"Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" by SAM COOKE and VARIOUS ARTISTS – Sixty-Seven-Track 2CD Long Book Compilation featuring Sour Stirrers (including Sam Cooke), R.H. Harris and His Gospel Paraders, The Womack Brothers/The Valentinos including Bobby, Curtis, Cecil, Harry, Friendly Sr. and Friendly Jr. Womack, Mel Carter, The Simms Twins, Johnnie Taylor, Johnnie Morisette, L.C. Cooke and Billy Preston - Featuring Singers, Musicians and Writers J.W. Alexander, Fred Smith, Jimmie Outler, Rene Hall, Bumps Blackwell, Alvin 'Red' Taylor, Ernest Booker, Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, Cliff White, Lou Rawls, Patrice Holloway and more (September 1994 US ABKCO/SAR Records 2CD Long Book Compilation in a Card Slipcase with an 86-Page Booklet, Previously Unreleased Material and Teri Landi Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sar-Records-Story-Sam-Cooke/dp/B000003BD4?crid=2X4N0MLYS66HO&keywords=018771223122&qid=1707138287&sprefix=018771223122%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=da284f507efbc8e3f25e03dd47b554c7&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"…Hear My Cry…"

Every now and then I take down "Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" from my overcrowded Rhythm and Blues, Gospel and Soul shelves, plop the track-heavy CDs into my trusty Marantz combo – and marvel. 

Although I would admit, CD1 (especially) is top heavy with mentions of the great man in the sky and therefore might drive some listeners to drink. And for such a beautifully outfitted tribute/legacy set where obvious care and heart went into its presentation - "Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" doesn't elicit rabid must-have feelings among collectors. This primarily Gospel, hybrid Rhythm and Blues and Early Soul twofer can be bought on certain sites for under seven bucks – which when you consider the audio and musical glory contained within seems like a bit of God-given deal to me.

Cooke was running a three-tier career for the period covered by this Book Set – his output with Keen Records in the mid to late Fifties where "You Send Me" had gone to No.1 (this set contains a rare Demo of it for the first time) - a 1960 signing to RCA Records towards huge Pop and Soul stardom ("Soothe Me" and "Meet Me At The Twisting Place") and this – the independently-owned SAR Records – his own record label which was a groundbreaking thing for any coloured artist of stature at that heavily segregated time. 

All the heroes of the SAR Record label are here – The Soul Stirrers Vocal Group first, of which Sam Cooke was an integral part (others singers Richard Gibbs – Paul Foster – Jimmie Outler – Le Roy Crume – J.J. Farrelly – S.R. Crain), R.H. Harris and His Gospel Paraders next (Harris was one of the original vocalists with the Stirrers) and The Womack Brothers / The Valentinos (The Womack Brothers became The Valentinos) including Bobby, Curtis, Cecil, Harry, Friendly Sr. and Friendly Jr. Womack. Then you get classy singers like Mel Carter, The Simms Twins (Bobbie and Kenny), Johnnie Taylor (ex-Soul Stirrers himself), Johnnie Morisette, L.C. Cooke (Sam's younger brother) and future Beatles-pal during the 'Abbey Road' and 'Let It Be' sessions Billy Preston (plays keyboards too). Other featured Singers, Musicians and Writers included legends like J.W. Alexander, Fred Smith, Rene Hall, Bumps Blackwell, saxophonists Alvin 'Red' Taylor and Plas Johnson, Dr. John (on Keyboards), Guitarists Johnny 'Guitar' Watson and Cliff White, Drummers Earl Palmer and Charlie Blackwell with Vocalists Lou Rawls, Patrice Holloway and loads more (all cited in the very detailed booklet). 

The compilation is also roughly broken up into the secular material on CD1 with Sam going Pop, R&B and early Soul on CD2 – CD2 also bringing in the vocal prowess of Johnnie Taylor, Johnnie Morisette and Bobby Womack – all of whom had pipes – just not as smooth as the main man. And as synchronistic timing would have it – Friday, 9 February 2024 (this week) sees a first-time US-only 4LP Vinyl Set issued for "Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" on ABKCO Records 018771217619 – a limited edition almost thirty years after the digital event. Better late than never. 

In the meantime, there is a huge amount of detail to wade through on this 2CD original, so let's have at it…

US released 27 September 1994 - "Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" by SAM COOKE and VARIOUS ARTISTS on ABKCO/SAR Records 2231-2 (Barcode 018771223122) is a 67-Track 2CD Long Book Compilation in a Card Slipcase with an 86-Page Booklet, Remasters and Unreleased Material that plays out as follows (all catalogue numbers are US 45-singles and LPs unless otherwise stated):

CD1 (69:42 minutes):
1. Wade in The Water (Studio Chatter) - SOUL STIRRERS - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
2. Wade In The Water – SOUL STIRRERS (April 1960, SAR Records S 103, B-side)
3. I'm A Pilgrim – SOUL STIRRERS (September 1960, SAR Records S 108, A-side, see also Track 18 for B-side)
4. Praying Ground – SOUL STIRRERS (March 1963, SAR Records S 140, A-side)
5. Somebody (Studio Chatter) - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
6. Somebody – R.H. HARRIS & HIS GOSPEL PARADERS (October 1962, SAR Records S-135, A-side, see also 7)
7. Sometime - R.H. HARRIS & HIS GOSPEL PARADERS (October 1962, SAR Records S-135, B-side)
8. Amazing Grace – SOUL STIRRERS (from the 1963 US LP "Encore! With The Soul Stirrers" on SAR Records LPM-504 in Mono)
9. Pass Me Not – R.H. HARRIS & HIS GOSPEL PARADERS (March 1962, SAR Records SAR-127, A-side)
10. Oh Mary, Don't You Weep (Studio Chatter) - SOUL STIRRERS - PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
11. Oh Mary, Don't You Weep – SOUL STIRRERS (March 1964, SAR Records SAR 150, A-side, for B-side see Track 21)
12. Since I Met The Savior – SOUL STIRRERS (from the 1963 US LP "Encore! With The Soul Stirrers" on SAR Records LPM-504 in Mono – no 45)
13. God Is Standing By – SOUL STIRRERS (January 1962, SAR Records SAR 124, B-side, for A-side see Track 26)
14. Lead Me To Calvary (Rehearsal) – SOUL STIRRERS – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
15. Listen To The Angels Sing – SOUL STIRRERS (January 1961, SAR Records SAR-110, A-side)
16. Don't Leave Me Alone – SOUL STIRRERS (from the 1961 US LP "Jesus Be A Fence Around Me" on SAR Records SAR-LPM-501 in Mono)
17. Stand By Me Father – SOUL STIRRERS (September 1959 Debut 45, SAR Records SAR-101, A-side)
18. Jesus Be A Fence Around Me – SOUL STIRRERS (September 1960, written by Sam Cooke, SAR Records SAR-108, B-side to "I'm A Pilgrim", see also Track 2 for A-side)
19. Lead Me Jesus – SOUL STIRRERS (October 1961, SAR Records SAR-120, A-side)
20. Free At Last – SOUL STIRRERS (July 1963, SAR Records SAR-145, B-side of "His Love")
21. Looking Back (Studio Chatter)
22. Looking Back – SOUL STIRRERS (March 1964, SAR Records SAR 150, B-side of "Oh Mary, Don't You Weep", for A-side see Track 11)
23. Born Again – R.H. HARRIS & HIS GOSPEL PARADERS – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
24. Wait On Jesus – R.H. HARRIS & HIS GOSPEL PARADERS (August 1963, SAR Records SAR-146, B-side of "Even Me")
25. Time Brings About A Change – SOUL STIRRERS (from the 1963 US LP "Encore! With The Soul Stirrers" on SAR Records LPM-504 in Mono – no 45)
26. Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone – SOUL STIRRERS (January 1962, SAR Records SAR 124, A-side, for B-side see Track 13)
27. Yield Not To Temptation (Studio Chatter)
28. Yield Not To Temptation – THE WOMACK BROTHERS (July 1961, SAR Recordings SAR 118, B-side to "Somebody's Wrong")
29. Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray – THE WOMACK BROTHERS (December 1961, SAR Records SAR 123, A-side)
30. Somewhere There's A God – THE WOMACK BROTHERS (December 1961, SAR Records SAR 123, B-side)
31. That's Heaven To Me – SAM COOKE (from the 1961 US LP "Presenting Gospel Pearls" on SAR Records SAR-LPM-503 in Mono)
NOTES ON CD1:
All Studio Chatter features SAM COOKE who is also Producer on all tracks

