Mono?

I've just noticed that some posts have been recorded as mono rather than stereo. There are quite a few of the earlier posts that are mono recordings so no problem there. As for the ones that are recorded mono, I'll replace them in the next week or so and  let the dear listener know. All the albums posted very recently are stereo.
YD (LFB)

Lonely Trailer: Lonely Trailer 6 Track Promotional EP

I was given this by a friend whose band I joined, for a short period, in the mid 80s. His band were friends with Lonely Trailer, who sent across quite a bit of stuff for the guys to pass on as promo material. This is quite a rare little gem that contains six tracks from other albums and has a hand stencilled picture on the front. 

Petra: More Power To Ya

Bought this album years ago on the  recommendation of a friend and, although I am totally irreligious, I did find their songs really interesting. The album is a nice combination of ROCK and Blues ROCK that is quite accessible and catchy, as long as you try and ignore the ludicrous religiosity of the lyrics. 

Various Artists: Yorkshire Pilgrimage - A Souvenir In Sounds

A curious album of anthropological insights into the Yorkshire psyche, interspersed with songs, tunes and curio. I nearly didn't buy this as I thought it may be a salmagundi of dire music. It actually is an interesting digest on certain Yorkshire traditions. 

This record welcomes you in typical sounds, from the bells of the Minster to theatre mill driven hammers of an ancient Sheffield forge, from the story told by a Humber trawler skipper to the songs of Scarborough (guess which one?), the Dales and even a hymn composed by Anne Bronte.

The Big Ben Banjo Band: Strummin'

Swinging favourites from TBBBB. Up tempo banjo madness that makes you smile from the start to the finish. Plenty of slightly out-to-tune piano (à la Mrs Mills) corny drums and arrangements. A particular favourite is the song 'Strumming' On The Old Banjo' which was made for Sunday morning tidying up.  Pure class.

Hot Butter: Original Hits Series Volume 1 Hot Butter POPCORN

De De De De Dedar De. De De De Dedar De. The Moog, the highly versatile machine that is often used on recording sessions seldom comes into its own as the real star pf the show. But it does on this album and the result goes to prove that the success "Hot Butter" enjoyed with "Popcorn" was not a passing fluke. The song that became an international hit was written some years ago by Gershon Kingsley and like many a catchy song it sat around in the publishing catalogues until Stan Free, Moog Player Extraordinary, came along and with Richard Talmadge, Danny Jordan and arranger John Abbott transformed it into an incredible hit. 

John Barry: John Barry Conducts His Greatest Movie Hits

There's nothing that John Barry touched (musically) that didn't reek of class. One of my all-time favourite composers who was born just up the road from Lenin For Beginners central. His skill as a composer was remarkable considering he quit formal education at 15, "I just quit. I hated it." He actually trained by correspondence course in composition, orchestration and harmony ("I've never taken an exam, and I'd probably flunk if I did." 

The Country Rockers: Free Range Chicken

One of my all time favourite bands. I sent away for this album in the late 80s after hearing these guys. It's pure country played by three of the coolest old dudes there are. This is the way music should be played; no frills and straight from the heart. Some of the songs are pure heartbreakin', 'Finally' being a particularly fine track. Also, their version of 'Wipe Out' is one of the BEST EVER. This one is going to take a comment or mail request for a PW

Sam Baird: Sangs & Plays Guitar

Durand: Plays Bass & Sangs

Gaius "Ringo" Farnham: Plays Drums & Sangs

George Baker Selection: Paloma Blanca

This is one album I'm presuming I'll be asked to take down, which is a surprise because I've not heard (hide nor hair) of it for years. The George Baker Selection had one big hit with Paloma Blanca, and I remember NOT dancing to it as a young bloke in the late 70s. It was pop music of the lamest kind but, time has softened my opinion and now I kind of like the catchy, corniness; the faux rock look that is actually based in disco puerility. George now reminds me of Rory McGrath which is a shame because McGrath is a twat and I bet George is a bit of a dude. Put this one on when you're getting ready for a Friday night party with close friends. 

