“Revolver” by THE BEATLES. A Review of their 1966 Masterpiece Now Ressiued On A 2009 Enhanced Remastered CD.

"…The Day Breaks…Your Mind Aches…"

Did you know that the Beatles don't actually play an instrument on "Eleanor Rigby" (it's a six string ensemble with Paul's vocals)? Or that George Martin plays the piano on "Good Day Sunshine"? Or that George Harrison doesn't play Sitar on "Love You To" (it was a session man) but does on "Tomorrow Never Knows? Did you know that the stereo catalogue number for the original British LP of "Revolver" on which this CD is based is Parlophone PCS 7009?

Well you do now!

All insufferable smartarse remarks aside - why do I mention this - because you're not going to learn any of these interesting and relevant facts from the woefully weak booklet that accompanies this CD...

Let's get this straight from the start – THE SOUND ON THIS 9 Sept 2009 REMASTER OF "REVOLVER" IS MAGNIFICENT - it really is - and for many people that will be enough. But for fans that have waited 22 years for EMI to get this right, the description of this CD reissue as being endowed with 'deluxe packaging' is frankly laughable.

I mean only EMI could forget to include the album's original catalogue number! Or how about supplying the lyrics (too much like hard work boys) or an interview with the Producer George Martin, the engineer Geoff Emerick? Or how about picturing the differing worldwide picture sleeves that accompanied the singles that came off the album? Or even adhering to the original issue of the LP for God's sake! With a playing time of 34:47 minutes and plenty of room, where's the MONO mix as it was originally released? The laughable "historical notes" last 2 whole pages - the recording notes a page and a half - the rest is pointless pictures of the boys that give absolutely no sense of event or any knowledge of the album and its monumental impact. The three-way card digipak is pretty - it is - but it has a matt cover and the second you get it out of the shrink-wrap it starts to mark and pick up grease. Infuriatingly, the BEATLES in MONO box set has the REPRO BRITISH LP SLEEVE in all its laminated hard-card flip-back rear-sleeve glory - a far sturdier and prettier effort - but it's £200 to acquire such a privilege (if you can find one)!

I know it's a bit of a cliché to whine on about packaging, but can you imagine what Ace Records of the UK, Bear Family of Germany, Rhino of the USA or Raven of Australia (proper reissue labels) would have done to a catalogue of this importance and stature? They would have shown this extraordinary band and one of its greatest recorded achievements the respect and affection it deserves - instead you get the distinct feeling of a corporate organisation just doing what it can get away with (there's no download variant of it available as yet either). Four years prepping this! Four years doing what? Picking their noses!

But let's get back to the music.

"Revolver" (their 7th album) was originally released 5 August 1966 in the UK on both Parlophone PMC 7009 Mono and PCS 7009 Stereo. The American issue followed 3 days later on Capitol T-2576 Mono and ST-2576 Stereo. The UK issue had 14 tracks, the US had 11 - the three missing from the American issue were "And Your Bird Can Sing", I'm Only Sleeping" and "Dr. Robert" which had appeared on the June 1966 US album "Yesterday And Today". This issue follows the UK release with the full compliment of 14. The CD label also reflects the black and yellow lettering of the original British LP, as does the rear cover artwork, which advertises the use of an "Emitex" record cleaning cloth! The enhanced CD track called "Mini Documentary" (broadcast last weekend on the BBC preceding the worldwide release of their catalogue) is largely black & white in-studio shots featuring the voices of the Fabs and George Martin discussing songs and techniques on the album - it's directed by BOB SMEATON and is nice, but disappears way too fast (and we've already seen it). There's a link to the official website, but naught else of any real worth... So the supposed bonus track turns out to be two and half minutes of video footage we've already seen and something EMI has blatantly used as a sales device!

Sound - hearing this 2009 remaster is a SONIC BLAST from start to finish. Both GUY MASSEY and STEVE ROOKE have remastered the first generation stereo master tapes and to say they've done a good job is like saying the Great Wall of China is an o.k. building project! Their work here is fabulous – monumental almost - it really is. The sound quality is glorious throughout - clear, warm, detailed - every single track a revelation. My only complaint would be that some songs are very loud - "Got To Get You Into My Life" and "Here, and There & Everywhere" in particular, but George Martin produced them that way. The hiss level is barely audible on any of the songs, but what is subtly audible now is the new instrument flourishes you can hear almost everywhere. The brilliant Harrison guitar playing on the New York Drug Pusher song "Dr. Robert" is at last to the fore, the lone horn work of ALAN CIVIL on "For No One" is suddenly so pretty, while Ringo's superlative drumming on "Tomorrow Never Knows" is now absolutely huge to a point where the clarity and sheer whack of the remaster brought me to tears. If you love this record, you're in for a treat.

So there you have it - an absolute wow 10-out-of-10 on the sound front - but could have done so much better on the rest.

But my God - what a band - and what a recorded legacy they left behind. Float downstream indeed folks...

Recommended - despite little old pacifist me wanting to threaten the pencil pushers at EMI with physical violence...

I need to get out more...

“Spoon So Easy - The Chess Years” by JIMMY WITHERSPOON - A Review of the 1990 USA-Only CD Compilation.

