"Free Live!" by FREE (September 2016 Island/Universal CD Reissue [No Bonus Tracks] - Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Get Where I Belong..."

Sometimes less is more - makes you concentrate on the core album and not the stuff around it.

Back in the day - as a 'live' act – FREE was a formidable beast to hear and see. And like Humble Pie, Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy - they could slaughter all in their path – chop 'em down with the back of their hands. And this stomping new 2016 Remaster of their iconic 1971 "Free Live!" set is a reminder of that devastating power – when a band hits its stride and knows it.

Yet I suspect like many out there in digital land - I haven't played this slice of Rock swagger in decades - and man oh man has that been a mistake. Seven tracks taped at gigs in Sunderland and Croydon in 1970 bolstered up by one new 1971 studio recording tagged on at the end called "Get Where I Belong". This new CD reissue of "Free Live!" is sending shivers anew down my already ancient spine and making me ask – why isn't it up there in the reverence stakes with the Pie's "Performance", the Purp's "Made In Japan" and Lizzy's "Live And Dangerous" - as it rightly should be. Time to rectify that wanton musical oversight of our part methinks. Can I have the shaped envelope sleeve please...

UK released 9 September 2016 - "Free Live!" by FREE on Island/Universal 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763) is a straightforward transfer of the 8-track 1971 single LP and plays out as follows (40:28 minutes):

1. All Right Now – Side 1

2. I'm A Mover

3. Be My Friend

4. Fire And Water

5. Ride On Pony - Side 2

6. Mr. Big

7. The Hunter

8. Get Where I Belong

Tracks 1 to 8 are their 5th album "Free Live!" - released June 1971 in the UK on Island ILPS 9160 and August 1971 in the USA on A&M Records SP 4306. Produced by FREE and ANDY JOHNS - it peaked at No. 4 in the UK and No. 89 in the USA. Tracks 1 and 7 recorded 1970 at The Locarno in Sunderland – Tracks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 recorded 1970 at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon – Track 8 recorded at Island Studios in March 1971.

The 16-page booklet is nicely done. Even though it doesn't have any liner notes per say - the pictorial layout is sweet - a photo of the Basin Street Studios Master Tape for four songs at Sunderland - black and whites of the boys in the studio and in a cafe - the lyrics and a colour photo of the boys looking like they need to get to the barbers right soon. The original vinyl LP has an 'envelope sleeve' with a letter flap on the rear and a set of affixed band-photo stamps on the front sleeve - all of that is of course completely lost in the new booklet. But at under a fiver - it's a deal.

But the big news is a fresh Remaster by ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM that is fantastic. Playing through "Mr. Big" as you hear Kossoff doing all that wild soloing and Fraser racing up and down the frets - the effect is amazing - what a band leaping off your lips every few moments. Both of these Audio Engineers have done great work with the catalogues of Rory Gallagher, Wishbone Ash, Thin Lizzy, Spooky Tooth, ELP and Budgie. I seek out anything they do (they're currently working on Deep Purple's Seventies output).

The full album version of their anthemic hit "All Right Now" at 5:37 minutes or its more famous Single Edit at 4:16 minutes (a UK No. 2 hit in June and July of 1970) – either way the song is hard to beat. Yet as they step onto stage and say a gracious ‘Good Evening’ – the British four-piece proceeds to do just that – trump an Ace of Hearts with an Ace of Spades. Their live take on "All Right Now" is imbibed with sparkle and energy. The clarity that Pearce and Wortham have brought to this Remaster too is thrilling – that guitar – voice – clear as a bell Bass – and those Drums – they’re all in your living room – strutting around in tight trousers and leering at your daughter as she flicks through her Jackie. What also gets you about FREE is the economy – Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Drums – and naught else. You wouldn’t think Andy Fraser’s Bass could make such a difference yet it does. Paul Rodgers (like Robert Plant, Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart) has one of those stunning Rock voices that oozes Soulfulness too. He can take a quiet ballad like "Be My Friend" and make it so damn personal and full of feeling. Couple that with Kossoff’s stunning playing – the combo is lethal. I’ve always believed the truly great bands have this quality. Then on a dime they switch into the huge riffage of "Fire And Water". One of the "Highway" albums highlights was the brill "Ride On A Pony" - a tremendous little chugger that would have made a great 45 too. Both "Mr. Big" and the finisher "The Hunter" elicit whoops and hollers from a clearly enamoured audience. The wildly overlooked and truly excellent studio cut "Get Where I Belong" is a gem in my mind - the kind of album track that deserves better notoriety.

OK - you could argue that the wicked Bonus Tracks that were on the 2002 Peter Mew Remaster should be on here too (from the same gigs) - cool stuff like the rocking "Woman" and the hooky "Trouble On Double Time" (amongst others. And that perhaps if Island Records had issued it as a double-album originally - then "Free Live!" would naturally sit up on the pedestal of 'Classic' Rock live-doubles. But what we do get is so damn good and to the point - and I for one am loving it.

