"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Featuring Elton John, Paul McCartney & Wings, Sparks, Mud, Suzi Quatro, T.Rex, Wizzard, The Sweet, Pilot, John Lennon, Rod Stewart, Faces, 10cc, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Golden Earring, Bryan Ferry, Mike Oldfield, Slade, Roxy Music, Cockney Rebel, Alice Cooper, Cozy Powell, David Essex, The Rubettes, Bay City Rollers, Olivia Newton-John, Cher, Ace (with Paul Carrack), The Hollies, E.L.O., Andy Kim, Barry White, The Stylistics, The Isley Brothers, Limmie & The Family Cookin', Hot Chocolate, Marvin Gaye & Diana Ross, The Intruders, Johnny Bristol, Aretha Franklin, Hues Corporation, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, The Drifters, Ken Boothe, First Class, Charlie Rich, Charles Aznavour and more (May 2024 UK Sony Music/EMI 4CD 82-Track Remastered Compilation in a Special Edition 28-Page Hardback Booklet) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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This Review and 269 More Like It Can Be Found In My AMAZON e-Book 

PICK UP THE PIECES - 1974

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional 

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"...Whatever Gets You Thru The Night..."

The 'Now Yearbook' Series of Compilations from Sony Music and EMI has touched on three for the Seventies - '1979' in September 2022, '1978' in April 2023 and '1973' in September 2023. Each has the same MO - a 4CD 'Now Yearbook' and a 3CD follow-up issued about a month later called 'Extra'. 

Here in May and June 2024 we get a fourth - '1974' - a 4CD Main with Special Edition 28-Page Hardback Book (this review), a Standard Card Sleeve Edition and a Truncated 3LP GREEN VINYL Set (all released 3 May 2024) - those followed by a 3CD Extra Companion Compilation released 7 June 2024 with 64 more songs to accompany the 82 featured on the 4CD Main (see list below for catalogue numbers and barcode details).

As with all these (mostly) cheap and cheerful releases - they concentrate on a mix of Pop and Rock on one disc while Soul and Rhythm 'n' Blues will dominate another with Discs 3 and 4 mixing it up with everything from Easy Listening to Glam to Country to Teenybopper Pop and Sixties Reissues. Some Singles and Albums were issued late 1973 but only charted in 1974.

The problem with charts in the Seventies (especially in the early years) is that genius abutted some seriously awful crud on a weekly basis and that's what you get here too. But compilers would argue that one man's Trabant is another man's Tesla - so we put the kitchen sink in and let the listener sort out the dirty dishes from the sparkling China.

As I said earlier, come this review, I opted for the more expensive but more expansive Special Edition Hardback Book version for '1974' – and I'm glad I did. Probably the nerdy collector in me, but I also notice that on the cover art you get the title as "Now Yearbook '74" – but on the book-spine it is "Now Yearbook 1974" which looks so much classier (see photo provided). A silly little point I know, but when lined up against say the "Now Yearbook 1973" hardback (which is the same) – it makes sense (why did they apostrophe the year date!). Content: great 45-single mix memories and reminders (album versions are noted) - re-discoveries that delight – awful stuff you hoped you had forgotten schmoozing upside saccharine cringes a-go-go – and spiffing audio throughout even though only eight entries give actual dates for the Remasters.

The standard card sleeve issue is roughly nine-or-ten quid for a 4CD set chocker with 82 songs (including 17 Number Ones), while my Hardback Edition (at least initially) is a pricey £16.99 (prices go down then up after they are deleted). But as I say, I love the way this Hardback Book Edition looks and feels and the info/presentation is great (I have added in catalogue numbers, release dates and chart positions – much of which is not in the standard issues).

Let's get to the Killer Queens, the Towns That Ain't Big Enough for any of us, Carl and his Kung Fu Fighting, Pool Hall Richards, Shuffling on Wall Street, Men Who Sold The World to The Most Beautiful Girl in the world whilst Emma, Annie and Mr. Soft let their respective hair blow and feet tiger in the Summer Breeze. To details...

UK released 3 May 2024 - "Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBXNOW74 - 0196588423925 (Barcode 196588423925) is a 4CD 82-song Compilation in a 28-Page Special Edition Hardback Book Version that plays out as follows:

CD1 (72:12 minutes):
1. Killer Queen - QUEEN (October 1974 UK 45-Single on EMI Records EMI 2229, A-side, UK No.2 - 2011 Remaster)
2. Jet – PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS (February 1974, Apple R 5996, A-side, UK No.7 - 2010 Remaster)
3. This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us – SPARKS (April 1974, Island WIP 6193, A-side, UK No.2)
4. Teenage Rampage – THE SWEET (January 1974, RCA Victor LPBO-5004, A-side, UK No.2)
5. Devil Gate Drive – SUZI QUATRO (February 1974, RAK Records RAK 167, A-side, Non-LP single on release, UK No.1)
6. Tiger Feet – MUD (January 1974, RAK Records RAK 166, A-side, UK No.1)
7. Far Far Away - SLADE (October 1974, Polydor 2058 522, A-side, UK No.2 – from the Movie and Album "Slade In Flame")
8. Magic – PILOT (January 1974, Warner Brothers K 16345, A)
9. Gonna Make You A Star – DAVID ESSEX (September 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2492, A-side, UK No.1)
10. Jealous Mind – ALVIN STARDUST (February 1974, Magnet MAG 5, A-side, UK. No.1) 
11. Sugar Baby Love – THE RUBETTES (March 1974, Polydor 2058 442, A-side, UK No.1)
12. Shang-A-Lang – BAY CITY ROLLERS (April 1974, Bell Records BELL 1355, A-side, UK No.2)
13. Billy, Don't Be A Hero – PAPER LACE (January 1974, Bus Stop Records BUS 1014, A-side, UK No. 1)
14. The Show Must Go On – LEO SAYER (November 1973, Chrysalis CGS 2023, A-side, UK No.2)
15. The Wombling Song – THE WOMBLES (October 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1794, A-side, UK No.4)
16. Kung Fu Fighting – CARL DOUGLAS (June 1974, Pye International 7N 45377, A-side, UK No.1)
17. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe – BARRY WHITE (August 1974, Pye International 7N 25661, A-side, UK No.8)
18. You Are Everything – DIANA ROSS & MARVIN GAYE (March 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 890, A-side, UK No.5)
19. You Make Me Feel Brand New (Let's Put It All Together Version) – THE STYLISTICS (April 1974, Avco 6105 028, Originally The B-side of "Only The Children", was then flipped and the A-side became a UK No.2)
20. When Will I See You Again (Single Version) – THE THREE DEGREES (June 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2155, A-side, UK No.1)
21. Sad Sweet Dreamer – SWEET SENSATION (July 1974, Pye International 7N 45385, A-side, UK No.1)