“…One Day We’ve Got Ham And Bacon…The Next Day Ain't Nothin' Shakin'…”

Transferred from the original analogue mono tapes by DOUG SCHWARTZ, “Spoon So Easy” was released in 1990 in the USA on CHD-93003. It was a 12-track LP and 14-track CD (with the two CD bonus tracks being “Mack & Jay” and “Just To Prove My Love To You”). This early Chess compilation is a mix of 7” singles, an LP track and several previously unreleased outtakes. The period is 1954 and 1955 on Chess’ subsidiary label CHECKER.

“It Ain’t No Secret” is Checker 826, “When The Lights Go Out” and “I Can Make It With You” are the A & B of Checker 798 and “I Don’t Know Why (Why Do I Love You Like I Do)” is Checker 826. “Goin Down Slow” is off the Anthology LP “Blues: Shoutin’ Swingin’ And Makin’ Love” (Chess LP 412) while the other 8 tracks are all previously unreleased. Willie Dixon composed the excellent “Live So Easy” (previously unreleased), “I Can Make It With You” and the sexed-up single that should have charted “When The Lights Go Out”.

Soundwise – it’s good – rather than great – but in 2009, the transfer quality of 1990 is really showing its age – especially in the light of Erick Labson’s stunning remasters of almost all the Chess catalogue in 1998 and onwards in the 2000s. The short but affectionate liner notes are by MARY KATHERINE ALDIN of the LIVING BLUES Magazine.

Slow blues – a couple of shouters - it’s a good set, and cheap too - but like so many of the Chess compilations of the period, it’s in real need of an upgrade.

“The North Star Grassman And The Ravens” by SANDY DENNY. A Review of her iconic 1971 debut album now reissued & remastered onto CD in 2005.

SANDY DENNY is part of my Series "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

“…The Depths Of The Waters…”

The two-word secret weapon for this CD remaster is DENIS BLACKHAM.

Now based in Skye Mastering in Scotland, his involvement in restoration, mastering and remastering goes back to the late 1960s and his resume now shows over 680 credits to his name across a huge range of genres (including a lot of folk).

Blackham has handled all 4 of the solo albums in this reissue series and as you’ve no doubt read from other glowing reviews, each remaster has been endowed with truly wonderful sound quality – frankly because care was taken.

Details first - having done her stints with Fairport Convention and Fotheringay - Sandy Denny’s 1st solo album was issued 3 September 1971 on Island ILPS 9165 in the UK and this 2005 remastered version of it (57:05 minutes) features 4 excellent bonus tracks – including the rare “El Pea” double-album sampler version of “Late November” – an alternate version to the album’s opening track (lyrics above).

Musicians - all the good Fairport associated people are here – Richard Thompson, Pat Donaldson, Gerry Conway, Trevor Lucas and Ian Whiteman. Polydor Folkmill artists Robin and Barry Dransfield also put in violin and vocals on “John The Gun” while long-time session man Tony Reeves plays bass on the Dylan cover “Down In The Flood” and Roger Powell plays drums on the Brenda Lee cover “Let’s Jump The Broomstick”. But my personal fave is “The Sea Captain” where Richard Thompson’s delicate guitar picking perfectly compliments the beauty of her wayfaring love song. Gorgeous stuff.

The 12-page booklet has informative and affectionate liner notes from noted writer and folk-compiler DAVID SUFF (of Fledgling Records reissue fame) peppered with photos of a young Sandy, hand-written lyrics to the title track and a quirky trade advert for the LP’s release.

But you keep coming back to the sound quality, which seems to have lifted the beauty of these folk-rock gems out of their former muddiness. Sweet as…

I once had the privilege of nattering to JOHN WALTERS (John Peel’s producer) in a pub in 1994 (I worked for Reckless Records at the time and we were buying his extraordinary record collection - he was even more talkative than I am!) and he relayed to me his first ever viewing of Sandy Denny.

One of his friends in the music industry had begged him to come see this new English folk singer gigging in some Godforsaken bar somewhere in London – he did – and was duly blown away. I’ll never forget the look in John Walter’s eyes (who along with Peel must have seen so much stunning talent) – he was misty – like he knew he’d had the chance to glimpse greatness.

On listening to this lovely and lovingly restored CD, you can’t help but feel that all involved in this project felt exactly the same - and have done the great lady’s memory and musical heritage proud.

Recommended - big time.

"How The West Was Won" - A Review of the 1963 All-Star Western Now Reissued on a 2Disc BLU RAY Set.

Beautifully Presented...And Utter Drivel...

At the beginning of "How The West Was Won" the word "Overture" sits on your screen with a painting behind it for a full 4 minutes - while the most God-awful cheesy music you've ever heard tests your patience to the limit.

Made in 1963, this is Hollywood at its pretentious worst - a pointless and useless Western that sullies the genre with hammy acting and songs around campfires - the kind of clap-trap ah-shucks frontier drivel where people say "varmit" and "I reckon" every ten seconds. The story is broken into 4 parts with a different director for each and a huge obvious cast - John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Lee Van Cleef, Karl Malden, Eli Wallach, Gregory Peck, old stalwart Walter Brennan - but none can save it from its candy-wrapped version of American history and its now dreadfully dated feel (Spencer Tracy was smart enough to just narrate parts of it and not go anywhere near the actual film).

The only redeeming feature here is the TRULY BEAUTIFUL print which is eye-poppingly good and there's the full compliment of extras on Disc 2 (was a 3DVD set). But it doesn't get away from Debbie Reynolds bursting into crap songs every few minutes while Jimmy Stewart just looks too old for the part and even ridiculous at times.

