5 comments about Darlings of Wapping Wharf Launderette.

1. It's a shame this fine two-disc set has gone out of print, since it contains so much awesome music, from such an underrated band, really serving as the ideal, impossible-to-go-wrong introduction to someone interested in The Small Faces. They were a Sixties British Invasion band rather like The Hollies or The Who; they were always better-known and had much better chart success back in their native England instead of here over the pond. Until I bought this collection, I myself had only ever heard one of the songs on here, "Itchycoo Park." Hearing this incredible catalogue of music can make one wonder just why they never really caught on in North America, but then again, it's often hard to understand what passes for good taste. And in addition to being a very pleasant surprise for the average uninitiated American listener, the music has also aged incredibly well. While there are some psychedelic-influenced songs, they don't sound dated to me at all. This set also includes the entire album 'Ogden's Nut Gone Flake,' which is just a masterpiece, a true example of what a concept album really is (unlike a certain colossally overrated "concept" album from 1967 we might be able to think of).
   
   In addition to containing an entire album (broken up over two discs), these two discs also contain every song they did for the Immediate label in 1967 and 1968, hit singles, lower-charting singles, B-sides, and more obscure album cuts. I can't think of any real throwaways, even considering that a number of the songs at first glance would seem designed to appeal to hard-core fans instead of new fans, given their obscurity. The audio quality is also incredible. It's such a pity that two of the band's members, lead singer Steve Marriott and bassist Ronnie Lane, who also co-wrote most of the group's songs, passed on at relatively young ages. The fold-out liner notes are short but sweet, and also have a bunch of really nice pictures and posters. Some of my favorite tracks include "Green Circles," "Autumn Stone," "Mad John," "Tin Soldier," "Wham Bam, Thank You Man," and "Lazy Sunday." All in all, it's a great collection that's worth searching out.



2. Even more of a bargain than it appears since as well as plenty of A and B sides, including The Universal/Donkey Rides, A Penny A Glass (whose chart failure initiated the band's demise) and the rather wonderful non-PC non-album B-side of Afterglow (Of Your Love), Wham Bam, Thank You Mam, this compilation includes in their entirety their two UK albums for the Immediate label, The Small Faces and Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake, plus all the new studio recordings from the Autumn Stone double-album collection that appeared after they had broken up, all in excellent remastered sound.
   A similar collection of the UK Decca label period would be equally welcome.



3. I agree with everything that has been said. Small Faces were truly a great band, great songwriters, and an awesome vocalist.
   This is a very good set.
   
   Just be aware that 7 songs on the 2nd disc are instrumentals, no vocals, no Steve Marriot.
   
   You might just as well served by a single set of their immediate period. Or unless the price is really good on this double.



4. This is THE Small Faces CD to have, despite what "MurrayTheCat" says. Who cares if the songs are not in the EXACT running order they were in on the original LPs? It's all here and then some. This set covers everything the Small Faces recorded during their two years on the Immediate label, where they were given the artistic freedom that resulted in a blaze of creative energy and these great recordings. Unfortunately, these songs were released during a window of time when the best the UK had to offer (The Who Sell Out, Something Else by The Kinks, Village Green Preservation Society) was being ignored in the U.S. As a result, most people here have never heard but a couple of these songs. A few years ago, I bought and played this set for my nephew, who was in his mid-20's at the time and listening to Guided By Voices, Mercury Rev, Ween, etc. He was totally blown away by song after song. All he could do was shake his head and wonder aloud why he'd never heard this stuff before. He still listens to it frequently, as do I. I never get tired of it. There's so much here and it's such a diverse group of songs and productions, from psychedelic to pure pop to front porch blues to power chord ravers and everything in between. The quality is amazing throughout - you won't be skipping through half of the songs like you do on other compilations - and it's still so fresh, not dated. You'll be amazed.



5. I heard the Small Faces name checked by the likes of Paul Weller and Supergrass. I bought this just out of curiousity and the music and quality of the song writing just blew me away. A typical song is two minutes, very melodic and totally unpredictable. They'll go from mellow folk pattern one minute to an all out motown rave up the next. Sheer genius. They squeeze so much into a song, get the message across and then before you have a chance to catch your breath it's onto the next one. Very appropriate for the band who wrote "Wham Bam Thank you man". They hold the mod ethos in spades. Steve Marriot has the most amazing voice. He can really belt it out when the need arises and he's up there with Little Richard in my opinion. Pink Floyd fans who should listen to this and realize that a decent song doesnt have to take up half an hour of your time.
   I'm not so fond of the second disk however. It has lots of tracks from an ill advised concept album and theres almost as much spoken dialogue on the first ten songs as there is actual music. Still an interesting time piece I suppose.
   Very highly extremely recommended. For more great sixties sounds check out the recently released Rolled Gold by the underated The Action. Another groovy mod band who'll kick some real life in to yer living room!

