More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels On U.S. Labels: The Truth "Sueno"

 

(THE) TRUTH-Sueno/Old Ma Brown U.S. London 45-LON-1017 1968

U.K. 60's duo The Truth (Frank Aiello and Steve Jameson) had just three of their eight British singles released in America. Today's subject was the final single on both sides of the Atlantic. "Sueno" was my first introduction to these chaps when I first heard it on a "Rubble" compilation where one of the compilers referred to them as "not the dodgy 80's mod combo". I will admit that I barely paid them or the track any attention and it honestly wasn't until I found this single in my local record shop that I paid it any mind (having long ago been converted to the band via their incredible previous singles (which we have discussed here, here AND here). 

"Sueno" (Spanish for "dream") is of course a cover of a track originally done by The Rascals as the flip of their smash "Groovin". Starting off with some very funky 70's sounding keyboards this cover is fairly decent. Aiello and Jameson were incredibly matched vocally and they carry the tune with ease adding a certain soulfulness to it not found in the original. The musical backing is fairly sparse: with hand claps, acoustic guitar, bass, drums and ivory tinkling. There's occasional bouts of weirdness (which I love) especially at the end where this over the top Mick Ronson 1970 style guitar solo arrives out of nowhere to accompany the Nicky Hopkins style piano trills to play the number out.

The flip, "Old Ma Brown" is an acoustic country music styled ditty complete with some very American Nashville session guitar style licks that accompany each verse, the number surprisingly works for me because of the vocal strength of these two cats!

Both sides are available on the Truth CD collection/compilation "Who's Wrong: Mod Bedlam 1965-1969" and for the moment are available on streaming as well. 

Hear "Sueno":

https://youtu.be/rOduKkv4bp0?si=uac9aUJNTH7g2Yzf

Hear "Old Ma Brown":

https://youtu.be/zwNGlx87uoQ?si=Xvtkksw89qcG4A9p

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: Episode Six-"Morning Dew"

 

EPISODE SIX-Morning Dew U.S. Compass CO-7007 1967

The Episode Six had a confusing U.S. singles release career. They had just four U.S. releases on four different labels. Today's specimen was their second U.S. single, albeit a single sided promo release (we discussed their first American single here).

The Episode Six are of course best for the fact that their lead singer Ian Gillian and bassist Roger Glover later moved on to Deep Purple. Their second American 45 was a cover of Tim Rose's "Morning Dew" (though it was originally written by Canadian folk singer Bonnie Dobson, hence the shared writing credits on this single). The number was also being done by The Move in their live set's and on the BBC at the time, but they never recorded it for a record release. The Episode Six were a well honed harmony vocal band with all members being powerful enough to front the group. On this track drummer Mick Underwood takes the lead on this with keyboard player Shelia Carter and Ian Gillian (audible on the chorus) each getting their own "solo" vocal parts. The musical backing is tight as expected.

There's an incredible clip of the band performing "Morning Dew" live on the fantastic German TV show "Beat Beat Beat" (now part of the "Beat Club" archives) here with Ian wearing part of an Arab headdress (no doubt acquired during a residency in Beirut in 1966) . AND a cool interview about "flower power" from the same show with the band here. 

"Morning Dew" is available on a host of Episode Six collections and on all streaming services.

Hear "Morning Dew":

https://youtu.be/mD4TA1hfpok?si=2mkchvJYKj7Qqx_C

10 Cool Pink Pye 60's British Singles

 

1. DAVID BOWIE AND THE LOWER THIRD-"Can't Help Thinking About Me" Pye 7N.17020 1966

This January 1966 single was the first to reflect the former David Jone's new moniker. It starts out with some cool acoustic guitar and one of Bowie's best vocal performances where he croons confidently. It's probably also the only pop song to utilize the phrase "recreation ground". Lyrically it's also one of his finest, perfectly encapsulating teenage anxiety:  "remember when we used to go to church on Sundays, I lay awake at night terrified of school on Mondays...". Powerful stuff with the Lower Third (Denis "Tea Cup" Talyor-lead guitar, Graham Rivens-bass and Phil Lancaster-drums) giving it some solid backing. Sadly, tired of being ripped off by management by the time it came out The Lower Third were no more and Bowie promoted it on "Ready Steady Go" with his brand new backing group, The Buzz. 

https://youtu.be/m9upuHPKKJI?si=3Nr0-mQPFHj-KArO

2. THE BOYS-"It Ain't Fair" Pye 7N.15726 1964
Before they became mod heroes The Action this quintet cut this solitary single as the Boys. Produced by singer Kenny Lynch (see also #7 below) and penned by lead singer Reggie King, one of the most soulful voices the United Kingdom, "It Ain't Fair" bridges the tail end of the band's beat group phase and the blossoming into full on blue eye soul connoisseurs. Check out Reg's rapid fire vocal delivery on the bridge and the band's soulful backing vocals, two trademarks that would be key selling points in their incarnation as The Action. 