CD2 (77:06 minutes):
1. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me – ELTON JOHN (May 1974, DJM Records DJS 302, A-side, UK No.16 – 2017 Remaster)
2. Whatever Gets You Thru The Night – JOHN LENNON (October 1974, Apple R 5998, A-side, UK No. 36 – 2010 Remaster)
3. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet – BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE (October 1974, Mercury 6167 025, A-side, UK No.2)
4. Radar Love (UK Single Version, 3:45 minutes) – GOLDEN EARRING (November 1973, Track 2094 116, A-side, UK No.7 - see Paragraphs Below on Single Edits)
5. Dance With The Devil – COZY POWELL (October 1973, RAK Records RAK 164, A-side, UK No.3)
6. Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (Single Edit at 3:38 minutes, LP version is 3:52) – ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA (January 1974, Warner Brothers K 16349, A-side, UK No.22)
7. Pool Hall Richard (Single Version, 4:24 minutes) – FACES (November 1973, Warner Brothers K 16341, A-side, UK No.8 – featuring Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Ronnie Lane – 2006 Remaster)
8. Mike Oldfield's Single (Theme From Tubular Bells) – MIKE OLDFIELD (June 1974, Virgin VS 101, A-side, UK No.31 - 2009 Remaster)
9. Dark Lady – CHER (January 1974, MCA Records MCA 101, A-side, UK No.36)
10. The Man Who Sold The World – LULU (January 1974, Polydor 2001 490, A-side, UK No.3 – A David Bowie cover of his 1970 song, Lulu’s version is also produced by Bowie and features his guitarist Mick Ronson too)
11. The 'In Crowd' (Single Version, 4:16 Minutes Edit) – BRYAN FERRY (May 1974, Island WIP 6196, A-side, UK No.13 – a cover of a 1965 US RnB hit for Dobie Gray)
12. Touch Too Much – ARROWS (April 1974, RAK Records RAK 171, A-side, UK No.8 – a Chinn and Chapman production)
13. Tell Him – HELLO (August 1974, Bell Records BELL 1377, A-side, UK No.8 – also a Chinn and Chapman production)
14. The Cat Crept In – MUD (April 1974, RAK Records RAK 174, A-side, UK No.2 – a Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn production)
15. The Wall Street Shuffle – 10cc (May 1974, UK Records UK 69, A-side, UK No.10)
16. Farewell (Album Version, 4:31 minutes) – ROD STEWART (from the 1974 UK Album "Smiler" on Mercury 9104 001, No.1 LP, 45 went to No.7 – Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne plays Mandolin)
17. Everyday – SLADE (March 1974, Polydor 2058 453, A-side, UK No.3)
18. Rock Me Gently (original Version) – ANDY KIM (June 1974, Capitol CL 15787, A-side, UK No.2)
19. How Long - ACE (September 1974, Anchor Records ANC 1002, A-side, UK No.20 – song written by and featuring vocalist Paul Carrack, went on to play with Roxy Music, be in Squeeze and ex Genesis group Mike & The Mechanics and has had a huge Solo career still going in 2024)
20. The Air That Breathe – THE HOLLIES (January 1974, Polydor 2058 435, A-side, UK No.2 – an Albert Hammond song and cover version)

CD3 (73:07 minutes):
1. You're The First, The Last, My Everything (Edit, 3:25 minutes) – BARRY WHITE (October 1974, 20th Century BTC 2133, A-side, UK Chart Position No.1)
2. Get Dancin' – Part 1 – DISCO TEX and THE SEX-O-LETTES (October 1974, Chelsea 2005 013, A-side, UK No.8)
3. Rock Your Baby – GEORGE McCRAE (June 1974, Jay Boy Records BOY 85, A-side, UK No.1 - written by Harry KC Casey and Richard Finch of KC & The Sunshine Band)
4. Rock The Boat – THE HUES CORPORATION (July 1974, RCA Victor APBO-0123, A-side, UK No.6)
5. The Love I Lost (Part 1) (Single Version) – HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (November 1973, Philadelphia International S PIR 1879, A-side, UK No.21 – Blue Notes featured Teddy Prendergast – a Gamble & Huff song)
6. Hang On In There Baby – JOHNNY BRISTOL (July 1974, MGM 2006 443, A-side, UK No.3)
7. Kissin' In The Back Row Of The Movies – THE DRIFTERS (May 1974, Bell Records BELL 1358, A-side, UK No.2)
8. Love On A Mountain Top – ROBERT KNIGHT (October 1973, Monument S MNT 1875, A-side Reissue, UK No.10 – originally issued as a B-side of his May 1968 UK 45-single "The Power Of Lover" on Monument MON 1017 – re-entered charts in 1974 – charted on the back of Northern Soul interest)
9. (Win, Lose or Show) She's A Winner (Single Version) – THE INTRUDERS (June 1974 Reissue, Philadelphia International S PIR 2212, A-side, UK No.14 – originally issued November 1972 in the UK on Epic S EPC 8476 which did not chart)
10. A Walkin' Miracle – LIMMIE and FAMILY COOKIN' (March 1973, Avco 6105 027, A-side, UK No.6 – arrangement by Van McCoy)
11. Emma – HOT CHOCOLATE (February 1974, RAK Records RAK 168, A-side, UK No.3)
12. (Hey There) Lonely Girl – EDDIE HOLMAN (October 1974 Reissue, ABC Records ABC 4012, A-side, UK No.4 – originally UK issued by Eddie Holman January 1970 on Stateside SS 2160, A-side, but the original was by American Girl Teen act Ruby And The Romantic as "Hey There Lonely Boy" on Kapp Records (USA) K-544 in August 1963)
13. Summer Breeze (Part 1) – ISLEY BROTHERS (April 1974, Epic S EPC 2244, A-side, UK No.16)
14. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) – ARETHA FRANKLIN (January 1974, Atlantic K 10399, A-side, UK No.26)
15. Everything I Own (7" Mix) – KEN BOOTHE (May 1974, Trojan TR 7920, A-side, UK No.1)
16. Beach Baby – THE FIRST CLASS (May 1974, UK Records UK R 66, A-side, UK No.13 – featuring Tony Burrows of The Flowerpot Men, Edison Lighthouse, The Pipkins and White Plains)
17. Juke Box Jive – THE RUBETTES (November 1974, Polydor 2058 529, A-side, UK No.3)
18. Hey Rock And Roll – SHOWADDYWADDY (April 1973, Bell Records BELL 1357, A-side, UK No.2)
19. Rock N' Roll Winter (Loony's Tune) – WIZZARD (April 1974, Warner Brothers K 16357, A-side, UK No.6 – featuring Roy Wood of The Move and Electric Light Orchestra – Early Production in Mono by Steve Lilywhite of U2 and Simple Minds fame)
20. You You You – ALVIN STARDUST (August 1974, Magnet MAG 13, A-side, UK No.6 – featured Big Jim Sullivan on Guitar)
21. Teenage Dream – T.REX (January 1974, T.Rex MARC 7, A-side, UK No.13)

