“Mark The Hard Earth” by KRIS DREVER. A Review of his 2nd Solo Album from 2010.

"…Dark Sky Above Me…Hard Earth Below…”

Formerly of folk sensation FINE FRIDAY (3 albums) and now very much part of the respected and awarded LAU (3 albums), Scottish born Drever made his stunning solo debut “Black Water” back in 2006 - and I’ve been hooked on his music ever since.

Drever then followed “Black Water” with the more overtly country almost ragtime “Honky Tonk Suite” with EAMONN COYNE later that same year - and has also done stints with the beautiful Kate Rusby and her band (we’re talking class here). With his deft acoustic guitar touches and a deep tonal voice that is the male equivalent of honey dribbling down Rusby’s frankly delicious bosom (a sight that would make many clergymen reconsider celibacy), it’s hardly surprising that this album is awaited by folk fans with bated breath and chattering teeth. I’m therefore delighted to say and a little relieved to report that after a few listens - it’s been worth the wait.

“Mark The Hard Earth” is his 2nd solo album proper and it’s being put out on Navigator Records (the label is named after a track on “Black Water” – cata no: NAVIGATOR30). It was produced by long-time collaborator and Scottish fiddle player JOHN McCUSKER and recorded, engineered and mastered with the help of CALUM MALCOLM of Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout and Simple Minds recording fame. With such talent on board, it’s hardly surprising that the audio quality is truly gorgeous – beautifully clear without ever being over-produced. The 12-page booklet offers little more than song credits and a few photos, but the card-wrap on the outside of the jewel case lends the whole thing a classy feel (44:21 minutes).

The songs are once again a mixture of lesser-known Scottish and Irish traditional airs (“O’ A’ The Airts”, “The Banks Of The Nile” and “Freedom Come A’ Ye”) and a slew of originals from contemporary rock, country and Americana artists - “This Old Song” by CALEB KLAUDER (on his “Dangerous Mes and Poisonous Yous” album) and “Shining Star” and “Wild Hurricane” by SANDY WRIGHT (an American songwriter often compared to Tom Waits or even Johnny Cash), while “Sweet Honey In The Rock” is co-written with BOO HEWERDINE (formerly of THE BIBLE) and JOHN McCUSKER. The only original of his own is the opening track “Mark The Hard Earth” – as lovely a folk song as you’re likely to hear all year (lyrics above).

The accompanying musicians include classy names he’s used many times before - Ian Carr on Guitars, Tim O’Brien on Mandolin, Banjo and Vocals, Donald Shaw on Wurly and Harmonium, John McCusker on Fiddle, Andy Seward on Bass and Phil Cunningham on Accordion. Instead of Eddi Reader or Kate Rusby, the accompanying duet vocals however go to HEIDI TALBOT on “Allegory” and “The Banks Of The Nile” while KAREN POLWART features on “Freedom Come A’ Ye”.

Musically the album is very mellow – quietly beautiful – with the old songs sitting nicely alongside the new ones. His doubled vocals on Sandy Wright’s “Wild Hurricane” are fabulous while the plaintive “O’ A’ The Airts” works its way into your heart almost immediately - washing over you like warm water. Duncan Drever’s “The Crown Of London” is a genuine modern-day beauty – Ian Carr’s guitar picking and Donald Shaw’s work on the Harmonium and Wurly so sweetly complimentary. The only track I found not so good is their short version of “The Banks Of The Nile” which they’ve also speeded up. Despite Heidi Talbot’s lovely duet vocals (similar voice to Cara Dillon) - the Fotheringay version from their lone 1970 LP runs to 8 minutes (Sandy Denny on vocals) and is so much prettier and frankly more magical. But the album ends on a very warm note - the Hamish Henderson song “Freedom Come A’ Ye” which features lovely vocal work from Karen Polwart.

I’ll admit that at first I found the whole thing a little underwhelming and it took a few listens to love it (it’s not as immediately brilliant as “Black Water”), but “Mark The Hard Earth” is yet another gem in a career that seems to know no stopping.

