"Fully Qualified Survivor" by MICHAEL CHAPMAN (2011 Light In The Attic Records CD Reissue And Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This review 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

"…Like Jewels In Your Hand…"

Seventies Rock aficionados will no doubt have read gushing reviews telling them to invest their hard-earned in long lost classics - and having been burned a few times before - would view another such review with a certain amount of scepticism. 

But this is a Light In The Attic Records release - and after 60 peerless reissues of obscurities that truly deserve reappraisal – LITA have done it again. Beautiful presentation, extraordinary sound quality and songs that beggar the question – how the hell did this little gem get lost in the first place? 

MICHAEL CHAPMAN hails from Leeds in England and was 28 when he recorded his second LP "Fully Qualified Survivor" for EMI’s progressive label imprint Harvest. His debut album "Rainmaker" issued in July 1969 was only Harvest’s 5th LP at that time and signalled the arrival of a major Guitar Player and Rock singer-songwriter. 

1. Aviator

2. Naked Ladies And Electric Ragtime 

3. Stranger In The Room

4. Postcards Of Scarborough 

5. Fishbeard Sunset

6. Soulful Lady [Side 2]

7. Rabbit Hills

8. March Rain 

9. Kodak Ghosts 

10. Andru’s Easy Rider

11. Trinkets & Rings

The LP "Fully Qualified Survivor" by MICHAEL CHAPMAN was released March 1970 on Harvest SHVL 764 in the UK and Capitol/Harvest SW-816 in the USA – and even though it actually charted in the UK at No. 45 on the album charts - it’s a rare record on vinyl and UK originals can command upwards of £100. 

This February 2011 reissue on Light In The Records LITA 060 (Barcode 0826853006026) is a straightforward transfer of that 1970 album remastered from the 1st generation EMI tapes by NICK ROBBINS at Sound Mastering in London (46:32 minutes). The sound quality is fabulous - clear, warm and full of presence - and fully realises the original quality production values of GUS DUDGEON (of David Bowie and Elton John fame). 

The original gatefold artwork has been retained but upgraded to a lovely silver effect on the card digipak (they’ve also issued it on a beautiful Vinyl Version using the same silver effect artwork – a future collectable). The booklet is an impressive 32-pages long with liner notes by MICK HOUGHTON that feature new interviews with Chapman in 2010. Photos and archive material provided by the artist himself feature black and white snaps of him and the other musicians in the studio, on tour, reproductions of press releases and reviews and so on.

It opens with the epic "Aviator" – a nine and half-minute long acoustic song that has touches of Tim Buckley and Nick Drake in its languid pace. The cello is by Paul Buckmaster and the Violin by Johnny Van Derek. But – and this is a matter of taste – you’re met with his nasally drone of a voice which you will either embrace or loath. It all sounds a bit effected now, but if you give it time, there’s rewards later. Chapman was also a very accomplished guitar player (Bert Jansch, Stefan Grossman and John Renbourn jump to mind) and there follows the first of the album’s three acoustic-instrumentals "Naked Ladies & Electric Ragtime". With his foot tapping in the background, it’s a very pretty ditty and it also emphasises the superlative NICK ROBBINS remaster. The sheer musicality of "Postcards From Scarborough" is shocking – and the strings added by Dudgeon are lovely. "Fishbeard Sunset" is the second instrumental and is a 40-second introduction to a great song - "Soulful Lady". It also heralds a major playing talent – MICK RONSON on Guitar. He crops up again on "Kodak Ghosts" and his contributions are so exciting – rocking like a madman – loose and inspired ("The Man Who Sold The World", "Ziggy" and "Hunky Dory" with Bowie lay ahead). 

