My partners Nan passed away a few weeks ago, 96 and a lovely, sweet lady to the end. During a very sad house clearance (64 years in the same house) we came across a couple of boxes of old records, singles and LPs. Very generously I was allowed to take them and I spent a short time the other day sorting through and there is some lovely stuff in there. I thought I would post one a day on this thread between now and Christmas and it may have some interest for some of you and may prompt sopme discussion. I’m a day late so I’ll do 2 in the comments today to catch up. I may need to use library photos for images but I’ll be as accurate as I can
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Dave Ross says
1: Tyrannosaurus Rex “Debora
Johnny Concheroo says
Nice! It’s in the sleeve for Joe Cocker’s With A Little Help From My Friends. Was that in the box too?
Dave Ross says
Ha ha, that’s a library picture but it’s definitely the same sleeve. It looks like lots of them have been mixed up. I’ll double check later and try and get an actual picture. Didn’t see any Joe Cocker but I haven’t been through them all yet
minibreakfast says
Do you have these serial numbers memorized, JC, or did you look it up?
Johnny Concheroo says
I knew it was another Regal Zonophone number from 1968, but I did check to make sure. WALHFMF was the biggest seller on the label.
minibreakfast says
Still impressive.
Black Celebration says
Yes – JC left me speechless there too.
Johnny Concheroo says
It’s the work of the devil, I tells ya.
Tiggerlion says
In 1971/2 I worshipped Marc Bolan. T. Rex rocked my world even more so than David Bowie. Imagine my horror when I dipped into the Tyranosaurus Rex back catalogue and found nothing but hippy dippy shit. It put me right off John Peel by association for far too long. However, I quite enjoyed Deborah when it was reissued on Fly in 1972, with One Inch Rock as the B side. This is an original 1968 copy. It got to number 34 in the hit parade. Your nan-in-law would have been 48, that is pretty ancient in those days for buying hippy dippy shit by a relatively unknown act that would only hit the big time years later. How did that happen?
Johnny Concheroo says
By contrast I worshipped Tyrannosaurus Rex and treasured all the early acoustic duo LPs 1968-70 on Regal Zonophone. I wanted to be that little guy with the corkscrew hair and the velvet dungarees (yes I had both of those things) more than anything in the world.
When he went electric in 1970 I wasn’t overly impressed, despite some undeniably catchy singles (and a passing Zappa connection). There was a story in Melody Maker or NME at the time about how Marc had spent the weekend at Eric Clapton’s country pile, during which Slowhand gave Bolan a crash course in electric boogie guitar. Thus armed with Eric’s best licks, the Boppin’ Elf set out to conquer the world.
He replaced one surplus-to-requirements bongo playing stooge with a much better looking surplus-to-requirements bongo playing stooge, ensuring maximum knicker-wetting fan adulation. I have to say I found it all a bit simplistic and lacking in technique on almost every level. The classic case of style over substance.
But Bolan was soon eclipsed by Bowie in every department, most importantly the one labelled “songwriting”. Then Marc got fat and he wasn’t even better looking than Bowie any longer. Game, set and match to the Dame.
Mind you, I can’t listen to the acoustic stuff now. That voice! Those lyrics! The hit singles have held up much better.
deramdaze says
We’ve been here before!
For me, it’s the famous, overplayed stuff that is almost unbearable now. “Get It On” comes on the radio, 0.008 seconds later I’m listening to Radio 4.
However, Marc’s run of 60s 45s up to “Magical Moon” is terrific.
Please Mr. Record Label Man…..As and Bs on one CD from “The Wizard” via John’s Children to “Magical Moon.” I promise to be good.
While you’re at it, a Bowie (1964-1970), and Who (1964-69) equivalent would also hit the spot.
Tiggerlion says
*rolls eyes*
There is nothing wrong with a simple loud riff and a catchy chorus. For eighteen months, T.Rex were tremendous. Even Bowie thought so.
Johnny Concheroo says
I would really like to think we could have an intelligent exchange of views without the beyond-patronising *rolls eyes* meme, which clearly implies you’re dealing with someone beyond contempt.
deramdaze says
“Rolls eyes.” Why? Peel didn’t reckon them much, and that was long before they were played to death.
