The Tymes - The Tymes (1974)

From The Lost Record Covers Club One of my favourite 70s soul album. Discovered on the back of the singles "Trustmaker" and the massive no1 Uk hit "Ms Grace" this set really hangs together with a great production and set of songs.  The longtime vocal group were well into their second career bythen having emerged in the 50s.  The album was a Philly triumph featuring production by Billy Jackson. Recording was split between the New York RCA studios and Sigma Sound in Philadelphia. Strings and horns throughout were from TSOP (the Sound Of Philadelphia) - possibly including most of MFSB. Apart from the singles the standouts are  the reworked "So Much In Love"; "Someway, Somehow I'm Keepin' You" and "The Sha-La Bandit" but the crown goes to my must have "Are You Lookin'" which I have seen referred to as "Same Cloud" in other places.  A brilliant vocal perfomance against a top arrangement and gathering crescendo of an ending. This copy is an orginal US pressing: RCA APL1-0727 available on CD coupled with the "People" album under the collected title "Grace and Favour"

Syreeta (1972)

By the release of this album in June 1972 Rita Wright was the ex-wife of Stevie Wonder but they were still collaborators and, with a history of writing hits ("If You Really Love Me" and "Signed, Sealed Delivered - I'm Yours" amongst them) it was Wonder who oversaw this debut album.  This was an early release on Motown's new MoWest Label. Syreeta had sung back up on a number of hits previously and been a serious contender as Diana Ross' replacement in the Supremes.

The album is a parallel introduction the the new Wonder who, freed from Motown controls after turning 21, would go on to produce his greatest work; producing ,writing and arranging albums and not just hit singles in the Motown tradition.  Songs here  a Wonder produced version of his earlier recording, "I Love Every Little Thing About You" (from Music Of My Mind released the same year); a cover of Lennon-McCartney's "She's leaving Home" and Smokey's "What Love Has Joined Together".  The killer track for me is "To Know You Is To Love You" which is a duet with a long guitar end segment.

The Heist/Dollar$ Soundtrack (1971)

The Soundtrack album for the film "Dollar$" (known outside the US as "The Heist") - featured artists - Little Richard and Roberta Flack but the gem here is the Quincy Jones track "Money Runner"

Daryl Hall And John Oates - Beauty On a Back Street (1977)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Following "Bigger Than Both Of Us" (which oddly didn't include a track of that name but this does).  This opens with the poppy "Why Do Lovers Break Each Others Hearts?" but moves through the mix of soul and rock that perhaps defines them (their 80's retrospective is called "Rock n Soul Part 1").  An excellent album but tracks of note are "Winged Bull" - which sound like Hall has been influenced by Bowie/Eno Berlin period - taking them into new less traditional territory; "Bad Habits And Infections" a glorious rocker with two style alternating as the track moves on - wonderful stuff.  Probably one of their low key albums - not issued on CD until 1996.  I also recommend "The Girl Who Used To Be" the closing track, a tender John Oates song with a simple arrangement


LP: PL12300 - RCA UK Issue (international AFL1- 2300)

Daryl Hall And John Oates - Bigger Than Both Of Us (1976)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The duo are, perhaps, best known for their albums in the eighties and the classic "I Can't Go For That" but earlier in their career they had worked with Arif Mardin, Tod Rungren and other top notch producers and had a run of fantastic albums.  The reason:- good songs.  You can have all the production you like but if the base song ain't there then you're way behind.  These two are talented in the van load.  This is a classic album with the well known track "Rich Girl" included but the album is a real set in it's own right with "Kerry" and "Back Together Again", "Crazy Eyes", and "Falling" all favourites.  The tour in supporting this in '76 was well worth the ticket.  They had a very tight band and put on an excellent show.  I got to work on the reissue of some of their albums on CD later when I was at RCA - when you're a fan - what could be better?

This was produced by the duo with long term collaborator Christopher Bond.

LP: NL 83866 (RCA mid price reissue c. 1985)
CD: PD 83866 European CD issue.