Side 2 is far better than Side 1 in my book – giving a run of truly superb tunes. "Rabbit Hills" is my favourite on here – a beautifully realised acoustic song with warm words and a haunting melody that still sounds sweet four decades on (lyrics above). "March Rain" with its Cello, Strings and Acoustic guitar arrangement could be Nick Drake circa "Bryter Layter" – so impressive. Mick Ronson adds lovely electric guitar licks to the treated Chapman acoustic guitars on the mid-tempo "Kodak Ghosts". The fantastically bluesy "Andru's Easy Rider" starts out with him on Piano but then goes into this huge John Fahey 12-string slide-guitar blues-boogie that you wish would overstay its mere two-minute duration. It segues into a funky Tabla and Guitar album finisher called "Trinkets & Rings" which features his trademark nonchalant vocals and electric guitar licks in the background. It’s impressive stuff, it really is…

To sum up - like his fellow Harvest Label mate Roy Harper (and nearest musical comparison), Chapman remains a bit of an unknown even in deep rock circles (Keef Hartley, Bryn Haworth, Mick Greenwood, Judee Sill, Karen Dalton and Fred Neil are others).  But you have to say that this is a smart reissue on the part of Light In The Attic Records in a long line of them (Lou Bond, Kris Kristofferson and Rodriguez come to mind - see reviews) and I’m glad I took a chance on it. I’ve subsequently bought the 2006 remaster of his "Millstone Grit" album from 1973 on Deram and it’s a cracker too. 

In 2015 at the age of 74 - it probably seems slightly odd to Michael Chapman now to be the subject of adoration and rediscovery for Folk/Rock he penned 45-years ago – but better late than never. A top job done boys and a major reissue for 2011…

"Rocks" by BIG JOE TURNER (March 2011 Bear Family CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s Of Others Is Available in my

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"…The Sun Comes Shining Through…"

Bear Family’s "Rocks" series now numbers in excess of 40 titles released since their Wanda Jackson starter in 2002, but this new 2011 addition given over to the frankly beautiful BIG JOE TURNER is liable to quicken even the most hardened collector’s pulse. His Fifties Atlantic R'n'B sides are the stuff of legend, but have always suffered from 'acceptable to good' sound quality when fans have longed for more. Well, at last, this peach finally delivers. The sound quality here is FABULOUS - far better than anything put out in the last 25 years of CD reissues. "Rocks" will leave fans reeling - and the 52-page booklet is a typical BF joy to behold.

There’s a lot to get through, so lets get down to the nitty gritty – "Rocks" by BIG JOE TURNER was released Monday 28 March 2011 on Bear Family BCD 17215 AR (Barcode 4000127172150) and breaks down as follows (70:35 minutes):

1. Jump For Joy (Atlantic 1184, A-side, May 1958)
2. Well, All Right (Atlantic 1040, A-side, September 1954)
3. Flip, Flop And Fly (Atlantic 1053, A-side, February 1955)
4. Love Roller Coaster (Atlantic 1146, A-side, August 1957)
5. Honey Hush (Atlantic 1001, A-side, September 1953)
6. I Need A Girl (Atlantic 1155, A-side, 1957)
7. Lipstick, Powder And Paint (Atlantic 1100, A-side, August 1956)
8. TV Mama [featuring Elmore James on Guitar] (Atlantic 1016, A-side, January 1954)
9. Hide And Seek (Atlantic 1069, A-side, August 1955)
10. Adam Bit The Apple (Freedom F-1531, B-side, March 1950)
11. My Gal’s A Jockey (National 4002, A-side, July 1946)
12. Feelin’ Happy (Federal 1540, A-side, January 1951)
13. Jumpin’ Tonight (Imperial 5090, B-side, June 1950)
14. Shake, Rattle And Roll (Atlantic 1026, A-side, May 1954)
15. Boogie Woogie Country Girl (Atlantic 1088, B-side, April 1956)
16. Teen-Age Letter (Atlantic 1167, A-side, 1957)
17. Corrine Corrina (Atlantic 1088, A-side, April 1956)
18. Midnight Cannonball (Atlantic 1069, B-side, August 1955)
19. Bump Miss Susie (Atlantic 949, B-side, December 1951)
20. Crawdad Hole (Atlantic 1001, B-side, September 1953)
21. Morning, Noon And Night (Atlantic 1069, B-side, December 1955)
22. Rock A While (Atlantic 1100, B-side, August 1956)
23. Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop (Atlantic 1016, B-side, January 1954)
24. The Chicken And The Hawk (Up, Up And Away (Atlantic 1069, A-side, December 1955)
25. Roll ‘Em Pete (Vocalion 4607, A-side, January 1939)
26. Rebecca (Decca 11001, B-side, December 1944)
27. Around The Clock Blues, Part 1 (Stag 508, A-side, December 1947)
28. Around The Clock Blues, Part 2 (Stag 508, B-side, December 1947)
[NOTE: the above list is laid out as follows: Title, Label, Catalogue Number (mostly 7” singles), Side and Release Date. Tracks 10 to 13 and 25 to 28 are 78”s. A full Discography referencing this CD is in the ‘comment’ section attached to this review]