Lovely stuff and nice one.

LABI SIFFRE DISCOGRAPHY - UK 7" SINGLES and ALBUMS DISCOGRAPHY (1970 to 1979)

UK 7” SINGLES
1. Too Late b/w Make My Day
July 1970, Pye International 7N.25528
[Both tracks are on his 1970 vinyl debut album “Labi Siffre”, both are also on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

2. Thank Your Lucky Star b/w When You Find You Need A Friend
February 1971, Pye International 7N.25542
[Initial copies came in a rare titled picture sleeve; this is the first of only two UK picture sleeves of the 1970’s (see 14); the A is on his 1971 2nd album "The Singer And The Song" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the B-side is a non-album track - unfortunately it’s still unavailable on CD]

3. Get To The Country b/w A Feeling I Got
July 1971, Pye International 7N.25560
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up as a bonus track on "The Singer And The Song" 2006 EMI CD reissue; the B-side is unfortunately still unavailable on CD]

4. It Must Be Love b/w To Find Love
November 1971, Pye International 7N.25572
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side is still unavailable on CD]

5. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying b/w Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me?
March 1972, Pye International 7N.25576
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side turns up a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

6. Watch Me b/w Here We Are
July 1972, Pye International 7N.25586
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up ONLY on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"; the B-side is a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

7. Give Love b/w Last Night Tonight
January 1973, Pye International 7N.25602
[The A-side is a remix, original version is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

8. If You Have Faith b/w Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye
October 1973, Pye International 7N.25629
[The A-side is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" 2006 CD Remaster]

9. Dreamer b/w Turn On Your Love
August 1974, EMI Records EMI 2204
[Both tracks are from the "Remember My Song" LP]

10. Another Year b/w Some Say
January 1975, EMI Records EMI 2260
[The A-side is from the "Remember My Song" LP; B-side is from "For The Children" LP]

11. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love b/w Goodbye To Love
October 1975, EMI Records EMI 2357
[The A-side is on the 1975 vinyl album "Happy"; the B-side is non-album; the A-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

12. Staride To Nowhere b/w Sally Came To Stay
January 1976, EMI Records EMI 2394
[Both the A&B are featured on the vinyl album "Happy" (album versions), but the "Single Mix" of the A is on the EMI 2006 Remaster CD "The Best Of"; the B-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

13. You’ve Got A Hold On Me b/w La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
October 1976, EMI Records EMI 2526
[The A-side is non-album and is available as a bonus track on the "Remember My Song" CD from 2006; the B-side is from the "Happy?" album and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

14. Do The Best You Can b/w Hot And Dirty In The City
January 1977, EMI Records EMI 2577
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1977; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"]

15. Solid Love b/w You Hurt Me
March 1978, EMI Records EMI 2750
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1978 and turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"; the B-side is from the 1975 vinyl album "Happy?" and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

16. One World Song b/w We Got Love
December 1979, EMI Records EMI 5023 (in Picture Sleeve, Eurovision Song contest entry)
[Credited to LABI and JACKIE; B-side co-written with BOB JAMES, both non-album; neither is available on CD]

UK ALBUMS:
1. "Labi Siffre", 1970, Pye International NSPL 28135
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. Too Late
2. Words [a Bee Gees cover]
3. Something On My Mind
4. Maybe Tomorrow
5. You And I Should Be Together
6. I Don’t Know What’s Happened To The Kids Today
Side 2:
1. I Love You
2. Make My Day
3. A Little More Line
4. Maybe [a Nilsson cover]
5. River
6. Love Song For Someone
[Except where note, all songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356891 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
13. Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me? [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 5]
14. I Just Couldn’t Live Without Her [Previously Unreleased]
15. Last Night Tonight [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 7]
16. Maybe When We Dance [Previously Unreleased]
17. Ask Me To Stay [Previously Unreleased]
18. Here We Are [Non-Album B-side – see Singles 6]

