“The Road Is Rocky – The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971” by GENE VINCENT. A Review of the 2005 BEAR FAMILY 8CD BOX SET.

“Be-Bop-A-Lula…Let’s Rock Again!”
Fans of “The Screaming End” have waited all their lives for a tribute to their hero like this and the much-anticipated BCD 16257 HL doesn’t disappoint.

"The Road Is Rocky - The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971” is typical of Bear Family's legendary excellence - released March 2005, 8 CDs are housed in label-themed 2CD jewel cases inside a 12"x12" Box Set offering up a huge 223 tracks. There's a beautifully illustrated album-sized 134-Page Hardback Book (yes hardback) and resplendent in its full-colour cover, the whole package has an air of real class about it. Genuinely - just holding it - is a thrill…

The set was compiled and produced by DEREK HENDERSON and the stunning essay on Vincent’s tortuous life is by noted expert IAN WALLIS (it’s both ruthlessly honest yet quietly affectionate). Label boss RICHARD WEIZE and TONY BARRETT (of Rockstar Records in the UK) handled the tape research with the remastering carried out by JAY RANELLUCCI, BOB IRWIN and KIP SMITH. And being Bear Family, the sound quality is GORGEOUS - first generation tapes used, meticulous transfers - a typically superlative job done.

CONTENTS:
Disc 1: label is Capitol USA 7” of “Be-Bop-A-Lula”, 27 Tracks, 64:44 minutes
Disc 2: label is Capitol USA 7” of “Lotta Lovin’”, 29 Tracks, 68:51 minutes
Disc 3: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo Sleeve of “Git It”, 28 Tracks, 61:20 minutes
Disc 4: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo of “Be Bop Boogie Boy”, 34 Tracks, 79:53 minutes
Disc 5: label is Capitol USA 7” Promo of “Wild Cat”, 28 Tracks, 63:59 minutes
Disc 6: label is Columbia UK 7” of “Private Detective”, 26 Tracks, 62:15 minutes
Disc 7: label is Challenge USA 7” Promo of “Bird-Doggin’”, 28 Tracks, 76:31 minutes
Disc 8: label is Kama Sutra USA 7” of “How I Love Them Old Songs”, 23 Tracks, 73:32 minutes

The discography by Richard Weize, RUSSELL WAPENSKY and Derek Henderson contains 210 entries from his first recordings in May 1956 in Nashville to his last two in January 1971 in London. All 7 of his Capitol albums are here - “Bluejean Bop!” from 1956 through to “The Crazy Beat Of…” from 1963 - “Shakin’ Up A Storm” from 1964 on Columbia, “Gene Vincent” on London from 1967 (Challenge in the USA) and his 3 Dandelion and Kama Sutra albums of the early Seventies. You can also sequence in both A&B of all 40 of his 7” singles (a large number of them were non-album tracks). The bluesy “Baby Blue” (his 10th UK single from 1958) is fantastic…

The book is wonderful, black and white stage shots, an adoring John Lennon looking over his shoulder, backing group the BLUE CAPS posing in the studio, the one with Eddie Cochran, Joe Brown and Billy Fury all looking so young and full of promise. I particularly dig the snap of Gene and Jet Harris with a winking Little Richard and a smiling Sam Cooke – now’s there’s a conversation you wanna hear!

Musical rarities include “Beautiful Brown Eyes” which was only available on an ultra rare French single from 1959, both the Playground and Forever US-only 7” singles from 1968 and 1969 of “Story Of The Rockers” and “Pickin’ Poppies” because all 4 sides have different mixes and finally the two exclusive tracks Vincent cut for the B&C Records compilation “Battle Of The Bands” in 1971 – his last proper studio recordings. There’s also several previously unreleased STEREO tracks.

If I was to point out a downside, it would be that he did a further 5-track live session for The Johnny Walker Show at Radio 1 in London on the 1st of October 1971 – just 11 days before he died in the USA – but it’s not included on here. It was released as “The Last Session” in 1987 by John Peel on one of his Strange Fruit/Nighttracks 12” singles – and you can’t help but feel that it should have been included.

Vincent Eugene Craddock died from liver failure on 12 October 1971 in the Emergency Room of a California hospital, aged only 36 - years of chronic alcoholism having finally done for him. It was a sad and painful finish.

But for fans the world over, he will always be the real deal – silver microphone in hand, leg thrust forward, the thrill of rock ’n’ roll literally shaking his limbs and quivering his voice. And this beautiful and loving box set only brings that home in spades.

Bear Family’s “Rocky…” is a very real reason as to why this reissue label is held in such awe. It costs for sure – but quality always does. A real winner – and well done boys - you keepers of the flame.

PS:
For fans, I’ve posted full LP and 7” UK discographies in two separate comments attached to this review – each references where the tracks can be found on this box set (info the book doesn’t provide you with in one place)

I’d also recommend as essential “The Outtakes”, a 2007 follow-up set by Bear Family which contains a staggering 226 tracks from 1956 to 1968 – it’s a mini 6CD box with a beautifully detailed 76-page booklet - with the vast majority of these priceless ‘in session’ gems having never been released before anywhere

And last - with regard to price, some online retailers are trying to get over £300 for this box set – don’t! It is available shrink-wrapped and as new for £129 + P&P from their distributors in the UK, Rollercoaster Records of Chalford Gloucestershire (www.rollercoasterrecords.com) or for 174 Euros + P&P from Bear Family direct at www.bearfamily.de in Germany

GENE VINCENT UK LP DISCOGRAPHY from 1956 to 1971 (with reference to the BEAR FAMILY 8CD Box Set “The Road Is Rocky”).

The following UK LP discography references the Track Placing on the 2005 Bear Family 8CD Box set “The Road Is Rocky – The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971”
(i.e. 1/15 after the song title is Disc 1/Track 15).

His first 5 albums are credited to GENE VINCENT and his BLUE CAPS – after that it’s GENE VINCENT solo albums

1. “Bluejean Bop!”
November 1956 – UK Debut LP on Capitol Records T 764, MONO Only
Side 1:
1. Bluejean Bop [1/15]
2. Jezebel [1/5]
3. Ain't She Sweet [1/11]
4. Jumps, Giggles and Shouts [1/14]
5. Who Slapped John [1/13]
6. Wedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine) [1/8]

Side 2:
1. Up A Lazy River [1/10]
2. Bop Street [1/17]
3. I Flipped [1/11]
4. Waltz Of The Wind 1/9]
5. Jump Back, Honey, Jump Back [1/20]
6. Peg O' My Heart [1/7]

2. “Gene Vincent And His Blue Caps”
August 1957, UK LP on Capitol Records T 811, MONO Only
Side 1:
1. Red Blue Jeans And A Pony Tail [2/7]
2. Unchained Melody [1/27]
3. Hold Me, Hug Me, Rock Me [1/26]
4. You Told A Fib [1/19]
5. Cruisin' [2/4]
6. You Better Believe [2/6]

Side 2:
1. Double Talkin' Baby [1/25]
2. Blues Stay Away From Me [1/22]
3. Cat Man [1/24]
4. I Sure Miss You [1/4]
5. Pink Thunderbird [2/2]
6. Pretty, Pretty Baby [2/3]

3. “Gene Vincent Rocks! And The Blue Caps Roll”
December 1957 – UK LP on Capitol Records T 970, MONO Only
Side 1:
1. Frankie and Johnnie [2/29]
2. In My Dreams [2/9]
3. You'll Never Walk Alone [2/20]
4. Brand New Beat [2/28]
5. By The Light Of The Silvery Moon [2/18]
6. Flea Brain [2/27]

