"Nellie Lutcher And Her Rhythm" by NELLIE LUTCHER and HER RHYTHM (October 1996 GERMANY Bear Family 4CD LP-Sized Box Set of Remasters with 20 Previously Unreleased Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry..1996 Bear Family 4CD Box Set.

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"MANNISH BOY" 

BLUES, VOCAL GROUPS, DOO WOP, ROOTS

RHYTHM 'n' BLUES and ROCK 'n' ROLL ON CD 

Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters 

Thousands of E-Pages

All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

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"…The Lights Are Low And The Coast Is Clear

…So What Are We Doing With Dominoes Here…"

One of 15 children, Nellie Lutcher was born in 1912 in Lake Charles, Louisiana and died at the age of 95 in 2007 in Los Angeles, California - having lived long enough to see this wonderful October 1996 box set by Bear Family properly celebrate her musical heritage. 

"Nellie Lutcher And Her Rhythm" by NELLIE LUTCHER on Bear Family BCD 15910 D1 (Barcode 4000127159106) contains 4 CDs housed in a 12" x 12" LP-Sized colour box set with 105 tracks culled from the vaults of Capitol, Epic/Okeh, Liberty, Decca, Imperial and Melic (20 of which are previously unreleased).

I've posted a full discography attached to this review which references all 85 of the released tracks (78s/45s/LPs); the info below details the 20 previously unreleased stuff outside of that discography...

Disc 1, 24 Tracks, 1947 to 1951 (68:13 minutes)

There are no previously unreleased tracks

Disc 2, 26 Tracks, 1948 to 1950 (71:05 minutes)

The following seven are previously unreleased - "With A Song" (1), "Life Is Like That" (3), "My Man (Mon Homme)" (6), "I Used To Be Dull" (7), "The Dog Fight Song" (8), "Darktown Strutter's Ball" (20) and ""April In Paris" (23)

Disc 3, 25 Tracks, 1950 to 1954 (66:47 minutes)

The following five are previously unreleased - "Baby, What's You Alibi" (2), "(I Need) Body And Fender Work" (8), "He Couldn't Care Less" (9), "If You Wanna Get T'Goin' (And Come Out Singin')" (10) and ""When They Ask About You"

Disc 4, 30 Tracks, 1954 to 1963 (77:14 minutes)

The following eight are previously unreleased - "Out Of This World" (1), "It's Been Said" (2), "Let Me Tell You 'Bout The Guy" (22), "If Your Face Was As Beautiful As Your Soul" (23), "He's A Real Gone Guy" [Re-recording of her 1947 Capitol hit] (24), "There's A Reason" (25), "Let Me Tell You 'Bout The Guy (Overdub)" (29) and "If Your Face Was As Beautiful As Your Soul (Overdub)" (30)

The 36-page album-sized booklet has a history of the lady's life and music by noted writer BILL MILLAR of England (she was a smash in the UK - packing out theatres in late 1950), newspaper clippings, Juke Box chart listings, black & white studio photos, trade adverts, a section on her fantastically tight backing band BILLY HADNOTT, ULYSSES LIVINGSTONE and LEE YOUNG - all topped off with a very detailed RICHARD WEISZ Sessions Discography stretching from 1947 to 1963. The individual CDs have the same picture on the back and front (a bit boring actually), but other than that this is the usual high-class product that has made Bear Family beloved by collectors and music fans the world over.

Stylistically, Nellie would scat along with the notes as she played her piano (a noted style of hers), so at times she often sounded like a female Nat King Cole in his early Jazz years (she dueted with him on two great sides in early 1950). And while her combo was clearly Jazz orientated, there was also a delicious touch of Louis Jordan swing to her music and lyrics. Her tunes (many self-written) were great fun and saucy with wittily mischievous words (the title of this review is from "Pa's Not Home - Ma's Upstairs"). The quietly contained quartet also kept her vocals and personality to the fore - which allowed you to 'hear' her. Admittedly, some of the bigger band stuff on Disc 3 is too heavy-handed for my taste, but there's still so much more on there to keep you listening...and the unreleased stuff is of a very high standard indeed...

Her fantastic "Real Gone!" USA and UK 10" LP on Capitol H- 232 is great 50ts R&B with a touch of Jazz Vocals - an overlooked period gem (Capitol extended it to 11-track and 12-track 12" LP versions in 1955 on Capitol T-232 using the same title but slightly different artwork). I sequence the 12" LP version as a wicked period listen. If you wanted to get a lay of the land, try the single Capitol CD from 2000 "Real Gone Gal"- if that grabs you, you'll want to go deeper and this box is where to go. It's not cheap, but then real class and quality always costs.

Nellie Lutcher is up there right now in the Celestial Spheres with LaVern Baker, Nat King Cole and Ma Rainey rehearsing for a date in the "Heavenly Inn" Bar And Grill - word is spreading among the angels who are excitedly queuing up for tickets at "The Garden Of Eden" box office - and the Supreme Being 'herself' is rumoured to put in a show at the gig (disguised of course as Ella Fitzgerald)...