I don’t hate them, I just find “The Wizard” a much more interesting proposition now than “Jeepster.” Fair enough, isn’t it?
Junior Wells says
I interpret the rolls eyes as a here we go again sort of thing rahter than a beneath contempt thing.
I doubt Tigger disrespects your views JC just, on this occasion, might not agree.
Johnny Concheroo says
Yes, but the equally dismissive “here we go again” implies you’re dealing with someone who has expressed a view counter to the “correct” Afterword way of things.
Tiggerlion says
It was more of a here-we-go-again thing with regard to deram, who, very entertaingly I must say, sticks rigidly to the view that only music released pre-1970 is of any value.
Up to, but not including, Truck On (Tyke) all of T.Rex’s were poptastic. Jeepster just oozes sex. Wizard, erm, doesn’t.
Anyway, Johnny, I love your avatar.
Johnny Concheroo says
Thank you and I apologise if I got the wrong end of the stick
deramdaze says
Jeepster oozes “do I ever really need to hear this again?”
Beany says
T.Rex was my first official gig – I’m not counting Pickettywitch at the Bolton Navada (sic) Saturday night dance or Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson on the Morecambe & Wise show – around 1971. They were on there second hit single by that stage but the tickets were still printed as Tyrannosaurus Rex.
I was always more of a singles collector than LPs so this is a smashing thread for me. I still have Bowie’s Prettiest Star single with Marc Bolan on guitar. Cost me 10p.
Johnny Concheroo says
I recently found this ad. in an old edition of International Times. Tyrannosaurus Rex and The Liverpool Scene at the Memorial Hall in Sheffield, June 1969. Introduced by John Peel.
It was the first time I saw Marc live, still with Steve Took, I think.
http://i.imgur.com/fecrBTn.jpg
Moose the Mooche says
Experimental Student Theatre Festival… oy vey.
davebigpicture says
TMFTL
Johnny Concheroo says
Here’s a rare video clip from that Experimental Student Theatre Festival
Moose the Mooche says
Isn’t that just a rip-off of Action Image Exchange? Which in turn is a rip-off of the entire Edinburgh Festival.
Harold Holt says
You missed the brackets, therefore you lose points there. Sorry.
Dave Ross says
@Tiggerlion good spot on the age thing. She had 4 daughters (one my other halfs Mum) and two sons who are now aged between 60+ an 70+. Some of the middles and sleeves have the surname scrawled as an obvious attempt not to lose them at a party. I’m taking proper photos today, and will post the actual “Deborah”
Tiggerlion says
Aha! In that case, this collection is a multi-generational legacy. Even better.
jazzjet says
Nothing wrong with hippy dippy shit in my world.
Moose the Mooche says
Later the label of Frank Sidebottom. What a roster!
Dave Ross says
Here’s the actual record
Tiggerlion says
Nice carpet.
Junior Wells says
This is going to be fun – cheers Dave.
Dave Ross says
2: Donovan “Josie”
Johnny Concheroo says
As we discussed elsewhere, Josie was the only DONOVAN single released between 1965 and 1973 not to chart in the UK or US. Not a bad run for our man Don.
Dave Ross says
The actual record
minibreakfast says
Fab! I love love love stuff like this (but sad about the usual circumstances of these kinds of treasures).
Johnny Concheroo says
When they are in the correct sleeves it’s odds-on they are in top condition, too.
Dave Ross says
Ok, from tomorrow I’ll take actual photos rather than use Google Images. As I said up there a bit they do seem to be mixed up. Hopefully they’ll all end up in the right sleeves
Kaisfatdad says
Definitely sounds like fun. And a nice hommage to her too. Share away!
Black Celebration says
I’ll look forward to those. I hope you’ve got a special one for 24th! No pressure.
Dave Ross says
It’s an absolute belter……… Couldn’t believe it when I found it, it made me think of doing this thread
bricameron says
Nan. Where did that originate? Fey English ponce for granny. Europe’s better for your exit.
Johnny Concheroo says
Greek – nanna: aunt,
Medieval Latin – nonna: old woman
It says here.
