"I'm Living Good – The Soul Of Arthur Conley 1964-1974" by ARTHUR CONLEY (2011 Ace Records/Kent Soul CD Compilation - Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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RATING: ****

"…Everybody Knows…You Got Me…"

A bit of a stunner this and about time too. Four stars because it's got a few clunkers and even some that grate - but the good far outweighs the bad. Let’s get to the shimmy shakes and the good livin'…

 

UK released 28 November 2011 - "I'm Living Good – The Soul Of Arthur Conley 1964-1974" by ARTHUR CONLEY is on Ace Record/Kent Soul CDKEND 358 (Barcode 029667233822) is a CD compilation of Remasters that breaks down as follows (67:45 minutes):

 

1. Let's Go Steady

(1967, USA 7" single on Atco 6463, Non-LP, B-side of "Sweet Soul Music")

2. Take Me (Just As I Am)

(1966, USA 7" single on Fame 1009, A-side)

3. Where You Lead [by Harold Holt And His Band – Vocal Arthur Conley]

(1964, USA 7" single on Ru-Jac 0014, Non-LP, A-side)

4. There's A Place For Us

(1966, USA 7" single on Jotis 472, B-side of "Who's Foolin' Who")

5. I'm Gonna Forget About You

(1966, USA 7" single on Fame 1009, B-side of "Take Me (Just As I Am)")

6. Love Comes And Goes

(1967, USA 7" single on Atco 6529, B-side of "Whole Lotta Woman")

7. I'm A Stranger [by Harold Holt And His Band – Vocal Arthur Conley]

(1964, USA 7" single on Ru-Jac 0014, Non-LP, B-side of "Where You Lead")

8. I'll Let Nothing Separate Us

(on "Sweet Soul Music", 1967 USA Stereo LP On Atco SD 33-215)

9. Put Our Love Together

(1968, USA 7" single on Atco 6563, B-side of "Funky Street")

10. Keep On Talking

(on "Shake, Rattle & Roll", 1967 USA Stereo LP on Atco SD 33-220)

11. This Love Of Mine

(on "Soul Directions", 1968 USA Stereo LP on Atco SD 33-243)

12. Take A Step

(on "More Sweet Soul", USA 1969 Stereo LP on Atco SD 33-276)

13. Otis Sleep On

(on "Soul Directions", 1968 USA Stereo LP on Atco SD 33-243)

14. Is That You Love

(1968, USA 7" single on Atco 6662, A-side)

15. That's How It Feels [by The Soul Clan]

['The Soul Clan' was Solomon Burke, Arthur Conley, Don Covay and Joe Tex]

(1968, USA 7" single on Atlantic 2530, Non LP, B-side to "Soul Meeting")

16. God Bless

(1970, USA 7" single on Atco 6747, A-side)

17. All Day Singing

(July 1970, UK 7" single on Atlantic 2091-025, A-side, Non-LP

"God Bless" is its B-side, however, it was the A is the USA on Atco 6747)

18. Nobody's Fault But Mine

(1970, USA 7" single on Atco 6790, A-side)

19. If He Walked Today

(1976, South-Africa 7" single on Atlantic ATS 6, A-side)

20. I'm Living Good

(1971, USA 7" single on Capricorn 8017, A-side)

21. Walking On Eggs

(1972, USA 7" single on Capricorn CPR 0001, B-side of "More Sweet Soul Music")

22. It's So Nice (When It's Somebody Else's Wife)

(1974, USA 7" single on Capricorn CPR 0047, B-side of "Bless You")

23. I Want Your Love

(on "One More Sweet Soul Music", 1988 Japan-Only LP on P-Vine PJ 122)

24. Stop Knocking

(on "Peaches – Pick Of The Crop", a 1974 USA 2LP Sampler for the Capricorn Records Label on Capricorn PRO 588. "Peaches" was also issued in the UK in November 1974 on Capricorn Records 2476 105 as a single LP – but without the Arthur Conley track.)