The Boomtown Rats - Mary Of The 4th Form (Alternate Version) 7" (1980)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

By 1980 The Rats star was fading but they were still putting out decent albums.  "Tonic For The Troops" was their big seller and the follow-up "The Fine Art Of Surfacing" had two singles "Diamond Smiles" which went top twenty and "Someone's Looking At You" taking them back to fine form chartwise with a more than respectable no 4.  In 1980, in preparation for the next album "Mondo Bongo" Ensign decided to repromote (not reissue as they hadn't been deleted) the band's sigles todate - all in the orginal picture bags.  When "Mary" was first issued there had been green, Red and blue versions of the bag but the resissue came only in red.

Ensign's idea (or Phonogram's) was to see if they could re-chart a number of tracks at once to riase the profile ready for the next album.  I worked in planning for the distribution centre and they certainly sold - I can't find any record of chrt re-entry though.

I saw them on the tour to promote this and 1980 being what it was there was still an element of attitude about the gigs from the opening welcome of "stand up you fuckers" to Bob pointing out the group of us in the crowd who hadn't paid but were guests of the record company - resulting in much abuse from the paying punters.

They had one further good run at the charts as "Banana Republic" the reggae flavoured single leading "Mondo" did well hitting no 3 but being a real radio favourite at that time.

Above all that they made great singles and any compilation (of which "Loudmouth" is best) is definitely worth an investment.

Ensign 7" - ENY 9

http://www.45cat.com/record/eny9

Bananarama - Cruel Summer 12" (1983)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The girls of the moment in 1983.  This is a twelve inch single of "Cruel Summer" which I think is one of their better pop singles - they made a number of covers.  This is Swain and Jolley in the production seats - later they would move to Stock, Aitken and Waterman with great success both here and in the US.  I met the girls very early on, and very briefly, when they visisted the PolyGram distribution depot in Chadwell Heath, Romford and very nice they were too.

London was re-establishing itself as the pop label for Decca - after being acquired in 1980 by PolyGram.

London - NANX 5

7" entry - http://www.45cat.com/record/nana5

The Maisonettes - Heartache Avenue (1983)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The great 60s pastiche of 1983 from the short lived maisonettes (led by the ex-City Boy man Lol Mason).  This is a brilliant pop single.  The picture sleeve shown here is the german version bought at the VIP Music Fair.


The 60s themed sleeve even has the "Emitex cleaning material" logo on the back which always featured on all EMI releases way into the 70's and get the sleeve notes:-

True to the genre/era! anyway terrific single



Ready Seady Go! single - RSG 1
(This is the German copy - only difference being it has the badge on the front denoting that it is in green vinyl - Intercord INT 113.115)

The Teardrop Explodes - Kilimanjaro (1980)

From The Lost Record Covers Club Me in 1980 - I knew nothing about the Liverpool music scene.  I was working at PolyGram and Phonogram had a new priority - Teardrop Explodes.  There was no single but the album (we were told) was going to be huge.  I had a listen when the tapes arrived but couldn't see it myself.  As I said I knew nothing.  The album got airplay by Peel and the likes but obviously was ignored by top 40 radio.  Until they decided to releases a new song called "Reward".  This gained airplay and soon was sitting at number 3 in the UK charts.  Treason was reissued as a consequence and got to 18.  The album was repackaged to include reward and soon we were re-pressing the album once more - albeit with this naff new cover.....  TE was fronted by Julian cope and produced and managed(?) by soon to be half of KLF Bill Drummond (read his book "45" - a revolution in 356 pages!). Original sleeve (top) and release - Mercury - 6359 035 the second issue (maddly for production) had the same number.

Jimmy Smith - Walk On The Wild Side (1962)

A 7" EP from the master of the Hammond Organ.  I first heard his music via Giles Peterson (check out "The Incredible Giles Peterson" - great mix/compilation) absolutely wonderful.

