Penfro Sounds

Horace Andy Don't Try To Use Me / Goddess Of Love Bread BR-1120 (1973) An early 1970s reggae tune from Horace Andy (b. 1951) a singer noted for his distinctive vocals.  Born in Kingston, Jamaica he recorded his first single in 1967 and has since constantly recorded with his most recent album being released in 2022.  He has over the years worked with many including Massive Attack, Easy Star All-Stars and Mad Professor. The flip of the single is in-fact a Cornel Campbell recording although credited on the label to Horace. FLAC

The Gallants The Man From U.N.C.L.E. / The Vagabond Capitol CL 15408 (1965) Could not find any real information on this band but nevertheless what we have is two guitar heavy tunes from this early slice of 60s instrumental rock.  This is not the actual theme to the TV series (or the movie quoted on the label) but a more guitar led cover arranged by H.B. Barnum.  The flip I am told was a mod dancer number in its day. Now whilst information on the band is lacking H.B. Barnum is well know on the US music scene from his start with doo-wop groups to his later move into song writing, arranging and production.  He worked over the years with Sinatra, The Supremes and Aretha Franklin.  He is also the composer of Judy Street's classic "What!" FLAC

The Black Belles What Can I Do? / Lies Third Man Records TMR 024 (2011) The Black Belles were one of the first signings to Jack White's Third Man empire. An American all girl "garage goth" band formed during 2009 in Nashville, they were fronted by Olivia Jean.  Prior to the band being formed Olivia had sent Jack White several demo's.  He obviously liked what he heard and invited her into his studio.  As she did not have a band he introduced her to Shelly Lynne and Ruby Rogers and from that meeting The Black Belles were born.   The fourth band member on this 45 is Erin Belle.   The A side is one the songs Olivia submitted to Jack White and the flip is a cover of The Knickerbockers' track.  The A side was used by the scream queen Elvira as the theme song for her TV show Elvira's Movie Macabre. The band was put on hiatus in 2014 when Olivia released her first solo album. FLAC

The John Barry Seven Watch Your Step / Twist It Columbia DB 4746 (1961) John Barry (1933-2011) is most associated with his movie scores in particular James Bond.  John founded this band on completion of his Army National Service.  The original line up included three musicians he had served with.  During the late 50s and early 60s he had several UK chart entries including Hit and Miss the theme tune he wrote for the TV show Juke Box Jury . This particular 45 predates his first Bond encounter and was released even before I was born!  This single surprisingly failed to chart even though it contained two great instrumentals.   FLAC

Elton John Band Featuring John Lennon And The Muscle Shoals Band I Saw Her Standing There DJM DJS 10965 (1975) Elton John (b. 1947) once compared his friendship with John Lennon (1940-1980) as a whirlwind romance.  Whilst stating that when they first met in 1973 he was awestruck by John, they found that they had much in common and quickly formed a great friendship.   As part of that friendship they collaborated musically. Elton played on John's 1974 Wall And Bridges album. On 28th November 1974 John Lennon joined his friend on stage at New York's Madison Square Gardens.  This happened to be the last time the former Beatle ever played live. I personally love the intro to the A side where John quips " ... I thought we'd do a number of old estranged fiancée of mine called Paul... ".  He also states " this one I never sang, it's an old Beatle number " and in fact it surprised many as John had never been know to sing a McCartney song before.   The flip s...

Pauline Murray And The Invisible Girls Dream Sequences Illusion IVEX 1 (1980 ) Pauline Murray (born 1958) having been inspired by seeing the Sex Pistols perform formed the punk band Penetration.  The band had some success in the UK but in October 1979 they had split up. Pauline in 1980 then recorded her first solo work being backed in the studio by The Invisible Girls.  This single is taken from the resulting album.  This version in my collection is a 10" single, it was also released on  7" vinyl. FLAC

Queen Somebody To Love / White Man EMI 2565 (1975) A classic 45 taken from the album A Day At The Races. Both sides are excellent and always a firm favourite to play.  This was issued in the UK in a picture sleeve but to be honest it is one of the worst I have ever seen with a crappy caricature of the band. Thankfully I don't have the sleeve so I will not have to inflict it on you (look it up on 45cat and see how bad it is!) The A side was written by Freddie Mercury whilst the flip, a heavy rock number, was written by Brian Man. This 45 reached #2 in the UK charts. FLAC