Side 2:
1. Rollin' Danny [2/13]
2. Your Cheatin' Heart [2/22]
3. You Belong To Me [3/1]
4. Time Will Bring You Everything [2/14]
5. Should I Ever Love Again [2/26]
6. It’s No Lie [2/25]

4. “A Gene Vincent Record Date”
September 1958, UK LP on Capitol Records T 1059, MONO Only
Side 1:
1. Five Feet Of Lovin' [3/13]
2. The Wayward Wind [3/18]
3. Somebody Help Me [3/12]
4. Keep It A Secret [3/2]
5. Hey, Good Lookin' [3/15]
6. Git It [3/5]

Side 2:
1. Teenage Partner [3/7]
2. Peace Of Mind [3/8]
3. Look What You Gone And Done To Me [3/14]
4. Summertime [3/16]
5. I Can't Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) [3/17]
6. I Love You [3/6]

5. “Sounds Like Gene Vincent”
October 1959, UK LP on Capitol Records T 1207, MONO Only
Side 1:
1. My Baby Don't Allow [4/17]
2. I Can't Believe You Want To Leave [4/4]
3. I Might Have Known [4/15]
4. In Love Again [4/1]
5. Ready Teddy [4/19]
6. You Are The One For Me [3/27]

Side 2:
1. I Got To Get To You Yet [4/5]
2. Vincent's Blues [4/20]
3. Maybe [3/28]
4. Now Is The Hour [3/19]
5. My Heart [4/6]
6. Maybelline [4/10]

6. “Crazy Times!”
May 1960, UK LP on Capitol Records T 1342 (MONO)
May 1960, UK LP on Capitol Records ST 1342 (STEREO)
Side 1:
1. Crazy Times [4/26 Mono - 5/6 Stereo]
2. She She Little Sheila [4/23 Mono - 5/3 Stereo]
3. Darlene [4/24 Mono (Version 1) - 5/4 Stereo (Version 2)]
4. Everybody's Got A Date But Me [4/33 Mono - 5/13 Stereo]
5. Why Don't You People Learn How To Drive [4/25 Mono - 5/5 Stereo]
6. Greenback Dollar [4/27 Mono - 5/7 Stereo]

Side 2:
1. Big Fat Saturday Night [4/28 Mono - 5/8 Stereo]
2. Mitchiko From Tokyo [4/34 Mono - 5/14 Stereo]
3. Hot Dollar [4/30 Mono - 5/10 Stereo]
4. Accentuate The Positive [4/22 Mono - 5/2 Stereo]
5. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain [4/32 Mono - 5/12 Stereo]
6. Pretty Pearly [4/21 Mono - 5/1 Stereo]

7. “The Crazy Beat Of Gene Vincent”
August 1963, UK LP on Capitol Records T 20453 (STEREO and MONO)
Side 1:
1. Crazy Beat [5/17 Stereo]
2. Important Words [4/16 Mono]
3. It’s Been Nice [5/19 Stereo]
4. Lonesome Boy [3/26 Mono]
5. Good Lovin’ [5/21 Stereo]
6. I’m Gonna Catch Me A Rat [5/18 Stereo]

Side 2:
1. Rip It Up [4/9 Mono]
2. High Blood Pressure [4/11 Mono]
3. That’s The Trouble With Love [5/20 Stereo]
4. Weeping Willow [5/16 Mono]
5. Teardrops [5/23 Stereo]
6. Gone, Gone, Gone [4/14 Mono]

8. “Shakin’ Up A Storm” [as GENE VINCENT and THE SHOUTS]
October 1964, UK LP on Columbia Records 33SX 1646 (MONO Only)
Side 1:
1. Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey [6/22]
2. Lavender Blue [6/14]
3. Private Detective [6/17 Stereo]
4. Shimmy Shammy Shingle [6/18]
5. Someday (You’ll Want Me To Want You) [6/24]
6. Another Saturday Night [6/23]
7. Slippin’ And Slidin’ [6/16]

Side 2:
1. Long Tall Sally [6/19]
2. Send Me Some Lovin’ [6/21]
3. Love, Love, Love [6/13]
4. Good Golly Miss Molly [6/20]
5. Baby Blue [6/25]
6. Susie Q [6/26 – mistakenly printed as 6/25]
7. You Are My Sunshine [6/15]

9. “Gene Vincent”
September 1967, UK LP on London HA-H 8333 (MONO Only)
[Notes: These recordings were made for Gene Autry’s Challenge label in the USA, but were never issued as an album there. Three USA 7” singles were released on Challenge 59337, 59347 and 59565, but they all failed to do any sales business and Vincent was dropped from the label. There is a CD called “Ain’t That Too Much – The Complete Challenge Sessions” on Hollowbody HC 12004 from 1994 (a Sundazed label), which is referenced in the Bear Family discography because it has SIX STEREO TAKES on it. These STEREO alternate versions appear on the 2nd Bear Family Gene Vincent Box Set, “The Outtakes”, a 6CD set from 2007]

Side 1:
1. Hurtin’ For You Baby [7/7]
2. I’m A Lonesome Fugitive [7/10]
3. Born To Be A Rolling Stone [7/6]
4. Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo [7/8]
5. Poor Man’s Prison [7/9]
6. Words And Music [7/11]

Side 2:
1. Bird Doggin’ [7/1]
2. I’ve Got My Eyes On You [7/4]
3. Love Is A Bird [7/5]
4. Ain’t That Too Much [7/2]
5. Lonely Street [7/3]
6. Am I That Easy To Forget [7/12]

10. “Best Of Gene Vincent”
October 1967, UK LP on Capitol Records T 20957 (MONO Only)
[Capitol Rainbow Label Design on Original Issues]
[Note: both of the following “Best Of” UK LPs gathered up large numbers of Vincent’s UK singles on Capitol because they were originally NON-ALBUM tracks on both A & B; these issues mark their first appearance on UK albums. The second volume was issued in both Mono and Stereo - the Mono issue was quickly deleted after release with the Stereo version on ST 21144 kept on EMI’s catalogue for a few years more. The STEREO mixes are not on this box set, but are on the 2nd one “The Outtakes” from 2007.]

Side 1:
1. Say Mama [4/2]
2. Lotta Lovin' [2/12]
3. Wear My Ring [2/11]
4. Gonna Back Up Baby [1/12]
5. Rocky Road Blues [3/11]
6. Important Words [2/5]
7. I Got A Baby [2/21]
8. Bluejean Bop [1/15]

Side 2:
1. Woman Love [1/3]
2. Pistol Packin' Mama [5/15]
3. Little Lover [3/10]
4. Right Here On Earth [4/31]
5. Wild Cat [4/29]
6. Unchained Melody [1/27]
7. My Heart [4/6]
8. Be-Bop-A-Lula [1/2]

11. “Best Of Gene Vincent Vol.2”
February 1969, UK LP on Capitol Records T 21144 (MONO)
February 1969, UK LP on Capitol Records T 21144 ST 21144 (STEREO)
[Original issues have a Rainbow Label design]

Side 1:
1. B-I-Bickey-Bi Bo Bo Go [2/1 Mono]
2. Frankie And Johnny [2/29 Mono]
3. The Night Is So Lonely [4/7 Mono]
4. Git It [3/5 Mono]
5. Yes, I Love You Baby [3/3 Mono]
6. Walkin’ Home From School [2/24 Mono]
7. I Got It [2/10 Mono]
8. Crazy Legs [1/6 Mono]

Side 2:
1. I’m Going Home (To See My Baby) [5/25 Mono]
2. Five Days, Five Days [2/8 Mono]
3. True To You [2/15 Mono]
4. Right Now [2/19 Mono]
5. Well, I Knocked Bim Bam [1/18 Mono]
6. Over The Rainbow [4/18 Mono]
7. Race With The Devil [1/1 Mono]
8. Be-Bop-A-Lula [1/2]