Narciso Yepes - Gonzalo Soriano: Concierto de Aranjuez - Nuits dans les Jardins d'Espagne

I must have 20 odd versions of the Aranjuez Concerto by Rodrigo and, regardless of how many times I hear it, I still love this piece of music. It is so evocative of Spain, although Rodrigo's inspiration appears to have been the gardens of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez (the residence of the King of Spain) which is near to the capital Madrid, which is not the most romantic of places. When I hear the concerto I think of Andalusia. The orange and lemon groves of Granada and Cadiz; the azure skies that hurt the eyes with their brilliance; the immense heat of Summer and the temperate warmth of Winter;  the wonderful smells, the food and drink, everything that is Spain. 

This album is quite old and, thus, the recording does contain some scratches, but don't let that deter you from listening. Yepes does wonderful things here, as does Gonzalo Soriano (on piano) during his performance of 'Nuits'. If, like me, you love all things Spanish the then this album is for you. 

Various Artists: Heritage - The Music Of Britain

I've been loathed to upload this curious album of patriotic, xenophobic nonsense but, here we go anyway. A double record from Spire that spouts all the insular, narrow-minded clap-trap that certain aspects of the British establishment do so well. This is the album equivalent of the far-right wing of the Conservative party or UKIP. Bilious renderings of 'Sailors Hornpipe', 'Rule Britannia', 'Elizabethan Serenade' etc are interspersed with songs and tunes that are supposed to represent Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To be frank, I can't imagine anyone from Ireland wanting to be represented by Britain anyway but, when It's done like this, it is almost piss-taking. 'Cockles and Mussels', 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling', and on the Scottish, Welsh front; 'Roamin' In The Gloaming', 'Amazing Grace', and 'Men of Harlech', 'All Through The Night'. It's definitely of its time (being brought out in 1977) but that doesn't excuse the utter bilge that is on this album. Listen to it if you will; some may like this. Personally I don't. 

Pat

riotic

non

sense

Various Artist: Alaj Volim U Kolu Igrati / Croatian Folk Songs And Dances

Folk music from (1966) communist Croatia, made in 'the former' Yugoslavia by the Jogoton label. This is a piece of cold-war memorabilia that needs to be shared. If you've never heard any eastern European folk music then this is as good a place as any to start. Sorrowful songs, bright dances with exotic rhythms and time signatures and exquisite performances that will pull on your heart-strings long after you've finished listening. 

Guy Mitchell: Showcase Of Hits

Liner states. One of the most eminently satisfying performers of the day. Guy Mitchell's reputation for exuberant, happy-go-lucky interpretations of cheerful, finger-snapping songs second to none. Not for him the distorted, gimmick-infested treatment accorded to their songs by many of today's singers - but a straightforward approach, coupled with a natural inborn gaiety which blends into the very essence of his material. 

You could say that, or you could say that Guy is late 50s middle-of-the-road filler, with no substance to any of the tracks other than, they are nicely arranged. I wouldn't cross the road for this one but I will listen again to make sure my opinion is the same. 

Stan Kenton And His Orchestra: Kenton At The Tropicana

This album, like so many others, does exactly what it sets out to do. It impresses with the immense musicality of the performers. It wows with the complexity of it's arrangements but mostly it brings a smile to the face. I've not even attempted to chop up the album here as, there's a lot of talking between tracks. So what you get are two side of non-stop, unbridled jazz class.

Teresa Brewer & The World's Greatest Jazzband: Good News

Well this is a jazz super group indeed, with the likes of Bud Frreeman, Buddy Pizzarelli, Yank Lawson and many more you're assured of fine playing. This album has the feel of ol' time New Orleans jazz which makes for a relaxed listen, although I'm not keen on the voice of Teresa Brewer, who sounds like a mixture of Minnie Mouse, Marilyn Monroe and Annie Lennox on Helium. Other than that, this album is not half bad. 

