“From The Beginning” DELUXE EDITION by SMALL FACES. A Review Of The June 1967 Decca Records Album Now Remastered & Reissued On A 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITION.

"…It’s Time For A Change…”

Monday 7 May 2012 sees the UK release of a whopping four DELUXE EDITIONS for Small Faces fans (29 May 2012 in the USA for this set) - and the unsanctioned "From The Beginning" compilation has always been a mental and financial sore point for the band.

A slung-together compilation of 7" singles, non-album B-sides, outtakes and works in progress – "From The Beginning" was put out a mere three weeks prior to their proper 2nd album on Immediate Records – the self-titled "Small Faces" (released 23 June 1967). Reeking of a royalties cash-in by ex-manager Don "People in Show Business Spend Money" Arden and contractual arrogance by Decca - it has always been seen by then evolving group as a backwards move and a bit of a 'poor show' frankly. Having said that – history's boil on the arse of the Small Faces catalogue is today's double cream éclair – because this expanded 2CD Deluxe Edition is yet another peach in this superlative run of reissues.

Here are the finite details for Universal/Sanctuary 278 134-1:

Disc 1 (52:47 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are the MONO compilation LP "From The Beginning" - released 2 June 1967 in the UK on Decca LK 4879

BONUS TRACKS (15 to 19):

"Almost Grown" (15), "Understanding" (16), "I Can't Dance With You" (17), "I Can't Make It" (18) and "Just Passing" (19)

Disc 1 will also allow fans to line up the 4 x UK 7" singles that were issued (in Mono) around the LP (track number after title):

1. Hey Girl (6) b/w Almost Grown (15) - released 6 May 1966 on Decca F 12393

2. All Or Nothing (9) b/w Understanding (16) - released 5 August 1966 on Decca F 12470

3. My Mind's Eye (2) b/w I Can't Dance With You (17) - released 11 November 1966 on Decca F 12500

4. I Can't Make It (18) b/w Just Passing (19) – released 3 March 1967 on Decca F 12565

Disc 2 (53:54 minutes):

1. Runaway [Stereo]

2. That Man (Alternate Mix) [Mono]

3. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Alternate Mix) [Mono]

4. My Mind’s Eye (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

5. Picanniny (Backing Track) [Mono]

6. Hey Girl (Different Version) [Mono]

7. Take This Hurt Off Me (Different Version) [Mono]

8. Baby Don’t You Do It (Different Version) [Mono]

9. All Or Nothing (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

10. Understanding (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

11. Take To You (Take 5 – Backing Track) [Mono]

12. All Our Yesterdays (Take 7 – Backing Track) [Mono]

13. (Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me (Alternate Take 2) [Mono]

14. Show Me The Way (Take 3 – Backing Track) [Mono]

15. I Can’t Make It (Take 11 – Backing Track) [Mono]

16. Things Are Going To Get Better (Take 14) [Mono]

Tracks 1-3, 5 and 11-16 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSIONS

Tracks 4, 9 and 10 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED ON CD

INCLUSIONS/OMMISIONS:

The 1996 Universal single disc reissue of "From The Beginning" had 5 bonus tracks – only 2 of which turn up here – the 'Different Versions' of "Take This Hurt Off Me" and "Baby Don't You Do It" (tracks 7 and 8 on Disc 2). The other three "My Mind’s Eye (French EP Version)", "Hey Girl (French EP Version)" and "What'cha Gonna Do About It (BBC Session Recoding)" are NOT on here (so don't throw away that CD just yet). Also that other 7" Decca single that would have fit the 1966-1967 time frame - "Patterns" b/w "E Too D" – has been moved onto the "Small Faces (Decca Album)" DELUXE EDITION. However - it's worth noting that according to ROB CAIGAR who oversaw these reissues – the missing/straggler tracks on this and the other 3 x double-editions will probably turn up on a SMALL FACES box set due later in 2012. That box will also feature more unreleased/related stuff – and again from best sources.

PACKAGING:

As a weary-veteran of all too many lacklustre booklets in DELUXE EDITIONS by Universal (the patchy Lizzy reissues come to mind - a feeling of what we can get away with) – this is first time I’ve seen them put in genuine effort and the results are BEAUTIFUL. The 24-page booklet is going to come as a shock to fans - properly gorgeous colour reproductions of picture sleeves from Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Japan, Rave and Fab 208 magazine covers, early years gig posters, 7" Demos, trade adverts, reviews from Musical Express, Olympia and Decca Master Tape Boxes and other assorted publicity photos. The new liner notes are by respected writer MARK PAYTRESS and are filled with facts and recent interviews with Jones and McLagan. There's more period reviews on the fold-out flaps and beneath each see-through CD tray is the 1967 unboxed red Decca label for the original British LP (Side 1 and 2). It's 'so' well done. OK – you could say that if Bear Family was doing this then the booklet would be 64 pages and not 24 – and each of those gorgeous Picture Sleeves (usually in the hands of die-hard collectors) would have been given a page each giving you a real feel for the period. But what is here is the best they've ever done - and I can't help but think that awards may be on the horizon for the sheer quality of presentation…

