"Revolver" by THE BEATLES (2014/2015 Japan-Only SHM-CD Mini LP Reissue/Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...The Day Breaks…Your Mind Aches…"

When "Revolver" was finally given the Remaster it deserved as part of the 09/09/09 total BEATLES catalogue CD reissue campaign – Fab Four nutters the world over rejoiced. They got the UK 14-track variant of the album in glorious STEREO – and man did it sound good. But the glossy easy-to-smudge 3-way foldout card digipak lacked the aesthetic feel of the 1966 album artwork (short playing time too with no Mono mix which could easily have been included) and the 24-page booklet was big on colour photos but short on actual album history or place.

Well far be it for the Japanese to let that get in the way. Once again they get the last word – because this 2014 reissue campaign of Mini LP Repros for THE BEATLES on their patented SHM-CD format (Super High Materials) is truly gorgeous stuff and ups this already sonic wonder a further notch. "And Your Bird Can Sing" is too damn right. Here are the loaded details...

Released 17 December 2014 (reissued 15 April 2015) and using the 2009 Remaster done at Abbey Road Studios - this Japan-only SHM-CD of "Revolver" by THE BEATLES on Universal/Apple UICY-76972 (Barcode 4988005867490) is a straightforward transfer of the UK 14-Track STEREO album. It’s presented in a limited edition 5” Mini LP Repro Artwork and will be deleted in June 2016 (total playing time 34:47 minutes).

1. Taxman

2. Eleanor Rigby

3. I’m Only Sleeping

4. Love You To

5. Here, There And Everywhere

6. Yellow Submarine

7. She Said She Said

8. Good Day Sunshine [Side 2, UK]

9. And Your Bird Can Sing

10. For No One

11. Doctor Robert

12. I Want To Tell You

13. Got To Get You Into My Life

14. Tomorrow Never Knows

"Revolver" (their 7th British album) was originally released 5 August 1966 in the UK on both Parlophone PMC 7009 Mono and PCS 7009 Stereo. The American issue followed 3 days later on Capitol T-2576 Mono and ST-2576 Stereo. The UK variant had 14 tracks (as listed above) - the US issue had 11. The three missing from the American LP (same artwork) were "And Your Bird Can Sing", "I'm Only Sleeping" and "Doctor Robert" which had appeared on the June 1966 US album "Yesterday And Today".

Using the 09/09/09 STEREO MIX of the album – this Japanese SHM-CD reissue also decides to keep it simple and loses the enhanced CD track called "Revolver Mini Documentary" that came with the 09/09/09 releases (two-and-a-half minutes of video footage - largely black & white in-studio shots featuring the voices of the Fabs and George Martin discussing songs and techniques on the album - it's directed by BOB SMEATON). The Super High Materials CD (SHM-CD) does not require special audio equipment – it will play on all devices and Toshiba claim that it offers a better form of disc with increased retrieval details. As someone who owns about 20 of them - I've found that claim to be true. The audio on this sucker through my Marantz CD/AMP combo (paired up with Tannoy Mercury V4 speakers) is just beautiful. The accumulative effect is to have even the most jaundiced ear sit up and take notice. Then there's the sexy artwork...

The EMI 24-page colour booklet returns as a separate entity - but there's also the usual 20-white-page Japanese booklet too that features some unreadable Japanese liner notes followed by the lyrics in English and a back page that pictures all 16 titles in this SHM-CD Reissue series. The attention to detail on the actual 1966 album sleeve is delicious. You get a hard card repro of the UK STEREO LP artwork complete with its glossy front sleeve and matt rear and 'flip back' flaps on the back cover (how did they reproduce this!). The label reflects the black and yellow lettering of the original British LP on Parlophone Records as does the rear cover artwork that advertises the use of an "Emitex" record cleaning cloth. They've even repro'd that Emitex inner bag too. There's an OBI strip – mine is Blue in colour for the 'Encore' reissue series of 2015 (see list below).

The Audio Quality on the 09/09/09 CD Remaster was and is magnificent. Both GUY MASSEY and STEVE ROOKE remastered the first generation stereo master tapes and to say they've done a good job is like saying the Great Wall of China is an ok building-project. Their work here is fabulous – monumental almost - it really is. The sound quality is glorious throughout - clear, warm, detailed - every single track a revelation.