Singing Saxophones: Singing Saxophones

Singing saxamaphones, what more can you want on a late Sunday evening? I'm sat here swaying from side-to-side listening to nice arrangements of tunes such as 'The Skaters Waltz', strangely called 'Lucky Luke' and a light-jazz version of 'Tavern in The Town' that lulls you into a stupor. It's music played in a smooth, romantic style with no sharp edges or bits that stick out. One for the grannies. 

Mac Wiseman: Mac Wiseman Sings "Johnny's Cash and Charley's Pride"

Found this album last week. I've never heard of Mac Wiseman but I'm glad I know of him now. Cult bluegrass star with a priddy, tenor voice. Songs range from 'Ring Of Fire' to a strange 'Me and Bobby McGee' that fades out but then has the temerity to crescendo for a final time. It's the music my mother would have loved. Get out the BBQ, throw on a hog and sink a few Buds (I'd not choose the Buds as it's shite beer) and turn Mac up real loud.

Mireille Mathieu: Mireille Mathieu

More Mireille and, again, it's standard pop fare from the late 60s. I really like this album though as it has the right amount of sentimentality tinged with that bleakness only the French can do. Not twee, not suger-coated,  just nice music. I would listen to this while sat alone of an evening, reading Jean-Paul Satre, and smoking (suggestively) one of those French cigarettes that have the nicotine content of a fuel-tanker. 

Mireille Mathieu: Mireille Mathieu En Direct De L'Olympia

I know little to nothing about Mireille Mathieu other than she rolls-her-rrrrs a lot on this nice album, and that she's a fine looking woman (check out her site). Two sides of live French music that is accessible and inoffensive.  

                                     

Juliette Gréco: Les Grandes Chansons De Juliette Gréco

I lovely album of French chansons that doesn't tax the brain too much, and has the sultry voice of Juliette Gréco flowing through it like melted chocolate. One for an evening with the 'significant other' enjoying a glass or two of red, whilst watching a Claude Chabrol movie. Très agréable.

K.G Attwood: Memories Of Steam

Sorry, but I couldn't face trying to separate the tracks on this album. There is only so much 'train' you can listen to before your head begins to go squiffy. Track 1 is nice though, as is track 7... I jest. If you like trains then this one is for you.

Jill Adamson and Mary Elaine: Sing A Song Of Motor Cars

Liner says: Each of these delightful motor car songs for children is a story in itself, and since all children are vividly imaginative, they should get a lotto fun out of hearing for instance just how a little Toyota feels when sent away from his own country, and what a Buick and Cadillac think about us and our cars. A big red bus tells how he spends his fifth birthday, and even the Mini-Mokes have a question to ask.

This is a drug addled album of psychotropic madness. It reminds me of the kids TV programme called 'A Handful Of Songs' mixed with Pinky and Perky, rolled up in a Rizzla filled with medical grade weed. It's obviously sponsored by Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox toys but, who in their right mind thought that this was aimed at kids? Listen to this after a huge bifter, making sure you've plenty of chocolate at your side because this will take you places. Love it.

101 Strings Plus Guitars Galore: Guitars Galore

Liner notes say. This is the first time in the history of the recording arts that six guitars have been scored with such a huge orchestra. The result is one of the most beautiful albums ever produced in pop music. Hit songs scored by master arranger Monty Kelly...all in a breathtaking sound dimension...all in the groove of "where it's happening."

You just got to listen to this after that introduction.

Harald Winkler And The Norman Candler Orchestra: Alone Again

Harald plays melody while the orchestra play nice arrangements around him, that's about it really.  Standard fare with songs like 'Top Of The World' and 'Crocodile Rock'. Oddly though, you can tell it's an album of its time because the title track is a song by Gilbert O' Sullivan who I haven't heard of in an age (probably spending all his royalties) plus it has another of his tracks 'Clair' which was a hit when I was a kid. I'd put this on while cooking mash potatoes. Bland but filling enough to satisfy. 