Verve - VEP 5008
45Cat Link

Original Mirrors - Dancing With The Rebels (1979)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

A great single from pre - Lightning Seeds Ian Broudie's early band.  Love the artwork here.  Music is worth seeking out - to hear it and read how long it took me! at Original Mirrors - Lost and Found

Mercury - MER 65
45cat - www.45cat/mer65

Roy Ayers - You Send Me (1979)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

When I first heard Roy Ayers it was as a new manufacturing controller at the Phonodisc factory, the marketing guy I worked with was astounded that I wasn't aware of Mr Ayers.  He set about putting me right - sending me all that he could find within the Polydor library.  By the time the tapes for this arrived I made sure I sat in on the cutting session, getting an early listen.  I have followed or reversed back through his career ever since and whilst the track "Everyone Loves The Sunshine" is the one often featured on compilations it is hardly the high point in my opinion.  My favourite comes from this album - "Can't You See Me" is the one for me.  Like all music perhaps it is where you hear the track concerned or how you came across it in the first place.

Polydor - 2391 365

Judie Tzuke - Welcome To The Cruise (1979)

Judie Tzuke released her first album on Elton's Rocket Records in 1979.  Rocket had just signed a licensing deal with Phonogram and I was the guy at the factory that took all the "parts" and produced the album.  Judie rightfully hit big with the singles "For You" and "Stay With Me Til Dawn" driving the sales of the album.  Frankly it seemed like the PolyGram factory in Walthamstow always had an order for this outstanding for the next couple of years and it was always popular.

Like all music no matter how much time has passed it always is able to take you back to when you first played it.  I recently returned to this and realised how well I knew every note and loved it all.

Rocket issued "Sports Car" which also sold well later moving to Chrysalis which coincidently also pressed their vinyl at Walthamstow through their deal with PolyGram for manufacturing and distribution.

Judie is still very active both recording and live (check out the website http://www.tzuke.com/) where all her catalogue and new music is available.  Good to see.

Rocket/Phonogram LP - Train 7
Big Moon CD available from http://www.tzuke.com/

Paulinho Da Costa - Happy People (1979)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

When I first started at Phonodisc - PolyGram's pressing plant I looked after new album production.  Each month there was a release plan and there were always at least two for jazz label Pablo.  I hadn't had any exposure to jazz beyond the mainstream so it meat nothing to me.  The guy in charge of manufacturing was such a jazz nut that it was the only thing he ever asked me about.  Not how the Saturday Night Fever runs were going, the Grease release, the New Dire Straits or Roxy.  No, it was always about the 1,000 press run of the latest Pablo release.  I used to check out stuff that I didn't know by taking an album to the QA booths.  These were positioned by the pressing floor and the QA guys would take samples and play them for checking that the manufacturing process was at it's best.

One surprise was this album which, when I inspected the sleeve, included the cream of session talent that often featured on the best US albums of the day.  James Gadson (Drums); Nathan Watts (Bass); Larry Carlton (Guitar); Michael Boddicker (Keyboards) to name a few.  Paulinho Da Costa was the go to guy for percussion at this time and here produced an album linking soul, pop, jazz and latin.  Guest vocalist Philip Bailey (of Earth Wind And Fire) is in fine form on "Deja Vu" with Bill Champlin ("Take It On Up" and Seeing Is Believing"); Deborah Thomas ("Carnival Of Colours" and "Put Your Mind On Vacation") and; Carl Carwell ("Let's Get It Together") all delivering the goods.  Polydor released "Deja Vu" as a 12" single for club play as part of the "Stepping Out" series but success eluded both that track and the album.

The artwork was the first in a line of "Pablo Today" releases as the brand tried to branch away from just issuing archive releases on the jazz greats.

Pablo Today - 2312 102

Sandy McLelland And The Backline (1979)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

This terrible cover belies the fact that it contains a gem of an album (the inner sleeve is no better).  Wonderful soul sounds from a tight band, thoughtful and soulful songs with a singer in fine voice.  Very much a radio gem at the time on Capital and nightime Radio 1 although not enough to make them stars. The song "Mediocrity" (Media ocrity - geddit?) talks about the tame playlisting policy of radio stations in the UK.  As the song says "I don't need no part of your mediocrity" - 'fraid he did to sell any of these and he didn't succeed.  This is a real shame as this sits right up there with the British soul bands of the day.  The band are supplemented by The Rumour Brass section and the Kokomo/Voice Squad of Frank Collins, Dyan Birch and Paddy McHugh and features guest appearances from Mark Knopfler (way before the big big time) and the ace guitarist Jim Mullen.  They toured a great deal on the uni circuit.  Shame the Phonogram art department really let them down!