CD4 (68:24 minutes):
1. Band On The Run – PAUL McCARTNEY and WINGS (June 1974, Apple R 5997, A-side, UK Chart Position No.3, String Arrangements Tony Visconti – 2010 Remaster)
2. Candle In The Wind – ELTON JOHN (February 1974, DJM Records DJS 297, A-side, UK No.11 – 2014 Remaster - B-side was "Bennie And The Jets" in the UK which was used as the A-side in the USA - "Candle In The Wind" was not issued as an A-side in the USA originally, it would take until 1992 when Collectables COL 4901 was issued with the track "Levon" from the 1971 album "Madman Across The Water" on its flipside)
3. I Honestly Love You – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (September 1974, EMI Records EMI 2216, A-side, UK No.22 – was issued in other territories (Australia, USA, Canada) as "I Love You, I Honestly Love You" – won a Grammy for Best Record of the Year and Best Female Vocal of the Year)
4. Seasons In The Sun – TERRY JACKS (March 1974, Bell Records BELL 1344, A-side, UK No.1)
5. Summerlove Sensation – BAY CITY ROLLERS (July 1974, Bell Records BELL 1369, A-side, UK No.3)
6. Honey Honey – SWEET DREAMS (May 1974, Bradleys BRAD 7408, A-side, UK No.10 – an Abba cover version (the first) and featuring Polly Brown on Lead Vocals formerly of Pickettywitch)
7. Born With A Smile On My Face – STEPHANIE De SYKES (with Rain) (June 1974, Bradleys BRAD 7409, A-side, UK No.2 – the song was written by Roger Holman and Simon May of her backing group Rain)
8. You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me – THE NEW SEEKERS (November 1973, Polydor 2058 421, UK No.1 – their second UK No.1 and the first No.1 of 1974 – group featured lead-singer Lyn Paul)
9. I See A Star – MOUTH & MacNEAL (March 1974, Decca FR 13504, A-side, UK No.8)
10. Long Tall Glasses – LEO SAYER (September 1974, Chrysalis CHS 2052, A-side, UK No.4)
11. Amateur Hour – SPARKS (July 1974, Island WIP 6203, A-side, UK No.7)
12. Mr. Soft – COCKNEY REBEL (July 1974, EMI Records EMI 2191, A-side, UK No.8, 2012 Remaster – featuring Steve Harley)
13. All I Want Is You – ROXY MUSIC (October 1974, Island WIP 6208, A-side, UK No.12, 2012 Remaster – featuring Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera and Production from Brian Eno)
14. The Six Teens – SWEET (July 1974, RCA Victor LPBO-5037, A-side, UK No.9 – a Chinn/Chapman Production)
15. Vado Via – DRUPI (September 1973, A&M Records AMS 7082, A-side, UK No.17 – Italian Singer Giampiero Anelli)
16. Go (Before You Break My Heart) – GIGLIOLA CINQUETTI (April 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2294, A-side, UK No.8 – Eurovision Song Contest entry)
17. Annie's Song - JOHN DENVER (July 1974, RCA Victor APB0 0295, A-side, UK No.1 – UK picture sleeve repro on Page 19)
18. The Most Beautiful Girl – CHARLIE RICH (November 1973, Epic S EPC 1897, A-side, UK No.2 – a No.1 in the USA)
19. She – CHARLES AZNAVOUR (May 1974, Barclay BAR 26, A-side, UK No.1 – subtitled (Theme from the TV Series "Seven Faces Of Woman")
20. Lonely This Christmas – MUD (November 1974, RAK Records RAK 187, A-side, UK No.1 – a Chinn/Chapman Production)

The booklet inside the Hardback Special Edition is a feast and has juicy fan-boy titbits like David Paton of Pilot was in a pre-fame line-up of teen sensations Bay City Rollers but redeemed that life of screaming girlies in Tartan by playing Acoustic Guitar on Kate Bush's No.1 "Wuthering Heights" in 1978. How about that ace-axeman Chris Spedding played guitar on the David Essex original "Gonna Make You A Star" or that the now classic 1973 album "Band On The Run" by Paul McCartney and Wings took seven months to rise to No.1 - initially entering the UK charts at a lowly placing of No. 45 in December 1973 (which now seems unimaginable) but classic single releases like "Jet" and the brilliant three-parter title track (String Arrangements by Tony Visconti of Bowie and T.Rex fame) made short shift of that. Speaking of Marc Bolan, the Get It On star adds extra guitar to "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" from ELO's third album "On The Third Day", their first without founder member Roy Wood who had departed for Wizzard (Jeff Lynne took over completely from this album onwards).

Or how about the rare picture sleeve to Virgin VS 101 pictured on Page 9, the future-airline's first 45 for Mike Oldfield from the all-conquering "Tubular Bells". Collectors of Serious Rock Music will also notice from the onslaught of details how staggeringly successful labels like Bell Records and RAK were – so often tapping into the teen zeitgeist by doing angst-ridden mush or cod Rock and Roll dashed with a little fay rebellion and even (dare we say it) sex. Bell Records especially – the home of the Bay City Rollers, David Cassidy, Terry Jacks, Hello and The Rubettes – smashed it chartwise and yet (in truth) have little collectability in 2024 (I was and still am a secret David Cassidy admirer – wrote a poem about him and his effect on my sisters in the early Seventies). The Chinn and Chapman reign of hits on RAK Records is quite astonishing – regular chart toppers or if not, in at No. 2 or No.3. In fact I can see a Box Set being due for the songs and production chops of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman.

MICHAEL MULLIGAN provided the liner notes for all releases and thanks The Official Charts for dates and highest poll positions. The AUDIO is uniformly fab throughout with specific Remaster dates noted in the track list pages at the rear. This compilation sounds great and at times – startling. To the music…

CD1 opens with a great run from Queen, Paul McCartney & Wings, Sparks, Sweet, Suzi Quatro, Mud, Slade and hell – even Pilot pleases. The clarity is seriously impressive right across the board and as you travel into David Essex and his big moment "Gonna Make You A Star" – a notoriously difficult tune to get good audio on – but here it shines (those huge synths). Things start to spiral down with the Echoed Cod R and R of "Jealous Mind" and the wailing vocals of The Rubettes. They get into cringe territory with Bay City Rollers and Paper Lace while Leo Sayer does well with a gutsy vocal on "The Show Must Go On". The less said about The Wombles the better. Soul, Disco and R&B start to show with Carl Douglas, Barry White and the Diana Ross/Mavin Gaye duet. But while Marvin and Diana get seriously swoonsome with their popular "You Are Everything", it is The Stylistics who own my ticker with their lovely "You Make Me Feel Brand New" featuring two lead vocals – Airrion Love and Russell Thompkins. Jr. (initially a B-side flipped to the A after DJ reactions). CD1 closes with soppy Soul – The Three Degrees giving it Philly ah and ooh while Sweet Sensation doing Sad Sweet Dreamer put it down to experience.

CD2 ups the game considerably with seven corkers in a row – the huge riffage of "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" by Electric Light Orchestra here in its single-edit form, Jeff Lynne roaring brill with help from Marc Bolan on Guitar, John Lennon getting funky with "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" from the excellent "Walls And Bridges" album and Elton going George Michael-soulful with "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". But fun comes in the shape of the best-boozy-boys Faces giving it some on "Poolhall Richard" (watch those broken bottles lads) and Cozy Powell whack that kit for "Dance With The Devil" – both rockers hugely enjoyable and sounding super-duper. But for collectors there is the excitement of a quiet coup: as far back as five years ago I bemoaned the lack of a decent overhaul of Golden Earring's hugely popular album "Moontan" from 1973 on Track Records that sports the fabulous "Radar Love". Then came Red Bullet out of the Netherlands who did a Deluxe and Expanded 2CD version in September 2021 with both the LP version of "Radar Love" at 6:21 minutes and a single edit at 3:45 minutes. But there are American Edits at 2:52 and 5:02 minutes – the longer one has been used on 80s British reissues. Well Now Yearbook 1974 is making the UK Single Edit at 3:45 minutes more widely available here and it's licensed from RB in Remastered form so it sounds great – a cleaner leap from those early 80s MCA versions that used that horrible reissue artwork. Note: the rear artwork of Now 1974 does not advise "Radar Love" is a Single Edit but the pages inside and CD itself credit UK Single Edit at 3:45 minutes.

Cher might have gone to No.1 in the USA with "Dark Lady" but it sounds a tad dated to me, better is Lulu becoming impossibly hip with Bowie and Ronson (who both play, sing and produce) as she does David's "The Man Who Sold The World". But good as that is, in terms of sheer Art-Rock-Cool, it doesn't get better than Bryan Ferry's inspired and ever-so-slightly unhinged cover version of the Dobie Gray 1965 R & B classic "The 'In Crowd'" presented to us as a 4:16 minutes edit. Dressing fine, making time, out of sight – the Virgin Remaster is huge and when those geetars and brass come at you – you will know (show us a real good time). Shaking from my head to the bottom of my toes – The Arrows are concerned with fevers of 90-above on their Eddie Cochran-esque "Touch Too Much" – a far better listen than I remember – like cool Sweet. Continuing the cover version tack, glamsters Hello give us a guitar-crunching very Bell Records meets RAK Records stab at "Tell Him" – the 1963 R&B anthem by The Exciters. 