God bless you wherever you are Nellie Lutcher - you beautiful woman - and big time kudos to those at Bear Family for keeping her flame alive in this superb box set. A fine brown frame indeed…

PS: see also my reviews for other Bear Family box sets (with Discographies) - Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Roy Orbison, Freddie King, Julia Lee, Louis Jordan and Ella Mae Morse

USA Discography with reference to the track placing on the Bear Family Box set – this discography locates all 85 tracks issued during her career (the 20 previously unreleased tracks on the box set are documented in the review itself)

NELLIE LUTCHER and HER RHYTHM Discography

For the Bear Family Box Set

78's and 45's

Hurry On Down [2/1] b/w The Lady's In Love With You [3/1]
June 1947 USA 78" on Capitol Americana 40002

He's A Real Gone Guy [7/1] b/w Let Me Love You Tonight [8/1]
July 1947 USA 78" on Capitol Americana 40017

You Better Watch Yourself, Bub [4/1] b/w My Mother's Eyes [6/1]
September 1947 USA 78" on Capitol Americana 40042

Do You Or Don't You Love [10/1] b/w The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On) [18/1] 
January 1948 USA 78" On Capitol Americana 40063 

Fine Brown Frame [21/1] b/w The Pig-Latin Song [9/1]
March 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15032

Come And Get It, Honey [17/2] b/w He Sends Me [14/2]
May 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15064

Imagine You Having Eyes For Me [23/1] b/w (I Took A Trip On The Train And) I Thought About You [15/1]
June 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15112

Cool Water [11/2] b/w Lake Charles Boogie [20/1] 
July 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15148 

Alexander’s Ragtime Band [24/1] b/w My Little Boy [15/2]
September 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15180 

Wish I Was In Walla Walla [2/2] b/w A Maid's Prayer [4/2]
December 1948 USA 78" on Capitol 15279

My New Papa's Got To Have Everything [16/2] b/w Say A Little Prayer For Me [10/1]
January 1949 USA 78" on Capitol 15352

A Chicken Ain't Nothin But A Bird [12/2] b/w Ditto From Me To You [5/2]
March 1949 USA 78" on Capitol 57-70001 

Baby, Please Stop And Think About Me [26/2] b/w Kiss Me Sweet [25/2]
August 1949 USA 78" on Capitol 57-70009

Princess Poo-Poo-Ly Has Plenty Papaya [13/2] b/w Fine And Mellow Blues [13/1]
August 1949 USA 78" on Capitol 57-70026

Glad Rag Doll [22/2] b/w Lutcher's Leap [9/2]
November 1949 USA 78" on Capitol 57-70044

Only You [24/2] b/w Little Sally Walker [18/2]
January 1950 USA 7" single on Capitol F 798

For You My Love [4/3] b/w Can I Come In For A Second [5/3]
February 1950 7" single on Capitol F 847 
[A&B with NAT KING COLE - A-side written by PAUL GAYTEN]

That's A Plenty [1/3] b/w I'll Never Get Tired [3/3]
1950 USA 7” single on Capitol F 878

Loveable [12/1] b/w Kinda Blue & Low [16/1]
1950 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1026

To Be Forgotten [19/2] b/w That Will Just About Knock Me Out [21/2]
1950 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1217

I Really Couldn't Love You [7/3] b/w Pa's Not Home – Ma's Upstairs [6/3]
May 1951 USA 78" single on Capitol F 1420 

Hurry On Down b/w Fine Brown Frame 
1951 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1604 [REISSUE of her 1947 Classics]

The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On) [18/1] b/w Humoresque (Opus No.7) [22/1] 
1951 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1728

The Birth Of The Blues [13/3] b/w I Want To Be Near You [12/3]
1951 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1789 

What A Difference A Day Made [15/3] b/w The Heart Of A Clown [17/3]
February 1952 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1978

Mean To Me [11/3] b/w Let The Worry Bird Worry For You [14/3] 
1952 USA 7" single on Capitol F 1829 
[Note: A-side with Orchestra Conducted by BILLY MAY]

That's How It Goes [16/3] b/w Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now [18/3]
1952 USA 7" single on Capitol F 2038 

The Heart Of A Clown [17/3] b/w My Mother’s Eyes [6/1]
1952 USA 7” single on Capitol 4319 
(Note: B-side is the 1947 original)

Muchly Verily [23/3] b/w How Many More [20/3]
January 1953 USA 78” single on Okeh 6935  
[A-side by NELLIE LUTCHER; B-side by BOUDLEAUX BRYANT]

St. Louis Blues [24/3] b/w Takin' A Chance On Love [23/3]
1953 USA 7" single on Okeh 7030 

Whee Baby [22/3] b/w Blues For Bill Bailey (aka Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home) [25/3] 
1953 USA 7" single on Epic 9005

Blues In The Night [3/4] b/w Breezin' Along With The Breeze [4/4]
1954 USA 7" single on Decca 9-29284

Please Come Back [7/4] b/w It's Been Said [5/4]
1955 USA 7" single on Decca 9-29494

If I Didn't Love Like I Do [8/4] b/w Whose Honey Are You? [6/4]
1955 USA 7" single on Decca 9-29642

Blue Skies [9/4] b/w You Made Me Love You [11/4]
February 1956 USA 7" single on Liberty 55018 

(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [17/4] b/w Have You Ever Been Lonely [20/4]
1956 USA 7" single on Liberty 55027
 
Hurry On Down [21/4] b/w I Never Get Tired [26/4] 
1957 USA 7" single on Imperial 5436 
(Note: the A-side is a Re-recording of her 1947 hit on Capitol)

Heart Of A Clown [27/4] b/w Reaching For The Moon [28/4]
1963 USA 7" single on Melic 4131 

- LPS -

"Nellie Lutcher" – Nellie Lutcher and Her Rhythm

3 x 78" LP Package issued March 1948 as an 'Album' on Capitol CC-70 (Mono)

(The individual catalogue numbers for each 78" follow the A and B sides listed below)

1. The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else) [1/1] b/w Chi-Chi-Chi-Chicago [11/1]
(Capitol 10108)

2. Reaching For The Moon [17/1] b/w There's Another Mule In Your Stall [14/1]
(Capitol 10109)

3. Sleepy Lagoon [5/1] b/w Lake Charles Boogie [20/1] 
(Capitol 10110)

"Real Gone!"