A lot of high ponts but this is the album that introduced me to the Tod Rungren classic song "Can We Still Be Friends?" - this is a smooth version punctuated by relaxed brass.  The Robert Palmer version on "Secrets" followed the arrangement but without the horn section.  This is my favourite version. "Sure Sounds Good To Me" "Heat On The Street" and "Bad Situation" are uptight workouts honed on the live setlist - here they are tight and precise - great sounds. "So So Satisfied" is a Ashford and Simpson song sympatheticaly treated. 
Highly recommended - lots of features on YouTube.  Searches there show that the man has been busy with soundtrack work.
Mercury - 9109 620

Rhead Brothers - Dedicate (1977)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

I bought this from a wonderful record shop in Newquay in Cornwall in 1977.  The owner was clearly a music lover and he'd added comments to each sleeve in the racks.  This one referred to British Soul, comparisons with Hall and Oates, Kokomo, Average Whites etc.  Anyone reading this blog would know that sold me.  Although there aren't many of us that actually were sold and have this in our collections this has excellent songs and harmonies and boasts an EMI who's who of session players - Charlie McCracken, Charlie Whitney, Mel Collins, Frank Ricotti, Bobby Tench, Max Middleton.  Another lost soul band with a British twist - Worth seeking out.

EMI - EMC 3180

 

No CD issues on this band

Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane - Street In The City (1979)

Pete Townshend and ex-Face Ronnie Lane made this album late in the 70s. Polydor released this track as a 12" single cut very much to the outer edge of the disc giving a high quality sound,picking out the strings and the intimate nature of the song.  It's a bit Kinks, a bit Dickens and very London.  Wonderful.

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Polydor 12" Single - 2058 044 (this shot shows the B side "Annie" but the photo is the same on the front and rear of the sleeve)


7" entry on 45Cat - http://www.45cat.com/artist/pete-townshend-and-ronnie-lane

Bobby Darin - Darin 1936-1973 (1974)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Motown signed Darin out of the blue ealry in the 70's.  He was in a singer-songwriter phase.  Here he records "The Letter" "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" "Sail Away".  Sadly, Darin passed away in 1973 before his work for the label was completed and the album is finished off with live versions of his previous triumphs notably "Moritat (Mack The Knife)" and "If I Were A Carpenter".  I bought this as was I frustratingly trying to find the MoWest single of Fats Domino's "Blue Monday" backed with "Moritat" - an excellent buy.

US Motown - M5-185V1 (reissue)

Gary Bird & The GB Experience - The Crown (1983)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

A gem.  This is a Stevie Wonder production in every sense with GB handling the rapped vocal. The lyrics about ancient history are fairly tame and follow the flow of the early "Rapper's Delight" style.  The female vocal chorus lifts the whole track with the Stevie sung bridge showing the class of Mr Morris.  The naff sleeve comes from the video where Gary is educating his class about self worth and pride etc.  Gary Byrd is a DJ and social activist.

Motown - TMGT 1312 (12" Single)

Boz Scaggs - Down Two Then Left (1977)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

How do you follow "Silk Degrees"?.

Here's how - you continue to use Jeff Porcaro; Michael Omartian; Joe Wissert; Steve Lukather; Scott Edwards and add Ray Parker Jr and Jay Graydon.

Continue on the Blue Eyed Soul theme, write a hot hit like "Hollywood" and you're there.  A fine follow up to the main man's career changing album.  Definitely worth a listen.

CBS - CBS 86028

Hollywood UK single - 45Cat - http://www.45cat.com/record/scbs5836

Malcolm McLaren and the McLarenettes - Soweto (1983)

The second single release from the "Duck Rock" album from Malcolm McLaren ably assisted by Trevor Horn.  I love this.

Charisma - MALC 212 (12" Single)
UK 7" Single Entry - 45Cat - http://www.45cat.com/record/malc2

Victorian Parents - Silence Follows (1981)

A Polydor signing during the emergence of the post punks that would move on to being album artists.  Polydor would be particularly strong in this area through it's roster and strong A+R department - The Cure, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Jam, The Comsat Angels, the EG imprint bringing Eno, Fripp and Roxy who were still seen as a force even then (check out "Manifesto"), Fiction Records would evelop a number of acts via Chris Parry.



