Castle Rcording has just re-released the 5 original Pye LPs. They include the original mono cuts, all those cuts either in stereo (from the KAPP versions), or re-mixed in stereo, plus alternate takes, foreign language versions, and A and B sides. Plus, pictures of the original British LP covers on the front, and the KAPP equivalent on the back. Also extensive notes/ photos. I got mine through Amazon.co.UK.
The Searchers have also apparently released a "Live 2" CD, but the fanzine says it is only available at concerts. Maybe, they'll sell it through their website (I think they did that w/ the first live one.
Pye LP Re- Releases
Pye LP Re- Releases
You play the hand they deal you
Thanks John. We will expect a full review once you have had the opportunity to listen to the complete set. Take your time, sometime over this Easter weekend will be fine.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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Peter,
Here's the review on the first one I listened to, "Sugar and Spice".
I found it odd to listen to the same album twice on one CD, first in Mono, and then in Stereo. I understand the historical significance, since the originals were apparently released in mono only in the UK. Over here, KAPP put them out in mono and stereo (at a $1 difference in cost). Still, it was a little tedious.
That being said, the stereo tracks were OUTSTANDING. You could not only hear (and really appreciate) Chris' drum work, but his cymbal playing as well. AND, you can really hear what Mike is doing, and what John is doing, clearly. Great job of engineering, great stuff.
Between the two versions of the LP are 6 bonus tracks, including TWO versions of "Sugar and Spice" (French and German), for a total of four cuts of the same song on a 38 track CD-a bit much. Of real interest was a French version of "Saints and Searchers".For one thing, Chris sang it. For another, because his approach was not a rocker, like Jackson's, they played up the rhythym tracks, and almost totally deaden the two lead riffs in the middle. Bonus tracks also include the alternate of "I Don't Want To Go On Without You"(Which I prefer to the one w/ all those damn violins), "Saturday Night Out", and "Bye, Bye Johnny". Except for the Curtis "Saints", they're all on the 30th CD set, but they're better here.
I've read the liner notes for all five. They're worth the cost themselves. They go a long way toward explaining what went wrong, and why.
That's it for this one. Should have the second done by Thursday night.
Here's the review on the first one I listened to, "Sugar and Spice".
I found it odd to listen to the same album twice on one CD, first in Mono, and then in Stereo. I understand the historical significance, since the originals were apparently released in mono only in the UK. Over here, KAPP put them out in mono and stereo (at a $1 difference in cost). Still, it was a little tedious.
That being said, the stereo tracks were OUTSTANDING. You could not only hear (and really appreciate) Chris' drum work, but his cymbal playing as well. AND, you can really hear what Mike is doing, and what John is doing, clearly. Great job of engineering, great stuff.
Between the two versions of the LP are 6 bonus tracks, including TWO versions of "Sugar and Spice" (French and German), for a total of four cuts of the same song on a 38 track CD-a bit much. Of real interest was a French version of "Saints and Searchers".For one thing, Chris sang it. For another, because his approach was not a rocker, like Jackson's, they played up the rhythym tracks, and almost totally deaden the two lead riffs in the middle. Bonus tracks also include the alternate of "I Don't Want To Go On Without You"(Which I prefer to the one w/ all those damn violins), "Saturday Night Out", and "Bye, Bye Johnny". Except for the Curtis "Saints", they're all on the 30th CD set, but they're better here.
I've read the liner notes for all five. They're worth the cost themselves. They go a long way toward explaining what went wrong, and why.
That's it for this one. Should have the second done by Thursday night.
You play the hand they deal you
Nice review John. Is there anything new about "what went wrong and why" that we have not already discussed on this Searchers' Forum?
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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Rick_Doeschler
John and Peter,
I'm in Jacksonville, Florida and have tried to find these new re releases you have aquired. No information is available through our local stores so I checked on the CD Now web site. They show only three new ones issued in the year 2001. They are titled: 1). Take Me For What I'm Worth.
2). Sugar & Spice.
3). Sounds Like The Searchers.
All are imports.
Would you provide the titles to the ones you have purchased. Are these the same ones I referenced and are there two other ones I can't find?
Thank you very much.
Rick
I'm in Jacksonville, Florida and have tried to find these new re releases you have aquired. No information is available through our local stores so I checked on the CD Now web site. They show only three new ones issued in the year 2001. They are titled: 1). Take Me For What I'm Worth.
2). Sugar & Spice.
3). Sounds Like The Searchers.
All are imports.
Would you provide the titles to the ones you have purchased. Are these the same ones I referenced and are there two other ones I can't find?
Thank you very much.
