"From The Knees Of My Heart - The Albums 1979-1981" by IAN HUNTER – Includes Four Albums Plus Bonuses - "You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic" (April 1979, Studio LP), "Ian Hunter Live/Welcome To The Club" (April 1980 2LP Live Set), "Short Back N' Sides" (August 1981, Studio LP) and "Ian Hunter Rocks" (1983 Video-Only Set Released Here For The First Time On CD - September 1981 Recordings at the Dr. Pepper Festival in New York) - Featured Musicians Include Mick Ronson, Mick Jones of The Clash and Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band ad Songs From The Mott The Hoople Era (February 2019 EUROPE-Only Reissue on Chrysalis in a Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves – Based on the October 2012 UK issued EMI/Chrysalis 4CD Fat Jewel Case Set of Peter Mew Remasters called "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981") - A Review by Mark Barry...

Photos above are the 2019 EU-Only Chrysalis Reissue 

Of a 2012 UK-Only EMI/Chrysalis 4CD Compilation in a Fat Jewel Case 

(see photos below for images of the original) 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knees-My-Heart-Albums-1979-1981/dp/B07KLCY9CP?crid=2F1ZHT8ZG92BD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YZKC4beHqvtfKbUe8PsscQ.N53RZz5FpELd3PD6GeZy00SIPIjim2XrB4HGsHgpq8Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=5060516091256&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727109257&sprefix=5060516091256%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=70ada24ce1bb582c956bdf0d5d76b6dd&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Standing In My Light…"

Originally released October 2012 in the UK as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981" in a 4CD Fat Jewel Case – I much prefer the EU only reissue of February 2019 as it comes in a Clamshell Box Set with four of those natty-looking Mini LP Card Repro Sleeves. 

Renamed as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981" for 2019, the reissue retains the same 63-Tracks (full Bonus compliment), Peter Mew Remasters and the Campbell Devine 16-Page Booklet. I just love that artwork and it can be found for prices that vary between £22 and £30. 

A vaults-haul through Ian Hunter's LP stay at Chrysalis Records with guests like Mick Ronson, Todd Rundgren and Roger Powell of Utopia, Mick Jones and Topper Headon of The Clash, Martin Briley of Brinsley Schwarz, Roy Bittan, Gary Tallent and Max Weinberg all of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band – you get two studio albums, one live double and a Video-Only release making its debut on CD as the fourth offering. There's a lot to get through – so here are the Cleveland Rocks…

EU-only released 22 February 2019 - "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981" by IAN HUNTER on Chrysalis CRB1074 (Barcode 5060516091256) is a REISSUE of an October 2012 UK 4CD set. The original was UK issued as "From The Knees Of My Heart: The Chrysalis Years 1978-1981" on EMI/Chrysalis 5099923270121 (Barcode 5099923270121) as a 4CD set of remasters in a Fat Jewel Case. This EU-Only Reissue comes with a slightly different title ("From The Knees Of My Heart: The Albums 1979-1981") and is presented in a Clamshell Box Set with Four Mini LP Repro Artwork Card Sleeves and breaks down as follows:

CD1 (77:06 minutes):
1. Just Another Night [Side 1]
2. Wild East 
3. Cleveland Rocks
4. Ships
5. When The Daylight Comes
6. Life After Death [Side 2]
7. Standin' In My Light
8. Bastard 
9. The Outsider 
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic" - released April 1979 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1214. Produced by MICK RONSON and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 49 in the UK and No. 35 in the USA on the LP charts. Featured Musicians included Mick Ronson on Guitars and Duet Vocals, John Cale of The Velvet Underground on Keyboards, Ellen Foley on Harmony Vocals with Roy Bittan (Keyboards and Harmony Vocals), Garry Tallent (Bass) and Max Weinberg (Drums) of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band.

BONUS TRACKS ("Schizophrenic" Outtakes):
10. Don't Let Go (Demo Version)
11. The Other Side Of Life (Outtake)
12. Ships (Early Version) - was a download only track
13. When The Daylight Comes (Early Version)
14. Just Another Night (Version No. 3)
15. The Outsider (Early Version)
16. Alibi 
NOTES: 
Tracks 10 and 11 first appeared on the 2009 on the '30th Anniversary Special Edition' 2CD reissue of "You're Never Alone..."
Track 12 is PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD
Tracks 14, 15 and 16 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

CD2 (79:37 minutes):
1. FBI [Side 1]
2. Once Bitten Twice Shy
3. Angeline
4. Laugh At Me 
5. All The Way From Memphis
6. I Wish I Was Your Mother [Side 2]
7. Irene Wilde
8. Just Another Night
9. Cleveland Rocks 
10. Standin' In My Light [Side 3]
11. Bastard
12. Walkin' With A Mountain/Rock And Roll Queen
13. All The Young Dudes 
14. Slaughter On 10th Avenue
Tracks 1 to 14 are the 2LP live set "Ian Hunter Live/Welcome To The Club" - released April 1980 in the UK on Chrysalis CJT 6 and in the USA on Chrysalis CHR2 1269. Produced by MICK RONSON and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 61 in the UK and No. 69 in the USA LP charts. Band included Ian Hunter on Vocals, Mick Ronson and Tommy Morrongiello on Guitars, Tommy Mandel and George Meyer on Keyboards (Meyer also Sax and Vocals), Martin Briley of Brinsley Schwarz on Bass, Eric Parker on Drums with Ellen Foley on Backing Vocals.