  https://youtu.be/GL_S917tQEA?si=Pb7IINAWUTcUgYZ3

3. CHRIS CURTIS-"Aggravation" Pye 7N.17132 1966

Ex-Searcher's drummer and musical tastemaker Chris Curtis made his sole solo single shortly after leaving the band in June of '66. Chris was long known for his ability to choose a hit for his former band and had over the previous year got onto the other side of the glass in the  recording studio and began producing records. On "Aggravation" Curtis had the assistance of Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and no doubt female vocal group The Breakaways.  It's a rather swinging number in sort of a Tom Jone's "discotheque" way with it's horns, female backing vocals and driving beat and is carried quite well by Curtis' strong voice.  It blew me away the first time I heard it on a PRT records 10" E.P. called "It Happened Then" in the mid 80's. Sadly it was his last release as a performer. 

https://youtu.be/68UmUzk11EA?si=H-pxT8Xj-By2O3jK

4. WEST COAST CONSORTIUM-"Some Other Sunday" Pye 7N.17352 1967

Before releasing the cringe worthy "All The Love In The World" as the shortened Consortium the band launched their debut as the West Coast Consortium with this intricate harmony pop number drenched in Mellotron/chimes/xylophone etc and incredible layers of airy vocals. "Some Other Sunday" carries on the British vocal tradition of the likes of the Ivy League but with updated musical trappings. 

https://youtu.be/1dHPoc2qTT0?si=XZR3VTdgBPUzjhpK

5. ROY BUDD-"Birth Of Budd" Pye 7N.15807 1965

Best known for being the man behind the "Get Carter" soundtrack Roy's debut came in March 1965 with a jazzy little instrumental piece written by Budd and famous U.K. jazz bandleader Harry South titled "The Birth Of Budd".  Lead by Budd's boozy bar room piano it builds adding guitar, subtle organ, horns and is jazzy yet has a distinct poppy swing to it that reminds me of The Zombies "Conversation Off Floral Street" from many years later.  There's a nifty little bluesy guitar towards the end as it all slowly fades away that makes it easily mistaken as a mid 60's U.K. r&b 45.

https://youtu.be/LIYw1zdpxZk?si=K48we0zlygeENovI

6. PADDY, KLAUS & GIBSON-"Rejected" Pye 7N.17060 1966

Before Cream, there was the power trio that was Paddy (Chambers), Klaus (Voorman) and Gibson (Kemp).  Paddy was an old Merseybeat hand from a variety of Liverpool group's (Faron's Flamingo's and later The Escorts) as was Gibson (Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, King Size Taylor and The Dominos) while Klaus of course was a Hamburg lad brought into rock n' roll thanks to the Liverpool boys. "Rejected" (not to be confused with the amazing single by The Fenmen of the same name) is a catchy, rhythmic little number with some laid back Georgie Fame-ish style vocals, stride piano, a jazzy beat and is imminently danceable.  The lyrics are pretty amusing, concerning a guy who takes two jobs to please a materialistic woman who leaves him for another man because he's never home. Sadly it was their last single with Klaus heading to a lucrative career with Manfred Mann and Paddy stepping into The Escorts to replace Terry Sylvester. 

https://youtu.be/e9_5dKWbQyE?si=z3vJAm_G7YrDMtAY

7. THE GAME-"Gotta Keep On Moving Baby" Pye 7N.15889 1965

This was the debut single by the Game, a legendary teenage mod quintet produced by Kenny Lynch shortly before his involvement with another young mod band called the Small Faces. "I Gotta Keep On Moving Baby" is more snotty nosed r&b and "hard" beat than the "freakbeat" stuff these teens would be more famed for.  To my ears it's akin to early Wimple Winch or maybe The Primitives with it's Bo Diddley-esque beat/percussion.  It's best bit is the gritty guitar solo worthy of any 1965 Pretty things record with it's bluesy tone and maracas shaking in the background.

https://youtu.be/rt7q_ikRGA4?si=7agEhNPpG-l_nJUm

8. THE TRUTH-"Baby You've Got It" Pye 7N.17095 1966

 

Mod duo The Truth (Frank Aiello and Steve Jameson) released this mod killer as the flip of their fourth single (a reading of Ray Davie's "I Go To Sleep").  "Baby You've Got It" (not to be confused by the Maurice & The Radiants/Action number of the same name) is by far one of the band's strongest numbers.  From its repetitive gritty main riff and total mod/discotheque '66 feel of danceability it doesn't let up and the raw vocals by the lads are quite soulful.

https://youtu.be/Qk1SQqQ_9gQ?si=xVRlXFWlBi_WERoT

9. TAMMY ST. JOHN-"Dark Shadows And Empty Hallways" Pye 7N.15948 1965

F*ck this is the stuff!  Powerful.  Hands down the best "loss of love" tune EVER written. Tammy St. John's got pipes!  And the arrangement (by Johnny Harris) and lyrics will make the hairs on your neck stand on end, especially when it all slows down Spectoresque style with just bass drums and piano and she croons "and if you see my baby just tell him there ain't no rainbows for me, and if you talk to my baby just tell him I'm as blue as can I be. How can I make tomorrow when I can't bear to live through today....".  Woah, and dig this, she was only 14 when she cut this monster! 