12. “I’m Back And I’m Proud”
January 1970, UK STEREO LP on Dandelion S 63754 [Distributed by CBS in the UK]
(USA LP of the same name was on Dandelion D9-102. Among the musicians featured were Denis “Mars Bonfire” McCrohan of Steppenwolf and Skip Battin of The Byrds; the album of mostly cover versions was produced by the legendary Kim Fowley)
Side 1:
1. Rockin' Robin [7/23]
2. In The Pines [7/15]
3. Be Bop A Lula ’69 [7/26]
4. Rainbow At Midnight 7/20]
5. Black Letter [7/19]
6. White Lightnin’ [7/16]

Side 2.
1. Sexy Ways [7/25]
2. Ruby Baby [7/24]
3. Lotta Lovin' [7/17]
4. Circle Never Broken [7/18]
5. Scarlet Ribbons [7/22]

13. “If Only You Could See Me Today”
1971, UK STEREO LP on Kama Sutra 2316 009
(The US LP was issued as “Gene Vincent” on Kama Sutra KSBS 2019 in July 1970; “Sunshine” and “Geese” were issued as a 7” single in the USA on K 514 in the same month; Chris Darrow plays Fiddle on “Danse Colinda”)
Side 1:
1. Slow Times Comin' [8/3]
2. Sunshine [8/1]
3. I Need Woman's Love [8/2]
4. Danse Colinda [8/4]
5. Geese [8/5]

Side 2:
1. 500 Miles (Away From Home) [8/6]
2. Listen To The Music [8/7]
3. If Only You Could See Me Today [8/8]
4. A Million Shades Of Blue [8/9]
5. Tush Hog [8/10]

14. “The Day The World Turned Blue”
1971, UK STEREO LP on Kama Sutra 2316 005 (STEREO)
(The USA LP (same title) was issued on Kama Sutra KSBS 2027 in November 1970)
Side 1:
1. How I Love Them Old Songs [8/11]
2. High On Life [8/12]
3. North Carolina Line [8/15]
4. You Can Make It If You Try [8/13]
5. Our Souls [8/16]
6. Looking Back [8/21]

Side 2:
1. The Day The World Turned Blue [8/19]
2. Boppin' The Blues [8/18]
3. There Is Something On Your Mind [8/14]
4. Oh Lonesome Me [8/17]
5. The Woman Is Black [8/20]

15. “Battle Of The Bands Volume 1”
(1971, B&C Records BCM 103)
(A Various Artists compilation that features 2 Gene Vincent and The Houseshakers tracks)
1. Say Mama ’71 [8/22, Mono]
2. I’m Movin’ On [8/23, Mono]

16. “The King Of Fools”
June 1974 LP on EMI’s budget label Regal Starline SRS 5177
(Some of this LP’s tracks are referenced in the Bear Family discography (not all) because they mark their first appearance on LP in STEREO. The album also contains several single only releases like “Humpity Dumpity” (MONO) and “Temptation Baby” (STEREO) which I’ve noted below)

Side 1:
1. The King Of Fools [6/3, Stereo]
2. Where Have You Been All My Life [6/8, Stereo]
3. A Love ‘Em And Leave ‘Em Kinda Guy [6/12, Mono]
4. The Beginning Of The End [6/9, Mono]
5. La Den Da Den Da Da [6/10, Mono]
6. Spaceship To Mars (from the film “It’s Trad, Dad!”) [6/1, Mono]

Side 2:
1. Be-Bop-A-Lula [1/2, Mono]
2. You’re Still In My Heart [6/4, Stereo]
3. Held For Questioning [6/5, Stereo]
4. There I Go Again (Whoops I’m Dreaming) [6/2, Mono]
5. Humpity Dumpity [6/11, Mono]
6. Temptation Baby (from the film “Live It Up”) [6/7, Stereo]

Born 11 February 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia, Vincent Eugene Craddock died from liver failure on 12 October 1971 in the Emergency Room of a California hospital, aged only 36 - years of chronic alcoholism having finally done for him.

This wonderful and properly respectful 8CD Bear Family box set finally does him and his musical legacy justice – and in spades.

PS: Outakes, sudio chatter and rare Stereo versions are available on the companion volume to this box, the 2007 Bear Family 6CD mini box set "The Outtakes"
PPS: see also the UK 7” singles list - posted separately

GENE VINCENT UK 7” single DISCOGRAPHY from 1956 to 1971 (with reference to the BEAR FAMILY 8CD Box Set “The Road Is Rocky”).

The following UK single discography references the 2005 Bear Family 8CD Box set “The Road Is Rocky – The Complete Studio Masters 1956-1971”.

Although the 134-page hardback book that accompanies this sumptuous box set is extensive, it misses out on a few basic things. There are no LP nor 7" single discographies for the UK or USA - nor is there any list as to where to find these tracks on the 8CDs (should you wish to import them into your computer as such). This list is by way of providing both the track references for the box - and a decent UK discography (the UK LP discography is posted separately).

NOTES on the ENTRIES:
The bracketed numbers after the A and B song titles denote where to find the master track on the box set – for example 1/15 is Disc 1/Track 15.

Numbers 1 to 9 were issued on both 78” and 7” single in the UK as was 16. Numbers 10 to 15 and 17 onwards were issued on 7” single only. On that point - catalogue numbers for the 10” 78”s were CL and for the 7” 45’s were 45-CL. A lot of discographies simply exclude the ‘45’ prefix, but it was there on the originals to differentiate between the 78 and 45, so I’ve reinstated them for accuracy (they’re on the actual records themselves). Pictured below is the 78" of "Be-Bop-A-Lula" with "Woman Love" on the B.



All singles are MONO unless otherwise stated and the release dates/catalogue numbers are checked against EMI/Capitol/Columbia/CBS-Dandelion paperwork for accuracy.

1. A: Be-Bop-A-Lula [1/2] B: Woman Love [1/3]
(January 1956, Capitol 45-CL 14599)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

2. A: Race With The Devil [1/1] B: Gonna Back Up Baby [1/12]
(August 1956, Capitol 45-CL 14628)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

3. A: Bluejean Bop [1/15] B: Who Slapped John [1/13]
(October 1956, Capitol 45-CL 14637)
(Both tracks were on his debut UK LP “Bluejean Bop!”)

4. A: Jumps, Giggles And Shouts [1/14] B: Wedding Bells [1/8]
(January 1957, Capitol 45-CL 14681)
(Both tracks were on his debut UK LP “Bluejean Bop!”)

