I used to do a series called Underplayed Vinyl, which is about LPs that I own that I used to play a lot, though not so much recently, but I probably should. Guess I’m going to try to reinstitute it.
I’ve been a sucker for compilation albums since I received Big Hits From England & U.S.A. from the Capitol Record Club in 1965 or 1966. It had the “kids” side (Beatles, Beach Boys, Peter & Gordon) and the “adult ” side (Nat Cole, Cilla Black, Al Martino). The next one was Best of ’66, a bunch of Columbia pop artists.
A year later, I got TWO different albums, both called Our Best To You. One contained the “adult” stars such as Jim Nabors, John Davidson, and Robert Goulet; it had a green cover but otherwise similar design.
The other album is the one pictured. Links to the songs provided.
Side 1:
1. The Buckinghams – I’ll Be Back. A good, if slightly melodramatic, cover of the Beatles song.
2. The Byrds – All I Really Want To Do. . A fine Dylan cover.
3. The Cryan’ Shames – Sugar And Spice. Fun pop song by a group I’m otherwise unfamiliar with.
4. Aretha Franklin – Sweet Bitter Love. A tremendous song by the Queen of Soul, before she moved to Atlantic and had her big hits. This is a song I often played after a romantic breakup; I played it quite a bit. Written by Van McCoy, best known for The Hustle.
5. Moby Grape – 8:05. A moody piece with nice harmonies that I enjoyed.
Side 2:
1. Paul Revere And The Raiders – Louie, Louie. The Raiders actually had a regional hit with this song most associated with the Kingsmen. This is NOT the cut from the album being described, but as close as I could find.
2. Peaches And Herb – Everybody Loves A Lover. Long before they “Reunited”, they did this pop/soul classic that I could only find on Napster, track 77 on the link.
3. Simon And Garfunkel – The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy). Just for fun, as the serious Simon might have said at the time.
4. The Tremeloes – Good Day Sunshine. The sound on this video is not good, but it’ll give you a feel.
5. The Yardbirds – For Your Love. Apparently, the commercial nature of this particular recording drove Eric Clapton out of the group. Gotta say I LOVED this song.
Ah, we’re of the same age range, because these wonderful songs bring back memories. My husband and I saved our records. In fact, he found his own Father’s Day gift yesterday: a cool item at a Bed, Bath, & Beyond store in our area. It plays records, records them to cassette tape, or DVD. The entire setup is in wood (or maybe fake wood but it look nice :), and it reminds us both of the old fashioned radios our grandparents had. He was beaming when he saw it and just asked me to look.
Well, he rarely is excited about a material item, so when I saw his face lighting up like a beacon from a lighthouse across relaxing waters, I knew he wanted it, but was probably concerned about the amount of space it would occupy in our home. (We’ve been downsizing our “stuff”.) I said he looked so happy, would he want to make room for it. “Yes, he replied. To see his eyes shine, when we often make each other gifts (which are loved, too) was priceless. We both share a love of music.
Your collection is far more extensive than the limited records he and I saved from high school or college.