NOTES: Regarding Side 4 of the live double-album "Welcome To The Club" - see also Tracks 11, 13 and 14 on CD4 and an Alternate Version as Track 12

BONUS TRACKS:
15. One Of The Boys
16. The Golden Age Of Rock 'n' Roll
NOTES: Tracks 15 and 16 were BONUS TRACKS on the 1994 CD reissue

CD3 (77:09 minutes):
1. Central Park 'N' West [Side 1]
2. Lisa Likes Rock 'n' Roll
3. I Need Your Love 
4. Old Records Never Die
5. Noises 
6. Rain [Side 2]
7. Gun Control
8. Theatre Of The Absurd 
9. Leave Me Alone
10. Keep On Burning
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Short Back N' Sides" - released August 1981 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1326. Produced by MICK JONES (of The Clash) and IAN HUNTER – it peaked at No. 79 in the UK and No. 62 in the USA on the LP charts. Produced by IAN HUNTER and MICK RONSON (John Holbrook Engineer)  – Featured Musicians Included Mick Ronson on Guitars and Vocals, Tommy Mandel on Keyboards, Mick Jones (Guitar and Vocals) and Topper Headon (Drums) of The Clash, Ellen Foley and Miller Anderson on Harmony Vocals, Gary Windo (ex-Centipede) on Saxophone, Todd Rundgren (Bass and Backing Vocals) and Roger Powell (Backing Vocals) of Utopia.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Na Na Na
12. I Believe In You
13. Listen To The Eight Track
14. You Stepped Into My Dreams 
15. Venus In The Bathtub
16. Detroit (Take 1)
17. China (Rough Mix with Ronson Vocal)

NOTES: Tracks 11 to 15 were BONUS TRACKS on the 1994 CD reissue
Tracks 16 and 17 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

CD4 (78:13 minutes):
1. Once Bitten Twice Shy (Live)
2. Gun Control (Live)
3. Central Park 'N' West (Live)
4. Medley: All The Way From Memphis/Honky Tonk Women (Live)
5. I Need Your Love (Live)
6. Noises (Live)
7. Just Another Night (Live)
8. Cleveland Rocks (Live)
9. Irene Wilde (Live)
10. Medley: All The Young Dudes (includes excerpts from Honaloochie Boogie, Roll Away The Stone and Ships)
Tracks 1 to 10 are "Ian Hunter Rocks" recorded live at Dr. Pepper Festival, New York in September 1981. It was originally released on Video in 1983 and is presented here for the first time as PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD. Band included Ian Hunter on Guitar and Vocals, Robbie Alto on Guitar, Tommy Mandel on Keyboards, Mark Clarke on Bass with Mark Kaufman on Drums.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Sons And Daughters (Live)
12. We Gotta Get Out Of Here (Alternate Version)
13. Silver Needles (Live)
14. Man O' War (Live)

NOTES: Tracks 11, 13 and 14 are from the original "Welcome To The Club" Live Set
Track 12 is a rare version from the 1980 2LP retrospective "Shades Of Ian Hunter" (included on the 1988 American CD reissue). See CD2 for the rest of the double-LP. 

Photos of The Original 2012 UK 4CD Set on which this 2019 EU Reissue is Based

Still Available on Amazon (UK) - Follow The Link Below

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knees-My-Heart-Chrysalis-1979-1981/dp/B009CZO3W0?crid=30P3G5HBDCKIZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qDPoOBUzHmmw4Bv44pIM1A.JFCAepXHluzGvpL7X02-AqOVfD2cvfT-wVV78gcYpTY&dib_tag=se&keywords=5099923270121&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727109319&sprefix=5099923270121%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=b870a5c98c964b139cc0c9742ba7ffde&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The four Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves of the reissue are all singular (see photos) and their front cover artwork clear enough (they clip the right side of the title on "Short Back N' Sides" just a little too close). But disappointingly these are not Japanese attention to detail so they do not show the rear artwork (or the gatefold of "Welcome To The Club - Live") – instead simply giving boring track lists and naught else. Still, I like them and have grown to seriously dislike those Fat Jewel Case clumps.

The 16-page info-packed booklet with liner notes by CAMPBELL DEVINE is the same as the 2012 version (pictures, all of it) – so no changes there. It sports track-by-track comments from Ian Hunter himself and recording details/musician credits for each set. There are some live photos, 7" picture sleeves from varying areas, small shots of the album covers. It’s hardly knicker-wetting – typical of these sets (what they could get away with). But as ever the big news is with the sound. 

The 2012 remasters (repeated here) were carried by long-time Abbey Road associate and engineer PETER MEW who has handled hundreds of these reissues – and his touch here is typically superb. The tracks rock with real power – but when they need to be subtle and sensitive like the beautiful piano Demo of "Don't Let Go". Same goes for the organ-and-synth driven New York City smoocher "Listen To The Eight Track" and even the Previously Unreleased Rough Mix to "China" with Mick Ronson on Lead Vocals – it is so clear - Mew allowing all of it to breathe without over-trebling everything.

"Schizophrenic" must be a fan-favourite for many – "Ships", "Just Another Night" and "Cleveland Rocks" were all lifted as singles – all of them with a joyful old-time Rock 'n' Roll. "Life After Death" has always weirded me out with its echoed eerie vocal and "Bastard" is a blindingly good bit of riffage that turns up in his live set even now. But my poison is the stunning yet ever so slightly bitter ballad "Standin' In My Light" - an epic synth driven piece that impresses bit time. The "You're Never Alone..." LP ends on the six-minute piano-ballad "The Outsider" - a confessional about life, music and all points in between - our Ian sounding world-weary and near breaking as he sings "...looking for water...there's sweat everywhere...I ain't tasted coffee for days..." And Mick Ronson tears up the guitar in the final minutes while Roy Bittan of Springsteen's E-Street Band plinks away on the old Joanna...