The 3-way foldout card digipak houses an oversized 52-page booklet, a themed CD featuring a repro of the rare Freedom 78” from 1950 and even pictures a 50’s collector’s card. The booklet is beautiful – published and unpublished photographs, loads of trade adverts, tour posters, an album sleeve and a very detailed track-by-track discography. Page 41 carries a colour photo of BILL DAHL with Big Joe and 2 others – I mention this because Dahl wrote the superlative and knowledgeable liner notes and they ooze affection and classy writing. There’s even a little Joe Turner 'face' logo at the end of each page – talk about attention to detail! But the real deal is in the SOUND…

I’ve raved about JURGEN CRASSER and his superlative remastering of old recordings before - the 10 Volumes of the “Sweet Soul Music” series (1961 to 1970) and the 16 volumes of the “Blowing The Fuse” series (1945 to 1960). I’ve reviewed all but 3 and have been consistently wowed by the sound quality he gets – but he’s outdone himself here. The clarity off the Atlantic tracks especially is wonderful – alive, warm and rocking out of your speakers with an energy that belies their 50-year age.

There are niggles though with regard to track choice and how some of the other inclusions sound; tracks 10 to 13 and 25 to 28 (as noted above) are older recordings taken off 78’s and they do sound rough. I can understand their inclusion on sheer rarity basis, but I would have preferred more of the rare single B-sides on Atlantic. Also – why only 28 tracks and 70 minutes? Some of these “Rocks” discs have 34 tracks with 82-minutes and more of playing time? I also can’t say I needed the original 1938 Vocalion take of “Roll ‘Em Pete” when I could have had the much better remake on 1956’s “Boss Of The Blues” Atlantic LP – an absolute joy to listen too – but not on here…

Still – these are minor points – and detract from what has been for me a blast to listen to. I can’t be rational about Joe Turner – I’ve loved his great music for decades and my son plays him to distraction – yet I never tire of it.

To sum up – you can buy the same material cheaper of course, but if you want the real deal, then paying that bit extra for this import will pay dividends. This is a very definite jewel in the crown of Bear’s “Rocks” series – and that’s really saying something.

As Big Joe Turner belts out "Shake, Rattle And Roll" and the band boogies behind him and my feet tap maniacally to that irresistible beat, I’m reminded of its lyrics “…The sun comes shining through…”

Amen to that baby!

***************************************************************************

"BIG" JOE TURNER Discography referencing the 28-track Bear Family CD “Rocks”
Released in Germany March 2011 on Bear Family BCD 17215 AR
Track Identifier [19] = Track 19, [2] = Track 2 etc
Discography is in release date order

78”s:
Vocalion 4607 (January 1939) – Roll ‘Em Pete [25] b/w Goin’ Away Blues
[Credited to Joe Turner and Pete Johnson]

Decca 11001 (December 1944) – It’s The Same Old Story b/w Rebecca [[26]
[Credited to Big Joe Turner and Pete Johnson Trio]

National 4002 (July 1946) – My Gal’s A Jockey [11] b/w I Got Love For Sale
(Reissued in 1950 as National 9106)

Stag 508 (December 1947) – Around The Clock Blues, Part 1 [27] b/w Around The Clock Blues, Part 2 [28]
[Credited as Big Vernon – featured Pete Johnson on Piano]

Freedom F 1531 (February 1950) – Still In The Dark b/w Adam Bit The Apple [10]

Imperial 5090 (June 1950) – Story To Tell b/w Jumpin’ Tonight [13]
(“Jumpin’ Tonight” was reissued under the title “Midnight Rockin’” on Colony 108 (78”) in 1952)

Federal 1540 (January 1951) – Feelin’ Happy [12] b/w (After A While) You’ll Be Sorry

