"Trojan 50" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (August 2018 UK BMG/Trojan 4LP/6CD/2x7"/Memorabilia LP-Sized Box Set of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Young, Gifted And Black..."

On paper the 4LP/6CD/2x7" Box Set "Trojan 50" looks the sumptuous business - a 12" x 12" all-labels retrospective 'celebrating 50 years of Trojan Records' (1968 to 2018). From the gorgeous embossed Trojan Logo artwork and attached card rear, the arm-wrestling weight and silk ribbon inside to lift out the snazzy contents - it's a beautiful thing to hold in your grubby paws for sure. But having lived with this LP-sized beast since its Friday, 10 August 2018 release date and as a huge fan of the iconic British Reggae label – I’m finding the actual music listen a bit underwhelming in places - and on the presentation front side at least - for me it's strangely scant of details and oddly unsatisfying. Bluntly you're probably going to get more actual discography info from this review than you will from the reissue itself. There's a lot of Reggae in your Jeggae to get through, so here goes...

UK/Europe released Friday, 10 August 2018 - "Trojan 50 Box Set" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on BMG/Trojan TROJAN50 (Barcode 4050538379709) is a non-numbered 12" x 12" LP-sized 193-Track Box Set. It consists of 4 x Themed Vinyl LPs covering UK singles and key songs (48 Tracks), 2 x 3CD Themed Compilations called "Trojan Mix 1" and "Trojan Mix 2" (141 Tracks), 2 x 7" singles (4 Tracks), a 130+Page LP-sized Hardback Book called "Trojan: Art Of The Album", a double-sided A2 colour poster with the 50 LPs featured in the book pictured on one side and the box set artwork on the other, 2 x exclusive 7" singles on Trojan and Trojan Reloaded, a red turntable slipmat (Trojan Records, Est. 1968), a wooden Trojan Records 7" single adapter and a sew-on Trojan Records badge. With discography details added, it breaks down as follows…

ALBUMS

LP1 – "Trojan Hits Volume 1" (Trojan TBL 1031)

Side A:

1. Red, Red Wine – TONY TRIBE (April 1969 UK 7" single on Downtown DT 419, A-side - peaked at No. 46, UK charts)

2. Return Of Django - UPSETTERS (January 1969 UK 7" single on Upsetter US 301, A-side - peaked at No. 5)

3. Skinhead Moon Stomp - SYMARIP (October 1969 UK 7" single on Treasure Isle TI 7050, A-side – peaked at No. 54)

4. Long Shot Kick De Bucket - THE PIONEERS (August 1969 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 672, A-side - peaked at No. 21)

5. Liquidator - HARRY J. ALL STARS (August 1969 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 675, A-side - peaked at No. 8)

6. Sweet Sensation - THE MELODIANS (December 1968 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 695, A-side - peaked at No. 41)

Side B:

1. Young, Gifted And Black - BOB & MARCIA (February 1970 UK 7" single on Harry J HJ 6605, A-side - peaked at No. 5)

2. Monkey Man - THE MAYTALS (February 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7711, A-side - peaked at No. 47)

3. Love Of The Common People - NICKY THOMAS (May 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7750, A-side - peaked at No. 9)

4. You Can Get It If You Really Want It - DESMOND DEKKER (August 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7777, A-side - peaked at No. 2)

5. Black Pearl - HORACE FAITH (September 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7790, A-side - peaked at No. 13)

6. Double Barrel - DAVE & ANSEL COLLINS (August 1970 UK 7" single on Techniques TE 901, A-side - peaked at No. 1)

LP2 - "Trojan Hits Volume 2" (Trojan TBL 1033)

Side A:

1. Rain - BRUCE RUFFIN (April 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7814, A-side - peaked at No. 19)

2. Pied Piper - BOB & MARCIA (May 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7818, A-side - peaked at No. 11)

3. Black And White - GREYHOUND (May 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7820, A-side - peaked at No. 6)

4. Monkey Spanner - DAVE & ANSEL COLLINS (June 1971 UK 7" single on Techniques TE 914, A-side - peaked at No. 7)

5. Let Your Year Be Yeah - THE PIONEERS (July 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7825, A-side - peaked at No. 5)

6. Moon River - GREYHOUND (December 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7848, A-side - peaked at No. 12)

Side B:

1. Give And Take - THE PIONEERS (December 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7846, A-side - peaked at No. 35)

2. I Am What I Am - GREYHOUND (March 1972 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7853, A-side - peaked at No. 20)

3. Suzanne Beware Of The Devil - DANDY LIVINGSTONE (August 1972 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 16, A-side - peaked at No. 14)

4. Big Seven - JUDGE DREAD (November 1972 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 613, A-side - peaked at No. 8)

5. Everything I Own - KEN BOOTHE (May 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7920, A-side - peaked at No. 1)

6. Help Me Make It Through The Night - JOHN HOLT (December 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7909, A-side - peaked at No. 6)

LP3 - "Dancing Time" (Trojan TBL 1034)

Side A:

1. Sufferation 1969 - JUSTIN HINDS & THE DOMINOES (2012 UK 7" single on Duke/Trojan THB 7023, A-side, 500 Copies Only, Previously Unreleased 1969 Recording)

2. Dancing Time - DESMOND DEKKER & THE ACES (2011 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7005, A-side, 250 Copies, Previously Unreleased Recording at the time)

3. I'm Shocking - THE ETHIOPIANS (2011 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7012, A-side, Previously Unreleased 1968 Recording)

4. (Baby) I'll Be Yours - THE GAYLADS (2013 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7024, A-side, 500 copies only, Previously Unreleased at the time)

5. Lick It Back - WINSTON SAMUELS (2010 UK 7" single on Randy's/Trojan THB 7002, B-side to "Pepper Pot" by Count Machuki & Randy's All Stars, 250 copies, Previously Unreleased at the time)

6. Easy Come, Easy Go - THE PIONEERS (2011 UK 7" single on Doctor Bird/Trojan THB 7007, A-side, 400 copies)

Side B:

1. Do The Boogaloo - THE MAYTALS (April 2011 'Record Store Day' UK 7" single on Beverley's/Trojan THB 7008, A-side, 760 copies only, Previously Unreleased at the time)

2. Soul Love - JOEY & GROUP with Tommy McCook and The Supersonics (2013 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7028, A-side, 500 copies only, Previously Unreleased at the time)

3. Reggae To Jeggae - TOMMY McCOOK (2010 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7004, B-side to "Deep In My Soul" by Monty Morris, 400 copies only, Previously Unreleased 1968 recording)