Still - for lovers of the film, it's a must-buy.

For everyone else, I'd say rent it first and then judge for yourself...

A beautifully presented set on BLU RAY for sure, but for me - it's a truly terrible film and a wasted restoration opportunity...

"Ain’t Got No Home: The Best Of…" by CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY (1994 USA Chess Label CD Compilation) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s of Others 

Is Available in my SOUNDS GOOD E-Book

MANNISH BOY

BLUES, RHYTHM 'n' BLUES, 
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Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95
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Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…I Don"t Why I Love You…But I Do…" 

Born in New Orleans in early 1937 - the 19-year old Clarence Henry Jr. had his first American R`n'B hit in December 1956 with his self-penned "Ain't Got No Home". In one of the verses of Argo 5259 - he began aping and croaking a 'lonely' frog - and the nickname stuck with him for everything afterwards. 

Which is a shame in some ways  because it kind of pigeonholed him as a one-trick pony - a type of novelty act - and this wonderful 18-track US-only CD compilation from April 1994 will go a long way to changing that hopefully - because frankly it's a bit of a revelation. 

Here's a track-by-track breakdown of "Ain't Got No Home: The Best Of..." by CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY on Chess CHD-9346 (Barcode 0076732934623) - all songs are Argo USA 7" singles (Chess label subsidiary) except 9 and 12 which are album cuts (42:01 minutes):

1. Ain't Got No Home (1956, Argo 5259, A)

2. Troubles, Troubles (1956, Argo 5259, B)

3. Lonely Tramp (1957, Argo 5266, A)

4. It Won't Be Long (1957, 5273, A)

5. Baby Baby Please (1958, Argo 5305, A)

6. I'm In Love (1958, Argo 5305, B)

7. (I Don't Know Why) But I Do [aka "But I Do"] (March 1961, Argo 5378, A)

8. Just My Baby And Me (1961, Argo 5378, B)

9. Your Picture (1961 USA LP "You Always Hurt The One You Love" on Argo 4009)

10. You Always Hurt The One You Love (May 1961, Argo 5388, A)

11. Lonely Street (August 1961, Argo 5395, A)

12. I Love You, Yes I Do (1961 USA LP "You Always Hurt The One You Love" on Argo 4009)

13. Standing In The Need Of Love (1961, Argo 5401, A)

14. On Bended Knees (1961, Argo 5401, B)

15. A Little Too Much (1961, Argo 5408, A)

16. Lost Without You (1962, Argo 5414, A)

17. Long Lost And Worried (1964, Argo 5480, A)

18. Looking Back (1964, Argo 5480, B)

The 16-page booklet has affectionate and informative liner notes by DAVE "DADDY COOL" BOOTH of Canada's Showtime Archives. There's a cool centre photo spread of Henry with THE BEATLES (he opened for 18 of their 1964 dates) while there's even a snap of him and his band arriving off a plane in Kingston Jamaica in 1957. 

ERICK LABSON, who has almost exclusively handled the vast CHESS catalogue across the decades (over 800 mastering credits to his name), has outdone himself on this compilation with tape transfers, because the clarity of sound is just BEAUTIFUL - clear as a bell - warm and lovely all the way. 

Two principal songwriters loom large too - his fellow label mate and Piano player PAUL GAYTEN (wrote 4 of the songs and played on others) while ROBERT GUIDRY (stage name Bobby Charles of "See You Later, Alligator" fame) had his hand in 7 of the others. 

"Long Lost And Worried" is a DR. JOHN cover version while "Standing in The Need Of Love" and the infectious "On Bended Knees" feature BOOTS RANDOLPH on Tenor sax, BILL JUSTIS on Guitar and FLOYD CRAMER on Piano. Another superb contributor is ALLEN TOUSSAINT whose Piano work is featured on "You Always Hurt The One You Love", "Lonely Street", the sweet "Just My Baby And Me" and my personal favourite - the lovely "Your Picture". 

Fans should also note that a really good previously unreleased Henry recording called "Lady With The Hat Box" turned up on Disc 2 of the stunning "Chess Rhythm & Roll" 4CD Box Set from 1994 on USA MCA (recorded in June 1957 in New Orleans) - it's not included on here unfortunately - but it and the box are worth seeking out - see my separate review. 

It all ends with the slow reminiscing of "Looking Back", an apt choice of song that BROOK BENTON co-wrote with CLYDE OTIS and BILL HENDRICKS - very nice indeed. 

While the huge shadow of Fats Domino and his New Orleans Rhythm 'n' Blues style hangs over almost every track, Henry wasn't just a mere copyist, he had a charm all of his own - and this is still far better than I ever expected it to be. And it's dirt-cheap too...

A lovely CD and well done to all involved. Recommended.

“Let The Good Times Roll – The Complete US Decca Recordings 1936-1954” by LOUIS JORDAN. A Review of the 9CD BEAR FAMILY Box Set.

“…Don’t Care If You’re Young Or Old…Let’s Get Together…And Let The Good Times Roll…”

“Let The Good Times Roll: The Complete US Decca Recordings 1938-1954" by LOUIS JORDAN is old. It was originally issued in 1992 as an 8CD/1LP box set and then when Bear Family finally got the CD licensing rights for the Ella Fitzgerald LP, they reissued it in 1996 as this 9CD box which has remained on catalogue ever since - Bear Family BCD 15557 IH (Barcode 4000127155573).

