Penfro Sounds

Stiff Little Fingers At The Edge / Running Bear / White Christmas Chrysalis CHS 2406 (1979) Still Little Fingers had at the time of this 45 being released been performing for 2 years and in that time they had become one of the punk front runners in the UK.  Hailing from Northern Ireland and being formed at the height of the troubles the band wrote about the their own experiences and life for teenagers living in Northern Ireland.   Some of their material proved controversial with comments that the band were exploiting the sectarian troubles. There were a number of well-publicised arguments such as The Undertones (another great Northern Irish band) accused Stiff Little Fingers of sensationalising the conflict, while they retorted that The Undertones ignored it. This 45 is backed with two live favourites, a cover of Johnny Preston's Running Bear and the classic White Christmas .  FLAC

Rachelle Garniez My House Of Peace Third Man Records TMR 004 (2009) Rachel Garniez is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her eclectic style, blending elements of folk, jazz, cabaret, and rock. Based in New York City, she has built a reputation for her rich storytelling, quirky humour, and versatile voice. Garniez is a founding member of the band VickyKristinaBarcelona, which reimagines the works of Tom Waits, and has released multiple solo albums acclaimed for their originality and emotional depth. In addition to her solo career, she has collaborated with various artists, showcasing her talents on accordion, piano, and guitar. This was one of the first releases on Jack White's Third Man Records (he plays drums on this track).  There has been a variety of issues of this single such as Halloween Edition (shown below) which was issued in a limited run of 100 glow in the dark copies for a Third Man event held in London on 30-31st October 2009. The photo u...

Second City Sound  The Dream Of Olwyn / A Touch Of Velvet A Sting Of Brass Major Minor MM 600 (1969 ) One of the 45s in the collection where I rate the flip-side over the other.  The A side is a bland orchestral piece of easy listening whilst the flip is a polished cover of the track first released by The Mood Mosiac in 1966. Second City Sound were a British instrumental group from the 1960s known for their lush, orchestral pop arrangements. Formed during the heyday of the British Invasion, Second City Sound distinguished themselves with a blend of classical, jazz, and pop influences. Their music often featured piano and strings, giving their tracks a sophisticated yet accessible sound. They were considered part of the "easy-listening" genre but had crossover appeal due to their creative arrangements. The band's cover of "A Touch of Velvet, A Sting of Brass" became a signature piece in their repertoire. Their version added a more polished, dramatic flair to the ...

Robert Palmer Every Kinda People / Keep In Touch Island WIP 6425 (1978) This 45 is one of his most popular songs, first released in 1978 on his album Double Fun. Written by Andy Fraser (the bassist from the band Free), the song blends elements of rock, soul, and reggae and is noted for its socially conscious lyrics that promote unity and understanding among people of all backgrounds. The 45 only managed to reach #53 in the UK charts but Stateside it was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. FLAC

Danger Mouse & Daniele Lippu Two Against One / Black Third Man Records TMR 093 (2011) This is a hauntingly cinematic track by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi featuring vocals by Jack White (The White Stripes). Released in 2011 as part of their collaborative album Rome, the song combines elements of Italian film scores, particularly inspired by classic Spaghetti Westerns, with modern rock influences. The flip side of the 45 features the vocal talent of Norah Jones. Jack White’s sharp, almost sinister vocals are paired with eerie, twangy guitar riffs and orchestral flourishes, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and unsettling. The song's lyrics capture themes of inner conflict and paranoia, embodying a character caught between opposing forces or identities. With its unique sound and noir atmosphere, the track is an excellent example of Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi’s ability to bridge musical genres and eras. The entire Rome album features an impressive lineup, as well as...

Migel 5 Mockin' Bird Hill / Long Ago And Far Away Pye 7N 15597 (1964) The Migil 5 were a British group active from 1960 to 1971. The band originated in North London and initially formed as a jazz group to back singer Lennie Peters. After Peters left for a solo career, the group rebranded as The Migil Five, combining their jazz roots with R&B and pop to appeal to a broader audience. They are best known for this 45 which they performed in a "bluebeat" style—an early form of ska. The single reached #10 in the UK charts. FLAC

Barry Gray And His Spacemakers Zero G / Fireball Melodisc MEL 45/1591 (196 4) Following on from the last post, another Fireball XL5 single, this time by Barry Gray. Barry Gray (1908–1984) was a pioneering British composer best known for his work on TV and film soundtracks, especially for Gerry Anderson's iconic "Supermarionation" series. Gray studied at the Royal College of Music and worked with notable musicians like Vera Lynn. His collaboration with Anderson began in the late 1950s and produced unforgettable scores for shows like Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, and Space: 1999. Gray was a master of blending orchestral music with electronic sounds, using instruments like the  Ondes Martenot  and early synthesizers to create futuristic effects. His theme songs and incidental music set a distinctive tone for Anderson’s shows, shaping the series' unique atmosphere. The flip side features vocals by Gerry Grant. FLAC

Don Spencer And The XL5 Fireball And Other Titles EP His Master's Voice 7EG 8802 (1963) XL5, also known as Fireball XL5, was a British sci-fi television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, which originally aired in 1962-1963. It was one of the Andersons' "Supermarionation" shows, meaning it used a unique puppetry technique along with model-based special effects. The show followed the crew of the Fireball XL5, a spaceship belonging to the World Space Patrol, on various adventures across the galaxy. Each episode saw the crew encountering alien worlds, mysterious phenomena, and dangerous foes. Though geared toward children, Fireball XL5 was notable for its inventive stories, detailed model work, and use of futuristic technology. It paved the way for later Anderson creations, like Thunderbirds, and remains a classic in early sci-fi television. Don Spencer, an Australian born singer, songwriter, and television personality, is best known for his work in children...