https://youtu.be/7nCMfoefQBY?si=7K21Dnz6hF31JlV2

10. THE MONTANAS-"That's When Happiness Began" Pye 7N.17183 1966

The Montanas took this Addrisi Brothers (of "Cherish" fame) tune originally cut in the U.S. of A by the Grains Of Sand and kick the guts out of it doubling the pace, adding thumping drums and an absolutely over the top layer of fuzz (check out the wiggy guitar) with zooming bass runs. This was their second of a long slew of singles for the Pye label (from a total of nine). 

https://youtu.be/Bj62QCFAfJk?si=zfozXRX-tjMmOLMG

Whatcha Gonna Do About It

 In August of 1965 the Small Faces launched their debut single "Whatcha Gonna Do About It", penned by Ian Samwell (famous for writing Cliff Richard's hit "Move It") and Brian Potter. I thought it would be interesting to profile the various cover versions over the years. All versions are from 7" releases unless otherwise noted.

1. LARRY'S REBELS-New Zealand Impact IR-1015 1966

Tucked away on the flip of their reading of Benny Spellman's (Via The Artwoods) "I Feel Good", this version kicks off with a fake posh British accent intoning "Right-o Chappies" before exploding into an orgy of blistering fuzz guitar, combo organ and white boy call and response backing vocals that really makes this number their own.

https://youtu.be/2aMG4ci9MnA?si=hZqXDmS-WsVY594V

2. JOE E. CARTER's GROUP- Denmark Columbia DD 775 1965

This nondescript Danish version gets high marks for being quite possibly THE first cover of the track being released soon after the original. It's a fairly mundane run through that doesn't offer  much in either originality or punch but it's good enough to fill our list as a place holder!

https://youtu.be/T4YYUa-J890?si=nOSoLvtTm9vssaux

3. THE EVIL-U.S. Living Legend Records LL-198 1967

Dade County, Florida's Evil go down in the history books for this deep dig from April 1967. The Small Faces version was released in the States back in October 1965 (on the tiny Press label) and despite it's obscurity and it's lack of charity action it became VERY popular with the burgeoning U.S. Sixties garage scene. This was probably the first American Small Faces cover I ever heard and it's still my favorite, in all it's snotty/raw proto punk delivery. It was later reissued on Capitol in November and got a release in Germany AND Thailand!

https://youtu.be/l2nN2Ew7un4?si=bTX1dBJ7Yzaqfgm3

4. TAGES- Sweden Platina PA 109 1966

Sweden's Tages were well known Anglophiles doing lots of r&b covers via The Who and covering tunes by Johnny Kidd, The Swinging Blue Jeans etc. Tucked away on the flip of their version of "Bloodhound" (their fifth single) comes their first Small Faces cover (they would later include a version of "Understanding" on their third LP "Extra Extra). It's slow to the point of almost being lethargic, nothing un-listenable mind you, but pretty disposable nonetheless and certainly not one of their MANY strong sides.

https://readdork.com/music-videos/tages-whatcha-gonna-do-about-it-tages-platina-45-pa-109--w37i2suz

5. LES DINNS-France E.P. track Rivera 231163 1966

Female French quartet Les Dinns cut the number in French as "Ca Ne Tient Pas Debout" making it (possibly) the first foreign language version of the tune. The vocals of course are in French but hearing it in French AND delivered by a female vocal group make this one an incredible reading and as a result it is quite in demand among the Ye-Ye collectors. 

https://youtu.be/pS9UkY3A_xE?si=eZ9jUpBOYebq9UZ0

6. THE LA DE DA'S-New Zealand LP track Phillips PL 08791 1966

Another Kiwi cover was this version found on the untitled debut LP by the legendary quintet The La De Da's. It's probably my favorite of them all. There's something muddy and laid back about it and there's this totally "I don't give a f*ck" feel to it. The lead singer has fairly soulful tone about him and the cool organ and fuzz guitar solo are, as they say, "outtsite!". 

https://youtu.be/rSQHzIMEelM?si=JaCxRLh7CxMvs-3i

7. THE LITTER- U.S. Warick 9445-6712 1967

On the flip side of the legendary Twin Cities release of "Action Woman" comes another North American stab at "Whatcha..". Starting out with some thundering drums and a sped up fuzz lick the number is fairly clean cut despite the band's normally brash delivery on other stuff. The solo is absolutely blistering and therefore warrants investigation. 

https://youtu.be/jCbEjv8ojUE?si=6I8X-SDWHB2bA7KG

8. TOM THUMB- New Zealand Gloria GSPO85 1967

This is yet another New Zealand recording of the tune, I rather like this one because the musical backing sounds like they heard The La De Da's reading of John Mayall's "On Top Of The World" and just put the lyrics to "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" over the top! Excellent! with prerequisite fuzz guitar and combo organ, of course. 