"...Help me find a way...to get where I belong..." - Rodgers sang on the studio cut "Get Where I Belong". No need lads - on the evidence of this superb 2016 Remaster - it's kind of obvious you were already there...

PS: FREE titles in the 9 Sept 2016 Island Remasters CD Reissue Series are:

1. Tons Of Sobs (March 1969 debut UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-5 (Barcode 602547318152)

2. Free (October 1969 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-1 (Barcode 602547318718)

3. Fire And Water (June 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-4 (Barcode 602547318749)

4. Highway (December 1970 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 181-9 (Barcode 602547318190)

5. Free Live! (June 1971 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 187-6 (Barcode 602547318763)

6. Free At Last (June 1972 UK LP) - Island Remasters 473 183-9 (Barcode 602547318398)

7. Heartbreaker (January 1973 UK Final Studio LP) - Island Remasters 473 182-6 (Barcode 602547318268)

8. The Free Story (March 1974 UK 2LP Compilation) - Island Remasters 472 262-9 (Barcode 602547326294)

There is also a VINYL Box Set "FREE - The Vinyl Collection" on Universal/Island 473 187-9 released 9 September 2016 with seven LPs (Barcode 0602547318794)

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"Imagine" by JOHN LENNON and THE PLASTIC ONO BAND (October 2010 EMI/Apple 'Signature Collection' CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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JOHN LENNON and THE PLASTIC ONO BAND - "Imagine" 

Featuring George Harrison, Nicky Hopkins, Klaus Voorman, Tom Evans and Joey Molland of Badfinger, King Curtis, Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues and Alan White of Yes

"...When You're Crippled Inside..."

Some albums come loaded with their own legend and in the case of John Lennon's extraordinarily patchy solo work - it's easy for fans and admirers alike to start throwing around 5-star appraisals at 1971's "Imagine".

His famous second solo LP and most commercially successful (No. 1 on both sides of the pond) - "Imagine" is a good John Lennon album. I didn't think it was amazing back then as a teenager and 46 years later it hasn't morphed across time into a latter day masterpiece either (none of his Seventies solo LPs are five-star load-outs to me). But man oh man when Lennon's songwriting talent hits that sweet spot - he could articulate affection with a tenderness that would disarm an atheist ("Oh My Love"). Liverpool's finest could be a genuinely adoring husband in "Oh Yoko!" - only to become a poisonous spoiled little retch riling against a former friend and musical journeyman in "How Do You Sleep?" – his famous vitriolic attack on Paul McCartney for perceived slights on his "Ram" album released earlier in the year (May 1971).

I suppose that's what makes "Imagine" something you keep coming back to despite its flaws. Lennon was the most captivating of the post Beatles - a man plagued with all manner of demons both mental and physical that came out in his music - hitting you with an embarrassing honesty that often felt like an open wound with a neon above it saying 'smack me and smack me hard'. "Imagine" was truthful – reflecting both him and Yoko and their place in the world in 1971. Personally tender one moment - politico ranter the next – constantly searching for a truth that always seemed elusive and out of his/their grasp. "Imagine" is a ramshackle thing really despite nowadays being perceived as a coherent whole. And frankly would we have it any other way...

Which brings me to this latest 2010 CD Remaster in its natty gatefold card sleeve. Here are the head-in-the-clouds reissue details...

UK released October 2010 - "Imagine" by JOHN LENNON and THE PLASTIC ONO BAND on EMI/Apple 5099990650222 (Barcode 5099990650222) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of the 1971 Apple Records album that plays out as follows (39:47 minutes):

1. Imagine

2. Crippled Inside

3. Jealous Guy

4. It's So Hard

5. I Don't Want To Be A Soldier

6. Give Me Some Truth [Side 2]

7. Oh My Love

8. How Do You Sleep?

9. How?

10. Oh Yoko!

Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Imagine" - released 9 September 1971 in the USA on Apple Records SW 3379 and 8 October 1971 in the UK on Apple Records PAS 10004. Produced by John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Phil Spector - it peaked at No. 1 in both countries.

This CD leaves out video and bonus tracks – so we don't get that self-indulgent and self-obsessed pair wandering around white rooms like they're all deep and in touch with greater forces than you or I. We're just left with the music as was presented – and a thoroughly excellent new remaster.