SOUND:

But the real meat for fans will be the NEW REMASTERS from best-ever sources and overseen by surviving members of the band - KENNEY JONES and IAN McLAGAN. Tape Research and Recovery is by ROB CAIGER, Tape Restoration and Transfer from Analogue is by ROB KAYLACH and Mastering by NICK ROBBINS. Punchy, dynamic, the power of so many of these MONO tracks hasn't diminished a jot as the years have passed – Steve Marriott on "All Or Nothing", Ronnie Lane on "That Man" – Kenny Lynch singing backing on "Sha La La La Lee". And the singles are killer too – especially B-sides like the instrumental "Almost Grown" and the whimsical "Just Passing" giving an indication of the "Ogdens" period to come.

UNRELEASED:

It opens well - their Small Faces stamp on Del Shannon's "Runaway" and the Alternate Takes of "That Man" and "Yesterday…" sound like The Who's early years (not a bad thing in any man's book). Their own identity finally turns up on an Alternate Take of "My Mind's Eye" while the backing track for "Picanniny" sounds like The Animals enjoying a Sixties R'n'B moment – great stuff. Their crudely-recorded cover version of Marvin Gaye's "Baby Don't Do It" is sung by original band member Jimmy Winston and is fantastic in a lo-fi garage 45 kind-of-way – absolute reeking of Sixties piss and vinegar. I had thought that the set of 'backing track' versions would be filler (some are) – but hearing Marriott's choppy guitar isolated on "Talk To You" is a blast. The band count in on "Show Me The Way" and the clarity of instruments is amazing – but it's short at just over one-minute - and the two-minutes of "All Our Yesterdays" could also be lived without too. But Disc 2 ends on a real high – Take 14 of "Things Are Going To Get Better" in glorious sound quality – an irresistibly catchy tune. I've played this in the shop a few times and customers have flipped for it (lyrics from it title this review)…

To sum up – the band may have hated "From The Beginning" because it represented where they’d been rather than where they were going. But it has to be said that in terms of sound and sheer presentation – this new 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITION and the first Decca album are equal to their more revered Immediate sets. Up their with The Kinks reissues of 2011 – these are absolute must owns.

As Steve Marriott sang "...Things are going to get better..." – well they have. Congrats to all involved…

“Small Faces” (Decca Debut LP) DELUXE EDITION by SMALL FACES. A Review Of The May 1966 Decca Records Album Now Remastered & Reissued On A 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITION.

"Happening Now!”

Monday 7 May 2012 sees the UK release of a whopping four DELUXE EDITIONS for Small Faces fans (29 May 2012 in the USA for this and the "From The Beginning" sets) - and their blistering debut album still holds an unparalleled affection for lovers of the best Sixties Mod band in the world.

Here are the finite details for Universal/Sanctuary 276 528-0:

Disc 1 (42:28 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 12 are their MONO debut LP "Small Faces" - released 6 May 1966 in the UK on Decca LK 4790 (peaked at No. 3 on the LP charts)

BONUS TRACKS (13 to 16):

"I've Got Mine" (13), "What's A Matter Baby" (14), "Grow Your Own" (15) and "Patterns" (16)

Disc 1 will also allow fans to line up the 4 x UK 7" singles that were issued (in Mono) around the LP (track number after title):

1. Whatcha Gonna Do About It (6) b/w What's A Matter Baby (14) - released 6 August 1965 on Decca F 12208 [Note: A-side written by Kenny Lynch and Mort Shuman]

2. I've Got Mine (13) b/w It's Too Late (4) - released 5 November 1965 on Decca F 12276

3. Sha–La-La-La-Lee (17) b/w Grow Your Own (15) - released 28 January 1966 on Decca F 12317

4. Patterns (16) b/w E Too D (11) – released 26 May 1967 on Decca F 12619

Disc 2 (37:38 minutes):

1. Come On Children (Alternate Version) [Mono]

2. Shake (Alternate Version) [Mono]

3. You Better Believe It (Alternate Version) [Mono]

4. It's Too Late (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

5. Sorry She's Mine (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

6. 6. Own Up Time (Alternate Version) [Mono]

7. E Too D (Alternate Version) [Mono]

8. I've Got Mine (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

9. Grow Your Own (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

10. Sha La La Lee (Stereo Version)

11. Don't Stop What You're Doing (Alternate Version) [Mono]

12. Patterns (Alternate Mix In Electronically Reprocessed Stereo)

13. What's A Matter Baby (Alternate Mix) [Mono]

14. Whatcha Gonna Do About It (Alternate Version) [Mono]

Tracks 4-5, 8-9 and 12 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED (Stereo Versions) ON CD