It’s a 12” x 12” box with a 46-page album-sized booklet featuring a stunning and detailed life story and discography by PETER GRENDYSA - which in itself is peppered with movie stills, newspaper clippings, Harlem Hit Parade charts, Sheet Music etc…

There are 215 tracks (32 unreleased) with expert tape and 78” transfers by the legendary BEAR FAMILY experts in Germany – great sound throughout despite the vintage. Other vocalists and players featured throughout include RODNEY STURGESS (Jordan’s first ever credit in 1939), YACK TAYLOR, DAISY WINCHESTER, MABEL ROBINSON KENNETH HOLLON, BING CROSBY, ELLA FITZGERALD, MARTHA DAVIS, VALLI FORD, LOUIS ARMSTRONG and BILL DOGGETT.

I’ve posted a full discography with reference to everything in the box set at the end of this review – it contains the A&B of 99 releases (78’s and 45’s) with recording details, catalogue numbers, relevant reissues etc (took me a few days that).

The info below details the Previously Unreleased stuff outside of that discography…

Disc 1: 27 Tracks, 75:46 minutes (1938 to 1940)

Disc 2: 26 Tracks, 74:46 minutes (1940 to 1942)
Previously Unreleased - Track 16 “De Laff’s On You” (1941), Track 18 “John, Stop Teasin’ Me”, Track 20 “Teacher (How I Love My Teacher)”, Track 24 “Mister Lovingood”

Disc 3: 24 Tracks, 68:35 minutes (1942 to 1947)
Previously Unreleased - Track 5 “Dirty Snake”, Track 8 “De Laff’s On You” (1942), Track 12 “The Things I Want I Can’t Get At Home”, Track 13 “How High Am I”, Track 15 “The Truth Of The Matter”, Track 16 “Hey! Now Let’s Live”, Track 20 “Louis’ Oldsmobile Song”, Track 21 “Your Socks Don’t Match” [with BING CROSBY] and Track 23 “My Baby Said Yes (Yip, Yip De Hootie)” [with BING CROSBY]

Disc 4: 27 Tracks, 76:19 minutes (1945 to 1952)
Previously Unreleased - Track 6 “Don’t Worry ‘Bout That Mule”, Track 8 “Paper Boy” and Track 27 “Open The Door Richard”

Disc 5: 26 Tracks, 76:10 minutes (1947 to 1950)
Previously Unreleased – Track 9 “Beans And Corn Bread”, Track 16 “Chug Chug Boogie” and Track 17 There’ll Be No Days Like That”

Disc 6: 24 Tracks, 76:49 minutes (1949 to 1951)
Previously Unreleased – Track 9 “Love You ’til Your Money’s Gone Blues”, Track 19 “Louisville Lodge Meeting” and Track 21 “Crazy Baby”

Disc 7: 27 Tracks, 77:25 minutes (1951 to 1955)
Previously Unreleased - Track 1 “If You’ve Got Someplace To Go”, Track 9 “Happy Birthday Boogie”, Track 13 “I Love That Kind Of Carryin’ On”, Track 17 “Garmoochie”, Track 20 “Stop Makin’ Music” and Track 27 “Gimme Gimme Blues”

Disc 8: 27 Tracks, 77:15 minutes (1952 to 1956)
Previously Unreleased – Track 5 “There’s Nothing Else That I Can Do”, Track 7 “The Soon-A-Baby” and Track 8 “There’s Nothing Else That I Can Do” (Alternate Take)

Disc 9: 7 Tracks, 20:06 minutes (1946 to 1950)
[All tracks are LOUIS JORDAN and ELLA FITZGERALD]
Previously Unreleased – Track 3 “Petootie Me”
(Released Version is the October 8 1945 recording – this is the October 15 1945 outtake)

Jordan road-tested all his new material on live audiences, so when he went into the studio, he wasn’t recording songs that might work, he was racking up sure-fire hits. In 1946 alone – he had 6 Number 1’s – one of which, “Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie”, stayed on top of the race charts for an incredible 18 weeks. And like the joyful sound of Glenn Miller’s big band, Jordan’s infectious jive, boogie and rhythm ‘n’ blues lit up the USA and was exactly what the austerity of the war and post war years needed. Decca adverts claimed that 11, 000, 000 GI’s listened to Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five and it was probably accurate.

Then there was the live showmanship, which was the best the world had ever seen. Both James Brown and B.B. King have always name-checked him as the ‘man’ (and think where there influences went and are still going). There was even a stage show a few years back named after his big hit “Five Guys Named Moe” which had punters literally dancing in the aisles. Jordan also pioneered ‘short’s – films of his performances which thrilled movie-going audiences – the precursors of videos. He was one cool and shrewd dude – even if his wife did try to stab him to death and he fired his band with the ruthlessness of a film-noir crook.

In 2009 – nearly 70 years after the event - it’s hard for us now to even comprehend the truly staggering popularity and influence Louis Jordan has had on popular culture. But this wonderful Bear Family box set celebrates that – finally giving one of music’s true heroes his proper due. There are cheaper options for sure, but this is quality - and class is always worth the extra cost…

It may have taken me nearly 20 years to buy it – but that’s another story… drunken debauchery, womanizing, fast horses…wait a minute…that’s someone else’s life…

Recommended big time - hep cats.

