"Vagabonds Of The Western World: 50th Anniversary 2-LP Purple Vinyl" by THIN LIZZY - September 1973 UK Third Studio Album on Decca - 1974 USA with Phil Lynott, Erib Bell and Brian Downey, Jr. (17 November 2023 UK Universal/Decca '50th Anniversary 2-LP Purple Vinyl' Reissue and Remaster with an LP of Extra Tracks - Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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RATING: ***** (Audio and Presentation)

 

"...A Ride In The Lizzy Mobile..."

 

Back in October 2010 - Lizzy's third studio album (and final as a Trio with Eric bell on Lead Guitar) "Vagabonds Of The Western World" got the Universal '2CD Deluxe Edition' treatment - and I for one raved about its audio, presentation and extras. Time to re-rave frankly. 

 

You have to say that Universal has done the absolute dog's you-know-what by their 1973 third studio album for its 50th Anniversary Reissue here in 2023. I love these things so much that I've only gone and committed to all three big formats - the 50^th Anniversary 2-LP Purple Vinyl set with a fantastically complimentary Extras LP (which I'm reviewing here) and the 50^th Anniversary 4-LP Box Set that has a 60-page book to drool over with the album on LP1 and LPs 2, 3 and 4 being the 'Radio One In Concert/John Peel Sessions' from 1972 and 1973 that first appeared on "At The BBC" 6CD Box Set in 2011. Those BBC Sessions are first-issue on vinyl in the 4LP Box which I've reviewed elsewhere. The 4-Disc 50^th Anniversary Super Deluxe variant will also be a thing of '3CD/1BLU RAY/DOLBY ATMOS MIXES' lust - but it's been delayed and is due 1 Dec 2023 with the ATMOS Mixes being first-time-ever for a Lizzy release. At this point in time there appears to be no 2023 single LP, single CD or 2CD sets - just the above 3 variants in 50th Anniversary Issues. 

 

Back to LPs - I've bought great reissue vinyl before - David Sylvian on Virgin, Peter Gabriel on Real World and the stunning Paul Blackmore-Mastered expanded 2LP reissue of Terry Callier's 1968 Debut "The New Folk Sound Of..." on Craft Recordings in 2018 - all these sets have tickled the funny bones, touched the heart and are fabulous owns. But this 2LP set and the 4LP Box Set (reviewed elsewhere) are the business. Details for then and now...

 

Originally released as an album 21 September 1973 in the UK on Decca Records SKL 5170 (May 1974 in the USA on London XPS 636 with a slightly edited version of "Little Girl In Bloom") – the LP "Vagabonds Of The Western World" had huge tunes like the manic guitar-fest of "The Rocker", the slide guitar meets environmental statement song "Mama Nature Said" and the deeply touching and melodious "Little Girl In Bloom" - it was a huge song-writing step forward after "Thin Lizzy" of 1971 and "Shades Of A Blue Orphanage" in 1972. Hip British DJ of the moment (1973) - David Kid Jensen narrates "The Hero And The Madman". It was also the first to feature their trademark look via Jim Fitzpatrick artwork and pointed towards a commercial Rock future that would take three more albums to arrive at "Jailbreak" and "Johnny The Fox" - both in 1976. Back to the first of the November 2023 "Vagabonds..." VINYL reissues - here are the heroes and the madmen...

 

Released Friday, 17 November 2023 - "Vagabonds Of The Western World" by THIN LIZZY on Universal/Decca 5587529 (Barcode 602455875297) is a Limited Edition 2-LP VINYL Set on Purple Vinyl - a 50th Anniversary Reissue with an Extra Album. It comes as a gatefold sleeve with two dedicated inners (the original was a single sleeve with a lyric insert) - LP1 being the original 1973 album of 8-tracks while LP2 has 10-tracks around the original release (Single-Sides, Edits, Outtakes). It plays out as follows:

 

LP1 "Vagabonds Of The Western World"

Side 1

1. Mama Nature Said

2. The Hero And The Madman 

3. Slow Blues

4. The Rocker

Side 2

1. Vagabond Of Western World

2. Little Girl In Bloom

3. Gonna Creep Up On You

4. A Song For While I'm Away

 

LP2 "Vagabonds Of The Western World - Bonuses"

Side 1

1. Whisky In The Jar (Single, A-side)

2. Black Boys On The Corner (Single, B-side)

3. Randolph's Tango (Single, A-side)

4. Broken Dreams (Single, B-side)

5. The Rocker (Single, A-side, Edit)

NOTES:

Tracks 1 and 2 are the A & B-sides of their second UK 7" single released 3 November 1972 on Decca F 13355. "Whisky In The Jar" (spelt with an 'e' only on American issues) was the real starting point for Thin Lizzy's global success. "Whisky" is a traditional Irish air dating as far back as 1729 and was originally only meant to be a jokey B-side dashed off in the studio to accompany "Black Boys On The Corner" on the A (far more representative of their rocking sound). But British DJ's flipped the single and "Whisky" became the hit. It finally charted January 1973 and eventually rose to number 6.

