This mysterious English soul record is rumored to feature Stevie Winwood on vocals, and has been a hotly debated issue for many years. Personally, I don't think it's him but instead somebody closely copying his vocal style. The "Miller" listed in the co-writer and co-producer role is none other than Jimmy Miller, who later went on to massive success with his work in the studio with the Rolling Stones.
Picking up on the Calypso style rhythms that were very popular during '63-'64, this record was a massive club smash in the UK and was issued quite a few times throughout the 60's to meet the demand. My personal copy (a first pressing) is in rough shape but still sounds great; oh if this little slab of vinyl could talk. Perhaps it was part of a mod club collection, or perhaps it was played at countless parties or simply a hip teen who loved listening to it while dancing around their bedroom!
from 1965...
7 comments:
I've heard this a ton, but never followed the legend, that said, to me it sounds like an American recording. And in fact it was issued twice on Orbit in the US, two different B sides, in 1965.
And then teh internets had this to say -"An article in Melody Maker or New Musical Express, specifically discussing the Brit or Fontana issue, said that the band was American. In a radio interview, Jimmy said Chris Blackwell was so impressed by the record (US Orbit issue) that he re-issued it on Brit, a label he used for US bands, and later (1966) brought Jimmy to the UK to produce records. The Brit single was released in May 1965, and the Orbit number is repeated in brackets on it. The Orbit single's B side, "Stepping Stone", is renamed but otherwise the same as "You're Foolin' Me"."
I don't think it's Winwood either. Pretty good go at it though, and an amazing track too.
I love a good music mystery... I found this conversation about this record:
http://faac.us/adf/messages/165088/173358.html?1211983890
A fascinating lot of information, complete with label scans! Still nothing 100% definite but it seems like it was recorded by New Jersey or Virginia label originally. Also some other links to follow up from here...
Cheers,
Dave
Great track. This is a US production and the vocalist is named Joe Webster. It was originally issued on Orbit Records (US) in 1965. A couple of the soul boards have discussed it in detail, but this one is pretty exhaustive and detailed: http://faac.us/adf/messages/165088/173358.html?1211983890
As a Brit I'd guess this was probably by a US band for the following reasons:
1. The singer sounds more Jackie Wilson than anything else - that is more than likely a black guy: listen to the tone. Stevie Winwood has a "narrower" tone - if that makes sense;
2. The band name - not sure a British band would have come up with that for a name. Anglo is a term more commonly used in the States...or France (but they don't count!.
So - my best guess would be an American-led band, possibly US servicemen based in the UK, producing something soulful at a time when the UK consumers weren't quite ready - a bit like Geno Washington.
Played on the offshore station Radio London back in the 60s. Made
No.22 in their Fab 40 in June 1965.
Great record, whoever it is singing. Thank you!
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