2. “The Singer And The Song”, July 1971, Pye International NSPL 28147
[Laminated Gatefold Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. There’s Nothing In The World Like Love
2. You’re Lovely
3. A Number Of Words
4. Who Do You See
5. Not So Long Ago
6. The Shadow of Our Love
7. When I’m On My Own You Are On My Mind
Side 2:
1. Rocking Chair
2. Interlude
3. Thank Your Lucky Star
4. Talk About
5. Talkabout
6. Relax
7. Bless The Telephone
8. Summer Is Coming
9. Goodbye
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356980 2 2) - Bonus Tracks:
16. Get To The Country [non-album single track – see UK SINGLES 3]
17. Till Nightime Comes Along [Previously Unreleased]
18. Fallin’ For You [Previously Unreleased]
19. Oh What A Day [Previously Unreleased]
20. Just A Face [Previously Unreleased]
21. Seasons Come, Seasons Go [Previously Unreleased]

3. “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying”, October 1972, Pye International NSPL 28163
(The sleeve credits the title of the album 'without' commas - “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, but the label credits the title 'with' commas “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” (the 7" single is also with commas)]
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]

Side 1:
1. Saved
2. Cannock Chase
3. Fool Me A Goodnight
4. It Must Be Love
5. Gimme Some More
6. Blue Lady
Side 2:
1. Love Oh Love Oh Love
2. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
3. Hotel Room Song
4. Till Forever
5. Come On Michael
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356927 2 3) - Bonus Tracks:
13. You Make It Easy [Previously Unreleased]
14. Good Old Days [Previously Unreleased]
15. Pristine Verses [Previously Unreleased]
16. You’ll Let Me Know [Previously Unreleased]
17. Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye [Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 8]
18. For The Lovin’ [Previously Unreleased]

4. “For The Children”, 1973, Pye International NSPL 28182
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]
Side 1:
1. Somesay
2. Children Of Children
3. Entertainment Value
4. Odds And Ends
5. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Let’s Pretend
2. Someday
3. If You Have Faith
4. For The Children
5. Give Love
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356887 2 6) - Bonus Tracks:
11. So What! [Previously Unreleased]

5. “The Best Of”, November 1974, EMI Records EMC 3056
Side 1:
1. Make My Day
2. Too Late
3. Watch Me
4. My Song
5. For The Children
6. It Must Be Love
7. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
2. Nothing In The World Like Love
3. If You Have Faith
4. Somesay
5. Fool Me A Goodnight
6. (Just) A Little More Line
7. Give Love

6. “Remember My Song”, March 1975, EMI Records EMC 3065
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. I Got The…
2. Another Year
3. Down
4. Old Time Song
5. The Vulture
Side 2:
1. Dreamer
2. Sadie And The Devil
3. Turn On Your Love
4. Remember My Song

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356884 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
10. You’ve Got A Hold On Me (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 11)
11. Hot And Dirty In The City (Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 12)
12. Solid Love (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 13)

7. "Happy", November 1975, EMI Records EMC 3098
[Laminate Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love
2. You Hurt Me
3. Doctor, Doctor
4. Second Time Around
5. Would You Dance?
Side 2:
1. Supaluvva
2. Staride To Nowhere
3. You’ve Done Something To My Heart
4. Sally Came To Stay
5. La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

[This album is available on CD but under another name - "The Music Of..." from 2001 (see separate review); the 7" single mix of "Staride To Nowhere" is on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"]

8. “The Best Of” (March 2006 EMI CD Remaster Compilation)
1. Something Inside So Strong
2. It Must Be Love
3. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
4. I Got The...
5. Vulture
6. Thank Your Lucky Star
7. A Little More Line
8. Another Year
9. My Song
10. Make My Day
11. Watch Me
12. Children Of Children
13. Sparrow In The Storm [from “The Last Songs”, Live Tracks Recorded in 1998 – finally released in 2006]
14. Dreamer
15. Staride To Nowhere (7” Single Version)
16. There's Nothing In The World Like Love
17. Why Isn't Love Enough [from “The Last Songs”, 2006]
18. If You Have Faith
19. Prayer

