The R&B Sound

einar · Post by **einar** » Sat Sep 28, 2002 1:05 am

Hi,
September saw another Searchers compilation CD on Castle Select (SEL CD 611), called The R&B Sound.
It comprises 24 tracks, avoiding the more known songs. Most of the 5 Pye LP's are represented, I think, and the songs selected are more or less flavoured by the "R&B" tag. Some songs quite "less", I'd say, like I count the tears a.o.
Has anybody seen it? Is it worthy? Does it have enlightning "sleeve notes"?

Einar

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 2:01 am

This release is yet another for completists, those who want anything with The Searchers name on it, I have always taken the view that I want every track not every release.

Can't understand why it's called R & B Sound, Searchers were never R & B in my book.

It is reasonably priced varying from £5.99 to £6.99 from mail order outlets plus Postage. 24 tracks but as Einar states nothing new if you have either the 30th Anniversary Collection or the reissued batch of albums with bonus tracks.

I can only assume that Castle who distribute this CD think there are enough diehard fans to make it commercially viable.

From the aspect of re-releases of old Pye material The Searchers back cataloque musr be one of the most plundered ever.

Not sure about the sleeve notes Tim can probably answer that.

tim · Post by **tim** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 2:26 am

Sleeve notes are by Roger Dopson and there are some interesting illustrations of rare Searchers' sheet music. But as Roy says, it is for 'completists' only (and "yes", I have bought a copy).

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 6:06 am

Roy: I agree that the Searchers were not a Rhythm and Blues Band, however, some of their early recordings with Tony Jackson "See See Rider" had a bluesy feel about them. I would like to hear from fans who heard them at the Iron Door?

jjr · Post by **jjr** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 6:16 am

Peter,

The Searchers' first hit, "Sweets for My Sweet" was a re-make of a Drifters tune. Ditto "I Count the Tears". "Love Potion Number 9" was first done by the Clovers. They covered Marvin Gaye's "I'll Be Doggone", The Orlons "Don't Throw Your Love Away", Ray Charles "What'd I Say", Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. While their interpretation might not be considered R & B, they were very influenced by it. And don't forget the Coasters' "Ain't That Just Like Me".

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Mon Sep 30, 2002 7:47 am

I take both above comments on board, but in relation to John's input, The Searchers versions of these songs were "Beat " versions and far removed in my view from the originals. I agree with Peter some tracks like Saints ans Searchers, Hi Heel Sneakers could be classified as Bluesy but my comment essentially was on the issue of this CD. If you look at the track listing the title is a misnomer, the release is just another commercial ploy to get "Die Hard" completists (not a critiscim just a observation)to spend their money on tracks they already have countless times over.

The Searchers PYE back cataloque has been "done to death" frankly, "Searchers Sing Searchers" (plug) would be a far more credible release!!!!!

einar · Post by **einar** » Wed Oct 02, 2002 12:05 am

Thanks for all this! A minor but good and clarifying group discussion: Searchers v. R&B.
I totally agree that the R&B suit doesn't suit the Searchers. Still, John's comments are necessary.
Most people would agree that the Yardbirds and the Animals (and Stones) played R&B-oriented music (from early on); the Beatles and the Searchers not. Any R&B groups from early Liverpool? Certainly, I'd think. Big Three?? But then, could you be a R&B group and still be said to be a part of the "merseybeat" or the "Mersey sound"? Only loud thinking. The late Bob Wooler (hope I spelled his name right!) denied such expressions as "The Liverpool sound". It didn't excist, said he.
But still, I feel that the Searchers were not always far away from R&B music. Less so represented by Chris Curtis in the Star Club days, belting out Sick and Tired and I can't tell (or is it I can tell)?

Greetings to all,
Einar

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Oct 02, 2002 1:42 am

John: Well put. Where would the "Liverpool Sound" or "British Invasion" have been without the rhythm and blues influence from America? I find it fascinating to hear how the original American tunes were adapted to suit the style of groups such as The Beatles, The Searchers, Animals and so on. Moreover, it is really interesting to trace how this music made its way to Liverpool via sailors and visiting musicians. The conditions were right for the emergence of a "new sound." It has always been of interest to me that it emerged from Liverpool and not London. The bands from the north really took it to them.

Einar: Thanks for starting this discussion.

einar · Post by **einar** » Thu Oct 03, 2002 12:41 am

Thanks for thanking me! But the praise should be forwarded to Roy, really. HE started the discussion, based on my first, rather innocent enquiry!

Ei.