78” and 45’s:
Atlantic 939 (May 1951) – Chains Of Love b/w After My Laughter Came Tears
Atlantic 949 (December 1951) – The Chill Is On b/w Bump Miss Susie [19]
Atlantic 960 (April 1952) – Sweet Sixteen b/w I’ll Never Stop Loving You
Atlantic 970 (July 1952) – Don’t You Cry b/w Poor Lover’s Blues
Atlantic 982 (1953) – Still In Love b/w Baby I Still Want You
Atlantic 1001 (September 1953) – Honey Hush [5] b/w Crawdad Hole [20]
[Note: re “Honey Hush” – see also re-recorded version on Atlantic 2044]
Atlantic 1016 (January 1954) – TV Mama [8] b/w Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop [23]
Atlantic 1026 (April 1954) – Shake, Rattle And Roll [14] b/w You Know I Love You
Atlantic 1040 (October 1954) – Well, All Right [2] b/w Married Woman
Atlantic 1053 (February 1955) – Flip, Flop And Fly [3] b/w Ti-Ri-Lee
Atlantic 1069 (August 1955) – Hide And Seek [9] b/w Midnight Cannonball [18]
Atlantic 1080 (December 1955) – The Chicken And The Hawk (Up, Up And Away) [24] b/w Morning, Noon And Night [21]
Atlantic 1088 (April 1956) – Corrine Corrina [17] b/w Boogie Woogie Country Girl [15]
Atlantic 1100 (August 1956) – Lipstick, Powder And Paint [7] b/w Rock A While [22]
Atlantic 1122 (December 1956) – Midnight Special Train b/w Feeling Happy
Atlantic 1131 (March 1957) – Red Sails In The Sunset b/w After A While
Atlantic 1146 (August 1957) – Love Roller Coaster [4] b/w A World Of Trouble
Atlantic 1155 (1957) – I Need A Girl [6] b/w Trouble In Mind
Atlantic 1167 (1957) Teen-Age Letter [16] b/w Wee Baby Blues
Atlantic 1184 (May 1958) – Jump For Joy [1] b/w Blues In The Night

45”s:
Atlantic 2034 (1959) – Got You On My Mind b/w Love, Oh Careless Love
Atlantic 2044 (1959) - Tomorrow Night b/w Honey Hush
[Note: “Honey Hush” here is a re-recording - original 1953 cut is the A of Atlantic 1001]
Atlantic 2054 (1960) – Chains Of Love b/w My Little Honey Dripper
Atlantic 2072 (1960) – My Reason For Living b/w Sweet Sue

7” EXTENDED PLAYS:
1. “Joe Turner Sings”, Atlantic EP 536 (1955)
Side 1: Honey Hush [5] / Sweet Sixteen
Side 2: Chains Of Love / TV Mama [8]

2. “Joe Turner”, Atlantic EP 565 (1956)
Side 1: Shake Rattle And Roll [14] / Flip, Flop And Fly [3]
Side 2: In The Evening, When The Sun Goes Down

3. “Joe Turner”, Atlantic EP 586 (1957)
Side 1: Corrine Corrina [17] / The Chicken And The Hawk… [24]
Side 2: Feeling Happy [12] / Hide And Seek [9]

4. “Rock With Joe Turner”, Atlantic EP 606 (1958)
Side 1: Boogie Woogie Country Girl [15] / The Chicken And The Hawk… [24]
Side 2: Midnight Special / Crawdad Hole [20]

ALBUMS:

1. “Joe Turner” [aka “Rock & Roll”], Atlantic 8005 (1957)
Side 1:
1. Shake, Rattle And Roll [14]
2. Flip, Flop And Fly [3]
3. Feeling Happy [12]
4. Honey Hush [5]
5. Well, All Right [2]
6. The Chicken And The Hawk [24]
7. Honey Hush [5]
Side 2:
1. Corrine, Corrina [17]
2. Midnight Special Train
3. Hide And Seek [9]
4. Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop [23]
5. Crawdad Hole [20]
6. Sweet Sixteen
7. Chains Of Love