Moose the Mooche says
In Germany they say Nonna. Are you calling the Germans fey ponces? Good luck pal.
Sniffity says
His name will go ze list.
Mike_H says
“Vot iss your name?”
“Don’t tell him Bricameron!”
Raymond says
Great idea for a thread Dave … and a lovely tribute to your partner’s Nan. She must have been a cool lady.
hubert rawlinson says
Thanks for this Dave, a splendid idea and a good way to celebrate her life.
Thank goodness Beany didn’t have the same idea.
Dave Ross says
3: Bob Dylan “Positively 4th Street”
minibreakfast says
Lovely!
Johnny Concheroo says
Three point push-out centre – check
Rough textured CBS label – check
Eleven eye CBS paper sleeve – check
Artist name and song title printed at 90 degrees – check
It’s a first pressing.
Dave Ross says
Which means?….
minibreakfast says
…that’s it’s worth AT LEAST a pound… https://www.discogs.com/Bob-Dylan-Positively-4th-Street/release/1620827
minibreakfast says
Or perhaps a tenner if it’s mint https://www.discogs.com/sell/history/1620827
Johnny Concheroo says
Yes, not rare or valuable but a nice thing to have in the correct original sleeve. And getting hard to find in clean condition
Dave Ross says
Cool, I don’t want to sell them, agreed a nice thing to have……
minibreakfast says
Definitely. Great b-side too.
Tiggerlion says
I think you’ve hit on a thread of gold, Dave. Three days in and you are on 45 comments already!
minibreakfast says
Three days in? The OP only appeared yesterday afternoon. You feeling alright, tigsy?
Tiggerlion says
It’s been a long week. Or a short one. Have I had me dinner yet?
Moose the Mooche says
The staff have been stealing my money. I complain that my room is draughty but no-one listens.
Tiggerlion says
That’s why I don’t have any money. Have I had my dinner yet?
Dave Ross says
Just thought it would be a good fit for here. Most of the comments so far are the T-Rex fight and my efforts at posting the photos. Could be a very different thing by the time number 21 comes around………..
Dave Ross says
4: Cilla Black “Step Inside Love”
Tiggerlion says
Ah. Now that is a record I can imagine a forty-odd year old buying back in the day. Great song, well sung.
Harold Holt says
That would be a very odd 40. Somewhere in the 50-60 range.
Dave Ross says
5: Love Sculpture “Sabre Dance” (with a fantastic cover Fran The Fan anyone???)
Johnny Concheroo says
Nice! Great record.
That was a good week in 1968 for Parlophone. The records either side of Love Sculpture were The Moles – We Are The Moles (a psych classic featuring Simon Dupree & The Big Sound recording under another name) and Deep Purple’s Kentucky Woman (withdrawn before release). Other singles released that week on Parlophone included gems by Kippington Lodge (feat. Nick Lowe) and, er, Mrs Mills.
I suspect that’s an earlier Parlophone sleeve however, circa 1966/67. The late 1968 sleeve has an offset circle around the centre hole. Like this. In fact that sleeve may belong to the Cilla record (above)
http://i.imgur.com/nHYUN3Q.jpg
Tiggerlion says
Do you think she danced to this one?
Junior Wells says
how about some pics of your Nan Dave- seems quite the groover.
Arthur Cowslip says
I love this thread. Just not looking forward to it in about 10 days’ time when it has about 200 comments and crashes my phone.
Can’t you do a new thread each day, Dave? I’m sure no one would begrudge you the multiple posts.
I inherited an LP collection from someone who passed away a couple of years ago and it was 78% Moody Blues. The other 22% was ELO. Not the treasure trove I thought it might be.
Dave Ross says
@Arthur-Cowslip No problem to me. Maybe I’ll do 3 batches of 8 up to 24th?
Dave Ross says
Sorry, out all day yesterday……
6: The Merseybeats “I Think Of You”
Dave Ross says
7: Marianne Faithfull “As Tears Go By”
Tiggerlion says
Marianne was only seventeen when she recorded As Tears Go By. When The Stones decided to do their own version, almost a year later, they added lashings of strings. Their first real self-written ballad ended up sounding like Yesterday, possibly deliberately. It was a hit in the USA, just as Yesterday was.