While the 16-page booklet is pretty to look at and tactile - it bears little resemblance to the Apple Records LP we all grew up with and loved. The track list wasn't on the rear sleeve and since when did "Give Me Some Truth" become 'Gimme Some Truth' or "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" start to be called 'I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama I Don't Wanna Die'. The stunning inner bag that came with 1971 vinyl LPs with the lyrics on one side and the musician credits on the other (both in circles) is not pictured - the lyrics now in the booklet followed by a more readable credits section. I get why that was done – both are now readable. But I still miss it not being here. Why couldn’t a repro version of that paper inner been used as a protective inner bag for the picture CD in the left part of the card digipak (a bit of imagination on the part of EMI would have lifted this flimsy thing out of the ordinary). The foldout black and white poster of John at a piano and the postcard of him holding a pig by the ears that came with original 1971 Apple pressings are built into the booklet and the gatefold card sleeve too. And although it doesn't actually say so anywhere on the packaging or disc as an official title – these 2010 CD reissues have become known as 'The Signature Collection' because of that signature design on the left side of the front card sleeve – signed by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

The new liner notes by PAUL DU NOYER give a potted history of the album including his ludicrous attack on McCartney's looks and songwriting gift in the vicious "How Do You Sleep?" Compared to the austere and bare bones debut solo LP in 1970 "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" – Noyer rightly concludes that "Imagine" did feel like George Harrison’s "All Things Must Pass" – the actual launch of a solo career and not the noodlings and experimentation that preceded it. There are lovely black and whites of John with Yoko, John with Phil Spector on the headphones in the studio and best of all is a witty snap of Lennon with George Harrison larking about with a Yoko Ono Grapefruit mug – his cheeky chappy working-class hero grin as evident as ever.

Overall - I find these card gatefold reissues and their glossy feel a string mix of the classy and nastily cheap – nice to look at – but oddly unsubstantial. I can’t help thinking die-hard fans will want the inevitable Japanese SHM-CD of "Imagine" with its Mini LP Repro Artwork using this 2010 remaster when it shows up (legendary reissues famed for their attention to fan-pleasing detail).

Meanwhile back here in cheapoville - the big news for us is the audio on "Imagine" - a notoriously lo-fi album now given the best transfer possible. PAUL HICKS, SEAN MAGEE and SIMON GIBSON – part of the team that handled the Apple Label catalogue and all the Stereo and Mono Remasters of the Beatles catalogue in 2009 – are once again at the master tapes helm. With Yoko Ono and Alan Rouse as Producer and Project Co-Ordinator – the boys have done the transfer deeds at Abbey Road Studios and the results are impressive. There’s a sudden power and clarity to all the tracks without ever being over-trebled or rammed on the loudness gauge – just subtle and present. If anything its made "Crippled Inside", "Jealous Guy" and "I Don’t Want To Be A Soldier" all the more eerie and spaced out on the Production front.

While Klaus Voorman (Bass) and Yes’ Alan White on Drums gently fill in the anthemic "Imagine" – it’s those ‘the world will live as one’ strings that now sound so sweet – tugging on your heart like never before - and those lyrics that make you cry. Lennon’s electric guitar opening to "Crippled Inside" is now even more otherworldly and I’m loving that superb Dobro solo from George Harrison - followed shortly after by Nicky Hopkins plinking away like a drunken sailor on the old Joanna in an East End pub at closing time. In a strange way – it took his loss and Bryan Ferry’s cover version in 1980 for me to really love "Jealous Guy". Jim Keltner on Drums, Klaus Voorman on Bass, Alan White providing Vibes – but its that Harmonium played by John Barham that leaps out of the new remastered mix.

I'd forgotten how cool "It's So Hard" is especially that brilliant string introduction - taking the song to places you hadn't expected. I've always found the near seven minutes of "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier" hard work - a jam that's trying to be something but never quite gets there. It has George Harrison on Guitar, Tom Evans and Joey Molland of Badfinger on Acoustic Guitars, Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues on Tambourine, Nicky Hopkins giving it some keyboard and even King Curtis on Saxophone. "Give Me The Truth" that opens Side 2 gives me the same creeps - a self-righteous rant without ever saying what it is he expects (George Harrison plays lead guitar). You're then clobbered with beauty - "Oh My Love" - as gorgeous a song as he's ever written. It's also beautifully produced - no gimmickry - just great music played sweetly and taped as such. It's a shame he vented in "How Do You Sleep?" because musically it’s good too. I always thought of "How?" as one of the album's truly brilliant moments – with its complimentary strings and simple piano-melody – it’s a beautiful song that would have elevated the "Let It Be" album into the stratosphere. And it ends on the jaunty "Oh Yoko" - Nicky Hopkins adding so much with his rolling piano while John impresses with those Mouth Organ flourishes.

"...My love will turn you on..." - John Lennon sang on "Oh Yoko". Despite its presentation flaws - I suspect this 2010 CD Remaster of the mighty "Imagine" LP will have you doing the same. R.I.P. you wonderful dreamer and thanks for all the imagining memories...

"Modernisms" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (May 2016 UK Ace/Kent-Soul CD Compilation - Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review and over 184 More Like It Are Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD Music Books Series - An Amazon E-Book

SOUL GALORE! 
 