 

Tracks 1 to 7 and 16 are MONO, all others are STEREO

Tracks 1 and 6 are produced by OTIS REDDING

 

At a packed 20-pages - the booklet is superlative. It features brilliantly informative liner notes by long-time Soul lover and aficionado TONY ROUNCE with the text peppered by pictures of those great US and UK 45s on Atco, Atlantic, Fame, Jotis, Ru-Jac and Capricorn. A clever touch is that Page 2 pictures Arthur sat smiling in a chair with a Coke bottle in hand in 1967 at the Fame studios - while Page 19 shows him in 1972 in London sporting an Afro. In fact there’s an atmospheric snap of Conley joking with Garnet Mimms on London’s Hanway Street from the same time frame. The remaster is by DUNCAN COWELL at Sound Mastering in London and the quality varies wildly depending on the source – sublime one moment, awful the next…

 

It opens strongly – "Let's Go Steady" is the non-album B-side of his huge "Sweet Soul Music" single from 1967. It’s a Southern Soul pleader and sets the tone for the mainly slow B-sides presented here (his A's were usually uptempo dancers). It also reacquaints you with how good a vocalist Conley was – especially when he got his larynx around some misery - "…you left me…for another love…" In fact "Let's Go Steady" is the side of Arthur Conley collectors really love – properly soulful and not doing misguided covers of "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da". And it's here in quality-remastered-sound.

 

Other clever choices include "Put Our Love Together" which is the superb B-side of "Funky Street" (killer A-side too). "This Love Of Mine" sounds so Otis is moaning-mode – just a great vibe with that killer organ backdrop underpinning the torch vocals. "Is That You Love" has fantastic production values while the B-side to the lone 'Soul Clan' 7" single is a 'talkie' slow boiler featuring Conley sharing vocals with 3 titans of Soul - Solomon Burke, Don Covay and Joe Tex – and it sounds so good too.

 

"All Day Singing" from 1970 reflected the Jesus revival that swept every country in the early Seventies – it’s warm, lovely and has gorgeous Stereo sound. The Otis Redding penned "Nobody's Fault But Mine" livens up the proceedings with its uptempo feel and huge drum sound. But my favourite on here is 1972’s "Walking On Eggs" – a non-LP B-side to a rare US 45 on Capricorn Records. The track is still rooted in the Sixties but with a nice Seventies touch – great brass work too (lyrics above). And a genuine coup is the first-time-on-CD Harold Holt tracks; only a handful of 45s are said to have survived – this version has been dubbed from a lone legitimate copy in the public domain – used by kind permission of a Japanese collector.

 

Musically it's not all great though - "God Bless" name-checks some truly cheesy cartoon characters in its Universal prayer lyrics – and while it probably seemed cute at the time, it’s best forgotten now. Funky as it may be - the lyrics to "It's So Nice (When It's Somebody's Else's Wife)" catalogues the goings-on in Room 25 of the Holiday Inn with somebody else's spouse and its ludicrously macho/sexist slant wouldn't last long on today's turntables. Instead of a tribute to the great Soul Man, "Otis Sleep On" manages to be cloying – even exploitive. "Take A Step" from the "Soul Directions" LP from 1968 is drenched in hiss while the rare 1976 South Africa-only Atlantic 45 Gospel homage "If He Walked Today" is clearly dubbed off a disc. Still on the excessively hissy tip is "I'll Let Nothing Separate Us" – written by Otis Redding - it's a lesser-heard torch ballad off the "Sweet Soul Music" album and probably included here for the powerhouse performance.

 

Niggles and omissions – his 2nd UK 7" single "Shake, Rattle & Roll" had a non-LP B-side "You Don't Have To See Me" while "Star Revenue" was a non-LP A-side in the States - but both are no-shows when there was room to include them. "Take A Step" is credited as being on the 1968 "Soul Directions" LP when it's on the "More Sweet Soul Music" album from 1969. "Walking On Eggs" is on Capricorn 0001 and not 8001. But these are personal choices and minor grammatical errors - and neither takes away from the feeling that this CD is a bit of a wee gem really.

 

To sum up - Conley has somehow always been the poor-man’s Soul legend – never getting the credit he deserves. Hopefully this lovingly put-together and well-presented reissue will change all that. 

 

Ace's Kent Soul imprint delivers again. Recommended...

"Black And Blue" by HAROLD MELVIN and THE BLUE NOTES - September 1973 Album on Philadelphia International Records (September 2010 UK Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…I Had To Leave You Alone But I'm So Weak…"

Big Break Records of the UK have a thing for Philly and as a collector of Classic Soul - I for one am glad of it (their CDs sound amazing). And following on from their Expanded reissue of "I Miss You" - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' 1972 debut album on Philadelphia International - here they come again with the group's equally brill 2nd album - "Black And Blue". Both issues feature properly fabulous Seventies Soul. Let's get down to the love we lost and bedroom weaknesses...