The SHM-CD amplifies the punch in the brassy "Got To Get You Into My Life" and the delicate "Here, There & Everywhere". The hiss level is barely audible on any of the songs - but what you do hear are new instrument flourishes. The brilliant George Harrison guitar playing on the New York Drug Pusher song "Doctor Robert" is at last to the fore, the lone horn work of Alan Civil on "For No One" is suddenly so pretty, while Ringo's superlative drumming on "Tomorrow Never Knows" is now absolutely huge to a point where the clarity and sheer whack of the Remaster brought me to tears. The strings on “Eleanor Rigby” are beautifully full and shock your senses even now - some five decades after the event. If you love this record, you're in for a treat. I love the wallop and anger in "Taxman" – guitars filling my speakers with venom. Another winner is the huge sound from "She Said She Said" where John feels like he's going to kick your speakers in (kick something in anyway). Ringo has his ditty moment with the mad "Yellow Submarine” with those strange engine noises half way through somehow now more bizarre and creative than I remembered. And the riffage of "Doctor Robert" is equal to the splendor of "Paperback Writer".

Between this series of 16 SHM-CDs, the American Capitol Records collection and the white Mono Box set - I'd have to say that these three are the pinnacle of Fab Fourness - and Beatles collectors will quite rightly lust after and covet all three.

What a band and what a recorded legacy they left behind. Float downstream indeed...and if you do...do it with this SHM-CD as your raft...

PS: For info purposes - there are 16 STEREO titles in THE BEATLES Japanese SHM-CD Reissue Series. The first wave came in December 2014 and then a repress in April 2015. Purchasers should note that 'both' issues have the same catalogue numbers and barcodes. The way to recognise the difference is the sticker colour on the front plastic. 1st Issues come with Red Stickers and were released 17 December 2014 - 2nd 'Encore' Reissues come with Blue Stickers and were released 15 April 2015. I’ve provided Barcodes but to locate the right pressing CD on Amazon - but you will need to check with your seller first to see which pressing you're getting (most sellers will identify as either 1st or Encore so there’s no confusion).

1. Please Please Me (Universal/Apple UICY-76966) – Barcode 4988005867438

2. With The Beatles (Universal/Apple UICY-76967) – Barcode 4988005867455

3. A Hard Day’s Night (Universal/Apple UICY-76968) – Barcode 4988005867452

4. Beatles For Sale (Universal/Apple UICY-76969) – Barcode 4988005867469

5. Help! (Universal/Apple UICY-76970) – Barcode 4988005867476

6. Rubber Soul (Universal/Apple UICY-76971) – Barcode 4988005867483

7. Revolver (Universal/Apple UICY-76972) – Barcode 4988005867490

8. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Universal/Apple UICY-76973) – Barcode 4988005867506

9. Magical Mystery Tour (Universal/Apple UICY-76974) – Barcode 4988005867513

10. The Beatles [aka The White Album] (Universal/Apple UICY-76975 & 6) - Barcode 4988005867520

11. Yellow Submarine (Universal/Apple UICY-76977) – Barcode 4988005867599

12. Abbey Road (Universal/Apple UICY-76978) – Barcode 4988005867605

13. Let It Be (Universal/Apple UICY-76979) – Barcode 4988005867612

14. Past Masters (Universal/Apple UICY-76980 & 1) – Barcode 4988005867629

15. 1962-1966 (Red Album) (Universal/Apple UICY-76982/3) – Barcode 4988005867636

16. 1967-1970 (Blue Album) – (Universal/Apple UICY-76984/5) - Barcode 4988005867643

"Home" by PROCOL HARUM (2015 Esoteric Recordings 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Ride That Whisky Train..."

Procol Harum's gloomy' fourth album (and last with Robin Trower as lead guitarist) came out in June 1970 - largely to public indifference. Sure it rose to No. 49 in the UK in its 'snakes and ladders' board-game single sleeve artwork and was even afforded the luxury of a Gatefold Sleeve in the US and a chart placing of 34. But from decades of experience in rare records - original copies of the British Regal Zonophone vinyl LP are notoriously hard to find especially with the lyric insert (reproduced on the rear of the poster in the right hand flap) precisely because it sold so little. It's one of those records that slipped through the net after initial release - like a lot of albums from 1970 actually.

There have been two CD reissue labels that have had a varying go at "Home" – Westside in 1999 (with 8 bonus tracks) and Salvo of the UK in 2009 (with 2 bonus tracks). I had most of the 'Salvo' Procol Harum reissues in their cool card repro artwork - each sporting spangly new Nick Robbins/Rob Keyloch transfers and remasters. Well along comes Esoteric Recordings (part of Cherry Red of the UK) and they’ve returned to the tapes for new 24-bit remasters and thrown in some new Previously Unreleased material. There are two variants on this release - the single disc issue with two bonus tracks (Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 2506 - Barcode 5013929460645) - and this - the 2CD ‘Deluxe Edition’ on ECLEC 22505. Here are the Whisky Train details...