1950 USA 8-Track Version 10" LP on Capitol H-232 (Mono)

Side 1: 

He's A Real Gone Guy [7/1]; Fine Brown Frame [21/1]; Hurry On Down [2/1]; Come And Get It, Honey [17/2]

Side 2: Do You Or Don't You Love Me 10/1]; Let Me Love You Tonight [8/1]; The Lady's In Love With You [3/1]; My Mother's Eyes [6/1]

(Note: the 10" LP listed above was then extended to two variants of a 12" LP in 1955 and was issued as Capitol T-232. One has eleven tracks – the other twelve. Although they've the same catalogue number – their track runs vary. Tracks marked ** are the extras over the 10" version)

"Real Gone!" 

1955 USA 11-Track Version 12" LP on Capitol T-232 (Mono) [Differing Artwork to the 10” LP]

Side 1:

He's A Real Gone Guy [7/1]; Fine Brown Frame [21/1]; Come And Get It, Honey [17/2]; Alexander’s Ragtime Band ** [24/1]

Side 2:

Do You Or Don't You Love Me [10/1]; Let Me Love You Tonight [8/1]; The Lady's In Love With You [3/1]; My Mother’s Eyes [6/1]; That’s A Plenty ** [1/3]; So Nice To See You Baby ** [19/1]

"Real Gone!" 

1955 USA 12-Track Version 12" LP on Capitol T-232 (Mono) [Differing Artwork to the 10” LP]

Side 1:

He's A Real Gone Guy [7/1]; Fine Brown Frame [21/1]; Hurry On Down [2/1]; Do You Or Don’t You Love Me [10/1]; Let Me Love You Tonight [8/1] The Lady’s In Love With You [3/1]

Side 2:

So Nice To See You Baby ** [19/1]; That’s A Plenty ** [1/3]; My Little Boy ** [15/2]; Alexander’s Ragtime Band ** [24/1]; Come And Get It, Honey [17/2]; My Mother’s Eyes [6/1]

"Whee! Nellie!"

1955 USA 6-Track 10" LP on Epic LN 1108 (Mono)

Side 1:

Whee, Baby! [22/3]; Taking A Chance On Love [23/3/]; Muchly Verily [23/3]

Side 2:

St. Louis Blues [24/3]; How Many More [20/3]; Blues For Bill Bailey [aka Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home] [25/3]

"Our New Nellie" [with Russ Garcia and His Orchestra]

1956 USA 12-Track 12" LP on Liberty LRP 3104 (Mono)

Side 1: 

Have You Ever Been Lonely [20/4]; You Made Me Love You [11/4]; (All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [17/4]; Someone To Watch Over Me [16/4]; This Can't Be Love [12/4]; Blue Skies [9/4]

Side 2: 

Rose Colored Glasses [18/4]; It Had To Be You [14/4]; The Nearness Of You [13/4]; On The Sunny Side Of The Street [15/4]; Ole Buttermilk Sky [19/4]; Three Little Words [10/4]

"Delightfully Yours"

1966 USA 10-track 12" LP on Sunset SUM-1124 [Mono]/SUS-5124 [Stereo]

Side 1: (All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [17/4]; The Nearness Of You [13/4]; Have You Ever Been Lonely [20/4]; On The Sunny Side Of The Street [15/4]; You Made Me Love You [11/4]

Side 2: 

Rose Colored Glasses [18/4]; This Can’t Be Love [12/4]; Someone To Watch Over Me [16/4]; Blue Skies [9/4]; Three Little Words [10/4]

[The 10-tracks used on “Delightfully Yours” are culled from the “Our New Nellie” album sessions which were only ever recorded in MONO – however, as you can see above, this Sunset LP was issued in both MONO and STEREO – the Bear Family box doesn’t reference EITHER - probably because this was false re-channelled stereo and the MONO tracks are already referenced on the Liberty LRP 3104 LP]

"The Best Of"

1995 USA Capitol Compilation on CD – Capitol CDP 7243 8 35039

(Track 15 and 22 are referenced on the Box set because they were previously unreleased at the time)

1. Hurry On Down

2. One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else)

3. You Better Watch Yourself, Bub

5. My Mother's Eyes

6. He's A Real Gone Guy

7. Let Me Love You Tonight

8. Chi Chi Chi Chicago

9. Fine And Mellow

10. I Thought About You

11. Kinda Blue And Low

12. The Song Is Ended (But The Melody Lingers On)

13. Lake Charles Boogie

14. Fine Brown Frame

15. My Man (Mon Homme) [6/2]

16. Chicken Ain't Nothin' But A Bird

17. He Sends Me

18. My New Papa's Got To Have Everything

19. Come And Get It

20. Honey Honey

21. That Will Just About Knock Me Out Baby

22. Baby What's Your Alibi [2/3]

23. Pa's Not Home

“Why” by THE CUES. A Review of the 2008 CD Reissue on Bear Family Records.