LOUIS JORDAN USA Discography on Decca Records (1939 to 1954) with reference to their track placing on the 1992 Bear Family 9CD Box Set “Let The Good Times Roll – The Complete US Decca Recordings 1938-1954” (99 Entries)

Numbers 1 to 66 were originally released on 10” Decca 78’s in the USA – thereafter 7”
[1/5] after a title equates to Disc 1, Track 5 – [2/2] is Disc 2, Track 2 etc

- LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE – USA 78”s/45's DISCOGRAPHY -

RODNEY STURGIS featuring Lovie Jordan’s Elks Rendez-Vous Band
(Sturgis on Vocals, Louis Jordan on Clarinet, Alto & Baritone Sax)

1. Decca 7550
(Both A&B recorded in December 1938 - released January 1939)
A: Toodle-Loo On Down [1/1]
B: The Girl That Wrecked My Life [not on the box because Jordon isn’t on this]

LOUIS JORDAN and HIS TYMPANY FIVE

2. Decca 7556
(Both A&B recorded December 1938 - released February 1939)
A: Honey In The Bee Ball [1/4]
B: Barnacle Bill The Sailor [1/5]

RODNEY STURGIS featuring Lovie Jordan’s Elks Rendez-Vous Band
(Sturgis on Vocals, Louis Jordan on Clarinet, Alto & Baritone Sax)

3. Decca 7579
(Both A&B recorded December 1938 - released March 1939)
A: So Good [1/2]
B: Away From You [1/3]

LOUIS JORDAN and HIS TYMPANY FIVE

4. Decca 7590
(Recorded March 1939 - released 1939)
A: Flat Face (Instrumental) [1/6]
B: Doug The Jitterbug [1/10]

5. Decca 7609
(Recorded March 1939 – released 1939))
A: Keep A-Knockin’ [1/7]
B: At The Swing Cat’s Ball [1/11]

6. Decca 7623
(Both A&B recorded March 1939 – released 1939)
A: Sam Jones Done Snagged His Britches [1/8]
B: Swinging In A Cocoanut Tree (Instrumental) [1/9]

7. Decca 7675
(Both A&B recorded October 1939 – released 1939
See also No. 65 – it was reissued in 1950 on Decca 25473)
A: Honeysuckle Rose [1/13]
B: But I’ll Be Back [1/15]

8. Decca 7693
(Both A&B recorded October 1939 – released 1939)
A: ‘Fore Day Blues [1/14]
B: You Ain’t Nowhere [1/16]

9. Decca 7705
(Recorded January 1940 - released in 1940
A side has vocals by YACK TAYLOR
See also No. 57 – B was reissued on Decca 24643 in 1949)
A: Hard Lovin’ Blues [1/21]
B: You Run Your Mouth And I’ll Run My Business [1/19]

10. Decca 7719
(Recorded September 1939 - released 1939)
A: You’re My Meat [1/17]
B: Jake, What A Snake (Instrumental) [1/12]

11. Decca 7723
(Recorded January 1940)
A: I’m Alabama Bound [1/20]
B: June Tenth Jamboree [1/18]

12. Decca 7729
(Recorded March 1940; A-side Vocals by DAISY WINCHESTER)
A: You Got To Go When The Wagon Comes [1/22]
B: After School Swing Session (Swinging with Symphony Sid) [1/27]

13. Decca 7745
(Recorded March 1940; A-side has Vocals by MABEL ROBINSON)
A: Lovie Joe [1/23]
B: Somebody Done Hoodooed The Hoodoo Man [1/24]

14. Decca 3253
(Recorded March 1940 – released 1940 [break in number run]
A-side features KENNETH HOLLON on Clarinet. Sax & Possible Vocals)
A: Bounce The Ball (Do Da Little Um Day) [1/25]
B: Don’t Come Crying On My Shoulder [2/3]

15. Decca 7777
(Recorded March 1940 – released 1940)
A: Never Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand’s Doin’ [2/2]
B: Penthouse In The Basement [1/26]

16. Decca 3360
(Recorded April 1940 – released 1940)
A: Oh Boy, I’m In The Groove [2/1]
B: Waitin’ For The Robert E. Lee [2/4]

17. Decca 8500
(Recorded September 1940 – released 1940)
A: Do You Call That A Buddy (Dirty Cat) [2/7]
B: Pompton Turnpike [2/6]

18. Decca 8501
(Recorded September 1940 – released 1940)
A: I Know You, I Know What You Wanna Do [2/8]
B: A Chicken Ain’t Nothin’ But A Bird [2/5]

19. Decca 8525
(Both A&B recorded January 1941 – released 1941
A was reissued in 1950 on Decca 25473 (see 65)
B was reissued in 1950 on Decca 25394 (see 64))
A: T-Bone Blues [2/11]
B: Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie (Instrumental) [2/9]

20. Decca 8537
(Recorded January 1941 – recorded 1941]
A: The Two Little Squirrels (Nuts To You) [2/10]
B: Pan Pan [2/12]

21. Decca 8560
(Both A&B recorded April 1941 – released 1941
A was reissued in 1950 on Decca 25394)
A: Saxa-Woogie [2/14]
B: Brotherly Love [2/15]