Rick
Rick,
You first. The CD titles are:"Meet the Searchers";"Sugar and Spice"; It's the Searchers";Sounds Like Searchers"and "Take Me For What I'm Worth"They have26,30,35,32 and 31 tracks respectively.They were all released on Castle Music, on March 26, 2001. Hope that helps
You first. The CD titles are:"Meet the Searchers";"Sugar and Spice"; It's the Searchers";Sounds Like Searchers"and "Take Me For What I'm Worth"They have26,30,35,32 and 31 tracks respectively.They were all released on Castle Music, on March 26, 2001. Hope that helps
You play the hand they deal you
Peter,
Review number 2:"Sounds like Searchers". The CD is formatted the same way, album done twice, mono/stereo, with stereo bonus tracks in the middle. Total-32 tracks. Again, the stereo half is outrageous. These guys really knew what they were doing. The bonus tracks are all in English, except for a German version of "When You Walk in the Room". Except for the language, no surprises.They are all songs that were 'A' sides, 'B' sides, EP cuts, or album cuts:When You Walk In the Room","I'll be Missing You","What Have They Done To the Rain", "This Feeling Inside", "The System","Goodbye My Love","'Til I Met You.To be honest, I think the format is being used to "pad" the CD.
Now for the liner notes Nothing really new, but some intersting filler. Apparently, in 1967, the band was going to switch from Tony Hatch to Tony McCauley as their record producer, and were looking forward to it, but it didn't happen, and then Tito Burns pulled them off PYE. John says their contract was sold to Liberty records without their knowledge. John also opines that no one was interested in them as more than a fast buck with a two year shelf life, and the notes show just how frequently they were forced to record. In a similar vein, Frank commented that no one was interested in developing a concept or direction for the band, and Chris emerges as the musical force because Hatch became less and less involved with them (and this is early on). They seemed to have gotten little or no help in song selection or direction from PYE.In short they were a cash cow nobody had any long term interest in. To reallt appreciate it, you have to read the notes in CD sequence(and it's not easy- at least 2 have dark ink on slightly less dark backgrounds, and are difficult to make out.
That's all for this one. Will have another review Fri. or Sat. (after a trip to see the Yankees play the Sox). I have confirmed that the new live CD is only being sold at Searchers' concerts. Maybe Tim can get them to sell them through the Website.
Review number 2:"Sounds like Searchers". The CD is formatted the same way, album done twice, mono/stereo, with stereo bonus tracks in the middle. Total-32 tracks. Again, the stereo half is outrageous. These guys really knew what they were doing. The bonus tracks are all in English, except for a German version of "When You Walk in the Room". Except for the language, no surprises.They are all songs that were 'A' sides, 'B' sides, EP cuts, or album cuts:When You Walk In the Room","I'll be Missing You","What Have They Done To the Rain", "This Feeling Inside", "The System","Goodbye My Love","'Til I Met You.To be honest, I think the format is being used to "pad" the CD.
Now for the liner notes Nothing really new, but some intersting filler. Apparently, in 1967, the band was going to switch from Tony Hatch to Tony McCauley as their record producer, and were looking forward to it, but it didn't happen, and then Tito Burns pulled them off PYE. John says their contract was sold to Liberty records without their knowledge. John also opines that no one was interested in them as more than a fast buck with a two year shelf life, and the notes show just how frequently they were forced to record. In a similar vein, Frank commented that no one was interested in developing a concept or direction for the band, and Chris emerges as the musical force because Hatch became less and less involved with them (and this is early on). They seemed to have gotten little or no help in song selection or direction from PYE.In short they were a cash cow nobody had any long term interest in. To reallt appreciate it, you have to read the notes in CD sequence(and it's not easy- at least 2 have dark ink on slightly less dark backgrounds, and are difficult to make out.
That's all for this one. Will have another review Fri. or Sat. (after a trip to see the Yankees play the Sox). I have confirmed that the new live CD is only being sold at Searchers' concerts. Maybe Tim can get them to sell them through the Website.
You play the hand they deal you
John, would you be kind enough to let us know where you were able to purchase the Searchers (5) Pye re releases. I am in Jacksonville, Florida and can't find any outlet that sells all of them.
Your reviews of the CD's are very informative and I look forward to more.
I can't wait to be able to purchase my own set, once I know where to go.
Rick Doeschler
Your reviews of the CD's are very informative and I look forward to more.
I can't wait to be able to purchase my own set, once I know where to go.
Rick Doeschler
Rick: John said above that he bought them at Amazon.co.UK. I visited the site and they are there!
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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The Searchers UK tour is underway and on the back of the programme there is a special offer to buy the rereleased cd 's at a special price £35.96 sterling inc p&p but I assume that p&p is in england.
It lists a e-mail address to express interest which is The Searchers @avs.co.uk
You could also try TrackRecordsuk.com, I have found them always to be reasonably priced and may be slightly cheaper than Amazon
It lists a e-mail address to express interest which is The Searchers @avs.co.uk
You could also try TrackRecordsuk.com, I have found them always to be reasonably priced and may be slightly cheaper than Amazon
TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Review No. 3:"Meet the Searchers"
I really can't say enough about the mixing and digitalizing done to these albums! I had never realized that they were playing a double lead on "Bumble Bee" until I heard it on "Sounds Like Searchers".On this one you clearly hear not only John's rythym track on "Sweets", but what Mike was doing as well . It's clear as a bell. You also get an idea of what a revolutionary approach to drumming they took. Chris doesn't just keep time, his drums are an integral part of the music, and occasionally act as "lead" (Check out Don't Cha Know to see what I mean.. In any case the songs are superbly done.