“…I'm A Prince When You're Near Me...All The World Is My Throne…”

The knowledgeable and detailed PETER GRENDYSA liner notes on this typically superb Bear Family CD are dated ‘July 1988’ – on a 2008 CD? Here’s what happened…

Back in 1988 Bear Family put out one of the first compilations dedicated to this superb Doo Wop and R’n’B Vocal group – the 16-track vinyl LP “Crazy, Crazy Party” on BFX 15309. It contained most of their Capitol Records output and four previously unreleased tracks - “Much Obliged”, “Killer Diller”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Mr. Oriole” and “Be My Wife”.

This was then reissued as “Why” on an expanded CD in 1991 with 28 Tracks (a different cover also accompanied the different title). As well as featuring additional early sides on Lamp, Jubilee, Prep and Groove, it added a further five previously unreleased songs from Capitol’s vaults – 2 takes of “Yes Sir”, “Poppa Loves Momma”, “Ladder” and “Warm Spot”.

This 2008 version of “Why” (BCD 15510 AH) is the 1991 CD in exactly the same running order, but again with different artwork and now - new 2008 copyright dates on the digital remasters. The booklet is a sizeable 24-pages and includes detailed liners notes and a discography to 1960, while the CD label and inlay beneath the see-through tray picture “Burn That Candle” – their debut September 1955 single on Capitol Records F 3245 (later made a sizeable hit by Bill Haley & His Comets in November 1955 on Decca).

The Cues were formed by the legendary Producer & Writer JESSE STONE specifically as a backing-group of quality for recording labels of the time – the first time this had ever been done. They’re on Atlantic hits by LaVern Baker in 1954, they’re credited as Joe Turner’s “Blues Kings”, the “Rhythmmakers” for Ruth Brown and “The Ivorytones” for Ivory Joe Hunter.

The Cues had an array of stunning vocalists – OLLIE JONES [Lead Tenor], ABEL DeCOSTA [First Tenor], JIMMY BREEDLOVE [Second Tenor], ROBIE KIRK [Baritone] and EDWARD ‘EDDIE’ BARNES [Bass]. Breedlove later had a solo career with sides on RCA in 1958, but they were far rockier than his smooth vocal work with The Cues (his lone album “Sings Rock ‘n’ Roll Hits” was reissued on Bear Family BFX 15327 in 1989). One the highlights on this CD is Breedlove’s beautiful lead vocals on his ballad “Don’t Make Believe” – the flip of “Destination 2100 And 65”.

The sound quality is fabulous throughout, except for their October 1954 debut 45 on Lamp 8007 (“Forty ‘leven Dozen Ways” b/w “Scoochie Scoochie”) where both sides are dubbed from a scratchy and extremely rare disc. The other selling point is the really great quality of the unreleased tracks – Breedlove’s whistling on “Rock ‘n’ Roll Mr. Oriole” predating Bobby Darin’s “Rockin’ Robin” by a full two years. Another rarity is “So Near And Yet So Far” b/w “Hot Rotten Soda Pop (On My Toe)” which was issued in June 1955 on Groove 4/G-0110 (one of RCA’s subsidiary labels); it’s credited to THE FOUR STUDENTS, but it’s featured on this CD because 4 members of The Cues are on it.

My personal favourites on “Why” are the four sides of two great singles – the 1st on Capitol F 3582 from November 1956 - “Why” b/w “Prince Or Pauper” and the 2nd on Prep 104 from May 1957 - “Crazy, Crazy Party” b/w “I Pretend”. They’re both perfect slices of Fifties greatness – a cool dancer on the A with a beautiful Doo Wop balled on the B. Ollie Jones’ deep pleading vocal on “Prince Or Pauper” is simply irresistible – as lovely a song as you’ve ever heard (lyrics above).

So – for newcomers looking for a bit of Fifties Doo Wop and R’n’B magic - this is a sweetheart of a release and typical of Bear Family’s commitment to excellence – and for those who own the 1991 issue, there’s the new remasters.

Gorgeous stuff - and recommended the most.

- BELOW IS A DISCOGRAPHY WITH REGARD TO THIS RELEASE -

*** THE CUES *** A 45/LP Discography referencing “Why” the 28-track 1991/2008 Bear Family CD compilation:

1. “Forty ‘eleven Dozen Ways” b/w “Scoochie Scoochie” are the A&B of Lamp 8007 issued in October 1954 (tracks 25 and 26 on the CD)

2. “Only You” b/w “I Fell For Your Loving” are the A&B of Jubilee 5201 issued in May 1955 (tracks 21 and 22 on the CD)
Note: The A is NOT a cover version of the famous Platters song, which happened to be issued in that same month

3. “So Near And Yet So Far” b/w “Hot Rotten Soda Pop (On My Toe)” are the A&B of Groove 4/G-0110 issued in June 1955 (an RCA subsidiary label) – it’s credited as THE FOUR STUDENTS but is included on the CD because it contains Jones, DeCosta, Barnes and Kirk of THE CUES (tracks 24 and 23 on the CD)

4. “Burn That Candle” b/w “Oh My Darlin’” are the A&B of Capitol F 3245 (their debut for Capitol) issued in September 1955 (tracks 4 and 16 on the CD)

5. “Charlie Brown” b/w “You’re On My Mind” are the A&B of Capitol F 3310 issued in January 1956 (tracks 7 and 9 on the CD)
Note: The A is NOT a cover of the hit by The Coasters (1959 on Atlantic), but an Ollie Jones rocking original (in a similar vein to The Coasters famous hit)