Labi Siffre UK DISCOGRAPHY – UK SINGLES and ALBUMS DISCOGRAPHY (1970 to 1979)

UK 7” SINGLES
1. Too Late b/w Make My Day
July 1970, Pye International 7N.25528
[Both tracks are on his 1970 vinyl debut album “Labi Siffre”, both are also on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

2. Thank Your Lucky Star b/w When You Find You Need A Friend
February 1971, Pye International 7N.25542
[Initial copies came in a rare titled picture sleeve; this is the first of only two UK picture sleeves of the 1970’s (see 14); the A is on his 1971 2nd album "The Singer And The Song" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the B-side is a non-album track - unfortunately it’s still unavailable on CD]

3. Get To The Country b/w A Feeling I Got
July 1971, Pye International 7N.25560
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up as a bonus track on "The Singer And The Song" 2006 EMI CD reissue; the B-side is unfortunately still unavailable on CD]

4. It Must Be Love b/w To Find Love
November 1971, Pye International 7N.25572
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side is still unavailable on CD]

5. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying b/w Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me?
March 1972, Pye International 7N.25576
[The A-side is from his 1972 3rd album "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" (2006 EMI CD Remaster); the non-album B-side turns up a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

6. Watch Me b/w Here We Are
July 1972, Pye International 7N.25586
[Both tracks were non-album at the time of release; the A-side turns up ONLY on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"; the B-side is a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 CD Remaster]

7. Give Love b/w Last Night Tonight
January 1973, Pye International 7N.25602
[The A-side is a remix, original version is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Labi Siffre" 2006 EMI CD Remaster]

8. If You Have Faith b/w Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye
October 1973, Pye International 7N.25629
[The A-side is from his 1973 4th album "For The Children"; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" 2006 CD Remaster]

9. Dreamer b/w Turn On Your Love
August 1974, EMI Records EMI 2204
[Both tracks are from the "Remember My Song" LP]

10. Another Year b/w Some Say
January 1975, EMI Records EMI 2260
[The A-side is from the "Remember My Song" LP; B-side is from "For The Children" LP]

11. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love b/w Goodbye To Love
October 1975, EMI Records EMI 2357
[The A-side is on the 1975 vinyl album "Happy"; the B-side is non-album; the A-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

12. Staride To Nowhere b/w Sally Came To Stay
January 1976, EMI Records EMI 2394
[Both the A&B are featured on the vinyl album "Happy" (album versions), but the "Single Mix" of the A is on the EMI 2006 Remaster CD "The Best Of"; the B-side is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

13. You’ve Got A Hold On Me b/w La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
October 1976, EMI Records EMI 2526
[The A-side is non-album and is available as a bonus track on the "Remember My Song" CD from 2006; the B-side is from the "Happy?" album and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

14. Do The Best You Can b/w Hot And Dirty In The City
January 1977, EMI Records EMI 2577
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1977; the non-album B-side turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"]

15. Solid Love b/w You Hurt Me
March 1978, EMI Records EMI 2750
[The A-side was a single-only release and a contender for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1978 and turns up as a bonus track on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster of "Remember My Song"; the B-side is from the 1975 vinyl album "Happy?" and is available on "The Music Of" CD from 2001]

16. One World Song b/w We Got Love
December 1979, EMI Records EMI 5023 (in Picture Sleeve, Eurovision Song contest entry)
[Credited to LABI and JACKIE; B-side co-written with BOB JAMES, both non-album; neither is available on CD]