Dave Ross says
8: The Flower Pot Men “Lets Go To San Francisco” (part 1)
NigelT says
Never realised it was Part 1 – I assume Part 2 is on the other side..?! Despite the obvous naffness, I always liked this record – superb vocals from Tony Burrows, who turned up on loads of records around this time of course. Written by Carter/Lewis of the Ivy League, who I also loved!
Dave Ross says
@NigelT Yep B-side is Part 2. Glad you like it, I’m not sure about naffness though, of it’s time but not naff……..
Johnny Concheroo says
Named ironically after the 50s/60s “Watch With Mother” BBC kid’s TV show of the same name, the Flower Pot Men was a blatant psych bandwagon-jumping exercise recorded by session men drawn from the MOR pop vocal trio the Ivy League. For the few live shows they played they were backed by a pre-Deep Purple Jon Lord and Nick Simper.
Lead singer Tony Burrows appeared on many hit singles of the period, including records by White Plains, Brotherhood of Man, Edison Lighthouse, First Class and The Pipkins.
Dave Ross says
9: Cat Stevens ” Father and Son”
Tiggerlion says
I don’t care what anyone says, this is a great record.
fentonsteve says
He was no Boyzone though, was he? I initially wrote Westlife there but had to go and check.
I may have told this story before…
Yusuf Islam came to my students union in 1989 to give a talk on the sins of westernism. It was hectoring and humourless. I was doing the sound so had to stay to the end.
I’d taken my LPs along for him to sign. As I got them out from behind the mixing desk, I said words to the effect of “your talk was interesting, but you had a fantastic gift, I loved your records and it’s a real shame you’re not doing music any more”.
Cue finger-pointing, potty-mouthed ranting, stomping off, slamming of doors. I was left shell-shocked and managed to mumble to the lighting man “was it something I said?”
davebigpicture says
I heard him on Danny Baker’s BBC London show a few years ago. I think he’s much more chilled these days. He was pretty hard line in the 80s, agreeing with the Fatwa on Salman Rushdie.
GCU Grey Area says
‘Introducing the Hard Line according to Yusuf Islam’. I loved that record.
davebigpicture says
Including “Sign Your Name? No Chance Western Infidel.”
Moose the Mooche says
Not a patch on Neither Haram Nor Halal.
NigelT says
He is even billing himself as Yusuf/Cat Stevens these days. Annoyingly for @fentonsteve, I saw a Facebook post of him doing a signing on Record Store day recently – he re-recorded I Love My Dog and Matthew & Son – so I guess the pension plan has dried up.
Johnny Concheroo says
And he’s dropped the “Islam” part of his name. Hardly a selling point these days.
In view of the Salman Rushdie furore, Cat’s early Deram hit I’m Gonna Get Me Gun somehow seems worryingly prophetic
Moose the Mooche says
In other news The Christians have changed their name to The.
Matt Johnson has his legal team on high alert.
Sewer Robot says
Awkward. But not as bad as that time The 4 Skins converted to Judaism..
Johnny Concheroo says
No problem north of the Humber where Matt Johnson’s band name is silent.
Moose the Mooche says
Burnin’ Blue Serrrrrrl!
Tiggerlion says
I don’t care what anyone says. This is a great record.
😌
Moose the Mooche says
Burning Blue Soul or Father and Son?
Either way, I agree, dude!
Johnny Concheroo says
Don’t you mean Fatha and Bairn?
fentonsteve says
I sat in a two-hour meeting with a supplier the other morning. She was from Hull and rocked the kinky librarian look (short skirt, long boots) – catnip to bored engineers.
All I can remember of the presentation was the scerrp of the project and the rerrl of the project manager. I found it pleasantly diverting.
Moose the Mooche says
Bains in Hull. Bairns is further up, probably starting at Redcar.
BTW @fentonsteve thanks for the heads up on the Fiierr X1.
PS) Long boots? Terrible. Just when the autumn comes and they all start covering up and you feel safe again, the long boots go on. Ohhhhhhhh
aardvarknever says
Weren’t you going to start a new thread for 9-16?