[Note: the version used here is commonly known as the 'Full Single Version' at 5:44 minutes. However a 7" 'edit' of the track was quickly pressed up for BBC Radio play and the US 7" single on London - this 'edit' version at 3:44 minutes is on the October 2010 UK 2CD Deluxe Edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World" and on the December 2023 '50th Anniversary' Super Deluxe CD Edition

 

Tracks 3 and 4 are their 2nd UK 7" single released May 1973, both tracks on Decca F 13402 were non-album at the time.

[Note: the version of "Randolph's Tango" that is used here is known as the 'Full Version' at 3:49 minutes - the promo-only 7" edit at 2:25 minutes is Track 17 on the 2CD DE version of "Vagabonds..." from October 2010) 

 

Track 5 on Side 1 and Track 1 on Side 2 is their 3rd UK 7" single and the first to feature a track off the album. "The Rocker" (A-side) was issued as a 7" single in the UK in November 1973 on Decca F 13467 and is an edited version (2:41 as opposed to the album's 5:12 minutes). It was backed with another non-album Phil Lynott track, the jaunty "Here I Go Again". 

 

LP2 Side 2

1. Here I Go Again (Single, B-side)

2. A Ride In The Lizzy Mobile (Single, B-side)

3. Whiskey In The Jar (Alternate Mix, Extended Version)

4. Black Boys On The Corner (Alternate Mix)

5. Gonna Creep Up On You (Alternate Mix)

NOTES:

Track 5 on Side 1 and Track 1 on Side 2 is their 3rd UK 7" single and the first to feature a track off the album. "The Rocker" (A-side) was issued as a 7" single in the UK in November 1973 on Decca F 13467 and is an edited version (2:41 as opposed to the album's 5:12 minutes). It was backed with another non-album Phil Lynott track, the jaunty "Here I Go Again". 

 

Track 2 is non-album also. Often called "Cruising In The Lizzymobile" - its correct title "A Ride In The Lizzy Mobile" is used here. It is also a genuine Thin Lizzy vinyl rarity as it was only ever issued on the B-side of the 7" GERMAN release of "The Rocker". Its CD debut first came on the "Vagabonds Kings Warriors Angels" 4CD Box Set in 2001. Its rare picture sleeve is reproduced on the right flap of the inner gatefold (along with three other Euro Pic Sleeves) of this double-album. 

 

Tracks 3, 4 and 5 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 'Alternate Mixes'

 

The inner gatefold has the original album artwork from 1973 on the left side (counters the new 'outtake' Jim Fitzpatrick artwork on the front cover of this double) while the right-side flap has a Picture Sleeve Montage of four rare Euro 45s - "The Rocker" from Japan, Germany and Denmark with "Whisky In The Jar" from Denmark. Both dedicated inner sleeves feature promotional material from Decca in 1973 - a full page advert for the LP with quotes from British DJs and Fans John Peel and Kid Jensen along with cartoon adverts for "Whisky In The Jar" and "Randolph's Tango". 

 

It's all beautifully done and the mastering is by two fave Audio Engineers - ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM - who have handled huge swathes of Universal's Rock and Pop catalogue - Rory Gallagher, Budgie, Free, Spooky Tooth, ELP, Uriah Heep and Thin Lizzy too. The new Remasters are fabulous - loving too the Alternate Mixes. I can see why they were left in the can, but for a diehard like me - they're absolutely fascinating stuff. Apart from not listing playing times on the labels - I'd have to say that this 2LP VINYL reissue is not only a fabulous listen - that 2ND LP plays like the big-ball-brother little-brother "Vagabonds..." has always wanted. I'm going to be canning this on my turntable for months on end. 

 

A gorgeous reissue then and apart from not listing playing times on the labels - I'd have to say that this 2LP VINYL reissue is not only a fabulous listen - that 2ND LP plays like the big-balls-brother little-brother "Vagabonds Of The Western World" has always wanted as a room mate. I'm going to be canning this on my turntable for months on end.

 

The Black Vinyl '50th Anniversary 4-LP Box Set' edition of "Vagabonds Of The Western World" (Issued 17 Nov 2023 on Universal/Decca 5587518 - Barcode 602455875181) are all different too. LP1 is the album remastered with no less than three BBC Sessions (two with John Peel) on the other three LPs (unreleased stuff too). The £110 Box Set is accompanied by a gorgeous 60-Page Book with Rare Memorabilia Pictured and New Notes by Mark Blake. 