5. A: Crazy Legs [1/6] B: Important Words [2/5]
(March 1957, Capitol 45-CL 14693)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

6. A: B-I-Bickey-Bi Bo Bo Go [2/1] B: Five Days, Five Days [2/8]
(May 1957, Capitol 45-CL 14722)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

7. A: Lotta Lovin’ [2/12] B: Wear My Ring [2/11]
(September 1957, Capitol 45-CL 14763)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

8. A: Dance To The Bop [2/17] B: I Got It [2/10]
(November 1957, Capitol 45-CL 14808)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

9. A: I Got A Baby [2/21] B: Walkin’ Home From School [2/24]
(February 1958, Capitol 45-CL 14830)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

10. A: Baby Blue [2/23] B: True To You [2/15]
(April 1958, Capitol 45-CL 14868)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

11. A: Rocky Road Blues [3/11] B: Yes, I Love You Baby [3/3]
(August 1958, Capitol CL 14908)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

12. A: Git It [3/5] B: Little Lover [3/10]
(October 1958, Capitol 45-CL 14935)
(A-side is off his 4th UK LP “A Gene Vincent Record Date” and features EDDIE COCHRAN on Bass Vocals; B-side was a non-album track at the time of release)

13. A: Say Mama [4/2] B: Be Bop Boogie Boy [4/3]
(January 1959, Capitol 45-CL 14974)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

14. A: Who’s Pushin’ Your Swing [4/12] B: Over The Rainbow [4/18]
(March 1959, Capitol 45-CL 15000)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

15. A: Summertime [3//16] B: Frankie And Johnny [2/29]
(June 1959, Capitol 45-CL 15035)
(A-side is off his 4th UK LP “A Gene Vincent Record Date”; B-side is off his 3rd UK LP “Gene Vincent Rocks! And The Blue Caps Roll”)

16. A: Right Now [2/19] B: The Night Is So Lonely [4/7]
(August 1959, Capitol 45-CL 15053)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

17. A: Wild Cat [] B: Right Here On Earth []
(December 1959, Capitol 45-CL 15099)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

18. A: My Heart [4/6] B: I’ve Got To Get To You Yet [4/5]
(February 1960, Capitol 45-CL 15115)
(Both tracks were from his 5th UK LP “Sounds Like Gene Vincent”)

19. A: Pistol Packin’ Mama [5/15] B: Weeping Willow [5/16]
(May 1960, Capitol 45-CL 15136) Gene Vincent with The Beat Boys
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release’ “Weeping Willow” turned up on his 7th UK LP “The Crazy Beat Of Gene Vincent”)

20. A: Anna Annabelle [4/13] B: Accentuate The Positive [4/22]
(November 1960, Capitol 45-CL 15169)
(A-side was non-album at the time of issue; B-side is off the MONO version of his 6th UK LP “Crazy Times!)

21. A: Maybe [3/28] B: Jezebel [1/5]
(January 1961, Capitol 45-CL 15179)
(Re-issue of two old tracks; A-side is on his 5th UK LP “Sounds Like Gene Vincent”; B-side is on his debut album “Bluejean Bop!”)

22. A: If You Want My Lovin’ [5/24] B: Mister Loneliness [5/22]
(February 1961, Capitol 45-CL 15181)
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

23. A: She She Little Sheila [4/23] B: Hot Dollar [4/30]
(May 1961, Capitol 45-CL 15202)
Both tracks are on his 6th UK LP “Crazy Times!”)

24. A: I’m Going Home (To See My Baby) [5/25] B: Love Of A Man [5/26]
(August 1961, Capitol 45-CL 15215) Gene Vincent with Sounds Incorporated
(Both tracks were non-album in the UK at the time of release)

25. A: Brand New Beat [2/28] B: Unchained Melody [1/27]
(November 1961, Capitol 45-CL 15231]
(Both tracks are re-issued oldies; the A-side is off his 3rd UK LP “Gene Vincent Rocks! And The Blue Caps Roll”; the B-side is off his 2nd UK LP “Gene Vincent And His Blue Caps”)

26. A: Lucky Star [5/28] B: Baby Don’t Believe Him [5/27]
(March 1962, Capitol CL 15243)
(Both tracks are with the Dave Burgess Band; both were non-album at the time of release)

27. A: King Of Fools [6/3] B: Be-Bop-A-Lula ’62 [6/6]
(August 1962, Capitol CL 15264) with The Charles Blackwell Orchestra
(Both tracks were non-album at the time of release and are in STEREO)

28. A: Held For Questioning [6/5] B: You’re Still In My Heart [6/4]
(February 1963, Capitol CL 15290) with The Charles Blackwell Orchestra
(Both tracks were non-album at the time of release and are in STEREO; both turned up on an LP in June 1974 called “The King Of Fools” on EMI’s budget label Regal Starline SRS 5177)

29. A: Crazy Beat [5/17] B: High Blood Pressure [4/11]
(July 1963, Capitol CL 15307)
(A is STEREO, B is MONO, both tracks are on “Crazy Beat!” LP)

30. A: Temptation Baby [6/7] B: Where Have You Been All My Life [6/8]
(November 1963, Columbia DB 7174)
(Both tracks were non-album at the time of release and are in STEREO)

31. A: Humpity Dumpity [6/11] B: A Love ‘Em And Leave ‘Em Kinda Guy [6/12]
(April 1964, Columbia DB 7218)
(Both tracks were non-album at the time of release and are in MONO)

32. A: La-Den-Da-Den-Da-Da [6/10] B: The Beginning Of The End [6/9]
(July 1964, Columbia DB 7293)
(Both tracks were non-album at the time of release and are in MONO)

33. A: Private Detective [6/17] B: You Are My Sunshine [6/15]
(September 1964, Columbia DB 7343)
(Both tracks were off his “Shakin’ Up A Storm” LP from October 1964; the A-side of the 7” single and the album track were both in MONO, but the box set offers only the STEREO take (6/17); the B-side (6/15) is in MONO)

34. A: Bird Doggin’ [7/1] B: Ain’t That Too Much [7/2]
(September 1966, London HLH 10079)
(Both tracks were issued in advance of the “Gene Vincent” LP from September 1967 on London HA-H 8333 – both tracks are on that LP in MONO. There is a STEREO version only of “Ain’t That Too Much” on the 2007 Bear Family 6CD Box Set “The Outtakes”)

35. A: Lonely Street [7/3] B: I’ve Got My Eyes On You [7/4]
(December 1966, London HLH 10099)
(Both tracks were issued in advance of the “Gene Vincent” LP from September 1967 on London HA-H 8333 – both tracks are on that LP in MONO)

36. A: Be-Bop -A-Lula [1/2] B: Say Mama [4/2]
(1968, Capitol CL 15546)
(Reissue of his 1st UK 7” single from January 1956 on the A with his 13th 7” single from January 1959 on the B – both are in MONO)

37. Be Bop A Lula ’69 [7/26] B: Ruby Baby [7/24]
(October 1969, Dandelion S 4596)
[Mistakenly credited in the discography as S 4996]
(Both tracks are off his “I’m Back And I’m Proud” album for John Peel’s Dandelion label (Dandelion S 63754); both tracks are in STEREO)

38. A: White Lightning [7/16] B: Scarlet Ribbons [7/22]
(May 1970, Dandelion S 4974)
(Both tracks are off his “I’m Back And I’m Proud” album for John Peel’s Dandelion label (Dandelion S 63754) – both tracks are in STEREO)

39. A: The Day The World Turned Blue [8/19] B: High On Life [8/12]
(April 1971, Kama Sutra 2013 018)
[Note: Both the album and this 7" single were issued in the USA in NOVEMBER 1970 on Kama Sutra - the 7" on KA 518 and the LP on KSBS 2027]
(Both tracks are off his “The Day The World Turned Blue” LP on Kama Sutra 2316 005 – both tracks are in STEREO)

40. Story Of The Rockers [7/14] B: Pickin’ Poppies [7/13]
(1973, Spark SRL 1091)

(The above UK release is represented in the Bear Family box set by both of its American equivalents - Playground P 100 (1968) and Forever FR 6001 (1969). The Bear Family box has included all 4 sides because they’re all different mixes.

The same tracks are on both sides of the American 45’s with the box references being 7/14 and 7/13 for Playground P 100 and 7/28 and 7/27 for Forever FR 6001.

However, it should be noted that the Bear Family discography mistakenly credits “Pickin’ Poppies” on Forever FR 6001 as 7/14 (should read 7/27) and “Story Of The Rockers” on Playground P 100 as 7/28 (should read 7/14)).