4. Terrible Mistake - ERIC MORRIS (2013 UK 7" single on Universal/Island WI-3163, A-side, 500 Copies, Previously Unreleased at the time)

5. The Lesson - THE TEACHER MAN (2013 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7025, B-side to "Michelle" by Tommy McCook and The Supersonics, 500 copies only, Previously Unreleased Duke Reid Productions)

6. Mettle - THE PIONEERS (2013 UK 7" single on Trojan THB 7026, A-side, 500 copies, Previously Unreleased at the time)

LP4 - "Reggae Goes Pop" (Trojan TBL 1035)

Side A:

1. What Am I To Do (Strings Version) - TONY SCOTT (from the November 2003 4CD Box Set "Muzik City: The Story Of Trojan")

2. Got To Come Back (Strings Version) - DELANO STEWART (2018, Previously Unreleased)

3. Feel A Little Better (Strings Version) - LLOYD PARKS & THE TECHNIQUES (from the October 2004 3CD set "Trojan Reggae Rarities Box Set")

4. Fire And Rain - THE GAYLADS (1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7799, A-side, Cover of a James Taylor song)

5. Lonely Man (Strings Version) - DAVE BARKER (from the October 2004 3CD set "Trojan Reggae Rarities Box Set")

6. Weep (Strings Version) - BOB ANDY (2018, Previously Unreleased)

Side B:

1. Funny - RUPERT CUNNINGHAM (December 1970 UK 7" single on Duke DU 98, A-side)

2. Working On It Night And Day - THE ACES (October 1972 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7873, A-side)

3. Suzanne, Beware Of The Devil - NICKY THOMAS (August 1972 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7862, A-side)

4. A Little Bit Of Soap - THE PIONEERS (April 1973 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7906, A-side)

5. Lord Pity Us All - MARTIN RILEY (January 1973 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 24, A-side)

6. Come On Girl - JACKIE EDWARDS (October 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7836, A-side)

SINGLES:

1. You Have Caught Me b/w The Little That You Have - THE MELODIANS (A) and JUSTIN HINDS & THE DOMINOES (B)

August 2018, Trojan THB 7031

2. Real Reggae Music ft. Tippa Irie b/w (DJ Madd Remix of A Side) - REGGAE ROAST SOUNDSYSTEM (A & B)

August 2018, Trojan Reloaded TJRS001

VINYL:

The four albums are catalogue numbers TBL 1031, 1033, 1034 and 1035 - but quite what happened to TBL1032 on LP2 is a mystery - probably just wrong allocation of numbers. The first two albums simple take the bulk of CD1 from the 2011 six-disc Box Set "The Story Of Trojan Records" and transfer 24 of its 25 songs onto two LPs with 12-tracks on each record to allow for fidelity and aural punch - a smart move because these LPs sound fabulous. The colour-coded artwork for each long-player is cute if not a little dull (no inner sleeves either) and I can't help thinking that it would have been better to present the first two as a double-album simply called "Trojan Hits" in a gatefold sleeve. That would have allowed the inner gatefold to be used as a pictorial display for all those fantastic UK 7" single labels I've catalogued above thereby giving newbies a taste of what original 60ts and 70ts fans loved so much about Trojan Records and its subsidiary labels - the aural AND visual impact. LP3 "Dancing Time" takes a slew of the 250-to-500 only copies limited edition Universal/BMG UK 7" single releases issued between 2010 and 2014 on the Trojan Records 'THB' Series and puts them on an album for the first time (I believe). It's a very nice touch actually, as fans wanting to find these niche 45s would have to resort to expensive auction sites to acquire them. Duplication between the CDs and Vinyl is also at a minimum and there is even a couple of Previously Unreleased cuts on LP4 alongside 70ts single side rarities never before on a long-player.

CDs:

"Trojan Mix 1" (Trojan TJTCD573 (Barcode 4050538385731)

CD1 "Hits, Gems & Near Misses, 1968-1975" (74:41 minutes):

1. Thunderstorm - KARL 'King Cannon Ball' BRYAN (December 1968 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 636, A)

2. This Life Makes Me Wonder - DELROY WILSON (April 1969 UK 7" single on Blue Cat BS 155, B-side to "Dip It Up" by The Sparkers - credited originally as "This Life Make Me")

3. Mind Yourself [aka "You Think You Too Bad"] - THE ROYALS (June 1969 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 662, B-side to "Pick Out Me Eye" - credited as "Think You Too Bad")

4. Denver - CLYDE McPHATTER (September 1969 UK 7" single on B&C Records CB 106, A - Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham song)

5. Pickney Gal - DESMOND DEKKER & THE ACES (1969 UK 7" single on Pyramid PYR 6078, A - Leslie Kong Production)

6. Bread On The Table - COUNT SUCKLE with FREDDIE NOTES and THE RUDIES (1970 UK 7" single on Q Records Q 2201, B-side to "Please Don't Go")

7. Sugar Cane - RICHARD ACE and CHARLES ROSS ALL STARS (Trojan TR 7789 was released 1970 as 'Duke DU 98' with a Matrix No. TR 7789 in the run-out grooves. It was the B-side to "Funny" and both the Duke Records A&Bs were credited to Rupert Cunningham only - with no mention of Richard Ace or Charlie Ross)

8. Montego Bay - FREDDIE NOTES and THE RUDIES (September 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7791, A)

9. Off Limits - CHARLIE ACE and THE AQUARIANS (April 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7814, B-side to "Rain" by Bruce Ruffin - both sides credited to Bruce Ruffin with no mention of Charlie Ace or The Aquarians)

10. Sir Collins Special - LORD CHALMERS and SIR COLLINS (1971 UK 7" single on Smash SMA 2321, A, original credited to Collins All Stars)

11. Brandy - SCOTT ENGLISH (September 1971 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 7, A)

12. Chop Sticks - THE DELTONES (November 1971 UK 7" single on Green Door GO 4010, A)

13. Hysteriacade - COUNT PRINCE MILLER (November 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7842, A)

14. Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 - NEASDON CONNECTION (October 1972 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 17, A)

15. Big Six - JUDGE DREAD (August 1972 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 608, A)

16. Think About That - DANDY LIVINGSTONE (December 1972 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 25, B-side of "Big City")

17. Ain't It Groovy - BUSTER PEARSON (March 1973 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 616, A)

18. Big Eight - JUDGE DREAD (April 1973 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 619, A)

19. Behold - THE SETTERS (from the August 1974 Various Artists LP "20 Tighten Ups" on Trojan TRLS 90)

20. We Are Not The Same - CIMARONS (May 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7919, B-side to "Over The Rainbow")

