"The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions" by OTIS SPANN feat Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac [including the 1969 LP "The Biggest Thing Since Colossus"] (2006 Sony/Blue Horizon 2CD Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…In Our Hearts Forever…"

Released in May 1969 - "The Biggest Things Since Colossus" was a lone-LP outing for the Chicago-born piano-player OTIS SPANN on the cult Blue Horizon label. It's long been a notoriously difficult-to-find vinyl rarity - clocking in at a ton sterling (if you can locate one). The fact that it contains much of FLEETWOOD MAC in their Peter Green bluesy prime is all the more enticing.

UK released May 2006 - "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions" by OTIS SPANN (featuring Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac) is a 2CD Remaster on Sony/Blue Horizon 82876822902 (Barcode 828768229026) and is roughly based around Spann's "The Biggest Thing..." album. Here are the titan-like details...

Disc 1:

1. Can’t Do Me No Good

2. Bloody Murder

Tracks 1 and 2 are the non-LP A & B-side of his 1st UK 7" single released September 1968 on Blue Horizon Records 57-3142

The band line-up is Otis Spann (vocals and piano), Walter "Shakey" Horton (harmonica), Johnny Shines (guitar), Willie Dixon (Upright Bass) and Clifton James (Drums)

3. Someday Soon Baby

4. Hungry Country Girl

Tracks 3 and 4 are on the 20-track 1969 2LP set "Blues Jam At Chess" on Blue Horizon Records 7-66227

The band line-up is Otis Spann (vocals and piano), Peter Green and Danny Kirwan (guitars), John McVie (Bass) and Mick Fleetwood (Drums)

5. My Love Depends On You

6. Walkin’

7. It Was A Big Thing

8. Temperature Is Rising (110.2 F)

9. Dig You

10. No More Doggin’

11. Ain’t Nobody’s Business

12. She Needs Some Loving

13. I Need Some Air

14. Someday Baby

Tracks 5 to 14 are the entire LP "The Biggest Thing Since Colossus" on Blue Horizon Records (7-63217) from May 1969 (false starts, studio talk are included along with the master takes)

The band line-up is Otis Spann (vocals and piano), Peter Green and Danny Kirwan (guitars), John McVie (Bass) and S.P. Leary replacing Mick Fleetwood (Drums)

Disc 2:

1. No More Doggin’ (Take 1)

2. No More Doggin’ (Take 2, False Start Plus Take 3)

3. I Need Some Air (Take 1, False Start Plus Take 2)

4. Walkin’ (Take 1 & 2, False Starts Plus Take 4)

5. Walkin’ (Take 4)

6. Blues For Hippies (Take 1 – Complete Master Version/Remix)

7. Temperature Is Rising (98.8 F) (Take 1 – Single Master Version/Remix)

8. Someday Baby (Take 1, 2 & 3 – False Starts Plus Take 4)

9. Someday Baby (Take 5)

10. Someday Baby (Take 6)

11. She Needs Some Loving (Take 1)

12. Dig You (Take 1)

13. Dig You (Take 2 – False Start Plus Take 3)

14. She’s Out Of Sight (Take 1 & 2 – False Starts Plus Take 3)

Tracks 1 to 14 are all previously unissued versions with studio chatter and false starts included (with the same line-up as "The Biggest Thing Since Colossus" sessions).

There's a couple of niggles worth mentioning. "Someday Baby", the last track on Disc 1, is credited as being written by Otis Spann, but I'm sure it's a cover of a Sleepy John Estes and Hammock Nixon song from the 1940's (an admin error no doubt). Second is the title of the set itself - "The Complete...Sessions" - when it actually isn't complete! Tracks 3 and 4 on Disc 1 are from the 2LP set "Blues Jam At Chess" as I've already pointed out, but there are in fact 7 more tracks on that double featuring Otis Spann (with Fleetwood Mac accompanying). You'll have to buy the 2 volumes now titled "Blues Jam In Chicago Volume One" and "Blues Jam In Chicago Volume Two" to truly get a 'complete' picture of that hugely productive year - 1969. Third, there's also Spann’s work on the Johnny Shines Blue Horizon LP "Last Night's Dream" again from 1969 – that’s available on the Sunnyland Slim and Johnny Shines “The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions” CD set from February 2008. And fourth are his fantastic piano contributions to Johnny Young's sole Blue Horizon LP, "Fat Mandolin", now re-issued on CD as "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions" (see separate review). All in all, it could have been a 3CD set, but would probably have been commercially unviable as such. Besides, as I say, the tracks are available on separate releases if you really want them. If anything, the absences on this 2CD set only wet the appetite for more.

Anyway, back to this issue. It opens with a lethal non-album one-two - cool “Shakey” Horton harmonica playing lingering over the slow Blues of “Bloody Murder” – a reworking of a 1953 Frank “Honeyboy” Patt song on Specialty Records suitably called “Bloodstains On The Wall”. The seven-minute “Someday Soon” has studio chatter and Green pinging away delicately as Spann encourages the English boy “Don’t stop!” Spann was clearly as enamoured with Peter Green and his motley British crew as they were with him - both singing each others' respective praises between takes and clearly enjoying the whole recording process. Sounding at times like Muddy Waters in his vocal delivery – tracks like “Someday Baby” have Spann and his band just ‘cook’ – a perfect meeting and white and black blues lovers digging it the most. The Rosco Gordon classic “No More Doggin’” sounds incredible – the remaster bringing out a band on fire - while their boss swears he’ll have no more foolin’ around from his lady (Green lets rip – Spann pounds the keys and shouts “Sock It To me!” – it’s thrilling stuff). Disc 2 has more fabulous Blues for Fleetwood Mac fans – Peter Green enjoying himself as Spann shouts, “Where’s my guitar player! Let me hear from you!” during Takes 1 & 2 of “She’s Out Of Sight”.