Final Notes on UK singles:
The Bear Family box set is subtitled “Studio” masters 1956-1971 - however, for info purposes and with regard to singles, there are live recordings Gene Vincent did with the rock group Kansas Hook for “The Johnny Walker Show” on Radio 1 (UK). They were taped 1 October 1971 (a short 11 days before he died) and three from the five were issued on a 45 in the UK on the BBC label as BEEB 001 in late 1974 - Roll Over Beethoven, Say Mama and Be-Bop-A-Lula. And in 1987, John Peel’s Strange Fruit/Nighttracks label issued a 12” single called “The Last Session” (SFNT 001) which included a fourth track from the live session “Distant Drums”. They are not, however, included in this box - nor are they referenced in the discography.


PS: SEE ALSO - UK LP DISCOGRAPHY (separate blog)

“The Truman Show” on BLU RAY. A Review of the 1998 Peter Weir movie now reissued on a 2009 BLU RAY.

"…Easy On The Fog…Button Cam Three…Fade Up Music…”

Watching Peter Weir’s 1998 film in 2009 is a weird and wonderful trip – if not a slightly disconcerting one at times.

First – it’s as masterful and brilliant as you remember it – a very clever unfolding story about a man whose life is permanent Candid Camera for the entire planet - living in an artificially created world with literally everyone around him being an actor. Then there’s the stunning and believable performances of a perfectly picked cast (Carey, Linney and Harris all shine). And second - with the appalling Big Brother polluting our airwaves night after night – “The Truman Show” is not just relevant eleven years later – it seems to have actually predicted our television future…

But back to the BLU RAY - the first thing you notice is the picture, which is a mixture of beautiful clarity one moment running alongside very steady DVD quality the next. Clarity highlights would include - - Noah Emmerich’s sea of freckles as he’s interviewed in the opening credits - he plays Marlon who is supposedly Truman’s best friend – always turning up with a “Brewsky” whenever there’s a problem (they actually cake and paste Noah’s face with make up to cover up his freckles in later shots). There are the pearls on Sylvia’s wrist in the library when Truman and her finally talk, the “How Does It All End?” button on her cardigan – stunning clarity. There’s Truman digging the garden in his horrible orange pants as his wife stops on her bicycle for a little product-placement (played superbly by Laura Linney)…
“Look Truman! Chef's Pal! It’s a Grater, Peeler and Dicer all in one!”
“Wow!”

You also notice the actors who went on to be huge stars, Paul Giamatti as Christof’s technical sidekick, Peter Krause from Six Feet Under and Dirty Sexy Money as one of the suits in Truman’s office and of course the ethereal beauty of Natasha McElhone who has eyes clinically proven to be deeper than the Pacific Ocean.

Harry Shearer is in there too doing a fantastic turn as the appeasing interviewer Mike Michaelson. There’s the crass reintroduction of Truman’s dead father, which is being choreographed live by manipulative experts in the overhanging control room (quote above). But the trump card is the last minute cast appointment of Ed Harris as the show’s all-powerful creator – the aptly named Christof. Harris is simply magnificent (nominated for an Oscar) all serene and quietly spoken one moment – but dictatorial the next when his little money-making baby and power trip start to get challenged by an unexpectedly spunky Truman – a man Christof’s personally trained to be scared of certain things so he won’t ever leave Seahaven…

The two extras are the same as the Special Edition DVD – so a little disappointing there. But that’s minor compared to how good the whole film looks on BLU RAY and especially how amazingly well it still stands up – a modern day masterpiece. And the scenes where Truman stops the bus in defiance and where he battles the storm on his boat trying to break free - brought tears to my eyes – fabulous stuff.

“You can’t get any away further away before you start coming back…” Truman says to Marlon about Fiji where his longed-for love Sylvia is.

It’s slightly disconcerting to find a movie character spouting such wisdom, because in 2009, our entire world feels like one big screwed up reality show that can only end badly... What a film!

"Tattoo You" by THE ROLLING STONES (June 2009 Rolling Stones/Polydor CD Reissue - Stephen Marcussen and Stewart Whitmore Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...I Don't Need The Aggravation...I'm A Lazy Slob..." 

With the old May 1994 Virgin remaster and this new June 2009 Polydor version 'both' clocking in at exactly 44:26 minutes - I immediately had my suspicions about this latest rehash of the August 1981 album "Tattoo You" by The Rolling Stones. Another reissue masquerading as something new for soppy Stones fans like me and a million others too...

But this 2009 Polydor CD variant is a fantastic improvement in sound over its 1994 predecessor - it really is...

If I were to nail down what's different - it would be the Bass and Drums. They're suddenly so clear now and in some cases like "Worried About You" - it's truly startling how good they sound. In fact if feels like every single track has been uplifted out of its former rhythm section muddiness. The clarity and punch is great on everything really. 

STEPHEN MARCUSSEN and STEWART WHITMORE at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, California did the transfers and they're to be praised for their work...

As you've no doubt already read - "Tattoo You" was a ragbag of outtakes from previous albums with a few new tunes thrown in - Rockers on the A-side with Ballads on the B. And it worked - I played it to death on release - loved it to pieces - especially the soulful Side 2. Unfortunately the new packaging is a bit of a joke. The 'furry boot' inner sleeve that came with the original LP is reproduced in a paltry gatefold inlay - there are no lyrics when there was a European LP that had a lyric sheet insert (they could have used that). The startling Christian Piper tattooed 'Three Paintings' are reduced to a point where the credits on the green-coloured rear sleeve is barely legible. The inlay beneath the see-through CD tray is blank - wow - push the boat out boys! But much worse - and like so many Stones LPs now - guest musicians who contributed incredible work at the time are now not mentioned on reissues at all. So with all that in mind, here's a detailed track-by-track breakdown to get a better lay of the land…

UK released 8 June 2009 - "Tattoo You" by THE ROLLING STONES on Rolling Stones/Polydor 0602527015699 (Barcode 602527015699) is an 'Extended Version' CD Remaster (see Notes below) and plays out as follows (44:26 minutes):

1. Start Me Up [begun in 1975, returned to in 1978 as a "Some Girls" possible]

2. Hang Fire [another "Some Girls" outtake, features IAN STEWART on Piano]

3. Slave [This is an Extended Version - see PS below]

4. Little T&A [Lead Vocals and Bass by Keith Richards, Ian Stewart on Piano - T&A is street slang for certain parts of a woman's anatomy]

5. Black Limousine [the only track on the album co-credited to RONNIE WOOD, it features Mick Jagger on Lead Vocals and Harmonica with Ian Stewart on Piano - backing track dated as far back as "Exile" in 1972]

6. Neighbours [features' both' the legendary SONNY ROLLINS and BOBBY KEYES on Saxophones]

7. Worried About You [features BILLY PRESTON on Piano, WAYNE PERKINS on Lead Guitar and SOLO and OLLIE BROWN on Percussion]

8. Tops [features MICK TAYLOR on Guitar with NICKY HOPKINS on Piano; a Mick Taylor "Exile" outtake - wasn't given a writers credit - sued and won]

9. Heaven [co-producer CHRIS KIMSEY plays Piano on this]

10. No Use In Crying [features Nicky Hopkins on Piano]

11. Waiting On A Friend [features Mick Taylor on Guitar, Sonny Rollins on Saxophone and JIMMY MILLER of "Sticky" fame on Percussion]

The clarity of the guitar solo on "Slave" is awesome as is the swirling magic of "Heaven", but best of all is the beautiful axework by Wayne Perkins on the Side 2 opener "Worried About You". I think it's the best guitar solo on a Stones album anywhere and its clarity now is fabulous.