A clever follow comes in the shape of Mud giving it loads of dual-guitars on "The Cat Crept In". But that is whomped by evolving 10cc brilliance in "The Wall Street Shuffle" – a crucial cut from their second album "Sheet Music" in 1974 – fabulous lyrics, production and big muscle from the Remaster. Very clever follow with Rod Stewart and that huge acoustic/mandolin sound he got on Mercury Records – the gorgeous "Farewell" feeling like world-class Faces or Slim Chance – surely one of the gems waiting for you on this 1974 hodgepodge. Ballads play out CD2 with Slade getting mellow for "Everyday", a gorgeously clear Remaster for Andy Kim discovering his inner Neil Diamond with "Rock Me Gently" – but again as good as they once were – they are floor-wiped by Paul Carrack as Lead Vocalist in Ace as they produce what must be one of the top ten greatest singles of the Seventies - "How Long". What a tune! And the Remaster is so sweet. CD2 comes to a satisfying end with another slice of British ballad genius in "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies – Alan Clark smartly revamping the 1973 Albert Hammond song into a strings and melody-based gem that the public everywhere still adores 50 years after the event.

CDs3 and CD4 offer up Soul and R &B with Barry White, Harold Melvin, The Drifters, The Intruders and the gorgeous Isley Brothers tune "Summer Breeze". It then morphs into Glam and Pop-Rock – T.Rex sounding ever so slightly unconvincing with "Teenage Dream" while Alvin Stardust already sounds like he’s going through the Pop Star motions. Particularly sweet are Eddie Holman and a later Aretha flourish. Disc 4 ahs four genuine stormers in Paul McCartney, Elton John, Roxy Music and Sparks but too much of the rest is saccharine with only Charlie Rich and maybe Charles Aznavour lifting proceedings. Speaking of replacements... 

MISSING IN ACTION: We should also mention some biggies that aren't on Now Yearbook 1974 or 1974 Extra and could/should have been (probably because of licensing problems) - "Pick Up The Pieces" by Average White Band, "I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton, "Boogie Down" by Eddie Kendricks, "Dreamer" by Supertramp, "Let's Straighten It Out" by Latimer, "Photograph" or "You're Sixteen" by Ringo Starr, "It's Only Rock & Roll" by The Rolling Stones, the fantastic "Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie. And where is "I Can Help" by Billy Swan or "Angie Baby" by Anne Murray – both US No.1s - or Abba's Eurovision beginning with "Waterloo" which became their first UK No.1 and began a Blighty love affair with the group that has lasted half a century?

Deep dive cuts could also have included a few roasty-toasties in the shape of "Pinball" by Brian Protheroe, "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On" by Yvonne Fair, "Jarrow Song" by Alan Price, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" by Steely Dan, "Homely Girl" by The Chi-Lites, "Amoureuse" by Kiki Dee, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love" by Bad Company, "Living For The City", "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" or "You Ain't Done Nothin'" by Stevie Wonder, "Sundown" by Gordon Lightfoot, "Roll Away The Stone" by Mott The Hoople or even "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. How about "Best Of My Love" by Eagles – a November 1974 US hit that took until January 1975 for a UK 45-release – but what a tune. And I know it didn't officially chart in Blighty or their native USA until re-promotion in 1976, but I would have had the magnificent "She's Gone" by Hall & Oates – issued November 1974 in the UK and USA but to no takers (rules be-damned - it's too glorious to exclude).

As I say – these Now Yearbook sets infuriate as much as they enliven but with so many tracks (part cool, part cliff-sheer nostalgia), great audio and a reasonable price tag that will probably drop even further as time goes on - "Now Yearbook '74" is to be recommended to even the most sceptical…

NOW YEARBOOK '74 UK Discography

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBXNOW74 - 0196588423925 (Barcode 196588423925) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track 28-Page Special Edition Hardback Book

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBNOW74 - 0196588423826 (Barcode 196588423826) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track Eight-Panel Card Sleeve Standard Edition

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI LPYBNOW74 - 01965884240141 (Barcode 1965884240141) – released 3 May 2024 as a 3LP GREEN VINYL Edition with 48-Tracks Truncated down from the 4CD edition.

"Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW74 - 0196588903021 (Barcode 196588903021) – released 7 June 2024 as a 3CD 64-Track Companion Volume in a Tri-Gatefold Card Sleeve

White Man Successfully Sings The Blues...Deacon Blue doing "Fergus Sings The Blues" in 2023

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by THOM BELL [Various Artists] - Featuring The Delfonics, The Chargers, Spinners, Eloise Laws, The Stylistics, Ronnie Dyson, Elton John, New York City, Deniece Williams, Lou Rawls, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Jerry Butler and more (May 2024 UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation of Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Everything He Does Seems To Come Out Right..."

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound Of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" is entry number two in Ace's compilation appraisals of Philadelphia Sound legend THOM BELL (the first was "Ready Or Not..." in 2020, see CD list below) - a hugely influential and commercially successful Soul and R&B Producer and Songwriter.

In his sweet-thang travels, Bell roped in the talents of other hip arranger-names like Tony Randazzo and Burt Bacharach and along with songwriters like Linda Creed, Deniece Williams, Norman Harris, Kenneth Gamble and others - Bell poured on the lush strings, subtle horn charts, plaintive oboes and tinkling chimes - matching them with expressive singers and lurve lyrics. The results across 20-songs and almost eighty-minutes playing time is a lovely listen that only ever slightly falters in a few places. Mostly, you're whomped with a wall of classy tunes presented in that Philly Sound way. To the kissin' details...

UK released Friday, 31 May 2024 - "Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound Of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by THOM BELL (through Various Artists) on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDTOP 522 (Barcode 029667110624) is a 20-Track CD compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (79:47 minutes, all tracks US 45s unless otherwise stated):

1. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) - THE DELFONICS (December 1969, Philly Groove 161, A-side)

2. You Gotta Be A Lady - THE CHARGERS (December 1971, Vanguard VRS 35146, A-side)

3. The Rubberband Man - SPINNERS (August 1976, Atlantic 45-3355, A-side)

4. Got You Into My Life - ELOISE LAWS (from the 1980 US-LP "Eloise Laws" on Liberty Records LT-1063)

5. You Are Everything - THE STYLISTICS (October 1971, Avco AV-4581, A-side)

6. Give In To Love - RONNIE DYSON (from the 1973 US LP "One Man Band" on Columbia Records KC 32211 - CBS Records S 65551 in the UK)

7. Nice And Slow - ELTON JOHN (from the 1989 US LP "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions" on MCA Records MCA-39115)

8. Take My Hand - NEW YORK CITY (October 1975, Chelsea CH 3031, A-side)

9. Silly - DENIECE WILLIAMS (July 1981, ARC Records 18-02406, A-side - November 1981 UK on CBS Records A1535)

10. Then You Came - DIONNE WARWICKE & SPINNERS (July 1974 as Atlantic 45-3029 - re-released August 1974 as Atlantic 45-3202, A-side)

11. Will You Kiss Me One More Time - LOU RAWLS (June 1982, Epic 14-02999, A)

12. Lazy Susan - LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS (from the 1973 US LP "On A New Street" on Avco AV-11012-598)

13. Betcha By Golly, Wow - THE STYLISTICS featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. (February 1972, Avco AV-4591, A-side)