Tragically Spann was taken ill in early 1970 and died of cancer in April of that year, criminally robbing the blues world of a legend at only 40 years of age. The liner notes explain that because of non-payment of musician union dues, for the lack of $1000, his plot remained without a headstone for years until an internet campaign was launched - and in June 1999 - a headstone was finally dedicated to him reading "Otis Played The Deepest Blues We Ever Heard. He'll Play In Our Hearts Forever". Mike Vernon, Producer of this re-issue and leading light at Blue Horizon, contributed to that campaign - and it's clear from his detailed and affectionate liner notes - that this project was a labour of love for him. Luckily it's been so for us too.

Complete with a card-wrap on the outside - this is a classy release for a bluesman who has remained in relative obscurity for way too long. Fantastic sound, beautifully presented, wads of unheard gems - a truly masterful release - and one I urge you to purchase pronto…

PS: the four Blue Horizon releases pictured below also feature OTIS SPANN on varying tracks

"7936 South Rhodes" by EDDIE BOYD with PETER GREEN'S FLEETWOOD MAC. 1968 Blue Horizon Rare LP Given A Stunning Remaster With Top Notch Extras.

Originally released in the UK on the highly revered Blue Horizon label, this March 2006 remastered reissue "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions" is based around Eddie Boyd's "7936 South Rhodes" album of 1968. The LP has long been notoriously difficult to find on vinyl and costly too due to it's genuinely collectable nature (most of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac are Boyd's backing band).

"7936 So. Rhodes" has been reissued before as a straightforward 12-track CD before - but this 'Complete Blue Horizon Sessions' 18-track UK-issued EDDIE BOYD compilation on Sony/Blue Horizon 82876769682 (Barcode 828767696829) from March 2006 has the singles around it plus unreleased outtakes, a vastly upgraded booklet and truly superlative remastered sound from original tapes.

The line up was:
EDDIE BOYD on Piano and Lead Vocals
PETER GREEN on Guitar
JOHN McVIE on Bass
MICK FLEETWOOD on Drums for all except 1 and 2 which had AYNSLEY DUNBAR

It breaks down like this (61:57 minutes):

Tracks 1 and 2, "It's So Miserable To Be Alone" and "Empty Arms", are the A & B of his first UK 7" single on Blue Horizon BH 1009 released in 1967 in the UK. Recorded in London on 25 March 1967, both tracks are non-album, written by Boyd and feature Aynsley Dunbar on Drums (Mick Fleetwood replaced him for the album sessions).

3. You Got To Reap

4. Just The Blues

5. She's Real 

6. Black Slack 

7. Be Careful 

8. Ten To One

9. The Blues Is Here To Stay

10. You Are My Love 

11. Third Degree

12. Thank You Baby 

13. She's Gone 

13. I Can't Stop Loving You

Tracks 3 to 14 make up Boyd's only album on the Blue Horizon label, "7936 South Rhodes", which is actually credited to "Eddie Boyd with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac". It was released in March 1968 on Blue Horizon 7-63202 in the UK and Epic BN 26409 in the USA. All tracks are written by Eddie Boyd except "Third Degree", which is co-written with WILLIE DIXON of Chess Records fame. It was recorded at the CBS Studios in London in one day - 25 January 1968.

Tracks 15 and 16, "The Big Boat" and "Sent For You Yesterday And Here You Come Today", are his 2nd UK 7" single on Blue Horizon 57-3137 issued in 1967. Credited to Eddie Boyd with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, again both single tracks are non-album and feature the same group line-up as the LP sessions. Boyd wrote the A-side while the flip is a cover of a Jimmy Rushing tune.

Finally, tracks 17 and 18, "The Stroller" and "No Place Like Home" are previously unreleased mono recordings - session details a bit hazy.

What isn't hazy is the sound - absolutely stunning - clarity like I've never heard - what a blast! The reissue has been overseen by MIKE VERNON (who founded and ran the famous label) and the original tapes transferred by DUNCAN COWELL. Clear, full, virtually no hiss - great work done. The 20-page colour booklet has detailed liner notes, photos, session credits and a classy card wrap surrounds the outside jewel case.

The music itself can be described as strolling boogie-woogie blues - Eddie Boyd with his wonderfully warm and expressive voice, while the Mac provide perfect and heartfelt backup. The album itself is a stunner, slow blues followed by fun rocking blues - and back again - everything you'd expect and easy to see why the original vinyl commands so much money. Blues lovers and fans of Peter Green and the early Fleetwood Mac sound will have to own this. Top stuff!

Edward Riley Boyd died in July 1994 aged 80 and this fab reissue does him and his musical memory a whole lot of justice - buy it with confidence

PS: for those interested in more of the same - another essential purchase is GOTT Discs 2004 reissue of "Eddie Boyd and his Blues Band featuring Peter Green" which is his 1967 album on Decca SKL 4872 in the UK. Not only does it feature some of Peter Green's best guitar work, it also has contributions from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with the added bonus of the guitar-work of Tony McPhee from THE GROUNDHOGS thrown in too - quite a hawl! The overall package is excellent and the remaster really clean (sleeve pictured below). Recommended also.

ISLAND RECORDS - UK 7" SINGLES DISCOGRAPHY for 1970 (Island WIP Series including The Chrysalis Label - Catalogue Numbers 6075 to 6099) - A List By Mark Barry...

ISLAND RECORDS - UK 7” SINGLES DISCOGRAPHY – 1970
WIP SERIES – Catalogue Numbers 6075 to 6097
(Includes Chrysalis Label Material Distributed by Island)
This list posted Thursday, 11 September 2008

NUMERICAL ORDER:

1. Island WIP 6075
Artist: QUINTESSENCE
A-side: Notting Hill Gate
B-side: Move Into The Light
Release Date: January 1970
Label: Pink Label Design With No Centre & Black Island Logo in a Pink Island Label Bag
Details: The A is a different mix to the album version on “In Blissful Company”
The B-side is a non-album track
CD availability: both tracks are extras on the Repertoire CD “In Blissful Company”

2. Island WIP 6076
Artist: JOHN and BEVERLEY MARTYN
A-side: John The Baptist
B-side: The Ocean
Release Date: January 1970
Label: Pink ‘I’ Label Design in a Pink Island Label Bag
Details: No UK Picture Sleeve, But There Are European Picture Sleeves
Both tracks off the “Stormbringer!” LP
CD availability: on the Island/Universal CD remaster “Stormbringer!”

