P. J. PROBY - EMI's "70th Birthday" CD project: Albums

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Sunday, 1 June 2008

Guide to Proby's Essential CDs

These are some of the most essential Proby CDs that are available to order now at amazon.co.uk. Included are original albums, collections of hit singles and other notable rarities:

Monday, 4 February 2008

Previously released recordings waiting a digital makeover

Between 1989 and 1996, many of Proby's previously released recordings made for Liberty Records were given a digital makeover. We were treated to an abundance of CD releases that included a lavish 2CD boxset from EMI Records "Rough Velvet" (1992) plus various original album re-issues and compilations from the now defunct labels C5 Records & See-For-Miles.

You may be asking yourself though "are there many single or album recordings now waiting for their CD debut?". Well below is the list as it stands when I post this blog. Touch wood some of these may form part of my "70th Birthday" CD project.

1961-1972:-

There Stands The One
(Dick Glasser)
[This was the B-side for the 1961 single "Try To Forget Her" which was Proby's US debut for Liberty Records. There is a real country twang to Proby's voice here. The backing also sounding very reminiscent of what you'd expect from a Jim Reeves record. Both sides of this single were accompanied by the Johnny Mann singers (who later went on to host the popular US TV series Stand Up and Cheer) with Glen Campbell on guitar, Leon Russell on keyboards, David Gates on bass and Hal Blane on drums/string section. This track was later used by the UK as the B-side to 1964 single "Try to Forget Her".]
Watch Me Walk Away
(Dick Glasser)
[An upbeat pop song (very Gene Pitney-esque) which Proby defiantly belts out to great effect! It's got passion and lots of gusto, quite surprising therefore it only featured as a B-side to the 1962 US single "The Other Side of Town". ]
So Do I
(Donna Kohler)
["So Do I" could easily have been penned for the late and great country star Johnny Cash. Proby adopts a very gritty Cash sound to his voice. The song was the A-side to a 1963 US only single.]

I Can't Take It Like You Can
(Justin Tubb/Teddy Wilburn)
[B-side to 1963 US only single "So Do I". It is a very mellow song and performance that runs in parallel to the Jim Reeves' hit "He'll Have To Go". At times Proby's voice even exudes a velvet smooth tone often found in Marty Robbins' voice.]
Darlin'
(James Marcus Smith aka P.J. Proby)
[This rock 'n' roll number was released by Proby under the alias of "Orville Woods" and issued as an A-side to a 1963 US only single. It's only a 2-minite affair but doesn't fail to grab your attention as Proby screeches out the chorus line on a par with Little Richard.]
Wicked Woman (Alternate Take)
(James Marcus Smith aka P.J. Proby)
[Flip side to the 1963 US only single "Darlin'". It's another Proby-penned Rock 'n' Roll number but the take which has eluded a CD release is the alternate "slower" version.]
Sweet and Tender Romance (Alternate Take)
(John Carter/Ken Lewis/Johnny Powell)
[It's amazing to think this song went under the radar of sixties pop pundits as it is a good beat-pop song. Proby's rendition is also a mighty fine one at that. However, the only act to have a real hit with it was the Australian vocal duo Bobby & Laurie who charted it downunder. Although the standard version of this song was released on CD a more obscure take exists that was an exclusive B-side to Proby's 1964 Dutch single of "Together".]
Just Like Him
(Jackie DeShannon)
[If ever there was a song that has taken on a genuine "cult" status then it is this one which was written specially for Proby by his long-time friend Jackie DeShannon. This beautiful ballad truly deserved more than to be demoted to just a B-side on his 1964 single "Somewhere". It is one of Proby's finest recording moments from the 1960s. There are NO gimmicks just Proby doing what Proby does best and that is being himself! ]
What's On Your Mind
(Nick de Carro)
[This B-side to the 1965 single "I Apologise" was the yin to this single's yang. The lead song was a firey, passionate ballad and this was laid back and intimately sung with rich full-on vocals. A classic!]
I Don't Want To Hear it Anymore
(Randy Newman)
[This dramatic story ballad was one of the earliest songs penned by American tunesmith Randy Newman. Newman was in fact just starting out as a songwriter at the time of writing this song having signed his very first publishing deal with Metric (the L.A-based publishing company of Liberty Records). Although critics rank Dusty Springfield's 1969 interpretation in poll position no one should overlook the mighty fine performance given by the great Texan. Proby's version deserved more respectful treatment than being used as just a B-side to his 1965 single "Let The Water Run Down". Yet another gem!]
I Can't Make It Alone (Alternate "Double-Vocal" Take)
(Gerry Goffin/Carole King)
[An alternate take of a song featured on Proby's album "Enigma". This particular version has a unique dramatic "double-vocal" harmony by Proby that is inspired by the Righteous Brothers' #1 hit "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'". It's a top notch tune with or without the added effect. This particular take was only used as an A-side to Proby's 1966 single and also on his 1967 E.P "Proby Again".]
Quando Tornera
(Gentile / Lentini)
[During the 1960s, the international pop charts were awash with Italian power-ballads, such as Cilla Black's "You're My World" and Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me". Of norm, these tunes were translated for English artists into their native tongue but in this case the Texan delivered a convincing performance sung in Italian! This 1966 single was released in Italy and Germany for the prestigious European music festival "San Remo". It was the B-side to "Per Questo Voglio Te".]
And The Sun Will Shine
(Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb & Robin Gibb)
[There is no doubt that the Gibb brothers have penned some pretty standout pop tunes during their career. This one originates from the Bee Gees' 1968 album "Horizontal". On this occasion I actually think Proby has the edge on the group's original. This song was an exclusive track for the US edition of his "Believe it or Not" album (released stateside as "What's Wrong With My World" #LST-7561)]
It's Goodbye
(Worsley)
[Think Eurovision pop and you won't be far off the mark. This dud of a song was Proby's last single for Liberty Records. It is pale in contrast to the recordings that came before it. In my eyes the disappointing 1970 A-side single should remain a vinyl-only release. Sorry Mr. Proby!]
We'll Meet Again
(Hughie Charles / Ross Parker)
[Everyone will know this wartime tearjerker as it was the million-selling signature tune for British songbird Vera Lynn. Never in a millions years though would I have expected P.J. Proby to sing it. Give the man his dues he really does give the 1930s song a new lease of life with a very slick Las Vegas showman style makeover. The 1972 A-side single is big, bold and yet another belter!]
Clown Shoes
(James Marcus Smith aka P.J. Proby)
[Just after Proby departed EMI's "Liberty" label there was a short-lived switch to their "Columbia" label. This is the B-side to Columbia's 1972 single "We'll Meet Again" which was Proby's last release during this acclaimed era details on my site (1961-72). Ths song is a re-recording of one of Proby's own compositions which he had first cut in the early 1960s. I personally prefer the arrangement of Proby's original version which was also taken up in the hit rendition by Johnny Burnette. For me, this 1970s reprisal is overly orchestrated - too much for such a pretty ditty!]