UK released September 2010 – "Black And Blue" by HAROLD MELVIN and THE BLUE NOTES on Big Break Records CDBBR 0013 (Barcode 5013929031326) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Two Bonus Tracks and breaks down as follows (46:56 minutes):

1. Cabaret [Side 1]

2. The Love I Lost

3. It All Depends On You

4. Concentrate On Me

5. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back)

6. Is There A Place For Me [Side 2]

7. I'm Weak For You

8. I'm Coming Home Tomorrow

Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Black & Blue" released September 1973 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 32407 and in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 65859.

BONUS TRACKS:

9. The Love I Lost (Part 1) Single Version

10. I'm Weak For You (Part 1) Single Version

The album produced 2 singles in the USA and UK at the time of release and a reissue later on - (excepting "Bad Luck") this CD will allow fans to sequence those tracks as follows:

1. The Love I Lost (Part 1) b/w The Love I Lost (Part 2)

(USA - September 1973, Philadelphia International ZS7 3533

UK - November 1973, Philadelphia International S PIR 1879)

2. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back) b/w I'm Weak For You (Part 1)

(USA - March 1974, Philadelphia International ZS7 3543

UK - March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2178)

3. The Love I Lost (Part 1) b/w Bad Luck

(UK - January 1977 reissue on Blue Vinyl, Philadelphia International S PIR 4881)

The 12-page booklet has an informative interview conducted by STUART WEST with BOBBY ELI. Eli is the founding member and Lead Guitarist with MFSB (virtually Philadelphia International's in-house band) and he talks with great affection and knowledge about Gamble & Huff (principal songwriters), Teddy Pendergrass (legendary vocalist) and the evolution of the MFSB sound that Philly was so famous for. In between text are pictures of US 45's, colour plates of rare European 7" picture sleeves, photos of the band in concert and full discography and credits info at the rear. It's very well done and the jewel case is one of those new rounded-corner affairs - very tasty. But the really great news is the SOUND...

As with other BBR releases - this remaster uses the 'original tapes' and has been carried out initially by ALAN WILSON at Western Star Studios with further work done by WAYNE A. DICKSON at the BBR Studios (both in the UK). The results are wonderful.

Once you get past the truly awful opener "Cabaret" (as in "Life is a cabaret..." - what were they thinking!), you're straight into the full album version (6:26 minutes) of "The Love I Lost" and it's beautifully clear from its opening keyboards and vibes to the funky bass and strings throughout. It sounds GORGEOUS. Another track I love (and a bit of a forgotten soul nugget) is the 'so' soulful message song "Is There A Place For Me" which starts with the delightful lyrics "I've been married four times...and today I'm without a wife..."

As with the superbly expanded "I Miss You" CD - the inclusion of the 7" single edits on "Black & Blue" are a genuine bonus. I often felt that too many of these Seventies Soul LPs had songs on them that they knew to be winners - so they would overstay their welcome by stretching them to seven, eight, nine, ten minutes... The single edits gave you the concise version - and delivered a far better punch. The blindingly good B-side short version of "I'm Weak For You" is a perfect example - fades out before it over stays - what a great listen (lyrics above).

To sum up - this is a superlative release and I can only hope that BBR tackle more on the Philly and CBS labels - especially when they add those 7" edits for collectors (exclusive to Big Break Records releases). Smoochy heaven...and with Teddy in attendance too...

PS: I've also reviewed these other Big Break Records (BBR) CD remasters:

PS: Big Break Records (BBR) CD Remasters I’ve reviewed to 2015:

1. Is It Still Good To Ya – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1978)

2. Stay Free – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1979)

3. Central Heating – HEATWAVE (1977)

4. Hot Property - HEATWAVE (1979)

5. Candles - HEATWAVE (1980)

6. Turnin' On - HIGH INERGY (1977)

7. Harvest For The World - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1976)

8. Go For Your Guns - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1977)

9. In The Heart – KOOL & THE GANG (1983)

10. I Hope We Get To Love On Time - MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS (1976)

11.  I Miss You - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1972) [known as "Harold Melvin The Blue Notes" in the UK]

12. Black & Blue - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1973)

13. Love Is The Message - MFSB (1973)

14. Universal Love – MFSB (1975)

15. All The Faces Of... - BUDDY MILES (1974)

16. For The First Time – STEPHANIE MILLS (1975)

17. I Can See Clearly Now - JOHNNY NASH (1972)

18. In Philadelphia - O'JAYS (1969)

19. Back Stabbers - O'JAYS (1972)

20. Ship Ahoy - O'JAYS (1973)

21. Down To Love Town – THE ORIGINALS (1977)

22. Ebony Woman - BILLY PAUL (1970 and 1973)

23. 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul - BILLY PAUL (1972)