3. Chrysalis WIP 6077
Artist: JETHRO TULL
A-side: The Witch’s Promise
B-side: Teacher
Release Date: 16 January 1970
Label: Chrysalis ‘Green’ Label Design with Chrysalis Name & Butterfly Logo at the Bottom with White Island ‘I’ Logo at the Top.
Details: Usually came in a Green Chrysalis Label Bag
Some Copies Came In A UK Picture Sleeve, But They Are Rare
Both tracks were non-album on release, later appeared on the 2LP set from 1972 called “Living In The Past”
CD availability: both tracks are extras on the CD remaster of “Benefit”

4. Chrysalis WIP 6078
Artist: BLODWYN PIG [features Mick Abrahams, ex Jethro Tull]
A-side: Same Old Story
B-side: Slow Down
Release Date: January 1970
Label: Chrysalis ‘Green’ Label Design In Green Chrysalis Label Bag
No UK Picture Sleeve, But There Are European Ones,
Details: Both Tracks are Non-Album in the UK.
“Slow Down” is a cover version of a Larry Williams song.
CD availability: both tracks are on the Island/Universal CD remaster of “Ahead Rings Out”

5. Island WIP 6079
Artist: RENAISSANCE
A-side: The Island
B-side: The Sea
Release Date: January 1970
Label: Pink “I’ Label Design in a Pink Label Bag
No UK Picture Sleeve, But There Are European Picture Sleeves
Details: The A is an edit of an album track on “Renaissance”, their December 1969 LP; the B is non-album
CD availability: both tracks are extras on the Repertoire CD “Renaissance”

6. Island WIP 6080
Artist: KING CRIMSON
A-side: Cat Food
B-side: Groon
Release Date: 13 March 1970
Label: Pink “I’ Label Design in Rare Picture Sleeve
Details: The A is an edited version of a track from “In The Wake Of Poseidon”; the B is non-album
CD availability: both the edit and it’s unreleased B-side are on the “Strangely Strange – But Oddly Normal – An Island Anthology 1967-1972” 3CD Box Set from 2005

7. Chrysalis WIP 6081
Artist: JETHRO TULL
A-side: Inside
B-side: Alive And Well And Living In
Release Date: 24 April 1970
Label: Chrysalis ‘Green’ Label Design with Chrysalis Name & Butterfly Logo at the Bottom with White Island ‘I’ Logo at the Top. No UK Picture Sleeve, But There Are Several European Picture Sleeves
Details: Both tracks taken from the Chrysalis LP “Benefit”
CD availability: both tracks on the remastered “Benefit” CD remaster

8. Island WIP 6082
Artist: FREE
A-side: All Right Now
B-side: Mouthful Of Grass
Release Date: May 1970
Label: Pink ‘I’ Label Design in a Pink Label Bag
No UK Picture Sleeves, But There Are Many European Versions
Details: The single preceded the 26 June 1970 album release of “Fire And Water” and is an Edit Version at 4:16 minutes; the full album version is 5:42 minutes.
The lovely instrumental B-side “Mouthful Of Grass” is on their 2nd album “Free” from October 1969; later issues of “All Right Now” have different B-sides
CD availability: the A is on the 2000 “Fire And Rain” CD remaster and the 2008 2CD DELUXE EDITION, while the B is on the “Free” CD remaster from 2000

9. Island WIP 6083
Artist: IF
A-side: Raise The Level Of Your Conscious Mind
B-side: I’m Reaching Out On All Sides
Release Date: May 1970
Label: Pink “I’ Label Design in a Pink Label Bag; No UK Picture Sleeve,
But There Are European Picture Sleeves
Details: Both tracks are on their debut LP “If”, but both versions here are single mixes and different to the LP takes
CD availability: both 7” versions are extras on the Repertoire CD “If Volume 1”

10. Island WIP 6084 (WITHDRAWN)
Artist: SPOOKY TOOTH and ART
A-side: Nobody There At All by SPOOKY TOOTH
B-side: Room With A View by ART
Release Date: June 1970 - Withdrawn
Label: White Labels Only on 7” single - Very Rare
Details: the A is on “The Last Puff” LP released 3 July 1970 on Island ILPS 9117;
The B is on the “Supernatural Fairy Tales” LP released in 1968 on Island ILPS 967
CD availability: the A side is available on the Repertoire CD re-issue of “The Last Poof” from 2005, while the B is unavailable on Drop Out CD re-issue from 1998 of “Supernatural Fairy Tales”

11. Island WIP 6085
Artist: FOTHERINGAY [featuring Sandy Denny]
A-side: Peace In The End
B-side: Winter Winds
Release Date: June 1970
Label: Large Pink “I” Label Design with no centre in Pink Label Bag
Details: Both tracks are on “Fotheringay” – their lone album from June 1970
CD availability: both tracks are on the Hannibal label CD “Fotheringay”

12. Island WIP 6086
Artist: CAT STEVENS
A-side: Lady D’Arbanville
B-sides: 1. Time 2. Fill My Eyes (2-track B-side Maxi Single)
Release date: June 1970
Label: Large Pink ‘I’ Label Design, Most Copies In Pink Label bag
But There Is A Rare UK Picture Sleeve (mistakenly credits "Katmandu" as the B-side)
Details: All tracks taken from his 1970 Island Records debut album “Mona Bone Jakon”. The A-side is about Patti D’Arbanville whom he had a relationship with.
CD availability: all three tracks are on the Universal/Island remaster CD of “Mona Bone Jakon”.