Bobby MacLeod & his Band: The Music of Mull

This album has been in my possession since I was a kid, because Bobby was a dear friend of my mums and our family. My mother was born on the Island of Mull and then moved down here after the war. She consequently moved back and forth until her death a few years ago. Bobby was one of those rare musicians, who, endlessly encouraged people's musicality. His pub 'The Mishnish' had nightly entertainment during the summer months, with Bobby playing accordion and my cousin Richard Hughes playing along on snare and hi-hat. Bobby was a giant of traditional Scottish folk music and should be recognised so. His influence over me was immense, and it's because of his encouragement that I went on to do my job as a professional musician and music teacher. 

This album is a delight (although track 1 skips at the beginning because of over playing). My reasoning for upping this is that, firstly I've searched for a spare copy but there doesn't appear to be one, and secondly, I wanted to get Bobby's music out there so that others can enjoy a little bit of Scottish history. 

Arthur Blessitt: The Jesus Witness

This is what we want! Crazy, Jeebus-freaked Arthur Blessitt. Found this in the suburbs of Sheffield, which seems as far away from the Sunset Strip as California is from Peckham. This album is two full sides of Arthur preaching; giving testimony and having a bit-o-a-laugh. This is on a loop at the moment on iTunes as I'm sampling bits left, right and centre. If you like a bit of Holy Joe meets GI Joe then  Arthurs your man.

When the Lord called him to preach, the then fifteen-year-old Arthur Blessitt hollered back, "I don't want to be some miserable-faced, sour, big old, puffy-cheeked, persimmon-looking', big, pot-belied, punchy bag o' bones! Lord, I Wanta' live!" But he found out how to be a preacher and still enjoy life. As a boy of seven, Blessitt got it all together with Jesus one night in a parking lot! (WHAT!). Now as a grown man who preaches the love of God to anyone who will listen and many who won't he says, "I'm naturally stoned, and Jesus puts it together forever." 

I've listened stoned and it rocks.

Chaquito And His Orchestra: Latin Favourites

Lovely, groovy. Not much more to say really. I Like.

Miki and Griff: Lonnie Donegan Presents Miki & Griff

The liner notes say that this recording is one of the successful Lonny Donegal Presents series. But, that this is not just a lesion of yet another record release, but the culmination of a friendship and a fostering of two brilliant vocal stars, now known to so many as Miki and Griff.

Apparently the couple were expert exponents of Folk and Country and Western music. They were said to have made a specialised study of these songs and performed tham in various mediums with individual charm and appeal. 

A husband-and-wife team, Miki was born in Rothesay, Scotland and Griff in the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno. They met while both were members of the George Mitchell Choir. 

That's about the long-and-tall of it for our performers. I've got to say they look like a couple of old toffs who run a guest house in Devon, called something like 'Brittania' or 'Reichhaus II'. Not really my cup-o-tea I'm afraid. It's all a bit too polite, although if you listen to them you wouldn't imagine these two lookers would sing they way they do. Worth a listen even if it's just for the scratchiness of the recording.

They perform with: Ralph Dollimore and his orchestra and The Lonnie Donegal Group. Skiffletasic. 

The Michael John Mood: Songs For Swinging Sweethearts.

The word 'Swinging', in this day and age, has taken on another meaning altogether, although this music would be perfect for an evening of kinkiness by those older and more mature in nature. The liner notes say: The Michael John Mood make their debut on disc with twelve delightfully performed songs which were very carefully chosen to ensure that the mood of 'Songs For Swinging Sweethearts' was one of melody and charm. That, dear reader, sums up this album perfectly. Inoffensive songs, tunes flecked with latin rhythms. The track 'You Do Something For Me' sounds a little like the singers have forgotten the words, as they scat 'shooby-doos' a little too vigorously for my liking. That aside this is perfect music for swingers of all types.