22. Decca 8581
(Recorded April 1941 – released 1941)
A: Boogie Woogie Came To Town [2/17]
B: Saint Vitus Dance [2/13]

23. Decca 8593
(Recorded November 1941 - released 1942
Both tracks later appeared on his first 78’s album set called “Louis Jordan”
a 4 x 78” box set on Decca A-459 issued in 1946
“Kiss” and “Outskirts” (in that order) are the 1st 78” (Decca 23628)
There was a follow-up “I’m Gonna Leave You On The Outskirts…” see 8638)
A: I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town [2/26]
B: Knock Me A Kiss [2/22]

24. Decca 8605
(Recorded November 1941 - released 1942]
A: How ‘Bout That [2/19]
B: The Green Grass Grows All Around [2/23]

25. Decca 8627
(Recorded November 1941 - released 1942)
A: Mama Mama Blues (Rusty Dusty Blues) [2/21]
B: Small Town Boy [2/25]

26. Decca 8638
(Both A&B recorded July 1942 - released October 1942
Both the A&B formed a 78” in the 4x78” album box set “Louis Jordan” issued on Decca A-459 in 1946 (Decca 23628, 23629, 23630 and 26631)
A: I’m Gonna Leave You On The Outskirts Of Town [3/3]
B: It’s A Low-Down Dirty Shame [3/7]

27. Decca 8645
(Recorded July 1942 - released November 1942
B was also issued as Decca 23629 – see notes for 26)
A: What’s The Use Of Getting Sober (When You’re Gonna Get Drunk Again) [3/1]
B: The Chicks I Pick Are Slender, Tender And Tall [3/2]

28. Decca 8653
(Recorded July 1942 - released August 1943
A was also issued as Decca 23630 – see notes for 26)
A: Five Guys Named Moe [3/6]
B: That’ll Just ‘Bout Knock Me Out [3/4]

29. Decca 8654
(Recorded October 1943 – released December 1943)
A: Ration Blues [3/9]
B: Deacon Jones [3/11]

30. Decca 8659
(A Recorded October 1943, B March 1944 – released April 1944
B was also released on Decca 23630 – see notes for 26)
A: G.I. Jive [3/18]
B: Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby [3/10]

31. Decca 8668
(Recorded March 1944 - released February 1945)
A: Mop! Mop! [3/17]
B: You Can’t Get That No More [3/19]

32. Decca 8670
(Recorded January 1945 - released April 1945
Both A&B were reissued in 1947 on Decca 23932)
A: Caldonia [4/3]
B: Somebody Done Changed The Lock On My Door [4/4]

33. Decca 18734
(Recorded January 1945 - released January 1946)
A: Buzz Me [4/1]
B: Don’t Worry ‘Bout That Mule [4/9]

34. Decca 18762
(Recorded October 1945- released March 1946)
A: Salt Port, West Virginia [4/7]
B: Reconversion Blues [4/10]

35. Decca 18818
(Recorded January 1946 - released April 1946
Both A&B were reissued in 1947 on Decca 23931 – see 44)
A: Beware [4/12]
B: Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ [4/13]

BING CROSBY with LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

36. Decca 23417
(Recorded July 1944 - released 1945.
There is a previously unreleased version of the A on the box set – it’s 3/23]
A: (Yip, Yip De Hootie) My Baby Said Yes [3/22]
B: Your Socks Don’t Match [3/24]

ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

37. Decca 23546
(Recorded October 1945 - released June 1946
There is also an unreleased version of “Petootie Pie” on the Box set – it’s 9/3)
A: Stone Cold Dead In The Market (He Had It Comin’) [9/1]
B: Petootie Pie [9/2]

LOUIS JORDAN and HIS TYMPANY FIVE

38. Decca 23610
(Recorded January 1946 - released August 1946)
A: Choo Choo Ch’Boogie [4/14]
B: That Chick’s Too Young To Fry [4/16]

Decca 23628, 23629, 23630 and 23631
(Each is one of 4 x 78”s in an album box set called “Louis Jordan”
It was issued on Decca A-459 in 1946)
23628 is “Knock Me A Kiss” and “I’m Gonna Move To…”
23629 is “The Chicks I Pick…” and “What’s The Use Of Getting Sober…”
23630 is “Is You Is…” and “Five Guys Named Moe”
23631 is “It’s A Low-Down Dirty Shame” and “Mama Mama Blues”

39. Decca 23669
(Recorded June 1946 - released October 1946)
A: Ain’t That Just Like A Woman (They’ll Do It Every Time) [4/15]
B: If It’s Love That You Want, That’s Me [4/18]

40. Decca 23741
(Recorded June 1946 - released December 1946)
A: Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens [4/19]
B: Let The Good Times Roll [4/20]

41. Decca 23810
(A Recorded October 1946, B March 1944 - released Feb 1947)
A: Texas And Pacific [4/22]
B: I Like ‘Em Fat Like That [3/14]

42. Decca 23841
(Recorded January 1947 - released March 1947)
(There is a previously unreleased version of the A in the box set – it’s 4/27)
A: Open the Door, Richard! [5/2]
B: It’s So Easy [4/11]

43. Decca 23901
(Recorded October 1946 - released May 1947)
A: Jack, You’re Dead [4/23]
B: I Know What You’re Puttin’ Down [4/26]

44. Decca 23931
(Reissue of 35 – Decca 18818 – released 1947)
A: Beware [4/12]
B: Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ [4/13]