13. Island WIP 6087
Artist: JIMMY CLIFF
A-side: Wild World
B-side: Be Aware
Release Date: August 1970
Label: Large Pink “I” Label Design in a Pink Label Bag
No UK Picture Sleeve (re-issued in 1976 in Pic Slv)
Details: “Wild World” is a CAT STEVENS cover and CAT STEVENS also PRODUCES this version.
It was re-issued as an EP in a picture sleeve in 1977 (Island IEP 9)
CD availability: both tracks are available on Disc 2 of the superlative HIP-O SELECT book set “Better Days Are Coming – The A&M Years 1969-1971”, a 4CD set out of the USA in 2005 (mastered by GAVIN LURSSEN)

14. Island WIP 6088
Artist: HIGH BROOM
A-side: Dancing In The Moonlight
B-side: Percy’s On The Run
Release Date: August 1970
Label: Pink “I” Label Design in a Pink Label Bag,
Details: both A&B are non-album tracks, the A–side was covered and made a hit by TOPLOADER in 2000
CD availability: neither track is available on CD at present

15. Island WIP 6089
Artist: FAIRPORT CONVENTION [feat Richard Thompson/Sandy Denny]
A-side: Now Be Thankful
B-side: Sir B. McKenzie’s Daughter’s Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancers From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie
Release Date: September 1970
Label: Large Pink “I” Label Design in a Pink Label Bag
Details: this is the last PINK label release on 7” in the UK; the B-side is non-album track and was their attempt to get into the Guinness Book Of Records for the longest song title!
CD availability: both tracks are available as extras on the Island/Universal CD “Full House”

16. Chrysalis WIP 6090
Artist: TIR Na N’OG [Gaelic for Land Of The Young]
A-side: I’m Happy To Be (On This Mountain)
B-side: Let My Love Grow
Release Date: October 1970
Label: Chrysalis Green Label Design; there are European Titled Sleeves of this rare release
Details: Both tracks are non-album
CD availability: neither track is available on CD at present

17. Island WIP 6091
Artist: THE ALAN BOWN
A-side: Pyramid
B-side: Crash Landing
Release Date: October 1970
Label: Pink Rim Palm-Tree Label Design
There is no UK Picture Sleeve But there is a European Titled Slv
Details: both tracks are from the “Listen” album on Island ILPS 9131
CD availability: initially available on a 1993 Edsel CD (UK reissue label) combining both of his Island label albums “Listen” from 1970 (which has both the A&B above) and his follow up LP “Stretching Out” from 1971 on ILPS 9163.
However, the CD has long been deleted and is expensive second-hand - neither track is available on any other CD at present

18. Island WIP 6092 (released 1971 – see Details)
Artist: CAT STEVENS
A-side: Moon Shadow
B-side: Father And Son
Release Date: Released in June 1971 (see below)
Label: Pink-Rim Palm-Tree Label Design (and not the Pink Island label)
Details: Some detailed explanation is needed with this one in order to clear up some confusion. Some discographies have listed 6092 as released in September 1970, which numerically makes senses, but release-wise it doesn’t. “Moonshadow” is off the “Teaser & The Firecat” LP, which was released in the UK in September 1971. “Tea For A Tillerman”, the album that preceded it was released in the UK in November 1970 – so releasing a track off an album in September 1970 before either LP is issued simply doesn’t make sense. “Moonshadow” was NOT RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER 1970 but in late June 1971. The confusion over label variation may lie with European issues. Many of them sported picture sleeves, which the UK issues didn’t, but more importantly, all of them had the famous ALL PINK LABEL with the ‘I’ logo design. However, while that label variant finished in the UK in mid 1970, it continued in Europe well into 1971. The Guinness Book Of British Hit Singles prides itself on the 100% accuracy of its details and lists “Moon Shadow” as peaking in the UK charts in August 1971, which is CORRECT. (Also of note is that the single credits the song as two words "Moon Shadow", but when it turned up on the September 1971 album it was shortened to one word - also the copyright date on the 7" is miss-credited as 1970 when it should read 1971).
CD availability: the A-side is on the 2000 remaster of “Teaser & The Firecat” while the B-side is on the 2000 remaster of “Tea For A Tillerman”

19. Island WIP 6093
Artist: FREE
A-side: The Stealer
B-side: Lying In The Sunshine
Release Date: November 1970
Label: Pink Rim Palm-Tree Label Design in a Pink Label Bag
Details: The A is a different mix to the album version on “Highway”; the B is off their second album “Free” from 1969.
CD availability: the A-side is on the 2000 remaster of “Highway” as an extra track; the B-side is on the 2000 remaster of “Free”

20. Island WIP 6094
UNISSUED

21. Island WIP 6095
UNISSUED

22. Island WIP 6096
Artist: BRONCO
A-side: Lazy Now
B-side: Matter Of Perspective
Release Date: November 1970
Label: Pink-Rim Palm-Tree label Design in Pink Label Bag
Details: both tracks are non-album
CD availability: neither track is available on CD at present

23. Island WIP 6097
ARTIST: JIMMY CLIFF
A-side: Synthetic World
B-side: I Go To Pieces
Release Date: December 1970
Label: Pink-Rim Palm-Tree Label Design in Label Bag
Details: LAST Island 7” in 1970, both tracks were non-album on release
CD availability: both tracks are on the HIP-O SELECT 2006 USA CD “Goodbye Yesterday” in top quality remastered form

WIP 6098 (Unissued)
WIP 6099 (Unissued)

ARTIST ALPHABETICAL ORDER – ISLAND UK 7” SINGLES – 1970 (WIP):