From The Lost Record Covers Club

I remember the The Victorian Parents were a big hope for the label at the time and the single "All American Hero" was priority release (View on 45 Cat).  Neither that or the album sold but did receive some critical acclaim not least by the team at Stratford Place.  Playing this now it stands up against it's contemporaries - shame we didn't get to see where the band could have taken it.

I note on 45Cat they are listing an earlier release of "Dead Red Grass Of Home" on the album as being released in '81 on Ellie Jay Records. Possibly the track that got them the deal?

That track is available on YouTube here. 

Polydor - POLS 1049

Curtis Mayfield - There's No Place Like America Today (1975)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Anyone not knowing that they'll get social commentary on a Curtis record can be in no doubt when they see this cover with the parallels of the breadline with the "never had it so good" billboard in the background.  I have only recently bought this album (although i've been a fan of his since my teens) and I did so on the back of the John Legend/Roots version of "Hard Times" - very different but just as telling.

This is the artwork from the UK Charly Records CD issue - SNAPCD 244CD

Toni Childs - Union (1988)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

CD Cover Art from Toni Child's debut album.  I love the art here by John Howard.  The album included the hit "Don't Walk Away" and the wonderful "Zimbabwe"
A and M Records CDA 5175 (CD)

Art Tatum - Piano Starts Here (1968)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

As best as I can make out (and the sound quality is consistent with the assumption) these recordings, originate in part from the 1940's - although pulled together as an album in '68.  I bought this simply for the cover which is fantastic - such styling in the artwork itself then the creative has bled the text box over Art's face -0 quite brave really when the illustration os great on it's own.  The wash of the colours is makes it.  Would make a brill poster.

Columbia - (CD Reissue) - 88697720092-18 (Original LP CS 9655)

Sarah Vaughan In Hi Fi (1955)

More Jazz Masters from the Columbia re-issue in 2010 to coincide with London Jazz week.  This is the wonderful Sarah Vaughan performing some well known songs ("Come Rain or Come Shine", Ain't Misbehavin'") amongst others.  Always a performance to sit up and listen to with great attention.  A true queen of jazz.

Columbia (CD Re-issue) - 88697720092-25 (Original LP - CL 745)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Bird - Original Soundtrack (1988)

Clint Eastwood's bio pic of the life of Charlie Parker which uses orginal recordings rather than a re-recorded soundtrack is a good start for anyone who doesn't know the Bird by his music.  This has it all.  The cover is understated but is very fitting.  This is a copy of the orginal sleeve avaialble on a Columbia CD re-issue (Fopp again)

Columbia (CD re-issue 2010) - 88697720092-25

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out (1959)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

I always remember listening to the family radiogram when I was a kid on Sunday mornings with David Jacobs playing worldwide family favourites (all those dedications to servicemen in BFPO's) and hearing a number of great tracks which have stood the test of time.  "Take Five" is one of those - it's a track that everyone is familiar with even if they don't know the title or the artist.  It has been used for so many TV spots and in films.  I love it. On growing up with it in my collection and turning to jazz every now and then I became familiar with Brubeck's other work and nothing is better than this.  "Blue Rondo A La Turk" (taken by an 80s band as a name) is another gem but they keep coming throughout this.  

Then look at the artwork - very late 50s.  This is a CD reissue found in Fopp to celebrate the 2010 London Jazz Week.  Bought for £3! but the cover is a miniature replica of the original sleeve - complete with the notes by Steve Race and the reassuring legend "This Columbia Recording is designed for use on 331/3 RPM Steroephonic reproducers"

Columbia Legacy CD Reissue - CS 8192

Supercharge - Local Lads Make Good (1976)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Music and laughter - couldn't be better.  These guys must have had a ball.  They had a number of releases on Virgin (This was their first).  Whilst some of the tracks here seemed at the time to parody the extremes of what was going on in rock and RnB, the passing of time means that it just now seems very real(!) I first heard them on the lead single "Lonely And In Love" a very pop/soul track.  Someone then pointed out the joke song "She Moved The Dishes First" surely the only song ever written about pissing in the sink.  That (not very funny) track aside there is lots to attract you to this.  Produced by "Mutt" Lange the musicianship is great and the full-on arrangements deliver. 