INCLUSIONS/OMMISIONS:

The 2006 Universal 40th Anniversary single disc reissue of "Small Faces" had 11 bonus tracks – the only absence is "Hey Girl (Alternate Version)" because it's been moved to the "From The Beginning" Deluxe Edition. Also the 5th Decca single that would have fit the 1966-1967 timeframe released on the same day as the album - "Hey Girl" b/w "Almost Grown" (6 May 1966 on Decca F 12393) is moved to that double too. Fans should also note that according to ROB CAIGAR who oversaw these reissues – any missing/straggler tracks on this and the other 3 x double-editions will probably turn up on a SMALL FACES box set due later in 2012. That box set will also feature more unreleased/related stuff – and again from the best sources.

PACKAGING:

I raved about the superlative 24-page booklet in the "From The Beginning" double – it's the same here. Properly gorgeous colour reproductions of 7" picture sleeves from Germany, Sweden, France and Australia, Rave and Beat Instrumental magazine covers, a 6 August 1966 EMI Acetate of "What 'Cha Gonna Do About It", colour publicity shots of the boys larking about, trade adverts, Melody Maker reviews and even two fantastically evocative pictures of the fab four shopping for Mod clothes in 60t's Carnaby Street. The new liner notes are by respected writer MARK PAYTRESS and are filled with facts and recent interviews with Jones and McLagan. There's a set of 4 gorgeous colour photos of the band – one to each flap - and beneath each see-through CD tray is the 1967 unboxed red Decca label LK 4790 for the original British LP (Side 1 and 2). Even the CDs themselves are picture discs. It's 'so' well done.

It should be noted that there's memorabilia stuff in the 20-page booklet of the original single disc that isn't in here – so you might not want to throw that issue away just yet. But again – and I can’t reiterate this enough – this is one of the sweetest looking booklets Universal has ever done - and I can't help but think that awards may be on the horizon for the sheer quality of presentation on offer here…

SOUND:

But the real meat for fans will be the NEW REMASTERS from best-ever sources and overseen by surviving members of the band - KENNEY JONES and IAN McLAGAN. Tape Research and Recovery is by ROB CAIGER, Tape Restoration and Transfer from Analogue is by ROB KAYLACH and Mastering by NICK ROBBINS. The album itself has always been a perfect snapshot of Sixties Beat Britain - and still stands up to this day as a good listen. The clarity of the opener – a cover of Sam Cooke's "Shake" – is great – the bass and drums now so clear. I've always loved the band-penned double of "It's Too Late” followed by "One Night Stand" – both now sounding punchy and dynamic. "E Too D" has that great guitar opening - sounding as powerful as The Who – I love it. And the singles are killer too – especially fan-favourite B-sides like "I've Got Mine" - and who wouldn’t want to hear the instrumental floor-filler "Grow Your Own" instead of the overplayed A-side "Sha-La-La-La-Lee".

UNRELEASED:

Having lived with MONO for over 40 years – the CD debut of 'Electronically Reprocessed Stereo' versions of "It's Too Late" and "Sorry She's Mine" will come as a bit of a shock. The same effect doesn't quite work so well for me on "I've Got Mine" – but the sonic kick off "Grow Your Own" in some form of Stereo is blowing me away – worth the price of admission alone (that sucker's going on our CD shuffle soonest). And even though it's almost too dense in some ways – I'm also digging "Patterns" in Stereo too. The other Mono takes I've had before and they’re always been hugely enjoyable – but it's without doubt the Stereo cuts that will have fans jumping up and down on kitchen lino sprayed with talcum powder.

To sum up – an absolute belter – in fact I've really loved all four of these 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITIONS – up there with the superlative KINKS Deluxe Edition reissues of 2011.

As the Decca advert reproduced on Page 2 of the booklet screams – the Small Faces are "Happening Now!" Well here's to a second time around because this is a sweetheart of a release – and you can't help but think that The Artful Dodger (Steve Marriott) and Plonk (Ronnie Lane) would have approved big time. Congrats to all involved...

“Jeremiah Johnson” on BLU RAY. A Review Of The 1972 Film Now Reissued On A 2012 BLU RAY.

“…Ghosty Stories…Of Tall Hills…”

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2012 BLU RAY REISSUE ***

"Jeremiah Johnson" is one of those movies that you wished you’d seen on the big screen. Well - with this sparkling new 2012 BLU RAY reissue boasting such a beautiful print – and if you've access to a half-decent home cinema kit - you sorta can pardner (sorry couldn’t resist).