 

But back to what we've got - at just under forty-quid, this Double Album 2023 Reissue of "Vagabonds..." is not exactly cheap - but it is the business. But then, as this is Thin Lizzy and as an Irishman and Dubliner who once saw Phil Lynott busking on Grafton Street when I was a kid before the first LP was even out – I am a goner. A truly superb combo set that works - buy and treasure...

"Paladin/Charge!" by PALADIN – May 1971 UK Debut Album and April 1972 Second and Final Studio Album on Bronze Records – featuring Lu Stonebridge, Peter Solley, Derek Foley, Pete Beckett and Keith Webb (October 2023 UK Beat Goes On Records Compilation – 2LPs onto 2CDs with One Bonus Track – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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RATING: **** 

SOUND: *****

PRESENTATION: *****

 

"...Mix Your Mind With The Moonbeams..."

 

In the liner notes of this excellent but ever so slightly flawed BGO twofer CD reissue from October 2023 – Keyboard Player, Lead Vocalist and founder member of Paladin Lou Stonebridge describes the sexy Prog-Rock meets Funk rhythms of the short lived Paladin as "...a cross between Santana and Osibisa". Well, I'd throw in War too. And frankly anyone else on Vertigo Spiral with Hippity-Hoppity ants in their Rock Lead pants.

 

Although often described as Prog Rock – much of the time the Paladin sound comes at you like a drum-based funky-rhythms five-piece virtuoso hybrid that squeezes in guitar passages and keyboard flourishes aplenty. Imagine Zeppelin's "Moby Dick" drum solo from their epic October 1969 "II" album attached to cool War-like grooves and lyrics by way of hip-shaker crossover acts like say Malo or Mother's Finest or even The Mahavishnu Orchestra - and you get the sonic picture. These guys could play to beat the band (the first album was laid down during power-cuts) – while the second LP is seen by some as a fusion-of-styles masterpiece with definite Progressive leanings. In fact for their 24 November 2023 Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs compilation "Incident At A Free Festival" for Ace Records (part of a long running themed series of compilations – see separate review) – those two manly purveyors of all things eclectic, forgotten and yet tasteful used the very War-sounding "Third World" by Paladin as a highlight on that CD/2LP comp. 

 

But back to what we got - unfortunately, Beat Goes On of the UK (BGO) have left off one crucial song that appeared on the American variant of the debut album and would for me have given this fab reissue a straight five-stars (hence the four rating - see NOTES re the track line-up under the CD1 listing below). Still, there is so much to love here – to the moonbeams and charging horse dreams...in short, details...

 

UK released Friday, 13 October 2023 - "Paladin/Charge!" by PALADIN on Beat Goes On Records BGOCD1501 (Barcode 5017261215017) offers their two studio albums from 1971 and 1972 Remastered onto Two CDs with One Non-LP 45-Single Bonus Track on CD2. They plays out as follows:

 

CD1 "Paladin" (37:34 minutes):

1. Bad Times [Side 1 UK – see Notes]

2. Carry Me Home

3. Dance Of The Cobra

4. Third World [Side 2 – see Notes]

5. Fill Up Your Heart

6. Flying High

7. The Fakir

Tracks 1 to 7 are the British LP Version of their debut album "Paladin" – released May 1971 in the UK on Bronze Records ILPS 9150 and Epic E 31137 in the USA.

NOTES: The US LP had eight tracks and not seven – two of which were not on the UK debut. "Giving All My Love" at 2:29 minutes began Side 1 whilst the song "Anyway" at 4:18 minutes replaced "Third World" (3:51 minutes) as the opener on Side 2. The US Epic Records single sleeve LP also had photo artwork on both back and front (the five snaps used on the inner gatefold of the British LP) unlike the plain black sleeve gatefold of the UK version. The song "Giving All My Love" was also the B-side of "Anyway" - their first UK 45-single issued July 1971 on Bronze Records WIP 6108. While "Anyway" is on the "Charge!" album (CD2), unfortunately "Giving All My Love" has not been included on this reissue so you cannot sequence the American LP from this release.

 

CD2 "Charge!" (44:15 minutes):

1. Give Me Your Hand (7:49 minutes) [Side 1]

2. Well We Might (6:02 minutes)

3. Get One Together (2:36 minutes)

4. Anyway (4:17 minutes)

5. Good Lord (6:45 minutes) [Side 2]

6, Mix Your Mind With The Moonbeams (6:00 minutes)

7. Watching The World Pass By (9:33 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 7 are their second and final album "Charge!" – released April 1972 in the UK on Bronze Records ILPS 9190 (no US issue). Some early copies of the British LP had a sticker advising that the song "Anyway" (which had been on the US debut) is an addition to the second British LP at the end of Side 1. For instance even though the German LP on Island Records 86 097 IT has gatefold Roger Dean artwork like the British issue - the song "Anyway" is on the vinyl and Side 1 label as Track 4, but it is not mentioned on the track list of the inner gatefold – so a late addition it was.