6. “Destination 2100 And 65” b/w “Don’t Make Believe” are the A&B of Capitol F 3400 in April 1956 (tracks 11 and 20 on the CD)

7. “Crackerjack” b/w “The Girl I Love” are the A&B of Capitol F 3482 issued in July 1956 (tracks 3 and 15 on the CD)

8. “Why” b/w “Prince Or Pauper” are the A&B of Capitol F 3582 issued in November 1956 (tracks 2 and 12 on the CD)

9. “Crazy, Crazy Party” b/w “I Pretend” are the A&B of Prep 104 issued in May 1957 (a Capitol subsidiary label) (tracks 8 and 18 on the CD)

10. “Ol’ Man River” is the A of Jubilee JB 5395 issued in (its B-side “Always Remember (not To Forget)” is not included on the compilation because its thought not to contain any members of The Cues in the recording

11. “Rock n’ Roll Mr. Oriole”, “Killer Diller”, “Much Obliged” and “Be My Wife” are FOUR previously unreleased tracks which first appeared on the 1988 Bear Family LP “Crazy, Crazy Party” on BFX 15309 (tracks 13, 17, 5 and 19 on the CD)

12. “Yes Sir” (two takes), “Poppa Loves Momma”, “Ladder” and “Warm Spot” are FIVE previously unreleased tracks which first appeared on the expanded 1991 Bear Family CD “Why” – their placing is repeated on this 2008 reissue (tracks 1 and 27, 6, 10 and 14 on the CD)

“Angels & Demons” – A Review of the 2009 Movie on BLU RAY.

“…Of Course God Sent You…”

There’s probably millions of physicists, theologians and hugely academic types out there who can’t wait to poo poo “Angels & Demons” - the sequel to Dan Brown’s ludicrously successful book and movie - “The Da Vinci Code” – I’m not going to be one of them.

While you wouldn’t call it a “Bourne-like” masterpiece in terms of non-stop plot and thrills, A&D gets damn close – and almost all of the time. Sequel or stand alone – it’s a brilliantly executed movie – and far, far better than its predecessor ever was, entertaining the weary pants off of you with real style, skill and panache.

To start with - “Angels & Demons” has the magic triple whammy – a really great cast who can bring gravitas to any part they play, a fantastically well-adapted screenplay from great source material (AKIVA GOLDSMAN and DAVID KOEPP who are both Oscar winners and nominees) and the best entertainment Director in the movie business today - RON HOWARD. I mean the guy just delivers time after time after time - “Frost/Nixon”, “Cinderella Man” and “Apollo 13” are among his superb former credits.

It goes like this (and every word of the following is Gospel)… There’s a plot to bring down the Catholic Church and replace it with an order based on science rather than faith, which may or may not have something to do with the ancient and mysterious cult of THE ILLUMINATI. Despite being purged centuries back by scared zealots in the Catholic Church, these are powerful people still in high places who have remained undetected down through the ages by the modern world – patiently waiting for their time of revenge. And an experiment in Switzerland has given them that chance.

TOM HANKS is back as the permanently po-faced Professor Langdon summoned by a devout priest (EWAN McGREGOR) to the holy city of the Vatican in Rome to protect the Catholic Church at a time of Papal re-election. A slick assassin who is prepared to carry out grizzly acts of torture (played chillingly by NIKOLAJ LIE KAAS) is killing off high-ranking Catholic cardinals in a countdown to an apocalyptical ‘light’ that will consume the throne of Christ’s church on Earth. And wouldn’t you know it, but poor old butter-brains Langdon has only 4 hours to work it all out and stop the end of…well the world frankly… Luckily he is ably aided by a particle-analyst in the shape of the leggy AYELET ZURER (it's a scientific fact that all lab scientists look like this woman – I swear). And on it goes….

It’s all utter knob of course, but the historical linking of actual statues, churches and symbols all over the city make you believe every cleverly preposterous word of it. Throw in the brilliance of actors like ARMIN-MUELLER-STALH as a Cardinal who may become the next Fisherman and STELLAN SKARSGARD as the head of the Vatican Police who trusts no-one including his employers – and you have enough diversions, red herrings and word-like genius to make the men who make up the British Government’s balance of payments forecasts positively blush with envy. It’s brilliant stuff – it really is - and every scene is filled with it.

Locations are all ace - the catacombs under the streets, the reproduced airtight Vatican Archives and the ornate rooms in sumptuous buildings all help the stew too - and the BLU RAY picture (no pun intended) is immaculate throughout. The extras are extensive too and add to the experience nicely (a huge amount of effort involved).

Whether or not you consider all organised religion to be a corrupting force or the very bedrock on which civilized society is based is not going to get talked about too much in “Angels & Demons” – the film is far too busy entertaining you for all that stuff ‘n nonsense…

But even the Dan Brown doubters out there will get up from their comfy chairs, brush the crisps and curry off their shirts and say, “…that was damn good!”

Recommended.

"Gladiator" on BLU RAY. One For The Arena Or The Skip??

“…Are You Not Entertained?”

I have to admit to being befuddled by current reviews (Sept 2009) saying that the picture quality on this BLU RAY reissue of "Gladiator" is rubbish - that's just not true.