And there's more good news for us on the other side of the pond. Luckily this American Warner Brothers BLU RAY is 'All Regions' (A, B and C) so it will also play on all machines. And while it doesn’t categorically state that the print has been fully restored (and despite a decidely blurry opening shot of the river) - a huge amount of cleaning up has taken place here because the print is BEAUTIFUL almost 95% of the time – and in some instances would put films of today to shame. There's even a hugely entertaining 'commentary' by the trio who made it – Director Sydney Pollack, Co-Writer John Milius and Actor Robert Redford.

The other extra – an 11-minute Making Of called "The Saga Of Jeremiah Johnson" gives you a good indication of how bad the print was – it's 1972 picture quality is awful – covered in scratches and grain. The print itself is nothing like this. There are sequences by his cabin door in the sunshine which are so clear – even a night shot with Will Geer who plays the wily old mountain man Bear Claw around a campfire towards the end of the film is beautfully rendered. It's defaulted to 2.4:1 Aspect – so it has bars top and bottom. But it also has a 16:9 aspect fitting too - so even when stretched to full screen – it looks great and properly cinematic.

The reissue's also faithful to the movie as seen – so it includes a 2-minute OVERTURE at the beginning with a still of Johnson standing on a mountain overlooking a valley - and at about 80 minutes in - it even gives us an INTERMISSION which in turn leads to a ENTR’ ACTE restart. And no matter what the weather or season depicted - Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn – it's shot with fantastic PanaVision bravado and style. The only real clunkers are the ever-so-slightly cheesy narrative at the beginning (words from it title this review) and the dreadfully dated 'aching cowboy' song that crops up at certain intervals when you least want it. 

Released in late 1972 – the film is a mid-1800's frontier tale - an amalgamation of a novel called "Mountain Man" by Vardis Fisher and a short story called "Crow Killer" by William Thorp. The ex–soldier Jeremiah Johnson seeks the solitude and freedom of the wilderness – which he gets – going months sometimes without ever seeing another human being. But he also finds freezing cold, starvation, friendly and hostile Indians (Flathead and Crow), pilgrim families and death by any number of savage means.

Along the way he acquires a squaw-wife called "The Swan" (a beautiful part for Delle Bolton), a boy left mute by the killing of his family (Josh Albee) and a bald-headed loony he finds buried up to his neck in the sand called Del Gue (a scene-stealing turn by mad-eyed Stefan Gierasch). Throw in the near hysterical laughter of too-long-in-the-snow mountain-man Bear Claw (Will Geer) who is obsessed with hunting 'Griz' (Grizzly Bears) – and you get the general idea. Mostly Jeremiah muddles through – even threatening to become a 'family' man himself at one point. But then Johnson makes a gargantuan mistake in the second half of the movie by crossing sacred burial grounds and pays for it with a constant stream of singular Crow warriors Hell bent on killing him.

Redford is magnificent in the central role – living it – breathing it – and looking more handsome than any mere mortal has a right to be. You can feel his star-quality screaming off the screen. You can also feel him relishing the outdoor settings, the simplicity of the life and the ecological thread running throughout the story. Filmed entirely on location in Utah – it has breathtaking scenery – and an almost savage reality to all of the characters – even those as vulnerable as women and children. It runs to just under two hours, but feels like three – and in a good way. And it all comes to a very satisfying and (in some ways) an unexpectedly uplifting ending…

A fantastic BLU RAY reissue then – and what a thrill to see this criminally forgotten gem of a movie be given such a gorgeous makeover.

Recommended like a tumble with a salmon. 

And roll on Redford's own "The Milagro Beanfield War" in such superb print quality.

BLU RAY Specifications:

VIDEO: in 2.4:1 aspect and 16.9 also

AUDIO: DTS-HD Master Audio English 5.1, Dolby Digital French 1.0 and Spanish (both Castilian 1.0 and Latin 2.0).

SUBTITLES: English SDH (Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing), French and Spanish

EXTRAS:

1. Feature-length commentary by Director Sydney Pollack, Writer John Milius and Actor Robert Redford

2. The Saga Of Jeremiah Johnson

3. Theatrical Trailer

"The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN (October 2011 US Hip-O Select 2CD Anthology - Seth Foster Remasters) - Vol. 11 in a Series of 11 - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…It's Too Funky in Here…Gimme Some Air!"  

This Review Along With 289 Others Is Available In My

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HIGHER GROUND 
70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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Having diligently collected all 10 Volumes in this truly incredible series of American CDs (I've reviewed 8, 9 and 10) - I baulked at Volume 11 because of the dates. Bit of a mistake that!

Why? What Volume Eleven's subtitle '1979 to 1981' doesn't tell you is that on Disc 2 there is a far wider range of dates and therefore better stuff - namely the rare and hugely desirable American 12" Promo singles from 1976 to 1981. And in my book that puts this otherwise workmanlike compilation into an altogether different stratosphere. But let's get to the details first...