UK released Friday, 31 July 2015 (14 August 2015 in the USA) – “Home” by PROCOL HARUM on Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 22505 (Barcode 5013929460546) is a 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' and plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (39:10 minutes):

1. Whisky Train

2. The Dead Man's Dream

3. Still There'll Be More

4. Nothing That I Didn't Know

5. About To Die

6. Barnyard Story [Side 2]

7. Piggy Pig Pig

8. Whaling Stories

9. Your Own Choice

Tracks 1 to 9 are their 4th album "Home" – released June 1970 in the UK on Regal Zonophone SLRZ 1014 and in the USA on A&M Records SP 4261. CHRIS THOMAS produced - all songs written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid except "Whisky Train" by Robin Trower and Keith Reid.

For "Home" PROCOL HARUM was:

GARY BROOKER - Lead Vocals and Piano

ROBIN TROWER - Lead Guitar

CHRIS COPPING - Bass and Organ

B.J. WILSON - Drums

KEITH REID - Lyrics

Disc 2 (42:50 minutes):

1. Your Own Choice (Demo, Autumn 1969)

2. Barnyard Story (Take 4, Abbey Road 11 February 1970)

3. The Dead Man's Dream (Take 7, Abbey Road 11 February 1970)

4. Still There'll Be More (Take 3 Backing Track, Abbey Road 14 February 1970)

5. Whaling Stories (Initial Backing Track)

6. About To Die (George Martin Mix, Abbey Road 12 March 1970)

7. Your Own Choice (Extended Remix, Abbey Road 22 March 1970)

8. Piggy Pig Pig (Chris Thomas Remix)

9. Whisky Train (US Radio Single Edit - May 1970 US 7" Single A-side of A&M 1218) - Previously Unreleased on CD

10. Your Own Choice (BBC Radio One Session for 'David Symonds Show' - Recorded 12 May 1970) - Previously Unreleased

11. About To Die (BBC Radio One Session for 'David Symonds Show' - Recorded 12 May 1970) - Previously Unreleased

Esoteric's MARK and VICKY POWELL 'conceived, researched and compiled' the reissues and BEN WISEMAN and ROB KEYLOCH carried out the brill new 24-bit Remasters from original tapes. The booklet has trade adverts, US concert tickets, publicity photos for the band and new liner notes from HENRY SCOTT-IRVINE - author of Omnibus biography "Procol Harum: The Ghosts Of A Whiter Shade Of Pale". The gatefold card digipak folds out into four flaps - the 20-page booklet in the left flat and a foldout poster in the left. The 'seated' photo on Page 2 of the booklet is used as the basis to the poster which also has the lyrics in the same colour as the LP insert on the rear (a sort of grey). Discs 1 and 2 reflect the colouring of the original Regal Zonophone issue (also carry the 'Fly Records' logo) and beneath both see-through CD trays are pictures of the rare "Your Own Choice" White-Label Promo-Only UK 7" single LP sampler on Regal Zonophone SPSR 328 with "About To Die" on the flip. You’d have to say that it's all very tastefully done.

You couldn't ask for a more rocking opener to an album than the wicked riffage that is "Whisky River" - Trower's sole writing offering for the LP. This album version at 4:26 minutes was edited down by A&M Records in the USA for single release on A&M 1218 in May 1970 ("About To Die" on the fiipside - a great double sider). The shorter cut weighs in at 3:01 minutes (Track 9 on Disc 2) and is spelt "Whiskey Train" on the label. The mix also seems to accentuate the guitar more (not surprising) where Robin Trower sounds like Budgie's Tony Bourge having a grunge wig-out. The album's 'doomy' reputation comes from tracks like the dreadnaught heavy "The Dead Man's Dream" and the lonesome seven minutes of "Whaling Stories" - both a tad hissy it has to be said. I've always liked the acoustic prettiness of "Nothing That I Didn't Know" - a song about the 26-year old Jenny Drew - a lost soul who starved from anorexia. But my crave has always been the brilliant guitar of Trower on the Side 1 closer "About To Die" - a huge tune in every way - with Brooker letting rip on the vocals ("tear the city down").

The 'demo' of "Your Own Choice" on the Bonus Tracks Disc 2 is a lighter take that might even be considered Americana in the '11s. Take 4 of "Barnyard Story" is a well-recorded 2:51 minutes of Brooker and Piano (very tasty) while he shouts "Good God!" at the beginning of Take 7 for the droning "The Dead Man's Dream". I got a tad excited at the 'George Martin Mix' of "About To Die" which seems to accentuate the bass line and adds more flickering keyboard flourishes - it's good - but the finished version is better. The two Previously Unreleased BBC Sessions are hissy for sure but the performances are properly vintage – and fans will love having them after all these decades.

The droning-doom of Procol Harum have always been an acquired taste for sure and their 1970 platter "Home" doesn't buck that trend. But for money this 2015 Esoteric Recordings 'Deluxe Edition' is the best variant of it by far. Well done to all involved...

"You're Gonna Get! It!" by TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS (2002 Gone Gator/Warner Brothers CD – Joe Gastwirt Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Please Stand By Me..." 

