More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: Joe Brown Enlists In Sgt. Pepper's Army

 

JOE BROWN-With A Little Help From My Friends/Wontcha Show Me Around US Warner Brothers 7055 1967

Joe Brown is a name most Americans won't be familiar with. He started recording back in the U.K. way back in 1959 and became known for his Cockney charm and spikey blonde hair. He had several records released here (nine prior to this release to be exact) and suffered the indignity of having Herman's Hermits note for note cover of his 1961 B-side "I'm Henery The Eighth I Am" shoot to #1 in June of 1965. Also famous for his celebrity pals (Steve Marriott and George Harrison among them, playing on several of George's solo albums as well as George being his best man in 2000) it still came as a shock to hear him record "With A Little Help From My Friends" (issued in the U.K. the day after "Sgt Pepper" was released, June 2, 1967 as Pye 7N 17339 and issued simultaneously here).

Regardless of it's impact his reading of "With A Little Help From My Friends" is utterly charming. It pretty much sticks to the Beatles arrangement though it has more emphasis on a string section which makes it all the more interesting and I may incur the wrath of some of you but I will have to say his voice is far better than Ringo's. 

Dutch 45 c/o 45cat.com

The flip, "Wont'cha Show Me Around" (titled "Show Me Around" on all the other releases around the world) is an uptempo track that would not sound at all out of place on a mid 60's Charlie Rich album when he was making poppy yet soulful records or an upbeat '65 single by Ian and the Zodiacs. It's catchy and bears repeated plays!

Hear "With A Little Help From My Friends":

https://youtu.be/QewNDDxJqyI

Hear "Show Me Around":

https://youtu.be/gcWYRgGbr_Y