21. Passing Strangers - THE MARVELS (November 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7937, A)

22. Crying Over You - KEN BOOTHE (December 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7944, A - co-write with Lloyd Chalmers)

23. This Monday Morning Feeling - TITO SIMON (October 1974 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 57, A)

24. Running Over - FREDDIE McKAY and DANSAK (1975 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7971, B-side of "Help Me")

25. Nothing Is Impossible - INTERNS [aka The Viceroys] (March 1975 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8097, A – credited as Interns - Winston Riley song and production)

CD2 "Show I The Way - Roots, Dub & Lovers, 1976-1978" (73:30 minutes):

1. The Voice Of The Father -GLEN WASHINGTON (March 1976 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8123, A)

2. Niah Dread - LESTER LEWIS (April 1976 UK 7" single on Attack AT 8127, A)

3. White Bird Come Down - THUNDERBALL (May 1976 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8128, A)

4. Show I The Way - JAH WOOSH (July 1976 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8129, A)

5. Fight Down - LIZZARD (October 1976 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8130, A)

6. Another Moses - ETHIOPIANS (September 1976 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8131, A)

7. We've Got To Part - TREVOR SHIELD and THE BELTONES (April 1976 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 123, B-side to "Everybody's Got A Song To Sing" by The Cables)

8. My Love For You Is Over Now - DOREEN MURRAY (May 1976 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 126, A)

9. I Don't Want To Be A Beggar - RUDOLPH MOWATT (October 1976 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 127, A)

10. Jah Ital - DIEGO and THE SONS OF JAH (April 1977 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9001, A)

11. African Woman - WINSTON FERGUS (May 1977 UK 7" single on Lightning TRO 9010, A)

12. Key Of Keys - MICHAEL ROSE (June 1977 UK 7" single on Trojan Rockers TRO 9019, A)

13. The Slave Trade - ONE LOVE (August 1977 UK 7" single on Lightning TRO 9025, A)

14. Peace Pipe Dub - JOE WHITE (from the 1977 Various Artists UK LP "Tight Rock" on Trojan TMLP 1)

15. Stranger In Love - ELI EMMANUEL (1978 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8133, A)

16. Happiness - THE DINGLES (July 1977 UK 7" single on Trojan Rockers TRO 9023, A)

17. Dignity And Principle - BIG JOE (July 1977 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 138, A)

18. I'm Still In Love With You Girl - ALTON ELLIS (July 1977 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 141, A - credited as "I Am Still In Love")

19. Opportunity - EARL GEORGE [aka George Faith] (August 1977 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 143, A)

20. Segregation - TONY SEXTON (1978 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 153, A)

21. Right Road To Zion - THE JAHLIGHTS (March 1978 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9034, A)

22. Let's Spend The Night Together - TEDDY and THE DISCOLETTES (1978 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9040, A - Rolling Stones cover)

23. Tell The Children The Truth - JIMMY RILEY (1978 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9050, A - original credit "Tell The Youths The Truth")

CD 3: "Ghetto-Ology - Dancehall & Digital Sounds, 1979-1988" (78:12 minutes):

1. Barberman Bawling - WELL PLEASED AND SATISFIED (1979 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9053, A)

2. Nothing Gained (From Loving You) - MARIE PIERRE (1979 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9055, A)

3. Why Won't You Come On - BIM SHERMAN (1979 UK 12" single on Attack TACK 9, B-side to "Thunder And Lightning")

4. Liquid Horns - VIN GORDON and THE CORNER SHOTS (September 1979 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9058, A)

5. Ghetto-Ology - SUGAR MINOTT (1983 UK 12" single on Trojan TROT-9069, A)

6. We Got To Make It - DAVID ISAACS (1979 UK 12" single on Attack TACK 14, B-side to "Colour Of The Rainbow" - both sides credited to Dave Richards)

7. How Can A Man Be Happy - TRISTAN PALMA (1980 UK 12" single on Attack TACK 25, A)

8. Fight Fight Fight - SOWELL RADICS (1980 UK 12" single on Attack TACK 27, A)

9. Take Five [aka "The Russians Are Coming"] - VAL BENNETT and THE REVOLUTIONARIES (January 1981 UK 7" single 4-Track EP "Trojan Explosion - Reggae Instrumental Hits" on Trojan TMX 4012, 2nd Song on Side A – Dave Brubeck cover version)

10. Time Is Important To Me - THE VICEROYS (from the 1982 UK LP "We Must Unite" on Trojan TRLS 208)

11. Give To The Poor - THE MAJESTERIANS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

12. Killerman Jarrett - WINSTON JARRETT (1984 Recording not originally released in the UK)

13. Sensi For Sale - SANDRA ROBINSON and THE TUFF TONES (1985 UK 12" single on Trojan TROT 9079, A)

14. Pirate - THE ETHIOPIANS (1986 UK 12" single on Trojan TROT-9085, A - re-recording of a 1971 song - original on B-side of the 12")

15. Dancing Shoes - GEORGE DEKKER (1986 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9089, A - credited as "Reggae Man")

16. (Who Is He) What Is Man - VIVIAN WEATHERS (1987 UK 12" single on Trojan TROT 9096, A)

17. Jailhouse - PRIVATE TABBY (1987 UK 12" single on Trojan TROT 9087, A)

18. The Original Man - ANDREW TOSH (from the 1988 UK LP "The Original Man" on Attack ATLP 102)

"Trojan Mix 2" (Trojan TJTCD574 (Barcode 4050538385779)

CD1: "Party Tonight, Unreleased & Rarities, 1968-1974" (72:10 minutes):

1. Ska Beat - RICO and HIS ALL STARS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

2. Who La La (Alternate Take) - GLEN BROWN (2018, Previously Unreleased)

3. Party Tonight - SILVERTONES (December 1968 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 637, B-side to "Time Marches On" by The Race Fans)

4. Girls Galore - PHIL PRATT and THE CALTONE ALL STARS (1968, not originally released in the UK)

5. Time Marches On (Alternate Take) - DAVID ISAACS and THE RACE FANS (1968, not originally released in the UK)

6. Creature From The Moon - KING HORROR (2018, Previously Unreleased)

7. Too Experienced (Alternate Version) - OWEN GRAY (2018, Previously Unreleased)

8. Girl I've Got A Date - WINSTON FRANCIS and THE RUDIES (January 1970 UK 7" single on Grape GR 3011, B-side of "Babylon" - credited on original single on both sides as Freddie Notes and The Rudies)