Tom Petty’s astonishing self-titled debut album was released November 1976 in the USA (40 years ago this year) – but would take until September of 1977 to register with the buying public. Even then it only managed No. 55 on the US LP charts despite its now iconic status as a genuine 70ts Rock Classic. But for my money his better-recorded and ludicrously hooky follow-up "You're Gonna Get It!" from two years later has always been an equal-to unsung hero for me – the sort of album that got lost – especially in good old Blighty which was in the throws of Punk and all things 'New Wave'.

Which brings us to this rather excellent - if not a little threadbare - 2002 CD reissue/remaster - finally ridding us of a naff 80ts MCA CD with the all the aural and aesthetic appeal of a gone-off banana. Here are the details you need to know...

UK and Europe released May 2002 - "You’re Gonna Get It!" by TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS on Gone Gator/Warner Brothers 8122-78178-2 (Barcode 081227817824) is a straightforward CD transfer of the original LP and plays out as follows (29:30 minutes):

1. When The Time Comes

2. You're Gonna Get It

3. Hurt

4. Magnolia

5. Too Much Ain't Enough

6. I Need To Know [Side 2]

7. Listen To Her Heart

8. No Second Thoughts

9. Restless

10. Baby's A Rock 'n' Roller

Tracks 1 to 10 are his second studio album "You’re Gonna Get It!" - released May 1978 in the USA on Shelter/ABC DA-52029 and in the UK on Island/Shelter ISA 5017. DENNY CORDELL, NOAH SHARK and TOM PETTY produced. The album reached No. 22 in the States and No. 34 in the UK.

TOM PETTY – Lead Vocals, 6 and 12-string Guitars and Piano

MIKE CAMPBELL – 6 and 12-string Guitars (Solos)

BENMONT TENCH – Piano, Organ and Vocals

RON BLAIR - Bass and Acoustic Guitar

STAN LYNCH - Drums and Vocals

GREGG GELLER has produced the reissue and the gatefold slip of paper that passed as the MCA inlay is now upgraded to a 16-page booklet with new liner notes from BILL FLANAGAN. Inside are details of how 1974's Mudcrutch from Gainesville, Florida (Petty's original band) became 1976's Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers with a new sound, new songs and a razor's edge. There's also discussion as to why Radio didn't take to the new record like they did the old - angry lyrics, drug references and heavier riffs. The booklet provides lyrics for the first time (didn't come with the original LP) with its Inner Sleeve is reproduced in varying places and there are period photos followed finally by detailed recording/CD reissue details.

But the big news for all fans is new JOE GASTWIRT Remasters carried out at OceanView Mastering in California. This CD sounds awesome - full and punchy - alive without being too over-trebled - I love it. The guitars - the drums - the overall aural wallop is something to behold (as it is with the debut album "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" - also released in a 2002 Gastwirt Remaster – see review).

Compared to the rough and tumble of the debut two years earlier - right from the off you can so hear how the Production values were upped dramatically. Each of the predominantly rocking tunes packs a huge sonic punch and the remaster accentuates that big time. Side 1 opens with the brilliant almost Byrds-jangle of "When The Time Comes" - and man can you hear those chugging guitars and that keyboard underpinning. "You're Gonna Get It" feels like a track from his 1982 LP "Long After Dark" - lyrically hard-hitting but with that great hooky riff. As "Hurt" floats in on a sea of pings, acoustic strums and drum beats - it then goes into a tremendous guitar jangle. But that's nothing to the clarity on "Magnolia" which sounds amazing - a song about a girl he never did give his name too - but her ways stayed within memory. Side One ends on the fantastic rolling slide of "Too Much Ain't Enough" - an out-and-out rocker that jabs at a precocious someone who just can't be pleased.

Side 2 opens with the fantastic rocker "I Need To Know" - an irresistible chuck of riffage complete with an economic Chuck Berry-like solo. Perhaps the most Byrds jangle on the album and probably most people's go-to track - "Listen To Her Heart" is fabulous Petty and The Heartbreakers. The lyrics "...You think you're gonna take her away with your money and cocaine..." probably kept this - the album's most catchy song - off A&M Radio and lost the whole album momentum. The acoustic moment arrives in the tabla and 12-string shuffle of "No Second Thoughts" - a song I've always found strangely positive even though it takes about darkness. The LP ends on two punchy neck-jerking rockers - "Restless" and "Baby's A Rock 'n' Roller" - although I wished he hadn't featured that false audience noise all the way through "Baby's..." Other than that - the whole album is satisfying. And from here it would be through to the breakthrough record "Damn The Torpedoes" in 1979.

I played this 1978 album side-to-side when I lived in bedsits back in the day and loved every satisfying inch of it. Petty's "You're Gonna Get It" is one of 'the' great lost-albums of the 70ts in my books - and presently selling for fewer than six miserly squid - this brill 2002 remaster is the one to own.

