Penfro Sounds

Donald Fagen I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) / Walk Between Raindrops) Warner Bros. [USA] 7-29900 (1982) Donald Fagen, co-founder and lead singer of the band Steely Dan, released the album The Nightfly in 1982 and this was the first single taken from that album. The "I.G.Y." of the title refers to the "International Geophysical Year", an event that ran from July 1957 to December 1958. It was an international scientific project promoting collaboration among the world's scientists. The song discusses the vision of the future at that time, including futuristic concepts such as solar-powered cities, a transatlantic tunnel and permanent space stations This 45 is a slightly edited version of the track that appears on the album.  The single was issued in a picture sleeve. FLAC

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel Here Comes The Sun / Lay Me Down EMI 2505 (1976) The late great Steve Harley formed Cockney Rebel in early 1972 with Jean-Paul Crocker who he started busking with in the 1960s.  The bands first UK hit was Judy Teen which released in March 1974.  By 1976 when this, their 9th 45 was released they had also released 5 albums.  In 1977 the band split and Steve Harley went on as a solo performer however the band regrouped in 1989 for the "Come Back, All Is Forgiven" tour.  Steve Harley then continued to tour with various line-ups and he toured again with Cockney Rebel in 2010. The 45 is of course a cover of The Beatles' classic 45 written by George Harrison. FLAC

The Chemical Brothers  Out Of Control / Out Of Control (Sasha Club Mix) Virgin CHEMST 10 (1999) This 12" 33⅓rpm single was released by The Chemical Brothers in October 1999.  It was the third single taken from their third album " Surrender ". The song's vocals and guitar are performed by Bernard Sumner from New Order, and additional vocals are provided by Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream. It was issued as a CD Single in two versions, a 12" vinyl single and also as a cassette single.  CD single version #1 and the cassette included the track  Power Move.  The song peaked at #21 on the UK Singles Chart and reached #1 on the UK Dance Chart. FLAC

Truly Smith Windows And Doors / Take A Broken Heart Decca F 12554 (1967) Truly Smith was born Josie Taylor in Warrington, England and began her singing career using that name.   Signed to Decca Records in 1966 she adopted her new name and released several singles however she failed to make any real impression on the music scene. Frustrated by her lack of success, in 1968 following her final single which was released on the MGM label she left the music scene and took up a new career in teaching eventually becoming a head teacher/principal, Both sides of this 45 feature Bacharach and David songs and were directed by Ivor Raymonde. FLAC

Winston Blake Hebert Spliffington  / Oh Lord Why - The Itals Punch PH 15 (1969) Produced by Rupie Edwards this 45 was originally released in Jamaica credited to Soul King which was in-fact Winston Blake & Errol Bailey.  Winston also recorded using the names Blake Boy and also Judge Winchester but on this UK release his birth name was used. The flip is by The Itals (Basil Spence & Errol Carter), a reggae band active between 1969-71.  There was a later Jamaican band called The Itals who were formed in 1976 by Alvin Porter. As with most early UK reggae singles this one did not sell greatly hence it has become fairly rare. FLAC

Bob Marley And The Wailers Satisfy My Soul / Smile Jamaica Island WIP 6440 (1979) An artist that needs little introduction.  Bob Marley became very quickly the face of reggae music in the late 70s being one of the first to achieve global crossover into the mainstream.  His output remans timeless and this 45 is an example of his greatness. The single, taken from the Kaya album was released in May 1978 and reached #21 in the UK charts. Kaya was his 10th studio album which was released as he returned to Jamaica after a period of exile in London.  At the time the album had fairly critical reviews including comments from Lester bangs calling it tepid and tourist bait reggae however it has remained a firm favourite with fans. FLAC

Sounds Nice Featuring Tim Mycroft  Love At First Sight (Je t'aime ... Moi Non Plus) / Love You Too Parlophone R 5797 (1969) A cover version of Serge Gainsborough and Jane Birkin's single without the ooohing and moaning of the original.  Recorded to take advantage of the UK radio ban on the original single, this version reached #18 in the charts whereas the original topped the UK charts. Tim Mycroft was the keyboard player with the UK band Gun and formed this band in 1969 taking the name from a comment that Paul McCartney was heard to say after listening to the demo tape, "....that sounds nice".  Prior to Gun he had been a founder member of the UK band The Knack. Before Sounds Nice folded in 1970 an album was recorded with session players including Chris Spedding, Herbie Flowers and Clem Cattini however it failed to make any real impressions. FLAC

Cream White Room / Those Were The Days Polydor 56300 (1968) Classic 60s rock from the first supergroup, Cream.  The band consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker & Jack Bruce was formed in 1966 and began a short three year career in which they released four highly regarded albums. This 45 was their 6th single recorded during 1968 and released in the UK in Jan 1969 Although now listed as a rock classic at the time it only just managed to get into the Top 30.  This copy is the 2015 re-issue which was part of a limited edition box set comprising of 10 45s, all pressed in glorious mono. FLAC