14. Joe - NANCY WILSON (from the 1970 US LP "Now I'm A Woman" on Capitol ST-451 in Stereo)

15. Loving You-Losing You - JOHNNY MATHIS (February 1977, Columbia 3-10496, A-side)

16. Walking Around In Teardrops - JERRY BUTLER (from the 1969 US LP "Ice On Ice"on Mercury SR-61234 in Stereo)

17. Nobody Knows It - BELL & JAMES [LeRoy Bell and Casey James] (from the 1979 US LP "Only Make Believe" on A&M Records SP-4784)

18. Let Somebody Love Me - PHYLLIS HYMAN (from the 1983 US LP "Goddess Of Love" on Arista AL 9619)

19. One In A Million (Guy) - DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER (from the 1980 US LP "Dee Dee Bridgewater" on Elektra 6E-306)

20. Brandy - THE O'JAYS (August 1978, Philadelphia International ZS8 3652, A-side)

The 16-page colour booklet offers liner notes from BOB STANLEY that includes a 2020 interview with THOM BELL. Each artist and song are discussed in detail, the single label repros and LP covers displayed on the left and right of the text along with other memorabilia like sheet music and trade paper adverts (there's a lovely photo of Bell smiling beside Dionne Warwicke as side-by-side heroes grace the front cover of the 'Blues & Soul' magazine - yours at the time for the princely sum of one dollar or 30 new pence UK). It's the usual classy affair from Ace - and the fantastic audio from long-standing Audio Engineer DUNCAN COWELL only sweetens a very cool listen. To the chunes...

The CD opens with an acknowledged classic of the Philly genre - "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" by The Delfonics lending the compilation its recognisable title. Not so sure The Chargers (from 1971) would pass much muster with 2024 women by singing their "You Gotta Be A Lady" - more likely to get cancelled for an opinion way too outdated. The Spinners (known at The Detroit Spinners in the UK) do their thing - lyrics from "The Rubberband Man" titling this review. The Disco-Soul-Funk of "Got You Into My Life" has Eloise Laws milking that Philly Disco rhythm for all its worth - a relentlessly upbeat dancer. But if I'm honest I prefer the swoon of The Stylistics - such memories of that girl that whomped your senses - their "You Are Everything" being one of those 'each face that I see brings back memories of being with you' songs - the Remaster may be a teeny bit hissy in places, but for 1971 Avco Soul it's pretty much definitive. This is followed by another slice of 'lurve' gorgeousness with Ronnie Dyson wrenching emotion out of every line in the string-laden "Give In To Love" - the Ronster asking his gal to have faith (sweet Remastered audio).  

There's an unfortunate repetitiveness to Elton John's "Nice And Slow" - better is the Bop Soul of "Take My Hand" - a great Remaster giving New York City's moment a quietly luscious oomph - ex Five Satins, Cadillacs and Moonglows members giving their vocals fabulous expressiveness. Deniece Williams puts in a sweetly delicate vocal on the clear-as-a-bell "Silly" - a plea for love to stop making her do foolish things - a deserved No. 11 Billboard R&B chart placing (check out those staggeringly skilful arrangements). Genius is what you would call the pairing of Dionne Warwick with the perfect-match of lead vocalist Philippe Wynne of The Stylistics where he shadows her powerhouse voice rather than outdo the lady - like a match to Diana Ross and Marvin at their duet best. 

But while I normally can't get enough of the cavernous vocals of Lou Rawls, his "Will You Kiss Me One More Time" is too cheesy by far – and Little Anthony with his Imperials sound uncomfortable with the song and themes of "Lazy Susan". Better by a long oar is a tasty twosome from The Stylistics doing the lovely Prince-covered "Betcha By Golly, Wow" followed by a breathy Nancy Wilson doing a classy number on "Joe" - a man she pleads with the public to find saspo. Chasing that Disco dollar, one-time crooner and LGBTQ-icon Johnny Mathis makes a good fist of the ache in "Loving You, Losing You". Another huge persona in the history of Soul, Jerry Butler blasts your speakers with primo 1969 Soul lushness – his typically dramatic delivery in "Walking Around In Teardrops" making you feel like the man might die any second now. Clever follow and comp genius-choice comes with the 1979 uber-smooch of "Nobody Knows It" from Bell & James (ex-Special Blend songwriters LeRoy Bell and Casey James). From the second of three albums "Only Make Believe" - this is surely the discovery on this CD for fans like me – a beautifully produced winner. "Nobody Knows It" by Bell & James is a Ronn Mattlock "Love City" moment for me (check out that stunning album also from 1979 on Atlantic Records reissued on CD by Rhino).

The compilation romps home with a pleasing trio – Eighties times two with Phyliss Hyman and Dee Dee Bridgewater – but culminates with bona fide class from The O'Jays and their fabulous "Brandy" – the kind of emotive memory-jogging Seventies Soul that me reaching for the tissue box – "...played a few bars of a melody and it sounded so sweet to me..." indeed.

"Didn't I Blow Your Mind? The Sound of Philadelphia Soul 1969-1983" by Thom Bell comes close to perfect, but I personally could have done without some of those 80ts cheesy offerings (so four stars). But make no mistake, if you ever wanted proof of Philly Sound classiness and what a warm-sounding legacy Thom Bell has left us – then look no further my Afro Lovers than this. Gotta shimmy in babycakes…my lurve can't wait (oh dear)…

Other THOM BELL CD Compilations from Ace Records/Kent Soul of the UK

And Philly Soul Sound recommendations (all reviewed):

1. Thom Bell - "Ready Or Not: Philly Soul Arrangements & Productions 1965-1978" 

UK released 25 June 2020, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 488 (Barcode 029667098021)

2. Various Artists - "Nothing But A House Party: The Birth Of The Philly Sound 1967-1971"

UK released 26 May 2017, Ace/Kent Soul CDKEND 466 (Barcode 029667083829)

3. Various Artists - "Psychedelic Soul Produced by Norman Whitfield" 

UK released 27 August 2021, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 504 (Barcode 029667103121)

4. Earl Young - "Groove Machine: The Earl Young Drum Sessions"

UK released 24 February 2024, Ace/Kent Soul CDTOP 1629 (Barcode 029667109925)

"Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Featuring Elton John, Queen, Mud, Suzi Quatro, Sparks, T.Rex, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Slade, Mott The Hoople, Alice Cooper, Mungo Jerry, Cozy Powell, The Rubettes, Gary Shearston, Jim Stafford, Roberta Flack, Barry White, The Stylistics, The Tymes, Bryan Ferry, David Essex, Roy Wood, Clifford T. Ward, Lobo, Bay City Rollers, Commodores, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, MFSB, The Intruders, Prelude, Maria Muldaur, Faces, Love Unlimited Orchestra and many more (June 2024 UK Sony Music/EMI 3CD 64-Track Remastered Compilation in a Trifold Card Sleeve - No Booklet) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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PICK UP THE PIECES - 1974

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional 

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RATING:

Content: ***

Audio: ****

Presentation: ***

"...Judy Teen..."

The 'Now Yearbook' Series of Compilations from Sony Music and EMI has touched on three for the Seventies - '1979' in September 2022, '1978' in April 2023 and '1973' in September and October 2023. Each has the same MO - a 4CD 'Now Yearbook' and a 3CD follow-up called 'Extra'. 

Here in May and June 2024 we get a fourth - '1974' - a 4CD Main with Hardback Book and Standard Card Sleeve Editions and a Truncated 3LP GREEN VINYL Set (all released 3 May 2024) - and now this - a 3CD Extra companion compilation released 7 June 2024 with 64 more songs to accompany the 82 featured on the 4CD Main (see list below for catalogue number/barcode details).