The two live sets feature a lethal mix of Mott and Solo stuff - the Mott Medley on the "Ian Hunter Rocks" new-to-CD rocking like a monster. The lesser-heard "Irene Wilde" and the perennial thriller "Once Bitten Twice Shy" show why fans love Ian Hunter live – he delivers in that ye-olde English Rock & Roll fashion that seems engrained in his DNA. I kind of wish though that they had somehow found a way to transfer the Video of "Ian Hunter Rocks" on as a DVD Disc 5 – but alas. Still, the Box Set hits as a cool cross-representation of studio vs. live - fantastic stuff…

Still rocking but relevant on the studio front – Hunter joined forces with Mick Jones and Topper Headon of The Clash (roping in Ellen Foley and Todd Rundgren and Roger Powell of Utopia too) for the hugely enjoyable "Short Back N' Sides" LP. His lament for Lennon (an old hero blown away) on "Old Records Never Die" always moved me more than a hundred other tributes. "Noises" could be Bowie and was a brilliant departure for him.

But away from the rockers - the track that sent me most was the Side 2 opener "Rain" which I still find magical. A warbling almost shimmering backing track courtesy of The Clash anchors the song that is filled with touching lyrics about his lost mates in Northampton back in the 60Ts. I bought the album off the shelves when I was visiting New York and I played it into the floor. Still gets me after over 40 years. "Gun Control" may as well be a Clash outtake (and in 2024 – more than four decades after the event – is more bloodily relevant than ever) and the sheer pop of "Leave Me Alone" is kind of cool and shocking at one and the same time. Todd Rundgren provides Backing Vocals on "I Need Your Love". But it ends on a typically huge Hunter ballad that lingers and won't leave – "Keep On Burning". 

I'm kind of shocked at how good the Bonus Tracks are – especially the new stuff. Mick Ronson and Weinberg fans won't believe their luck with 'Version 3' of "Just Another Night" rocking like a proper monster - Ronson adding that magic guitar touch and Max whacking those drums like only he can. Although it's easy to see why the all-over-the-place "Alibi" was left off everything. "Detroit" on Disc 3 is a bit of a mess too - but "China" with Ronson on Lead Vocals is lovely and will thrill fans. And the beautiful piano outtake "Don't Let Go" is in my mind better than some of the tracks that were eventually picked for "You're Never Alone... " – mournful, real and uncluttered too. And amongst the bonus tracks – the sax-driven mania of "Na Na Na" is so Ian Hunter in its 50ts Rock and Roll homage – whooping and wailing as he taps his inner Little Richard. "I Believe In You" first appeared in 1994, but it is a nugget worth re-hearing in 2024. And on it goes – pick and mix.

EMI-UK released two Robin Trower sets in these 4CD Fat Jewel Cases - they did Frankie Miller too, Ten Years After, Donovan and Barclay James Harvest – all superb 3 to 4CD Remastered Anthologies. But as the years have passed to here in 2024 - Chrysalis out of Europe have reissued 'three' of them in these cool Clamshell Box Sets. This is right up there with the best. I've also reviewed the Robin Trower Clamshell and the Frankie Miller one too - peaches (see separate entries). 

I would admit, I look at these Ian Hunter albums through rose-tinted bifocal specs nowadays (2024) 'cause there is much that hasn't dated well or might even elicit yawns amongst newer listeners. But I love it and as Alan Freed would say (sampled by Hunter on "Cleveland Rocks") - King of the Moondoggers! Recommended...

"Asides Besides" by TALK TALK – Thirty-Eight-Track 2CD Compilation featuring 45-Singles, Remixes, Extended Versions, Demos and Non-LP B-sides issued between February 1982 and September 1988 on EMI and Parlophone Records (April 1998 UK EMI Records 2CD Compilation with Peter Mew, Denis Blackham and Phil Brown Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asides-Besides-Talk/dp/B00000883W?crid=1BSPR6KH1IY9M&keywords=724385480720&qid=1706982596&sprefix=724385480720%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=1c84e538466f0d3876545bab2e91d756&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…John Cope…"

Although "Asides Besides" is a I-will-expire-without-it purchase for your dyed-in-the-wool double-talk believer (of which there are many and rightly so) – I would admit that this 2CD extracurricular extremities fest for England's Talk Talk will not be for everyone. But I love it to distraction.

EMI 845 8072 is one of those twofers that will always take pride of place on my bulging repertoire shelves. I'd like to argue that you consider diving in too because there is never enough of this fab Art Rock band as far as I'm concerned. They became magnificent and are sorely missed to this day (2024). To the logistics/details by our Synth-Pop wonders…

UK released April 1998 - "Asides Besides" by TALK TALK on EMI 845 8072 (Barcode 724385480720) is a Thirty-Eight Track 2CD Compilation featuring UK and US 45-Single Mixes, Remixes, Extended Versions, Demos and Non-LP B-sides between February 1982 and September 1988 on EMI and Parlophone Records and it plays out as follows:

CD1 The Longer Versions (76:59 minutes):
1. Talk Talk (Extended Version) – October 1982 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5352
2. Today (Extended Version) – June 1982 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5314
3. My Foolish Friend (Extended Version) – March 1983 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5573
4. It's My Life (Extended Version) – January 1983 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5443
5. Such A Shame (Extended Mix) – March 1983 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5433
6. Such A Shame (Dub Mix) – July 1984 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5480
7. Dum Dum Girl (12" Mix) - July 1984 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5480, A-side
8. Without You (12" Mix) - July 1984 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5480, B-side of "Dum Dum Girl"
9. Life's What You Make It (Extended Mix) – February 1986 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMIX 5540 – Remix by Tim Friese-Greene – band chosen mix
10. Living In Another World (Extended Remix) – March 1986 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5551
11. Pictures Of Bernadette (Dance Mix) – May 1986 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12R 6131, B-side of "Give It Up"
12. Happiness Is Easy (12" Mix) – October 1986 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12R 6144, B-side of "I Don't Believe In You"