To sum up - I know the packaging and presentation leave a lot to be desired, but as I listen to the lovely Piano tinkering of Nicky Hopkins on "No Use In Crying" and the three lads harmonizing on Backing Vocals - I don't care - I love it. The sound is wonderful and a major improvement over what went before.

The buggering truth is that once you hear these remasters, you're screwed - you'll have to have them all... Damn!

Despite niggles - it's recommended for the great new audio and the music - the last Stones album where I played all of it...

PS: there's an anomaly worth noting...

When "Tattoo You" was originally released on Vinyl and Cassette in August 1981 (Rolling Stones CUNS 39114 in the UK and COC 16052 in the USA) - the 3rd track on Side 1 "Slave" clocked in at about 3:20 minutes. So when the first ever CD version of it came out on CBS in 1989 it naturally reflected that timing.

However the May 1994 Virgin remaster put out an anomaly without telling anyone - their CD version was inexplicably extended to 6:31 minutes - that error is repeated here - and very much to the benefit of fans because the "Extended Version" of "Slave" is sensational. With the legendary Sonny Rollins playing on Saxophone and Billy Preston on Keyboards, the lengthy mix now sounds like "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" Part 2 from "Sticky Fingers". A huge chunky guitar riff throughout, great Jagger vocals, Sax wailing - it absolutely rocks (apparently there's a version with Jeff Beck on guitar in the can somewhere too).

What should have happened here of course is that the original LP timing be used on this CD - with both the Jeff Beck mix and the Extended Version put on as bonus tracks at the end, but that's for another day and another reissue...

“Somethin’ Else – The Ultimate Collection” by EDDIE COCHRAN. A Review of the February 2009 'Bear Family' 8CD Box Set.

"…No Harm Done…Just Havin’ Some Fun…On The Weekend…”

It's astonishing to think that when Ray Edward Cochran was taken from us in a freak car accident while on tour in England in April 1960 - he was only 6 months into his 21st year and had already clocked up over 200 recordings - the bulk of which are presented in this eagerly awaited and sumptuous box set...

"Somethin' Else - The Ultimate Collection" is typical of Bear Family's legendary excellence - released February 2009, 8 CDs are housed in label-themed 2CD jewel cases inside a 12"x12" Box Set offering up a huge 262 tracks. There's a beautifully illustrated album-sized 194-Page Hardback Book that is a truly a thing of beauty.

The set was compiled and prepared across several years by noted expert ANTOON VAN OLDEREN and Bear Family label boss RICHARD WEIZE. But this kind of quality and high-art finish doesn't come cheap - there's little change out of one hundred & fifty pounds - even online.

The remastering was handled by 'BOPPIN' BOB JONES, JAY RANELUCCI and PETER J. REYNOLDS - and being Bear Family - the sound quality is GORGEOUS - first generation tapes used, meticulous transfers - a typically superb job done. It's distributed in the UK by John Beecher's Rollercoaster Records of Chalford, Gloucestershire.

CONTENTS:
Disc 1, 35 Tracks, 74:13 minutes
Disc 2, 35 Tracks, 74:10 minutes
Disc 3, 34 Tracks, 76:45 minutes
Disc 4, 24 Tracks, 50:27 minutes
Disc 5, 24 Tracks, 60:04 minutes
Disc 6, 43 Tracks, 78:17 minutes
Disc 7, 28 Tracks, 62:09 minutes
Disc 8, 39 Tracks, 63:32 minutes

For US fans there's the first 3 singles on Ekko as The Cochran Brothers, the lone 7" on Crest, the 14 that followed on Liberty (A&B for each) and the 3 Liberty albums proper from 1957, 1960 and 1962. For UK fans there's the 13 London singles followed by the 10 Liberty ones and the 4 important albums - "Singin' To My Baby" (1958), "The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album" (1960), "Cherished Memories" (1962) and "My Way" (1964). I've checked and they're ALL on here.

The 70's to 90's gave us major EMI retrospectives - the "Legendary Masters" 2LP set from 1972, the 4LP "20th Anniversary" box from 1980 and the "Eddie Cochran" 6LP/4CD box of 1988 - the bulk of these are here too (with some omissions). On top of that, Tony Martin's ROCKSTAR label of the UK carried the flag for Cochran for years and put out 9 EPs and 9 LPs worth of material (much unreleased) - the bulk (not all) of these reissues are also here.

The songs themselves consist of master versions, alternate takes, stereo mixes, interviews, live tracks, false starts and studio chatter - and as you can imagine, it's a mixture of the great and the un-listenable (the stereo stuff on Disc 5 is thrilling while the live tracks are badly recorded and filled with screaming...)

THE HARDBACK BOOK:
The book is both gobsmacking and problematic. Firstly it's bent and curved when you take it out (other buyers have had the same) because the binding can't take the weight. And while the endless photographs of British, Irish, German, Spanish, Japanese, Dutch and even Israeli 7"s, 78"s, EPs and Albums are a wonder to behold and most are in colour - there's an unforgivable 'lack' of info beneath or beside them. Text should be embellishing all of these snaps - chart positions, B-sides, writers credits, what album it came off - but nothing - there isn't even release dates on them...

Take Page 161 - you're shown his July 1958 UK debut LP on London HA-U 2093 with another sleeve beneath it - Liberty LBY 1158. There's no explanation that LBY 1158 is the May 1963 reissue of HA-U 2093 - there's no track list for either LP - there's no rear sleeves pictured either. All the Rockstar photos are slightly blurred - like their copies of copies. And disappointingly there's no printed US or British discographies for easy reference - numerical pointers as to where the tracks are on this massive box. (I've created my own for fans in the 'Comment' box - both singles and albums).

What is good is the 5000-word essay by Stuart Coleman peppered with rare full-sized photos combined with stunning outtake stills and global posters for his 3 movies "The Girl Can't Help It", "Untamed Youth" and "Go, Johnny Go". My favourite photos are on Page 37 where the beautiful actress Yvonne Lime from "Untamed Youth" holds Eddie's cheeks in her hands with a look of pure affection and then on Page 66 there's Cochran and his flame Sharon Sheeley flicking through records racks in a Hollywood vinyl store - she clearly in love with him and unable to hide her pride.

The Discography between Pages 99 and 118 is more of a jazz-style date-by-date Sessionography compiled by Antoon van Olderen, STUART COLMAN, RUSS WAPENSKY and RICHARD WEIZE. 133 entries start with his earliest stuff in mid 1953 through to his last recordings in February 1960 for the "Boy Meets Girls" UK TV Show - including all session work and collaborations in between. You find out that the June 1961 UK single "Weekend" b/w "Cherished Memories" on London HLG 9362 has exclusive mixes - different to the US versions. And that "Git It" has Bass Vocals by none other than friend and fellow rock 'n' roller EDDIE COCHRAN. Also I count a little under 10 previously unreleased versions exclusive to this box, with the bulk of others having appeared on albums/CDs now long deleted.

Ultimately it's down to the music - and as I sit here listening to "Weekend" and "Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie" in STEREO - tears are in my eyes. God bless you Eddie Cochran wherever you may be...

Wallet-buster or not - and despite the book niggles - this is a stone 5-star recommended.

PS: this review is dedicated to "Boppin'" Bob Jones who died in April 2009 - he remastered 1000's of recordings for Ace Records, Bear Family and other top reissue labels and brought joy to millions of fans.