60ts Soul, R'n'B, Mod, Northern Soul, New Breed and More
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Also Includes Harmony Soul, Rare Groove and Funk...
Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (December 2021 Update)
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"...Where Did You Get So Much Soul..."

Following on from March 2015's "Modernists: A Decade Of Rhythm & Soul Dedication" - those dedicated men-with-beards over at Ace Records in London's Steele Road have once again dug deep into their 60ts shimmy-shaker archives and come up with 24 more dancers to keep that waistline of yours in trim (trimming anything around my rotund waistline is always a good idea).

Having said that names like Chet "Poison" Ivey & His Fabulous Avengers, The Turnarounds or Ralph Ventsha & The Red Julian Quintet are not exactly conversation openers at a Soul Club (who are these guys?). But that's not to say that the quality has dropped in favour of obscurity. Thankfully it hasn't. Just two songs in and you’ll be bopping. Put simply - "Modernisms" is another cracker from Kent-Soul and with the emphasis firmly on the upbeat.

Once again you get 24 cool tunes (2 previously unreleased) compiled by uber-fan and lifelong Mod ADY CROASDELL (14 years of age when he bopped with the In-Crowd at The Twisted Wheel) with knowledgeable and informative liner notes from DEAN RUDLAND - a name long synonymous with literally hundreds of quality Soul reissues. Here are the Peep Show details...

UK released Friday 27 May 2016 (10 June 2016 in the USA) – "Modernism" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 452 (Barcode 029667245227) plays out as follows (61:10 minutes):

1. Ain't That Soul – TEDDY REYNOLDS (2016 Previously Unreleased Early Version of Specialty 695, USA 7" single from 1969)

2. I’m On The Move – JOE MAYFIELD (1964 USA 7" single on Excello 45-2256, A)

3. Tee Na Na Na Na Nay - EDDIE BO (1963 USA 7" single on At Last 1005, A)

4. Everybody's Feelin' Good - KING CARL (1965 USA 7" single on La Louisianne LL-8080, B-side of "Blues For Men")

5. Beg Me - CHUCK JACKSON [with uncredited Doris Troy on Second Lead/Backing Vocals]

(1964 USA 7" single on Wand 154, A and 1964 UK 7" single on Pye International 7N.25247, A)

6. Dancing Everywhere - BOB & EARL [Bob Relf and Earl Nelson]

(1969 USA 7" single on Crestview 9011, A and 1969 UK 7" single on B&C Records CB 102, A)

7. Soul Is My Game - CHET "POISIN" IVEY and HIS FABULOUS AVENGERS (1968 USA 7" single on Bee & Cee 315, B-side)

8. Clap Your Hands - THE AMBERTONES (1965 USA 7" single on Rayjack 1001, A)

9. Crossroads In Your Heart - THE SHIRELLES (first appeared on the February 1987 UK LP "Lost And Found" on Ace/Impact ACT 010)

10. Do It - PAT POWDRILL (1966 USA 7" single on Downey D-139, A)

11. The Life Of The Party - JOAN MOODY (1965 USA 7" single on Sylvia 5007, B-side of "We Must Be Doing Something Right")

12. The Phillie - THE M-M and THE PEANUTS (1965 USA 7" single on Money 107, A)

13. Magic Potion - LOU JOHNSON (1963 USA 7" single on Big Top 3153, A and UK "The Magic Potion Of" EP on London RE-X 1438)

14. Night Beat - KENNY SMITH & THE LOVELITERS  (1967 USA 7" single Fraternity F-993, A)

15. I'm Gonna Get You - LEROY HARRIS (1966 USA 7" single on Swan S-4254, B-side of "Crow Baby Crow")

16. I Know What I Want- TOMMY G & THE CHARMS

(1967 USA 7" single on Hurricane 6974, A - and Hollywood 1109, A - and UK 7" single on London HLB 10107, A)

17. Go - LITTLE JOHNNY HAMILTON & THE CREATORS (1965 USA 7" single on Dore 754, B-side of "Oh How I Love You")

18. We Gonna Rub Pt. 1 - JOE JOHNSON (Excelleo recording first appeared in 1998 on the UK CD "Genuine Excello R&B" on Ace CDCHD 678)

19. Cinderella Jones - SAMMY JONES (1967 USA 7" single on Mascot 711, A)

20. When One Of Them Won't - THE TURNAROUNDS (1966 Atlanta, Georgia recording - 2016 Previously Unreleased)

21. The Duck Pt. 2 - JACKIE LEE (1965 USA LP "The Duck" on Mirwood MW 7000)

22. I've Gotta Know Why - DARROW FLETCHER (1966 USA 7" single on Groovy 3004, A)

23. Private Eye - WALLACE JOHNSON (first appeared on the 1993 UK CD compilation "Gumbo Stew: Original A.F.O. New Orleans R&B" on Ace CDCHD 450)