UK released November 2011 (Oct 2011 USA) - "The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select B0016037-02 (Barcode 602527814100) is a 2CD set of Remasters and breaks down as follows:

(Release dates and catalogue numbers below are for US 45's unless otherwise stated)

Disc 1 (77:22 minutes):

1 and 2 are "Star Generation" b/w "Women Are Something Else" - released August 1979 on Polydor PD-2005 [A-side was also issued as a Promo 7" on Polydor PRO 100]

3 is "The Original Disco Man - Short Version" - US Promo-Only 7" DJ-single version (no catalogue number)

4 and 5 are "The Original Disco Man" b/w "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" - released November 1979 on Polydor PD-2034

6 and 7 are "Regrets" b/w "Stone Cold Drag" - released January 1980 on Polydor PD-2054

8 and 9 are "Let The Funk Flow" b/w "Sometimes That's All There Is" - released April 1980 on Polydor PD-2078

10 and 11 are "Get Up Offa That Thing (Live)" b/w "It's Too Funky In Here (Live)" - released October 1980 on Polydor PD-2129

12 and 13 are "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses)" b/w "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (Pt. II)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TKX-1039.

[Note: also issued as a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D452 with a playing time of 7:02 minutes - see Disc 2]

14 and 15 are "Stay With Me" b/w "Smokin' & Drinkin'" - released March 1981 on T.K. Records TK 1042

[Note: the A-side was also issued on a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D455 - but is NOT an extended version]

16 and 17 are "Give That Bass Player Some Part I" b/w "Give That Bass Player Some Part II" - April 1981 on Polydor PD-2167

18 and 19 are "I Go Crazy" b/w "World Cycle Inc." - released IN THE UK (No US release) in July 1981 on Polydor POSP 290

Disc 2 (68:18 minutes):

1 is "Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure (12-Inch Version)" - released June 1976 as a 1-Sided PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 010

[Note: shortened 7" mix is on Volume 10]

2 is "If You Don't Give A Doggone About It (12-inch Version)" - released January 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 038 [credited as James Brown and the J.B.'s]

3 and 4 are "Eyesight (12-inch Version)" b/w "The Spank (12-inch Version)" - released July 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 040

[Note: 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

5 is "For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (12-inch Version)" - released October 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 059

6 is "It's Too Funky In Here (12-inch Version)" - released May 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 086

7 is "Star Generation (12-inch Version)" - released August 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 100

[Note: regarding 5, 6 and 7 - each of the 12" singles are essential the album versions - the shortened 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

8. "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (12-inch Version)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TK D452

[Note: at 7:02 minutes, the A-side is longer than the single mix but is an edit of the full 14-minute album version on "Soul Syndrome".

The B-side of this 12" is the 7" single version of "Pt. II" - Track 13 on Disc 1]

9. "Give That Bass Player Some (12-inch Version)" - released May 1981 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 157

[Note: at 8:38 minutes, it's exclusive and two minutes longer than the 1981 album version on "Nonstop"]

The gorgeous 28-booklet is the usual superlative liner notes by former manager and keeper-of-the-flame ALAN LEEDS with expert remastering of the 1st generation tapes by SETH FOSTER. But as other reviewers have pointed out - Disc 1 contains some terrible dogs - especially the Brad Shapiro produced stuff like "Star Generation". It's not until you get to Track 5 - the superb B-side "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" do things pick up and restore the faith. The T.K. Records "Rapp Workout" is a return-to-form, but only just - and as bristling as the 'live' versions of "Get Up Offa That Thing" and "It's Too Funky In Here" are - the studio versions trounce them. The guitar work of Troy Seals on "Let The Funk Flow" and the slightly rock-funk of "Sometimes That's All There Is" is a highlight too. The UK-only uncharacteristic instrumental B-side "World Cycle Inc." sounds like Synth Prog meets Funk ala Bob James or Deodato - it's a bit of an eye-opener - and a great inclusion.

But as I've already said Disc 2 is a different beast - absolute funky belters in blisteringly good sound quality. I've played this in the shop and the customer reaction is instant - tapping of feet and wiggling of butts as they browse the old-skool Soul racks. The irrestible sexiness of "The Spank" is fantastic stuff and the 6:35 minutes of "It's Too Funky In Here" is as brill as Seventies Funk gets. I swear if scientists examine James Brown's DNA - there'll be a gene sat on top of all the others marked FUNKYMAN NO.1 - and they'll further find that no other creature in the entire Universe (human or otherwise) has it. What a wow he was!

To sum up - I liked about half of Disc 1 but Disc 2 is chock full of totally killer funk - and for me puts this release into another realm of brilliance.

Take a punt on the twelve-inches of Volume Eleven - I think you'll be glad you did - y'all.