- DISCOGRAPHY - USA SINGLES -
Release Date Order USA 7” singles Discography for EDDIE COCHRAN
A-side backed/with B-side, Label and Catalogue Number, Year Of Release
[Bear Family “Somethin’ Else” 2009 8CD Box Set references]
(Note: Any other relevant and additional information)

COCHRAN BROTHERS [Eddie and Hank Cochran – not related nor brothers]
1. Mr. Fiddle b/w Two Blue Sing Stars (Ekko 1003, June 1955)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 8 – B is on Disc 1 Track 9]

2. Guilty Conscience b/w Your Tomorrow Never Comes (Ekko 1005, July 1955)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 10 – B is on Disc 1 Track 11]

3. Tired And Sleepy b/w Fool’s Paradise (Ekko 3001, May 1956)
[A is on Disc 1 Track 18 – Disc 1 Track 19]

EDDIE COCHRAN
4. Skinny Jim b/w Half Loved (Crest 1026, July 1956)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 1 – B is on Disc 2 Track 2]
(Note: there is another overdubbed version of the A “Skinny Jim” on the 1962 UK LP “Cherished Memories” on Liberty LBY 1109 and there are 4 takes of the B “Half Loved” – all are on this Bear Family Box)

5. Sittin’ In The Balcony b/w Dark Lonely Street (Liberty F-55056, February 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 7 - B is Disc 1 Track 31]

6. Mean When I’m Mad b/w One Kiss (Liberty F-55070, May 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 8 – B is Disc 2 Track 9]
(Note: this is the only Cochran single issued in a picture sleeve during his lifetime; it’s extremely rare and commands $1000+)

7. Drive In Show b/w Am I Blue (Liberty F-55087, July 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 12 – B is Disc 2 Track 10]

8. Twenty Flight Rock b/w Cradle Baby (Liberty F-55112, November 1957)
[A is Disc 2 Track 18 – B is Disc 2 Track 11 (missed B in the Sessionography)]
(A is Version 2, Version 1 is on his July 1958 debut British LP “Singin’ To My Baby”, London HA-U 2093)

9. Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie b/w Pocketful Of Hearts (Liberty F-55123, January 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 26 – B is Disc 2 Track 24]

10. Pretty Girl b/w Teresa (Liberty F-55138, May 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 25 – B is Disc 2 Track 28]
(Note: A is exclusive mix to the USA; there is a different version on the UK 7” single London HL-G 9464)

11. Summertime Blues b/w Love Again (Liberty F-55144, July 1958)
[A is Disc 2 Track 30 – B is Disc 2 Track 33 (Note British ‘A’ Differs To US)]

12. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go (Liberty F-55166, October 1958)
[A is Disc 3 Track 6 – B is Disc 3 Track 5]
(Note: A is known as the “Speeded Up” version and appears on both UK/USA 7” singles, but there’s a STEREO version with guitar overdub and running at the correct speed on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008)

13. Teenage Heaven b/w I Remember (Liberty F-55177, February 1959)
[A is Disc 3 Track 8 – B is Disc 3 Track 9]

14. Somethin’ Else b/w Boll Weevil Song (Liberty F-55203, July 1959)
[A is Disc 3 Track 17 – B is Disc 3 Track 18]

15. Hallelujah, I Love Her So b/w Little Angel (Liberty F-55217, November 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 26 – B is on Disc 3 Track 25]
(Note: A is a Ray Charles cover and the spelling of it doesn’t use an exclamation mark as his original did at the end of the word Hallelujah, but a comma. There’s two further versions of “Hallelujah…” – an echoed version with strings which first appeared on the UK’s 1980 4LP box set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20 and a STEREO version on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008; both of these versions are on the BF box set. There are 10 versions of the B-side “Little Angel” – the master is an overdubbed version of Take 10. The other versions are Take 1, 3, 5, 6 9 and 2 further version of 10 – all are on this box. Also worthy of note is that the 1st version of Take 10 is exclusive to the Bear Family set – it’s a different STEREO cut to the one that appeared on the Rockstar LP of 1984.)

16. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Cut Across Shorty (Liberty F-55242, March 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 33]
(Note: A is Version 2 in Mono - a Version 2 in STEREO and Version 1 in MONO both appeared on the UK’s 1980 4LP box set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20; all 3 takes are on this Bear Family Box. The B-side master for “Cut Across Shorty” is a ‘speeded-up’ version of Take 21 – however, the ‘correct speed’ version of Take 21 appeared on the UK’s 1980 2LP set “20th Anniversary Album” on United Artists ECSP 20 while a STEREO version of the take appeared on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008; all 3 takes are on this Bear Family box.)

17. Lonely b/w Sweetie Pie (Liberty F-55278, August 1960)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 32 – B is on Disc 2 Track 23]
(Note: there is a second version of A with overdubs available on the 1962 USA LP “Never To Be Forgotten” on Liberty LRP 3220; both takes are on this BF box.)

18. Weekend b/w Lonely [Liberty F-55389, December 1961]
[A is on Disc 3 Track 14 – B is on Disc 2 Track 32]
(Note: there is a STEREO version of “Weekend” on the UK-only 1984 LP “Portrait Of A Legend” on Rockstar RSR LP 1008 – both takes are on this BF box. “Lonely” is as per the A entry for number 17.)

- DISCOGRAPHY - UK SINGLES -
EDDIE COCHRAN - Release Date Order UK 7” SINGLES discography
With reference to where the tracks can be located on the Bear Family 2009 8CD Box Set “Somethin’ Else – The Ultimate Collection”

1. 20 Flight Rock b/w Dark Lonely Street, London HLU 8386 (April 1957)
[A is Disc 1 Track 28 - B is Disc 1 Track 31]

2. Sittin’ In The Balcony b/w Completely Sweet, London HL-U 8433 (June 1957)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 7 – B is on Disc 1 Track 29]
(Note: B is Version 1, Version 2 is on the British LP “Singin’ To My Baby”)

3. Summertime Blues b/w Love Again, London HL-U 8702 (September 1958)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 - B is on Disc 2 Track 33]
(Note: the A “Summertime Blues” is a different mix to the US version and exclusive to the UK single – the US version has reverb and fading at the end, the UK version is without reverb and has an ending. The B is the same for both UK and US singles, but there is a different overdubbed vocal version on the 1962 USA LP “Never To Be Forgotten” on Liberty LRP 3220)

4. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go, London HL-U 8792 (January 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – Disc 3 Track 5]

5. Teenage Heaven b/w I Remember, London HL-U 8880 (June 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 8 – B is on Disc 3 Track 9]

6. Somethin’ Else b/w Boll Weevil Song, London HL-U 8944 (September 1959)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – B is on Disc 3 Track 18]

7. Hallelujah, I Love Her So b/w Little Angel, London HL-W 9022 (January 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 26 – B is on Disc 3 Track 25]

8. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Cut Across Shorty, London HLG 9115 (May 1960)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 33]

9. Sweetie Pie b/w Lonely, London HLG 9196 (September 1960)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 23 – B is on Disc 2 Track 32]
(Same Takes but the A & B are reversed to the USA issue on Liberty F-55278)

10. Weekend b/w Cherished Memories, London HLG 9362 (June 1961)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 14 – B is on Disc 3 Track 34]
(Both A & B-side takes were exclusive to this UK release)

11. Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie b/w Pocketful Of Hearts, London HL-G 9460 (November 1961)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 26 – B is on Disc 2 Track 24]

12. Pretty Girl b/w Teresa, London HLG 9464 (November 1961)
[A is Disc 4 Track 6 - B is Disc 2 Track 28]
(Note: the A is an exclusive mix to the UK release; there is a different version on the USA 7” single on Liberty F-55138 – it’s also on the BF box)

13. Undying Love b/w Stockin’s ‘N’ Shoes, London HLG 9467 (November 1961)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 14 – B is on Disc 2 Track 19]

14. Never b/w Think Of Me, Liberty LIB 10049 (October 1962)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 22 – B is on Disc 3 Track 15]