24. Listen To Me (Baby) - RALPH VENTSHA & RED JULIAN QUINTET (1958 USA 7" single on Vistone 2019, A)

NOTES: All Tracks are Mono - Tracks 1 and 20 are Previously Unreleased

From the creators of the MOD JAZZ Series (see list below) - genre experts ADY CROASDELL and DEAN RUDLAND have compiled the CD and annotated the 16-page booklet. It’s the usual fact-filled fest by Ace - complete with those gorgeous and (often) obscure American-45 label repros that compliment the indepth song factoids (Excello, La Louisianne, Pye International, Crestview, Bee Cee, Downey, Sylvia, Money, Fraternity, Hollywood, Groovy, Contempo, Vistone and Dore). There are rare black and white publicity photos of Eddie Bo, Pat Powdrill and The Turnarounds with trade adverts for Chuck Jackson, Joe Mayfield and Jackie Lee on Mirwood. There’s even a reproduction of the ultra-rare Lou Johnson “Magic Potion” EP on London RE-X 1438 – a £150+ British rarity that I’ve never seen in forty years of collecting. And as ever NICK ROBBINS has done a totally stellar job with the Remastering – each track full of punch, vim and vigour.

Like its 2015 predecessor "Modernists" (Volume 1 if you like) – “Modernism” is chock-full of 'upbeat dancers'. It opens with a one-two sucker-punch of floor-filling winners – "Ain't That Soul" by Teddy Reynolds and "I'm On The Move" by Joe Mayfield. Similar in vocal style to Otis Redding and once a member of Bobby Bland's touring group - Teddy Reynolds gives it some fantastic 'sock it to me' gravel-larynx in a great brass driver. As good as it is - it's solidly trumped by an amazing find in Joe Mayfield's "I'm On The Move" - a kind of Them-like Soul number that's so hooky it's been bootlegged. "I'm On The Move" is one of only two 45s he made and is likely to send 60ts groovers into a bidding-war frenzy should a copy surface for sale. Eddie Bo's "Tee Na Na Na Na Nay" has a very similar beat and style and you can see why Soul fans have been digging into his catalogue. "...Everyone's downtown...that's where the action's at..." the ladies sing on the fab "Dancing Everywhere" by Bob & Earl - a groover that combines a Motorcity backbeat with a "Downtown" Pop single feel - and along with Chuck Jackson's very cool "Beg Me" (with an uncredited Doris Troy on Lead Backing Vocals) is yet another set of highlights.

Chet "Poison" Ivey's "Soul Is My Game" is a Boogaloo rhythm with echoes of Robert Parker's "Barefootin'" and I'm certain is going to become huge on the circuit if it isn't already. The raw and rough "Clap Your Hands" by The Ambertones feels like Little Richard on Soul speed - a mad hand-clapping echoed dancer that gets all Frat Rock frenzied (including a guitar wigout) and is too busy for my liking. The Shirelles ditch their cutesy image with the equally frantic "Crossroads In Your Heart" - but more genuinely Soulful and thrilling is the gorgeous Pat Powdrill and her organ-driving dancer "Do It" - a winner that should have been huge. Nice change of pace with "The Life Of The Party" by Joan Moody - a fantastic B-side written by Freddie Dobbs and Scott Douglas - and you can so hear why even bootlegs of this exchange hands for money. Other winners on here I'm going to 'shake a tail feather' to are "Night Beat" by Kenny Smith (a guitar groover with Wilson Picket type vocals) and "I Know What I Want" by Tommy G & The Charms which feels like a garage-band version of Sam & Dave (it received a UK release on London HLB 10107). A manic giggle opens "Go" - a single that sounds like Ike & Tina Turners' backing band let loose on a foot-stomping shouter where they chant "Go! Go!" all the way through its 3-minutes of Blues Brothers mayhem.

And genius choice goes to the rarely seen or heard 'Part 2' of Jackie Lee's "The Duck" - an album I have on Ace's 'Hip Pocket' CD series (see separate review). Classy Soul - Clarence Armstrong wrote the classy Soul of "The Phillie" sung by Willie Malone in the delightfully named M-M and The Peanuts while Lou Johnson does Bacharach and David's "Magic Potion" - a gorgeous singer with a set of pipes similar to Ben E. King's. It ends on the Bluesy piano of "Listen To Me (Baby)" by Ralph Ventsha - a song that sounds as tired as the club would be come three in the morning and buckets of sweat...

One again those smooth boys over at Steele Road do the business by fans. Well done to all involved...and 'we're gonna rub it' baby all night long (in the privacy of your own home you understand)...