 

BONUS TRACK:

8. Sweet Sweet Music

Tracks 8 was the Non-LP stand-alone A-side of a September 1972 UK 45-Single on Bronze Records BRO 3 with "Get One Together" from the "Charge!" LP as its B-side. "Sweet Sweet Music" was also issued in Germany, Spain and France as 45s in picture sleeves - all of which are repro’d on Page 10 of the booklet.

 

PALADIN was (for both albums):

LOU STONEBRIDGE – Lead Vocalist and Electric Piano

PETER SOLLEY – Second Vocalist, Hammond Organ, Piano and Violin

DEREK FOLEY – Lead Guitar and Vocals

PETE BECKETT – Bass and Vocals

KEITH WEBB – Drums and Percussion

 

The card slipcase and 20-page booklet are up to the usual classy Beat Goes On standards – artwork reproduced – new liner notes by MICHAEL HEATLEY that includes interviews with Lou Stonebridge and even Tom McGuinness – McGuinness Flint being the band that Stonebridge migrated too after Paladin imploded. Stonebridge for instance went on to session with many Rock luminaries like the David Byron of Uriah Heep solo LP "Take No Prisoners". Bassist Pete Beckett became a songwriter - went to the States and formed Player who had a huge Yacht Rock No.1 hit with "Baby Come Back" on RSO Records in 1977/1978. Peter Solley made his way into Procol Harum for a while via Blues rockers Snafu and so on. All of these details and more are explored in the booklet. The five photos of the boys that adorned the inner-gatefold of the UK debut and were used as the front cover artwork for the American LP is on Page 2 – pictures of Euro 45s etc.

 

The Audio is from ANDREW THOMPSON – new 2023 Remasters done at Sound Performance and these CDs rock! There is fantastic clarity and power on these albums especially when your speakers are rattling with Osibisa rhythm sections being topped off by impressive keyboard soloing via fusion flourishes close to say Colosseum. To the tunes...

 

From the opening Bass and Cowbell rhythm followed by very Graham Bon Organization organ – the Audio feels great – nice separation of instruments. The first of four Peter Solley compositions on the "Paladin" debut - "Bad Times" warns how easily the good life slips into something less free and far darker. Dig that great guitar break and the speeding up of the keyboards and rhythm section – so "Singing Winds, Crying Beasts" by Santana – the "Abraxsas" album by them from September 1970 having taken the world by storm. From this great Funky-Rock opening, you can only imagine what a fabulous live act Paladin must have been. Lou Stonebridge and Pete Beckett provide "Carry Me Home" – a boozy piano-driven Blues shuffle where the boys beg someone (anyone) to take them away from the sorrow of today. Side 1 ends with a beast of varying colours – cool rhythms, warbling electric piano notes and Funky Osibisa guitar flicks introducing the very War-vibe of "Dance Of The Cobra" by drummer Keith Webb. Soon the chugging Funk is joined by treated Sly Stone guitar where Derek Foley is determined to show everyone he knows a thing or two about the dots on his fretboard. But being the Drummers song – come four minutes in comes the big kit solo by way of "Moby Dick".

 

Side 2 of the "Paladin" debut comes on like Gil Scott Heron with a Funky rhythm behind him as year dates are talked about and predicted – a rant called "Third World". There is even Punk daring and attitude in the highly politicized Pete Solley lyrics and talk of dodgy religious indoctrination being overthrown. By the time the singer gets to 1979 and his boys go "Whoa!" (as they did after year is mentioned) – a Funky Piano solo sexy-shimmies the song to its end lifting "Third World" up into genius Soul-Rock territory. Solley provides tune Number Four with the deeply Funky Rhythms of "Fill Up Your Heart" – a so-Santana groove that it hurts (great guitar work too as they let rip). Solley offers his fourth and final with "Flying High" – a mellow keyboard shimmering love song where some lady is weaving her magical spell around our hapless hero. The only cover on the album ends the LP – a take on a Lalo Schifrin instrumental called "The Fakir" where an Eastern Bizarre complete with baskets of snakes meets with London Prog Rock and Osibisa rhythms. And again, another seriously impressive performance that only grows and grows after repeated listens – much like the whole album. It's such a damn shame BGO didn't include both "Giving All My Love" and "Anyway" as Bonus Tracks so that fans could sequence the 8-track US version of the debut from CD1 (docked a star for that oversight).