5 comments about The Kink Kronikles.

1. This two CD collection is not a Greatest Hits hurray of favorites, it's more like a hide and seek of forbidden fun.
   
   There is no rhyme or reason to the listings, some songs are mid '60's hits, others fallen flat 45's, some reaching the top 20 of the early '70's, others only LP cuts to which Kink fans hold dear.
   
   It has hard to find 45s like "Fancy", "Dead End Street" , "Death of a Clown", "Polly" and maybe one of the best Ray Davies' songs ever, "Days".
   Some of these reached the bottom of the top 100, others a back in line top 40. All are examples of songwriting at its most exquisite.
   
   It also has the 45 version of 'Waterloo Sunset"
   need I say more?



2. Take that, shuffle-play. John Mendelssohn fills all four sides of this two-LP set with informed and wonderfully inspired thematic collections of Kinks songs, one lyrical theme per side. In other hands, such an approach might have a reductive or pigeonholing effect, but here it provides a perfect, provactive glimpse into the depth and range of the Kinks' early recordings -- songs that reached beyond themselves to create lasting narratives, connections, and meaning.



3. It's time for the Kinks to get the respect they deserve. It is absolutely unbelievable that this is the best compilation release out there, and it is obviously brilliant!! It's time for Ray and the rest of the Kinks to get all their albums back in print where they belong, including the early ones. And, how about a box set of every recording they've ever made under the name of The Kinks? A 20 Disc Set! Now that would do justice to the greatest British Rock band of all time, and its greatest singer-songwriter, Ray Davies.



4. I grabbed this one from a Record Shop at Christmas Time, 1972. I had been a Fan of the Kinks since the first blast of: "You Really Got Me" was heard over a Crappy Transistor Radio, on a beach in 1964. I needed more Kinks, as at this time the only Record by the Band that I owned was: "Arthur".
   
   Well, this Double LP: "The Kink Kronikles", was and still is One of the Greatest Records of Music from the 1960's, I was ever Lucky enough to Purchase {$5.99}, for me it's THE Greatest Hits of that Decade.
   
   The Songs of Ray Davies are British Anthems: "Dead End Street", "This Is Where I Belong", "Waterloo Station", "Victoria" and "Days". A previously unissued track is here as well: "Did You See His Name?". I played these Two Records until they Melted. This Kollection opened a Huge Door of Music into my World, and I was buying a lot of Kinks Records after this.
   
   This is the DEFINATE look into a period {1966-1971} of some of the Greatest Music to have come from England during those years. The Kinks have never Gotten Their Due. Without these Great Songs, The Sixties still would have gone on...BUT, There would have been a Huge Hole, Right in the Middle of that Decade, that where this Timeless Music, would have been.
   
   If you wanna find out, what all the fuss was about, this Rock Music, we old-Timers, are still all worked-up over, more than Forty Years on, this will set it all in Place. This is The Sixties, some of the Greatest Music that you will ever listen to is on this CD.
   FIVE STARS !!!



5. this set covers the period that is by general consensus the kinks most creative period although not their most commercially successful. beginning to end this two cd set goes from strength to strength. highlighing most of the standout tracks from the kinks mid to late sixties albums and singles. several of these songs were hits in britain while obscure here in the states. several reviewers have criticized the sound quality of this set, and they make a valid point as the sound is decidedly murky. the songs are so great and the selections so well representing the peak of the kinks work, that i can forgive the technical shortcomings of this package and still give it 5 stars. so start with this set then move on to arthur, village green preservation society, something else, and lola and you are on your way to joining the kinks preservation society.

No comments about 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: 60's Rock.

3 comments about Now.

1. This brilliant but overlooked gem was Petula's first album after she left her old record labels - Warner in the USA and Pye in the UK. The set begins in brilliant fashion with The wedding song (There is love) which was later covered by Captain and Tennille.

   Petula included several covers on this album, all of which are superb, including Solitaire (the Neil Sedaka song more commonly associated with the Carpenters and Andy Williams, who both had hits with it), Don't hide your love (Neil Sedaka), Shelter (Joe South), Baby I'm yours (Barbara Lewis) and My guy (Mary Wells).