24. War Of The Gods - BILLY PAUL (1973)

25. Platinum Hook – PLATINUM HOOK (1978)

26. Love For What It Is - ANITA POINTER (of The Pointer Sisters) (1987)

27. Live: Stompin’ At The Savoy – RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN (1983)

28. Summernights – SILVER CONVENTION (1977)

29. Smoked Sugar - SMOKED SUGAR (1975)

30. Spinners – SPINNERS (1973)

31. Soul Master – EDWIN STARR (1968)

32. Involved - EDWIN STARR (1971)

33. Switch - SWITCH (1978)

34 Watercolors – THE WATERS (1980)

35. Just As I Am - BILL WITHERS (1971)

36. Heartbeats – YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1983)

"Goldmine Standard Catalogue Of American Records 1948-1991 (7th Edition)". A Review Of The 2010 American Reference Source.

"…Tramps Like Us…"

The 5th Edition of this massive American publication came out in 2000 and at 1226 pages (A4 size) was an impressive beast. Version 6 turned up in 2008 and had expanded to a gargantuan 1392 pages and even contained a DVD attached to the back cover (both issues covered 1950 to 1975).

Here is the latest and best – the 7th Edition from 2010 with 1344 pages. More importantly, this issue has opened its parameters – giving us American releases between 1948 and 1991 for the first time - and covering many more 'genres' than its predecessors.

The layout is simple – each artist gets their 45’s first - with their LPs following (both in label alphabetical order). A fantastically helpful thing is that the 78" and 7" entries have their A & B-sides listed - while the LPs feature both Mono and Stereo issues where applicable. Some important Promo issues on LP and 12" singles are featured – especially on modern day artists like Madonna where different mixes attract the attention of collectors. The album entries don't list tracks (it would be ten times the size if it did) - but they do include a year of release and a Near Mint value in dollars.

A point worth noting - the LP catalogue numbers in this reference source are not like the US Billboard Chart Books that concentrate only on the central set of numbers as a catalogue number. Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" is not merely 'Columbia 33795' as per Billboard – here it gets the full monty - it’s PC 33795 for the 1975 original, JC 33795 for the 1977 reissue and HC 33795 for the 1981 Half-Speed Mastered version (lyrics from the song "Born To Run" title this review). This of course helps enormously when you're trying to work out what issue is what. But the range of this book doesn’t just stop there…

Take RAY CHARLES for instance – starting on Page 229 with his ABC Label 45’s – his Solo Discography ends on Page 231 with his "Would You Believe?" album from 1990 on Warner Brothers (A to W). But following that are entries for his 'collaborations' with Harry Belafonte, Betty Carter, Joe Hunter, Jimmy Rushing, Milt Jackson, Cleo Laine and finally The Ray Charles Singers (Page 232). The very end pages even provide info on Soundtracks, Stage Shows, Television and Various Artists compilations (Pages 1301 to 1344). As you can imagine the detail is staggering.

Another point about which 'issue' is an original and which is a reissue: on artists like say Lou Donaldson, The Grateful Dead or Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana – their catalogues are small enough to be manageable reading. But when you get to the big boys like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, James Brown, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and The Who - they have sections that are massive and a bit unwieldy – so you need to look thoroughly for the issue you want. On some artists there are even Audiophile pressings listed on well respected labels – Audio Fidelity, DCC Compact Classics, Mobile Fidelity, Nautilus etc

CONTENT - while you would expect The Beach Boys, The Doors, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Prince, Queen, R.E.M., Simon & Garfunkel, U2 and Neil Young to all be in here – it’s the artists in between the cracks that impress. How about Ryan Adams, Mike Bloomfield, Caravan, Lorraine Ellison, The Fireballs, Rory Gallagher, Richie Havens, Leo Kottke, Barbara Lewis, Laura Nyro, The Pixies, The Replacements, Ravi Shankar, Ten Years After, The Undisputed Truth, Suzanne Vega, Tom Waits, Tony Joe White, XTC, The Yardbirds and Warren Zevon.