UK ALBUMS:
1. "Labi Siffre", 1970, Pye International NSPL 28135
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. Too Late
2. Words [a Bee Gees cover]
3. Something On My Mind
4. Maybe Tomorrow
5. You And I Should Be Together
6. I Don’t Know What’s Happened To The Kids Today
Side 2:
1. I Love You
2. Make My Day
3. A Little More Line
4. Maybe [a Nilsson cover]
5. River
6. Love Song For Someone
[Except where note, all songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356891 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
13. Why Did You Go, Why Did You Leave Me? [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 5]
14. I Just Couldn’t Live Without Her [Previously Unreleased]
15. Last Night Tonight [Non-Album B-side – see UK Singles 7]
16. Maybe When We Dance [Previously Unreleased]
17. Ask Me To Stay [Previously Unreleased]
18. Here We Are [Non-Album B-side – see Singles 6]

2. “The Singer And The Song”, July 1971, Pye International NSPL 28147
[Laminated Gatefold Sleeve, No Inserts]

Side 1:
1. There’s Nothing In The World Like Love
2. You’re Lovely
3. A Number Of Words
4. Who Do You See
5. Not So Long Ago
6. The Shadow of Our Love
7. When I’m On My Own You Are On My Mind
Side 2:
1. Rocking Chair
2. Interlude
3. Thank Your Lucky Star
4. Talk About
5. Talkabout
6. Relax
7. Bless The Telephone
8. Summer Is Coming
9. Goodbye
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356980 2 2) - Bonus Tracks:
16. Get To The Country [non-album single track – see UK SINGLES 3]
17. Till Nightime Comes Along [Previously Unreleased]
18. Fallin’ For You [Previously Unreleased]
19. Oh What A Day [Previously Unreleased]
20. Just A Face [Previously Unreleased]
21. Seasons Come, Seasons Go [Previously Unreleased]

3. “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying”, October 1972, Pye International NSPL 28163
(The sleeve credits the title of the album 'without' commas - “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, but the label credits the title 'with' commas “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” (the 7" single is also with commas)]
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]

Side 1:
1. Saved
2. Cannock Chase
3. Fool Me A Goodnight
4. It Must Be Love
5. Gimme Some More
6. Blue Lady
Side 2:
1. Love Oh Love Oh Love
2. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
3. Hotel Room Song
4. Till Forever
5. Come On Michael
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356927 2 3) - Bonus Tracks:
13. You Make It Easy [Previously Unreleased]
14. Good Old Days [Previously Unreleased]
15. Pristine Verses [Previously Unreleased]
16. You’ll Let Me Know [Previously Unreleased]
17. Oh Me Oh My Mr. City Goodbye [Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 8]
18. For The Lovin’ [Previously Unreleased]

4. “For The Children”, 1973, Pye International NSPL 28182
[Matt Gatefold Sleeve + Lyrics Insert]
Side 1:
1. Somesay
2. Children Of Children
3. Entertainment Value
4. Odds And Ends
5. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Let’s Pretend
2. Someday
3. If You Have Faith
4. For The Children
5. Give Love
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356887 2 6) - Bonus Tracks:
11. So What! [Previously Unreleased]

5. “The Best Of”, November 1974, EMI Records EMC 3056
Side 1:
1. Make My Day
2. Too Late
3. Watch Me
4. My Song
5. For The Children
6. It Must Be Love
7. Prayer
Side 2:
1. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
2. Nothing In The World Like Love
3. If You Have Faith
4. Somesay
5. Fool Me A Goodnight
6. (Just) A Little More Line
7. Give Love

6. “Remember My Song”, March 1975, EMI Records EMC 3065
[Matt Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. I Got The…
2. Another Year
3. Down
4. Old Time Song
5. The Vulture
Side 2:
1. Dreamer
2. Sadie And The Devil
3. Turn On Your Love
4. Remember My Song

2006 EMI CD Remaster (EMI 0946 356884 2 9) - Bonus Tracks:
10. You’ve Got A Hold On Me (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 11)
11. Hot And Dirty In The City (Non-album B-side – see UK SINGLES 12)
12. Solid Love (Non-album A-side – see UK SINGLES 13)