Tracks 1, 5, 10, 14 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Tracks 2, 3, 14 and 26 feature PAUL FOSTER on Lead Vocals
Tracks 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 to 22 and 25 feature JIMMIE OUTLER on Lead Vocals
Track 17 features JOHNNIE TAYLOR on Lead Vocals
Tracks 28 and 30 feature CURTIS WOMACK on Lead Vocals
Track 29 features BOBBY WOMACK on Lead Vocals
Track 31 features SAM COOKE on Lead Vocals
Tracks 8, 12, 16, 25 and 31 are LP-Only Tracks 
Tracks 11, 22, 24, 28, 29 and 30 are 45-Single-Only Releases (as well as being singles - many tracks here presented were also featured on Mono US LPs - see list below CD2 to see which titles aren't included on these 2CDs - there's quite a few)

CD2 (77:50 minutes):
1. You Send Me (Demo) – SAM COOKE – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (Recorded 1957 at Specialty Studios)
2. Just For You – SAM COOKE (November 1961, SAR Records SAR-122, A-side – for B-side see Track 4)
3. Somewhere There's A Girl – SAM COOKE – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (Recorded 28 June 1961 at Universal Recording Chicago)
4. (You Were) Made For Me – SAM COOKE (November 1961, SAR Records SAR-122, B-side – for A-side see Track 2)
5. When A Boy Falls In Love – MEL CARTER (June 1963, Derby D-1003, A-side)
6. Soothe Me – THE SIMMS TWINS (June 1961, SAR Records SAR-117, A-side)
7. That's Where It's At (Studio Chatter) – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
8. That's Where It's At – THE SIMMS TWINS (March 1963, SAR Records SAR-138, A-side)
9. Everybody Wants To Fall In Love – THE VALENTINOS (October 1964, SAR Records SAR-155, A-side)
10. Keep On Loving You – JOHNNIE TAYLOR – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (Recorded 7 December 1964, Unknown Location, Johnnie Taylor song and Production)
11. I'll Always Be In Love With You – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (October 1963, Derby D-1006, B-side of "Baby, We've Got Love" – for A-side, see Track 13)
12. Baby, We've Got Love (Studio Chatter)
13. Baby, We've Got Love – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (October 1963, Derby D-1006, A-side – for B-side, see Track 11)
14. Baby, Lots Of Luck – THE VALENTINOS (July 1963, SAR Records SAR-144, B-side of "She's So Good To Me")
15. Put Me Down Easy – L.C. COOKE (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Alternate Version of January 1964 US 45 on SAR Records SAR 148, A-side)
16. Rome (Wasn't Built In A Day) – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (April 1962, SAR Records SAR-131, A-side)
17. Greazee Part I & II – BILLY PRESTON (March 1963, Derby 1002, A&B-sides)
18. I Gopher You – THE SIMMS TWINS (October 1962, SAR Records SAR-136, A-side – for B-side see Track 28)
19. I Gopher You (Studio Chatter)  THE SIMMS TWINS (as per Track 18)
20. You're Always On My Mind – JOHNNIE MORISETTE (September 1960, SAR Records SAR-107, B-side of "Dorthy")
21. I Need Lots Of Love – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (May 1964, Derby Records 1010, B-side of "Getting Married Soon")
22. Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong – JOHNNIE MORISETTE (March 1963, SAR Records SAR 139, A-side – an Albert King cover version)
23. Black Night – JOHNNIE MORISETTE (October 1963, SAR Records SAR 147, B-side of "I Don't Need Anybody But You")
24. Damper – JOHNNIE MORISETTE (April 1961, SAR Records SAR 113, B-side of "Don't Cry Baby")
25. You Can Run (But You Can't Hide) – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (January 1965, SAR Records SAR 156, B-side of "Oh How I Love You")
26. Meet Me At The Twisting Place (Studio Chatter) – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
27. Meet Me At The Twisting Place – JOHNNIE MORISETTE (January 1962, SAR Records SAR-126, A-side)
28. Good Good Lovin' – THE SIMMS TWINS (October 1962, SAR Records SAR-136, B-side of "I Gopher You"– for A-side see Track 18)
29. The Wobble – L.C. COOKE [credited as L.C.] (April 1963, SAR Records SAR 141, A-side, written by Sam Cooke)
30. Lookin' For A Love (Studio Chatter) – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
31. Lookin' For A Love -THE VALENTINOS [Lead Vocals by Bobby Womack] (June 1962, SAR Records SAR-132, A-side)
32. I've Got Love For You – THE VALENTINOS [Lead Vocals by Bobby Womack] – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
33. I've Got A Girl (Studio Chatter) – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
34. I've Got A Girl – THE VALENTINOS [Lead Vocals by Bobby Womack] – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
35. Tired Of Living In The Country – THE VALENTINOS [Lead Vocals by Curtis Womack] – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
36. It's All Over Now – THE VALENTINOS [Lead Vocals by Bobby Womack] (May 1964, SAR Records SAR-152, A-side)
NOTES on CD2:
Tracks 1, 3, 7, 10, 12, 15, 19, 26, 30, 32, 33, 34 and 35 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 35  written by Sam Cooke
Track 3 written by Sam Cooke and Roscoe Robinson 
Track 5 written by Sam Cooke and Clinton Levert, Jr.
Track 8 written by Sam Cooke and J.W. Alexander
Track 16 written by Sam Cooke with Betty and Beverly Prudhomme
Track 34 written by Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack
Track 9 written by Bobby Womack and J.W. Alexander
Track 10 written by Johnnie Taylor
Track 14 written by John Greek and has Curtis Womack on Lead Vocals
Track 17 written by J.W Alexander, Fred Smith and Billy Preston
Track 20 written by J.W. Alexander
Track 22 is an Albert King cover version; Track 28 is a James Brown cover
Track 25 written by Johnnie Taylor
Track 31 written by J.W. Alexander and Zelda Samuels
Track 32 recorded 24 March 1962 at United Recording, Hollywood – written by Bobby Womack
Track 36 written by Bobby and Shirley Womack