Zack Laurence Orchestra: A Taste Of Zack Laurence

The saucily titled 'Taste Of Zack Laurence' (oo-er missus) is one of those Silverline budget albums that were released if you couldn't afford the more pricey ones. Shame really 'cause this isn't half bad as an album. Yes, there's kitsch by the pound and some pretty ropey arrangements but, if you ignore the discrepancies, what you actually get is a decent bit of lounge. Stand out track: Mississippi Delta, which actually sounds very much like the work of any number of 'library' composers. 

Apropos nothing, the back of the album advertises a Danny La Rue album. So this month I've actually thought of, and blogged about Mr La Rue twice, which is something I haven't done in a long time. So here's another picture of Danny looking resplendent in drag.

Phil Tate: Let Phil Tate Play For Your Dance Party

I always find it a bit odd finding albums that Discogs hasn't got on its database. So duly, I did the decent thing and added what info I had from the album. Phil Tate was actually born here in sunny Yorkshire and became a band-leader after studying violin and then self-learning the clarinet and saxophone. The album is a jest-filled compendium of strangeness, what with versions of the Devil's Horn (a hunting song well known in these parts) and a cracking medley of 'faux Scottish' The Gay Gordons. I really like this album. 

Herb Alpert.

A couple of Herb albums that are standard fare from his catalogue. Not much more to say other than, the first is a little scratchy, the second seems ok. Perfect music for an after-work aperitif. 

1.Beat.

1.Whipped.

Various Artists: Hot And Sweet

German light music from the 60s. "Hot and Sweet is a mixture that is eminently suited to relax one from the daily cares". So states the first paragraph of the cover. This album is made up of tracks played by three highly respected German bands. Kurt Heckles Big Band, Macky Kasper His Trombone and Orchestra and Mr Martins Band. This is definitely 'lounge' from bar one to the very last note of side two, with a mixture of early 20s type jazz through to hip-swinging latin. A little album of delights that, although never really hitting any dizzying heights, still leads the listener on a happy and harmless journey. A rare little number too.

A Gentle Reminder

When digitising these albums I try to ensure that the final recording is the best quality I can muster. I also make sure that each record is tagged to within an inch of its life, which, takes a lot of time and effort. I do this because I love music, vinyl and sharing my finds. I do hope the gentle reader/listener understands all the effort that goes into providing these gems and appreciates why I do this. Please, if you find something you like on my blog  then comment. It only takes minute and may very well keep me adding more stuff rather than making this blog, invitation only.

Pierre Cavalli, His Guitar and Orchestra: Twilight Time

This 1963 mono recording from Oriole Records Limited and Realm is an album of quirky arrangements that are highly flavoured by guitar. This is a real find for me, as I know nothing of Pierre Cavalli and I feel inspired to find out more. Stand-out track is the James Bondesque, 'Toi Le Venin'. A lovely addition to my collection.

Ike Isaacs and the Glittering Guitars: Play the Music of Michel Legrand

Couldn't believe my eyes when I found this today. I was out buying loo-rolls at the local T***O with my ickle one and she asked to go to the charity shop next door. Now I, not being one to pass up the chance to go and see if there are any long lost classics, said yes! Thank goodness I did. 20 albums for less than a fiver and some pretty fab ones at that. This one though, Oh! this is the one. 

Ike Isaacs is one of my all time favourite guitarists, full-stop. His albums (although not rare) are a pain to get hold of and I only own two. I'll not bore anyone with a biog of Ike but I will say that he was one of Britain's greatest jazz musicians, respected world wide but sadly, hardly known to the general public. Martin Taylor cites Ike as a massive influence, and that's enough for me. 

I've arranged a few Ike tunes in my time so I thought I'd add one of them to the post (for any guitarists out there).