2. “Rockin’ The Blues”, Atlantic 8023 (1958)
Side 1:
1. We’re Gonna Jump For Joy [1]
2. Teen Age Letter [16]
3. Love Roller Coaster [4]
4. Lipstick Powder And Paint [7]
5. Morning Noon And Night [21]
6. I Need A Girl [6]
7. Red Sails In The Sunset
Side 2:
1. Blues In The Night
2. After A While
3. World Of Trouble
4. Trouble In Mind
5. TV Mama [8]
6. You Know I Love You
7. Still In Love

3. “Big Joe Is Here”, Atlantic 8033 (1960)
Bump Miss Susie [19]

4. “The Best Of”, Atlantic 8081 (1963)
Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop [23]

"Do What You Want Be What You Are – The Music Of Daryl Hall & John Oates" by HALL & OATES. A Review Of The 2009 Box Set.

This review 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

 "…When You Pull Them All Together…You Make My Dreams Come True…"

Across the last 3 decades, Hall & Oates fans have had to put up with the occasional half-assed “Best Of” CD with so-so sound and a slew of very expensive Japanese imports for their huge canon of albums and 40-years-plus career. All of that piecemeal approach ends with this superlatively musical and beautiful sounding 4CD retrospective.

There’s so much on here so let’s detail the nuts and bolts first - USA released 13 October 2009, RCA/Legacy 88697 36974 2 breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (78:12 minutes):
1. Girl I Love You – THE TEMPTONES (feat Daryl Hall) – 1967, USA 7” single on Artic 130
2. I Need Your Love – THE MASTERS (feat John Oates) – 1966, USA 7” single on Crimson CR-1008
3. Says These Words Of Love - THE TEMPTONES (feat Daryl Hall) – 1967, USA 7” single on Artic 136
4. Perkiomen [1970, Unreleased Recording]
5. I’m Sorry
6. Fall In Philadelphia
7. Waterwheel
8. Lily (Are You Happy) (5 to 8 from their debut LP “Whole Oates”, 1972)
9. Had I Known You Better
10. Las Vegas Turnaround
11. She’s Gone (9 to 11 from “Abandoned Luncheonette”, 1973)
12. You’re Much Too Soon
13. Is It A Star – 12 and 13 from “War Babies”, 1974
14. It’s Uncanny
15. Love You Like A Brother (14 and 15 were new recordings on the compilation “No Goodbyes”, 1977)
16. Lady Rain
17. Beanie G. And The Rose Tattoo
18. Better Watch Your Back
19. Abandoned Luncheonette
20. When The Morning Comes (16 to 20 are all Previously Unreleased Live Versions, recorded 3 Oct 1975 at The New Victoria Theatre in London)

Disc 2 (78:59 minutes):
1. Carmellia
2. Sara Smile
3. Alone Too Long (1 to 3 are from “Daryl Hall & John Oates”, 1975)
4. Gino (The Manager) (2009 Remix, Previously Unreleased)
5. Ennui On The Mountain
6. Out Of Me, Out Of You (5 and 6 are from “Daryl Hall & John Oates”, 1975)
7. Back Together Again
8. Rich Girl
9. Crazy Eyes (7 to 9 from “Bigger Than Both Of Us”, 1976)
10. Have I Been Away Too Long
11. August Day
12. It’s A Laugh (10 to 12 from “Along The Red Ledge”, 1978)
13. I Don’t Wanna Lose You (7” Remix) (1978 USA 7” single, album cut on “Along The Red Ledge”)
14. Wait For Me (from “X-Static”, 1979)
15. Time’s Up (Alone Tonight) (Previously Unreleased Outtake from “X-Static”, 1979)
16. The Woman Comes And Goes (from “X-Static”, 1979)
17. How Does It Feel To Be Back
18. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (Righteous Brothers cover version)
19. Kiss On My List (17 to 19 from “Voices”, 1980)
20. Everytime You Go Away (Live In Tokyo, Japan, 1996, Previously Unreleased)