7. "Happy", November 1975, EMI Records EMC 3098
[Laminate Single Sleeve, No Inserts]
Side 1:
1. Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love-A-Love
2. You Hurt Me
3. Doctor, Doctor
4. Second Time Around
5. Would You Dance?
Side 2:
1. Supaluvva
2. Staride To Nowhere
3. You’ve Done Something To My Heart
4. Sally Came To Stay
5. La-De-Da-De-Da (Lost Without Your Love)
[All songs by Labi Siffre]

[This album is available on CD but under another name - "The Music Of..." from 2001 (see separate review); the 7" single mix of "Staride To Nowhere" is on the 2006 EMI CD Remaster "The Best Of"]

8. “The Best Of” (March 2006 EMI CD Remaster Compilation)
1. Something Inside So Strong
2. It Must Be Love
3. Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
4. I Got The...
5. Vulture
6. Thank Your Lucky Star
7. A Little More Line
8. Another Year
9. My Song
10. Make My Day
11. Watch Me
12. Children Of Children
13. Sparrow In The Storm [from “The Last Songs”, Live Tracks Recorded in 1998 – finally released in 2006]
14. Dreamer
15. Staride To Nowhere (7” Single Version)
16. There's Nothing In The World Like Love
17. Why Isn't Love Enough [from “The Last Songs”, 2006]
18. If You Have Faith
19. Prayer

“What It Takes – The Chess Years [Expanded Edition]” by KOKO TAYLOR. A Review of the 2009 “Hip-O Select” CD Compilation.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" 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

“…Blues Heaven…Must Be Mighty Sweet…”

Hip-O Select B0013186-02 is a reissue of a deleted 18-track 1991 CD compilation – now with 6 bonus tracks added on. It has the same front artwork, but a live photo spreads itself across the 3 flaps of the card tri-gatefold on the inside, while the booklet is expanded to 16-pages. More importantly, it has truly stunning 2009 remastering by ace tape expert ERICK LABSON (has over 850 credits to his name - including most of the entire Chess catalogue).

Released November 2009 in the USA, February 2010 in the UK, “What It Takes – The Chess Years [Expanded Edition]” breaks down as follows (73:06 minutes):

1. I Got What It Takes (1964 USA 7” single on Checker 1092, A – see also 19)
2. Don’t Mess With The Messer (1969 USA LP “Koko Taylor” on Chess LP 1532)
3. Whatever I Am, You Made Me (as per 2)
4. I’m A Little Mixed Up (as per 2)
5. Wang Dang Doodle (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1135, A)
6. (I Got) All You Need (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1174, A)
7. (Just) Love Me (1967 USA 7” single on Checker 1166, A)
8. What Came First The Egg Or The Hen [B-side of 7, duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
9. Insane Asylum (as per 2 – duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
10. Fire (as per 2 – duet vocals with Willie Dixon)
11. I Don’t Care Who Knows (1968 USA 7” single on Checker 1210, A)
12. Twenty Nine Ways (To My Baby’s Door) (as per 2)
13. Blue Prelude [Previously Unreleased, Recorded November 1971]
14. I Need More And More (1972 USA LP “Basic Soul” on Chess CH-50018)
15. Um Huh My Baby (as per 14)
16. Bills, Bills & More Bills (as per 14)
17. Let Me Love You Baby (as per 14)
18. I Got What It Takes [Live Duet With MUDDY WATERS] (1972 USA 2LP set “Blues/Rock Avalanche – The Montreaux Festival” on Chess 2CH-60015)

BONUS TRACKS:
19. What Kind Of A Man Is That? (B-side of 1 – a Koko Taylor original)
20. Blues Heaven (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1135, A – Willie Dixon co-write with Dick LaPalm)
21. Tell Me The Truth (1966 USA 7” single on Checker 1148, A – a Johnnie May Dunson song)
22. Good Advice (B-side of 21 – a J.B. Lenoir cover)
23. Separate Or Integrate (1967 USA 7” single on Checker 1210, A)
24. Tease Your Man (1972 USA 7” single on Chess 2132, A)