CD2 The Extra Tracks (66:02 minutes):
1. Talk Talk (Demo Version) – March 1984 UK 7" Single Double-Pack on EMI Records EMID 5433
2. Mirror Man (Demo Version) - March 1984 UK 7" Single Double-Pack on EMI Records EMID 5433
3. Candy (Demo Version) - March 1984 UK 7" Single Double-Pack on EMI Records EMID 5433
4. Strike Up The Band – February 1982 Debut UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5265, Non-LP B-side of "Mirror Man"
5. ? – April 1982 Second UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5284, Non-LP B-side of "Talk Talk"
6. My Foolish Friend – March 1983 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5373, A-side
7. Call In The Night Boy (Piano Version) – March 1983 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5373, Non-LP B-side
8. Why Is It So Hard? – Debut Appearance of a 7" Single Mix of a song written for the 1984 Michael Apted film "First Born" – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ON CD
9. Again A Game…Again – March 1984 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5433, Non-LP B-side of "Such A Shame"
10. Without You – July 1984 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5480, Non-LP B-side of "Dum Dum Girl"
11. Dum Dum Girl (US Mix) - July 1984 UK 12" Single on EMI Records 12EMI 5480, Non-LP Second B-side to "Dum Dum Girl (12" Mix)"
12. It's Getting Late In The Evening – January 1986 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5540, Non-LP B-side of "Life's What You Make It" – also on the B-side of the twelve-inch single
13. For What It's Worth – March 1986 UK 7" Single on EMI Records EMI 5551, Non-LP B-side of "Living In Another World"
14. Pictures Of Bernadette – May 1986 UK 7" Single on Parlophone Records R 6131, Non-LP B-side of "Give It Up"
15. Eden (Edit) – September 1988 UK 12" Single on Parlophone Records 12 R 6189, Non-LP B-side of "I Believe In You" – also a Bonus Track on the CD-single Parlophone CDR 6189 – Edit runs to 4:11 minutes
16. John Cope - September 1988 UK 12" Single on Parlophone Records 12 R 6189, Non-LP B-side of "I Believe In You" – also a Bonus Track on the CD-single Parlophone CDR 6189

TALK TALK were:

MARK HOLLIS - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards 

TIM FRIESE-GREENE - Keyboards, Wind Instruments

TIM HARRIS - Drums and Percussion

The 20-page booklet doesn't have liner notes per say, but it does feature those all-important James Marsh picture sleeves – his gorgeous paintings-artwork synonymous with the band. Beside each entry is a basic discography (which I've expanded on above) and the usual reissue credits. The discs are themed – The Longer Versions on CD1 and The B-sides as The Extra Tracks on CD2 – both making for a surprisingly satisfying listen because they do feel like two sides of a single-coin. CD2 also boasts an exclusive on Track 8 – the digital-debut appearance of "Why Is It So Hard? " in 7" Single Mix form - a song written for the 1984 Michael Apted film "First Born". Fans will know that there is a 12" mix of this song on the vinyl compilation called "It's My Mix", but that is AWOL here – the band clearly opting for the more to-the-point single variant.  

The AUDIO is care-of three great names in Remastering – DENIS BLACKHAM who handled the four album Remasters for Talk Talk (1982's "It's My Party" to 1988's "Spirit Of Eden") and PETER MEW with PHIL BROWN - no strangers to EMI or Abbey Road Studios when it comes to Rock transfers (Hollies, Kevin Ayers, Deep Purple, Robin Trower etc). Talk Talk's material was always well recorded, but on "Asides Besides" you get that subtle oomph. To hear one of my fave-rave B-sides of all time "John Cope" in this quality is fantastic – my twelve-inch having been battered for decades now. All good really – to the music…

I would imagine it is only diehard Talkies who would endure the 6:30 minutes of the Dub Mix for "Such A Shame" – it ain’t for me – but the 5:54-minute piano-funk synth-pop of the extended "Without You" is wickedly good – another punchy Tim Friese-Greene production. By the time we get to Track 9 we are into the magical "The Colour Of Eden" album from 1986 where the band became something otherworldly. Everything about that LP and its splinters do my collector head in – fantastical stuff. There is another mix of "Life's What You Make It" from another twelve-inch (12EMI 5540) remixed by Denis Weinreich that runs to almost eight-and-half-minutes – but the band have chosen the more guitar/piano funky cut on the American twelve (12EMIX 5540) remixed by their own Tim Friese-Greene that sexes its way across your living room for 6:58 minutes on CD1 (there are more versions of the song when it was reissued in 1990 to support the "Natural History" Best-Of album, but they are not dealt with by this compilation). 

Not to be outdone in brilliance, next up is the radically and brilliantly re-worked "Living In Another World" that slips tasty Harmonica and Synth fills alongside echoed vocal bits – and I love all its madly 80ts 8:57 minutes. Children giggling and playing open the Dance Mix of "Pictures Of Bernadette" after which it settles into a guitar-Indie groove where the boys allow the axes to distort and contort to a backdrop of drums and percussion. Then that huge organ comes roaring in – Hollis again letting it rip with that other-place voice of his before we return to mad Smiths-like electric and acoustic guitar fills. The Dance Mix of "Pictures Of Bernadette" is brilliant and a genius inclusion in all its 8:05 minute glory. And CD1 ends on another huge fan-fave - the Twelve Mix of "Happiness Is Easy" – the 7:02 minute Remix turning it into a more Acoustic-and-Bass Chic-Funky spacious beast (all this and the magnificent "I Don't Believe In You" on the A-side – what a 12 single-buy that was back in the day).