 

Although their second album "Charge!" never received a release on Epic in the States – in Blighty and beyond – the second Paladin album holds a High Table placing. Some have called it a masterpiece of Prog Rock meets Fusion meets War meets Osibisa and so on. It was even given the accolade of a gatefold Roger Dean cover (actually one of my favourite futuristic paintings outside Yes and Badger and Budgie). So I might just agree with such lofty aspirations. The Bass line throughout the Peter Solley opener "Give Me Your Hand" anchors another groovy guitar/keyboard funky workout. Slide guitar via Snafu and some kind of Fumble Rock and Roll fills the rollicking "Well We Might" with a simple boogie-joy. It's a smart mood change that makes the music feel more multi-faceted (must have torn up the aisles in a live setting).

 

Drummer Keith Webb brings it back to Funky Prog with the Wah-Wah vs. Hammond "Get One Together" – and again one thinks of Santana having a yeah-yeah lets boogie on the rugs moment as the band cooks. Audio-wise "Get One Together" rocks, those keyboard solos tearing out of your speakers. Many copies of UK and German LPs did not have the Solley-penned "Anyway" listed on the sleeve (but it was on the LP and label) so some copies came with a sticker explaining that it was a late addition. You can hear when it comes to its melodious chorus why someone thought it might stand a chance as a single. Side 2 continues the Funk-a-thon with "Good Lord" written by Foley, Stonebridge and Beckett. A very cool guitar and rhythm-intro builds and builds until it just lets-rip into a full on race. Engines cool down again when the singing starts – but it remains a Funk-Rock-meets-Soul nugget on an LP that shows how the band had progressed so much between records (dig that subtle vibe-sounding keyboard solo - brilliant).

 

Peter Solley throws the wonderfully titled "Mix Your Mind With The Moonbeams" into the stew – a contemplative trippy keyboard soundscape that quickly goes Yes as fast as it can – the kind of 1972 tune that would make Rick Wakeman smile. Stonebridge brings the album to a close with "Watching The World Pass By" – its mellow sixties Harmonica opening sounding like Midnight Cowboy has snook in via the back door. But soon (at 1:25 minutes) it's Family Stone Funking and Uriah Heep Rocking and Greenslade Church-Organ Progging like a goodun and pleasing us aging hippies come. CD2 is tail-ended by their second and last stand-alone 45 - "Sweet Sweet Music" - an obvious Funk-Rock groover akin to say Blackfoot Sue or Jo Jo Gunne or even Grand Funk Railroad. "Sweet Sweet Music" is a damn good groove and surprising its radio-friendly commercialism didn't see it chart big for them.

 

A superb Beat Goes On reissue then for me with great 2023 audio, curvaceous presentation and the feeling of a genuine blast from the past come a knock-knock-knocking on your stereo door (shame about that missing song though). 

 

The two Paladin albums go for money and on the evidence presented here – it's easy to hear why. Invest in this cracking 2CD Remaster from BGO and lose pounds as you dance the cobra, charge the Zimmer-frame and give it some moonbeams en route...(where's my Afro-wig when I need it)...

"Mae McKenna/Everything That Touches Me/Walk On Water plus Bonus Tracks" by MAE McKENNNA [ex Contraband] – August 1975 Debut, June 1976 Second Album and May 1977 Third Studio Albums on Transatlantic Records UK (November 2023 UK Beat Goes On Compilation – 3 Solo LPs Plus 2 'Contraband' Single Sides onto 2CDs – Andrew Thompson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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"...Thinking Of You..."

 

MUSIC RATING: *** AUDIO: ***** PRESENTATION: *****

 

Along with George Jackson, Billy Jackson, John Martin, Pete Cairney and Alex Baird – Scottish lass MAE McKENNA had formed CONTRABAND who signed to Transatlantic Records in 1973. As their lead singer, they put out one self-titled album of Irish and Scottish music called "Contraband" on Transatlantic TRA 278 in May 1974. McKenna then went Poptastic solo with her 1975 self-titled debut while Billy and George Jackson along with John Martin formed a full-on Traditional Folk outfit called OSSIAN and they put out their debut in 1977 on a tiny label - Springthyme Records SPR 1004.

 

Back to the case in hand - these Mae McKenna solo LPs are 'not' Folk Records. They were issued August 1975 (TRA 297), June 1976 (TRA 321) and May 1977 (TRA 345) on Transatlantic Records in the UK - but despite its famous-for-it All Things Folk label identity, these albums are far removed from that genre on all three counts. The listen is more mid Seventies Lady Pop and Rock by way of Linda Ronstadt or Helen Reddy or the syrupy acrobatics of Barbra Streisand.

 

Most of the songs across these two crammed CDs are cover versions - pianos mingling with strings and professionally played drums with good session-players putting in quality playing – but not a lot else. It's about as un-Folk as you can get and unfortunately very mid-Seventies nondescript. I recall we could never sell copies of Mae McKenna albums in Reckless because it was not Folk or Folk Rock. However, fans will love the first time availability on CD, the classy presentation and the super clear audio. There is a lot to get through – to the details...