Tracks 1 to 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 18 and 23 to 24 are all written by WILLIE DIXON
Track 20 is co-written by WILLIE DIXON and DICK LaPALM
Other track credits listed above

With a powerhouse voice that could level tall buildings from ten paces, Koko Taylor truly met her soul mate in Chess’ principal songwriter – the mighty Willie Dixon. He wrote 18 of the tracks on here and co-wrote one other – his presence is everywhere. With the house-band containing the cream of the Blues crop (Lafayette Leake on Piano, Buddy Guy and Johnny “Twist” Williams on Guitars and a host of others – including Willie Dixon on Bass), it’s no wonder that these slices of Sixties Blues and R’n’B boogie along so brilliantly.

But the real revelation is the SOUND – I’ve raved about Erick Labson’s work before, but the lad’s excelled himself here – beautiful clarity and depth – in your face for all the right reasons. Fans will thrill to the care given – infused no doubt with the same affection that exudes from ANDY McKAIE’s typically excellent liner notes. It’s a shame though that they didn’t picture either of her albums “Koko Taylor” (a ragbag of tracks from ’65, ’67 and ’69 finally issued in 1969) and the “Basic Soul” LP from 1972 – but that’s offset against a colour photo of her debut Checker 45 “I Got What It Takes” on 1092 – what a lovely sight. Its fab B-side “Blues Heaven” is also here (lyrics above). The previously unreleased and exclusive-to-this-set “Blue Prelude” is a slow blues Joe Bishop/Gordon Jenkins song and it’s excellent.

Koko has been poorly served by Chess reissues across the last two decades – until now. With her passing in June 2009 at the age of 80, Memphis’ Cora Taylor is finally done proud by this lovely and wonderful reissue. Top marks to all involved – and another goodie from Hip-O Select.

Recommended.

For info purposes - a Checker Records (Chess) Discography
USA 7" singles:

1. I Got What It Takes b/w What Kind Of A Man Is This (1964, Checker 1092)
2. Don't Mess With The Messer b/w Whatever I Am, You Made Me (1965, Checker 1106)
3. Good Advice b/w When I Think Of My Baby (1965, Checker 1140)
4. Good Advice b/w Tell The Truth (1965, Checker 1148)
5. What Came First The Egg Or The Hen b/w (Just) Love Me (1967, Checker 1166)
6. (I Got) All You Need b/w All Money Spent (1967, Checker 1174)
7. Fire b/w Insane Asylum (1968, Checker 1191)
8. Separate Or Integrate b/w I Don't Care Who Knows (1968, Checker 1210)
9. Tease Your Man b/w That's The Way Love Is (1972, Chess 2132)

LPs:
“Koko Taylor”, October 1969 USA LP on Chess LPS-1532 [Produced by Willie Dixon]

Side 1:
1. Love You Like A Woman
2. I Love A Lover Like You
3. Don’t Mess With The Messer
4. I Don’t Care Who Knows
5. Wang Dang Doodle
6. I’m A Little Mixed Up

Side 2:
1. Nitty Gritty
2. Fire
3. Whatever I Am, You Made Me
4. Twenty-Nine Ways
5. Insane Asylum
6. Yes, It’s Good For You

“Basic Soul”, 1972 USA LP on Chess CH-50018 [Produced by Willie Dixon]

Side 1:

1. It’s A Poor Dog
2. Let Me Love You Baby
3. Bills, Bills And More Bills
4. I Need More And More
5. Love Me To Death

Side 2:
1. That’s The Way Love Is
2. Um Huh My Baby
3. Please Your Man
4. Pollution
5. Violent Love

“Moments/Boz Scaggs & Band” by BOZ SCAGGS [feat Rita Coolidge, Ben Sidran, Santana Band, Steve Miller Band] (March 2008 Beat Goes On CD Reissue of his 2nd & 3rd LPs - Remastered) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This review and hundreds more like it can also be found in my 
SOUNDS GOOD Music Book: 1960s and 1970s MUSIC Volume 2 
- Exceptional CD Remasters 

It contains over 210 in-depth reviews (a whopping 2400+ e-Pages) 
And is available to buy/download at Amazon at the following link...