"When The Time Comes" - TP sings on the opening song. I'd argue it has...

"Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" by TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS (2002 Gone Gator/Warner Brothers CD – Joe Gastwirt Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Raised On Promises..." 

A great debut album is the stuff of musical legend - and it doesn't get a lot better than Tom Petty's self-titled opening salvo. "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" is an astonishing 40 years old in November 2016 and still sounding as fresh as a Florida daisy.

Yet despite huge radio-friendly hits like "Breakdown", "American Girl" and "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll" - the LP took its sweet time. It didn't gain US album chart entry until September of 1977 (almost a year after release) whereupon it crawled up to the lofty heights of No. 55 despite being viewed nowadays as a balls-to-the-wall 70ts Rock Classic. 

Which brings us to this rather excellent - if not a little threadbare - 2002 CD reissue/remaster - finally ridding us of a naff 80ts MCA CD with the all the aural and aesthetic appeal of a gone-off banana.  Here are the details to take us (baby baby) through the night...

USA, UK and Europe released May 2002 - "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" by TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS on Gone Gator/Warner Brothers 8122-78177-2 (Barcode 081227817725) is a straightforward CD transfer of the original LP and plays out as follows (30:54 minutes):

1. Rockin' Around With You

2. Breakdown

3. Hometown Blues

4. The Wild One, Forever

5. Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll

6. Strangered In The Night [Side 2]

7. Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)

8. Mystery Man

9. Luna

10. American Girl

Tracks 1 to 10 are his debut album "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" - released November 1976 in the USA on Shelter SRL-52006 and May 1977 in the UK on Island/Shelter ISA 5014. DENNY CORDELL produced.

TOM PETTY - Vocals, Guitars and Keyboards

MIKE CAMPBELL - Guitars

BENMONT TENCH - Piano and Organ

RON BLAIR - Bass and Cello

STAN LYNCH - Drums (Keyboards on "Luna")

GREGG GELLER has produced the reissue and the gatefold slip of paper that passed as the MCA inlay is now upgraded to a 16-page booklet with new liner notes from BILL FLANAGAN. Inside are details of how 1974's Mudcrutch from Gainesville, Florida (Petty's original band) became 1976's Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers with a new sound, new songs and a razor's edge. There are lyrics for the first time (didn't come with the original LP), period photos and detailed recording/CD reissue details. But the big news for all fans is new JOE GASTWIRT Remasters carried out at OceanView Mastering in California. This CD sounds awesome - full and punchy - alive without being too over-trebled - I love it. The guitars - the drums - the overall aural wallop is something to behold (as it is with the 2nd album "You're Gonna Get It" - also released in a 2002 Gastwirt Remaster).

It opens with the jaunty almost Rockabilly "Rockin' Around With You" and you can hear those subtle guitar bits, the floating synth note and those driving drums. Hissy for sure but uber-slick - "Breakdown" is Rock magic - an irresistible hook allied with snarling vocals and that brilliant guitar giving it just enough over the keyboards. Originally issued Stateside in November 1976 as a debut 45 on Shelter SR-62006 - it didn't take until a reissue in October 1977 on Shelter SR-62009 saw it make No. 40 on the Pop charts. Even now it's such a winner and a US Radio perennial. Back to that Petty shuffle with "Hometown Blues" - but my crave has always been the epic Americana feel to "The Wild One, Forever" (a B-side to "Breakdown" in November 1976). "...I knew right away I'd never get over how good it felt when you finally kissed me..." - the lyrics tell us as the beautifully simple guitar plays it out - wonderful stuff – so simple and direct. He ends Side 1 on the Rock Boogie anthem "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll" - a tune he's used to open concerts. It's snotty and full of attitude - don't need her - don't need school - don't need rules - what's not to love...

Side 2 opens one of the most underrated Petty song - the genius groove of "Strangered In The Night". Forty years I'm playing this sucker and still digging its huge dirty guitars - those paranoid lyrics - and that brilliant Campbell soloing. Second stroke of fab comes with everyone's fave from the early years - "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)" - a massive grinding riff that just seems to float as he squeals "...strange voice on the telephone...telling me I better leave you alone..." That synth note now has more power too. We trot to the finish with a trio of goodies - the almost Eagles "Mystery Man" (hissy at the beginning, but beautifully clear after that) - the slightly sinister yet strangely touching "Luna" - and of course the biggie - "American Girl" - an anthem he plays to this day.

What a brilliant beginning and I think the follow-up "You're Gonna Get It" from May 1978 is equally droolsome - one of 'the' great lost-albums of the 70ts. Presently selling for fewer than four squid - this brill remaster of "Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers" needs to be in your home. Make it last all night indeed...

"Kinked! Kinks Songs & Sessions 1964-1971" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (2016 Ace Records CD Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Strange Effect On Me..."