Virgin - V2053

Malcolm McLaren - Duck Rock (1983)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The great album by Malcolm McLaren which merges south african town ship and traditional styles, hip hop, rock and pop (from the west, the Carribean and South America) to make a sometimes weird but always interesting mix.  The known tracks here if "Double Dutch" and "Buffalo Girls" but for my favourite is "Soweto".  Produced by Trevor Horn (who I suspect deserves equal billing with McLaren).

The rear sleeve art

Charisma - MMLP 1

The Staple Singers - Uncloudy Day (1959)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The Staples are better known for their period with Stax in the early 70s but they had been a performing, recording unit and stars on the Gospel circuit since the early 50s.  This dates back to '59 and whilst CDs have been issued with the same title they usually are compilations including the title track and a couple of others featured here. "Don't Knock" is a song included on Mavis Staples wonderful 2010 album "You Are Not Alone " but this shows the roots of her family's work - it's breathtaking but more so with the era in which it was created in mind.  I have this as a friend found a number of albums in a loft of a house he bought and this was one of them (thanks Tony) - before that this period of their career was lost on me.  The Staples were contracted to VeeJay records during this period and this is a rare UK issue on the Joy Special label which was distributed by President.

Joy Special - JS 5019

Sinatra At The Sands (1966)

-

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Sinatra at the height of his powers, Basie and his band in full swing, arrangements and conducted by Quincy Jones - how could this be anything but wonderful?  One of the great live albums from the songs, to his voice, to the powerful presence of the greatest band around.  This is more than the sum of its parts and well worth seeking out.

Art From CD Reissue - Reprise 7599-27037-2

Erroll Garner - Concert By The Sea (1955)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

This is a reproduction CD cover from the 1969 stereo release of this classic jazz peice.  Originally released in '55 - it was the best selling jazz album of it's day.  Garner had a long career as a pianist, band leader and was most notable as a composer for "Misty".  I love the cover shot and bold lettering - you almost notice the girl on the beach as a secondary focus - a brave thing for the designer to do.

Columbia CD Reissue (card sleeve) 2010 - CS 9821

Lewis Taylor - Stoned part II (2004)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The fourth solo album from the brilliant Lewis Taylor.  see my comments on his career at In Appreciation Of...Lewis Taylor

Ramsey Lewis - The Best Of (1970)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Bought following the release of "Wade In The Water" the track that introduced Ramsey Lewis to many, this includes some wonderful versions of well known songs.  One of my favourites is "Les Fleurs" a song from the Chess label mates Rotary Connection.  Includes "Uptight" "Function At The Junction" "Dancing In The Street" from the Motown catalogue but also extends to sweeping orchestra full tracks which show the breadth of his work.  This captures the Chess stuff - he later moved to CBS where he moved into more electronics - "Spring High" being a favourite.

Worth seeking out.

Chess - 6310 114

Marshall Hain - Free Ride (1979)

Alas these two are known mainly for the single "Dancing In The City" and possibly for the follow-up "Coming Home" both started life here as part of this wonderful pop set stuffed full of great songs.  I discovered these guys by accident.  I was given tickets to see a long forgotten Polydor act that were being pushed (but I have to say not very hard) by the label at the time.  If free tickets flowed down to my level you could tell that management commitment wasn't that great.  Shame because they were talented too.  Anyway MH were the headline on the back of "Dancing" which had hit the charts and was all over the radio.  The band came on to the piano intro "Take My Rumba" and segued into "Free Ride".  This brilliantly set the tone for a run through of the whole album.  The songs were great, the band were tight and the vocals from Kit Hain impeccable.  I particuarly like "Take My Number" which is a morning after the night before song.  They disbanded after the one album and no out takes or "lost" tracks have materialised over the years.  Kit Hain has had a solo career as a writer and singer and is featured elsewhere here for two solo albums which again have creative merit but received little commercial success.  The albums "School For Spies" (which features her original of "Perfect Timing" a smallish hit for Kiki Dee) and "Spirits Walking Out" both on Decca are worthy of a search.  Not sure what happened to Julian Marshall.