1. ART (see SPOOKY TOOTH, Split Single)
2. BLODWYN PIG – Same Old Story (Chrysalis WIP 6078)
3. THE ALAN BOWN – Pyramid (Island WIP 6091)
4. BRONCO – Lazy Now (Island WIP 6096)
5. JIMMY CLIFF – Synthetic World (Island WIP 6097)
6. JIMMY CLIFF – Wild World (Island WIP 6087)
7. FAIRPORT CONVENTION – Now Be Thankful (Island WIP 6089)
8. FOTHERINGAY – Peace In The End (Island WIP 6085)
9. FREE – All Right Now (Island WIP 6082)
10. FREE – The Stealer (Island WIP 6093)
11. HIGH BROOM – Dancing in The Moonlight (Island WIP 6088)
12. IF – Raise The Level Of Your Conscious Mind (Island WIP 6083)
13. JETHRO TULL – Inside (Chrysalis WIP 6081)
14. JETHRO TULL – The Witch’s Promise (Chrysalis WIP 6077)
15. KING CRIMSON – Cat Food (Island WIP 6080)
16. JOHN and BEVERLEY MARTYN – John The Baptist (Island WIP 6076)
17. QUINTESSENCE – Notting Hill Gate (Island WIP 6075)
18. RENAISSANCE – The Island (Island WIP 6079)
19. SPOOKY TOOTH and ART– Nobody There At All and Room With A View
(Island WIP 6084 – WITHDRAWN – White Labels Exist)
20. CAT STEVENS – Lady D’Arbanville (Island WIP 6086)
21. CAT STEVENS – Moonshadow (charted August 1971) (Island WIP 6092)
22. TIR na N’OG – I’m Happy To Be (On This Mountain) (Chrysalis WIP 6090)

"Rock, Rock, Rock - From The Motion Picture" by VARIOUS ARTISTS [Original Soundtrack, Chuck Berry, Moonglows, Flamingos] (2004 Universal/Chess "ROCK 'N' ROLL 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION" CD Series Reissue) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...It's A Jumpin' Little Record I Want My Jockey To Play..."

When the movie "Rock, Rock, Rock" was released in December 1956 - the big draw for the youth of America was that over half the film’s viewing time was taken up with live performances - a lethal combination of vocal group Rhythm 'n' Blues and the brand new rage of the year - Rock 'n' Roll. 

So taking 3 of their biggest recording acts - THE MOONGLOWS, CHUCK BERRY and THE FLAMINGOS - Chess Records put together their first ever 12-track album on Chess LP-1425. Like most of these early Fifties LPs - "Rock, Rock, Rock" comprised of twelve tried-and-tested US singles/45s. In this case each act was given four songs (some recorded specifically for the film) and thus a vinyl and film legend was born. 

Now in a world of 80-minute-plus compilations - even the expanded "Rock, Rock, Rock" is admittedly short for a reissue (39 minutes on the nose) - but there’s just something so utterly charming about this LP and ditto for its snazzy and well thought out CD reissue. Here are the details for all those duck-walking Maybellines and Beethovens rolling over in their Cadillac Coupe De Villes…

USA released March 2004 - "Rock, Rock, Rock - From The Motion Picture" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Universal/Chess B0001751-02 (Barcode 602498614303) is a CD Reissue and Remaster of the famous 1955 LP bolstered up with Three Extras. 

Part of Universal's Rock ’n' Roll 50th Anniversary Edition CD Reissue Series (see list below) - it’s an Expanded Edition that adds on three relevant Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (39:00 minutes): 

1. I Knew From The Start - THE MOONGLOWS (December 1956, Chess 1646, B-side of "Over And Over Again")

2. Would I Be Crying - THE FLAMINGOS (December 1956, Checker 853, A-side)

3. Maybellene - CHUCK BERRY and His Combo (July 1955, Chess 1604, A-side)

4. Sincerely - THE MOONGLOWS (November 1954, Chess 1581, A-side)

5. Thirty Days (To Come Back Home) - CHUCK BERRY and His Combo (October 1955, Chess 1610, A-side)

6. The Vow - THE FLAMINGOS (October 1956, Checker 846, A-side)

7. You Can’t Catch Me - CHUCK BERRY (November 1956, Chess 1645, A-side)

8. Over And Over Again - THE MOONGLOWS (December 1956, Chess 1646, A-side)

9. Roll Over Beethoven - CHUCK BERRY and His Combo (May 1956, Chess 1626, A-side)

10. I’ll Be Home - THE FLAMINGOS (January 1956, Checker 830, A-side)

11. See Saw - THE MOONGLOWS (July 1956, Chess 1629, A-side)

12. A Kiss From Your Lips - THE FLAMINGOS (May 1956, Checker 837, A-side)

Tracks 1 to 12 are the LP "Rock, Rock, Rock - From The Motion Picture“ - released December 1956 in the uSA in Mono only on Chess LP-1425.

BONUS TRACKS:

13. I’m Not A Juvenile Delinquent - FRANKIE LYMON and THE TEENAGERS (November 1956, Gee GG-1026, A-side)

14. Rock & Roll Boogie - ALAN FREED and his ROCK ’N’ ROLL ORCHESTRA (from the 1956 compilation LP “Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Party Vol.1” on Coral CRL 57063)

15. Lonesome Train (On A Lonesome Track) - THE JOHNNY BURNETTE TRIO (December 1956, Coral 9-61758, A-side)

ERICK LABSON - one of Universal's top engineers - has remastered all 15 tracks from the 1st generation mono master tapes and the sound quality is better than its ever been - warm, romantic, fun - most of the songs dripping with echo and atmosphere - and all of them extraordinarily evocative of the time. The CD's 3 bonus tracks are also from the movie - the lust-buster "I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent" by FRANKIE LYMON and THE TEENAGERS (he has only 13 at the time), the dancer instrumental "Rock & Roll Boogie" by ALAN FREED and his ROCK 'N' ROLL ORCHESTRA and the railroad Rockabilly vibe of "Lonesome Train (On A Lonesome Track)" by JOHNNY BURNETTE'S ROCK 'N' ROLL TRIO. 

