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.