You can tell you're in the presence of something nifty when only three tracks in and you're already thinking - 'cool reissue'. The premise here is simple and smart – 26 long-forgotten tunes written by Ray Davies of The Kinks in the hands of others (one by Dave Davies). 

Ace Records of the UK are offering a CD compilation full of stragglers and rarities that they think deserve another go round (five in Stereo and four Previously Unreleased). Here are the Kinky details...

UK released 26 March 2016 (8 April 2016 in the USA) – "Kinked! Kinks Songs & Sessions 1964-1971" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records CDCHD 1463 (Barcode 029667075022) is a 26-track CD compilation and plays out as follows (64:59 minutes):

1. This Strange Effect - DAVE BERRY (July 1965 UK 7" single on Decca F 12188, A)

2. Look For Me Baby - GOLDIE & THE GINGERBREADS (2016, Previously Unissued May 1965 Decca Recording)

3. I Bet You Won't Stay - THE CASCADES (September 1965 UK 7" single on Liberty LIB 55822, A)

4. King Of The Whole Wide World - LEAPY LEE (March 1966 UK 7" single on Decca F 12369, A)

5. I Go To Sleep - PEGGY LEE (August 1965 USA 7" single on Capitol 5488, A - STEREO)

6. All Night Stand - THE THOUGHTS (2016, Alternate Version of Planet PLF 118, a September 1966 UK 7" single, A)

7. So Mystifying - THE OLYMPICS (2016, Previously Unissued 1964 & 1965 Loma Recording)

8. Un Jeune Homme Bien - PETULA CLARK (1996 French-only 4-Track EP on Vogue EPL 8379)

9. One Fine Day - SHEL NAYLOR (March 1964 UK 7" single on Decca F 11856, A)

10. Oh What A Day It's Going To Be - MO & STEVE (September 1966 UK 7" single on Pye 7N 17175, A)

11. Little Man In A Little Box - BARRY FANTONI (May 1966 UK 7" single on Fontana TF 707, A)

12. A House In The Country - THE PRETTY THINGS (July 1966 UK 7" single on Fontana TF 722, A)

13. When I See That Girl Of Mine - BOBBY RYDELL (October 1965 USA 7" single on Capitol 5513, A)

14. Nobody's Fool - COLD TURKEY (May 1972 UK 7" single on Pye 7N 45142, A - STEREO)

15. Act Nice And Gentle - DUSTER BENNETT (October 1970 UK 7" single on Blue Horizon 57-3179, A - STEREO)

16. I've Got That Feeling - THE ORCHIDS (March 1964 UK 7" single on Decca F 11861, A)

17. Emptiness - THE HONEYCOMBS (from the 1965 UK LP "All Systems Go!" on Pye NPL 18132 - STEREO)

18. Rosy, Won't You Please Come Home [aka Rosie Rosie] - MARIANNE FAITHFULL

(1966 recording first released in 1988 on the reissue CD for "Loveinamist" on London 820 632 - STEREO)

19. I'm Not Like Everybody Else - THE CHOCOLATE WATCH BAND (2016, Alternate Mono Mix of a song from their 1968 Stereo LP "The Inner Mystique" on Tower ST 5106)

20. Who'll Be The Next In Line - THE KNACK (September 1965 UK 7" single on Decca F 12234, A)

21. Dandy - HERMAN'S HERMITS (September 1966 USA 7" single on MGM Records K 13603, A)

22. The Virgin Soldier's March - THE JOHN SCHROEDER ORCHESTRA (November 1969 UK 7" single on Pye 7N 17862, A)

23. A Little Bit Of Sunlight - THE MAJORITY (October 1965 UK 7" single on Decca F 12271, A)

24. Big Black Smoke - MICK & MALCOLM (March 1967 UK 7" single on Piccadilly 7N 35372, A)

25. NICKY HOPKINS & THE WHISTLING PIANO (1967 USA Promo-only 7" single on Decca 9-34466, A)

26. End Of The Season - THE UGLY'S (September 1966 UK 7" single on Pye 7N 17178, A)

NOTES: All songs are in MONO except Tracks 5, 14, 15, 17 and 18 - which are STEREO. Tracks 2, 6, 7 and 19 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

The 20-page booklet is the usual award-winning fan-fest wet dream - knowledgeable paragraphs by Compiler and genre lover ALEC PALAO - every page prettified with sheet music, record company promotional photos, label repros for 7" single on Pye, Piccadilly, Capitol and Liberty Records, rare EP sleeves and trade adverts. It's beautifully done. But NICK ROBBINS - one of Ace's long-time Audio Engineers - has again outdone himself - bringing fab audio to a huge number of sources.