Disc 3 (80:00 minutes):
1. You Make My Dreams (from “Voices”, 1980)
2. Private Eyes
3. Head Above Water
4. Did It In A Minute
5. Your Imagination
6. I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) (2 to 6 from “Private Eyes”, 1981)
7. Don’t Go Out (a “Private Eyes” Outtake, Previously Unreleased)
8. Maneater
9. Family Man
10. One On One
11. Go Solo (8 to 11 are from “H2O”, 1982)
12. Say It Isn’t So (from “Rock ‘N Soul Part 1”, 1983)
13. Adult Education [USA 12” Mix on RCA JD-13736] (original album cut on “Rock ‘N Soul Part 1”, 1984
14. Out Of Touch (7” Single Mix) (original album cut on “Big Bam Boom”)
15. Method Of Modern Love
16. Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid (15 and 16 are from “Big Bam Boom”, 1984)
17. Possession Obsession (Live) (from “Live At The Apollo With David Ruffin And Eddie Kendrick”, 1985)
18. A Nite At The Apollo Live! – The Way You To The Things You Do/My Girl (Live, 7” Version) (original album cut on “Live At The Apollo With…”)

Disc 4 (78:17 minutes):
1. Everything Your Heart Desires (Video Mix) [Rare 1988 CD single version]
2. Missed Opportunity
3. Keep On Pushin’ Love (2 and 3 from “Ooh Yeah”, 1988)
4. Storm Warning (“Change Of Season” Outtake, Previously Unreleased)
5. Change Of Season (from “Change Of Season”, 1990)
6. Starting All Over Again (Live In Tokyo, Japan, 1995, Previously Unreleased)
7. So Close (Live In Portland, Oregon in 2006, Previously Unreleased)
8. Do It For Love
9. Forever For You
10. Heartbreak Times (8 to 10 from “Do It For Love”, 2003)
11. All The Way From Philadelphia (Previously Unreleased)*****
12. Have You Ever Been In Love [Demo] (Previously Unreleased)
13. Me And Mrs. Jones (Live At John Jay College, New York, 24 March 2003, Previously Unreleased cover version of The O’Jays Philadelphia classic)
14. I Want Someone (Live From Daryl’s House, Previously Unreleased cover version of The Mad Lads Stax Records classic)
15. Do What You Want, Be What You Are (Live 2007, Previously Unreleased)
16. Dreamer (’72-’09 Redux, Previously Unreleased Re-recorded Version)

The first thing that hits you (apart from the superlatively annotated booklet with reminiscences on every song by the duo) is the SOUND. I’ve raved about VIC ANESINI remasters before (The Jayhawks, Stevie Ray Vaughan) and his transfers here are fabulous – warm, clear and never too pushed on the treble front. Every track is a revelation to me. The sonic hit off “She’s Gone” is just amazing – it’ll put chills on your arms. Then there’s the parade of hit-after-hit that is shockingly impressive – “Wait For Me”, “Out Of Touch” and “Do It For Love”.

But better than that are the albums cuts that finally get to shine – “August Day”, “You Make My Dreams” (lyrics above), “Your Imagination”, “Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid” and “Keep On Pushin’ Love” - gems that deserve rediscovery. The unreleased stuff is admittedly not exactly bulging at the seams, but what they’ve chosen is actually worth inclusion. The “Have You Ever Been In Love” demo is superb - while their molecular-level love of Soul Music shines through with their inclusion of classy covers by The O’Jays (“Me And Mrs. Jones”) and The Mad Lads (“I Want Someone”). And the box set’s title song “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” is given an awesome 2007 live going over that show these white Philly dudes have more soul in their little fingers than most people do in their entire bodies. Pretty impressive stuff…

Niggles – fans will immediately notice that two huge favourites “When The Morning Comes” and “Everytime You Go Away” are represented here by ‘live’ versions and not their beloved studio originals – but I’d defend the choices. The 1975 version of “When The Morning Comes” features a rare ‘duo-only’ live setting and its intimacy is just lovely - while the 9:30 minutes version of “Everytime You Go Away” features a churchy organ feel and is fabulously fleshed out with Acapella passages that elicit a genuinely thrilled response from the Japanese audience. I can see why they were chosen. The same applies to the beautiful Phillip Mitchell song “Starting All Over Again” – Hall has chosen a live version, but he’s done so because it somehow has the depth it deserves this way.

Omissions - there’s a great soulful exclusive on the 1999 soundtrack to “Runaway Bride” called “And That’s What Hurts” – and it really should be on here (perfect box set material). There’s nothing from the “Marigold Sky” album (1997) and 2005’s covers set “Our Kind Of Soul” had 3 new songs, one of which was the blindingly good “Don’t Turn Your Back On Me” – again a no-show. There’s not enough from the wonderful “Change Of Season” album either and of course no solo stuff. Still – and I must stress this – what’s on here is the business.