“The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981” by JAMES BROWN (2011 Hip-O Select 2CD Set Of Seth Foster Remasters - Volume Eleven) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…It's Too Funky in Here…Gimme Some Air!"  

Having diligently collected all 10 Volumes in this truly incredible series of American CDs (I've reviewed 8, 9 and 10) - I baulked at Volume 11 because of the dates. Bit of a mistake that!

Why? What Volume Eleven's subtitle '1979 to 1981' doesn't tell you is that on Disc 2 there is a far wider range of dates and therefore better stuff - namely the rare and hugely desirable American 12" Promo singles from 1976 to 1981. And in my book that puts this otherwise workmanlike compilation into an altogether different stratosphere. But let's get to the details first...

UK released November 2011 (Oct 2011 USA) - "The Singles Volume 11: 1979-1981" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select B0016037-02 (Barcode 602527814100) is a 2CD set of Remasters and breaks down as follows:

(Release dates and catalogue numbers below are for US 45's unless otherwise stated)

Disc 1 (77:22 minutes):

1 and 2 are "Star Generation" b/w "Women Are Something Else" - released August 1979 on Polydor PD-2005 [A-side was also issued as a Promo 7" on Polydor PRO 100]

3 is "The Original Disco Man - Short Version" - US Promo-Only 7" DJ-single version (no catalogue number)

4 and 5 are "The Original Disco Man" b/w "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" - released November 1979 on Polydor PD-2034

6 and 7 are "Regrets" b/w "Stone Cold Drag" - released January 1980 on Polydor PD-2054

8 and 9 are "Let The Funk Flow" b/w "Sometimes That's All There Is" - released April 1980 on Polydor PD-2078

10 and 11 are "Get Up Offa That Thing (Live)" b/w "It's Too Funky In Here (Live)" - released October 1980 on Polydor PD-2129

12 and 13 are "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses)" b/w "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (Pt. II)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TKX-1039.

[Note: also issued as a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D452 with a playing time of 7:02 minutes - see Disc 2]

14 and 15 are "Stay With Me" b/w "Smokin' & Drinkin'" - released March 1981 on T.K. Records TK 1042

[Note: the A-side was also issued on a 12" single on T.K. Records TK D455 - but is NOT an extended version]

16 and 17 are "Give That Bass Player Some Part I" b/w "Give That Bass Player Some Part II" - April 1981 on Polydor PD-2167

18 and 19 are "I Go Crazy" b/w "World Cycle Inc." - released IN THE UK (No US release) in July 1981 on Polydor POSP 290

Disc 2 (68:18 minutes):

1 is "Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure (12-Inch Version)" - released June 1976 as a 1-Sided PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 010

[Note: shortened 7" mix is on Volume 10]

2 is "If You Don't Give A Doggone About It (12-inch Version)" - released January 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 038 [credited as James Brown and the J.B.'s]

3 and 4 are "Eyesight (12-inch Version)" b/w "The Spank (12-inch Version)" - released July 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 040

[Note: 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

5 is "For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (12-inch Version)" - released October 1978 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 059

6 is "It's Too Funky In Here (12-inch Version)" - released May 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 086

7 is "Star Generation (12-inch Version)" - released August 1979 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 100

[Note: regarding 5, 6 and 7 - each of the 12" singles are essential the album versions - the shortened 7" single mixes are on Volume 10]

8. "Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses) (12-inch Version)" - released November 1980 on T.K. Records TK D452

[Note: at 7:02 minutes, the A-side is longer than the single mix but is an edit of the full 14-minute album version on "Soul Syndrome".

The B-side of this 12" is the 7" single version of "Pt. II" - Track 13 on Disc 1]

9. "Give That Bass Player Some (12-inch Version)" - released May 1981 as a PROMO 12" single on Polydor PRO 157

[Note: at 8:38 minutes, it's exclusive and two minutes longer than the 1981 album version on "Nonstop"]

The gorgeous 28-booklet is the usual superlative liner notes by former manager and keeper-of-the-flame ALAN LEEDS with expert remastering of the 1st generation tapes by SETH FOSTER. But as other reviewers have pointed out - Disc 1 contains some terrible dogs - especially the Brad Shapiro produced stuff like "Star Generation". It's not until you get to Track 5 - the superb B-side "Let The Boogie Do The Rest" do things pick up and restore the faith. The T.K. Records "Rapp Workout" is a return-to-form, but only just - and as bristling as the 'live' versions of "Get Up Offa That Thing" and "It's Too Funky In Here" are - the studio versions trounce them. The guitar work of Troy Seals on "Let The Funk Flow" and the slightly rock-funk of "Sometimes That's All There Is" is a highlight too. The UK-only uncharacteristic instrumental B-side "World Cycle Inc." sounds like Synth Prog meets Funk ala Bob James or Deodato - it's a bit of an eye-opener - and a great inclusion.