15. My Way B/w Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues, Liberty LIB 10088 (April 1963)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 10 – B is on Disc 3 Track 11]

16. Drive In Show b/w I Almost Lost My Mind, Liberty LIB 10108 (August 1963)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 12 – B is on Disc 4 Track 20]

17. Skinny Jim b/w Nervous Breakdown, Liberty LIB 10151 (April 1964)
[A is on Disc 2 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 3]

18. C’mon Everybody b/w Summertime Blues, Liberty LIB 10233 (April 1966)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – Disc 4 Track 1]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

19. Three Stars b/w Somethin’ Else, Liberty LIB 10249 (December 1966)
[A is On Disc 3 Track 13 – B is on Disc 3 Track 17]
(A is exclusive to the UK single)

20. Three Steps To Heaven b/w Eddie’s Blues, Liberty LIB 10276 (May 1967)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 32 – B is on Disc 3 Track 20]

21. Summertime Blues b/w Let’s Get Together, Liberty LBF 15071 (June 1968)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 4]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

22. Somethin Else b/w Milk Cow Blues, Liberty LBF 15109 (1968)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – B is on Disc 3 Track 21]

23. C’mon Everybody b/w Mean When I’m Mad, Liberty LBF 15366 (June 1970)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 2 Track 8]

24. Somethin’ Else b/w Three Steps To Heaven, United Artists UP 35361 (April 1972)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 17 – Disc 3 Track 32]

25. Summertime Blues b/w Cotton Picker, United Artists UP 35408 (July 1972)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 2 Track 6]
(B is on the United Artists 2LP set UAS 9959 “Legendary Masters No.4”)

26. Summertime Blues b/w C’mon Everybody, United Artists UP 35796 (March 1975)
[A is on Disc 4 Track 1 – B is on Disc 3 Track 6]
(Note: see 3 for Notes on “Summertime Blues”)

27. C’mon Everybody b/w Milk Cow Blues, United Artists UP 36121 (June 1976)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 3 Track 21]

28. C’mon Everybody b/w Don’t Ever Let Me Go, United Artists Silver Spotlight Series UP 603 (June 1979)
[A is on Disc 3 Track 6 – B is on Disc 3 Track 5]

"Teaser And The Firecat: Deluxe Edition" by CAT STEVENS (2009 Universal/Island 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Listen To The Wind Of My Soul..."

Already a four-album veteran by the time he reached 1971 (2 Sixties efforts for Decca and two more mature outings for Island Records) – Cat Stevens launched "Teaser And The Firecat" in September of 1971 in its tactile matt gatefold sleeve. As lovely as albums get – "Peace Train", "Moonshadow" and the almost Gospel-ancient "Morning Has Broken" number only three of its many charms.

And like the albums "Mona Bone Jakon" and "Tea For The Tillerman" from 1970 that preceded it (April and November) – the new LP from the handsome Greek Troubadour only cemented what many already knew in bedsits all around the world – here was a singer-songwriter with massive crossover appeal hitting his stride. "Jakon" was good with moments of brilliance (a step away from the sheer Pop of "Matthew And Son") while only six months later "Tillerman" showed huge progress in "Sad Lisa", "Longer Boats", "On The Road To Find Out" and the cross-generational song "Father And Son". But you could argue that "Teaser" is his first 'perfect' album - it's all good - and much of it way better than you remember.

The single CD remaster came in 2000 as a bare-bones 10-track reissue and that was sweet too – but given their huge and acknowledged popularity - it's hardly surprising then that Universal has chosen both 1970's “Tea For The Tillerman" and 1971's "Teaser And The Firecat" as Cat Stevens catalogue candidates for 'Deluxe Edition' superstardom. And they've done a sweet job on the pair. Here are the Moonshadows...

UK released 25 May 2009 – "Teaser And The Firecat: Deluxe Edition" by CAT STEVENS on Universal/Island 060251 7870918 (Barcode 602517870918) is a 2CD Remaster with 10 Bonus Tracks that plays out as follows:

Disc 1 "Teaser And The Firecat" Album (32:56 minutes):

1. The Wind

2. Rubylove

3. If I Laugh

4. Changes IV

5. How Can I Tell You

6. Tuesday's Dead [Side 2]

7. Morning Has Broken

8. Bitterblue

9. Moonshadow

10. Peace Train

Tracks 1 to 10 are his 4th studio album "Teaser And The Firecat" – released September 1971 in the UK on Island Records ILPS 9154 and October 1971 in the USA on A&M Records SP 4313 – it peaked at No. 3 and No. 2 on the UK and US album charts.

Disc 2 "Deluxe Extras" (34:36 minutes)

1. Moonshadow (Live At The Troubadour)

2. Rubylove (Live At The Troubadour)

3. If I Laugh – Demo Version

4. Changes IV – Demo Version

5. How Can I Tell You – Demo Version)

6. Morning Has Broken – Demo Version

7. Bitterblue (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

8. Tuesday's Dead (From The Majikat Earth Tour)

9. Peace Train (Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2003)

10. The Wind (From Yusef's Café)

Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith - the LP featured his house band of Alun Davies on Second Guitar, Larry Steele on Bass and Congas and Gerry Conway on Drums – Andreas Toumazis provides the Greek Bouzouki.

The gatefold inner flaps have stills from the "Teaser" cartoon and live shots of Cat from the period while the beautifully rendered 24-page long booklet reproduces reminiscences from producer Paul Samwell-Smith, guitarist Alun Davies and of course Cat Stevens himself - all nestled within lots of full colour stills from the Teaser animation film and lyrics to the songs. The colour stills give it an almost childlike feel - very nicely done.

The Remaster by TED JENSEN is analogue warm and full of presence. This is a gorgeous sounding album on any format and one of the finest examples of singer-songwriter you can get your grubby mitts on. Check out the beautiful fidelity on "The Wind" as he sings “...I listen to the wind...the wind of my soul...” – it feels a friend calling to your door just when you need it the most. Soothing music from a heart wanting to spread solace through song. Other examples include the wonderfully uplifting "Rubylove", the aching "If I Laugh", the flick-strum "Bitterblue" and the real longing in "How Can I Tell You" - all album secrets you need on your Hi Fi hub.

The good news for rabid fans is that Disc 2 (34:36 minutes) has some genuinely stunning tracks on it actually worthy of the title 'bonus'. "Rubylove", "If I Laugh", "Changes IV", "How Can I Tell You" and "Morning Has Broken" are all Vocals/Acoustic demo versions recorded in Morgan Studios in London in February 1971 (a month before the album was recorded) and they're beautiful. Stripped down and bare, the almost fully formed melodies come shining through. The famously superb piano work by Rick Wakeman of Yes on the finished version of "Morning Has Broken" is replaced here with an acoustic guitar, which makes for a fascinating listen.

"Moonshadow" was recorded live at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles in 1971 and features album session-man ALUN DAVIES on Guitar and Vocals - it's well recorded and a lovely version. "Bitterblue" is a Royal Albert Hall performance from 1972, but it's not great because the sound quality is rubbish. Better is the World-Music Meets-Acapella version of "Peace Train" from 2003, which throws a new slant on an overly familiar song. 

He'd return in 1972 and 1973 with equally superb "Catch Bull At Four” and "Foreigner" stretching his songmanship to a whole side on the latter – but for many the sheer simplicity and warmth of "Teaser" feels like the kid within – laughing – heading home to a better place.

"...Leaping and hopping on a moon shadow..." – let this one follow you home.

PS: I've also reviewed the 2CD Deluxe Edition of “Tea For The Tillerman", the single discs of "Mona Bone Jakon" and "Foreigner" and the 4CD Box Set "On The Road To Find Out" (aka "Cat Stevens")...

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