 

UK released Friday, 10 November 2023 - "Mae McKenna/Everything That Touches Me/Walk On Water plus Bonus Tracks" by MAE McKENNA on Beat Goes On BGOCD1499 (Barcode 5017261214997) offers 3LPs and Two 45-Single Sides (by Contraband featuring Mae McKenna) onto 2CDs. It plays out as follows:

 

CD1 (43:56 minutes):

1. Dying To Live [Side 1]

2. Once In The Morning

3. All In Love Is Fair

4. The Other Side Of Me

5. Song For Simon

6. Together We Get By

7. Elderberry Wine [Side 2]

8. How Could We Dare To Be Wrong

9. Imagine

10. Black-Eyed Susan

11. Said The Major

12. Old Man

Tracks 1 to 12 are her debut album "Mae McKenna" – released August 1975 in the UK on Transatlantic Records TRA 297. Produced by PETE SAMES – it featured Martin Briley and Paul Keogh on Guitars, BJ Cole on Pedal Steel Guitar and Graham Prescott on Bass.

 

CD2 (78:44 minutes):

1. For Shame Of Doing Wrong [Side 1]

2. My Town

3. Thinking Of You

4. Crying In The Rain

5. Late For The Sky

6. Love Hurts [Side 2]

7. I Have Waited 

8. (I Ended Up) Losing You 

9. Everything That Touches Me

10. Lady For Today

11. Sixty Seconds Got Together

Tracks 1 to 11 are her second solo album "Everything That Touches Me" - released June 1976 in the UK on Transatlantic Records TRA 321. Produced by RITCHIE GOLD - musicians included Elliott Randall and Isaac Guillory on Guitars with Pat Donaldson of Fotheringay on Bass and Timi Donald of Blue on Drums (String Arrangements by Pete Wingfield). 

12. Driven Away [Side 1]

13. Love Me Tomorrow

14. There's Been A Mistake

15. What Becomes Of The Broken Heart

16. Sailin'

17. Love Struck [Side 2]

18. He's A Man After My Own Heart

19. Love Hangover

20. For You My Love

21. I Want To Believe In You

Tracks 12 to 21 are her third solo album "Walk On Water" - released May 1977 in the UK on Transatlantic TRA 345. Produced by RITCHIE GOLD - featuring Elliott Randall, Iassac Guillory Ronnie Leahy, Alan James, Gerry Conway and Pete Willsher.

BONUS TRACKS:

22. Lady For Today

23. On The Road

Tracks 22 and 23 are the A&B-sides of a 1974 UK 45-single by CONTRABAND featuring the voice of Mae McKenna on Transatlantic Records BIG 518

The card slipcase is lovely to look at (they are standard now with all Beat Goes on CD Reissues) - as is the 20-pages of the chock-a-block booklet with new liner notes by one of BGO's longstanding scribes JOHN O'REGAN. The album credits for all three are reproduced and the history is his usual plethora of details and interview segments. ANDREW THOMPSON has done the Remasters and as professionally produced albums from 1975, 1976 and 1977 - the CD Audio is top notch. You just wish the material warranted it. To the songs...

 

The debut has covers of Stevie Wonder's "All In Love Is Fair", Elton John's "Elderberry Wine", Randy Newman's "Old Man", Edgar Winter's "Dying To Live" and John Lennon's "Imagine" but few of them really click. A rare moment of beauty comes in her cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Song For Simon" that first appeared on the Humblebum's third album "Open Up The Door".

 

After the overly reaching-for-commercialism saccharine nature of the debut – solo album number two tries to Rock it up a bit with only marginally better results. It opens with a good rendition of Richard Thompson's "For Shame Of Doing Wrong". Elliott Randall of Steely Dan "Reeling In The Years" guitar-solo fame plays all the lead guitars aided and abetted by string arrangements from Pete Wingfield of Jellybread and "Eighteen With A Bullet" fame (Ronnie Leahy plays Keyboards). Channeling her inner Emmylou Harris/Country Rock sound, McKenna tackles Kate and Anna McGarrigle's "My Town" – it feels nice but not a whole lot more. Next up is a lovely Wendy Waldman song called "Thinking Of You" – Waldman had contributed "Vaudeville Man" and "Mad Mad Me" to the self-titled "Maria Muldaur" LP in 1973 on Reprise Records (the "Midnight At The Oasis" LP). Unfortunately McKenna ruins the Jackson Browne masterpiece "Late For The Sky" with crappy synth passages and one of the singularly most inappropriate psyched-up guitar solos I've ever heard. Side 2 goes for the love songs big time but only ends up sounding cloying like a bad Neil Diamond album on CBS Records in the late Seventies.