But as I've already said Disc 2 is a different beast - absolute funky belters in blisteringly good sound quality. I've played this in the shop and the customer reaction is instant - tapping of feet and wiggling of butts as they browse the old-skool Soul racks. The irrestible sexiness of "The Spank" is fantastic stuff and the 6:35 minutes of "It's Too Funky In Here" is as brill as Seventies Funk gets. I swear if scientists examine James Brown's DNA - there'll be a gene sat on top of all the others marked FUNKYMAN NO.1 - and they'll further find that no other creature in the entire Universe (human or otherwise) has it. What a wow he was!

To sum up - I liked about half of Disc 1 but Disc 2 is chock full of totally killer funk - and for me puts this release into another realm of brilliance.

Take a punt on the twelve-inches of Volume Eleven - I think you'll be glad you did - y'all.

“Small Faces” (Immediate LP) DELUXE EDITION by SMALL FACES. A Review Of The June 1967 Album Now Remastered & Reissued On A 2012 2CD DELUXE EDITION.

"…What Did You Do There? I Got High!"

Monday 7 May 2012 sees the UK release of a whopping four DELUXE EDITIONS for Small Faces fans (15 May 2012 in the USA) - and while number 3 in the pack lacks the celebrated glory of it’s illustrious follow up ("Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake") – "Small Faces" is for many fans 'the' criminally forgotten LP on Immediate Records. This DELUXE EDITION of it however is not without its niggles…

Here are the finite details for Universal/Sanctuary 278 134-5:

Disc 1 (52:47 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are the MONO version of "Small Faces" - their 3rd studio album released 23 June 1967 in the UK on Immediate Records IMLP 008

BONUS TRACKS (15 to 22):

"Here Comes The Nice", "Itchycoo Park", "I'm Only Dreaming", "Tin Soldier", "I Feel Much Better", "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me (Alternate Mix)" (20), "Eddie's Dreaming (Alternate Mix)" (21) and "Green Circles (Take 1: Alternate Mix 3)" (22)

[Note: 20 to 22 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED VERSIONS]

Disc 1 will also allow fans to line up the 3 x UK 7" singles that were issued (in Mono) around the LP (track number after title):

1. Here Comes The Nice (15) b/w Talk To You (11) – released 2 June 1967 on Immediate IM 050

2. Itchycoo Park (16) b/w I'm Only Dreaming (17) – released 4 August 1967 on Immediate IM 057

3. Tin Soldier (18) b/w I Feel Much Better (19) – released 2 December 1969 on Immediate IM 062

Disc 2 (53:54 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 14 are the STEREO version of "Small Faces" - on Immediate Records IMSP 008

BONUS TRACKS (15 to 23 – all are Stereo except 21 and 23 which are Mono):

"Just Passing", "Itchycoo Park", "Here Comes The Nice", "Don't Burst My Bubble", "Things Are Going To Get Better (Alternate Version)", "I Can't Make It (Session Version)", "Green Circles (Alternate Take 2)" (21), "Tin Soldier" and "(If You Think You're) Groovy (Backing Track)" (23)

[Note: 21 and 23 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Versions]

UK and USA LP Differences:

The American LP was belatedly released in February 1968 as "There Are But Four Small Faces" in Stereo (only) on Immediate Z12 52002 - and with different artwork front and rear. Also to accommodate their lone US hit single "Itchycoo Park" (lyrics above) – the tracks were jiggered around giving "Itchycoo Park" pride of place as Track 1 on Side 1. Essentially the US album dropped 7 tracks of the English LP ("Something I Want To Tell You", "Feeling Lonely", "Happy Boys Happy", "My Way Of Giving", "Become Like You", "All Our Yesterdays" and "Eddie's Dreaming") - took the remaining 7 and added on the 5 non-album sides of the 3 x British 7" singles mentioned above to make a 12-track LP. To sequence the AMERICAN LP in 'both' MONO and STEREO from this 2CD DELUXE EDITION you line the tracks up as follows:

MONO (CD 1)

Side 1:

1. "Itchycoo Park" (16)

2. "Talk To You" (11)

3. "Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire" (13)

4. "My Way Of Giving" (6)

5. "I'm Only Dreaming" (17)

6. "I Feel Much Better" (19)

Side 2:

1. "Tin Soldier" (18)

2. "Get Yourself Together" (9)

3. "Show Me The Way" (12)

4. "Here Come The Nice" (15)

5. "Green Circles" (7)

6. "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me" (1)

STEREO (CD 2 – note – see Omissions)

Side 1:

1. "Itchycoo Park" (16)

2. "Talk To You" (11)

3. "Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire" (13)

4. "My Way Of Giving" (6)

5. "I'm Only Dreaming" [see Omissions]