I would admit that the opening credits are not exactly crystal, but there are absolutely loads of scenes after that where everything is gorgeous - revelatory even. There's the battle uniform of Richard Harris astride his horse, the sheets of paper he's writing on in his candlelit tent, a deeper scar on the lip of Joaquin Phoenix, the more pronounced pock marks on the tip of Oliver Reed's nose, more sweat on Russell Crowe's brow, even the facial close-ups of Connie Nielsen towards the end now reveal just a little too much make-up on the cheeks etc ... The picture is beautiful at least 95% of the time?

There are both versions of the film too (Extended & Theatrical) and the extras disc has the full compliment.

I loved it - and watching "Gladiator" for the 10th time, I'm still blown away at how good the film is - a genuine modern-day classic filled with heart, story and balls. And Ridley Scott's mind-blowing attention to detail and fearless production values are now more evident than ever on this superb BLU RAY reissue.

I'm going on what I saw this afternoon - it rocked.

What I saw today on a Sony 42" LCD screen using a reasonable Sony Blu Ray player looked and sounded fabulous.

You should of course see it for yourself if you can - and then judge.

PS: it's available as a 2-Disc CARD-WRAP version or a STEEL TIN version - both are pictured above

“Revolver” by THE BEATLES. A Review of their 1966 Masterpiece Now Ressiued On A 2009 Enhanced Remastered CD.

"…The Day Breaks…Your Mind Aches…"

Did you know that the Beatles don't actually play an instrument on "Eleanor Rigby" (it's a six string ensemble with Paul's vocals)? Or that George Martin plays the piano on "Good Day Sunshine"? Or that George Harrison doesn't play Sitar on "Love You To" (it was a session man) but does on "Tomorrow Never Knows? Did you know that the stereo catalogue number for the original British LP of "Revolver" on which this CD is based is Parlophone PCS 7009?

Well you do now!

All insufferable smartarse remarks aside - why do I mention this - because you're not going to learn any of these interesting and relevant facts from the woefully weak booklet that accompanies this CD...

Let's get this straight from the start – THE SOUND ON THIS 9 Sept 2009 REMASTER OF "REVOLVER" IS MAGNIFICENT - it really is - and for many people that will be enough. But for fans that have waited 22 years for EMI to get this right, the description of this CD reissue as being endowed with 'deluxe packaging' is frankly laughable.

I mean only EMI could forget to include the album's original catalogue number! Or how about supplying the lyrics (too much like hard work boys) or an interview with the Producer George Martin, the engineer Geoff Emerick? Or how about picturing the differing worldwide picture sleeves that accompanied the singles that came off the album? Or even adhering to the original issue of the LP for God's sake! With a playing time of 34:47 minutes and plenty of room, where's the MONO mix as it was originally released? The laughable "historical notes" last 2 whole pages - the recording notes a page and a half - the rest is pointless pictures of the boys that give absolutely no sense of event or any knowledge of the album and its monumental impact. The three-way card digipak is pretty - it is - but it has a matt cover and the second you get it out of the shrink-wrap it starts to mark and pick up grease. Infuriatingly, the BEATLES in MONO box set has the REPRO BRITISH LP SLEEVE in all its laminated hard-card flip-back rear-sleeve glory - a far sturdier and prettier effort - but it's £200 to acquire such a privilege (if you can find one)!

I know it's a bit of a cliché to whine on about packaging, but can you imagine what Ace Records of the UK, Bear Family of Germany, Rhino of the USA or Raven of Australia (proper reissue labels) would have done to a catalogue of this importance and stature? They would have shown this extraordinary band and one of its greatest recorded achievements the respect and affection it deserves - instead you get the distinct feeling of a corporate organisation just doing what it can get away with (there's no download variant of it available as yet either). Four years prepping this! Four years doing what? Picking their noses!

But let's get back to the music.

"Revolver" (their 7th album) was originally released 5 August 1966 in the UK on both Parlophone PMC 7009 Mono and PCS 7009 Stereo. The American issue followed 3 days later on Capitol T-2576 Mono and ST-2576 Stereo. The UK issue had 14 tracks, the US had 11 - the three missing from the American issue were "And Your Bird Can Sing", I'm Only Sleeping" and "Dr. Robert" which had appeared on the June 1966 US album "Yesterday And Today". This issue follows the UK release with the full compliment of 14. The CD label also reflects the black and yellow lettering of the original British LP, as does the rear cover artwork, which advertises the use of an "Emitex" record cleaning cloth! The enhanced CD track called "Mini Documentary" (broadcast last weekend on the BBC preceding the worldwide release of their catalogue) is largely black & white in-studio shots featuring the voices of the Fabs and George Martin discussing songs and techniques on the album - it's directed by BOB SMEATON and is nice, but disappears way too fast (and we've already seen it). There's a link to the official website, but naught else of any real worth... So the supposed bonus track turns out to be two and half minutes of video footage we've already seen and something EMI has blatantly used as a sales device!

Sound - hearing this 2009 remaster is a SONIC BLAST from start to finish. Both GUY MASSEY and STEVE ROOKE have remastered the first generation stereo master tapes and to say they've done a good job is like saying the Great Wall of China is an o.k. building project! Their work here is fabulous – monumental almost - it really is. The sound quality is glorious throughout - clear, warm, detailed - every single track a revelation. My only complaint would be that some songs are very loud - "Got To Get You Into My Life" and "Here, and There & Everywhere" in particular, but George Martin produced them that way. The hiss level is barely audible on any of the songs, but what is subtly audible now is the new instrument flourishes you can hear almost everywhere. The brilliant Harrison guitar playing on the New York Drug Pusher song "Dr. Robert" is at last to the fore, the lone horn work of ALAN CIVIL on "For No One" is suddenly so pretty, while Ringo's superlative drumming on "Tomorrow Never Knows" is now absolutely huge to a point where the clarity and sheer whack of the remaster brought me to tears. If you love this record, you're in for a treat.