[ Footnote: I don't believe EMI (UK) hold any of Proby's pre-1964 American A&B-sides with exception of those that made it onto a UK single. Also I have not come across the alternate takes of "Wicked Woman" and "Sweet and Tender Romance". It is not to say the original tapes don't exist somewhere around the world but I again do not believe the UK holds them. Thus, any project I am working on is unlikely to be able to include these unique versions! ]

My sincere thanks to the following Probyans who helped me compile this list: Jan Sonesson, Björn Lund, Joep Kilkens and Steve Bailey.

Can anyone help solve the STEREO mystery?

It was in 1958, that the first vinyl albums were pressed in STEREO format. The American music market jumped on the STEREO bandwagon much quicker than its UK counterparts. Thus, there were some initial differences to what UK fans could get of Proby's music in STEREO.

This is now where I seek some clarification from the Probyans out there in cyber space as I am not 100% certain about what recordings (if any) still require a release on CD in STEREO format.

The STEREO album releases which I am concerned about are:

The unique 1964 American album "Somewhere" (LP #LST-7406). This featured songs that were only released as MONO in the UK. Some of these recordings became hit singles (e.g. "Somewhere", "Hold Me" and "Together") and others were spread between Proby's debut UK LP "I Am P.J. Proby" and E.P "P.J. Proby". As I don't own this LP I'd like to confirm of ALL the tracks on it genuinely were in STEREO? Perhaps, someone can kindly play their copy and confirm this for me;
Proby's stunning 1965 eponymous album (LP #LST-7421). Some of the recordings from this I know for sure have been released in STEREO by EMI (UK) on their 1992 2CD set "Rough Velvet". That now leaves "Mission Bell", "The Nearness of You", "Lonely Weekends", "She Cried", "Secret Love", "Lonely Teardrops" and "With These Hands".

What I don't know however is whether any STEREO versions for these remaining tracks crept into EMI's recent 2on1 CD re-issue or any other compilation CD. Can anyone answer that???