   Petula wrote one song herself - Song without end - and also included a song by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, despite having split from them.

   While this is not one of the important albums of Petula's long and distinguished career, it is an excellent showcase for her talents and is a great addition to any collection of her music.




2. OK. Overall, maybe this album doesn't necessarily rate 4 stars (there are a few weak songs that unfortunately pull the rating down a bit...), but - and here's the important part - this album contains some of the best recording work Petula Clark has ever done. Her recordings of "Wedding Song" & "Solitaire" are nothing short of magnificent. No exaggeration. Her voice has never been more solid, focused, expressive - while at the same time vulnerable & delicate. There are some other goodies on this set, too (expecially "My Guy"), but it's the previously mentioned two that make this album a "must have." On a scale of 1-5, I give this album a 4 star rating. On a scale of 1-5, I give "Wedding Song" & "Solitaire" a SOLID 35!!!!!! Her voice will simply melt your heart on these songs.



3. Just an all around flowing and relaxing album. Petula's voice soothes on low tempo numbers like the "Wedding Song" and "Your Heart Is Free..." - while being bouncy and vibrant on "Don't Hide Your Love" and "Baby, I'm Yours." I'm not really a fan of "It's A Musical World," a bit of a weak song with which to close out the album. On the other hand, "Wedding Song" is wonderful. I love the Biblical allusions and beautiful picture of Christian marriage. If you enjoy the voice of Petula Clark, this is definitely an album worth getting.

No comments about You Don't Have to Say You Love Me.

5 comments about Not Fade Away (Remembering Buddy Holly).

1. This is a pretty awesome Tribute to Buddy Holly -- They all did a fantasic job of Re-Recording some of Buddy's classics. If you are a fan of Buddy I really have to say this is a must have for any collection. Buddy was Light years ahead of his time and I firmly believe that had he not come along, Music we listen to today would be very different, Even the Beatles admit they were heavily influnced by Buddy and even covered a few of his songs in their early years.



2. To my mind Buddy Holly was the best musician of all the fifties rock n roll acts .Mind ,I say "musician" not "singer" for while a perfectly talented singer he was outclassed vocally by Presley and the Killer .However,he possessed a great deal of musical insight and applied the fruits of his wide listening to create a substantial musical legacy in a tragically brief time span .
   This 1996 tribute to Holly is a labour of love and a worthwhile album in its own right .Predominantly a country music affair it gives a number of stellar performers the chance to pay tribute to a lasting influence in American musis.
   It has its weaknessses -the opening track Peggy Sue Got Married ,which features Holly's own vocal grafted onto a new version by the Hollies is over arranged and for me it simply does not work .Also the take on Midnight Shift by Los Lobos is too plodding for my taste .Yet all else is fine and in some cases better than that.
   The soaring version of True Love Ways by the Mavericks is passionate and beautiful;Nanci Griffith and the Crickets add something new to Well All Right make it sound well at ease in her usual "folkabilly" style;the perfect pitch of Suzy Boguss on It Doesn't Matter Anymore comes close to the original,while other highlights include a nice version of Think It over from the Tractors.

   Check out the duet between Steve Earle and Marty Stuart on Crying ,Waiting ,Hoping for new insights into a Holly song,;listen to the Bo Diddly-ish attack on Not Fade Away by the Band and the Crickets but above listen to the simplest arrangement of all on the most affecting track of the lot-the reflective take on Learning the Game by the great Waylon Jennings.With a simple guitar accompaniment he cuts to the heart of the song bringing the gravitas of the years to the deceptively simple song .Its called experience and its priceless.
   This does not Buddy down even when adhering closely to the original arrangement as in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band cut of Maybe Baby

   A pleasing album.




3. Sixties group The Hollies named themselves after him and they open this set with a remix of Buddy's original version of Peggy Sue got married. Modern recording technology is amazing, but I admit that I would have preferred the Hollies to do their own version rather than mix their vocals with Buddy's.

   The remaining recordings were all (as far as I know) completely new for this album and feature a mix of rock and country performers. Buddy's former band, The Crickets, lend their support to Nanci Griffith on Well all right and to The Band on Not fade away.

   My favorite track here is It doesn't matter anymore, featuring outstanding guitar picking by Dave Edmunds and brilliant singing by Suzy Bogguss. Actually, I think all the tracks are great, except Peggy Sue got married which is merely OK. You have to like both country and rock music to agree with me. If you only like one of these genres, you may only like some of the tracks here.

   Despite a recording career cut short by death, Buddy's influence on pop, rock and country music is substantial. This is a fitting tribute album, although it would have been nice to have more than twelve tracks.