MISSING LP Tracks (15 in total): 
From the 1961 US Mono LP "Jesus Be A Fence Around Me" by The Soul Stirrers on SAR Records SAR-LPM-501 – five of the twelve are not here - "Toiling On", "He's Been A Shelter For Me", "I'm Thankful", "I Love The Lord" and "He Cares".

1961 US Mono LP "Presenting Gospel Pearls" by Various Artists on SAR Records SAR-LPM-503 – five of twelve are not here - "Deep River", "I Thank God", "Heaven Is My Home", "Steal Away" and "Troublin' Mind".

1963 US Mono LP "Encore! With The Soul Stirrers" on SAR Records SAR-LPM-504 – five of ten are not here - "His Love", "No Need To Worry", "Something Here Inside", "Joy In My Soul" and "Where Jesus Is".

As you can see from the 'missing' notes above - "SAR Records Story 1959-1965" is far from being a warts n' all twofer - but you do get rare B-sides making their digital debut alongside a seriously tasty spattering of unreleased. And the fabulous TERI LANDI Remasters and Tape Preparations sound glorious - take for instance the lethal CD2 trio of Billy Preston's cool as "Green Onions" instrumental "Greazee Part I & II", the so-smooth Soul of "I Gopher You" by The Simms Twins and the gritty guitar-shuffling Blues of Johnnie Morisette shredding his throat on a cover of Albert King's "Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong" (itself followed by a brilliant "Black Night") - the audio is full, clean and wonderfully alive. Even on CD1 when you're dealing with four or five Acapella voices and minimal rhythm accompaniment - the dreaded hiss doesn't really appear. It's all clean but not dampered-down. 

The card slipcase looks good on opening but actually irritates a bit because it soon implodes on its card self once the hard-card pouch is taken out (as you can see from the photos provided my well used copy is showing worse for implosion wear). But the removable 84-page booklet is gorgeous if not a tad difficult to hold open. The period photos come on strong - Sam with Aretha Franklin - with his wife Barbara Campbell - with Bumps Blackwell - Allen Klein - gospel group beginnings with the Highway QCs (had a very young Sam Cooke) - the Soul Stirrers of course and The Pilgrim Travelers that had a great line-up including J.W. Alexander, Ernest Booker, Jesse Whitaker and Lou Rawls. All the big names associated with SAR get a page and gorgeous publicity photos - Johnnie Taylor - Billy Preston - Johnnie Morisette - L.C. Cooke - The Simms Twins - the mighty Bobby Womack etc. The text is highlighted in places to show who is being discussed (Johnny "Guitar" Watson for instance on Page 29) while the musician and reissue credits at the rear are extensive. The listen - I'll admit that I go for the more R 'n' B and Soul-Pop sides of CD2 every time - stuff like L.C. Cooke doing "The Wobble" providing me with my now-you're-doin'-it needs (Mama says Soul).  

In the liner notes (smart enough to allow those still living to have their say) – Bobby Womack talks of Cooke’s insistence on (almost) perfection. He would not accept a take or a phrase that was out of kilter and dominated (in a good way) in the control booth. You can hear this alongside the friendly rivalry and respect paid the man in the thrilling studio chatter segments – Cooke was essentially selling himself through other artists on SAR Records and he was not going to settle for rough and ready because his crew was eyeing the door or a nearby bar/jump house. As you play track-after-track – especially when you get to CD2 and his Pop career is surging – the arrangements, the players and the Production values all reek of class and commitment. 

CD2 opens with a rough demo of "You Send Me", accompanied by a strummed Martin guitar and his foot tapping – made in 1957 – history in the making. But that is whomped by his own "Just For You" – a 24 July 1959 Pop/Soul recording made at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood. Fans are then treated to a real gem – an unreleased oohing-and-aahing Soulful smoocher called "Somewhere There's A Girl" recorded June 1961 at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago and in fine audio shape (what a find). Admittedly the echoed as-sure-as-there-are-stars-above sappiness of "You Were Made For Me". Things change with the very Stylistics voice of Mel Carter as he goes full-on Cooke with "When A Boy Falls In Love" – all plucked strings and perfect rhythms. Better is another Sam Cooke cover from The Simms Twins – SAR Records SAR 117 recorded 5 June 1961 – Bobbie and Kenny Simms rise to lovely piano fills – their efforts rewarded with a rightful No.4 R&B chart position (No. 42 on Pop). 

Sam then praises The Simms Twins for great feel as we get studio chatter pre-empting their lovely "That's Where It's At" – another shuffler from the pen of Cooke and J.W. Alexander. The fantastic and distinctive lead vocals of Bobby Womack come a-sailing in when The Valentinos start a run of now-listen Soul tunes on CD2 with "Everybody Wants To Fall In Love". The brass arrangements give the sway an added punch. The unreleased Johnnie Taylor track "Keep On Loving You" is good but slightly let down by a Production that is way rougher than what has gone before (lady backing vocals doing him proud). So very Sam Cooke – Taylor does a similar-vocal cover in his interpretation of "I'll Always Be In Love With You" – good but the original is better. The brass and rhythm punch-in for "Baby, We've Got Love" – Taylor again giving it pretty lips (kiss me back) – a Sam Cooke song and Production. Unfortunately, you can hear why "Tired Of Living In The Country" was unreleased - it's adeqeute but not much else. the set is saved by Womack doing "It's All Over Now" - a tune so many would cover including The Rolling Stones and Uber admirers Rod Stewart and Faces. 