Since this was their first album, and basically a recordation of their stage act, the music is very tight. As a bonus to U.S fans, "Love Potion #9", which wasn't a single in the U.K but was here, but wasn't on KAPP's 1st LP, is here. Format is the same: Mono, bonus tracks, stereo. Total 26 tracks. On this one, except for "It's All Been A Dream", the rest of the bonus tracks (3) are in German ("Farmer John" and "Money"- which is titled "Liebe", which means "Love" in German- so I doubt the lyrics "track" the original) or French ("It's All Been a Dream"- done by Chris, who seems more fluent and less phonetically driven). All in all, a great CD. The mono on this one even sounded better.
I really can't say enough about the mixing and digitalizing done to these albums! I had never realized that they were playing a double lead on "Bumble Bee" until I heard it on "Sounds Like Searchers".On this one you clearly hear not only John's rythym track on "Sweets", but what Mike was doing as well . It's clear as a bell. You also get an idea of what a revolutionary approach to drumming they took. Chris doesn't just keep time, his drums are an integral part of the music, and occasionally act as "lead" (Check out Don't Cha Know to see what I mean.. In any case the songs are superbly done.
Since this was their first album, and basically a recordation of their stage act, the music is very tight. As a bonus to U.S fans, "Love Potion #9", which wasn't a single in the U.K but was here, but wasn't on KAPP's 1st LP, is here. Format is the same: Mono, bonus tracks, stereo. Total 26 tracks. On this one, except for "It's All Been A Dream", the rest of the bonus tracks (3) are in German ("Farmer John" and "Money"- which is titled "Liebe", which means "Love" in German- so I doubt the lyrics "track" the original) or French ("It's All Been a Dream"- done by Chris, who seems more fluent and less phonetically driven). All in all, a great CD. The mono on this one even sounded better.
You play the hand they deal you
John: Your reviews are making these Pye LP releases on CD hard to past up. Thanks once again for bringing us up to date.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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mdenger
Review No.4:"Take Me For What I'm Worth"
31 Tracks. The bonus tracks are"He's Got No Love", "So Far Away","When I Get Home","I'm Never Coming Back""Goodbye My Love"[in German], an alternate take of "I'll Be Doggone"[making it 3x's on one CD, a bit much], and "Once Upon a Time". All bonus tracks were stereo.
I enjoyed this one, but had some problems with it. For one thing, the songs appeared on TWO KAPP LPs:"Searchers No.4", and "Take Me For What I'm Worth",which shared seven songs out of 24 [and that doesn't include "I'm Ready", which wasn't on either, and was never released in the US back then ]. I liked the way Kapp laid out most of the overdubbed stuff on "No.4", better than the way the songs are laid out on this one. Second, the mono isn't as good to my ear as some of the others [might have something to do with the overdubbing, because it carried over to a couple of the stereo cuts.]
The stereo is, as usual superb, with a couple of exceptions, one being BOTH versions of "I'll be Doggone", where the guitars are all on "one side". Same problem with "I'm Ready", although the piano is much clearer, and allows you to appreciate its significance to the song.Aside from that the stereo cuts are excellent. The vocals are clearer, and you can hear a lot more going on in the back-keyboards, some strings, but buried-way in the back. Since this CD has some of their most interesting and disparate guitar work "Each Time, "You Can't Lie To A Liar","I'm Your Loving Man",etc, it's really worth a listen.
31 Tracks. The bonus tracks are"He's Got No Love", "So Far Away","When I Get Home","I'm Never Coming Back""Goodbye My Love"[in German], an alternate take of "I'll Be Doggone"[making it 3x's on one CD, a bit much], and "Once Upon a Time". All bonus tracks were stereo.
I enjoyed this one, but had some problems with it. For one thing, the songs appeared on TWO KAPP LPs:"Searchers No.4", and "Take Me For What I'm Worth",which shared seven songs out of 24 [and that doesn't include "I'm Ready", which wasn't on either, and was never released in the US back then ]. I liked the way Kapp laid out most of the overdubbed stuff on "No.4", better than the way the songs are laid out on this one. Second, the mono isn't as good to my ear as some of the others [might have something to do with the overdubbing, because it carried over to a couple of the stereo cuts.]
The stereo is, as usual superb, with a couple of exceptions, one being BOTH versions of "I'll be Doggone", where the guitars are all on "one side". Same problem with "I'm Ready", although the piano is much clearer, and allows you to appreciate its significance to the song.Aside from that the stereo cuts are excellent. The vocals are clearer, and you can hear a lot more going on in the back-keyboards, some strings, but buried-way in the back. Since this CD has some of their most interesting and disparate guitar work "Each Time, "You Can't Lie To A Liar","I'm Your Loving Man",etc, it's really worth a listen.
You play the hand they deal you