In fact the sheer range of artists and genres covered is incredible – here's some more:

BLUES, DOO WOP, R’n’B and R’n’R – Chuck Berry, Johnny Burnette, The Clovers, Eddie Cochran, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, Duane Eddy, The Everly Brothers, The Flamingos, Slim Harpo, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Buddy Holly, BB King, Smiley Lewis, Muddy Waters, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Big Joe Turner, Gene Vincent and Jackie Wilson.

COUNTRY – The Ames Brothers, The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, Hank Snow and Hank Williams

EASY LISTENING and EXOTICA – Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Percy Faith, Connie Francis, Judy Garland, Burl Ives, Stan Kenton, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Frank Sinatra, Yma Sumac, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, Lawrence Welk and Kitty Wells

JAZZ – Gene Ammons, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Donald Byrd, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Nina Simone, Sonny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Upchurch and Weather Report

POP, ROCK, PROG, METAL – The Animals, Badfinger, Black Sabbath, Budgie, Joe Cocker, Elvis Costello, Creedence, Deep Purple, Donovan, Echo & The Bunnymen, ELP, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis (and all Solo), Hall & Oates, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Van Morrison (and Them), Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Talking Heads, Traffic (and all Solo), Velvet Underground (and all Solo), Yes, Frank Zappa and The Zombies

SOUL, FUNK, MODERN R’n’B, HIP-HOP – The Beastie Boys, Bobby Bland, Mariah Carey, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, The Isley Brothers, Big Daddy Kane, Otis Redding, Rufus, 2 Live Crew and Stevie Wonder

PUNK and NEW WAVE – Black Flag, The Clash, The Damned, Dead Kennedys, Devo, The Jam, The Sex Pistols, Stiff Little Fingers, The Stooges, Television, The Undertones

INDIE – The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Fall, Joy Division, My Bloody Valentine, New Order and The Smiths

Niggles – an artist like CHRIS ISAAK began his career in 1985, but his discography here doesn’t go past 1991 which gives his entries a half-finished feel. You get Tim Buckley but not Jeff Buckley - which just doesn’t seem right?

Apart from those tiny whines – this is an incredible piece of work that has undoubtedly taken decades to collate. Compiler and Author MARTIN POPOFF is to be congratulated.

To sum up - this extraordinary reference source is entirely 'American' based (as its title clearly states) - but if you’ve any passing interest in the history of music – then this peach will serve you well for years to come. A genuine wow.

Recommended – and then some…

"The Great Folk Discography Volume 2 – The Next Generation" by MARTIN C STRONG. A Review Of The 2011 Polygon Music Reference Book (Vol.2 of 3).

"…Just Remember Darling…All The While…You Belong To Me…”

The latest in a long run of "Great" Discography books (Rock, Metal, Alternative & Indie) - this SECOND Volume of THREE by Martin C. Strong on 'Folk' is as superlative as its predecessor. Volume 1 came out in June 2010 and covered the old school of Folk in "Pioneers And Early Legends" and ran to a whopping 620 pages (see separate detailed review). This 2nd instalment concentrates entirely on 'NEW' artists – roughly covering 1977 to 2011. Volume 3 will arrive in 2012 or 2013…

Published by Polygon Books in October 2011, "The Great Folk Discography Volume 2 – The New Generation" has 346 large-sized pages and a 'Foreword' by the acclaimed Scottish Folk guitarist and singer ALASDAIR ROBERTS.

Like Volume 1 (with its 3 distinct sections) - Strong has given his 2nd tome 2 divides:
1. Britain And Beyond (Pages 1 to 188) [UK, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and European Artists]
2. North America (Pages 189 to 346) [US and Canadian Artists]

The overall layout is the same as his other books - a hugely detailed and fact-heavy Biog heads up the artist section (with albums mentioned and rated) followed by an ascending Year-by-Year discography. You then get Date Of Release, Format (7", 12" and LPs included), Title, Catalogue numbers, track list for the original vinyl followed by details of subsequent vinyl reissues, followed by CD reissues (noting bonus tracks where applicable) - even providing line-up changes in-between the entries. It's a huge amount of genuine information and makes for fascinating reading.

As you can imagine the net that encompasses 'Folk' is wide – so Strong has included Folk/Rock, Pop, Blues (some) and even Country crossover artists like KT Tunstall, Shawn Colvin, Nancy Griffith, Seasick Steve, The Proclaimers, Indigo Girls, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, The Levellers, Tanita Tikaram, Swan Arcade, The Waterboys, The Lilac Time, The Pogues, Sufjan Stevens, 10,000 Maniacs, Steve Forbert, Iron & Wine, Josh Ritter, Mumford & Sons, Phranc and The Saw Doctors. Going deeper it’s amazing to see lists for Butch Hancock, The Kitchen Cynics even Sonja Kristina (vocalist with Curved Air).