You might think that opening CD2 with three demos in row (turned on a seven-inch double-pack) that got their EMI contract would mean an interesting listen rather than an essential one – but this is Talk Talk – and they are far better than you would assume. Recorded June 1981, the synth-pop vibe and sound is there but somehow the "Mirror Man" version captures something even more angst that the released mix. And there is a soulfulness to "Candy" – Hollis sounding every bit like the ground-trembling sets of pipes he was and would become. Fantastic stuff and you can so hear why the band would want punters to be re-reminded of these early-years accomplishments. 

Things start to B-side the Seaside hot up with "?" and "My Foolish Friend" - two great Non-LP tracks with "My Foolish Friend" sounding like UK 80ts Synth-Pop at its hooky best. Fans will salivate at a clean Remastered version of the gorgeous "Call In The Night Boy (Piano Version)" - so Japan, so David Sylvian, so Peter Gabriel while the compilation offers up something new to CD - the 7" version of the film song "Why Is It So Hard?" - a tune that could easily have been an album inclusion (great audio to as those keyboards swoon and pop). The "Such A Shame" B-side "Again A Game...Again" could be the little brother of "Why Is It So Hard?" - another Synth-Pop Funkathon that sounds huge here. I'm no boy stealing pennies - Hollis sings on the slyly sinister "Dum Dum Girl" - presented to here in its US 7" Mix which I must admit doesn't feel 'that' different. Heading into the homeward strait with the deeply cool "It's Getting Late In The Evening" - a B-side let-it-all-hang-out indication of their musical direction as they hurtled towards disbandment in 1991 (1988's "Spirit Of Eden" and 1991's final "Laughing Stock") - weird, spacial and wonderfully evocative. Swirling beautiful comes in the shape of "For What It's Worth" (tiger butterfly artwork gets me every time) while guitars fuzz-funk up "Pictures Of Bernadette" - another fab discovery. 

"Asides Besides" ends with the Edit of "Eden" where jagged guitar-notes introduce Hollis' trademark warble, sparse drum whacks and huge keyboards (mesmerizing stuff) only to be whomped by my go-to-poison - the out-there-in-the-stars "John Cope" - the kind of cool few bands ever achieve (apparently Hollis used it as an alias at times). And it was a B-side!

(Mark David) Hollis would make that slightly disappointing self-titled solo LP in 1998 on Polydor Records before he disappeared out of the music business entirely only to lose him in 2017 - a genius gone too soon. "Asides Besides" always makes me think of him and the fans who obsess over the band the way Smiths or Cure fans do. God bless 'em. Be no foolish friend and get this twofer in your rig - soonest...

"The Studio Albums 1973-1983" by ROBIN TROWER – Ten Solo Albums [ex Procol Harum] Including "Twice Removed From Yesterday" (1973), "Bridge Of Sighs" (1974), "For Earth Below" (1975), "Long Misty Days" (1976), "In City Dreams" (1977), "Caravan To Midnight" (1978), "Victims Of The Fury" (1980), "B.L.T." (1981), "Truce" (1982) and "Back It Up" (1983) - featuring Vocalist and Bassist James Dewar of Stone The Crows, Bassists Rusty Allen of Sly & The Family Stone and Jack Bruce of Cream with Drummers Bill Lordan of Sly & The Family Stone & Gypsy, Reg Isidore and Dave Bronze formerly of Procol Harum (February 2019 EUROPE Chrysalis Records 10CD Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Card Sleeve Repro Artwork and Peter Mew Remasters Done at Abbey Road in 2010) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"...We Were Spellbound... "

 

Back in late July 2010 in the UK (the 26^th to be exact) – EMI/Chrysalis put out two Fat Jewel Case Anthologies for Procol Harum’s ace axeman ROBIN TROWER (4 CDs in the Volume 1 and 3 in the second). The first was "A Tale Untold: The Chrysalis Years 1973-1976" on EMI/Chrysalis 642 1542 (Barcode 50999652154226) – and the second - "Father On Up The Road: The Chrysalis Years 1977-1983" on EMI/Chrysalis 301 3862 (Barcode 5099930138629). Between them they offered eleven albums (10 studio and one live), five rare single-sides and a singular session outtake. But they have been deleted many years now and in 2023, both have acquired hefty price tags at times on the open market.

 

What you have here is a February 2019 truncated reissue out of EUROPE in a 10-CD Clamshell Box Set with the bulk of those two fatties combined.

 

Downsides: As this 10CD Clamshell is clearly stated Studio Albums 1973-1983, the March 1976 "Robin Trower Live!" album that was on the first 4CD fat jewel case anthology is missing, as are three single-only edits, two Non-LP B-sides ("Take A First Train" and "One In A Million") and one unreleased rarity ("Let Me Be The One") – all six included across both sets as Bonuses. There is no booklet either in this Mini Box Set when there were at least inlays inside both of the 2010 Anthologies (albeit in small form).

 

Good News: you get all ten studio albums put in those dinky Mini LP repro artwork card sleeves (which has not been done before outside of Japan). Each singular card is typically not as crystal clear as say Japanese attention to detail issues, but at least full artwork has been used front and rear and they are not those squared off ones with rim-lines that Columbia uses in their 'Complete Collection' boxes. "Wrap it Up" uses the UK and European white-background cover artwork and not the black variant that was used on American copies.

 

So not only does it look way better than the cumbersome two fat jewel cases of 2010, it costs less that twenty-eight quid from most online sites – a frankly impressively low amount of roughly £2.80 per album. OK – you do lose the amazing Robin Trower Live! Set with James Dewar and Bill Lordan on top period form, five single edits and a genuine rarity in an amazing unreleased song "Let Me Be The One" (a "Long Misty Days" outtake that reeked of Thin Lizzy mid Seventies bars and drowning your sorrows in whiskey). But make no mistake; "The Studio Albums 1973-1983" is still big time value for money.

