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:

Advance Order the new CD now!

Please support my work in getting this CD released by advance ordering it here from amazon.co.uk or amazon.com. The release date is 16 June 2008 and the CD should retail around £6.99/$15USD.

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.

UK Single Discography

Below is a list of Proby's 7" [45-rpm] singles that were released in the UK between 1964 and 1972 by EMI's Liberty & Columbia labels. This listing spans from Proby's debut UK single release to the last that he made before breaking ties with the recording giant.

[ Note: Although, Proby had been signed to Liberty Records since 1961 he temporarily absconded from them circa 1964. Thus, his first two UK singles were actually songs cut for the Decca label. Liberty Records however later won a court battle to get the star back under its umbrella. Thus, I have included the Decca releases here as they are now owned by the EMI group. ]

Hold Me (1964)
Decca / #F.11904

1. Hold Me
   
   
2. The Tip Of My Fingers

Together (1964)
Decca / #F.11967

1. Together
   
   
2. Sweet And Tender Romance

Try To Forget Her (1964)
Liberty / #LIB 55367

1. Try To Forget Her
   
   
2. There Stands The One

Somewhere (1964)
Liberty / #LIB 10182

1. Somewhere
   (from the musical "West Side Story")
   
   
2. Just Like Him

I Apologise (1965)
Liberty / #LIB 10188

1. I Apologise
   
   
2. What's on Your Mind

Let The Water Run Down (1965)
Liberty / #LIB 10206

1. Let The Water Run Down
   
   
2. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore

That Means A Lot (1965)
Liberty / #LIB 10215

1. That Means A Lot
   
   
2. My Prayer
   [from the 1965 album "P.J. Proby"]

Maria (1965)
Liberty / #LIB 10218

1. Maria
   (from the musical "West Side Story")
   [from the 1965 album "P.J. Proby...In Town"]
   
   
2. She Cried
   [from the 1965 album "P.J. Proby"]

You've Come Back (1966)
Liberty / #LIB 10223

1. You've Come Back
   
   
2. It Ain't Necessarily So
   [from the 1965 album "P.J. Proby...In Town"]

To Make A Big Man Cry (1966)
Liberty / #LIB 10236

1. To Make A Big Man Cry
   [from the 1965 album "P.J. Proby...In Town"]
   
   
2. Wicked Woman

I Can't Make It Alone (1966)
Liberty / #LIB 10250

1. I Can't Make It Alone
   [from the 1966 album "Enigma"]
   
   
2. Sweet Summer Wine

Niki Hoeky (1967)
Liberty / #LIB 55936

1. Niki Hoeky
   [from the 1966 album "Enigma"]
   
   
   
2. Good Things Are Coming My Way

You Can't Come Home Again (If You Leave Me Now) (1967)
Liberty / #LIB 55974

1. You Can't Come Home Again (If You Leave Me Now)
   [from the 1967 album "Phenomenon"]
   
   
2. Work With Me Annie
   [from the 1967 album "Phenomenon"]

It's Your Day Today (1968)
Liberty / #LIB 15046

1. It's Your Day Today
   [from the 1968 album "Believe it or Not"]
   
   
2. I Apologise Baby
   [from the 1968 album "Believe it or Not"]

What's Wrong With My World (1968)
Liberty / #LIB 15085

1. What's Wrong With My World
   
   
2. Why Baby Why
   [from the 1968 album "Believe it or Not"]

The Day That Lorraine Came Down (1968)
Liberty / #LIB 15152

1. The Day That Lorraine Came Down
   [from the 1969 album "Three Week Hero"]
   
   
2. Mery Hopkins Never Had Days Like This

Hanging From Your Loving Tree (1969)
Liberty / #LIB 15245

1. Hanging From Your Loving Tree
   
   
2. Empty Bottles
   [from the 1969 album "Three Week Hero"]

Today I Killed A Man (1969)
Liberty / #LIB 15280

1. Today I Killed A Man
   [from the 1969 album "Three Week Hero"]
   
   
2. It's Too Good To Last
   [from the 1969 album "Three Week Hero"]

It's Goodbye (1970)
Liberty / #LIB 15386

1. It's Goodbye
   
   
2. It's Too Good To Last
   [from the 1969 album "Three Week Hero"]

We'll Meet Again (1972)
Columbia / #DB 8874

1. We'll Meet Again
   
   
2. Clown Shoes