While you would expect discographies on famous 'new' Folk artists like Eddi Reader, Martyn Joseph, Billy Bragg, Eliza Carthy, Lucinda Williams, Boo Hewerdine (of The Bible), Cara Dillon, Seth Lakeman, Beth Orton, Jackie Leven, The Oyster Band, Kate Rusby, The Unthanks, Clive Gregson, Bon Iver and Joanna Newsome – there’s so many 'unheard of' artists in here. Who the Hell are Cosmothek, Nyah Fearties or the wonderfully named Woodenbox With A Fistful Of Fivers?

And I never thought I’d see a Discography in print for Irishman Barry Moore (Christy Moore’s brother) who then took the Rock/Folk pseudonym of LUKA BLOOM (James Joyce reference) and has been a cult artist ever since. I saw him in his 20’s at the first Lisdoonvarna Folk Festival in 1978 in Western Ireland where I bought his debut album "Treaty Stone" on Mulligan Records on site. He sang a cover of "Black Is The Colour" which literally moved me to tears. I swear it touched my very soul. His lovely version of Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love" from his 1992 CD "The Acoustic Motorbike" wowed radio listeners in the UK and has been featured on compilations that sooth our hectic and stressed lives. And this of course is where a book like "The Great Folk Discography" scores – introducing you to artists and music that deserve your attention.

To sum up - like Country – Folk is all about the tunes – and too often it’s associated with bearded Lefties swilling on real ale and rebel-rousing nitwits - which sees the public miss out on some truly gorgeous and touching music. Take Kate Rusby – a Yorkshire lass who now has an illustrious recording career that few outside of certain circles know anything about. She has the voice of an angel and her version of Pee Wee King’s 1940's classic "You Belong To Me" (covered by Jo Stafford and many others since) on her "The Girl Who Couldn’t Fly" CD from 2005 is about as beautiful and haunting as a song can get. If this book brings people to that musical and spiritual beauty – then it’s a job well done (lyrics from it title this review).

Like it's predecessor – this is a fabulous piece of work – a labour of love that took thousands of dedicated hours to compile and annotate properly. Amazing stuff.

I’m off now to listen to the Uilleann Pipes of The Bothy Band and get all 'Celtic' on the hard rock butts of my International workmates…

"I Miss You” by HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (2010 Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster with Four Bonus Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION - Exception CD 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)

"…Yesterday I Had The Blues…"

Released October 2010 in the UK - this CD reissue of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ 1972 classic debut album “I Miss You” on Philadelphia International is a peach - properly fabulous Seventies Soul - and its bolstered up with 4 excellent bonus cuts too.

Here are the sensual details for "I Miss You" by HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES on Big Break Records CDBBR 0018 (Barcode 5013929031821) - an 'Expanded Edition' CD that plays out as follows (51:49 minutes):

1. I Miss You [Full Album Version]

2. Ebony Woman

3. Yesterday I Had The Blues

4. If You Don’t Know Me By Now [Side 2]

5. Be For Real

6. Let Me Into Your World

7. Let It Be You

Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "I Miss You" released September 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 31648 and February 1973 in the UK on CBS Records S 65350 as "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes" (with the same track list). It was reissued again in 1974 as “Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes” on Philadelphia International S PIR 65934 in the UK.

BONUS TRACKS:

8. I Miss You (Part 1) (7" Single Edit Version)

9. Yesterday I Had The Blues (7" Single Edit Version)

10. Be For Real (7" Single Edit Version)

11. If You Don't Know Me By Now (Live In San Francisco, 1973) - this version (featuring Teddy Pendergrass) first appeared on the 2004 Legacy reissue of the album as a previously unreleased bonus track

At the time of release the album produced 3 singles in the USA and 2 in the UK with an album track edit of "Be For Real" later used as a B-side in 1975. There were also reissues of the two big hits "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "I Miss You (Part 1)" in 1974 and 1975 on both sides of the pond. This reissue will allow fans to sequence on CD all of these 7" single tracks for the first time:

USA:

1. I Miss You (Part 1) b/w (Part 2)

(May 1972, Philadelphia International ZS7 3516)

2. If You Don't Know Me By Now b/w Let Me Into Your World

(September 1972, Philadelphia International ZS7 3520

 - also issued on Epic 8453 with a Picture Sleeve)