Mod Music Various Artists CD compilations by Ace/Kent

 

CD Titles:

1. Modernists: A Decade Of Rhythm & Soul Dedication – released June 2015 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 431 (Barcode 029667243124)

2. Modernism – released May 2016 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 452 (Barcode 029667245227)

3. Modernity – released May 2021 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 500 (Barcode 029667102223)

VINYL Title:

1. Modernists (Modernism's Sharpest Cuts) – released 30 June 2017 as a 14-Track LP on Ace/Kent Dance KENT 505 (Barcode 029667005418)

 

Other Mod Music CD Compilations by Ace/Kent that compliment the above

 

CD Titles:

1. Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 139)

2. Mo' Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 150)

3. Even Mo' Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 171)

4. Yet Mo Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 184)

5. The Return Of Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 250)

6. Further Adventures of Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 300)

7. Mod Jazz Forever (Kent-Soul CDKEND 368)

8. Mod Jazz And Then Some! (Kent-Soul CDKEND 416)

9. Mod Jazz Rides Again (Kent-Soul CDKEND 479)

"Modernists: A Decade Of Rhythm & Soul Dedication" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (2015 Ace/Kent-Soul CD Compilation - Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review and over 184 More Are Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD Music Books Series - An Amazon E-Book

SOUL GALORE! 
 

60ts Soul, R'n'B, Mod, Northern Soul, New Breed and More
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Also Includes Harmony Soul, Rare Groove and Funk...
Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (December 2021 Update)
Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 
(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

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"...Soul Jerk It, Baby..."

Young, Hip and Happening. The fabulous photo that adorns the cover of this 2015 Kent-Soul CD compilation (paying tribute to British Mods and their ongoing musical obsession with all things Soul) was taken in 1965 Tib Lane, Manchester by Shirley Baker (good on you lass). Look at the girl’s face behind the cavorting sharp-dressed lads – young – free – loving it – all races together – on their way to or coming from yet another musical blast. How cool is that...

You’re gonna hear 24 cool tunes (3 previously unreleased) and lose some pounds once you’ve shimmied your lardy way through the 60ts wonder on offer here - compiled by uber-fan and lifelong Mod ADY CROASDELL (14 years of age when he bopped with the In-Crowd at The Twisted Wheel). Here are the long-steppin' winkle-picker details...

UK released March 2015 – "Modernists: A Decade Of Rhythm & Soul Dedication" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 431 (Barcode 029667243124) pans out as follows (60:59 minutes):

1. Soul Jerk It, Baby – JEB STUART (1967 USA 7" single on King 6117, A)

2. Dog (Ain't A Man's Best Friend) – LEWIS CLARK (USA 1967 7" single on Brent 7071, A)

3. Harlem Shuffle – ROBERT MOORE (1968 USA 7" single on Hollywood 1134, A)

4. Good Humor Man – CLIFFORD CURRY (1967 USA 7" single on Elf 90 003, A)

5. Cat Dance – THE IN CROWD (1965 USA 7" single on Brent 7046, A)

6. Jet Set – MEL WILLIAMS (1966 USA 7” single on Modern 1023, B-side to "Can It Be Me")

7. Hold Your Dog – OLIVER MORGAN (1964 USA 7" single on GNP Crescendo 318, A)

8. Dynamite – LITLE EVA (Previously Unreleased)

9. Stone Fox – THE PAC-KEYS (1966 USA 7" single on Hollywood 1108, A - and 1967 UK 7" single on Specialty SPE 1003, A)

10. I Got Loaded – LITTLE BOB (1965 USA 7" single on La Louisianne 8067, A)

11. Shirley – JOHN FRED And THE PLAYBOYS (1959 USA 7" single on Montel 1002, A)

12. (You Should Have Been A) Doctor – BESSIE BANKS (1964 USA 7" single on Spokane S-4009, B-side of "Do It Now")

13. Boston Monkey – THE HUSTLERS (1965 USA 7" single on Musicor MU 1129, A)

14. Turn Around And Go – LEE BERNARD (1968 USA 7" single on Goldband G-1198-2, A)

15. Got A Good Thing Going On – CLARENCE DANIELS & OBIE JESSIE (Previously Unreleased Modern Recording)

16. Long Ways To Go – TIMMY WILSON (Previously Unreleased 3J Records Recording)

17. Shaggy Dog – DANNY & THE VELAIRES (1967 USA 7" single on Brent 7072, A)

18. Bugaloo Pete – LESTER YOUNG & THE CALIFORNIA PLAYBOYS (1968 USA 7" single on Unity 2707, A)

19. Crow Baby Crow – LEROY HARRIS (1968 USA 7" single on Swan 4254, A)

20. Monkey Man – GENE BURKS (1963 USA 7" single on Arock 1001, A)

21. Tingling – EDDY GILES (1968 USA 7" single on Murco 1053, A)

22. She's Got Soul – BILL LOCKE (1968 USA 7" single on Fraternity F 1008, A)

23. Charles' Shing-A-Ling – CHARLES HODGES (1966 USA 7" single on Alto 2024, A)

24. After Hours – PAUL & RICK (1967 French 7" single on Accent 1221, B-side of "Hen House")

NOTES:

All Tracks are Mono except 8 and 15 – which are Stereo

Tracks 8, 15 and 16 are Previously Unreleased

From the creators of the MOD JAZZ Series (see below) genre experts ADY CROASDELL and DEAN RUDLAND have compiled the CD and annotated the 16-page booklet. It’s the usual fact-filled fest by Ace complete with those gorgeous American 45 label repros (Brent, Montel, Fraternity, Unity, King and Goldband) that compliment the indepth song factoids. There are rare black and white publicity photos of The Velaires, Mel Williams, Lil Bob & The Lollipops, John Fred, Eddy Giles, Lester Young and a relaxed, smiling Little Eva. There’s even a reproduction of an ultra-rare Jack Kruger’s "Flamingo Club" flyer (courtesy of Bob Dunham) where you can hear the best of Jazz and its naughty beats all weekend (just get down to 33 Wardour Street in London W1). And as ever NICK ROBBINS has done a totally stellar job with the Remastering – each track full of punch, vim and vigour.

The emphasis for "Modernists" (Volume 1) is 'upbeat dancers'. It opens on an absolute floor-filling winner – "Soul Jerk It, Baby" where Jeb Stuart gives an impressive Wilson Pickett-type-vocal – complete with a fantastic driving Boogaloo rhythm behind his every enthusiastic holler. Continuing in the vein of neck-jerking tunes - "Dog" gives you rapidly-pounded drums followed by frantic-brass where Lewis Clark thinks he’s Otis Redding in a hurry (what a great tune). I’m not so sure if Robert Moore’s "Harlem Shuffle" comes anywhere near the class of the Bob & Earl version but it tries its hardest in an overly busy production that includes girls and crowd applause. Clifford Curry wonders "can you dig it?" on "Good Humor Man" where he has “the right combination for every situation (what an accomplished chap). Far better is one of the compilations stand out tracks for me – a wickedly groovy string-laden dancer instrumental called “Cat Dance” by a suitably named The In Crowd. Oh yes! What a fantastic piece of shimmy joy.

Sixties cool continues with Mel Williams’ "Jet Set" where "a brand new breed" are "built for speed" (the A-side "Can It Be Me" is a huge Northern Soul tune). Oliver Morgan's "Hold Your Dog" is an almost note-for-note copycat of the Rufus Thomas hit "Walk Your Dog" and has some guy purring like a cat at the microphone throughout (yeah baby). Far better is yet another genius choice – the fab and previously unreleased groove of Little Eva’s James Brown-funky "Dynamite". What an uptempo winner this is - and it boasts a superbly detailed Remaster – the entire rhythm section in your face for all the right reasons. Instrumental time again with "Stone Fox" by The Pac-Keys – a great little groover – it actually received a British 45 release on Specialty SPE 1003 in 1967 and I suspect you might have to pay more than its £20 listed price in The Record Collector Price Guide.

The chipper "I Got Loaded" (not a cover version of the witty 1959 Cadets track) is a sort of R&B dancer (excellent too) that’s followed by an equally infectious Fats Domino New Orleans shuffler called "Shirley" from the unlikely source of John Fred & The Playboys. Bessie Banks is terribly pleased with her man as she "responds to his treatment" on "(You Should Have Been A) Doctor" – a great piano-pounding bopper similar to Ruth Bown on Atlantic. The "get out of my face" song "Turn Around And Go" has some ludicrously inappropriate lyrics when it comes to attitude towards women that kind of ruin a great groove. Better is the Previously Unreleased big-band Cab Calloway feel of "Got A Good Thing Going" where our hero has diamond rings and Cadillacs (some people eh) and is clearly a hit with the ladies (at least in his mind he is). Cool instrumental shuffles with organs and guitars returns with the superb "Shaggy Dog" that features the most brilliant and unexpected harmonica solo half way through (Danny Matousek was a member of The Velaires who had a minor hit with "Roll Over Beethoven" on Jamie in 1961).

More brilliance comes with the irrepressible "Monkey Man" by Gene Burks where he opens the bopper with a "Hey!" growl that immediately impresses (great tune). "If she treats you right every night you’ll feel a tingling..." Eddy Giles informs us about the midnight hour (must take that up with the missus). "She's Got Soul" is another compilation highlight – a tight Ike Turner guitar rhythm backs up a brass-pumping Wilson Picket belter (great stuff). And on it goes to Paul & Rick's "After Hours" issued in France on the obscure GNP Crescendo distributed 'Accent' label as a B-side. Even if we never do find out who Paul and Rick are - it’s a cool Saxophone and Organ instrumental complete with crowd shouts – a languid early-hours wind-down tune that tells you it’s time to go home (even if you don’t want to)...

Ace is promising many more volumes in this "Modernists" CD Series – and what a mouth-watering prospect that is (I’m reaching for the Johnson’s Talcum Powder right now).