 

This Euro-only 2019 reissue has also used the 2010 Peter Mew Remasters done at Abbey Road Studios for the original 4CD anthologies (copyright Date on each CD is 2010) – so it Rocks like the proverbial amped-up Harley Davidson his albums are. The band featured Vocalist and Bassist James Dewar of Stone The Crows, Bassists Rusty Allen of Sly & The Family Stone and Jack Bruce of Cream with Drummers Bill Lordan of Sly & The Family Stone & Gypsy and Reg Isidore. Trower's old mucker Dave Bronze from Procol Harum joined him as Drummer for the "Back It Up" album of 1983 (session drummer Alan Clarke too). Here are the Fender Bender details...

 

EUROPE-only released Friday, 8 February 2019 - "The Studio Albums 1973-1983" by ROBIN TROWER on Chrysalis CRB1075 (Barcode 5060516091263) is the mega label's first anthology for the guitar virtuoso and breaks down as follows:

 

CD1 "Twice Removed From Yesterday" (41:21 minutes):

1. I Can't Wait Much Longer [Side 1]

2. Daydream

3. Hannah

4. Man Of The World

5. I Can't Stand It [Side 2]

6. Rock Me Baby

7. Twice Removed From Yesterday

8. Sinner's Song

9. Ballerina

Tracks 1 to 9 are his debut solo album "Twice Removed From Yesterday" released March 1973 in the UK on Chrysalis CHR 1039 (Produced by Matthew Fisher of Procol Harum)

 

CD2 "Bridge Of Sighs" (37:26 minutes):

1. Day Of The Eagle [Side 1]

2. Bridge Of Sighs

3. In This Place

4. The Fool And Me

5. Too Rolling Stoned [Side 2]

6. About To Begin

7. Lady Love

8. Little Bit Of Sympathy

Tracks 1 to 8 are his second studio album "Bridge Of Sighs" released April 1974 on Chrysalis CHR 1057 (Produced by Matthew Fisher of Procol Harum, Engineered by Geoff Emerick)

 

CD3 "For Earth Below" (36:10 minutes):

1. Shame The Devil [Side 1]

2. It's Only Money

3. Confessin' Midnight

4. Fine Day

5. Alethea [Side 2]

6. A Tale Untold

7. Gonna Be More Suspicious

8. For Earth Below

Tracks 1 to 8 are his third studio album "For Earth Below" released February 1975 on Chrysalis CHR 1057

 

CD4 "Long Misty Days" (34:19 minutes):

1. Same Rain Falls [Side 1]

2. Long Misty Days

3. Hold Me

4. Caledonia

5. Pride [Side 2]

6. Sailing

7. S.M.O.

8. I Can't Live Without You

9. Messin' The Blues

Tracks 1 to 9 are his fourth studio album "Long Misty Days" – released October 1976 on Chrysalis CHR 1107 (Produced by RT and Geoff Emerick)

 

CD5 "In City Dreams" (38:28 minutes):

1. Somebody Calling [Side 1]

2. Sweet Wine Of Love

3. Bluebird

4. Falling Star

5. Farther On Up The Road

6. Smile [Side 2]

7. Little Girl

8. Love's Gonna Bring You Round

9. In City Dreams

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "In City Dreams" released September 1977 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1148 (Produced by Don Davis) – Rustee Allen on Bass with James Dewar on Vocals

 

CD6 "Caravan To Midnight" (37:39 minutes):

1. My Love (Burning Love) [Side 1]

2. Caravan To Midnight

3. I'm Out To Get You

4. Lost In Love

5. Fool [Side 2]

6. It's For You

7. Birthday Boy

8. King Of The Dance

9. Sail On

Tracks 1 to 9 are the studio album "Caravan To Midnight" released August 1978 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1189 (Produced by Don Davis) – Rustee Allen on Bass with James Dewar on Vocals

 

CD7 "Victims Of The Fury" (32:41 minutes):

1. Jack And Jill [Side 1]

2. Roads To Freedom

3. Victims Of The Fury

4. The Ring

5. Only Time [Side 2]

6. Into The Flame

7. The Shout

8. Mad House

9. Ready For The Taking

10. Fly Low

Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Victims Of The Fury" released January 1980 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1215.

 

CD8 "B.L.T." (37:37 minutes):

1. Into Money [Side 1]

2. What It Is

3. Won't Let You Down

4. No Island Lost

5. It's Too Late

6. Life On Earth [Side 2]

7. Once The Bird Has Flown

8. Carmen

9. Feel The Heat

10. End Game

Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "B.L.T." released February 1981 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1324. The B.L.T. refers to the Guitarist, Bass and Drummer - Robin Trower, Bill Lordan and Jack Bruce.

 

CD9 "Truce" (32:55 minutes):

1. Gonna Shut You Down [Side 1]

2. Gone Too Far

3. Thin Ice

4. Last Train To The Stars

5. Take Good Care Of Yourself

6. Fall In Love [Side 2]

7. Fat Gut

8. Shadows Touching

9. Little Boy Lost

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Truce" released January 1982 in the UK and USA on Chrysalis CHR 1352 (credited to Robin Trower and Jack Bruce). Drummer is Reg Isidore who played for Peter Bardens of Camel, Richard Wright of Pink Floyd and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac (and many others).