9. Green River - ANONYMOUSLY YOURS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

10. My Desire (Alternate Take) - THE YARDBROOMS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

11. Dread It - GLEN WALKER (1967, not originally released in the UK)

12. Tennessee Waltz - HUGH HENDRICKS and THE BUCCANEERS (1969, not originally released in the UK)

13. Do The Moonwalk - THE RUDIES (2018, Previously Unreleased)

14. Hey Jude (Alternate Take) - THE DYNAMITES (2018, Previously Unreleased)

15. Deep In My Soul - RICK (1970, Previously Unreleased)

16. Sycilidin - SIR COLLINS ALL STARS (1969 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 551, A - possibly unreleased)

17. Wide Awake In A Dream - AL BARRY (2018, Previously Unreleased)

18. Bush Beat - LLOYD and THE PROPHETS (May 1970 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 553, A)

19. Just My Imagination (Alternate Version) - DAVE BARKER (2018, Previously Unreleased)

20. Soul Inspiration - GLEN ADAMS and THE HIPPY BOYS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

21. Loving Feeling - I ROY (2018, Previously Unreleased)

22. Old Man River - ANSEL COLLINS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

23. Lonely For Your Love (Alternate Mix) - NICKY THOMAS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

24. Niki Holiday - THE MARVELS (2018, Previously Unreleased)

25. You Have To Pay - LINVAL THOMPSON (2018, Previously Unreleased)

CD2: "The A To Q Of Trojan [The Subsidiary Labels]" (69:42 minutes):

1. Having A Party - DENNIS WALKS (July 1968 UK 7" single on Amalgamated AMG 816, A)

2. Nana - THE SLICKERS (1968 UK 7" single on Blue Cat BS 134, A)

3. You Know What I Mean - THE INSPIRATIONS (1969 UK 7" single on Upsetter US 300, B-side of "Eight For Eight")

4. Burial Of Longshot, Pt. II - GEORGE LEE and THE RUDIES (1969 UK 7" single on Downtown DT 441, B-side of "Pt. I" by Prince Of Darkness)

5. Whisper A Little Prayer - AUDLEY ROLLEN (1970 UK 7" single on Explosion EX 2040, A - Original issue mistakenly credits Hugh Roy as the artist when its Audley Rollen)

6. Angel - THE VIBRATORS (1970 UK 7" single on Clan Disc CLA 218, B-side of "Don't Mind Me" by Higgs and Wilson [Joe Higgs and Roy Wilson] - a Clancy Eccles Production - The Vibrators aren't credited on the original 45)

7. Piccadilly Hop - HIPPY BOYS (1970 UK 7" single on High Note HS 038, A)

8. Everytime - THE ITALS (December 1970 UK 7" single on Big BG 304, A)

9. You, Yes You - THE REACTION with THE CIMARONS (October 1970 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8022, A)

10. Don't Play That Song - DELROY WILLIAMS and THE REACTION (October 1970 UK 7" single on Joe JRS 11, A)

11. Equal Rights - THE CABLES (1970 UK 7" single on Harry J HJ 6620, B-side of "Feel All Right")

12. Crazy Rhythm - WINSTON WRIGHT (1970 UK 7" single on Techniques TE-907, B-side to "Top Secret")

13. Love You The Most - LLOYD CLARKE (April 1971 UK 7" single on Black Swan BW 1405, A)

14. I'll Be Right There - THE SENSATIONS (1971 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 591, A - original 45 credits Rad Bryan as the artist)

15. Little Boy Blue - VERNE and ALVIN [aka The Maytones] (October 1971 UK 7" single on GG Records GG 4523, A - original 45 credits Verne and Son as the artist)

16. Africa Is Paradise - THE CONSCIOUS MINDS (September 1971 UK 7" single on Green Door GD 4001, B-side to "One Big Unhappy Family" by The Charmers)

17. A Little Love - JIMMY LONDON and THE IMPACT ALL STARS (October 1971 UK 7" single on Randy's RAN 520, A)

18. I'll Be There - ALTON ELLIS (March 1971 UK 7" single on Smash SMA 2320, A)

19. Lollipop Girl - DERRICK HARRIOTT (June 1971 UK 7" single on Song Bird SB 1055, A)

20. Bogus-ism - THE CIMMARONS (April 1971 UK 7" single on Spinning Wheel SW 107, B-side of "Soul For Sale")

21. Sounds Of Babylon - SAMUEL THE FIRST (1971 UK 7" single on Summit SUM 8515, A)

22. My Best Dress - TOMMY McCOOK and THE SUPERSONICS (June 1971 UK 7" single on Treasure Isle TI 7058, B-side to "One Life To Live, One Love to Give" by Phyllis Dillon)

23. Don't Try To Use Me - HORACE ANDY (August 1973 UK 7" single on Bread BR 1120, A)

24. You're The One I Love - DOROTHY RUSSELL (1973 UK 7" single on Duke Reid DR 2524, A)

25. Darling Dry Your Eyes - BARRINGTON SPENCE (1975 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 99, A)

CD3: "Blood & Fire - The Hit-Makers" (71:17 minutes):

1. Donkey Returns - BROTHER DAN ALL STARS (July 1968 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 601, A)

2. The Bullet - RICO RODRIGUEZ and THE RUDIES (May 1969 UK 7" single on Blue Cat BS 160, A)

3. Fire Corner - KING STITT (June 1969 UK 7" single on Duke DU 30, A - original 45 mistakenly credited to Clancy Eccles)

4. Put A Little Love In Your Heart - MARCIA GRIFFITHS (October 1969 UK 7" single on Harry J Records TR 693, A - cover of the Jackie DeShannon hit)

5. Wear You To The Ball - U ROY (November 1970 UK 7" single on Duke Reid DR 2513, A - original 45 credited to Hugh Roy and John Holt)

6. You Can't Wine - KINGSTONIANS (1970 UK 7" single on Duke DU 88, A)

7. She Want It - DAVE BARKER (1970 UK 7" single on High Note HS 049, A)

8. Satisfaction - CARL DAWKINS (1970 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7765, A)

9. What Greater Love - TEDDY BROWN (October 1970 UK 7" single on TR 7793, A)

10. 54-46 Was My Number - THE MAYTALS (January 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7808, A)

11. Blood And Fire - NINEY (February 1971 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 568, A)

12. East Of The River Nile - AUGUSTUS PABLO (May 1971 UK 7" single on Big Shot BI 579, A - original 45 credited to Herman)

13. Follow The Leader - GREYHOUND (September 1971 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7834, A)

14. Mother And Child Reunion - THE PIONEERS (February 1972 UK 7" single on Trojan TR 7852, A - original 45 credits the artists as The Uniques – a Paul Simon cover version)