"SAR Records Story 1959-1965" romps home with a best-ever-sounding "Lookin' For A Love" and "I've Got Love For You" following in similar upbeat joyous Soul. For sure - there will be those who only want Cooke's Soulful sides ("The RCA Albums Collection" 8CD set is reviewed elsewhere) - but it would be a crime to miss all this good stuff that satellites around Sam Cooke. 

Gunned down in his early prime via a senseless tit-for-tat, Cooke's funeral in December 1964 was attended by 5,000 mourners in a church that held maybe 1,500 - such was the love and impact SC left behind. He didn't get to see a change gonna come, but personally, I'm with Rod Stewart on Sam Cooke as being the greatest vocalist ever - so I love this twofer that celebrates his spirit. If you see "Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story 1959-1965" at a good price (there is a more compact reissue that sells cheaply too) - then go for it - because his recorded legacy will send you...

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

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

"…John Cope…"

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

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

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

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

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

TALK TALK were:

MARK HOLLIS - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards 

TIM FRIESE-GREENE - Keyboards, Wind Instruments

TIM HARRIS - Drums and Percussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The Best of Cult Fiction" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – 55 Of The Finest Cult TV & Movie Themes - Including James Bond 007, The Ipcress File, Captain Scarlet, Midnight Cowboy, The Saint, The Avengers, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Danger Man, A Fistful Of Dollars, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, The Magnificent Seven, Pink Panther, Dr. Who, The Champions, M.A.S.H., Van Der Valk, Lovejoy, The Sweeney, Taxi Driver, Blake's 7, Starsky & Hutch, Tales Of The Unexpected, Hill Street Blues, Minder, Budgie, Taxi, Animal Magic, Vision On, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill and many more – Most In Stereo – Barry Gray, BBC Radiophonic Workshop, John Barry, Henri Mancini, Ennio Morricone, Bernard Hermann, Laurie Johnson, Ron Grainer, Tony Hatch, KPM Music Library and more (February 2004 UK Virgin 2CD 55-Track Compilation of Sixties, Seventies and Eighties Remasters)

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"…Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)…"

Admittedly the gatefold slip-of-paper that acts as an insert is laughable – print so tiny it practically screams magnifying glass. No knowledgeable appreciation liner notes by a maniacal Film and TV buff who needs to get out more – no photos – no posters – no cast stills - no memorabilia that would evoke such great memories and make this twofer so rock. Even the rear inlay on the inside is completely blank for Gawd sake – zero effort. But – and as they say in a Sumo bathhouse - that's a big butt – there is the fun listen and the alarmingly great audio.

These Virgin catchall compilations can be blinding one minute and so-so the next or a raggle-taggle combo of both (this the same). But here it's like someone went out of their way to find the best sounding Remasters for every track. Or it could just be that when "The Best Of Cult Fiction" was issued in the spring of 2004 – all that old 'Lounge Lizard Secret Agent' stuff had already been remastered by EMI and Universal – and in either Mono or Stereo – the results were all sparkly and kick-ass.

Whatever you look at it, in the spring of 2024 (twenty years after the reissue event) – this little goofball is a cool buy and a reminder of music that has engrained itself into our subconscious, much of which we heard weekly and secretly loved – yet never thought of (actually) buying. Papa Loves Mambo indeed. Why I almost dusted down my Jetpack and polished up the Aston Martin (almost). 

So, once more, me Olive Cocktail Hearties and Danger Man Smarties unto the cool-theme-song breach. Details Mr. Blofeld please (and easy on the pirahna)…

UK released 23 February 2004 - "The Best Of Cult Fiction" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Virgin EMI New State VTDCD 997 – 7243 5 76701 2 8 (Barcode 724357670128) is a 2CD Remastered 55-Track Compilation of Sixties, Seventies and Eighties TV Themes (CD1) and Film Soundtracks and Songs (CD2) that plays out as follows:

CD1 Cult TV Themes (75:32 minutes):
1. Doctor Who – BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP featuring Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire (1963 Recording, 2000 Remaster)
2. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Theme – HUGO MONTENEGRO (1966)
3. Joe 90 (Title Theme) – THE BARRY GRAY ORCHESTRA (1968)
4. Captain Scarlet – THE BARRY GRAY ORCHESTRA with GARY MILLER (1967)
5. The Champions – TONY HATCH ORCHESTRA (1969)
6. Danger Man Theme ["High Wire"] – BOB LEAPER ORCHESTRA (1964)
7. Return Of The Saint – THE SAINT ORCHESTRA (1978)
8. New Avengers Theme – LAURIE JOHNSON And The LONDON STUDIO ORCHESTRA (1976)
9. The Two Ronnies (Theme from The Detectives) (1976 KPM Library Music)
10. Pink Panther Theme – HENRY MANCINI (1963)
11. Vision On Chase Scene ["Accroche Toi Caroline"] (1967 De Wolfe Library Music)
12. Animal Magic – LAURIE JOHNSON (1970)
13. Black Beauty ["Galloping Home"] – SOUTH BANK ORCHESTRA (1972)
14. World Of Sport – KPM Library Music (1968)
15. Superstars – KPM Library Music (1974)
16. Van Der Valk Theme ["Eye Level"] – SIMON PARK ORCHESTRA (1971)
17. Tales Of The Unexpected – RON GRAINER (1979)
18. Crossroads – TONY HATCH ORCHESTRA (1965)
19. Lovejoy – DENIS KING (1986)
20. Bergerac Theme – GEORGE FENTON (1981)
21. The Sweeney – SIMON WALLACE and SIMON BINT (1975)
22. The Professionals – LAURIE JOHNSON and the LONDON STUDIO ORCHESTRA (1977)
23. Minder Theme ("I Could Be So Good For You") – DENNIS WATERMAN (1979)
24. Auf Wiedersehen Pet Theme (That's Livin' Alright) – JOE FAGIN of Stealers Wheel (1983)
25. Grange Hill Theme – ALAN HAWKSHAW (1975 Music, 1978 TV Show)
26. Roobarb and Custard – ALAN HAWKSWORTH (1974)
27. Blake's 7 – THE DUDLEY SIMPSON ORCHESTRA (1978)
28. Budgie Theme ("The Loner") – SOUTH BANK ORCHESTRA (1971)
29. Taxi Theme ("Angela") – BOB JAMES (1978)
30. Hill Street Blues Theme – MIKE POST featuring LARRY CARLTON on Guitar (1981)
31. Starsky & Hutch Theme ("Gotcha") – TOM SCOTT (1977)
32. The Six Million Dollar Man Theme – JOHN GREGORY and His ORCHESTRA (1976)