"…Drank All The Bottles But My Thirst Won't Go Away…"

With his 1969 Atlantic Records debut album under his perfectly coiffured belt (it didn’t chart in either the UK or USA) – William Royce Scaggs singed to Columbia Records in the early Seventies and hoped for bigger things. He’d have to wait a few anxious years before he absolutely nailed the FM motherlode with “Silk Degrees” in 1976 – but here’s where that class act of a singer/songwriter cut his tuneful teeth.

UK released March 2008 (reissued 2010) - "Moments/Boz Scaggs & Band" by BOZ SCAGGS on Beat Goes On BGOCD812 (Barcode 5017261208125) features his 2nd and 3rd albums remastered onto one CD and breaks down as follows (77:20 minutes):

1. We Were Always Sweethearts

2. Downright Women

3. Painted Bells

4. Alone, Alone

5. Near You

6. I Will Forever Sing (The Blues)

7. Moments

8. Hollywood Blues

9. We Been Away

10. Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over)

Tracks 1 to 10 are his 2nd LP "Moments" issued March 1971 in the USA on Columbia C 30454 and in the UK on CBS S 64248

All tracks are Scaggs originals excepting "We Been Away" which was written by the band's bass player DAVID BROWN and "I Will Forever Sing (The Blues)" was written by POWELL ST. JOHN of MOTHER EARTH. The album also features RITA COOLIDGE on backing vocals, COKE and PETE ESCOVEDO from the Santana band on Percussion with BEN SIDRAN on Keyboards and Vibes

11. Money Time

12. Runnin’ Blue

13. Up To You

14. Love Anyway

15. Flames Of Love

16. Here To Stay

17. Nothing Will Take Your Place

18. Why Why

19. You’re So Good

Tracks 11 to 19 are his 3rd LP "Boz Scaggs And Band" issued December 1971 in the USA on Columbia C 30796 and 1972 in the UK on CBS S 64431

All tracks are Scaggs originals except "Monkey Time", "Up To You" and "Flames Of Love" which were co-written with CLIVE ARROWSMITH (who also took the cover photos), "Runnin' Blue" which is co-written with Trombone player PATRICK O'HARA and "Why Why" which is co-written with TIM DAVIS (the drummer in The Steve Miller Band).

The 12-page inlay has affectionate and knowledgeable liner notes by noted music writer DAVID WELLS and also features full musician credits. There's a nice card-wrap on the outside of the jewel case and the sound quality is beautifully clear and punchy throughout - digitally remastered in 2008 by ANDREW THOMPSON at Sound Performance.

Those expecting "Silk Degrees" can look away now - this is Scaggs finding his soul/rock feet - and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The string laden soulful instrumental "Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over)" is both ethereal and beautiful, but "Alone, Alone" is awful sub-standard country-rock complete with its hammy spoken intro. "Runnin' Blues" has a B.B. King vibe about it with its brass fills punctured by thinny guitar picking, while the funk-rock of "Flames Of Love" sounds like Delaney & Bramlett at their raucous Seventies best. The quiet vibes of "Here To Stay" are so clear - the remaster really coming into its own. Even better is the funky guitar-rock of "Why, Why" which is co-written with his old friend Tim Davis - very Steve Miller Band (lyrics above). The slinky "You're So Good" finishes the CD in fine style - again the remastered sound just so sweet.

Across these 2 albums it's no surprise that the music ranges from dull to great - but when he hits that grooves - man it's just superb. Very Boz really...

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