 

CD10 "Back It Up" (38:29 minutes):

1. Back It Up [Side 1]

2. River

3. Black To Red

4. Benny Dancer

5. Time Is Short [Side 2]

6. Islands

7. None But The Brave

8. Captain Midnight

9. Settling The Score

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Back It Up" released September 1983 in the UK on Chrysalis CHR 1420 and in the USA on Chrysalis FV 41420. James Dewar is back on Bass and Vocals, the Drummer was Dave Bronze formerly of Procol Harum.

 

EMI-UK did Barclay James Harvest, Frankie Miller, Ian Hunter and Ten Years After in those 4 to 5CD Fat Jewel Case Anthologies – but only Frankie Miller and Ian Hunter have made this 2019 Euro reissue transition to Clamshell Box Set with Mini LP Card Sleeves. Also very much worth noting is the 2010 PETER MEW REMASTER (done at Abbey Road). I've raved about this guy's touch at the tape before - even set a tag of his remastered issues for those interested in quality sound (there's hundreds) - and this double jewel-case set is no different. The sound is truly fantastic - full and clear without being over-hyped or amped up for the sake of it. Each is a new remaster excepting "Bridge Of Sighs" which Mew had already revisited in 2007.

 

Speaking of moaning and wailing, the entire "Bridge Of Sighs" album from 1974 was a vast improvement over the good-rather-than-great debut "Twice Removed From Yesterday" from 1973. The debut had its charms too, the beautiful "Daydream" sounding glorious in Remastered form (lyrics above). But in truth there are so many goodies on here – and not all of it is straight-up rocking. I love it when the band move out of the guitar pyrotechnics and got funky – the opening track "Shame The Devil" from "For Earth Below" or the Side 2 ender "Messin' The Blues" from "Long Misty Days" are good examples. Trower even has a go at The Sutherland Brothers "Sailing" (the hit Rod Stewart covered too and sent to No.1).

 

Although he had hit on a signature sound and winning formula, for years Procol Harum's Robin Trower seemed locked into those Hendrix comparisons because of it - pumping out album after album of Hard Rock Riffage - simple no-nonsense guitar classics. But then come the late Seventies and his inner Bernard Edwards and Chic seemed to grab him by the short and curlies and the Englishman went for it. And I for one - loved it to bits. I've always thought his "In The City" and "Caravan To Midnight" LPs from 1977 and 1978 (with the mighty James Dewar on vocals) to be Funky Rock meisterworks where Trower and his Flange Pedal got real familiar ("Somebody Calling" and "I'm Out To Get You" are prefect examples from those LPs). Cleaning produced by Don Davis, it helped of course that the Bass player Rustee Allen used to ply his plank with Sly & The Family Stone.

 

The album that tail-ended the Seventies was "Victims Of The Fury" (issued January 1980) is a furious fusion of both Heavy Rock and Funk and is another forgotten gem in his voluminous catalogue. A fantastic down and dirty geetar greets the listener when "Jack And Jill" comes sailing out of your speakers as the Side 1 opener (from "Victims Of The Fury") – James Dewar and his doubled-vocals as Soul-Rock as ever. Slow Blues is never far - "Roads To Freedom" giving us singing gypsies with fire in the soul and an ever-eager eye on the horizon ahead. Trower goes into shimmering floating notes for the title track "Victims Of The Fury" – a murky brooder that builds into a heavy-heavy sonic soundscape. "Only Time" is another "Bridge Of Sighs" moody shiver in the dark – his grungy guitar setting sail once again.

 

By the time we enter the Eighties proper, Trower has linked up with Jack Bruce of Cream and along with Bill Lordon sort of began to call the band B.L.T. after their three recognizable initials. It probably came as a shock to longtime Trower fans to be confronted with vocals from Jack Bruce instead of James Dewar as "B.L.T." opened with "Into Money" – but that voice so steeped in Cream Rock works. Pretty comes in the shape of "Won't Let You Down", but Bruce did not have the Soulfulness of Dewar, so his vocal delivery feels a bit leaden. Quickly back to huge riffage for the superb Classic Rock of "No Island Lost" – the singer drowning on dry land. The sheer musicality of his playing gets to shine on the mid-paced "It's Too Late" but "Feel The Heat" feels a tad too close to them trying to find a Radio Friendly. The album ends on something better – the no-safety-belt Blues of "End Game".

 

Reg Isidore took the Drummer Seat for the second BLT album "Truce" in 1982 – another collection of Rockers many co-written with either Procol Harum longtime lyricist Keith Reid or Pete Brown of Battered Ornaments fame (they were on Harvest Records in 1969 and 1970). Jack Bruce doesn't just get double billing with Trower for the album "Truce" – Bruce co-wrote four of the songs - "Thin Ice", "Last Train To The Stars", "Fat Gut" and "Shadows Touching". For "Wrap It Up" Trower wisely went back to James Dewar to get that classic combo sound and feel – his Soulful Vocals bolstering up the riffage. Produced by Trower - Bobby Clouter (of Legend with Mickey Jupp) and Alan Clarke (of Fusion and The Reg Webb Band) were drafted in for Drums and you got another Rock vs. Funk album - "River" even sounding so Free or Bad Company. The Side 1 finisher "Benny Dancer" is a typical Trower shuffler – his heavily echoed axe amped up to deafening Bonamassa levels of Blues-Rock deliverance. And on it goes...Rory Gallagher and Jimi Hendrix smiling in admiration...

 

For us old farts and our remaining hairlines - "The Studio Albums 1973-1983" by Robin Trower is a very cool little treat indeed – all 10 slices of pouting Classic Rock. No sighing on this Bridge Baby...

 

PS: FRANKIE MILLER and IAN HUNTER - see my reviews for their Box Sets in this Chrysalis Records out of EUROPE reissue series...

"Another Music In A Different Kitchen" by BUZZCOCKS - March 1978 UK Debut Album on United Artists Records featuring Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, Steve Garvey and John Maher with Howard Devoto (October 2008 UK EMI Special Edition 2CD Reissue and Peter Mew Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

"...Never Mince His Words..."