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Enola Gaye / Annex Dindisc DIN 22 (1980) The song is named after the Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. The Enola Gay was piloted by Colonel Paul Tibbets and was named after his mother.  Whilst the subject matter is very dark and heavy the tune itself is both haunting but up-beat.  The lyrics include such lines as "It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been" which refer to the time of detonation over Hiroshima at 8:15 am JST; as many timepieces were "frozen" by the effects of the blast.  Regarded as a synthpop classic, this 45 reached the UK top ten in 1980.    FLAC

Marty Wilson And The Strat-O-Lites I'm All Woke Up / Super Sonic Decca 9-30544 (1958) Marty Wilson and the Strat-O-Lites were a lesser-known American rock and roll band active in the late 1950s. Their single I'm All Woke Up, released in 1958, exemplified the upbeat, rhythm-heavy sound typical of early rock and roll. While not a major chart hit, the song gained some regional popularity for its catchy melody and lively style, reminiscent of artists like Bill Haley and the Comets. The flip is a great piece of instrumental rock 'n' roll. A good search turns up very little else about the band members, and the group likely disbanded by the early 1960s, as musical trends shifted and competition in the rock and roll genre intensified. FLAC

Dusty Springfield All I See Is You / Go Ahead On Philips BF 1510 (1966) "All I See Is You" is a soulful pop ballad that showcases her powerful yet tender vocal style. Released in 1966, the song was a moderate hit and is known for its lush orchestration, with strings and brass lending a dramatic backdrop to Dusty’s emotive voice. A classic in her discography, it exemplifies her unique ability to convey complex emotions with warmth and sophistication. The flip side may not be as widely recognized as some of her iconic hits but it demonstrates her adaptability to explore different styles. My favourite of the two sides of this 45. FLAC

Dusty Springfield Son-Of-A Preacher Man / Just A Little Lovin' (Early In The Mornin') Philips BF 1730 (1968) Son of a Preacher Man  is one of those timeless tracks that captures the soulful essence of the late 1960s. Written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, the song was first offered to Aretha Franklin, who initially declined, paving the way for Springfield to claim it as her own. In Springfield’s smoky, sensual voice, every note and inflection conveys a mix of innocence, desire, and nostalgia, bringing a unique depth to the simple lyrics. This song stands out as one of Springfield’s signature hits, emblematic of her talent for infusing songs with both tenderness and sass. It was a defining moment in her career and in soul music, transcending genre boundaries and reaching audiences worldwide. FLAC

Nina And Frederik Puff (The Magic Dragon) / The Worm Song Columbia DB 7172 (1963) Nina and Frederik, the Danish-Dutch folk duo popular in the 1950s and 60s, recorded their own unique version of "Puff, the Magic Dragon," the classic song made famous by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Known for their soothing harmonies and a laid-back style, Nina and Frederik's rendition captured the gentle, nostalgic spirit of the original, which tells the story of Puff, a magical dragon, and his young friend Jackie Paper. Through playful lyrics and warm vocal tones, the duo conveyed the timeless themes of childhood innocence and the bittersweet inevitability of growing up. Their version preserves the melancholy undertones of the song while highlighting their characteristic folk style with simple instrumentation and understated delivery. Nina and Frederik’s folk influence added a European charm to the song, making it distinct from the more widely known American folk versions. As performers who ofte...

Steve Miller Rock 'n Me / Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma Capitol 4323 (1976) One of my favourite 45s, this is the Canadian release of this stunning single.  Taken from the album "Fly Like An Eagle" (the flip is from the album "The Joker"), this 45 found worldwide success and over the years it has become a staple play on most classic rock stations. The song is simple but effective, written by Steve Miller as a tribute to his influences such as The Who.  He also in the past stated that he took some inspiration from Free's "All Right Now" trying to capture that easy, feel good 70s vibe. FLAC

Paranoia Dead Man's Dreams / Man In Black Rot ASS 8 (1984) Originating from a band called Civil Defence, Paranoia were a punk/goth rock band, formed in 1983 by two sets of siblings namely Janet (Jan) & Mick Egginton and Paul & Phil Brereton. Although releasing an album ( Shattered Glass ) this was their only 45 release.   A bit of digging on the web found a facebook  page which shows that they were still gigging as at October 2022 although using the name Paranoia UK. Note the flip side of the record was not issued with a label hence no scan below. FLAC