CD2 Cult MOVIE Themes (72:26 minutes):
1. Green Hornet (from the movie "Kill Bill") – AL HIRT (1966)
2. 007 (James Bond Theme from "Dr. No") – JOHN BARRY (1963)
3. Ain't That A Kick In The Head (from "Out Of Sight") – DEAN MARTIN (1969)
4. Papa Loves Mambo (from "Ocean's Eleven") - PERRY COMO (1954)
5. Theme From The Magnificent Seven (from "The Magnificent Seven") – ELMER BERNSTEIN (1960)
6. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (from "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly") – HUGH MONTENEGRO written by Ennio Morricone (1968)
7. A Fistful Of Dollars (from "A Fistful Of Dollars") – ENNIO MORRICONE (1964)
8. The Ipcress File (from "The Ipcress File") – JOHN BARRY (1968)
9. Theme From Taxi Driver (from "Taxi Driver") - BERNARD HERRMANN (1976)

10. Theme (from "The Last Tango In Paris") - GATO BARBIERI (1972)

11. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (from "Kill Bill") - NANCY SINATRA (1966, Sonny Bono song)

12. We Have All The Time In The World (from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service") - LOUIS ARMSTRONG (1969)

13. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) (from "Jackie Brown") - THE DELFONICS (1969) 

14. Pusherman (from "Superfly") - CURTIS MAYFIELD (1972)

15. Jungle Boogie (from "Pulp Fiction") - KOOL & THE GANG (1973)

16. Across 110th Street (from "Jackie Brown") - BOBBY WOMACK (1973)

17. The Harder They Come (from "The Harder They Come") - JIMMY CLIFF (1972)

18. Stuck In The Middle (from "Reservoir Dogs") - STEALERS WHEEL (1972)

19. Oye Como Va (from "Carlito's Way") - SANTANA (1970)

20. Little Green Bag (from "Reservoir Dogs") - GEORGE BAKER (1962)

21. Hooked On A Feeling (from "Reservoir Dogs") - BLUE SWEDE (1973)

22. Everybody's Talkin' (from "Midnight Cowboy") - NILSSON (1969)

23. Suicide Is Painless (from "M.A.S.H.") - JOHNNY MANDEL (1970)

CD1 offers up many memorable TV moments - nostalgia tears for scribbles during "Vision On" and Gerry Anderson's "Captain Scarlett" getting all sophisticated supermarionation. But you have forgotten Alexandria Bastedo making us us boys weak at the knees in "The Champions" or the Brass oom-pa-pa of the "Van Der Valk" theme "Eye Level" that charted big in 1973. And there can never be enough John Barry, Tony Hatch, Ron Grainer, Laurie Johnson and the like who gave us so many short-sharp-blasts of brilliance - its a bit of a Bobby Dazzler. There are few men of my age who wouldn't get goosebumps at the sound of "The New Avengers" theme or grin at "The Pink Panther" slink or the fifty-year relationship we've had with football's "World Of Sports". But I reserve my true love for Larry Carlton's guitar playing in "The Hill Street Blues" Theme - sublime and cool - like Steely Dan good.  

Latin Saxophonist Gato Barbieri won a Grammy for his 1972 instrumental to "Last Tango In Paris" with Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider rolling around in their nudie suits - but more impressive for me is the lethal one-two of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" and "We Have All The Time In The World" - Nancy Sinatra (no stranger to Bond soundtracks) and Louis Armstrong shimmering with beauty and raw emotion. Sonny Bono penned "Bang Bang..." which Quentin used to such great effect in "Kill Bill" - while once again John Barry classes up everything for Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Tarrantino has also tapped smoochy Soul as a winner in his movies and the Philly-swoon of The Delfonics classic "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" provided a moment of warmth is his otherwise darkly witty "Jackie Brown". Drugs are never far from Movie or TV proceedings - so we get Curtis Mayfield giving us some 'Superfly' coke and weed distribution in his fabulously funky and social-commenting "Pusherman" - sounding just fantastically clear and punchy for its five-minutes. 

By the time we reach Track 15 and "Jungle Boogie" by Kool & The Gang - things are harder - the get down Funk taking no prisoners as Kool grunts his way to a feel-it-y'all masterclass (another "Pulp Fiction" winner). Speaking of class, who can forget Pam Grier taking that slow-moving airport walkway as the credits rolled for "Jackie Brown" - looking like a real-world woman trying to survive in a dirty man's world as Bobby Womack's "Across 110th Street" plays - lyrics that hide nothing. Time to go to the islands and smell the sea air (and other fragrances) as Jimmy Cliff gets Reggae and Gangsta with "The Harder They Come" - such a tune (I have reviewed the superb Universal 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' of that soundtrack - a fully-loaded gem). Much like Ace's "How Come" or AWB's "Pick Up The Pieces" (both 1974) - Stealers Wheel and their 1972 single masterpiece "Stuck In The Middle" never seems to date - memorably used in "Reservoir Dogs" though I doubt either Gerry Rafferty or Joe Fagin imagined it would accompany such a display. Speaking of effortless cool, "Oye Como Va" will be weaving its 1970 Santana's "Abraxas" LP magic for decades more to come - stunning guitar work, keyboards and Latin-Rock rhythms.

"The Best Of Cult Fiction" romps home with the bop-bop winner that everyone had forgotten - "Little Green Bag" by George Baker - a joyous little belter from 1962 that sounds so damn good - even after a staggering sixty-two years. The hugga-chacka chant of "Hooked On A Feeling" by Blue Swede may be fun but doesn't do it for me I'm afraid. But I'm always high on believin' in Nilsson - his gorgeous "Everybody's Talkin'" that played out "Midnight Cowboy" indelibly burnt into my brain (probably one of my 45-Single A-side favourites - a Fred Neil song). CD2 ends with "Suicide Is Painless" - the theme music to the much-loved "M.A.S.H." movie and TV series that made Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, Loretta 'Hot Lips' Swit and characters Radar, Klinger, Colonel Potter and all the gang household names. Fifty-five tunes for my sixty-five years - job done. 

"Look at him sway with it...get so gay with it..." Perry sang all those decades ago about his belief in the restorative powers of the hip-swaying Mambo. And ever since then - Mama has been looking for Papa - but Papa is nowhere in sight - that's because he's down at the fleapit thrilling to illicit gyrations or on his couch getting all 'shut it' with his inner Private Eye. 

Great fun, fab audio and "The Best Of Cult Fiction" is cheap too - go for it...