Since 2009 Daryl Hall has become something of an Internet hero with his stunning “Live From Daryl’s House” broadcasts – they feature him and invited musical pals going through Hall & Oates back catalogue with sidesteps into other favourite songs too. It features a band professionally set up in his living room with chitty-chatty clips in between. Check out soulful YouTube clips of “Pick Up The Pieces” with Alan Gorrie from the Average White Band, “Can We Still Be Friends” with Todd Rundgren, “Something To Talk About” (a Bonnie Raitt cover) and “Black Horse And A Cherry Tree” with KT Tunstall and “Cruel To Be Kind” with Nick Lowe. And prepare yourself to be quietly blown away.

To sum up - for most people a simple “Best Of” would probably suffice, but I’d urge to dig deeper into your pocket. This Box Set is an impressive body of work – superbly presented, well thought out and beautifully mastered. It deserves (like the best things in life) to be put high on your "kiss list". And don't let those Eighties clothing choices put you off either.

Honestly – sometimes you just need a shoulder-pad and a big hairdo. Way to go boys…

“The Singles Volume 10: 1975-1979” by JAMES BROWN (2011 Hip-O Select 2CD Set of Seth Foster Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

I've been diligently collecting this series of 2CD sets since they started in 2006, and this 10th installment is the fifth twofer to cover his extraordinary Seventies output (Volumes 6, 7, 8 and 9 are the others and feature 1970 to 1975).

Volume 9 had a feeling of JB winding down in terms of quality – treading water a lot of the time - and despite Volume 10 feeling somewhat the same there is still greatness to be heard on this latest edition. Details first...

Released 11 February 2011 on Hip-O’s own website in the USA, Volume 10 is British released Monday 28 March 2011 - “The Singles Volume 10: 1975-1979” by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select/Polydor B0015279-02 (Barcode 602527622408) breaks down as follows…(all catalogue numbers are US 7” singles unless otherwise noted)

Disc 1 (77:23 minutes):

1. Superbad, Superslick Part I

2. Superbad, Superslick Part II

Tracks 1 and 2 are Polydor PD 14295, released September 1975 (for 2, see also Track 5)

3. Dooley’s Junkyard Dogs

4. Dooley’s Junkyard Dogs - Short Version

Tracks 3 and 4 first appeared as a Promo 7” single in November 1975 on Polydor PRO-005, then was issued as a Stock Copy in January 1976 on Polydor PD 14303

5. Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)

Tracks 5 (and 2 above) are the A&B sides of Polydor PD 14301, released December 1975

6. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons

7. Goodnight My Love

Tracks 6 and 7 are Polydor PD 14304, released March 1976

8. Everybody Wanna Get Funky One More Time – Part 1

9. Everybody Wanna Get Funky One More Time – Part 2

Tracks 8 and 9 are People PE 664, released May 1976 [credited to THE J.B.’S with JAMES BROWN]

10. Get Up Offa That Thing

11. Release The Pressure

Tracks 10 and 11 are Polydor PD 14326, released June 1976

12. I Refuse To Lose

13. Home Again

Tracks 12 and 13 are Polydor PD 14354, released August 1976

14. Bodyheat (Part 1)

15. Bodyheat (Part 2)

Tracks 14 and 15 are Polydor PD 14360, released December 1976

16. Kiss In 77

17. Woman

Tracks 16 and 17 are Polydor PD 14388, released April 1977

Disc 2 (75:36 minutes):

1. Give Me Some Skin

2. People Wake Up And Live

Tracks 1 and 2 are Polydor PD 14409, released July 1977 [credited to JAMES BROWN AND THE J.B.’S]

3. Summertime

4. Take Me Higher And Groove Me

Tracks 3 and 4 are Polydor PD 14433, released November 1977 [A-side credited to MARTHA and JAMES (Duet Vocal With Martha High)]

5. If You Don’t Give A Dogone About It

6. People Who Criticize

Tracks 5 and 6 are Polydor PD 14438, released January 1978 [credited to JAMES BROWN and The New J.B.’s]