45. Decca 23932
(Reissue of 32 – Decca 8670 – released 1947)
A: Caldonia [4/3]
B: Someone Done Changed The Lock On My Door [4/4]

46. Decca 24104
(A Recorded April 1947, B October 1946 - Released August 1947)
A: Boogie Woogie Blue Plate [5/3]
B: Sure Had A Wonderful Time [4/25]

47. Decca 24155
(A Recorded in June 1947, B in April 1947 – Released Oct 1947)
A: Look Out [5/8]
B: Early In The Morning [5/6]

48. Decca 24300
(A Recorded April 1947, B July 1945 – Released February 1948)
A: Barnyard Boogie [5/4]
B: How Long Must I Wait For You [4/5]

49. Decca 24381
(A Recorded Oct 1946, B in December 1947 – Released April 1948)
A: Reet, Petite And Gone [4/24]
B: Inflation Blues [5/14]

50. Decca 24448
(A in April 1947, B Recorded in Oct 1946 – Released July 1948)
A: Run Joe [5/7]
B: All For The Love Of Lil [4/21]

51. Decca 24483
(A Recorded in Dec 1947, B in Nov 1947 – Released Sept 1948)
A: Don’t Burn That Candle At Both Ends [5/20]
B: We Can’t Agree [5/11]

LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE and MARTHA DAVIS

52. Decca 24502
(Both A&B recorded December 1947 – released October 1948
(Martha Davis is duet vocals on both A & B
The A-side is featured in the Danny Kaye movie “A Song Is Born”)
A: Daddy-O [5/22]
B: You’re On The Right Track, Baby [5/19]

LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

53. Decca 24527
(Both A&B recorded in December 1947 (different dates) – released Dec 1948)
A: Pettin’ And Pokin’ [5/18]
B: Why’d You Do It, Baby [5/21]

54. Decca 24571
(Both A&B recorded in November 1947 – released in March 1949)
A: Roamin’ Blues [5/13]
B: Have You Got The Gumption [5/10]

55. Decca 24587
(Both A&B recorded February 1949 – Released April 1949)
A: You Broke Your Promise [5/25]
B: Safe, Sane And Single [5/23]

56. Decca 24633
(A recorded April 1949 – B recorded April 1947 - released May 1949
The A only features BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Cole Slaw (Sorghum Switch) [6/1]
B: Every Man To His Own Profession [5/5]

57. Decca 24643
(A is a reissue of Decca 7705 (Number 9)
B is a reissue of Decca 8501 (Number 18) – released 1949)
A: You Run Your Mouth And I’ll Run My Business [1/19]
B: A Chicken Ain’t Nothing But A Bird [2/5]

ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

58. Decca 24644
(A&B recorded April 1949 – released June 1949)
A: Baby It’s Cold Outside [9/4]
B: Don’t Cry, Cry Baby [9/5]

LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

59. Decca 24673
(A recorded April 1949 – B recorded November 1947 – released August 1949
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Beans And Corn Bread [6/2]
B: Chicky-Mo, Caney-Crow [5/12]

60. Decca 24725
(A&B recorded in August 1949 – released October 1949
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Saturday Night Fish Fry (Part 1) [6/10 for both]
B: Saturday Night Fish Fry (Part 2)

61. Decca 24815
(A recorded April 1949 – B in February 1949 – released January 1950
The A only features BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: School Days [6/7]
B: I Know What I’ve Got, Don’t Know What I’m Getting [5/24]

62. Decca 24877
(A recorded April 1949 – B in August 1949 – released March 1950
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Push-Ka-Pee She Pie (The Saga Of Saga Boy) [5/26]
B: Hungry Man [6/8]

63. Decca 24981
(Both A&B recorded April 1949 – released 1950
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Baby’s Gonna Go Bye Bye [6/4]
B: Heed My Warning [6/5]

64. Decca 25394
(A is a reissue of 19B – B is a reissue of 21A – released 1950)
A: Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie [2/9]
B: Saxa-Woogie [2/14]

65. Decca 25473
(A is a reissue of Decca 7675 (Number 7)
B is a reissue of Decca 8525 (Number 19) – released 1950)
A: Honeysuckle Rose [1/13]
B: T-Bone Blues [2/11]

66. Decca 27058
(A&B recorded April 1949 – released 1950
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Onion (Instrumental) [6/3]
B: Psycho-Loco (Instrumental) [6/6]

67. Decca 9-27114 [9 prefix indicates 7” 45RPM single]
(A&B recorded June 1950 – released August 1950)
A: Blue Light Boogie, Part 1 [6/13 for both]
B: Blue Light Boogie, Part 2

68. Decca 9-27129
(A&B recorded June 1950 – released 1950)
A: I Want A Roof Over My Head [6/11]
B: Show Me How (You Milk A Cow) [6/12]

ELLA FITZGERALD and LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

69. Decca 9-27200
(Both A&B recorded August 1950 – released November 1950)
A: I’ll Never Be Free [9/7]
B: Ain’t Nobody’s Business But My Own [9/6]

LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

70. Decca 9-27203
(Both A&B recorded August 1950 at different sessions – released October 1950
Both feature BILL DOGGETT on Piano)
A: Tamburitza Boogie [6/14]
B: Trouble Then Satisfaction [6/20]

LOUIS ARMSTRONG with LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

71. Decca 9-27212
A: (I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead) You, Rascal You [6/23]
B: Life Is So Peculiar [6/22]