15. The Further You Look (The Less You See) - JOHN HOLT (1972 UK 7" single on Horse HOSS 22, A)

16. Money In My Pocket - DENNIS BROWN (1972 UK 7" single on Pressure Beat PB 5513, A - original 45 credited to Joe Gibbs and The Professionals)

17. Lonely Woman - HORACE ANDY (1972 UK 7" single on Song Bird SB 1085, A)

18. S.90 Skank - BIG YOUTH (December 1972 UK 7" single on Down Town DT 492, B-side to "True True To My Heart" by Keith Hudson - original 45 credits B-side as "Ace 90")

19. Stalag 17 - ANSEL COLLINS (from the 1974 LP "Green Mango" by Tommy and Bobby [Tommy McKay and Bobby Ellis] on Attack ATLP 1004 - credited as "Stack Lack No. 17" on the original album)

20. Fire Burning - BOB ANDY (July 1974 UK 7" single on Harry J Records HJ 6676, A - original 45 credits artist as Keith Anderson)

21. None Shall Escape The Judgement - JOHNNY CLARKE (March 1974 UK 7" single on Explosion EX 2089, A)

22. Love Is Overdue, Pt. I - GREGORY ISAACS (1974 UK 7" single on Attack ATT 8066, A)

23. Hurt So Good - SUSAN CADOGAN (from the 1976 UK LP "Susan Cadogan" on Trojan TRLS 122)

24. Sad And Lonely - KEN BOOTHE (from the 1974 UK LP "Everything I Own" on Trojan TRLS 95, A)

25. Keep It Like It Is - LOUISA MARK (February 1977 UK 7" single on Trojan TRO 9005, A)

PRESENTATION:

The Hardback Book is the first thing that really catches your eye – an LP-sized monster that features 50 iconic and relevant album sleeves in full one-page splendor - from 1968's first flush "Dandy Returns" by Dandy Livingstone on TRL 2 (Dandy looking dapper as he exits a BOAC jet with his BOAC carry bag onto mobile BOAC steps) right through until the April 2018 Record Store Day Box Set of 10 x 45s called "Get Ready Rock Steady" on Trojan TJBOX-004. In-between you get the first two Various Artist volumes of the "Tighten Up" series - both 1969 LPs featuring C.C.S Advertising Associates 'girls' artwork (heavy sellers for the label and most people's introduction to Trojan Records as a label - I still have my original "Tighten Up" with its 14/6d price sticker!). Then on to the 1970 LP "Soul Rebels" for Bob Marley and The Wailers with a bare-chested machine-gun moll by the river (Produced by Lee Perry) and the cartoon guns of Dave and Ansel Collins and their "Double Barrel". It's so cool to see race-breaker covers like "Love Of The Common People" by Nicky Thomas (a black and white child kissing innocently) and Greyhound's "Black And White" (where two different colour hands intertwine as one). 

Many will recognise the "Club Reggae" compilation sleeve from 1971, John Holt's "One Thousand Volts" from 1973 and Ken Boothe's "Everything I Own" from 1974 (common in secondhand shops for decades). But few will have seen copies of 1968's Various Artists set "Soul Of Jamaica", 1970's "Woman Capture Man" by The Ethiopians, 1973's "Silver Bullets" by The Silvertones or even Prince Jammy's 1979 album "Kamikaze Dub". Being Reggae and Ska - fruitiness and crudity were never far away either - a working girl with handbag hanging outside the market in "Brixton Cat" - a Blue Cat Records compilation (the lady was Joe Mansano's sister-in-law Peggy Jackson, Joe managed "Joe's Record Centre" in Granville Arcade in Brixton that stocked all the Trojan labels) - Millie semi-naked astride a banana for 1970's "Time Will Tell" - a biddy in a doorway giving the finger to Judge Dread on his notorious "Dreadmania" LP from 1973 featuring the decidedly naughty "Big Seven" and the exploits of Little Jack Horner (not thinking about a corner).

There are essays alongside each LP sleeve either by someone in the know or LAURENCE CANE-HONEYSETT - keeper of the Trojan flame and author of several books on the subject. But a real downside is no track-lists - nor even an indication as to whether or not any songs from these pictured LPs are in the box or where to find them if they are. The two CD sets have no annotation at all except basic catalogue numbers nor do the LPs or sevens. In fact I can't help thinking that the inclusion of “The Trojan Story” book too would have been better instead of charging fans an extra £20 to get it separately.

I'm already making CD2 of "Trojan Mix 2" my go-to Disc - it's where the Box Set focuses on the subsidiary labels hovering around Trojan - cool outlets like Blue Cat Records, Amalgamated, Duke, High Note, Big Shot, Attack, Summit, Clan Disc, Smash and Harry J (to name but a few). That many of these are non-album B-sides, which to my knowledge have never made it onto digital until now is all the more sweet. The Audio is of course a wildly mixed bag ranging from gutbucket-rough to gut-punch good - but while you wouldn't say the wickedly cool Ska instrumentals of 'Pt. II' of "Burial Of Longshot" by George Lee or "Piccadilly Hop" by the Hippy Boys for instance is Steely Dan in their aural perfection - the sheer good-time vibe it and so many other songs evoke wipes all other considerations out of the equation. And how good is it to hear The Cimarons and the Lee Perry Productions and those 2018 Previously Unreleased cuts. Aunty Harriet in Seven Sisters would approve and that's good enough for me...

I’m still digesting "Trojan 50" and discovering new thrills (I suspect I might be a few weeks doing just that). And at a very tasty £87 or the equivalent amount in dollars – you can easily argue that "Trojan 50" is Crawb Up and Fluffy Fat for the Cheddar.

But as it stands – I Baz (the Jah Righteous) Rude Boy is doing the Killerman Boogaloo and feeling the irration of a nation in vexed sufferation whilst letting my yeah be yeah and my no be no (if you know what I and I is saying).

Maad and big tings recommended…

"So Who The Hell Is STACK WADDY? The Complete Works 1970-1972" by STACK WADDY (November 2017 UK Cherry Red 3CD Reissue with 2007 Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Almost 300 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD - Volume 3 of 3

- Exceptional CD Remasters

As well as 1960s and 1970s Rock and Pop - It Also Focuses On

Blues Rock, Prog Rock, Psych, Avant Garde, Underground

Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Country Rock and more

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

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

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"...The Meat Pies Are Here..."

Talk about yer British underdog unknowns. I was the Rarities Manager at Reckless Records in Soho for nearly 20 years and Stack Waddy albums on John Peel's Dandelion Records we're not as they say in used-record parlance - growing on the ample side of your Aunty Godzilla's posterior.