3. Yesterday I Had The Blues b/w Ebony Woman

(March 1973, Philadelphia International KS7 3525)

4. Hope That We Can Be Together Soon b/w Be For Real

(October 1975, Philadelphia International ZS8 3569)

5. If You Don't Know Me By Now b/w I Miss You (Part 1)

(1975 Reissue on Philadelphia International ZS8 3752)

UK:

1. If You Don't Know Me By Now b/w Le Me Into Your World

(January 1973, CBS Records CBS S 8496)

2. I Miss You (Part One) b/w (Part Two)

(April 1973, CBS Records S CBS 8291)

3. If You Don't Know Me By Now b/w Let Me Into Your World

(1974 reissue on Philadelphia International S PIR 2210)

Some history on the original LP is needed. The title of this release and its artwork will seem unusual even to the most ardent of soul fans - that's because this BBR CD reissue cleverly uses the original US album artwork for the first time. The story goes like this - released in August 1972 as "I Miss You" with the smiley faces cover presented here - the breakthrough single "If You Don't Know Me By Now" finally charted big in October of that year and was essentially the beginning of success for Gamble and Huff's heavily subsidized Philadelphia International label. The torch ballad's classy soulful feel caught the public's attention and affections immediately - eventually rising to Number 1 on the US R'n'B charts (it reached No 9 in the UK Pop charts in January 1973 also). On the back of this success both nationally and internationally - and to present a more sophisticated front - the album's name was changed to simply "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes". The reissue however (released November 1972 using the same US catalogue number) came in a new sleeve - the far-better and now familiar 'blue' photo artwork where the boys stand in classier suits and stare out at us in a more sombre and soulful way. The 'blue' sleeve artwork (which the British issue only ever used) is featured on the inside flap of the booklet. It's a nice touch...spot-checking the original....

The 12-page booklet has an informative and detailed essay on the album and the beginning of the Philadelphia International label by STUART WEST. In between text is pictures of US 45's, band photos and full discography info. It's very well done and the jewel case is one of those new rounded-corner affairs - very tasty. But the really great news is the SOUND...

As with other BBR releases - this remaster uses the 'original tapes' and has been carried out by WAYNE A. DICKSON at the BBR Studios. The results are wonderful. I've had the 2004 Legacy issue to have the music - but this transfer is 'so' much better. There is slight hiss on the opener "I Miss You" but it's absolutely negligible because once into the lengthy ballad - the AUDIO IS GORGEOUS. And of course the virtually uncredited presence of TEDDY PENDERGRASS on Lead Vocals lifts the Gamble & Huff songs and lush production values into the stratosphere (six of the 7 songs are penned by them). His monologue on "Be For Real" about social inequality and inner city divides - feels very Marvin Gaye circa "What's Going On" - but with that Philly string sound thrown in.

In fact it should be mentioned that two of the 3 songs on Side 1 - the big smoochers "I Miss You" and "Yesterday I Had The Blues" (lyrics above) - are 'Full Album Versions' which stretch out to 8:39 and 7:33 minutes respectively. For me, they've always overstayed their welcome a bit too much - so it's a blast to get their 7" single edits for the first time as bonus tracks. They are so lovely - and without the overkill of the LP versions. 

So there you have it - another winner in an impressive cannon of reissues for Big Break Records. Fans of the band and the Philly Sound will need to own this. And from here you go straight to the albums "Black And Blue" (1973) and "Wake Up Everybody" (1975) - two more gems from that extraordinarily creative team and time period (see reviews).

To sum up - I'm glad to say that the dedication in the liner notes by BBR staff to their Soul heroes - Harold Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass - is genuine - and Big Break have honoured their musical legacy with this superb sounding CD…

PS: Other Big Break Records (BBR) CD Remasters I’ve reviewed:

1. Is It Still Good To Ya – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1978)

2. Stay Free – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1979)

3. Central Heating – HEATWAVE (1977)

4. Hot Property - HEATWAVE (1979)

5. Candles - HEATWAVE (1980)

6. Turnin' On - HIGH INERGY (1977)

7. Harvest For The World - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1976)

8. Go For Your Guns - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1977)

9. In The Heart – KOOL & THE GANG (1983)

10. I Hope We Get To Love On Time - MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS (1976)

11.  I Miss You - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1972) [known as "Harold Melvin The Blue Notes" in the UK]

