Tea & Symphony enhanced reissue on Ace, now available to pre-orderhttps://acerecords.co.uk/tea-symphony-the-english-baroque-sound-1968-1974-1
― Jeff W, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 15:50 (four years ago) link
Better to say 'alternate' rather than 'enhanced,' I'm looking at my old copy and there are a number of tracks on that that aren't on this one.
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 15:52 (four years ago) link
"New and improved" is how it's described on the site. The first version went out of print pretty quickly, I certainly was never able to find a copy. Glad I'll be able to check that box off now. Has been something of a used-bin holy grail search for me.
― henry s, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 16:01 (four years ago) link
Yeah, hold on, this is almost a totally different release using the same name.
Here's the original via Discogs:
1 –John Kerruish Time To Wander
2 –Graham Gouldman Nowhere To Go
3 –Jon Plum Alice
4 –Vigrass* Stop
5 –Kate Strange Girl
6 –Lea Nixon Off To Find A New Land
7 –Honeybus For Where Have You Been
8 –Eddie Addenbury* Captain Jones
9 –Nimbo Maisie Jones
10 –Almond Marzipan Summer Love
11 –Les Payne Very Well
12 –David Reilly Nothing Else To Say
13 –Lori Balmer Here Before The Sun
14 –Consortium Copper Coloured Years
15 –Marc Reid My World Turns Around You
16 –Roger Charles Watching The Boat
17 –The Tremeloes Till The Sun Goes Down
18 –Graham Gouldman Growing Older
19 –Steve Elgin Seductress
20 –Julian Brooks Justine
21 –Junior Campbell If I Call Your Name
22 –Quiet World Of Lea & John* There Is A Mountain
23 –The Humblebums Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway
24 –Tuesday Sewing Machine
And the new one:
01 Pictures - Ray Brooks02 I Can't Let Maggie Go - The Honeybus03 Off To Find A New Land - Lea Nixon04 Alice - Jon Plum05 When The City Sleeps - Bombadil06 Fading Yellow - Mike Batt07 Say You Don't Mind - Colin Blunstone08 The Seventh Hour - Gordon Waller09 Mary Jane - Erasmus Chorum10 Shapes And Shadows - Tandem11 Please Believe Me - Nirvana12 Forever Autumn - Vigrass & Osborne13 Oh Girl - Richard Henry14 Very Well - Les Payne15 You're Lovely - Sunchariot16 Pollution Song - Mike Sedgewick17 Epitaph (When Times Were Good) - Bill Kenwright18 Coathanger - Clifford T Ward19 The Race - Christopher20 Closing My Eyes - David McIvor21 Lifetime - The Bliss22 Two Sugars - Matthew Bones
There's only three specific tracks in common, at least on the CD version of this new one! I won't complain for that reason, but if you're hoping for a true repress with extras of the original, that's not what you're getting.
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 17:58 (four years ago) link
Hmmm, that's odd. Why not just tack on a "Vol. 2" at the end?
Of all the Stanley/Wiggs comps out there, this is the one that just cannot be found, at least at a decent price. I wonder if it got issued w/o officially acquiring the rights to some of those tracks - maybe that's why it disappeared so quickly and completely?
― henry s, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 19:05 (four years ago) link
Maybe? I always figured it was label collapse. (I did spend a pretty penny getting my copy a few years back.)
― Ned Raggett, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 19:20 (four years ago) link
I wondered that too, but their other comps of that genre/era (Early Morning Hush, Gather in The Mushrooms) came out on the same label and seem to be readily available, not cheap but not $$$ either.
― henry s, Wednesday, 11 December 2019 19:42 (four years ago) link
Here’s that ‘Tears of technology’ 80s synth comp that Mark G referred to upthread.https://acerecords.co.uk/bob-stanley-pete-wiggs-present-the-tears-of-technology-1
― Jeff W, Thursday, 9 January 2020 16:51 (four years ago) link
Nice range, and a whole lotta obscurities to boot (to me at least). Another one to order!