4. Holly may have died before his time but his music lives on and thanks to Waylon and Mark Knopfler, this album will always be one of my favorites.



5. Buddy Holly's career only lasted a couple of years and he was only 21 or so when he was killed. Thus, it's astonishing that we are still listening to his music forty-plus years later. Holly's music was innovative. Modern groups use dozens of musicians to produce sounds not as original as Holly did with a four piece band.

   This is a good tribute album. The best version of a Holly song here is "Midnight Shift" by Los Lobos, a hard-rocking, smoky, mysterious tune. I don't know the song in the original Holly version. Also good are "Maybe Baby" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and "Not Fade Away" by the Band and the Crickets. The mix of Buddy Holly's voice with a new background and the Hollies on "Peggy Sue Got Married" is also kind of cool. But where is Holly's most famous song, "Peggy Sue" with its absolutely unique, unforgettable, machine gun rhythm?

   I suspect we'll still be listening to Buddy Holly in 2050 and new interpretations of his songs will appear every decade or so. He's one of the best from the early days of rock and roll.

2 comments about Universal Soldier.

1. This CD is, of course, great. But it is only a shorter version of Summer Day Reflection Songs, the best Donovan album (in my opinion).

   I recommend this if you are not such a fan of Donovan to pick up the double-CD (Reflection Songs). Although it may turn out after getting it that you are one after all...




2. Great performance.Donovan at his best.A true artist trying to make the world better with his wonderful tones.Worth listening over and over again.

1 comments about Jagged Time Lapse.

1. Jagged Time Lapse is the second release to capture the singles and unreleased gems of John's Children. What can you say about a band that, "Out Who'd the Who!"

   Most fans listen to JC recordings to hear seminal recordings by pre-glamster Marc Bolan, but JC is much more than Marc Bolan. Tune in, turn on, and glory in this gem. Remember Thomas A' Beckett!

1 comments about Smashed Blocked!.

1. Brought this,to have midsummer nights scene on cd.So I would not have to keep getting my lp out and playing it.Boy was I dissapointed with the cd version poorly done into stereo with the the background vocals really drowned out towards the end of the song.Also features their pre Bolan efforts,plus the Bolan era as well.Features a very good information booklet with rare pictures in it overall fairly good if you want to hear underground British psych come rock.

2 comments about At Abbey Road (1973-1989).

1. i picked this up after getting the 'epic anthology' disc. while i don't think this is cover to cover good like that compilation is, it does have it's merits. the first song sounds a lot like a rewrite of long cool woman but it's still a pretty cool song. transatlantic westbound train is another great track. the low point in this collection is anything done after about 1979, without nash's replacement terry sylvester, who was a great foil to the hicks,clark,elliot triumvirate. and even the track from the eighties have those great hollies-style harmonies that can make the synthesizer drenched crap sound decent



2. The Hollies have been mercilessly exploited in terms of anthologies and reissues. Most of them retread the same old hits. This set covers the mostly neglected period from Allan Clarke's return to the fold in late 1973 to the late 1980s. Included are relatively obscure releases such as "Son of a Rotten Gambler" and the Eagles-esque "Layin' to the Music" as well as late creations such as the rather good "Find Me a Family" and the thoroughly salty guitar-rock "No Rules" created by the troika of Clarke, Hicks and Elliot at the tail end of a session for another song. The unreleased tracks are all quite good. "Tip of the Iceberg" hits the same raunchy rock feel as "Curly Billy." Indeed, you can tell from the fantastic vocal phalanx created by Clarke, Hicks & Sylvester on this track recorded shortly after Clarke's return that they were all glad to be working together again. "Come Down to the Shore" is a pleasant if insubstantial piece of ersatz caribbean charm. "Samuel" is an absolutely anthemic Allan Clarke ballad that would have beefed up the relatively weak "Write On" album considerably. Tony Hicks finishes the track with some terrific acoustic guitar fills. "Lovin' You Ain't Easy" is a great Hollies ballad from the sessions for the 5317704 album in 1979, at least as good as the material that was officially released.

   In addition to the above treasures that are really essential for any Hollies fan, the balance of the material highlights some of the group's 1970s era tracks in a new context that really shows them to advantage. This is the period when the Clarke, Hicks & Sylvester vocal blend was honed to perfection. The Hollies had pretty much passed their commercial peak by the time of most of the recordings on here but in fact their craftsmanship just continued to grow and this set makes that point convincingly.

   The sound is excellent.