6. "I Feel Much Better" [see Omissions]

Side 2:

1. "Tin Soldier" (22)

2. "Get Yourself Together" (9)

3. "Show Me The Way" (12)

4. "Here Come The Nice" (17)

5. "Green Circles" (7)

6. "(Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me" (1)

OMMISIONS:

Eagle-eyed collectors will notice that the 35th Anniversary 2CD set that came out in 2002 in the UK on Sanctuary has 48 tracks - while this 2012 2CD Deluxe Edition has less - 45. The three that are missing are "I Can't Make It" and "Just Passing" – a 3 March 1967 UK single-only release on Decca F 12565 – it's been put on the "From The Beginning" Deluxe Edition (as befits the label). The 3rd missing track is called "Album Sampler" on Immediate AS 1. It was a 1-sided UK-only Promo 45 issued just prior to the album's release and contains Mono excerpts of 5 songs with 'groovy' advert dialogue about 'aware minds' – it runs to 3 minutes and rather clumsily it's been left off here. To add insult to injury this legendary £200+ rarity is pictured on Page 10 of the booklet. 

There are minor artwork niggles too. The 2002 CD had a card wrap with the UK artwork on the outside (which is right and proper), but rather cleverly the foldout inlay inside featured 5" artwork for the US "There Are But Four Small Faces" LP as its lead page with the rear LP artwork on the back page. This new booklet relegates the American front cover to a snap shot on Page 21 and the rear sleeve has disappeared altogether. Worse than that however is the missing STEREO versions of "I Feel Much Better" and "I'm Only Dreaming" (on the 2002 2CD set) which would have allowed American fans to sequence their version of the album complete. All these exclusions are a tad sloppy to say the least. Music wise – the point would be that if you want "Album Sampler" and especially those 2 Stereo versions – then don't throw away that old Sanctuary issue just yet.

UNRELEASED:

As already highlighted above there are 5 PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED VERSIONS - unfortunately the liner notes don’t make any reference to them. In fairness to Mark Paytress – he probably didn’t have access to what was being lined up for the release as he composed his appraisals – but again – it short-changes the fans info-wise. What is here however is very good. The "Green Circles" outakes are excellent and the mythical "Groovy" track now appears as a 'backing track' when some thought it didn't exist at all.

PACKAGING:

The first thing you notice about this Deluxe Edition is the quality of the reproduction. The album sleeve pictured on the 2002 Sanctuary double had slightly faded colours – no such mistake here. The front sleeve repro is really crisp - beautifully done - as are the superb images in the booklet. The inner flaps of the foldout digipak have Melody Maker and Record Mirror reviews from 1967, the original mono LP label is reproduced beneath the see-through plastic trays and each CD is a different picture disc. The 24-page booklet is gorgeous – rare European picture sleeves for "Tin Soldier" and "Here Comes The Nice" (the German issue of this is a belter), pictures of ultra-rare Emidisc Acetates, publicity shots of The Small faces with Immediate label notables like PP Arnold, Chris Farlowe and Twice As Nice - and even an Olympia Sound Studios master-tape box. The new liner notes are by respected writer MARK PAYTRESS and are filled with facts and recent interviews with Jones and McLagan. It’s a lovely thing to look at and a solid read.

SOUND:

But the real meat for fans will be the NEW REMASTERS from best-ever sources and overseen by surviving members of the band - KENNEY JONES and IAN McLAGAN. Tape Research and Recovery is by ROB CAIGER, Tape Restoration and Transfer from Analogue is by ROB KAYLACH and Mastering by NICK ROBBINS. The punch is fantastic especially on fan favourites like "Get Yourself Together", that great guitar opening on "Talk To You" and the psychedelic swirl of "Green Circles". I find the sonic difference between the MONO and STEREO mixes is marked – I thought "My Way Of Giving" in Mono is fabulous - while the opening "Darlings Of Wapping…" dialogue and brass of "All Our Yesterdays" is HUGE in Stereo. The drums, bass and acoustic guitars on "Up The Wooden Hills…" sound amazing - as does the piano-happy intro to the album finisher "Eddie's Dreaming". Fans will love the clarity on the brilliant singles – gems like "Tin Soldier" and "Here Comes The Nice".

To sum up – part of me feels I should dock a star for those sloppy exclusions – but I've been enjoying the listen too much (the sound and overall presentation just 'so' good). This double also made be bite the bullet and acquire the first two Deluxe Editions as well – the Decca sets "Small Faces" and "From The Beginning" - and I can report that they’re truly gorgeous too.

Will we ever know their like again – I doubt it. In fact the dialogue in the "Album Sampler" promo bragged that the Small Faces were "small of stature, but great of music…" – and on the strength of these reissues – you have to say that the Immediate Records motormouth was absolutely on the money. It really is "all too beautiful…"