It opens strongly with Dave Barry's "This Strange Effect" - a tune Ray wrote in Melbourne on The Kinks first World Tour and with Dave specifically in mind. Sonically - it's a total Mono winner - beautiful clarity and a wickedly good tune that almost feels Bacharach in places (it was Ray's first chart success outside of The Kinks hitting No. 37 in the UK singles charts). Neck-jerking and dancing Northern Soul - "Look For Me Baby" is a groover from Goldie & The Gingerbreads that should have done better chartwise (Genya "Goldie" Zelkowitz is Genya in Polydor's Ten Wheel Drive). The Cascades track is a bit more cluttered in the transfer than I'd like while Leapy Lee's "King Of The Whole Wide World" is a 'when she kisses me' pop ditty that's good rather than being great.

On the 2CD Deluxe Edition of "The Kink Kontroversy" from 2011 - one of the bonus track son Disc 2 has Ray Davies discussing with a BBC interviewer being tickled pink that one of his audio heroes Peggy Lee had received an acetate of his "I Go To Sleep" - and promptly recorded it. Well in glorious Stereo - here it is. Chrissie Hinde would fall under its spell too and record a cover of it for The Pretenders. I can't profess to knowing the obscure and rare "All Night Stand" by The Thoughts - but I can say that this 'Alternate Version' of that Ray Davies A-side is superb and in great audio too. And I'd swear he sings "...rest all night...then shag some more..." (nice). Just as good is the grungy chugger "So Mystifying" by The Olympics (of "Western Movies" fame) - a track The Kinks had released on their American Reprise Records debut album "You Really Got Me" in 1965. Just as cool is the French language version of "Well Respected Man" from Petula Clark's rare French Vogue EP (pictured on Page 10) called "Un Jeune Homme Bein".

Groovers and Freakbeat fans will love the Shel Naylor take on "One Fine Day". Nicknamed 'The Midlands Powerhouse' - Naylor got the October 1963 song (The Kinks were then The Boll-Weevils) from Shel Talmy's people and he goes for it (there's a picture of the uber-rare sheet music to it on Page 5).  No one seems to know who Manchester duo Mo & Steve actually are – but their ballad “Oh What A Day It’s Going To Be” is a pleasant enough valley Sunday. Two 70ts entries come at us in Stereo - TV studio band Cold Turkey's "Nobody's Fool" was the theme to the second series of "Budgie" with Adam Faith in the title role while Blue Horizon artist Duster Bennett does "Act Nice And Gentle" (there a rare foreign picture sleeve of it on Page 18). There are moments when this CD goes from cloying (Herman's Hermits) to dead interesting (John Schroeder Orchestra) on to very cool stuff like the Previously Unreleased mono mix of the angry young man anthem "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" by The Chocolate Watch Band.  On the homeward stretch I like "Big Black Smoke" best by another obscure duo Malcolm & Mo where our girl is walking the streets, sat in coffee bars and spending her cash on purple hearts and cigarettes. The Nicky Hopkins instrumental effort is best forgotten but the twittering birds of The Uglys ends proceedings on a typically upbeat and erratic note.

You wouldn't say everything on here is unmitigated genius - it just isn't. But the good stuff is great - and collectors will love the obscurities and superlative booklet and audio. Another winner from those Kinky folks at Ace Records...

"Frank Sinatra sings for Only The Lonely" by FRANK SINATRA (1998 US Capitol 'Entertainer Of The Century' Expanded CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"Frank Sinatra sings for Only The Lonely" by FRANK SINATRA 

(1998 US Capitol 'Entertainer Of The Century' Expanded CD Remaster)

"...Set 'Em Up Joe..."

It doesn't take a particular genius to work out that Frank Sinatra's career at Capitol Records produced some serious musical magic - and I'd argue that his third torch-song album "...Only The Lonely" from September 1958 is one of them.

Biographical types and crazed aficionados would be right to point novices in the direction of 1955's "In The Wee Small Hours" and 1957's "Where Are You?" - the other two 'whinging for my gal' LPs in Ole Blue Eyes Fifties canon of work. But there's something deeply brill about the track run on "Only The Lonely" and allied with that painted clown artwork – does it for me.

First up - there are two official Capitol CDs for "Frank Sinatra sings for Only The Lonely" - a November 1987 issue with a Larry Walsh remaster and the same 14-tracks (Barcode 077774847124) - and this - my preferred tipple - the May 1998 'Entertainer Of The Century' CD Remaster by BOB NORBERG (59:43 minutes) on Capitol 72434 94756 2 5 (Barcode the same - 724349475625). When the album was released it came in MONO and STEREO (10 and 12-track variants) - this CD uses the 12-track MONO variant and includes the two extras "Sleep Warm" and the Previously Unreleased (on CD) "Where Or When" that were included on the original November 1987 CD reissue.