The 12-page booklet contains a new essay on the album and film history by noted writer BILLY ALTMAN which doesn't duplicate much of the very informational original album liner notes by MILTON SUBOTSKY (reproduced on Pages 7, 8 and 9). There's a lobby card reproduced featuring Frankie Lymon and Alan Freed and a page of 7" labels including the fab "See Saw" by The Moonglows. The lovely black and silver original deep groove label of the album is reproduced on the inlay beneath the see-through tray - all nice touches and attention to detail that collector's love. 

Quite apart from the historical significance of being Chess Records first-ever long player LP - only four of the original twelve tracks actually appeared in the movie - “I Knew From the Start” and “Over And Over Again” by The Moonglows, “Would I Be Crying” by The Flamingos and Chuck Berry’s “You Can’t Catch Me” - his first appearance on LP too. 

In truth - with the 50-year copyright law going through the 00's and 10’s like a dose of salts - huge swathes of tracks by Blues, Doo Wop, R ’n' B and Rock 'n' Roll artists have now entered the Public Domain - so you see Doo Wop and Rock 'n' Roll Box sets containing say 100 songs for absolute peanuts. So why would anyone give say £10 or 10 dollars for only 15 tracks on this obscure compilation? It doesn’t even seem like particularly good value for money…

Well - there's the track run (which so works) - the lovely presentation - and of course the truly great sound. But mostly there's just something incredibly evocative about this album. It seems to capture a transition in our history - a joy almost - a newfound freedom - it was young then and still is now. When I listen to the irresistible naughtiness of "Roll Over Beethoven" by Chuck Berry - followed by the streetlamp serenade of The Flamingos' "I'll Be Home” - which in turn is followed by the finger-clicking "See Saw" by The Moonglows - I'm transported back to a time of jukeboxes topped off with beautiful fluorescent tubes - drive-in movies with monster screens and a thrilling promise in the backseat. This very cool little CD transports me back to that time - when all things seemed possible - innocent even - when the world was literally our generation's oyster…

The Original Soundtrack to “Rock, Rock, Rock” is a lovely album - yet it's one that you feel is all but forgotten now - and it shouldn't be. A fantastic listen and an important and timely reissue. 

For sure it’s become hard to find since 2004 especially for UK and European buyers (you can pick it up Stateside for as little as four bucks). But I’d say take a chance on romance you children of Alan Freed and buy it. You may have to engage in your own version of Payola to get one - but the payoff will be dancing in the aisles - well maybe dancing in the man cave with a Zimmer frame at our age… 

PS: This reissue is part of the "ROCK 'N' ROLL 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION" Series issued in 2004 by Universal in the USA. 'Rock 'N' Roll 50th Anniversary Edition' is a secondary series title and is displayed vertically on the side inlay beneath the see-through tray of each release, but unfortunately, if you try to search databases for ANY titles under this moniker, it doesn't recognise the 'name' at all. For those interested - the whole series includes 9all reviewed):

1. After School Session by CHUCK BERRY (1958 Mono Debut LP on Chess) - CD is Geffen/Chess B0001685-02 (Barcode 602498613504) 

2. St. Louis To Liverpool by CHUCK BERRY (1964 Stereo LP on Chess) - CD is Geffen/Chess B0001687-02 (Barcode 602498613528)

3. The Chirping Crickets by THE CRICKETS [feat Buddy Holly] (1957 Mono Debut LP) - CD is Geffen/Decca B0001686-02 (Barcode 602498613511) 

4. Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger by BO DIDDLEY (1960 Stereo LP on Checker) - CD is Universal/Geffen B-0001761-02 (Barcode 602498614471) 

5. Rock Around The Clock by BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS (December 1955 Mono LP on Decca) - CD is Geffen/Decca B0001705-02 (Barcode 602498613627)

6. Buddy Holly by BUDDY HOLLY (1958 1st Solo LP, Mono on Coral) - CD is Universal/Geffen B0001592-02 (Barcode 602498129524)

7. Rock, Rock, Rock  - From The Motion Picture by THE MOONGLOWS, CHUCK BERRY and THE FLAMINGOS (1956 Chess Records 'Rock 'n' Roll Movie Soundtrack LP) - CD is Universal/Chess B0001751-02 (Barcode 602498614303)

"Rock Around The Clock" by BILL HALEY and HIS COMETS (2004 MCA/Universal '50th Anniversary' CD Reissue and Erick Labson Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Birth Of The Boogie…"

For something so supposedly throwaway - our fave genre has sure as Hell gone the distance. December 2015 past was the 60^th Anniversary for the release of this extraordinary 12” piece of vinyl of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ mayhem – BILL HALEY and his COMETS giving it some of that devilish “Rock Around The Clock”. And when you think of it’s cultural impact – it’s hard to believe that in some – it’s been cruelly forgotten.

This May 2004 American CD reissue on Universal/Geffen/Decca B0001705-02 (Barcode 602498613627) gives us all 12-tracks of Bill Haley’s original US Mono album "Rock Around The Clock" (with his Comets) released just a week before the Christmas festivities of 1955.

Part of Universal’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll 50th Anniversary” CD Series (see below) - it's remastered to gorgeous sound quality from 1st generation master tapes by ERICK LABSON of Universal – a Sound Engineer who has over 1000 credits to his name for audio restoration and mastering. Its bonus tracks are 3-sides of two singles issued in or around the release of the vinyl album. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s what (39:33 minutes):

1. (We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock

2. Shake, Rattle & Roll

3. A.B.C. Boogie

4. Thirteen Women (And Only One Man In Town)

5. Razzle-Dazzle

6. Two Hound Dogs

7. Dim, Dim The Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere) [Side 2]

8. Happy Baby

9. Birth Of The Boogie

10. Mambo Rock

11. Burn That Candle

12. Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie

Tracks 1 to 12 are the MONO album “Rock Around The Clock” – released 19 December 1955 in the USA on Decca BL 8225 and June 1956 in the UK on Brunswick LAT-8117. It peaked at No. 2 in the UK in August 1956.