 

Never given the genre credit they've always deserved - listen to just how Punk both Side 1's "Love Battery" and "16" are - never mind the Dr. Feelgood meets a deranged Bo Diddley driving beat in Side 2's "Fiction Romance" and "Welcome To The Pulsebeat" - all four leaping off the Buzzcocks blaster of a debut album. 

 

As a musical-account opener, the sheer sonic attack of March 1978's "Another Music In A Different Kitchen" is equal to The Pistols and The Clash of the period - and somehow - the cocks always seemed lyrically smarter too in many ways. 

 

Thankfully, this snotty 2008 transferred 2CD Remaster gives it all the welly we need. To the walls of guitars...and orgasm ramparts...

 

UK released 27 October 2008 - "Another Music In A Different Kitchen" by BUZZCOCKS on EMI Records 50999 725106 2 9 (Barcode 5099972510629) is a 2CD Special Edition Reissue and Remaster that plays out as follows:

 

CD1 (54:29 minutes):

Original Album 

1. Fast Cars [Side 1]

2. No Reply

3. You Tear Me Up 

4. Get On Your Own

5. Love Battery 

6. 16

7. I Don't Mind [Side 2]

8. Fiction Romance 

9. Autonomy 

10. I Need 

11. Moving Away From The Pulsebeat 

Tracks 1 to 11 are their debut album "Another Music In A Different Kitchen" - released March 1978 in the UK on United Artists Records UAG 30159 (no US release). 

 

BUZZCOCKS were:

PETE SHELLEY - Guitars and Lead Vocals

STEVE DIGGLE - Guitars and Vocals 

STEVE GARVEY - Bass 

JOHN MAHER - Drums and Vocals 

 

Associated Singles 

12. Orgasm Addict 

13. Whatever Happened To...? 

Tracks 12 and 13 and the A&B-sides of a Non-LP 45-single issued November 1977 in the UK on United Artists UP 36316 

14. What Do I Get?

15. Oh Shit

Tracks 14 and 15 are the A&B-sides of a Non-LP 45-single issued January 1978 in the UK on United Artists UP 36348

John Peel Show 7 September 1977 (Broadcast 19 September 1977)

16. Fast Cars

17. Moving Away From The Pulsebeat 

18. What Do I Get 

CD2 (70:36 minutes):

Demo Recordings

1. Boredom

2. Fast Cars

3. No Reply 

4. You Tear Me Up 

5. Get On Your Own 

6. Sixteen

7. I Don't Mind

8. Fiction Romance 

9. Autonomy 

10. I Need 

11. Orgasm Addict  

12. What Do I Get?

13. Whatever Happened To...?

14. Oh Shit 

Tracks 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Live At The Electric Circus, 2 October 1977

15. Fast Cars 

16. Fiction Romance 

17. Boredom

18. Sixteen 

19. You Tear Me Up 

20. Orgasm Addict 

21. Moving Away From The Pulsebeat

22. Love Battery 

23. Time's Up

Tracks 16 to 22 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Quite apart from the unseeable-unreadable colour/type fonts used on the rear inlay, I'd have to admit that I wish someone had repeated the track lists in the 12-page booklet somewhere. CD compiler (Ace Records) and noted writer JON SAVAGE does a typically good job of describing the band's first two years in 1976 and 1977 - but I still feel the inlay is a tad underwhelming. There's UK 45s pictured in small face and the 'Product' references, but no foreign sleeves, no posters or trade adverts from that brilliant period in English music. It all feels a teensey bit underwhelming if I'm honest. 

 

That's thankfully offset by the punch-you-in-the-nether-regions Remastered Audio handled by PETER MEW. Done at Abbey Road in 1997 and 2008 for the newer stuff, Mew is a man who has seen his fair share of EMI mastertapes - Hawkwind, Kevin Ayers, Deep Purple, David Bowie, Donovan, Edgar Broughton Band, Dr. Feelgood and many more. Top job done...

I'm reminded of The Undertones, The Clash, The Damned - and not that they're all UK Punk and New Wave heroes - but how they grew so fast on the songwriting front - and the Buzzcocks were the same. I thought "Orgasm Addict" was only O.K. - but I remember hearing Side 1 of the album when it came out and the difference - the improvement in tunes and sound - was huge. They spell "16" on this reissue as "Sixteen" and I wish someone had thought to include the lyrics - but no mind - because it jumps out at you with an anger and passion that still makes the eyes water. The singles tagged on after the album feel like an extra EP that should have come with the original LP, and I'm shocked at how good the sound quality is for the 1977 Peel Sessions - kicking and alive and capturing them in a moment many will cherish. 

As is to be expected, the Demos over on CD2 are in-yer-face raw - a wild hybrid of early Grunge meets oh no Punk. I suspect hardcore fans are gonna love these banging bass lines and guitars snarling as Sheeley sneers through the mike about how he hates "Fast Cars". There's even chatter before "You Tear Me Up" - with a sound that's less polished - so young and so handmade. Fab kicking audio for "Get Out On Your Own" and so on. The live set is part-proper - part-bootleg raucous starting with Sheeley sounding nervous as he introduces the Bass opening to "Fast Cars". Love that Feelgood power guitar type mode they go into for "Fiction Romance". And on it goes to a guitar-thrashing muddled-mike trash at "Time's Up" where you can literally feel the sweat rolling off the walls and that slight sense of fear...

I do wish it looked better for sure, but there's no doubt that this 2CD Reissue of the Buzzcock's great debut hits you where it hurts - kicking audio doing the album and its period peripherals the tiny-club sounding-good justice they both deserve...