As with all these cheap and cheerful releases - they concentrate on a mix of Pop and Rock on one disc while Soul and R 'n' B will dominate another with Discs 3 and 4 mixing it up with everything from Easy Listening to Glam to Country to Teenybopper Pop. Some songs were issued late 1973 but only charted in 1974. The problem with charts in the Seventies (especially in the early years) is that genius abutted crud on a weekly basis and that's what you get here. But compilers would argue that one man's Trabant is another man's Tesla - so we put the kitchen sink in and let the listener sort out the dirty dishes from the sparkling China. 

And so it is with the Extra set for '1974' - great 45-single mix memories and reminders (album versions are noted) - re-discoveries that delight – awful stuff you hoped you had forgotten abutting saccharine cringes a-go-go - spiffing audio throughout despite the fact that only four give actual dates for the Remasters - and the bolshy brute is cheap too - roughly nine-quid for a 3CD set chocker with 64 songs.

Let's get to the Judy Teens, the Long Legged Women Dressed In Black, the Liverpool Lou's, The Bangin' Men and the Little Trustmakers floating on the Seven Seas of Rhye whilst always remembering you are a Womble. To the details...

UK released 7 June 2024 - "Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW74 - 0196588903021 (Barcode 196588903021) is a 3CD Companion Compilation to the 4CD set 'Now Yearbook '74' issued May 2024 and plays out as follows:

CD1 (76:44 minutes):

1. Seven Seas Of Rhye - QUEEN (February 1974 UK 45-Single on EMI Records EMI 2121, A - 2011 Remaster)

2. The Bitch Is Back - ELTON JOHN (August 1974, DJM Records DJS 322, A - 2017 Remaster)

3. The Wild One (Single Version) - SUZI QUATRO (November 1974, RAK Records RAK 185, A)

4. Rocket - MUD (July 1974, RAK Records RAK 178, A)

5. The Bangin' Man - SLADE (June 1974, Polydor 2058 492 A - Non-LP Single on Release)

6. The Golden Age Of Rock 'N' Roll - MOTT THE HOOPLE (March 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2177, A – featuring Ian Hunter)

7. Forever - ROY WOOD (November 1973, Harvest HAR 5078, A)

8. Teenage Lament '74 – ALICE COOPER (January 1974, Warner Brothers K 16345, A)

9. Spiders And Snakes – JIM STAFFORD (March 1974, MGM 2006 374 – was issued September 1973 in the USA)

10. You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything – FACES (November 1974, Warner Brothers K 16494, A – 2010 Remaster) 

11. Break The Rules – STATUS QUO (April 1974, Vertigo 6059 101, A)

12. Na Na Na – COZY POWELL (July 1974, RAK Records RAK 180, A)

13, Long Legged Woman Dressed In Black – MUNGO JERRY (March 1974, Dawn Records DNS 1061, A)

14. The Night Chicago Died (Album Version) – PAPER LACE (from the July 1974 UK LP "…And Other Bits Of Material" on Bus Stop Records BUSLP 8001)

15. Light Of Love – T.REX (July 1974, T.Rex MARC 8, A)

16. America – DAVID ESSEX (April 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2176, A)

17. Judy Teen – COCKNEY REBEL (March 1974, EMI Records EMI 2128, A – featuring Steve Harley)

18. Red Dress – ALVIN STARDUST (April 1974, Magnet MAG 8, A)

19. Tonight – THE RUBETTES (July 1974, Polydor 2058 499, A)

20. All Of Me Loves All Of You – BAY CITY ROLLERS (October 1974, Bell Records BELL 1382, A)

21. I Get A Kick Out Of You – GARY SHEARSTON (September 1974, Charisma CB 234, A)

22. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes – BRYAN FERRY (August 1974, Island WIP 6205, A – 1999 Remaster)

CD2 (67:52 minutes):

1. Love's Theme – THE LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA (January 1974 Debut 45, Pye International 7N 25635, A-side - US Debut Single was October 1973 on 20th Century Records TC-2069)

2. TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) – MFSB featuring THE THREE DEGREES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2139, A – a Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble song)

3. Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back) – HAROLD MELVIN and THE BLUE NOTES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2187, A – a Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble song)

4. You Little Trustmaker – THE TYMES (August 1974, RCA Victor RCA 2546, A)

5. Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – DIANA ROSS and MARVIN GAYE (June 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 906, A)

6. Then Came You - DIONNE WARWICK and THE SPINNERS (September 1974, Atlantic K 10495, A – a Thom Bell Production)

7. Down On The Beach Tonight – THE DRIFTERS (September 1974, Bell Records BELL 1381, A)

8. Rockin' Roll Baby – THE STYLISTICS (December 1973, Avco 6105 026, A)

9. I've Got The Music In Me – THE KIKI DEE BAND (July 1974, Pig Records PIG 12, A)

10. Queen Of Clubs – KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND (August 1974, Jay Boy Records BOY 88, A)

11. Machine Gun – COMMODORES (June 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 972, A)

12. There's A Ghost In My House – R. DEAN TAYLOR (May 1974, Tamla Motown TMG 876, A – originally issued 1966)

13. Everlasting Love – ROBERT KNIGHT (February 1974, Monument S MNT 2106, A – originally a 1967 hit)

14. Guilty – THE PEARLS (May 1974, Bell Records BELL 1352, A)

15. Year Of Decision – THE THREE DEGREES (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2073, A – a Gamble and Huff song)

16. I'll Always Love My Mama (Part 1) – THE INTRUDERS (March 1974, Philadelphia International S PIR 2149, A – originally issued June 1973 in the UK on Epic S EPC 1623 also with (Part 2) on the B-side)

17. Midnight At The Oasis – MARIA MULDAUR (June 1974, Reprise K 14331, A)

18. Be Thankful For What You Got (Part 1) – WILLIAM DeVAUGHN (May 1974, Chelsea 2005 002, A)

19. Feel Like Making Love - ROBERTA FLACK (June 1974, Atlantic K 10467, A)

20. Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up (Single Version) – BARRY WHITE (January 1974, Pye International 7N 25633, A)

CD3 (70:18 minutes):

1. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (Edit) – ELTON JOHN (November 1974, DJM Records DJS 340, A – a Beatles cover)

2. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth – SPARKS (October 1974, Island WIP 6211, A – a Ron Mael song)

3. Hooked On A Feeling – BLUE SWEDE (March 1974, EMI Records EMI 2149 A, featuring BJORN SKIFS)

4. Remember You're A Womble – THE WOMBLES (March 1974, CBS Records S CBS 2241, A – a Mike Batt song)

5. Remember – BAY CITY ROLLERS (January 1974, Bell Records BELL 1338, A)

6. One Man Band – LEO SAYER (May 1974, Chrysalis CHS 2045, A)

7. Liverpool Lou (Single Version) – SCAFFOLD (May 1974, Warner Brothers K 16400, A)

8. I Get A Little Sentimental Over You – THE NEW SEEKERS (March 1974, Polydor 2058 439, A)

9. Laughter In The Rain – NEIL SEDAKA (June 1975, Polydor 2058 494, A)

10. After The Goldrush – PRELUDE (November 1973, Dawn DNS 1052, A)

11. Scullery – CLIFFORD T. WARD (November 1973, Charisma CB 221, A)

12. If You Go Away – TERRY JACKS (June 1974, Bell Records BELL 1362, A)

13. I'd Love You To Want Me – LOBO (May 1974, UK Records UK R 68, A)

14. Let's Put It All Together – THE SPINNERS (October 1974, Avco 6105 032, A)

15. All Of My Life (Album Version) – DIANA ROSS (November 1973, Tamla Motown TMG 880, A)

16. Behind Closed Doors – CHARLIE RICH (June 1973, Epic S EPC 1539, A)

17. My Boy – ELVIS PRESLEY (January 1975, RCA Victor PB-10191, A)

18. Solitaire – ANDY WILLIAMS (October 1973, CBS Records S CBS 1824, A)

19. Don't Stay Away Too Long – PETERS & LEE (April 1974, Phillips 6006 388, A)

20. Long Live Love – OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN (March 1974, Pye International 7N 25638, A)

21. Y Viva Espana – SYLVIA (January 1974, Sonet SON 2037, A)

22. Galloping Home – THE LONDON STRING CHORALE (September 1972, Polydor 2058 270, A – charted 1974)

There is no liner notes nor booklet with the Tri-Gatefold Card Sleeve, just track by track credits without any real info including chart positions. The Audio however is uniformly fab throughout with only the Scaffold cut sounding odd to me but I think that is the way it was recording. To the music…