Monday, 28 January 2008

California License (1970 studio album)

California License (1970)
Liberty / Stereo #LBS 83320

Caledonia
Daddy`s Home
Bop Ting A Ling
Linda Lu
Hound Dog
Stranded in the Jungle
Tommorow Night
Mio Amore‑I Am Yours‑My Love
Stagger Lee
Blue Moon/Cherry Pei/Silhouettes
Forever My Darling
Rockin Pneumonia

"This was Proby's last studio album before he finished his contract with Liberty Records. It found the Texan in a very reflective mood, reminiscing on his early years when he used the stage name "Jett Powers" (pre-P.J. Proby) and was just another unknown who performed to the club circuits of Los Angeles. This project provided Proby with a golden opportunity to now record some of his favourite "doo-wop" and "rock 'n' roll" classics which he had often included in his live shows of the 1950s/early '60s. The album's sessions were held at Abbey Road and featured Emile Ford and The Checkmates. These produced nine all-new recordings which were then topped up by three "previously released" numbers (i.e. "Linda Lu", "Stagger Lee" and "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu"). Standout tracks for me are Proby's up-tempo renditions of Shep & The Limelites #2 hit "Daddy's Home" and his wonderful take of The Flamingos' single "Mio Amore". "

Three Week Hero (1969 studio album)

Three Week Hero (1969)
Liberty / Stereo #LBS 83219E

Three Week Hero
The Day That Lorraine Came Down
Little Friend
Empty Bottles
Reflections (Of Your Face)
Won't Be Long
Sugar Mama
I Have a Dream
It's Too Good to Last
New Directions
Today I Killed a Man
Medley: It's So Hard To Be A Nigger/Jim's Blues/George Wallace Is Rollin' In This Mornin'

"Recorded in September 1968, this playful, edgy album was a real departure from Proby's trademark pop sound of the 1960s as it veered acutely towards blues, rock and country. The project is notable for being the first occasion that all four members of the English rock-band Led Zepellin recorded together in the studio [album credits: Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (harmonica), John Paul Jones (bass guitar / keyboards) and John Bonham (drums / conga)]."

Proby recalls: "...Come the last day we found we had some studio time, so I just asked the band to play while I just came up with the words. ... They weren't Led Zeppelin at the time, they were the New Yardbirds and they were going to be my band..."

Believe it or Not (1968 studio album)

Believe it or Not (1968)
Liberty / Mono #LBY 83087 & Stereo #LBS 83087

When Love Has Passed You by
I'm Coming Home
Give Me Time
Turn Her Away
Mary in the Morning
It's Your Day Today
I Shall Be Released
Cry Baby
Why Baby Why
I've Got My Eyes on You
I Apologise Baby
Judy in the Junkyard

"This album was released in the US with a slightly different style cover sleeve. The stateside edition also traded "Judy in the Junkyard" and "I Shall Be Released" for two of my all-time favourite Proby recordings: "What's Wrong With My World" and his rendition of Bee Gees' classic "And The Sun Will Shine" which was an exclusive for the American market."

Phenomenon (1967 studio album)

Phenomenon (1967)
Liberty / Mono #LBY 83045 & Stereo #LBS 83045

Just Holding On
Mama Told Me Not To Come
Work With Me Annie
Ling Ting Tong
Honey Hush
Straight Up
Butterfly High
She's Looking Good
You Can't Come Home Again (If You Leave Me Now)
Pretty Girls Everywhere
Good Rockin' Tonight
Sanctification

Enigma (1966 studio album)

Enigma (1966)
Liberty / Mono #LBY 1361 & Stereo #SLBY 1361

Niki Hoeky (S)
Shake Shake Shake (S)
Reach Out I'll Be There (S)
That's The Tune (S)
Out Of Time (S)
Don't Forget About Me (S)
People That's Why (S)
I Wanna' Thank You Baby (S)
I'm Twenty Eight (S)
Angelica (S)
I Can't Make It Alone (S)
You Make Me Feel Like Someone (S)

P.J. Proby...In Town (1965 studio album)

P.J. Proby...In Town (1965)
Liberty / Mono #LBY 1291 & Stereo #SLBY 1291

What Kind Of Fool Am I
To Make A Big Man Cry
No Other Love
Walk Hand In Hand
People
It Ain't Necessarily So
Some Enchanted Evening
Come Back To Me
We Kiss In A Shadow
If I Ruled The World
Maria
I Could Write A Book

P. J Proby (1965 studio album)

P.J Proby (1965)
Liberty / Mono #LBY 1264

My Prayer
I Will
Mission Bell
The Nearness Of You
Lonely Weekends
If I Loved You
When I Fall In Love
She Cried
Secret Love
I Will Come To You
Lonely Teardrops
With These Hands

"Although the original vinyl LP was only released in the UK in mono format a stereo version does exist and was issued stateside (Stereo LP / #LST-7421). The stereo takes of "The Nearness Of You" and "Lonely Teardrops" are also significantly different vocally to their mono counterparts."