https://youtu.be/KIroLwbXrk0?si=JS-mquImNbgGNfeD

9. THE BEST-Sweden Columbia DS 2292 1966

Sweden's Best took a swing at this with three times the speed, energy and gusto of fellow countrymen the Tages as discussed above. The manic pace sets this apart from ALL of the versions here and though not the best or strongest it deserves merits nonetheless for it's reworking (dig that "Train Kept A Roillin" lick towards the end). 

https://youtu.be/cNf2eACrKWA?si=DemaC_3RGELXnYMj

10. SMALL FACES-Unreleased version 1966

Despite the erroneous tale that originated back in the 90's when an unnamed journo in "Record Collector" stated that this rare and raw version was released on the band's first French E.P. the truth of the matter is that this is utter bunk. The E.P. contained the standard British 45 version. This version was first unleashed on the unsuspecting public in the mid 90's as a bonus track on the deluxe CD edition of their debut Decca LP which unfortunately made the same erroneous boast about it's origin in the liner notes. 

https://youtu.be/A1X1V8Av9fA?si=gXn9ON7T2n2JCs3T

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: Twice As Much

 

TWICE AS MUCH-Sittin' On A Fence/Baby I Want You U.S. MGM K-13530 1966

The U.K. duo Twice As Much (David Skinner and Andrew Rose) were one of many artists who encompassed Andrew Loog Oldham and Tony Calder's fledgling Immediate records imprint. The duo were responsible for four singles and two LP's back home but their American discography was quite slim, just two singles. Today's subject was their U.S. debut issued in June of 1966 during a brief period where Immediate recordings were being leased in the United States through MGM (the liaison was short-lived resulting in only two Twice As Much and one Chris Farlowe release before Immediate was launched in the U.S. in July 1967). 

"Sittin' On A Fence" was of course a Jagger/Richard composition that was unheard of at the time as The Stones version would not emerge until it's inclusion on the July 1967 American "collection" titled "Flowers". Twice As Much's version pretty much follows the tempo and execution of the Stone's, though benefiting from Skinner and Rose's harmonies with the baroque augmentation of woodwinds. It's not terrible but it's honestly a pointless exercise in mediocrity by recording what's essentially a mediocre song to begin with....luckily their career had more promising things ahead of them instead of following the Chris Farlowe Immediate routine of covering Stones tunes. 

Twice As Much photo by Gered Mankowitz

Filling in the B-side, the band original "Baby I Want You" comes off as a third rate Simon and Garfunkel imitation: lifeless and equally pointless, again they had better things ahead, from their own pen...

Both sides have been on a host of Immediate compilations put out by just about everyone and are available on streaming as well.

Hear "Sittin' On A Fence":

https://youtu.be/ElrHUR1kEi4?si=tREqla_J5MLXM5Gc

Hear "Baby I Want You":

https://youtu.be/SFnTDHY9Wek?si=TtQNRum2KYvsY8h3

ON VACATION!

 ANORAK THING IS ON VACATION! SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

Thunder Downunder: 10 Australian Covers Of British 60's Tracks

Of course there's no need to explain the cultural connection between the U.K. and Australia so it's quite understandable that the 60's Australian music scene would be steeped in British trends, styles and sounds. Quite a few bands chose to cover British tracks in the 60's so I thought it would be fun to pick a few, so read on....

 

1. RAY BROWN-"Ivor The Engine Driver" Festival FK-1880 1967

The Who were quite huge in Australia with lots of artists covering their tracks (there's at least three versions of "La La La Lies" that I am aware of). This was a unique choice in trimming down the "Ivor the engine driver" segment of "A Quick One (While He's Away)" from the 1966 "A Quick One" LP. It's raw and adds a certain edge (the drummer does his best to replicate Moon's kit trashing) and there's an interesting "New Vaudeville Band" style to the "response" backing vocals that sets it apart (there's also this ad lib bed news report of a train wreck delivered in vintage style radio broadcasting)! It's available on the compilation of 60's who covers "Who Sings Who By 60's Garage Bands" and streaming as well. 

https://youtu.be/v9V1DgSPVvY?si=Bmgg34O_fW27UXEC

2. TONY WORSLEY-"Ready Steady, Let's Go" E.P. track Sunshine QX-11,197 1966

Aussie artist Tony Worsley took this obscure number by The Craig and included it on his "Raining In My Heart" E.P. He actually manages to inject a bit more vigor than the original with some gritty guitar work, a pulsating mod /go-go '66 groove and catchy call and response vocals. It's available on the compilation "No More Now: Mods N' Sharpies On The Rampage Volume 3". 