So there you have it - an absolute wow 10-out-of-10 on the sound front - but could have done so much better on the rest.

But my God - what a band - and what a recorded legacy they left behind. Float downstream indeed folks...

Recommended - despite little old pacifist me wanting to threaten the pencil pushers at EMI with physical violence...

I need to get out more...

“Spoon So Easy - The Chess Years” by JIMMY WITHERSPOON - A Review of the 1990 USA-Only CD Compilation.

“…One Day We’ve Got Ham And Bacon…The Next Day Ain't Nothin' Shakin'…”

Transferred from the original analogue mono tapes by DOUG SCHWARTZ, “Spoon So Easy” was released in 1990 in the USA on CHD-93003. It was a 12-track LP and 14-track CD (with the two CD bonus tracks being “Mack & Jay” and “Just To Prove My Love To You”). This early Chess compilation is a mix of 7” singles, an LP track and several previously unreleased outtakes. The period is 1954 and 1955 on Chess’ subsidiary label CHECKER.

“It Ain’t No Secret” is Checker 826, “When The Lights Go Out” and “I Can Make It With You” are the A & B of Checker 798 and “I Don’t Know Why (Why Do I Love You Like I Do)” is Checker 826. “Goin Down Slow” is off the Anthology LP “Blues: Shoutin’ Swingin’ And Makin’ Love” (Chess LP 412) while the other 8 tracks are all previously unreleased. Willie Dixon composed the excellent “Live So Easy” (previously unreleased), “I Can Make It With You” and the sexed-up single that should have charted “When The Lights Go Out”.

Soundwise – it’s good – rather than great – but in 2009, the transfer quality of 1990 is really showing its age – especially in the light of Erick Labson’s stunning remasters of almost all the Chess catalogue in 1998 and onwards in the 2000s. The short but affectionate liner notes are by MARY KATHERINE ALDIN of the LIVING BLUES Magazine.

Slow blues – a couple of shouters - it’s a good set, and cheap too - but like so many of the Chess compilations of the period, it’s in real need of an upgrade.

“The North Star Grassman And The Ravens” by SANDY DENNY. A Review of her iconic 1971 debut album now reissued & remastered onto CD in 2005.

SANDY DENNY 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

“…The Depths Of The Waters…”

The two-word secret weapon for this CD remaster is DENIS BLACKHAM.

Now based in Skye Mastering in Scotland, his involvement in restoration, mastering and remastering goes back to the late 1960s and his resume now shows over 680 credits to his name across a huge range of genres (including a lot of folk).

Blackham has handled all 4 of the solo albums in this reissue series and as you’ve no doubt read from other glowing reviews, each remaster has been endowed with truly wonderful sound quality – frankly because care was taken.

Details first - having done her stints with Fairport Convention and Fotheringay - Sandy Denny’s 1st solo album was issued 3 September 1971 on Island ILPS 9165 in the UK and this 2005 remastered version of it (57:05 minutes) features 4 excellent bonus tracks – including the rare “El Pea” double-album sampler version of “Late November” – an alternate version to the album’s opening track (lyrics above).

Musicians - all the good Fairport associated people are here – Richard Thompson, Pat Donaldson, Gerry Conway, Trevor Lucas and Ian Whiteman. Polydor Folkmill artists Robin and Barry Dransfield also put in violin and vocals on “John The Gun” while long-time session man Tony Reeves plays bass on the Dylan cover “Down In The Flood” and Roger Powell plays drums on the Brenda Lee cover “Let’s Jump The Broomstick”. But my personal fave is “The Sea Captain” where Richard Thompson’s delicate guitar picking perfectly compliments the beauty of her wayfaring love song. Gorgeous stuff.

The 12-page booklet has informative and affectionate liner notes from noted writer and folk-compiler DAVID SUFF (of Fledgling Records reissue fame) peppered with photos of a young Sandy, hand-written lyrics to the title track and a quirky trade advert for the LP’s release.

But you keep coming back to the sound quality, which seems to have lifted the beauty of these folk-rock gems out of their former muddiness. Sweet as…

I once had the privilege of nattering to JOHN WALTERS (John Peel’s producer) in a pub in 1994 (I worked for Reckless Records at the time and we were buying his extraordinary record collection - he was even more talkative than I am!) and he relayed to me his first ever viewing of Sandy Denny.

One of his friends in the music industry had begged him to come see this new English folk singer gigging in some Godforsaken bar somewhere in London – he did – and was duly blown away. I’ll never forget the look in John Walter’s eyes (who along with Peel must have seen so much stunning talent) – he was misty – like he knew he’d had the chance to glimpse greatness.

On listening to this lovely and lovingly restored CD, you can’t help but feel that all involved in this project felt exactly the same - and have done the great lady’s memory and musical heritage proud.

Recommended - big time.

"How The West Was Won" - A Review of the 1963 All-Star Western Now Reissued on a 2Disc BLU RAY Set.

Beautifully Presented...And Utter Drivel...

At the beginning of "How The West Was Won" the word "Overture" sits on your screen with a painting behind it for a full 4 minutes - while the most God-awful cheesy music you've ever heard tests your patience to the limit.