One again those smooth boys over at Steele Road do the business by fans. Well done to all involved...and soul jerk it, baby (in the privacy of your own home you understand)...

Mod Music Various Artists CD compilations by Ace/Kent

 

CD Titles:

1. Modernists: A Decade Of Rhythm & Soul Dedication – released June 2015 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 431 (Barcode 029667243124)

2. Modernism – released May 2016 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 452 (Barcode 029667245227)

3. Modernity – released May 2021 on Ace/Kent-Soul CDKEND 500 (Barcode 029667102223)

VINYL Title:

1. Modernists (Modernism's Sharpest Cuts) – released 30 June 2017 as a 14-Track LP on Ace/Kent Dance KENT 505 (Barcode 029667005418)

 

Other Mod Music CD Compilations by Ace/Kent that compliment the above

 

CD Titles:

1. Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 139)

2. Mo' Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 150)

3. Even Mo' Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 171)

4. Yet Mo Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 184)

5. The Return Of Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 250)

6. Further Adventures of Mod Jazz (Kent-Soul CDKEND 300)

7. Mod Jazz Forever (Kent-Soul CDKEND 368)

8. Mod Jazz And Then Some! (Kent-Soul CDKEND 416)

9. Mod Jazz Rides Again (Kent-Soul CDKEND 479)

"Love Storm" by TAVARES (2015 SoulMusic Records 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…Whodunit…"

"Love Storm" was the 5^th album brothers Ralph, Tony, Pooch, Chubby and Butch TAVARES put on Capitol Records in 1977 and containing the Number 1 US R’n’B hit “Whodunit”. The Chi-Lites/Philly-sounding album aped the winning formula of the “Sky High!” LP from the year previous with the monster hit “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” on it. This expanded CD remaster adds on a superb bonus 12” Remix of “Whodunit”. Here are American sibling harmonies…

UK released March 2015 – "Love Storm" by TAVARES is on SoulMusic Records SMCR 5127 (Barcode 5013929082731) and breaks down as follows (41:44 minutes):

1. Whodunit

2. Keep In Touch

3. I Wanna See You Soon (duet with FREDA PAYNE)

4. Fool For The Year

5. Watchin’ The Woman’s Movement

6. One Step away [Side 2]

7. Out Of The Picture

8. The Going Ups & The Coming Downs

9. Goodnight My Love

Tracks 1 to 9 are the album “Love Storm” – released April 1977 in the USA on Capitol STAO-11628 and May 1977 in the UK on capitol E-St 11628

BONUS TRACK:

10. Whodunit (1985 UK Extended Remix, Special 12” Version by Ben Liebrand)

SoulMusic Records is part of Cherry Red (of the UK) and along with Big Break Records have been carving out a tasty niche in Soul CD reissues in the last few years. The excellence of this mid-price CD only reflects that. The 16-page booklet has liner notes by KEVIN GOINS that include conversations with members of the band in and Freda Payne (conducted in 2012). There’s artwork front and rear, photos of the UK LP labels and even an array of foreign picture sleeves on Page 13 – it’s a nice job done.

But the big news for fans is an ALAN WILSON Remaster that has gorgeous audio clarity – detailed, no hiss and wonderful presence. Originally produced by FREDDIE PERREN (who got their sound on “Heaven”)- the audio quality here is all polish and with plenty of power. This CD sounds lovely.

Freddie Perren and Kent St. Lewis penned six of the songs (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7) with “Fool Of The Year” being a co-write between Feliciano “Butch” Tavares and Freddie Perren leaving only the Jim Weatherly penned “The Goings Up & The Comings Down”. “Whodunit” hit the top spot in the US R’n’B charts (22 pop charts) and it’s easy to hear why – it’s a fun stepper. The other 45 released from the album is the finishing smoocher “Goodnight My Love” – all oohs and aahs and strings wooing his girl at the end of the day (it managed 14 on the R&B charts). The duet with Freda Payne is hardly a classic – far better is the ballad “Fool Of The Year” – an effortlessly classy vocal and strings mid-tempo - it was the B-side of “Whodunit” in most countries. The rest of the album is good rather than great.

Having said that Disco fans are going to love the bonus – - a properly great addition. The 12” remix of “Whodunit” looses that irritating intro - extending the album cut from 3:35 minutes to 5:55 minutes – and somehow upping everything that was great about the hit in the first place – making it even more catchy.

“Love Storm” made No. 15 on the US Billboard R&B charts in 1977 – hopefully this superb-sounding CD will reignite its stepper charms in the hearts of those who were there once more…

PS: Tavares titles by SoulMusic include:
1. Hard Core Poetry (September 1974) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5097

2. In The City (August 1975) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5022

3. Sky High! (June 1976) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5023

4. Love Storm (April 1977) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5023

5. Madam Butterfly (February 1979) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5064

6. Love Uprising (1980) – Expanded Edition CD on SMCR-5065