LOUIS JORDAN and his TYMPANY FIVE

72. Decca 9-27324
(Both A&B recorded in August 1950 – released January 1951)
A: Lemonade [6/16]
B: (You Dyed Your Hair) Chartreuse [6/15]

73. Decca 9-27424
(A recorded in December 1950 – B in August 1950 – released March 1951)
A: Tear Drops From My Eyes [6/24]
B: It’s A Great, Great Pleasure [6/17]

74. Decca 9-27547
(Both A&B recorded in March 1951 – released May 1951)
A: Weak Minded Blues [7/2]
B: Is My Pop In There? [7/3]

75. Decca 9-27620
(A recorded in March 1951 – B in August 1950 – released 1951)
A: I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby [7/4]
B: You Will Always Have A Friend [6/18]

76. Decca 27648
(Both A&B recorded in June 1951 – released in 1951)
A: If You're So Smart, How Come You Ain't Rich? [7/5]
B: How Blue Can You Get [7/8]

77. Decca 27694
(Both A&B recorded in June 1951 – released 1951)
A: Please Don’t Leave Me [7/11]
B: Three-Handed Woman [7/14]

78. Decca 27784
(A recorded in June 1951 – B in July 1951 – released 1951)
A: Trust In Me [7/6]
B: Cook-A-Doodle Doo [7/16]

79. Decca 27806
(Both A&B recorded in June 1951 – released December 1951)
A: May Every Day Be Christmas [7/10]
B: Bone Dry [7/12]

80. Decca 27898
(A recorded November 1951 – B recorded June 1946 – released 1952)
A: Lay Something On The Bar (Besides Your Elbow) [7/26]
B: No Sale [4/17]

81. Decca 27969
(A recorded in June 1951 – B in November 1951 – released in 1952)
A: Louisville Lodge Meeting [7/7]
B: Work Baby Work [7/22]


82. Decca 28088
(Both A&B recorded in November 1951 – released in 1952)
A: Slow Down [7/21]
B: Never Trust A Woman [7/23]

83. Decca 28211
(Both A&B recorded in April 1952 – released in 1952)
A: Junco Partner [8/1]
B: Azure-Te (Paris Blues) [8/3]

84. Decca 28225
(A recorded in April 1952 – B in May 1952 – released 1952)
A: Oil Well Texas [8/3]
B: Jordan For President [8/6]

85. Decca 9-28355
(Both A&B recorded in November 1951 – released in 1952
A-side features VALLI FORD on Vocals)
A: All Of Me [7/24]
B: There Goes My Heart [7/25]

86. Decca 9-28444
(A recorded in January 1947 – B in December 1947 – released in 1952)
A: Friendship [5/1]
B: You’re Much Too Fat (And That’s That) [5/15]

87. Decca 9-28543
(Both A&B recorded in December 1952 – released in 1953)
A: You Didn’t Want Me Baby [8/10]
B: A Man’s Best Friend Is A Bed [8/11]

88. Decca 9-28664
(Both A&B recorded in February 1952 – released in 1953)
A: It’s Better To Wait For Love [8/13]
B: Just Like A Butterfly (That’s Caught In The Rain) [8/15]

89. Decca 9-28756
(Both A&B recorded in May 1953 – released in 1953)
A: Hog Wash [8/16]
B: House Party [8/17]

90. Decca 9-28820
(A recorded in April 1952 - B in July 1951 - released in 1953)
A: Time Marches On [8/2]
B: There Must Be A Way [7/18]

91. Decca 9-28883
(Both A&B recorded in May 1953 – released in 1953)
A: I Want You To Be My Baby [8/19]
B: You Know It Too [8/20]

92. Decca 9-28983
(A recorded in May 1952, B in June 1951 - released in 1953)
A: The Soon-A Baby [8/9]
B: Fat Sam From Birmingham [7/15]

93. Decca 9-29018
(Both A&B recorded in January 1954 – released in 1954)
A: Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out [8/23]
B: Lollypop [8/26]

94. Decca 9-29166
((Both A&B recorded February 1953 – released in 1953)
A: Only Yesterday [8/14]
B: I Didn’t Know What Time It Was [8/12]

95. Decca 9-29263
(Both A&B recorded in January 1954 – released in 1954)
A: If It’s True [8/24]
B: Wake Up Jacob [8/25]

96. Decca 9-29424
(Both A&B recorded in January 1954 – released in 1954)
A: Locked Up [8/21]
B: Perdido (Instrumental) [8/27]

97. Decca 9-29655
(A recorded in May 1953, B recorded November 1951 – released in 1954
A is a reissue of Decca 28883 (Number 91))
A: I Want You To Be My Baby [8/19]
B: Come And Get It (Instrumental) [7/19]

98. Decca 9-29860
(A recorded in January 1954 – B in May 1953 – released in 1954)
A: I Gotta Move [8/22]
B: Everything That's Made of Wood [8/18]

99. Decca 30223
(A recorded in May 1953. B in April 1947 – released in 1954
A is a reissue of 91 and 97; B is a reissue of 50)
A: I Want You To Be My Baby [8/19]
B: Run Joe [5/7]

This review and many others like it are part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. 
There's five books so far - and this is in the "Blues, Vocal Groups, Rhythm 'n' Blues and Rock 'n' Roll" edition - over 1750 e-pages full of great info and ideas...