"Now Yearbook '73" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – 83-Tracks Across 4CDs featuring Elton John, Paul McCartney & Wings, Slade, T.Rex, Mud, Suzy Quatro, Alvin Stardust, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mott The Hoople, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Wizzard, Junior Campbell, Steeleye Span, The O’Jays, Roberta Flack, The Isley Brothers, Detroit Emeralds, Temptations, Clifford T. Ward, Strawbs, Medicine Head, Thin Lizzy, Joe Walsh and many more (September 2023 UK Sony Music/EMI 4CD Themed Collection – Now Yearbook Series – Various Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Cum On Feel The Noize…"

I came at this wee-belter of a compilation arse-about-face. I bought its companion piece first - "Now Yearbook Extra '73" – its 60-tracks having come out in October 2023 – a month after the Big Daddy (see separate review). Bit of a mistake that because despite some moments of brill – it fell often – and hard. Not so here.

"Now Yearbook '73" is a Cum On Feel The Noize Slade-slammin' 5-stars – Ballroom Blitzing your weary lugs with a tirade of great choices across all genres. Do I want to See My Baby Jive, Get Down, have some Irish Whiskey In The Jar on This Flight Tonight while the Piano Man is Blinded By The Light at the Nutbush City Limits – yes sir, I do sir. Details pleeze - ye Gods of catalogue numericals…

UK released 8 September 2023 – "Now Yearbook '73" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBNOW73 – 0196588182921 (Barcode 196588182921) is a 4CD 83-Track compilation in the 'Now Yearbook Series'. All tracks are 45-singles except when Album Versions are used (see NOTES after each CD list to identify), the whole collection is Remastered by Sony/EMI (some use specific date Remasters, again see NOTES) and I have provided UK release dates and catalogue numbers for each entry – info that is not in the card sleeve (has no booklet). It breaks down as follows:

CD1 (72:23 minutes):
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – ELTON JOHN (September 1973, DJM Records DJS 285, 2014 CD Remaster)
2. Live And Let Die – WINGS (June 1973, Apple R 5987, 2018 CD Remaster - Paul McCartney's band)
3. Cum On Feel The Noize - SLADE (February 1973, Polydor 2058 339)
4. 20th Century Boy – T.REX (March 1973, EMI/T.REX MARC 4)
5. Blockbuster! - THE SWEET (January 1973, RCA Victor RCA 2305)
6. Dyna-Mite - MUD (October 1973, RAK Records RAK 159) 
7. Can The Can – SUZY QUATRO (April 1973, RAK Records RAK 150)
8. See My Baby Jive – WIZZARD (April 1973, Harvest Records HAR 5070)
9. My Coo Ca Choo – ALVIN STARDUST (October 1973, Magnet MAG 1)
10. Rubber Bullets – 10cc (March 1973, UK Records UK 36)
11. Get Down - GILBERT O'SULLIVAN (March 1973, MAM Records MAM 96)
12. The Laughing Gnome – DAVID BOWIE (September 1973, Deram DM 123 - a 1967 recording re-issued in 1973)
13. Doctor My Eyes (Album Version) – JACKSON 5 (from the November 1972 UK LP "Lookin' Through The Windows" on Tamla Motown STML 11214)
14. You Can Do Magic – LIMMIE & FAMILY COOKIN' (January 1973, Avco 6105 019)
15. Let Me In (Album Version) – THE OSMONDS (from the 1973 UK "The Plan" on MGM Records 2315 251)
16. Love Train – O'JAYS (February 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1181)
17. Smarty Pants – FIRST CHOICE (July 1973, Bell Records BELL 1324)
18. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love – THE DETROIT SPINNERS (April 1973, Atlantic K 10283)
19. Oh! No Not My Baby (Single Version) – ROD STEWART (August 1973, Mercury 6052 371)
20. Angel – ARETHA FRANKLIN (August 1973, Atlantic K 10346)
21. Help Me Make It Through The Night – GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS (October 1972 UK 45-Single on Tamla Motown TMG 830, March 1972 USA on Soul S 35094F, first charted Nov 1972 in the UK but stayed on chart until early 1973)
NOTES on CD1:
Track 1 is a 2014 Remaster

Track 2 is a 2018 Remaster; Track 2 is also the (Paul McCartney &) Wings Theme Song to the James Bond Movie "Live And Let Die" that introduced actor Sir Roger Moore as 007 for the first time

Track 12 is a 1967 David Bowie recording that re-charted in 1973
Tracks 13, 15 and 17 are Album Versions (Track 13 is a Jackson Browne cover version)

Track 18 is credited to The Detroit Spinners for the UK, as were all their albums, but they were credited simply as The Spinners in the USA

CD2 (761:36 minutes):
1. Mind Games – JOHN LENNON (November 1973, Apple R 5994)
2. Blinded By The Light – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (February 1973 US Debut 45-Single on Columbia 4-45805 - no UK variant - first UK 7" was "Born To Run" in October 1975)
3. Piano Man (Radio Edit, 4:34 minutes) - BILLY JOEL (October 1973 US 45-Single on Columbia 4-45963 - not released in the UK until April 1975 on CBS Records S CBS 3183)
4. Knockin' On Heaven's Door – BOB DYLAN (September 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1762)
5. You're So Vain - CARLY SIMON (December 1972, Elektra K 12077, uncredited duet vocals with Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones)
6. Take Me To The Mardi Gras – PAUL SIMON (May 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1578)
7. Stuck In The Middle With You – STEALERS WHEEL (April 1973, A&M AMS 7036)
8. Cindy Incidentally – FACES (February 1973, Warner Brothers K 16247)
9. Nutbush City Limits – IKE And TINA TURNER (August 1973, United Artists UP 35582) 
10. Rocky Mountain Way (Single Version, 3:39 minute Edit) - JOE WALSH (August 1973, Probe Records PRO 600)
11. Roll Over Beethoven (Single Version) - THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (January 1973, Harvest HAR 5063)
12. Whisky In The Jar (7" Edit, 3:42 minutes) – THIN LIZZY (November 1972, Decca F 13355)
13. Wishing Well - FREE (December 1972, Island WIP 6146)
14. This Flight Tonight – NAZARETH (September 1973, Mooncrest MOON 14)
15. Caroline – STATUS QUO (August 1973, Vertigo 6059 085)
16. No More Mr. Nice Guy – ALICE COOPER (April 1973, Warner Brothers K 16262)
17. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall - BRYAN FERRY (September 1973, Island WIP 6170)
18. Alright, Alright, Alright - MUNGO JERRY (June 1973, Dawn DNS 1037)