BONUS TRACKS:

13. R-O-C-K

14. The Saints Rock ‘N’ Roll

15. See You Later, Alligator

Excepting one track [7/B] - this CD reissue will allow the listener to sequence all of Haley's eight Decca 7" singles of the time as follows:

1.  (We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock [1] b/w Thirteen Women (And Only One Man In Town) [4] (1954, Decca 29124)

2.  Shake, Rattle & Roll [2] b/w ABC Boogie [3] (1954, Decca 29204)

3.  Dim, Dim The Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere) [7] b/w Happy Baby (1954, Decca 29317)

4.  Mambo Rock [10] b/w Birth Of The Boogie [9] (1955, Decca 29418)

5.  Razzle Dazzle [5] b/w Two Hound Dogs [6] (1955, Decca 29552)

6.  Rock-A-Beatin' Boogie [12] b/w Burn That Candle [11] (1955, Decca 29713)

7.  See You Later, Alligator [15] b/w The Paper Boy (On Main Street, USA) [not included] (1956, Decca 29791)

8.  R-O-C-K [13] b/w The Saints Rock 'n' Roll [14] (1956, Decca 29870)

It's a bit of an omission leaving out "The Mail Boy (On Main Street, USA)" (the B-side to "See You Later, Alligator") - but the fifteen songs provided above are that rarity - all killer and no filler - every last one of them released on 45 because they were ace crowd pleasers. The 16-page booklet is lovely to look at with that gorgeous colour cover as the first page and the rear sleeve as the last. Inbetween you get expert liner notes by noted writer and Grammy winner BILL DAHL as well as recording credits. But the big news is a fabulous ERICK LABSON Remaster that makes these 15 slices of musical history - sing as never before.

More of a compilation of hits that a pre-planned ‘album’ per say – that doesn’t really hold truck. Right from the off - the joy of the band is audible in every song and you can feel why people went nuts for "Rock 'n' Roll". You can just imagine the new teenagers of the USA (and everywhere else for that matter) sitting down in their local movie theatre glued to the opening credits of "Blackboard Jungle". Then Bill Haley's irresistible and infectious "Rock Around The Clock" comes out of the speakers and literally blows away the cobwebs of a hurting decade after the Second World War. It must have seemed like a cultural Atom Bomb - and best of all - scared the living crap out of their parents. A sense of sly fun pervades the whole record (dancing in the aisles).

Songs like his cover of Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll” and the witty “Thirteen Women (And Only One Man In Town)” took Britain by storm too - mobbed at Waterloo Station in London in 1957. The audio quality on “ABC Boogie” (a teacher up from Basin street) and “Razzle Dazzle” (it’s the hipsters dance and square cats too) is shockingly good. That irresistible trademark double bass backbeat, the miked-up and in-your-face drums all bolstered by zippy guitar licks – the whole combines to make your feet tap and your hip replacements swing (daddy-o). Other gems on there are “Burn That Candle” and the smash single “See You Later, Alligator” which along with Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” - must be one of the most copied songs ever…

So why then is Haley seen by some as 'Uncle Bill'? Haley was 30 when the album was released and yet somehow he seemed older (some even felt he was a pretender). The album came out in December 1955 - but two months later a kid from Tupelo would make it in early 1956 and make Bill seem redundant overnight. Given his good looks, his voice and his sheer animal magnetism - it's easy to see why Elvis would be adopted as the true "King of Rock 'n' Roll" by the teens only months after Haley broke down the door. Elvis was cool - Haley was your Dad.

Yet although Elvis ripped the entire fabric of the known Universe apart in 1956 - this extraordinary album is where it all really started for Rock 'n' Roll and Bill Haley should be loved for that. Haley laid the groundwork and Elvis, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers - they all followed in his footsteps - and all prospered because of him.

You can't help but think that this album and Haley himself are forgotten - and they shouldn't be. A fantastic listen and an important and timely CD reissue - "Rock Around The Clock" is surely one of the great debut albums and a catalyst for so much joy to come (that we now take for granted).

Start your journey to the dark side here children - and swear to your parents you'll only look at Elvis and Bill from the waist up...

PS: It should also be noted that this issue is part of the 'ROCK 'n' ROLL 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION' Series issued in 2004 by Universal in the USA. 

'Rock 'N' Roll 50th Anniversary Edition' is a secondary series title and is displayed vertically on the side inlay beneath the see-through tray of each release, but unfortunately, if you try to search databases for ANY titles under this moniker, it doesn't recognize the name at all. For those interested - the series includes:

1. After School Session by CHUCK BERRY (1958 debut LP on Chess)

2. St. Louis To Liverpool by CHUCK BERRY (1964 STEREO LP on Chess)

3. The Chirping Crickets by THE CRICKETS (1957 debut LP featuring BUDDY HOLLY)

4. Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger by BO DIDDLEY (1960 STEREO LP on Checker)

5. Rock Around The Clock by BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS (1955 LP on Decca)

6. Buddy Holly by BUDDY HOLLY (1958 1st solo LP on Coral)

7. Rock, Rock, Rock! Original Soundtrack by VARIOUS (Chuck Berry, The Flamingos and The Moonglows) (1956 Chess 'Rock'n'Roll Movie Soundtrack LP)

I bought all 7 of these titles and I can't recommend them enough - each album remastered, colour artwork lovingly restored and each bolstered up with 3 to 5 relevant releases from the time (many previously unreleased). Fans of Haley, Holly, The Crickets, Berry, Diddley and Rock'n'Roll in general should quickly acquire all of these exemplary CDs. They make for the best basis of a collection in a minefield of lesser compilations…and it’s dirt-cheap too…

"St. Louis To Liverpool" by CHUCK BERRY (2004 Universal 'ROCK 'N' ROLL 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION' CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s Of Others Is Available in my

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

BLUES, VOCAL GROUPS, 
RHYTHM 'n' BLUES and ROCK 'n' ROLL On CD 
- Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Riding Along In My Automobile...”