Listed in the 2018 Edition of the Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide at £175 each - these grotty slices of early Seventies boogie hedonism must have sold absolute jack at the time (with some diddly squat thrown in for good measure). In fact I’d say I've seen actual physical copies of their February 1971 and October 1972 LPs maybe three times over four decades of collecting and listening. I suppose the egg 'n' greasy chips Ten Years After boogie of Manchester's Stack Waddy just didn't blend in with 1971 and 1972 - years dominated by sensitive singer-songwriters, horizon-expanding Prog Rock and eventually the speckled face-glitter, lip-gloss and boa-scarf prancing of androgynous Glam Rockers.

It didn't help either that with only two original songs on the debut and three on the follow-up (all others were R&B and Blues standards) and their almost deliberate grimy, lo-fi production values courtesy of big fan British DJ John Peel - Stack Waddy felt like little more than a glorified covers band. On the plus side – lead singer, harmonica player and whistling shouter John Knail had a voice that was literally channelling Captain Beefheart's vocal growl on every song - whilst guitarist Mick Stott went Bo Diddley on his undoubtedly physically traumatised guitar. Not a bad combo says you - and you'd be right - at times these low down, dirty, gutbucket versions are like Budgie's no-nonsense aural assault - get in, do the gritty business and leave. But then at other times they simply sound derivative – uninspired and if they extend three-minute wonders to something more drawn out - overstay their welcome entirely. The overall listen is a bit of both, truth be told. To specifics…

This is not the first time for Cherry Red Records and Stack Waddy – CR reissued both albums onto Remastered 'Expanded Edition' CDs back in July 2007 with 9 Bonus Tracks on the debut and 5 on the second. All 14 of those then Previously Unreleased versions have been gathered onto Disc 3 here in 2017. So although there’s technically nothing new here - Cherry Red's slimly packaged triple-disc card pack does offer up a very cool reminder – once more making available genuinely desirable 70ts platters whilst throwing Rarities, Out-Takes and BBC Concert Recordings into the sozzled bargain. Here are the Repossession Blues and Milk Cow Booze...

UK released 17 November 2017 - "So Who The Hell Is STACK WADDY? The Complete Works 1970-1972" by STACK WADDY on Cherry Red Records CDTRED 713 (Barcode 5013929171336) is a 3CD retrospective featuring their two studio albums "Stack Waddy" (1971) and "Bugger Off" (1972) along with Bonus Rarities and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 "Stack Waddy" (35:49 minutes):

1. Road Runner [Side 1]

2. Bring It To Jerome

3. Mothballs

4. Sure 'Nuff 'N' Yes I Do

5. Love Story

6. Susie Q [Side 2]

7. Country Line Special

8. Rollin' Stone

9. Mystic Eyes

10. Kentucky

Tracks 1 to 10 are their debut album "Stack Waddy" - released February 1971 in the UK on Dandelion Records DAN 8003 (no US issue). Produced by JOHN and SHEILA PEEL (credited at Eddie Lee Beppeaux and Miss Pig) - it didn't chart. All tracks are cover versions except "Mothballs" and "Kentucky" which are band compositions

Disc 2 "Bugger Off" (44:04 minutes):

1. Rosalyn [Side 1]

2. Willie The Pimp

3. I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man

4. It's All Over Now

5. Several Yards (Foxtrot)

6. You Really Got Me

7. I'm A Lover, Not A Fighter [Side 2]

8. Meat Pies 'Ave Come But The Band's Not Here Yet!

9. It Ain't Easy

10. Long Tall Sally (Mainly)

11. Repossession Boogie

12. The Girl From Ipanema

Tracks 1 to 12 are their second and last studio album "Bugger Off" ("Bugger Off! on the artwork, "Bugger Off" on the label) - released October 1972 in the UK on Dandelion Records 2310 231 (no US issue).

Disc 3 "Hunt The Stag - Outtakes, Live and Rarities" (62:39 minutes):

1. With One Leap Dan Was By Her Side, 'Muriel' He Breathed

2. Ginny Jo

3. Hunt The Stag

4. Mystic Eyes (Alternative Version)

5. (Almost) Milk Cow Booze

6. Leavin' Here

7. I'm A Lover, Not A Fighter

8. Here Comes The Glimmer Man

9. Nadine

Tracks 1 to 9 first appeared as Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks on the July 2007 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue of "Stack Waddy" on Cherry Red CD MRED 318 (Barcode 5013929131828). Tracks 1 and 2 above recorded November 1970 at the Marquee Studios for an aborted 2nd album - Tracks 3 to 10 recorded May 1971 for the same

10. Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut (Live At The BBC, 1971)

11. Repossession Blues (Live At The BBC, 1971)

12. Lawdy Miss Clawdy...Meets Sooty 'N Sweep (Live At The BBC, 1971)

13. Jack & Jill Meet Blind Pugh On The Spot (Live At The BBC, 1971)

14. Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut

Tracks 10 to 14 first appeared as Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks on the July 2007 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue of "Bugger Off" on Cherry Red CD MRED 331 (Barcode 5013929133129). Tracks 10 to 13 recorded liv at The Paris Theatre, 22 July 1971 and broadcast 12 September 1971 by the BBC. Track 14 is a studio version of "Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut" that first appeared as an exclusive track on the 1972 Dandelion Records Sampler LP "There Is Some Fun Going Forward" on Dandelion 2485 021

STACK WADDY was:

JOHN KNAIL – Lead Vocals, Shouts, Whistles and Harmonica

MICK STOTT – Guitars

STUART BANHAM – Bass

STEVE REVELL - Drums on "Stack Waddy"

JOHN GROOM – Drums on "Bugger Off"

The slim outer card slipcase houses three singular card repro sleeves (as listed above) and a well laid-out, expertly annotated 20-page booklet with new September 2017 liner notes from NIGEL CROSS. Each of the single card sleeves (no gatefold for the debut unfortunately) contains a CD with the three variants of the Dandelion Records label - the two CBS-distributed colours and the Polydor-distributed variant for the 3rd. The booklet's a feast of memorabilia photos - colour snaps of the four-piece in (drunken) full flow, UK label repo's of the rare 45s for "Road Runner" and "You Really Got Me" along with a unique Euro pic sleeve on Polydor for "You Really Got Me" featuring the cover of Zappa's "Willie The Pimp" on the flipside. 

There's Dandelion Records headed letters announcing the debut 45 of "Road Runner" for July 1970 with the album supposed to arrive in September 1970 (it was delayed until February 1971) and even a poster of the 'Progressive Blues Festival' at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derby where DJ shaker and maker John Peel saw, loved and signed the band. Peel’s liner notes for the second LP are here as is John Tobler’s article for the underground Zig Zag magazine reviewing the 2nd album in October 1972. The band’s Bassist Stuart Banham also contributes reminiscences.