1. Only The Lonely

2. Angel Eyes

3. What's New

4. It's A Lonely Old Town

5. Willow Weep For Me

6. Good-Bye [Side 2 of the 10-track LP]

7. Blues In The Night [Side 2 of the 12-track LP]

8. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry

9. Ebb Tide

10. Spring Is Here

11. Gone With The Wind

12. One For My Baby

Tracks 1 to 12 are the album "Frank Sinatra sings for Only The Lonely" - released September 1958 in the USA on Capitol W 1050 (Mono) and SW 1050 (Stereo). The MONO mix is used for this CD - 20/24-bit Remaster by BOB NERBERG.

Track 4 recorded 25 May 1958

Tracks 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9 recorded, 29 May 1958

Tracks 3, 7 and 11 recorded, 24 June 1958

Tracks 6 and 12 recorded, 25 June 1958

BONUS TRACKS:

13. Sleep Warm

14. Where Or When

Tracks 13 and 14, recorded 11 September 1958 - Track 14 previously unreleased on CD in 1987

Originally produced to perfection by VOYCE GILMORE - the audio on this CD is truly gorgeous and comes with an 'Entertainer Of The Century' spine visible through the see-through jewel case and artwork that is different to the 1987 edition on the rear (also a small but informative set of liner notes).

This is the kind of album/CD reissue that makes you want run out and shout to the rooftops. Essentially head-to-toe with Sinatra effortlessly caressing words and melodies - his voice aligned with Nelson Riddle string arrangements and a set of matchless session players. Highlights include "Angel Eyes" (made even more famous by Jack Jones in 1963 on his  "Wives & Lovers" LP) and the aching "It's A Lonesome Old Town" where Frankie bemoans "...I never knew how much I missed you...” The lone oboe opening of "Willow Weep For Me" is beautifully transferred - that soft shuffle on the drums - it's gorgeous stuff. But the best audio has to go to "Blues In The Night". Everything about this screams class - the opening salvo of double-bass and lone voice as he sings "...my mama done told me...a woman will give you the big eye...but when the sweet talk is done...she'll leave you to sing..." Even prettier is the acoustic guitar on "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry" - so sweet too as the strings carry it home. And it feels like Howard Arlen and Johnny Mercer practically invented the barroom slouch with "One For My Baby..." - our hero slumped over yet another bourbon - singing to whomever will listen - the barman wearily drying a shot glass as he casts a jaundiced eye over 'love sucker' Numero Uno. I can almost see Frank crying by the lamppost out in the street - chucked out in the wee small hours - wailing for his baby just a little too much.

The "Sleep Warm" bonus track offered here initially turned up on the vinyl compilation album "All The Way" in 1961 - while "Where Or When" first saw LP action in 1978 on another Capitol compilation - "The Rare Sinatra". Accompanied by Bill Mercer on Piano with some strings towards its finish - "Where Or When" is a perfect ending to proceedings. Even if the piano is a tad under-produced - there's no doubt that Frank's voice is sublime...and Pete Welding's liner notes rightly name-check it as a highlight amongst many.

Old fashioned - yes - even a little corny and overplayed - yes. But what a sound - and sometimes - when you need a moment of reflective boo hoo - a snuffled sniffle for the one that got away - then like a pint of plain - Frank Sinatra's "...Only The Lonely" is the man for the job...

PS: Titles in the FRANK SINATRA 'Entertainer Of The Century' USA CD Remaster Series are:

1. In The Wee Small Hours (April 1955 LP) - May 1998 CD is Barcode 724349475526

2. Songs For Young Lovers/Swing Easy! (May 1955 LP) – September 1998 CD is Barcode 724349608924

3. Songs For Swingin' Lovers (March 1956 LP) – September 1998 CD is Barcode 724349622623

4. Frank Sinatra Conducts Tone Poems Of Colour (July 1956 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353373825

5. Close To You (January 1957 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353374327

6. A Swingin' Affair! (May 1957 LP) – September 1998 CD is Barcode 724349608825

7. Where Are You? (September 1957 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353374624

8. A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra (December 1957 LP) – October 1999 CD is Barcode 724352138128

9. Come Fly With Me (January 1958 LP) – September 1998 CD is Barcode 724349608726

10. Frank Sinatra sings for Only The Lonely (September 1958 LP) – September 1998 CD is Barcode 724349475625

11. Come Dance With Me! (January 1959 LP) – May 1998 CD is Barcode 724349475427

12. No One Cares (August 1959 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353374129

13. Nice 'n' Easy (August 1960 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353374525

14. Sinatra's Swingin' Session!!! (February 1961 LP) – May 1998 CD is Barcode 724349475328

15. Come Swing With Me (August 1961 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353373924

16. Point Of No Return (April 1962 LP) – January 2002 CD is Barcode 724353374020
NOTE: Catalogue numbers and Barcodes are the same digits – use Barcode however to locate the right issue on sites like Amazon.