Mungo Jerry  You Don't Have To Be In The Army To Fight In The War EP Dawn DNX 2513 (1971) Mungo Jerry, led by Ray Dorset, blended rock, blues, and skiffle music, creating a distinctive sound that became a signature of the early '70s. Mainly known for their pop hit 45 "In the Summertime", this track carries a more socially conscious message. It reflects anti-war sentiments of the time, encouraging individuals to find alternative ways of contributing to society, rather than being compelled to join the military. The track was issued on a standard single as well as this EP. FLAC

General Saint & Clint Eastwood Another One Bites The Dust / Young Lover Greensleeves OINK 1 (1981) General Saint (Clive Johnston) and Clint Eastwood (the DJ) were a popular dancehall duo in the 1980s. They were well-known for their energetic performances and a mix of toasting (spoken-word lyrics or chanting over a rhythm, a key feature of dancehall music). Working with producers like King Jammy and Sugar Minott, two highly influential figures in the Jamaican music scene, their songs featured a unique blend of humour, storytelling, and social commentary, which resonated with fans. FLAC

Four Tops MacArthur Park (Part II) / Mac-Arthur Park (Part I) Motown M 1189F (1971) "MacArthur Park" is a famous song written by Jimmy Webb. It was originally recorded by Richard Harris in 1968 and later covered by several artists, including Donna Summer and this 45 by the Four Tops. The song is known for its lush, orchestral arrangement and whimsical lyrics. It expresses a mixture of melancholy and surreal imagery, centered around the metaphor of a love lost with Webb explaining that the park mentioned in the song was inspired by MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, though its symbolism is open to interpretation. This 45, produced by Frank Wilson, was released in 1971 with Part II as the A side, the flip being Part I. FLAC

David Bowie Sue (Or A Season Of Crime) / 'Tis A Pity She Was A Whore Parlophone 10RDB2014 (2014) "Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)" is a song by David Bowie, released in 2014 as part of his Nothing Has Changed compilation album. The track represents one of his later, more experimental phases and showcases his continued evolution as an artist. The track was recorded with Bowie's long time collaborator Tony Visconti producing.  The song is heavily influenced by jazz, blended with rock and electronic elements creating a haunting and modern atmosphere. It features intricate, complex arrangements with a sense of dissonance and lots of  experimentation. It was widely praised for its bold experimentation and rich sound. Critics highlighted Bowie’s ability to blend genres and create a piece that felt fresh and daring even at this late stage in his career.  The song was re-recorded for his final 2016 album Blackstar  ★. FLAC

Jeff Beck Hi Ho Silver Lining / Beck's Bolero / Rock My Plimsoul RAK RR 3 (1972) Jeff Beck (1944-2023) was an acclaimed English guitarist who originally came to fame as part of The Yardbirds. Described by Rolling Stone magazine as  "one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock" he is regarded alongside Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton as one of his generations greatest guitarists. " Hi Ho Silver Lining " was written by American songwriters Scott English and Larry Weiss and first released as a single in March 1967 by English band The Attack The Attack's version failed to chart, while Beck's recording reached the top 20 of the singles chart in the UK in both 1967 and 1972. The 45 failed to crack the US Billboard Hot 100.   Although credited on this 45 solely to Jeff Beck the tracks included backing by The Jeff Beck Group who's members included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.  Rod's vocals can be heard on the flipside Rock My Plimsoul. Beck's ...

Olivia Jean Reminisce / Toot, Toot, Tootsie! Third Man Records SAV 1-15 (2014) Olivia Jean is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for her work in the indie rock and garage rock scenes. Known as the frontwoman of the band The Black Belles, a group signed to Jack White's Third Man Records, she has also embarked on a solo career. This was her first solo release, produced by Jack White and includes on the flip a cover of the classic tune written by Ernie Erdman , Dan Russo , and J. Fred Coots which was originally performed by Al Jolson in 1922. The song became a huge hit for Jolson and is one of his most famous tunes, often associated with his energetic stage presence and work in early sound films. FLAC

Lillie Mae Over The Hill And Through The Woods / The Last Time Third Man Record TMR 423 (2017) Lillie Mae is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work in the country, Americana, and roots music genres. She is signed to Third Man Records, the independent label founded by Jack White. Discovered by the legendary Cowboy Jack Clement when playing with her family band The Rische's (formerly Jypsi), comprised of sisters Amber-Dawn, Scarlett, and Grace, and brother Frank, the country outfit can often still be heard at the historic Layla's Bluegrass Inn in Nashville. Lillie Mae has also spent considerable time as a member of White's crack touring and recording combo, playing fiddle and mandolin while also lending vocals to such tracks as "Temporary Ground" from Jack's 2014 album  Lazaretto . FLAC