The Lingdale Silver Band: Roundabout

The soundtrack is Dvorak's Largo from the the New World Symphony. The moors are covered in a fine mist, and the verdancy of Summer is lost to the granite grey of late Winter. 

If your imagination can picture this then you will enjoy immensely the wonderful sound of The Lingdale Silver Band.

Situated near the moors in the Northerly extremes of Yorkshire (now known as County Cleveland), the old Ironstone Mining village of Lingdale originally enjoyed the privilege of its own Brass band during the late nineteenth century, when a group of its miners formed, the then named "Lingdale Miners Band".

Now over a hundred years lateran the mines are long extinct, the "Lingdale Silver Band" flourishes, enjoying outstanding success in contests at both area and national level, and a reputation for the quality of its concert performances. The band remains a vital part of the village way of life, and the community of Lingdale is justly proud of its musicians.  

Raymond Wallbank: Relax & Listen

Imagine Las Vegas manqué. A place so devoid of taste that even the seediest of dives doesn't seem out of place. Well if you can, then you are imagining Blackpool circa 1973 to the present day. 

The place is a mecca for 'hen parties' and 'stag-do's' For fat families with potty mouthed kids called Chantelle and Keanu. For elicit meetings by lovers intent on enjoying their seedy liaisons. A place where old men still knot their handkerchiefs and wear them on their heads, the only difference being is that now they're sporting tasteless Hawaiian shirts and peering through 'fake' Ray-ban shades. 

Regardless of this, I love towns like Blackpool. Towns where the spectrum of society come together in celebration of their god Mammon.

The liner-notes read like a parody of a Count Arthur Strong radio show and seem to be searching for something to say about Raymond Wallbank. Sadly Raymond is now dead, which is very sad because I would have loved to see him live. This album is a brilliantly corny organ-fest  that represents all that is awesome about the working-class propensity to gather together in cold, seaside towns and enjoy life to full.  RAYMOND WALLBANK IS DEAD. LONG LIVE RAYMOND WALLBANK.

Blackpool

Danny La Rue

The liner notes read thus.

As well as his popular programmes in the Sun Lounge on the North Pier at Blackpool Raymond Wallbank has also appeared a concert organist in many parts of the country, including performances on the fine organ at the Gaunt, Manchester.

During the winter months Raymond also plays for dances almost every evening. His recent engagements include appearances are the Floral Hall, Southport on the same bill as Victor Sylvester and his Orchestra and as successor to Reginald Dixon as organist at the official switch-on of Blackpool Illuminations carried out by Danny La Rue.

Like many top-class artistes Raymond makes time to do special charity performances, including regular broadcasts for local hospitals. He also took part in a special BBC television programme about Blackpool, and has been heard on BBC radio programmes.

He is, of course, well known to many thousands of Blackpool holiday-makers and his twice daily organ recitals in the Sun Lounge have become a permanent feature of the North Pier summer-time entertainment - in fact an important contribution to Blackpool's wide range and variety of top class artistes appearing each year for the enjoyment of countless holiday-makers.

His special request programmes offering on-the-spot birthday, anniversary, or purely sentimental tunes, from the high-light of a programme content which caters for all ages and all tastes, recalling nostalgic moments for many patrons. His sense of humour and pleasant personality set the scene for a delightful two-hour concert of relaxed musical entertainment with, of course,  the possibility of a sun-tan at the end of it! Why not try it for yourself when next in Blackpool!

The 50 Guitars Of Tommy Garret (and others): Invitation

This album has been a bit problematic. The reason being is that I couldn't find much in the way of information about it.  Discogs has information on an album with the exact same tracks but it's released in Germany and has a different cover. I've since updated this version to Discogs so phew there then! ;)

Invitation is one of those beautifully arranged, easy listening, albums that obviously served the purpose of adding background music to large department stores, lifts and a million middle-class dinner parties. Inoffensive musical wallpaper that is actually rather good.