 

Being embedded in the psyche of 1977 dancefloor Soul-Funk – album number three goes full-on Yacht Rock right from the openers "Driven Away" and "Love Me Tomorrow" but the material is weak and her voice not particularly memorable. Barely anyone cares about Pousette-Dart songs and "There's Been A Mistake" sounds as uninspired as its title. And on it goes to hammy Pedal Steel cack like "Love Struck". CD2 ends with a Contraband UK 45-single (Transatlantic BIG 518 featuring the voice of Mae McKenna) from 1974 - "Lady For Today" written by Rosemary Hardman with a Billy Jackson original on the flipside "On The Road". The A is more poppy and less memorable than the lovely Mandolin filled B-side. It ends a hard-work CD2 on a high note.

 

Workmanlike albums like these are forgotten and cluttering up auction sites with 40-copies for two and three quid for a reason – they were never worthy of our affection in the first place. But if you have any love for these Seventies records – this Beat Goes On gorgeous sounding and tastefully presented twofer is the jobby for you. All others should grab a listen first...

CANDI STATON - "Stand By Your Man" - December 1970 US Second Studio Album on Fame Records (Stereo) featuring Southern Soul songs by Clarence Carter, George Jackson, Raymond Moore, Marcus Daniels and Candi Staton with The Fame Gang Musicians and Production by Rick Hall (October 2023 UK Ace/Kent Soul 'Mini LP' Repro Artwork CD Reissue with New Inner Sleeve Artwork, 12-Page Liner Notes Booklet and Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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RATING: 

Audio: ***** Content **** Presentation *****

 

"...How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)..."

 

On page 4 of 12 in the booklet of this lovely October 2023 British CD reissue and remaster, a 29 year-old female singer steeped in Alabama Gospel, Soul and R&B has signed her 1970 Fame Records black and white publicity shot over 'To Rick Hall – Love Candi Staton'. Not really surprising CS acknowledged her Mentor, Label Owner and Producer (Rick Hall) when you hear the quality leaping off this – her second studio album for Fame Records – and a huge Southern Soul Music draw for fans of that genre.

 

Some history first - Candi Staton's acknowledged-as-superlative debut album "I'm Just A Prisoner" had been preceded by three singles in 1969 and early 1970 before its April 1970 US release on Fame ST-4201. Those 45-sides and other quality song inclusions by the likes of Clarence Carter, George Jackson, Raymond Moore and other legends guaranteed its entry on the May 1970 Billboard R&B LP charts and a ten-week stay with a peak of No. 37. Time for round two..

 

Reaching around for material for his ex Jewell Gospel Trio singer (her 50s stint as a young woman) – Producer and Fan Rick Hall went back to the September 1968 US 45 of "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette. It was arranged and recorded quick, released August 1970 and promptly got huge airplay - spending 14 weeks on the Billboard R&B Singles Top 100 with a peak of No.24. Gigs followed in Vegas with Ray Charles (who rated her as a female version of him) and a marriage to Clarence Carter (baby number four cooking too). Other Country influences on the album are in the Harlan Howard cover of "She Called Me Baby" where she made it He instead of She. To the details of this new CD Reissue...

 

UK released Friday, 27 October 2023 (November 2023 in the USA) - "Stand By Your Man" by CANDI STATON on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKENM 517 (Barcode 029667108928) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of her second studio album on Fame Records in 1970 (now in Mini LP Repro Rigid Artwork front and rear) that plays out as follows (30:54 minutes): 

 

1. Stand By Your Man [Side 1]

2. How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)

3. I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')

4. Mr. And Mrs. Untrue

5. Too Hurt To Cry

6. He Called Me Baby [Side 2]

7. Sweet Feeling

8. To Hear You Say You're Mind

9. What Would Become Of Me

10. Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door

Tracks 1 to 10 are her second studio album "Stand By Your Man" - released December 1970 on Fame Records ST-4202 in STEREO (no UK issue) and January 1971 German Issue on Capitol Records 1C 062-80 753 in STEREO. Produced by RICK HALL at Fame Studios in Alabama - it peaked at No. 12 on the US R&B Billboard charts (12 weeks on chart).

 

Candi Staton and Ace Records fans have been before - June 2011 saw the fabulous 2CD compilation "Evidence: The Complete Fame Records Masters" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN2 353 (Barcode 029667235327) give them all three of her superb Southern Soul American LPs on Rick Hall's Fame Records plus non-LP single-sides and even threw in unreleased - all from her stay there 1969-1972. So those owning that will probably not need this reissue no matter how pretty or natty it looks and sounds.

 

First up - two of the songs on the Fame Records debut album "I'm Just A Prisoner" from April 1970 that preceded "Stand By Your Man" in December 1970 are unfortunately repeated here – they are "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" and "Sweet Feeling". So there is only eight new songs. Presentation-wise, you get a Rigid Oversized Mini LP Card Sleeve CD Reissue and Remaster like those Japanese paper reissues collectors so love. Remastered from original STEREO tapes, each release comes with a new Colour Inner Sleeve (a photo on both sides), a 12-page liner-notes booklet complete with photos, memorabilia and new interviews with Candi by Soul aficionado IAN SHIRLEY (see photos above). "I'm Just A Prisoner" (the debut) is in the series too - but the third Fame LP "Candi Staton" from 1972 is not. 