7. Love Me Tender

8. Have A Happy Day

Tracks 7 and 8 are Polydor PD 14460, released March 1978 [credited to JAMES BROWN and The New J.B.’s] (Track 7 was used again — as a B-side to track 11)

9. Eyesight

10. I Never, Never, Never Will Forget

Tracks 9 and 10 are Polydor PD 14465, released April 1978

11. The Spank

Track 11 (and track 7) are Polydor PD 14487, released July 1878

12. Nature (Part I)

13. Nature (Part II)

Tracks 12 and 13 are Polydor PD 14512, released September 1978

14. For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (Part 1)

15. For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (Part 2)

Tracks 14 and 15 are Polydor PD 14522, released October 1978

16. Someone To Talk To (Part I)

17. Someone To Talk To (Part II)

Tracks 16 and 17 are Polydor PD 14540, released December 1978

18. It’s Too Funky In Here

19. Are We Really Dancing

Tracks 18 and 19 are Polydor PD 14557, released May 1979

Like Volumes 8 and 9 (see separate reviews), the 28-page booklet by noted JB expert and former tour manager ALAN LEEDS and is a joy to look at — a hugely informative read that's packed to the gills with track histories, concert posters, trade adverts, magazine covers and a thoroughly detailed recording Sessionography. The inlay beneath the see-through CD tray has an advert for a concert at the Miami Baseball Stadium with a string of guests including B.B. King - it's exceptionally well done...

And again, as in previous issues, the first-generation master tapes for the single mixes have been transferred by SETH FOSTER and he's done a truly superlative job — warm, clear and fabulously alive. There is hiss on some cuts like "Summertime," but mostly the music jumps out of the speakers at you — gorgeous sound. The word "Limited Edition" is embossed in gold lettering on the rear inlay (it doesn’t give numbers, but presumably it's a worldwide limited edition of 5000 copies like its predecessor).

Disc 1 opens strongly with 2 great driving-funky singles — “Superbad, Superslick” and “Dooley’s Junkyard Dogs” (I think the shortened B-side is better than the longer An on Dooley’s). The sample of David Bowie’s “Fame” provides the backbeat for “Hot [I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved)” where James steals back a little of what everyone stole from him. Unfortunately there follows a cringingly bad disco version of the Nat King Cole 1946 standard “[I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” with an equally cruddy version of the Jesse Belvin 1956 hit “Goodnight My Love” on the flip. Things improve on “Everybody Wanna Get Funky…” even if the false crowd start irritates a bit – it’s good – but what comes next is another league altogether. “Get Up Offa That Thing…And Dance ‘Til You Feel Better…” was shouted by JB at a lack-lustre audience and he had a hit in his brain. Done with a new band and fresh enthusiasm, they got it down in one take – and it funks like a mother. It’s followed by another double-winner – the fast and funky jam “I Refuse To Lose” and its bluesy B-side “Home Again” – great stuff and both sounding spectacularly clear. “Bodyheat” is superb funk too - fully deserving its Number 13 position on the USA R&B charts. “Kiss In 77” is JB in Teddy Pendergrass loverman territory and it only half works, but its B-side “Woman” is far better – stylistically harking back to his 1966 King Records classic “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”.

Disc 2 has its dogs as well – his terrible cover of Presley’s “Love Me Tender” no matter how heartfelt it was smacks of opportunism almost a full year after Elvis’ death, while the cloying “Someone To Talk” is sappy pap. His duet with Martha High on the Gershwin cover of “Summertime” is actually quite good, but when we get to tracks like “Eyesight” and “Nature”, Brown just sounds out of time – and worse – he even sounds naff. It ends on a good note though – “It’s Too Funky In Here”.

To sum up – Volume 10 is similar to Volume 9 – the good and great vying with precisely the opposite (Volumes 7 and 8 are much better). But if you really want to know why he got the title "The Godfather of Soul" in the first place - and especially why funk fans dig him so much - then buy this superbly featured reissue and concentrate only on the good stuff.

By the end of the Seventies, James Brown wasn’t troubling the national charts too much, but there’s enough on here to convince that JB truly was a genius. When all others had fallen by the wayside, he was still capable of producing the goods…

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