolling Stones), Klaus Voormann on Bass with Jim Price on Trumpet and Trombone and Jim Gordon on Drums. That amazing line-up grace three - "Where There's A Will", "A Day Without Jesus" and "Back In My Life Again" while Clapton also plays beautiful solo guitar on the lovely ballad "The Scenery Has Slowly Changed".  In fact the softer songs are far better than the rather frantic rushed tunes that are just trying too hard and getting nowhere. Chris Wood of Traffic adds flute to the lovely acoustic "A Game Called Life" - for me a nugget on this rather patchy album (lyrics from it title this review).

The second album ups the amps on Side 1 in an attempt to capture the 'rawk' market. 
It opens with "Tell The Truth" - a co-write with Eric Clapton. The countrified cover of Hoyt Axton's "Ease Your Pain" and the almost gospel-rock of "Bustin' My Ass" feature The Edwin Hawkins Singers to great effect. "Hello L.A. Bye Bye Birmingham" features a co-write with Mac Davis and mean slide guitar from Clapton. Things mellow out with Side 2 where he often only employs acoustic guitars, a piano and the Los Angeles Symphony on strings. "You Came Along" is undeniably lovely and Rick Vito's lead playing on "Satisfied" is superb. It ends sounding like "Sun King" from The Beatles "Abbey Road" album with "Start All Over" - all swirling and prettily ethereal.

The remaster is properly great - incredible clarity and presence - even when the raucous ensemble threatens to engulf everything. And the exceptional 48-page booklet entitled "The Bobby Whitlock Story" is done with complete co-operation from the singer himself - photos from his private archives, publicity material, repros of the album labels, detailed track-by-track annotation including his own reminiscences on each song. A lot of work and passion went into this and it shows...

To sum up - neither album is undiscovered genius by any stretch of the imagination - but there's plenty of here worthy of reappraisal. And like Rodriguez, Jim Sullivan, Michael Chapman and The City (featuring Carole King) - once again Light In The Attic has given a voice to an artist who deserved better and should be re-heard.

Check this one out...