CD1 opens with a great run from Queen, Elton John, Quatro, Mud, Slade and Mott The Hoople. The opening very Nazareth slide guitar of the Slade track is punchy and full of clarity. Roy Wood (of The Move and Wizzard) and Jim Stafford please too with their happy-go-lucky tunes. 'even take the dog for a walk, mend a fuse, fold away the ironing board, or any other domestic short comings' was the witty brackets subtitle for the Faces 1974 final original song throw of the 45-single dice - "You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything". Rod Stewart was already a bona-fide Seventies Superstar (like Elton) by 1973 when he left the Faces but it’s this kind of good time jaunt that shows why people loved him and his former band so much. A low-down lady with a honky tonk car seduces the helpless lads of Status Quo on the pleasing guitar and harmonica boogie of "Break The Rules". The man with the physical hammer – drummer Cozy Powell – packs a rebellious punch on the far-better-than-you-remember-it "Na Na Na" – another RAK Records anthem gifted to Powell by John Cameron who had close associations with a RAK band I loved - C.C.S. (with Alexis Korner). The cod Rock and Roll continues with the fun Mungo Jerry tune "Long Legged Woman In Black" – another gal not prepared to put out for Ray Dorset. 

Some have claimed that the Paper Lace song "The Night Chicago Died" is a re-recording but I don’t think so – it’s just the Album Version which differed from the Single Mix. Unfortunately, the long run of T.Rex moments of greatness was clearly coming to an end with "The Light Of Love" while amazingly clear audio will greet David Essex fans for the echoed menace of the cleverly arranged "America". Can never get me enough Cockney Rebel and I remember absolutely everyone discovering Steve Harley and his smarmy acidic that year with the brilliant "Judy Teen" – a song that manages to be both sweetness personified and razor blade at the same time (clean audio too). Alvin Stardust did well with the weirdly irritating "Red Dress" – the kind of Pop fodder that regularly topped the charts then while The Rubettes and the Bay City Rollers bring me out in hives. CD1 ends though on two clever nostalgia winners – Gary Shearston giving Charisma Records a rare chart entry with his take on the Cole Porter drug-addled oldie "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music carving out a solo career with his take on the Jerome Kern songbook classic "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

CD2 goes Soul big time (mostly). Opening with Barry White's band The Love Unlimited Orchestra - "Love's Theme" sets the lush dancefloor scene (BW also gets the last song on the disc). Folks get down with the Soul Train as MFSB, Harold Melvin and The Three Degrees stamp that Philadelphia International sound on our consciousness (we still haven't recovered, nor do we want too). But I have to say that I loved rediscovering "You Little Trustmaker" by The Tymes – the kind of doobie-doobie bopper that just lifts the spirits like only US Soul Music can. Diana Ross got the lead name on the label (of course) but it is the glory of Marvin Gaye that you remember – their duet remake of "Stop, Look And Listen (To You Heart)" (a hit The Stylistics had in March 1971 in the USA) slinking out your speakers (the Ross/Gaye single was a UK-only release). Another excellent duet "Then Came You", offers the forgotten lone hook-up of Dionne Warwick with The Spinners – gorgeous Seventies Soul. The Drifters tune is too cheesy for my taste, but The Stylistics show why they were such hitmakers in those years - "Rockin' Roll Baby" as catchy as it gets. But then we get a true winner – Kiki Dee getting Rock-Funky with her fantastic "I've Got The Music In Me" – an Elton John and Band production that includes great string and brass arrangements too courtesy of Richard Hewson. And the Audio is clearly the EMI Remaster of about 2005 even if it doesn't say so (what a belter of a vocalist she was). 

Skip the decidedly unimpressive KC & The Sunshine Band offering and go directly to the genius of the Commodores doing the Clavinet and Synth Funky instrumental "Machine Gun" – a monster back in the day in the clubs and used ever since in countless movies when an Afro shows up (banging audio too). Two 60ts tunes follow that were reissued to more success in 1974 - more skipping for me unfortunately with R. Dean Taylor on Motown (a 1966 song originally) – better the August 1967 Northern Soul gem "Everlasting Love" by Robert Knight – the kind of perennial that never seems to date (issued once again on Monument Records). Completely forgotten goes to the pretty "Guilty" by The Pearls – the man stole her heart and needs to pay for his sins. The Three Degrees were hugely popular, and you can hear why with "Year Of Decision" – another catchy Gamble & Huff song on Philly. Skipping The Intruders, we are hit with three top-audio total winners that still sound amazingly current - "Midnight At The Oasis" by Maria Muldaur, "Be Thankful For You Got" by William DeVaughn (I am indeed 'diggin' the scene with a gangster lean') and Roberta Flack's sexy "Feel Like Making Love". CD2 closes on oldies radio staple - Barry 'The Walrus of Love' White getting bedroom breathy with "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up" – keeping his lady pleased in every way that he can.

Unfortunately, CD3 on this Extra compilation is weighed down with Pop Pap. The good stuff first – it opens promisingly enough with Elton doing his Beatles Sgt. Peppers cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (Single Edit) which is followed by Sparks giving us "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" – their Queen-like drama sounding amazingly clear. But then we get awful dollops of The Wombles and Bay City Rollers broken periodically by Leo Sayer and his Acoustic "One Man Band" anthem (Roger Daltrey of The Who covered it on his "Daltrey" solo debut album in 1973). The cod football anthem "Liverpool Lou" of Scaffold is followed by the cheesy golden oldies jaunt of The New Seekers. Neil Sedaka saves the moment with his Carpenters-melodious "Laughter In The Rain". Great discovery is the Prelude Acapella cover version of the Neil Young 1970 classic "After The Gold Rush" followed by "Scullery" from English teacher Clifford T. Ward (his other hit on Charisma "Wherewithal" is on the 1973 set). Schlock quickly returns with Terry Jacks and Lobo – The Stylistics triumphing with their big chorus brand. Diana Ross offers us the weedy Motown ballad "All Of My Life" but she is blown out of the water by the welcome pipes of Charlie Rich in his signature silver-fox moment - "Behind Closed Doors". Got help us all but I enjoyed re-hearing Andy Williams doing "Solitaire" – an easy listening ballad with half-a-heart. But the last run is just awful with Y Viva Espana making me reach for the barf bag. 

As I say – these Now Yearbook sets infuriate as much as they enliven – but with so many tracks, great audio and a reasonable price tag that will probably drop even further as time goes on – "Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" is recommended…

NOW YEARBOOK '74 UK Discography

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBXNOW74 - 0196588423925 (Barcode 196588423925) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track 28-Page Special Edition Hardback Book

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI CDYBNOW74 - 0196588423826 (Barcode 196588423826) – released 3 May 2024 as a 4CD 82-Track Eight-Panel Card Sleeve Standard Edition

"Now Yearbook '74" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Sony Music/EMI LPYBNOW74 - 01965884240141 (Barcode 1965884240141) – released 3 May 2024 as a 3LP GREEN VINYL Edition with 48-Tracks Truncated down from the 4CD edition.