3. THE WILD COLONIALS-"Get The Picture" His Master's Voice EA-4784 1966

Way back in the 80's this Pretty Things cover graced the first volume of the essential "Ugly Things" Australian 60's series. Funny enough I knew this version before I'd heard the original! It sticks fairly close to the original but it's juiced up by some nifty fuzz guitar (something Australian 60's records were full of) and sped up just slightly!  Primitive, man. Unfortunately it hasn't been comped since the "Ugly Things" LP. 

https://youtu.be/sx9VjzTlAoo?si=7QvyYlrKMCivGobS

4. ROBBIE PETERS-"She Does Everything For Me" Festival FK-2156 1968

This absolutely balls up frantic cover of The Zombies 1967 B-side stormer is the stuff of legend. Sped up to an almost amphetamine level of intensity it's a non stop blast that clocks in at just two minutes long (the original is 2:18). It's available on Volume Four of the "Diggin' For Gold" 60's series.

https://youtu.be/CjhsA3NMCvY?si=-ZBskyaMF9UDYCZ0

5. THE TWILIGHTS-"What's Wrong With The Way I Live" Columbia DO-4764 1967

Adelaide's Twilights benefited from having two lead singers, Glen Shorrock (who found fame in The Little River Band) and Terry Britten (who penned "What's Love Got To Do With It" and "We Don't Need Another Hero" for Tina Turner). They took this Hollie's LP track from their "For Certain Because" album and recorded it during a trip to the U.K. It's literally a note for note cover of the original right down to the harmonies and banjo but still worth a listen.  It's available on the "Twilight's Time! The Complete 60's recordings" box set and streaming as well.

https://youtu.be/YmSgMbLMqis?si=gmfpxNbp9InT45fx

6. THE D-COYS-"Bad Times" Columbia DO-4712 1966

Duo The D-Coys took this 1964 Roulettes beat track "Bad Time" and turned it on it's head (it's re-titled it "Bad Times") with a serious dose of "ooomph!" : blistering guitars, cow bell and double tracked tandem lead vocals. The guitar solo is pure freakbeat and best of all the original was not released in Australia so props to them for deep digging! It graced the first volume of "Ugly Things" but sadly is not available on streaming.

https://youtu.be/9RDaMBv7884?si=wfffMQhuf5p9Kmwt

7. JEFF ST. JOHN & THE ID-"Big Time Operator"  Spin EK-1606 1966

Blue eyed soul belter Jeff St. John was confined to a wheelchair due to spina bifida but that didn't stop him from being an active performer on the Australian 60's scene and making this Zoot Money his strongest selling release. Though it's pretty much a note for note cover of the original Jeff's vocals are a lot stronger than Zoot Money's (coming off like an Australian Mitch Ryder). It's available on streaming. 

https://youtu.be/yKyp5xko1F8?si=7IGP9ST2nj3AMCtZ

8. TONY WORSLEY-"How Can It Be" LP track "My Time Of Day" Sunshine QL-32,046 1966

Tony Worsley again, this time digging deep with yet another obscure U.K. track that wasn't released in Australia. On this Birds 1965 B-side Worsley and company tear the guts out of it by making it even rawer than the original (hard to be more raw than The Birds but hey they did!), at times it sounds sloppy and chaotic but that's where it's charm lies. It's available on the "Diggin' For Gold Vol. 5 Downunder"comp. 

https://youtu.be/P7GUl9QhfTI?si=0JHEScJbY9I4tJmt

9. MIKE FURBER AND THE BOWERY BOYS-"You Stole My Love" Kommotion KK-1227 1966

British born Mike Furber's story is a sad one. He scored lots of local hits and this moody/moody cover of The Mockingbirds final single was among his many successes. It sticks fairly close to the original (which was not released in Australia) with the tempo just slightly sped up. Furber sadly suffered a nervous breakdown in 1967 before being drafted. An outspoken critic of the Vietnam war he was eventually discharged and unable to regain his musical momentum and eventually taking his own life in 1973.  

https://youtu.be/i-VU2Pgi1N4?si=qb8Ohe9E6bsoF1ho

10. THE VALENTINES-"I Can't Dance With You" Clarion MCK-1773 1967

Best known for being future AC/DC singer Bon Scott's first band, Perth's Valentines issued this Small Faces cover as the flip of their debut single, a version of Arthur Alexander's "Every Day I Have to Cry". Truthfully it's not anything to write home about but they somehow managed to give it a garage band type feel with their bashing.

https://youtu.be/HoXcphD4vQ0?si=iX-YY0q35FkkYTrE

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels On U.S. Labels: Gerry and the Pacemakers "La La La"

 

GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS-La La La/Without You LR 3337 1966

Liverpool's Gerry and the Pacemakers were on life support in the U.K. in February 1966 when EMI's Columbia issued today's subject as "DB 7835" and headed to the lucrative but depressing cabaret circuit. The band's U.S. label Laurie followed suit and issued the single the following month. If the band were on life support back in the U.K. they were dead and buried since the previous year when their "Ferry Cross The Mersey" reached #6 (curiously two positions higher than it reached in the U.K.!) in February of '65, their last visit to the U.S. Top 40 (even stranger their next U.S. single "Girl On A Swing" would make #28 here, their final visit into the U.S. Top 40).