There is no mention anywhere of mastering so I'm presuming these are the 2007 versions (no engineers named). These LPs were always lo-fi and that's reflected in the Remaster - but the recordings are still punchy and well done with Disc 3 offering up a tantalising prospect of what Stack Waddy might have been had they had more time to crack the markets or perhaps even just used live shows as their released LPs.

Overall - you can't help thinking that much like Humble Pie who would have to wait until November 1971’s "Performance: Rockin' The Fillmore" to unleash their explosive brew on a stunned world (a full four studio albums since 1969 behind them on two different labels) - Stack Waddy must have been an awesome thing on a good night in the live environment. But even die-hard fans of Blues Boogie and Hard Rock would have to admit that both LPs seem ever so slightly muted in terms of sheer excitement – something lost in translation.

The self-titled debut opens with the album's one and only single "Road Runner" - a cover of the Bo Diddley (Eugene McDaniels) classic paired with "Kentucky" on the B-side - one of only two band originals on the album (penned by all four). Dandelion S 5119 was UK issued 24 July 1970 but received little airplay and reputedly had distribution problems because of a change over from CBS to Warner Brothers. Up next came another Diddley Daddy connection - the Jerome Green song "Bring It To Jerome" which had been covered by Diddley on his 1958 Chess Records debut album "Bo Diddley". What strikes you about the opening duel salvo is two things - Knail's rasping almost hysterical Beefheart kind of voice and the raw nature of the band's performance as loosely captured by Peel. 

Stack Waddy reminded you of booze and bars and bands playing with cheap equipment rammed up too loud. Their cover of Jethro Tull's "Love Story" is a clever take on a familiar song, the same for the Cyril Davis shuffler "Country Line Special" - but their decidedly ordinary version of "Susie Q" was done better by Creedence over on Liberty Records (originally a hit for Dale Hawkins). And in a song that should have been bread and butter to the band - their Muddy Waters "Rolling Stone" version is oddly unappetising for such a bulletproof standard. The day is saved by Van Morrison's Them and their "Mystic Eyes" - here turned into a six-minute droning guitar-blaster the Belfast band would have been utterly bemused by. Stack Waddy's debut album ends on "Mothballs" – the album's other original - a sort of second rate Chuck Berry knockoff that's good rather than great and has some really naff production.

While the debut could lay claim to a sheer passion that still reverberates to this day – the band should have seen the writing on the wall. Without their own tunes and an audience for that crash-bang-wallop Stack Waddy sound – LP number two would be the end of them – and it was. Peel rejected the aborted ‘Marquee Studio’ sessions for the second platter as 'too polished' and we can hear them on Disc 3 (he actually had a point). But despite its derivative and slightly desperate title ("Bugger Off! for God's sake) – their second slice of re-booted covers and three originals is far better in my mind that the debut.

For sure a band doing "The Girl From Ipanema" or "Long Tall Sally" in 1972 was already very old hat - Sha Na Na territory – even if Stack Waddy make a convincing and original-sounding stab at both. But the covers of Zappa's "Willie The Pimp" and The Kinks incendiary "You Really Got Me" shine here as does the incredibly Punky opener "Rosalyn" where Stack Waddy feel like The Stooges had a baby with The New York Dolls. There's a wonderful down-home boogie to the Bobby Womack standard "It's All Over Now" (made more famous by The Stones and Rod Stewart) and I can't help thinking it could have been a shoe-in for a second single but by the album’s release Dandelion Records had run out of money and the band run out of love and stamina. Not that it shows on the LP. Their own "Several Yards (Foxtrot)" is pure dirty Rock - grungy guitar over on the left - wailing Harmonica on the right with Knail giving it some "I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby" growls. A fantastic screw-it-all boogie and chug takes "Meat Pies..." close to Ten Years After at their dirty best (another good original from the band). The vocals are all over the place on "It Ain't Easy" (like Lee Brilleaux of the Feelgoods doing a rough demo) - another messy little boogie beast that feels like fun even now (think Status Quo circa "In My Chair" with Harmonicas). Five and half minutes of their own "Repossession Boogie" shows just how 'Ten Years After' Stack Waddy were – a fantastic little rocker that mixes in Bluesy let-that-boy-boogie-woogie lyrics with huge power chords and frantic Harp – the band on fire as they my-mama-told-me that sucker.

The first nine tracks of Disc 3 are the guts of the aborted second LP and as good as the 'when did you blow in' "Ginny Jo" is - both it (a Ten Years After vibe), the pained "(Almost) Milk Cow Booze" and the stodgy "Hunt The Stag" (a sort of poor man's Black Sabbath) are weak - so it was a smart decision to go with what was released. Their 3:45 minute take on Chuck Berry's "Nadine" sounds like Stack Waddy have just become an embryonic Dr. Feelgood - great fun. Another welcome inclusion for heavy-heavy 70ts nuts is the very grungy studio version of "Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut" that turned up as an exclusive on the Dandelion Records LP sampler "There Is Some Fun In Going Forward" - the kind of snarling beast that would get some bands bottled.

STACK WADDY will not be for everyone and that's for damn sure - but those who love their Rock with a nasty, lowdown snarl should look no further...

"Phoebe Snow" by PHOEBE SNOW - July 1974 US Album on Shelter Records featuring Phil Ramone Productions and Guest Musicians Dave Bromberg, Bob James, Zoot Sims, Dave Mason of Traffic and more (June 1995 US The Right Stuff/Shelter 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue with One Bonus Track - Steve Hoffman Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Almost 300 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD - Volume 3 of 3

- Exceptional CD Remasters

As well as 1960s and 1970s Rock and Pop - It Also Focuses On

Blues Rock, Prog Rock, Psych, Avant Garde, Underground

Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Country Rock and more

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"...You Make Things All Rhyme..."

Like Dory Previn, Judee Sill and even Melissa Manchester - New York's Phoebe Snow released albums that made noises at the time (in this case a career peak position of No. 4 in the States in the Autumn of 1974) - but in truth her work has taken decades for true appreciation to be shown - for the rest of the world to catch up so to speak.

Over in Blighty - Snow remained something of a cult figure for years making a whopping four further albums on Columbia Records (issued through CBS here) between 1976 and 1979. I can recall they would sit in the secondhand racks of Reckless in Soho and Islington for months on end – nestled forlornly alongside Richie Furay, Eric Anderson and Bobby Whitlock LPs - hoping to be bought and loved by someone. Well better late than never...