 I realised over the next couple of years after this that I was starting to like a great deal of tracks produced by Christopher Neil - he worked on a number of out and out pop acts (Dollar, Buck Fizz) but they always had wonderful productions.

From The Lost Record Covers Club

I like the artwork used here as it seems to tell a story of it's own.


Harvest - SHSP 4087

PS (April 2011) - Cherry Red have just issued this on CD - about time too!

The Duke And The King - Nothing But Gold Can Stay (2009)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The earlier album by this band - wonderful stuff - see my review at Pick n Mixed

The Duke And The King - Long Live... (2010)

One of my current faves. see my review.

Phil Upchurch and Tennyson Stephens - Upchurch/Tennyson (1975)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

A cool jazz album from two regular top sidemen of their day.  Phil Upchurch can be found playing guitar on many a soul album together with jazz sets.  Tennyson Stephens is a keyboard player who (on this) also takes vocal duties.  I got this from the Polydor archive when trying to find the instrumental of Rufus' "Tell Me Soemthing Good" - this was used as a theme tune for a Radio 1 show that was on Sunday evenings at the end of the 70's after the soul show (could have been Bob Harris - not sure) good track anyway.


Kudu (via CTI/Polydor) - JU22

Major Harris - My Way (1974)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Unknown as a solo in the UK before "Love Won't Let Me Wait" a huge single here and around the world, Harris had spent 3 years, from 1971, in the Delfonics, a group who are a key part of the development ofthe smooth soul sound of Philadephia. Whilst his tenue in the band was after their run of major hits ("Ready or Not", "La La Means I Love You" being massive poo as well as RnB hits) the band's contiuning collabratons with Philly musicians  and pproductions teams set this solo outing up perfectly.

This album is Philly soul at it's best.  Produced by Bobby Eli and Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey the participants are the cream of that smooth soul sound.  Yes people would later call this DISCO and you could dance to it but that description alone sells it short.  Even the version of the Sinatra standard "My Way" carries itself well.  "Two Wrongs" and "Loving You Is Mellow" keep to the the groove and the album works as a package really well.

Recommended


Atlantic - US Album SD 18119 (has been issued on CD in the UK in the last couple of years after some time of only being available on Japanese import).

Cado Belle - Cado Belle (1976)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Only one album from another soulful British band of the 70's.  I seem to be developing a theme here.  This band were signed to the Anchor label which didn't last in the UK very long and perhaps this is why they disappeared off the radar so quickly after showing so much promise.  The band were - Maggie Reilly (vcls);Alan Darby (Gtr);Gavin Hodgson (bs); Stuart Mackillop (keys); Davy Roy (drm/perc) and; Colin Tully (sax/flt).  The backing vocals were augmented by two from Kokomo - Frank Collins and Paddy McHugh.  Ace Sax/arranger - Mel Collins also features along with Paul Buckmaster arranging strings.  Difficult to get hold of this on CD although you do see the vinyl every now and then at fairs and ebay. Nice packaging job.  Wonderful Soul Album from Brits again.

From The Lost Record Covers Club

Anchor Records - (pictures scanned from CD ANCL 2015 - Japanese Import)

http://45cat.com/artist/cado-belle

Private Lives - Living In A World (Turned Upside Down) (1984)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

John Adams and (not sure about this) Peter Schwier were Private Lives.  This single was issued in 1984 and featured a video very similar to Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf" with the artists running through eastern parts (and I don't mean Brick Lane).  I love this but think that part of the arrangement is incredibly similar to "Invisible" by Alison Moyet. Check out the Video

Haircut 100 - Love Plus One (1982)

From The Lost Record Covers Club

The second single after "Favourite Shirts".  This boy pop band had a great future with Nick Heyward writing some really wonderful songs and the production by Bob Sargeant (The Beat).  Alas they only made one full album and then the band split with Heyward making one solo album of note.  Packaging to the fore as you can see.


Arista - Clip 2

http://45cat.com/record/clip2&c=17894#17894