"La La La" sounds different than anything the band had ever done to my ears. Despite always been photographed with a 1964 Rickenbacker 360 12 string (which he sawed the tip of the peghead off to fit in it's case! True story! Don't believe me, Google it!) you never got a chance to hear the guitar's distinct sound on any of their records (though I am FAR from being an authority on the band, so if I am wrong please set me straight). That changed on "La La La", a Marsden original composition. It's jangly but not Burds jangly, more like the Beach Boy's jangly when Carl played his (think "I Get Around"). With it's upbeat tempo, infectious Rickenbacker 12 thrashing along with some piano. Lyrically it's almost juvenile but it's incredibly catchy and damned near infectious! 

The flip, Without You" is another Mardsen original. It starts out with some Bach influenced churchy organ that leads you to believe it's going to be a proto "Whiter Shade Of Pale" (the organ lick reminds me so much of "No Time" by The Applejacks or a slowed down "Liar Liar" by The Castaways). Nope, it just falls into a weird ballad that has so many different bridges and choruses in it's two minutes and fifty three seconds that's it's a wonder they ever got it recorded. Some Walker Brothers style strings sweep in and threaten to revive this turkey but then a trumpet comes in and Gerry sings another verse in a different key/melody. I'm confused, I like it enough to keep going back hoping, just hoping, something else will jump out and make me decide that I REALLY like it. I'm still waiting for that to happen....

Both sides are on a slew of 60's EMI Gerry comps and both are available on streaming. 

Hear "La La La":

https://youtu.be/4qvCvZyjGk4?si=QfB9MvC0qrY7gAFJ

Hear "Without You":

https://youtu.be/gKkDRNMM12Q?si=HQ4GqzRwcblDCRHd

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels On U.S. Labels: The Merseybeats "I Love You, Yes I Do"

 

THE MERSEYBEATS-I Love You, Yes I Do/See Me Back U.S. Fontana F-1532 1965

Today's selection was the fifth and final U.S. Merseybeats 45 (issued in November 1965). It was a mish mash of a U.K. A-side (September 1965) and a U.K. B-side (October 1964).

"I Love You, Yes I Do" (originally cut by Tab Hunter in 1958), stands as quite possibly my LEAST favorite Merseybeats track. The band cut their share of ballads, many of which I like. This one I do not. I believe the lead vocals were courtesy of the recently returned Billy Kinsley, who bumped his replacement, former Big 3 singer/bassist Johnny "Gus" Gustafson, out of the line up. It was also their first release produced by the band's new manager and producer Kit Lambert, who happens to be one half of The Who's management team at the time.  

"See Me Back" would have been a far better A-side. Penned by vocalist Tony Crane and Johnny Gustafson it's a tough mid tempo beat ballad that's thoroughly rocking. It's sung by Crane and Gustafson, who in my opinion were a perfect (and best) Merseybeats vocal combination. 

Both tracks are available on the thoroughly comprehensive 2021 Grapefruit two CD collection "I Stand Accused" which collected everything the band and it's members recorded in the 60's. 

 

Hear "I Love You, Yes I Do":

https://youtu.be/Q6RMyVhcRuw?si=IVCYRt61TBQX1hHp

Hear "See Me Back":

https://youtu.be/x_vnXoTJdJI?si=98regX6wipfFJNze

The Prisoners 10 Best Tunes

The Prisoners are without a doubt my favorite 80's bands, and one of my favorite bands in general! I was hipped to them back in 1984 by a British pen pal named Debbie Jones who was absolutely besotted with the lead singer Graham Day. I promptly went out and found this American only compilation LP called "Revenge Of The Prisoners" (as did my friend and at the time co-fanzine editor Rudie) that was an interesting mix of Big Beat era material from their second LP "Thewisemiserdemelza" , various 7" tracks and even an unreleased track ("Love Changes") and an alternate version of "Coming Home". After that nothing could stop us as we consumed all things Prisoners. Rudie somehow wound up corresponding with Jamie (James) Taylor through our mate Chris Flip, who's British Mom was best friends with Jamie's Mom. Jamie kindly mailed Rudie two copies of their excellent new LP "The Last Foufathers" (one of which he shared with me) and two copies of the Dentists "Some People Are On The Pitch.." LP and a few Dentists badges (I stupidly sold the LP and used the $ to buy a Skinhead reggae 45, but still have the badge)!  Chris and his Mom were in the process of setting up a U.S. Prisoners fan club but unfortunately the band broke up a few months later (I later managed to purchase their stock of Prisoners t-shirts and badges which In started out selling but I think In eventually just gave them all away to friends). Rudie sadly left this mortal coil by his own hand in August of '86 shortly after we both purchased their final LP "In From The Cold" so I was left alone to spread the gospel of these four guys. If you knew me in the 80's chances are you were the recipient of a Prisoners mix tape!! Fast forward to 1988 and Tim Warren brought the Mighty Caesars over to NYC for a gig which allowed me to meet Graham Day who kindly consented to a mail in interview (which I have reproduced here) and the whole thing came full circle when I got my ass over to England to witness two of their three reunion gigs at Herne Bay a few months back (here) which BLEW MY MIND. With all that said and done I decided that in my grand tradition of doing "Top 10's" here it was time I chose ten by the Prisoners. It wasn't an easy task. I could have easily just chosen ten songs from "The Last Fourfathers", but I tried not to deliberately pick anything from a certain era . But enough babble...here tis:

1. "Reaching My Head" from Various Artists 7" "Trash On The Tube" E.P. Big Beat U.K. SW 98 1984

This track featured on the British TV show "The Tube" (hosted by Jools Holland) where the band were seen miming it in "Star Trek" shirts (you can view the episode here). It's brilliance lies in the well oiled rhythm section of Allan Crockford's thunderous bass and Johnny Symons drumming while guitarist/vocalist Graham Day strums a tough but hypnotic lick and sings of "icy warm lakes in my head" and "a slimy cold rock in my mind". It's underpinned by Jamie Taylor's combo organ (a Jennings transistor organ, similar to a Vox combo organ, thanks Allan!) which is influenced by the groove of Deep Purple's interpretation of "Hush" (a technique that would serve the band well and be the leading inspiration behind 90's acts like The Charlatans and The Inspiral Carpets). Check out this incredibly tight live version from 1984 here. 

https://youtu.be/EEIzCTmc_WI?si=FggEUoBJWDUaCT5r

2. "There's A Time" France single Sky Dog SKI 6103 1983

Back in 1984 when I first discovered The Prisoners, record stores in the New Jersey and New York were a wash with copies of this 45 thanks to the excellent distribution of Midnight Records (run by a French gent named J.D. Martignon)!! When I met him in '88 Graham Day said the band hadn't even received copies of it and later described the label in liner notes to "Rare And Unissued" as "being run by some dodgy Frenchman".  "There's A Time" is, in my estimation, one of the band's most frantic tracks, kicking off with Jamie's combo organ, it's propelled by Graham's gravelly vocals and an absolutely over the top guitar solo that reminds more of a raunchier Dave Davie's solo on '64-'65 Kinks single! It's probably one of the most melodic tracks by them as well (dig the melody on the chorus and the absolute rave up when the guitar solo starts to wind down). 

https://youtu.be/20AzzSMbHhc?si=MW96hSbMMiUEHdFF

3. "Thinking Of You (Broken Pieces)" LP track "The Last Fourfathers" U.K. Own Up OWN UP-3 1985

Easily my favorite Prisoners track of all time on my favorite Prisoners album, "Thinking Of You..."  with it's positively down trodden lyrics is literally a throat punch every time:

"Remember the nightmares took us over, we'll walk barefoot on dreams no more, and strangled by waking hands of insight our world in love has gone to war" 

There's a dirge like quality to Jamie's organ trills (played on his recently acquired Hammond M 100 organ) and the "ba ba ba..." chorus is completely catchy! I was nearly moved to tears when the entire audience sang along when they performed it at Herne Bay a few months back (which they dedicated to yours truly) which you can watch here. 

"Well we had it all but we lost it baby and there's nothing gonna take it's place, we're building our love on the broken Pieces of a heart that only sees your face..."

https://youtu.be/4GZisWB949Q?si=0KVxwL8JNmL1USg9

4. "Melanie" from the U.K. E.P. "Electric Fit" Big Beat SW 98 1984

One of the band's most popular numbers, "Melanie" is The Prisoners at their most garage band with it's catchy chord progression and groovy organ trills. The production by Milkshake Russell Wilkins (also responsible for twiddling the knobs on their "Last Fourfathers") is fantastic and Graham unleashes another edgy Dave Davies '65 guitar solo. Check out the band playing it live on European TV in '85 with Jamie on his new Hammond and Johnny beating seven bells out of his kit here. Back in the 80's when I was on my fervent religious quest to bring The Prisoners to the masses this was an obligatory addition to any Prisoners mix tape I did. 

https://youtu.be/wlrEF9TeMHo?si=TmDbaf2GiJlfXiE4

5. "Nobody Wants Your Love" LP track "The Last Fourfathers" U.K. Own Up OWN UP-3 1985

The lead off track of the band's third (and my favorite) LP "The Last Fourfathers" , "Nobody Wants Your Love" was penned by Graham Day and Milkshake Billy Childish. Starting off with someone retching the number has an incredible groove with Graham's chunky Hendrix meets the Troggs licks perfectly meshing with Jamie's soulful organ trills on his newly acquired Hammond M-100. The lyrics, like most on the LP are cynical and a total put down about an unfaithful partner. The number features a moody clarinet solo by Graham (he's pictured holding one on Thee Mighty Caesars debut 1985 LP "Beware The Ides of March") which adds to the odd feel to it. 