Made in 1963, this is Hollywood at its pretentious worst - a pointless and useless Western that sullies the genre with hammy acting and songs around campfires - the kind of clap-trap ah-shucks frontier drivel where people say "varmit" and "I reckon" every ten seconds. The story is broken into 4 parts with a different director for each and a huge obvious cast - John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Lee Van Cleef, Karl Malden, Eli Wallach, Gregory Peck, old stalwart Walter Brennan - but none can save it from its candy-wrapped version of American history and its now dreadfully dated feel (Spencer Tracy was smart enough to just narrate parts of it and not go anywhere near the actual film).

The only redeeming feature here is the TRULY BEAUTIFUL print which is eye-poppingly good and there's the full compliment of extras on Disc 2 (was a 3DVD set). But it doesn't get away from Debbie Reynolds bursting into crap songs every few minutes while Jimmy Stewart just looks too old for the part and even ridiculous at times.

Still - for lovers of the film, it's a must-buy.

For everyone else, I'd say rent it first and then judge for yourself...

A beautifully presented set on BLU RAY for sure, but for me - it's a truly terrible film and a wasted restoration opportunity...

"Ain’t Got No Home: The Best Of…" by CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY (1994 USA Chess Label CD Compilation) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s of Others 

Is Available in my SOUNDS GOOD E-Book

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Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95
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"…I Don"t Why I Love You…But I Do…" 

Born in New Orleans in early 1937 - the 19-year old Clarence Henry Jr. had his first American R`n'B hit in December 1956 with his self-penned "Ain't Got No Home". In one of the verses of Argo 5259 - he began aping and croaking a 'lonely' frog - and the nickname stuck with him for everything afterwards. 

Which is a shame in some ways  because it kind of pigeonholed him as a one-trick pony - a type of novelty act - and this wonderful 18-track US-only CD compilation from April 1994 will go a long way to changing that hopefully - because frankly it's a bit of a revelation. 

Here's a track-by-track breakdown of "Ain't Got No Home: The Best Of..." by CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY on Chess CHD-9346 (Barcode 0076732934623) - all songs are Argo USA 7" singles (Chess label subsidiary) except 9 and 12 which are album cuts (42:01 minutes):

1. Ain't Got No Home (1956, Argo 5259, A)

2. Troubles, Troubles (1956, Argo 5259, B)

3. Lonely Tramp (1957, Argo 5266, A)

4. It Won't Be Long (1957, 5273, A)

5. Baby Baby Please (1958, Argo 5305, A)

6. I'm In Love (1958, Argo 5305, B)

7. (I Don't Know Why) But I Do [aka "But I Do"] (March 1961, Argo 5378, A)

8. Just My Baby And Me (1961, Argo 5378, B)

9. Your Picture (1961 USA LP "You Always Hurt The One You Love" on Argo 4009)

10. You Always Hurt The One You Love (May 1961, Argo 5388, A)

11. Lonely Street (August 1961, Argo 5395, A)

12. I Love You, Yes I Do (1961 USA LP "You Always Hurt The One You Love" on Argo 4009)

13. Standing In The Need Of Love (1961, Argo 5401, A)

14. On Bended Knees (1961, Argo 5401, B)

15. A Little Too Much (1961, Argo 5408, A)

16. Lost Without You (1962, Argo 5414, A)

17. Long Lost And Worried (1964, Argo 5480, A)

18. Looking Back (1964, Argo 5480, B)

The 16-page booklet has affectionate and informative liner notes by DAVE "DADDY COOL" BOOTH of Canada's Showtime Archives. There's a cool centre photo spread of Henry with THE BEATLES (he opened for 18 of their 1964 dates) while there's even a snap of him and his band arriving off a plane in Kingston Jamaica in 1957. 

ERICK LABSON, who has almost exclusively handled the vast CHESS catalogue across the decades (over 800 mastering credits to his name), has outdone himself on this compilation with tape transfers, because the clarity of sound is just BEAUTIFUL - clear as a bell - warm and lovely all the way. 

Two principal songwriters loom large too - his fellow label mate and Piano player PAUL GAYTEN (wrote 4 of the songs and played on others) while ROBERT GUIDRY (stage name Bobby Charles of "See You Later, Alligator" fame) had his hand in 7 of the others. 

"Long Lost And Worried" is a DR. JOHN cover version while "Standing in The Need Of Love" and the infectious "On Bended Knees" feature BOOTS RANDOLPH on Tenor sax, BILL JUSTIS on Guitar and FLOYD CRAMER on Piano. Another superb contributor is ALLEN TOUSSAINT whose Piano work is featured on "You Always Hurt The One You Love", "Lonely Street", the sweet "Just My Baby And Me" and my personal favourite - the lovely "Your Picture". 

Fans should also note that a really good previously unreleased Henry recording called "Lady With The Hat Box" turned up on Disc 2 of the stunning "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set from 1994 on USA MCA (recorded in June 1957 in New Orleans) - it's not included on here unfortunately - but it and the box are worth seeking out - see my separate review. 

It all ends with the slow reminiscing of "Looking Back", an apt choice of song that BROOK BENTON co-wrote with CLYDE OTIS and BILL HENDRICKS - very nice indeed. 

While the huge shadow of Fats Domino and his New Orleans Rhythm 'n' Blues style hangs over almost every track, Henry wasn't just a mere copyist, he had a charm all of his own - and this is still far better than I ever expected it to be. And it's dirt-cheap too...

A lovely CD and well done to all involved. Recommended.