Gorgeously produced by Dino Airali and mixed by Phil Ramone - the self-titled 9-track album originally on Shelter Records in the USA also boasted top musician contributions - Dave Mason of Traffic, Americana guitar supremo Dave Bromberg, uber sessionman Hugh McDonald on Bass, Bob James on Organ and Zoot Sims on Tenor Sax, Percussionist Ralph Mac Donald and even The Persuasions old-timey Vocal Group lending their lovely lungs on an inspired cover of Sam Cooke's "Good Times (aka Let The Good Times Roll)".

But what marks this CD reissue out for special praise is a glorious Remaster by Steve Hoffman (done at Future Disc Systems in Hollywood) - one of the Engineers behind the 'Audio Fidelity' CD Reissue Label and someone many Audiophiles will seek out just because he twiddled with the master tapes. Let's get to the 'manifold expressions' and poetry men...

US release 22 June 1995 - "Phoebe Snow" by PHOEBE SNOW on The Right Stuff/Shelter T2-31972 (Barcode 724383197224) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue of the 1974 album on Shelter Records with One Bonus Track (Non-Album B-side of a Single) that plays out as follows (39:52 minutes):

1. Good Times [Side 1]

2. Harpo's Blues

3. Poetry Man

4. Either Or Both 

5. San Francisco Bay Blues

6. I Don't Want The Night To End [Side 2]

7. Take Your Children Home

8. It Must Be Sunday

9. No Show Tonight

Tracks 1 to 9 are her debut album "Phoebe Snow" - released July 1974 in the USA on Shelter Records SR 2109 and September 1974 in the UK on Island/Shelter ISA 5010. Produced by DINO AIRALI (Co-Produced and Engineered by PHIL RAMONE) - "Phoebe Snow" peaked at No. 4 in the USA (didn't chart UK). All songs written by Phoebe Snow except "Good Times" by Sam Cooke and "San Francisco Blues" by Jesse Fuller.

BONUS TRACK:

10. Easy Street

Non-album B-side to "Harpo's Blues" - a US 7" single released April 1975 in the USA on Shelter SR-40400

The 8-page booklet is a fairly functional affair – album credits, the lyrics, the side-profile photo of Phoebe that adorned the rear sleeve but not a lot else (shame there wasn’t an assessment of her achievements). But the big news is a STEVE HOFFMAN Remaster (assisted by Engineer TOM BAKER) from original tapes – and this album sounds GLORIOUS – lovely warmth glowing from each song – a transfer that brings out that combo of top session playing and quality production. This is a mellow-mellow Soft Rock LP – it required a deft touch and that’s what you get. Classy indeed. To the slinky music...

With the album released in early July 1974 and not doing much business, Shelter USA pushed out the first of three singles to promote interest - and it worked. The impossibly hooky and Summer vibe-ish cover of Sam Cooke's "Let The Good Times Roll" b/w the equally catchy "Harpo's Blues" led the charge in August 1974 on Shelter SR-40278. Although it didn't make Top 20 per say - strong radio play saw the LP finally hit the Billboard charts in early September 1974 – from whence it made a steady climb to an impressive No. 4. Trying again with "Poetry Man" b/w "Either Or Both" in December 1974 on Shelter SR-40353 - it too would take the long road - finally charting in April 1975 and eventually giving Phoebe Laub (her real name) her first hit single on Billboard. The hugely popular song (and undoubted album highlight) enjoyed an 11-week run - peaking at No. 5 - aided in no small part by her guest duet vocal appearance on the "Gone At Last" track from Paul Simon's 1975 "Still Crazy After All These Years" album. Shelter seized the day again - reaching once more for "Harpo's Blues” as 45 Number Three - but this time putting the non-album "Easy Street" on the flipside - added onto this CD as a Bonus Track.

Side 1 opens with "Good Times" - a soft-shoe-shuffle through a famous Sam Cooke hit that features Steve Burgh of Jacobs Creek on Guitar with the dulcet tones of The Persuasions. You're immediately struck by her strangely intoxicating voice - a warbling refrain as she strums Acoustic Guitar. It gently slides into the Soft Rock of "Harpo's Blues" - Teddy Wilson on Piano, Zoot Sims on Tenor Sax and Bob James on Organ. The self-serving ladie's man wooing all the chicks with his fervent lines inhabits "Poetry Man" - Snow's knowing lyrics filled with sweetness one moment and savagery the next ("..Home's that place, somewhere you go each day, to see your wife..."). Acoustic Americana sails in with "Either Or Both" - just her and Dave Bromberg working an Acoustic Guitar and Dobro - sliding bluesy notes and her doubled vocals making the song feel like an intimate evening in some cellar downtown where you discover a magical force behind the microphone. Side 1 ends on a soft Blues shuffle - just her with an acoustic and Chuck Israels on Upright Bass working their way through the second cover version on the album - Jesse Fuller's "San Francisco Blues" - Snow sounding not unlike a female Tom Waits moaning about a woman who took the ocean liner and ain't likely to be coming back any time soon (what a bounder).  

Side 2 opens with a double-dose of mid-tempo shuffles - "I Don't Want The Night To End" and "Take Your Children Home" - the first a sexy 'oh daddy' longing song whilst the next has a plea to love children. Lyrically "It Must Be Sunday" is probably the wordiest song on the album - emotional desperados drinking Vermouth, shopping the pain away - lonely hearts dreading the reminders laced into another solo New Year's Eve (Zoot Sims on Tenor Sax and Bob James on Organ). Stage fright and malaise consume Phoebe in "No Show Tonight" - drowning in the dressing room - take back that Oscar (Dave Mason of Traffic plays Lead Guitar). "Easy Street" turns out to be a sweetie for a B-side - a feeling lost, kind of ill, last dollar bill song - pleading to God for help - a few tips on crossing over to Easy Street. It ends the CD on a high.  

IN 2013 "Phoebe Snow" received what many would consider to be the ultimate Audiophile accolade - a vinyl reissue by the highly regarded Analogue Productions as a 2LP set played at 45 speed. If you want the absolute CD business then the 1994 DCC Compact Classics 24-Carat Gold Reissue with the Bonus Track as listed above but also with an extra six demo versions of albums tracks - is the one for you (DCC Compact Classics GZS 1051 - Barcode 010963105124 for the right issue). The Demos are absolutely gorgeous by the way and I sometimes find myself playing them more that the more sophisticated finished versions. But beware, it's been deleted some years now and like much of DCC's Audiophile catalogue has acquired a bit of a nasty price tag. In the meantime you can settle for this easily available 1995 American CD reissue version - Barcode 724383197224. And it’s cheap too.

"...Do you like or love...either or both of me..." - Snow sings pleadingly on "Either Or Both". I'll settle for this one to love ta very much...