19. Born To Be With You - DAVE EDMUNDS (May 1973, Rockfield ROC 2)
20. Gaye - CLIFFORD T. WARD (April 1973, Charisma CB 205)
21. Albatross – FLEETWOOD MAC (April 1973, CBS Records CBS 8306)
NOTES on CD2:

Tracks 3, 10, 11 and 12 are Single Versions (Track 3 by Billy Joel is a Radio Edit; Track 12 by Thin Lizzy is spelt "Whisky In The Jar" - only Euro and US issues use the 'e' in Whiskey)

Track 5 features Mick Jagger on uncredited duet vocals with Carly Simon

Track 7 actually credited as "Stuck In The Middle" - Stealers Wheel featured Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan - Rafferty was ex-Humblebums with comedian Billy Connolly - the song was also famously used in Quentin Tarantino's debut movie 'Reservoir Dogs'

Track 17 by Bryan Ferry is a Bob Dylan cover version

Tracks 1 and 20 are 2010 and 2009 Remasters respectively

Tracks 21 originally a November 1968 UK 45-Single by (Peter Green's) Fleetwood Mac on Blue Horizon Records 57-3145 (went to No. 1); reissued in 1973 by CBS Records in a Picture Sleeve, when it peaked at No. 2 

CD3 (78:37 minutes):
1. My Love - PAUL McCARTNEY And WINGS (March 1973, Apple R 5985)
2. Killing Me Softly With His Song - ROBERTA FLACK (February 1973, Atlantic K 10282) 
3. Amoureuse - KIKI DEE (August 1973, Rocket PIG 4)
4. Always On My Mind - ELVIS PRESLEY (December 1972, RCA Victor RCA 2304)

5. Touch Me In The Morning (Single Version) – DIANA ROSS (July 1973, Tamla Motown TMG 861)
6. If You Don't Me By Now - HAROLD MELVIN And THE BLUE NOTES (November 1972, CBS Records S CBS 8496)
7. Me And Mrs. Jones (Single Version) - BILLY PAUL (January 1973, Epic S EPC 1055)
8. Let's Get It On (Single Version) - MARVIN GAYE (August 1973, Tamla Motown TMG 868)
9. I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby - BARRY WHITE (April 1973, Pye International 7N.25610)
10. Feel The Need In Me - DETROIT EMERALDS (November 1972, Janus 6146 020)
11. That Lady (Part 1) - ISLEY BROTHERS (August 1973, Epic S EPC 1704)
12. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (Vocal) - THE TEMPTATIONS (September 1972 USA Single Version at 6:58 minutes on Gordy G 7121F - the January 1973 UK 45-single on Tamla Motown TMG 839 however plays to only 6:20 minutes - this CD uses the longer US mix at 6:58)
13. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) - DEODATO (May 1973, CTI Records CTI 4000)
14. Morning Glow (Single Version) - MICHAEL JACKSON (July 1973, Tamla Motown TMG 863)
15. Gonna Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse - JIMMY HELMS (February 1973, Cube Records BUG 27)
16. Like Sister And Brother - THE DRIFTERS (June 1973, Bell Records BELL 1313)
17. Sweet Illusion - JUNIOR CAMPBELL (April 1973, Deram DM 387)
18. One And One is One - MEDICINE HEAD (March 1973, Polydor 2001 432)
19. Snoopy Versus The Red Baron - HOTSHOTS (May 1973, Mooncrest MOON 5)
20. Part Of The Union - STRAWBS (January 1973, A&M Records AMS 7047)
NOTES on CD3:
Track 1 is a 2018 Remaster, Track 4 is Remaster (No Date)

Track 2 is written about a viewer's reaction to a Don McLean concert, while Perry Como's song on CD4 "And I Love You So" is a Don McLean cover version; Don McLean's own single for 1973 was "Everyday" - but it's not included on either this or the Extra '73 3CD set

Track 3 is a Veronique Sanson song (French singer) and cover version; she was once married to Stephens Stills and their son is Chris Stills

Tracks 5, 7, 8 and 12 are Single Versions (see entry 7 regarding playing time)

Track 6 features an uncredited Teddy Pendergrass on Lead Vocals

Track 13 is a Jazz-Funk version of a Strauss classical music melody

Track 17, Junior Campbell is ex-Marmalade

CD4 (69:57 minutes):

1. Ballroom Blitz - THE SWEET (September 1973, RCA Victor RCA 2403)

2. 48 Crash - SUZI QUATRO (July 1973, RAK Records RAK 158)

3. Roll Away The Stone - MOTT THE HOOPLE (November 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1895)

4. Street Life - ROXY MUSIC (from the November 1973 UK album "Stranded" on Island ILPS 9252)

5. Rock On - DAVID ESSEX (July 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1693)

6. Crazy - MUD (January 1973, RAK Records RAK 146)

7. Dancin' (On A Saturday Night) - BARRY BLUE (April 1973, Bell Records BELL 1295)

8. Young Love (Album Version) - DONNY OSMOND (from the March 1973 UK LP "Alone Together" on MGM Records 2315 210)

9. Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree - DAWN featuring TONY ORLANDO (February 1973, Bell Records BELL 1287)

10. Take Me Home Country Roads - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (November 1972, Pye International 7N.25599, 2022 Remaster)

11. Paper Roses (Album Version) - MARIE OSMOND (from the September 1973 UK LP "Paper Roses" on MGM Records 2315 262)

12. Welcome Home - PETERS And LEE (May 1973, Philips 6006 307)

13. Wonderful Dream - ANNE-MARIE DAVID (April 1973, Epic S EPC 1446)

14. Power To All Our Friends - CLIFF RICHARD (March 1973, EMI Records EMI 2012)

15. Never, Never, Never (Grande, Grande, Grande) - SHIRLEY BASSEY (February 1973, United Artists UP 35490, 2000 Remaster)

16. Summer (The First Time) - BOBBY GOLDSBORO (June 1973, United Artists Up 35559, 1991 Remaster)

17. And I Love You So - PERRY COMO (March 1973, RCA Victor RCA 2346)

18. Eye Level (Theme From The Thames TV Series "Van Der Valk") - SIMON PARK ORCHESTRA (October 1972, Columbia DB 8946)

19. Gaudete - STEELEYE SPAN (November 1972, Chrysalis CHS 2007)

20. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - WIZZARD (November 1973, Harvest HAR 5079)

21. Merry Xmas Everybody - SLADE (December 1973, Polydor 2058 422)

NOTES on CD4:

Track 4 is a 2012 Remaster; although not credited as such, it's the full album version at 3:27 minutes and not the 45-single edit at 2:53 minutes

Track 10 is a 2022 Remaster; Track 15 is a 2000 Remaster

Track 17 is a Don McLean cover version; Track 2 on CD3 "Killing Me Softly With His Song" by Roberta Flack is a viewer's reaction to a Don McLean concert; Don McLean's own single for 1973 was "Everyday" - but it's not included on either this or the Extra '73 three-disc set

The svelte cardboard packaging on these Yearbook 4CD Sets is bog-standard and basic – four-flap foldout card sleeves with the CDs in die-cuts on the inside. The track-by-track info beneath those pouches sometimes offers more than is on the basic rear sleeve, albeit in minuscule print - as you can see from the photos above. Some songs are Album Versions and others are Specific Remasters - while some tunes are Sixties tracks reissued and re-charted in 1973 (all are noted in my list). 