Part of their American issued "Rock 'n' Roll 50^th Anniversary" Series – this April 2004 Universal CD reissue for "St. Louis To Liverpool" by CHUCK BERRY on Geffen/Chess B0001687-02 (Barcode 602498613528) gives us Chuck's 1964 classic album "St. Louis To Liverpool" in Stereo - bolstered up with 3 bonus tracks (40:23 minutes). 

Tape Supremo ERICK LABSON of Universal has digitally remastered all 15 songs from the 1st generation Stereo and Mono master tapes (over 1000 credits to his name) - and he’s done a typically wonderful job – gems like "No Particular Place To Go" and "You Never Can Tell" sounding as fresh as a bobby-soxer at a jukebox. Here are the duck-walk details…

1. Little Marie

2. Our Little Rendezvous

3. No Particular Place To Go

4. You Two

5. Promised Land

6. You Never Can Tell

7. Go Bobby Soxer [Side 2]

8. The Things I Used To Do

9. Liverpool Drive

10. Night Beat

11. Merry Christmas Baby

12. Brenda Lee

Tracks 1 to 12 are the Stereo Version of "St. Louis To Liverpool" – released November 1964 in the USA on Chess LPS 1488

BONUS TRACKS:

13. Fraulein – Previously Unreleased In The USA

14. O'Rangutang - Non-album B-side to the USA 7" single of "Nadine" issued 1964 on Chess 1883 –Previously Unreleased on US LP

15. The Little Girl From Central – First appeared on the 1990 US LP "Missing Berries: Rarities, Volume 3" on Chess CH-9318

The 16-page booklet exactly reproduces the lovely full-colour front sleeve on Page 1 with its rear sleeve on the last page of the inlay - in between is a new essay on the album by noted reviewer BUD SCOPPA with the original liner notes also reproduced on Page 8 and 9. There's session details, reissue credits and even the blue and white Chess label of the original LP is pictured under the see-through tray - all nice touches and great attention to detail.

But the real good stuff starts with the songs and the SOUND. Unlike the rough and ready debut "After School Session" from 1957 (also in this series) - this album has the muscle in STEREO and what a punch it gives when it kicks in. "No Particular Place To Go" is simply fantastic - fun, in your face and rockin' - packing all the wallop you'd expect from a truly great Chuck Berry song but with that great extra muscle in the reproduction. The audio quality on the lesser-heard “You Two” is superb (Odie Payne on Drums) with Chuck playing some very tasty stuff while Paul Williams puts in a late piano solo. The instrumentals “Liverpool Drive” and “Night Beat” are fun but feel like space fillers. Better is the Bluesy “Merry Christmas Baby” with Johnnie Johnson on Piano and Chess’ Willie Dixon on Bass – Berry plays some lovely licks on the guitar as it ambles along. “Brenda Lee” is wicked fun too. It’s also amazing to think that of the 12 tracks only “Liverpool Drive” and “Night Beat” ‘weren’t’ used as singles – the ten others were. The unreleased “Fraulein” is better than I’d expected it to be – nice echoed vocals. Better is “The Little Girl From Central” – a sort of “No Particular Place To Go” knockoff with

As with "After School Session" - it's also wonderful to hear Berry's songs again in their original inspiring form and realise what an astonishing influence for good Chuck and his music has been. When you think of every garage band, every bedroom poser, every guitar maestro on the planet and how they all cut their teeth on Chuck Berry songs at some point in their careers - his influence has been little short of World changing. The brevity, the wit, the cleverness of his lyrics, the infectiousness of that party music – its all here folks – and in Stereo too. Catch a snippet of "You Never Can Tell" with its irresistible piano and brass fills…

“St. Louis To Liverpool” is a fab listen then and an important and timely CD reissue. Start your journey to the dark side here children - and remember - best not tell your parents the reason for said joy - ROCK 'n' ROLL!!

PS: "Rock 'n' Roll 50th Anniversary Edition" is a secondary series title and is displayed vertically on the side inlay beneath the see-through tray of each release, but unfortunately, if you try to search databases for ANY titles under this moniker, it doesn't recognise the 'name' at all. For those interested - the series includes:

1. "After School Session" by CHUCK BERRY (1958 debut LP on Chess, see REVIEW)

2. "St. Louis To Liverpool" by CHUCK BERRY (1964 STEREO LP on Chess, see REVIEW)

3. "The Chirping Crickets" by THE CRICKETS (their 1957 debut LP featuring BUDDY HOLLY, see REVIEW)

4. "Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger" by BO DIDDLEY (1960 STEREO LP on Checker, see REVIEW)

5. "Rock Around The Clock" by BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS (ground-breaking 1955 LP on Decca, see REVIEW)

6. "Buddy Holly" by BUDDY HOLLY (1958 1st solo LP on Coral, see REVIEW)

7. "Rock, Rock, Rock! - From The Motion Picture" by THE MOONGLOWS, CHUCK BERRY and THE FLAMINGOS (1956 1st Chess LP - a Rock'n'Roll Soundtrack - see REVIEW)

There is also a pictorial display of all 7 in LISTMANIA (in Amazon)

I bought all 7 of these titles and I can't recommend them enough - each album remastered, colour artwork lovingly restored and each bolstered up with 3 to 5 relevant releases from the time (many previously unreleased). Fans of Haley, Holly, The Crickets, Berry, Diddley and Rock 'n' Roll in general should quickly acquire all of these exemplary CDs. They make for the best basis of a collection in a minefield of lesser compilations...