https://youtu.be/LOPxInjEN1A?si=vcBuZASkVMn8wjM2

6. "Better In Black" LP track "A Taste Of Pink" U.K. Own Up Own Up -2 1982

It's hard to believe that the same year The Jam released their final LP this quartet from Medway were in the studio recording and releasing (self financed no less!) their debut LP! It equally boggles my mind that Jamie Taylor was using a Casio set to "organ" and run through a large amp on this LP because the keys sound so powerful! Lyrically it picks up the theme of the Pretties "Midnight To Six Man" singing about the joys of nocturnal living backed by rapid fire guitar chord and a catchy chorus ("dead and lonely, dark and peaceful I hope you're having fun like we do...") all served up with an amphetamine 101 mph drive.

https://youtu.be/Q5c0mDBtFjg?si=5-RMmp6vqKuxiG-G

7. "Tonight" LP track "Thewisermiserdemelza" U.K. LP Big Beat WIK 19 1983

This tune is one of the band's darker numbers from an LP that is full of some pretty dark tunes. Despite being about suicide ("tonight it would be easy to throw my life away, tonight tomorrow's an ugly game I play..tonight when people are dead they cannot cry") it's absolutely beautiful. Graham's voice and Jamie's Chopin-esque piano playing are highlighted by some regal trumpet that strangely works well with Graham's slashing guitar and mournful lyrics ("I've heard about true everlasting love and I know when it's cold outside you need somewhere to hide..."). 

https://youtu.be/LFLi1iomWKY?si=wgREGSVblBUctx4K

8. "Mourn My Heath" LP track U.K. "In From The Cold" Countdown DOWN 2 1986

Some might say this is the album that broke up The Prisoners. In a case very similar to The Pretty Things "Emotions" LP, the band were not happy with the finished product, especially the horns that were added after (I have always wanted to hear a remix of the LP as the band wanted it). In an even stranger twist the band refused to promote the LP (and in an even more stranger twist they performed it live for the very first time with a horn section this past February!). At the time of it's release I honestly don't recall being too put off by the horns (I found an old fanzine review I did and I seemed to expect it with their being signed to Countdown) and over the years I think I have let the band's feelings influence me on the matter resulting in my paying less attention it it!! All that out of the way there are some VERY good tracks on it. "Mourn My Health" is a frightening ode to alcoholism, the band were legendary in their day for alcohol consumption (Graham Day especially). Graham was 22 at the time!! Delivered with sparse musical accompaniment , "Mourn My Health" is backed by bass, drums and a swampy Hammond organ as Graham croons woefully (and quite soulfully I might add): "as I stumble to the darkened pub I know I'm alone, I know I'm alone, with my last round, with my last pound they'll neglect me...so I'm all alone yes I'm all alone, they've left me here to mourn my health", and the strangely, there's a violin solo which REALLY works with the track. 

https://youtu.be/5WX4CU0yIL0?si=U1h2by8AvWmHingi

Demo version:

https://youtu.be/StbnfYC_ewY?si=jNu3DPLi0bz_Rkk_

9. "A Dream Is Gone" LP track "Thewisermiserdemelza" U.K. LP Big Beat WIK 19 1983

"Thewisermisterdemelza" album is often dismissed by the band who considered the production by the late Phil Chevron as "slick" and "overproduced" but I still love it. The album in general has a sinister feel to it, both musically and lyrically and this number has both. It's like they ate a lot of acid and binge watched a bunch of 70's Satanic exploitation and early 70's Hammer films and then started writing. Starting with some positively ominous descending organ scales (with incredible oscillation on them) and Graham's absolutely sinister yet soulful vocals he sings "See a red sky, see your broken heart weeping cross the land..." (and much later "See a green rock, see your mildew mild, man it's hard to be sane...") before the tempo picks for the bridge with Graham's vocals changing from a plaintive forlorn tone to a venomous yet soulful Steve Marriott style snarl and these indifferent "la la la la" s . 

https://youtu.be/VWMPk1PAwrg?si=aV6p-BZknAUPrUPQ

10. "Something Better" LP track "Morning Star" U.K. LP Own Up Own Up U-6 2024

I don't, as a rule like band reunions, and I seriously dislike reunion albums, and this one was no exception at first. It took hearing this track performed live at the Herne Bay reunion gigs a few months back for me to really grow to enjoy this track (and other bits of the LP). It has everything you need from an incredible Prisoners tune: Graham's incredible vocals (unlike lots of other artists from the 80's Graham has always sung the tracks within his range as he grew older) and his punchy guitar licks, Jamie's/Jame's swirling organ, and of course the engine that is rhythm section of Alan and Johnny bringing it all up. There's an almost Inspiral Carpets/Charlatans feel to it which shows the band coming full circle, musically.

https://youtu.be/8PrTU5g4fk0?si=flxbDJLwNYhojoXF