12. Black & Blue - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1973)

13. Love Is The Message - MFSB (1973)

14. Universal Love – MFSB (1975)

15. All The Faces Of... - BUDDY MILES (1974)

16. For The First Time – STEPHANIE MILLS (1975)

17. I Can See Clearly Now - JOHNNY NASH (1972)

18. In Philadelphia - O'JAYS (1969)

19. Back Stabbers - O'JAYS (1972)

20. Ship Ahoy - O'JAYS (1973)

21. Down To Love Town – THE ORIGINALS (1977)

22. Ebony Woman - BILLY PAUL (1970 and 1973)

23. 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul - BILLY PAUL (1972)

24. War Of The Gods - BILLY PAUL (1973)

25. Platinum Hook – PLATINUM HOOK (1978)

26. Love For What It Is - ANITA POINTER (of The Pointer Sisters) (1987)

27. Live: Stompin’ At The Savoy – RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN (1983)

28. Summernights – SILVER CONVENTION (1977)

29. Smoked Sugar - SMOKED SUGAR (1975)

30. Spinners – SPINNERS (1973)

31. Soul Master – EDWIN STARR (1968)

32. Involved - EDWIN STARR (1971)

33. Switch - SWITCH (1978)

34. Watercolors – THE WATERS (1980)

35. Just As I Am - BILL WITHERS (1971)

36. Heartbeats – YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1983)

“Third Star”. A Review Of The 2011 Film Now On DVD.

"...Third Star On The Left...Straight On 'Til Morning..."

The affection afforded this British movie by other UK reviewers is absolutely on the money - "Third Star" is a superbly realised little film with a huge beating heart. I was very moved...

The story goes like this - James' lifelong but hapless pals decide that one last adventure will be a hoot and morale booster for their mate who is dying from an incurable disease - so they drag his three-wheeler chair loaded up with tents, drug suplies and a potted tree they will plant at journey's end - across fields, forest and coastal terrain. Their destination is Barafundle Bay - a stunning, secluded inlet in Wales that James adores. And you can see it in James' face too. He thinks that if he can just get there 'intact' - everything will be all right somehow. But of course nothing goes to plan and despite the odd belly-laugh along the way, the journey tests their friendship and loyalties to the absolute limit...

First up - praise has to go to HATTIE DALTON for her warmth and steady Direction in what could have been awfully cheesy material that's been done to bits too many times before. She's given this buddy-buddy story a lightness of touch that feels real and isn't forced. In fact, the constant wit and pranks reflect just how guys are when they're in real emotional turmoil - downright childish even. Kudos should also go to the four male leads who had to gel together convincingly, muck in on the arduous trek and physically brave the coastal weather - none of which can have been easy - or in the case of the freezing Irish sea - deeply unpleasant. And when the reality of their friend's terminal illness slowly begins to kick in and intrude on their 'fun' - they're skills as good actors make you 'feel' the heaviness of what their characters are all trying to block out.

Principal lead Benedict Cumberbatch has many fans - and on the strength of his acting chops both here and on "Sherlock" (the UK TV series) - it's easy to see why. His James is a demanding lead-role - a frustrated 29-year old who is being eaten-alive by cancer. His longing to live - to have more time - to realise at least some of his dreams - are always at the surface - and you ache for him as he slips in and out of a morphine-induced stupor that is numbing his escalating physical agony. As well as the pain - James has to also contend with his squabbling, tetchy pals - who are trying to be cool about it all but are freaked out inside and increasingly awkward with his now impending loss.

His fellow travellers consist of Adam Robertson as the witty and yet dependable Bill, Tom Burke as the needy but sincere Davy and JJ Feild as the handsome devil-may-care Miles (surely a new Jude Law in the making). They will even encounter Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey fame) as a nutty Beachcomber looking for rare Star Wars toys. The dialogue is playful, smart and confrontational when it's needed. And then they're faced with the ultimate true-friendship decision - but can any or all of them - actually go through with it? Even with this much sadness at its core and end, "Third Star" remains hopeful - a sign of a great film rather than just a good one.

EXTRAS include a brief 'Making Of' and two shorts by Hattie Dalton called "The Banker" and "One Of Those Days". The only real let down for me is that it's on DVD only - and not BLU RAY - where all that great camera work would surely shine even more.

There are moments in "Third Star" when you genuinely ache for James' loss - when you hurt at the arbitrary cruelty of life - snubbing out one person, but letting another live. This is a very good movie - one that celebrates life and makes you think about it too.

Put it high on your rental/to buy list...