There is no mastering credit - but (and I mean this) you can tell these are Quality Remasters – the audio crack-a-lacking throughout – song after song impressing. The running order works so well on some - others it falters - but you could argue that CD2 alone would have made a toppermost-of-the-poppermost singular release on its owneo. Even if you don't dig half the stuff, at 83 tracks, the value for money is astonishing. Now Yearbook '73 set is chock full of audio goodies in both the Rock and Soul spheres with a mishmash of Pop and Glam thrown in. There are number ones galore and top ten hits you've forgotten (some for good reason).

Excepting the awful "Laughing Gnome" from David Bowie (a 1967 Deram single that got reissued in late 1973 on the strength of his "Aladdin Sane" LP success earlier in that mercurial year - where's "The Jean Jenie" or the underrated "Sorrow" for that matter) - CD1 offers a very tasty opening salvo. The opening one-two of Elton's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and Macca's Bond rocker "Live And Let Die" is going to put a smile on even the most jaded mush. And there are few in my generation who will not grin from ear-to-ear on hearing Bolan tear into fantastic riff that opens and sustains "20th Century Boy". But you also forget the Soul and R&B of the year - O'Jays inviting the people of England to be the next stop on the "Love Train" - The Detroit Spinners unable to help themselves "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" while Aretha delivers a sublime "Angel" (no wonder Hucknall's Simply Red covered it). Rod Stewart has an excellent stand-alone 45 in his cover of Maxine Brown's "Oh! No Not My Baby" - but I can pass on The Osmonds, and I know people love Mickey Most's RAK Records Chinn-Chapman output (Suzi Quatro, Mud) but after 50 years they make me reach for skip. The final track too by Gladys Knight & The Pips won't help you make it through the night because it's laden with some mighty levels of hiss (a rare audio let down).

CD2 is an almost perfect run - probably the best of the four. You forget just how lyrically and musically brilliant both The Boss and Billy Joel are - but they remind with "Blinded By The Light" and a hugely evocative "Piano Man" (gorgeous Remastered audio, Bruce only so-so). You can't go wrong with Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" (Mick Jagger duetting uncredited on those harmony vocals and a muscular clean remaster on this lo-fi recording), Rod Stewart with the Faces doing "Cindy Incidentally" ('Ooh La La' indeed) and the fantastic Rock-Funk of "Nutbush City Limits" from Ike & Tina Turner. But it's the re-discoveries like "Gaye" by Clifford T. Ward - gorgeous stuff - Nazareth rocking-up a Joni Mitchell song in "This Flight Tonight" - Medicine Head with their moment of funky-slide-guitar-chorus brilliance in "One Is One Is One" and the truly joyous (and lean) single edit of ELO's "Roll Over Beethoven". It ends on a reissue of the sublime Rock instrumental "Albatross" from Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac - a tune that attained top-slot in 1969 and even managed No. 2 on reissue in 1973.  

CD3 is mostly Soul and Funk and delivers some beauties (Tracks 5 to 13 all work). But top prizes must go to the (would you believe) A-side 'Vocal' Single Edit of The Temptation's masterpiece "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" which runs to an unbelievable 6:58 minutes. What is doesn't say on the packaging is that this is the 'American' version - the UK single ran to about 6:20 and is therefore lesser. And the discoveries - "Amoureuse" by Kiki Dee, "That Lady (Part 1) by the Isley Brothers and a putting-out-the-fevered-word Jimmy Helms pleader "Gonna Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse". Nice segue too from the forgotten Drifters "Like Sister And Brother" into ex-Marmalade man Junior Campbell doing "Sweet Illusion". 

Although it starts out strong with Brian Connelly of The Sweet getting all vocally hysterical on their riffage gem "The Ballroom Blitz" and Ian Hunter's Mott The Hoople reminding us why we loved them so with "Roll Away The Stone" - there is a run of serious Pop Cack from 7 to 14 - dreadful shit. And of course it ends on the two big holiday sevens by Wizzard and Slade (Harvest and Polydor must have made a few quid on these). When you realise that Steely Dan's debut "Can't Buy A Thrill" and second album "Countdown To Ecstasy" hits the shops in January and October 1973 on Probe Records in the UK - there were four 45s Now could have used - in other words what's missing is "Do It Again" and "Reeling In The Years" never mind "Show Biz Kids" or "My Old School". It's a shame that it's so chart-rigid - Wishbone Ash, Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield, Cockney Rebel, Lou Reed, Stevie Wonder and so many more all had huge albums and 45s in 1973 - and they're not here. But alas...

So - why would I give 5-stars to a compilation that has whole swathes of yuck in places (CD4 - hang your head in shame) - because one man's Caustic Soda is another lady's Blueberry Muffin. There are probably bods as old as me who would shed an actual tear of nostalgia on hearing them (me, I came out in hives). 

But that's the thing with these 'Yearbook' sets - there's just so much to like that glitches and blips can be overlooked. Sony Music and Now did make me an offer I couldn't refuse and I advise you to succumb too. As Macca would say, "My Love" does it good...

NOW YEARBOOK '73 UK Discography

"Now Yearbook '73" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBXNOW73 - 0196588183027 (Barcode 196588183027) – released 8 September 2023 as a 4CD 83-Track 28-Page Special Edition Hardback Book with 28-Page Booklet

"Now Yearbook '73" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBNOW73 – 0196588182921 (Barcode 196588182921) – released 8 September 2023 as a 4CD 83-Track Eight-Panel Card Sleeve 'Standard Edition' with No Booklet

"Now Yearbook '73" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI LPYBNOW734 - 0196588182815 (Barcode 196588182815) – released 8 September 2023 as a 3LP RED VINYL Edition with 47-Tracks Truncated down from the 4CD edition.

"Now Yearbook Extra '73 - 60 More Essential Hits From 1973" on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW73 - 0196588268833 (Barcode 196588268823) – released 13 October 2023 as a 3CD 60-Track Companion Volume in a Tri-Gatefold Six Panel Card Sleeve with No Booklet