 

Audio-wise, I can't stress enough how good this CD reissue sounds - remastered from original tapes with great sympathy. In fact Ace Records have put it out on VINYL too – 27 October 2023 on Ace Records/Kent Soul HIQLP 127 (Barcode 029667019811) with the Inner Sleeve and Notes. All very tasty...

 

The original American album artwork is faithfully reproduced on front and rear – an afro hairstyle Candi smiling from the back sleeve in her flowery dress amidst super-hyped liner notes about how she’s a girl and a woman and a beautiful singer and not even women’s lib (the kind of nonsense that tells you nothing). As you undo the shrinkwrap, there is a new colour inner sleeve (the original LP didn't have one) with a period photo of our hero on front and rear wearing the same clobber as the cover photo. The studio for FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) is pictured along with Producer and mentor Rick Hal and his trusted Fame Gang on in-house musicians on the inner booklet page. And in-between the track list info/writing credits and the new CS interviews by Shirley are publicity photos, a trade review of the LP, a foreign picture sleeve for "Sweet Feeling" b/w "Evidence" and US 45s as well as a wedding photo to Clarence Carter. They even have sheet music for "He Called Me Baby". It's all very tasteful and revealing. And the audio is glorious - STEREO and kicking.

 

I will admit that I don't particularly love "Stand By Your Man" by 'anyone' even if it is a Grammy nominated performance by Candi Staton. Far better is the George Jackson and Raymond Moore torch ballad "How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)" where Candi sings it like she really means it - her love tortured by the mere presence of the man she's trying to forget (stunning Brass and Piano arrangements). It first turned up as a US 45 single on Fame and was on the debut album too - but frankly even if it is a repeat song here - I'll take the fantastic Funk-Chug of "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" any day of the week (dig that shimmering guitar and those ladies testifyin' in the background). Irwin Levine and Toni Wine provided the dangerously truthful "Mr. And Mrs. Untrue" where Candi goes slow Soulful - her shades on as she shuffles through the hotel lobby hoping not to be spotted as she waits for the elevator up (gorgeous audio on this too). "Too Hurt To Cry" lifts the spirit up with its cheery piano-led Motown coquettish feel - drum whacks hitting your speakers along with guitar flicks and brass fills - the George Jackson and Raymond Moore composition ending Side 1 on a beautifully arranged high - Candi nailing it with that husky hurt in her voice.  

 

Changing the lyrics in the Howard Harlan song from 'She' to 'He' - Candi gives a Soul jaunt to the Side 2 opener "He Called Me Baby" - a clever re-working of another Country Classic into a sexy Brass chugger. But that's kicked into touch rapido by the fabulous "Sweet Feeling". In fact, in the UK, Capitol Records clearly felt the slinkier "Sweet Feeling" stood a better chance than "Evidence" as the A-side in Blighty (it was the reverse in the USA). Shame they weren't right. The song is familiar to 60ts Soul lovers because it was a Clarence Carter gem on Atlantic Records in 1968 - the flipside of the Ho Ho Ho "Back Door Santa" where CC had called it "That Same Old Feeling". We then get church-organ pleader with "To Hear You Say You're Man" - a superb Candi Staton original where she just-gotta testifies like Aretha - complete with spoken lines as it hits the two-minute mark. Barbara Wyrick provided the equally slow and soulful "What Would Become Of Me" - a could-I-live from day-to-day without you question song where Candi sings it like she means it - again. The album ends on some geetar Soul-Funk - "Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door" - a leaving-you-for-good statement song - if only Candi can get past the finality of that last handle turn. 

 

"Stand By Your Man" wasn't issued on Capitol UK as an LP but Capitol in Germany did issue a copy in January 1971, although I can't say I've ever seen one. It may only have ten songs on it - but like its predecessor - it's another Southern Soul winner and you can so hear why copies part for money on popular sites. I liked this reissue so much, I nabbed the debut "I'm Just A Prisoner" CD reissue too.

 

A cook Kent Soul re-release then (those HIQLPs are gorgeous too) and timely reminders in both cases as to why we love Soul Music from these halcyon decades so much. Candi Staton would leave Fame Soul behind when she demands that "Young Hearts..." should run free in her mid Seventies Warner Brothers Disco years - thereafter becoming a household name.

 

But "I'm Just A Prisoner" and "Stand By Your Man" from 1970 is where the Southern Soul smarts started. Buy them both and enjoy these criminally forgotten peaches...

 

See also my review for her debut "I'm Just A Prisoner"