Track listing ready to roll

Great news. EMI have today confirmed that the proposed track listing has been approved. This is yet another step closer to the CD release becoming a reality!

Picking photographs for the CD packaging

Well today I met with my contact at EMI Records (UK) and we went through their batch of original promotional photographs, negatives and slides. Although I had done this five years ago I was pleased this time around to find a lot of shots that I simply can not recall having seen before. My aim was to focus on finding images of Proby that were taken during his beard and moustache phase (like the one shown in my blog of the 26 March 2008). This look is said to be Proby's favourite from this era.

The good news is my visit was productive as we did find a nice batch of very tasteful b&w and colour shots. I sincerely think these will really please fans but most importantly do the great man justice. The next step will be for EMI's art department to scan hi-res images that can be reviewed before packaging is finalised.

Whilst there I also got to show EMI my draft booklet notes. They asked me to edit these as we only have a 12-page booklet to play around with. So, I am now working hard to reduce my text!

Facts & interesting articles about the songs

Now you know the songs that I hope will be on the new CD (listed in my post of the 26 March) do you have any articles or information about them?

I am finalising my notes this week and have already researched quite a bit but you never know you may tell me something I didn't know. Especially as I was born after the songs and albums they came from were all originally released!

To the guy who works for EMI USA do please email me urgently.

Track listing revealed

Well it has been a long time coming but I thought I'd share the songs that I have sequenced into what I believe to be a lovely new CD collection.

The idea was always to pick songs that appeal to a wide variety of people from casual music lovers to longterm fans. So yes we have some of the hits and songs from each of Proby's albums from this period but we also have a nice handful of rarities. EMI are now in the process of sorting the legalities of using these songs. Touch wood everything will be okay. More news as it breaks.

PROVISIONAL TRACK LISTING:
01. MARIA (Stereo)
02. GIVE ME TIME (Stereo)
03. JUST LIKE HIM (Mono) +
04. MY PRAYER (Stereo)
05. ANSWER ME (Mono)
06. HOLD ME (Mono)
07. TRY TO FORGET HER (Mono)
08. SOMEWHERE (Mono)
09. MISSION BELL (Stereo Version) +
10. MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME (Stereo)
11. I'M COMING HOME (Stereo)
12. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT ANYMORE (Mono) +
13. QUANDO TORNERA (Mono) +
14. CUTTIN' IN (Stereo)
15. TODAY I KILLED A MAN (Stereo)
16. I CAN'T MAKE IT ALONE (Double Vocal Harmony) (Mono)
17. WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND (Mono) +
18. IF I LOVED YOU (Stereo)
19. CLOWN SHOES (Stereo) +
20. AND THE SUN WILL SHINE (Stereo) +
21. NIKI HOEKY (Stereo)
22. DADDY'S HOME (Stereo)
23. WE'LL MEET AGAIN (Stereo) +

+ Debut on CD format

TWO BONUS TRACKS T.B.C

Mr. Proby writes a message!

I was thrilled today that Mr. Proby contributed a rather poetic and fitting message for the CD project. My liner notes are also progressing and everything looks on track for a release this June. I would love to think that EMI world-wide will release this CD regionally as it will feature international hits and will be a wonderful tribute to the great P.J. Proby!

Does anyone have any articles on Proby?

I am drafting liner notes at the moment for my CD project...

As you all know the CD is focusing on Proby's signing to Liberty Records (1961-71). Does anyone out there in cyber space have any articles about Proby from this era? What I am looking for are any reviews of his albums, articles that discuss his music...really anything about this time of his singing career.

If you can help I would be grateful if you can scan and email me anything you think would be of interest. Please do get in touch if you can assist.

A superb song by Jim Ford

Songwriter Jim Ford wrote Proby's US hit "Niki Hoeky". As mentioned in my "Lost Recordings" post Proby was said to have also recorded a few more songs penned by Ford...

You can currently hear another version of one of these songs sung by Brinsley Schwarz. Click the link and have a listen to it. Sounds like a great track and something reminiscent of the classic sounds of The Eagles: I'm Ahead If I Can Quit While I'm Behind