"Now Yearbook Extra '74 - 64 More Essential Hits From 1974" on Sony Music/EMI CDYBENOW74 - 0196588903021 (Barcode 196588903021) – released 7 June 2024 as a 3CD 64-Track Companion Volume in a Tri-Gatefold Card Sleeve

"It's Alive" by THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS – September 1978 US and UK Sixth Album, First Live Double Album on A&M Records featuring John Dillon, Steve Cash, Larry Lee, Mike Granda. Steve Canaday, Ruell Chappell and Rune Walla (February 2024 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) Reissue – 2LPs onto 1CD – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATING:

Material: ***

Audio: *** to ****

Presentation: **** to *****

"…Fly Away Home…"

The live double-album in the Seventies was always an event – a way for a band to take those great studio efforts before it and explode them on stage. Artists usually threw in a few tasty cover versions maybe, a new song or two perhaps to satiate loyal fans while individual musicianship had the room not just to spread out - but seriously impress. So it is with a heavy heart that I inform my beloved readers that after five studio sets with their natural home – A&M Records – The Ozark Mountain Daredevils' first live double from September 1978 (finishing their tenure with A&M) was a downer-ending to their Country Rock journey - and as I recall at the time for devotees like me - a major damp squid.

Complete with retro B-movie style artwork front and rear "It's Alive" was also rather dated and at just over sixty-minutes – not particularly generous either. While the self-titled studio debut from 1973 and its even better 1974 follow-up "It'll Shine When It Shines" felt fresh, melodic, and delivered serious fun (5 of the 16 come from those albums) – by the time you cut to four and five years later – a malaise had crept into their weaker songs and a harder musical landscape made The Ozarks sound lame even silly. Worse – I believe "It's Alive" was recorded on tour with Fleetwood Mac (April 1978) who were "Rumours" monstrous at the time so could only play stadiums. So, instead of intimacy which would have served their homegrown acoustic instruments and yee-haw sound well – you get that horrible huge crowd noise – an in the distance vibe - where the sound is smothered by miles of dead air and any lack of real punch.

The new Remaster here carried out by the experienced Audio Engineer ANDREW THOMPSON of England's Beat Goes On Records (aka BGO Records) tries its best with what is on offer – but only some songs feel fuller while others just sound slightly better and strangely (please forgive the pun) un-alive. I think it was the venues because although the singers try repartee with the audience – it feels like they are in another state. At least the 2024 presentation is top notch – card slipcase – 16-page booklet with new JOHN O'REGAN liner notes – the inner gatefold artwork reproduced etc. Let's get to the Chicken Trains…

UK released Friday, 23 February 2024 - "It's Alive" by THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS on Beat Goes On Records (BGO) BGOCD1511 (Barcode 5017261215116) is a straightforward reissue and remaster of a Double Live Album from 1978 onto 1CD and plays out as follows (60:09 minutes):

1. Walkin' Down The Road [Side 1]
2. Black Sky
3. You Know Like I Know
4. River To The Sun
5. Satisfied Mind [Side 2]
6. Fly Away Home
7. Horse Trader
8. Followin' The Way That I Feel
9. Chicken Train [Side 3]
10. Ooh Boys (It's Hot)
11. Homemade Wine
12. Commercial Success
13. Jackie Blue [Side 4]
14. Noah
15. If You Wanna Get To Heaven
16. It's All Over Now
Tracks 1 to 16 are their sixth album (and first live) "It's Alive" – a Live Double-Album released September 1978 in the USA on A&M Records SP-6006 and September 1978 in the UK on A&M Records AMLM 66006. Produced by THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS - it peaked at No.176 on the US Billboard album charts (didn't chart UK)

THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS were:
LARRY LEE – Drums, Piano, Guitar
JOHN DILLON -Guitars, piano, Fiddle and Mouthbow
MIKE GRANDA – Bass and Guitar
STEVE CASH – Harmonica
RUNE WALLA – Guitar and Banjo
STEVE CANADAY – Guitar, Bass and Drums
RUELL CHAPPELL – Keyboards
JERRY MILLS - Mandolin

The outer card slipcase and glossy 16-page booklet lend the release a classy look and come resplendent with new liner notes from JOHN O'REGAN (dated December 2023). O'Regan is good at these releases and gives a detailed overview not just of the five studio efforts that preceded "It's Alive" - but the Live Double itself, their departure from A&M Records to Columbia Records in 1980 and beyond into the present day and failed/successful solo efforts and even personal loses. The inner gatefold artwork is reproduced in the centre page spread and the valiant Remaster is care of ANDREW THOMPSON which to my ears has improved most of it and even made a fist of that distance that deadend the original issue. To the music…

Of the sixteen-track set – five were new – three originals and two covers. The cover versions consisted of an almost Acapella go at "Satisfied Mind" – the 1963 Porter Wagoner song from his RCA Camden LP "A Satisfied Mind". Written by Guitarist Jack Rhodes and Fiddle Player Red Hayes – it has become something of a Country standard ever since first touched upon by Glen Campbell in 1968 on Capitol Records. While the other fifteen songs are Live – their cover version of "Satisfied Mind" was recorded at "…the men’s shower, McDonald Arena, Springfield, Missouri…" so it (funny enough) feels like a studio outtake and is a bit of a hoot and reminder of their collective vocal power. Far better is the 2LP finisher – the other cover version – a take on the Bobby Womack classic "It's All Over Now" (also made famous by The Rolling Stones) where the electric guitar side of the band gets to Rock out and have some long-needed fun. The three newbies are a Steve Canady song called "Horse Trader" alongside "Commercial Success" (Steve Cash) and "Ooh Boys (It's Hot)" by Mike Granda. They are good-ish but never rise to great - the not-so subtle jab at the record industry in "Commercial Success" addressing A&M constantly begging them for another "Jackie Blue" radio-friendly jangle hit and the band not reciprocating (their drunken performance on a TV show the month of the live double's release seen by a Company man led to their contract not being renewed). 

The self-titled December 1973 debut is represented by three – the get in the Country Mood sway of "Black Sky" and the clucking and mouthbow-ing "Chicken Train" (both by Steve Cash) and the more melodic ballad "If You Wanna Get To Heaven" – a co-write between Cash and John Dillon. Platter number two "It'll Shine When It Shines" from December 1974 strangely only gets two – the big hit that truly put them and their Country Rock sound on the map "Jackie Blue" and the double-album's opener "Walkin' Down The Road". I would have liked 2nd LP nuggets like "E.E. Lawson", "You Make It Right" or even "Look Away". Their third studio set "The Car Over The Lake Album" from September 1975 is ignored entirely but the fourth "Men From Earth" from September 1976 is flush with four - "Fly Away Home" and "Noah" (John Dillon songs) with "You Know Like I Know" and "Homemade Wine" (Larry Lee songs). The final studio set "Don't Look Down" from October 1977 gets a couplet – the Larry Lee penned "Followin' The Way That I Feel" and the Dillon/Cash co-written "River To The Sun".

Ozark Mountain Daredevil fans will love the fact that "It's Alive" is at last out there on CD again and in proper style, but all others should go back to their sexier and more melodic studio basics – BGOCD648 that has the self-titled debut and "It'll Shine When It Shines" on 1CD - while BGOCD737 gives you three and four "The Car Over The Lake Album" and "Men From Earth" also on 1CD – both sets with great Audio. 

Maybe in the future England's Beat Goes On Records (aka BGO Records) will reissue the lone catalogue hole from the A&M years - "Don't Look Down" with some of those rare B-sides from the early years or any other straggler goodies. We shall Fly Away Home then…