― Ned Raggett, Thursday, 9 January 2020 16:55 (four years ago) link
That Turquoise Swimming Pools (David Balfe and I think Troy Tate?) song is great, glad to see it available on CD
― the girl from spirea x (f. hazel), Thursday, 9 January 2020 17:35 (four years ago) link
Meantime, got the new Tea & Symphony today and the issues/questions raised are addressed by Bob in the liners, at least:
The first TEA & SYMPHONY collection was released back in 2007 on the now-defunct Sanctuary label. It was the first official compilation of its kind, but the sudden demise of the record company meant it hardly made it into the shops (this compilation has four tracks in common with its ancient ancestor)....To the delight of people who thought the mine was exhausted, previously undiscovered gems by the likes of Matthew Bones, Erasmus Chorum and Les Payne continue to be unearthed.
― Ned Raggett, Sunday, 9 February 2020 00:04 (four years ago) link
Well, that 'splains that! Still leaves the original issue on my holy grail list...
― henry s, Sunday, 9 February 2020 00:57 (four years ago) link
... And now, everyone else's too
― Mark G, Sunday, 9 February 2020 12:22 (four years ago) link
My Tears of Technology arrived today along with a card announcing the next comp he and Wiggs doing -- Occasional Rain, which based on the title, font choice and photo is some sort of sequel to English Weather.
― Ned Raggett, Monday, 2 March 2020 22:00 (four years ago) link
Would have guessed a symphonic-soul comp based on that title, but I suppose that's not exactly their wheelhouse. And I also guess that someday soon Stanley and Wiggs will do a comp with "wheelhouse" in the title.
― henry s, Tuesday, 3 March 2020 00:41 (four years ago) link
Dunno if Stanley has a wheelhouse, as a compiler. Recent releases include Baroque Pop, Glitter Rock and DAISY Age Hip-Hop, I don't think Symphonic Soul would be too much of a strech.
― Daniel_Rf, Tuesday, 3 March 2020 09:52 (four years ago) link
First glimpse of Occasional Rain?
In this time of financial hardship all I ask is that @rocking_bob and @petewiggs stop releasing brilliant compilations through @AceRecordsLtd pic.twitter.com/CO3jlj00cu— Andrew Male (@Andr6wMale) March 4, 2020
― Jeff W, Thursday, 5 March 2020 12:56 (four years ago) link
Yep
https://acerecords.co.uk/bob-stanley-pete-wiggs-present-occasional-rain
― groovypanda, Friday, 6 March 2020 11:04 (four years ago) link
Mott's "Waterlow" is so pastorally out of character for those hustlers, and really wonderful.
― Julius Caesar Memento Hoodie (bendy), Friday, 6 March 2020 16:09 (four years ago) link
English Weather is like the ultimate comp for very early January, the sadness of the party being over, excited there's a sequel.
― Matt DC, Friday, 6 March 2020 17:15 (four years ago) link
really wish the vinyl versions of these weren't so expensive, i would pick up a bunch but £29 is just too much
― Hmmmmm (jamiesummerz), Friday, 6 March 2020 17:22 (four years ago) link
The Rough Trade shops edition of The Tears of Technology is cheaper than the standard edition (at £24.99) and you get a bonus track. Very limited though so you’d need to be quick.
― Jeff W, Friday, 6 March 2020 20:09 (four years ago) link
Thread-adjacent: Saint Etienne have been releasing playlists on Spotify. Listening to the first one right now and it's brill.
― Daniel_Rf, Sunday, 12 April 2020 16:32 (four years ago) link
are these playlists on the page for the band, or under some other account?
― Julius Caesar Memento Hoodie (bendy), Tuesday, 14 April 2020 21:47 (four years ago) link
Yeah, they don't turn up on Spotify US on the band's page...
― henry s, Tuesday, 14 April 2020 22:10 (four years ago) link
I third a request for being navigated/pointed in the right direction for these
― Cysteine Chapo (Craig D.), Tuesday, 14 April 2020 23:05 (four years ago) link
#1 Hannah and Her Sisters:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1W3IFQSThNbmwbDs2wkSRL
#2 Picnic at Hanging Rock:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dqpFvVJO1yVcEetltNtqO
― avellano medio inglés (f. hazel), Wednesday, 15 April 2020 00:05 (four years ago) link
Thanks!
― Julius Caesar Memento Hoodie (bendy), Wednesday, 15 April 2020 10:54 (four years ago) link
Sorry, should have noted. It's under a Saint Etienne account but not the band's account.
― Daniel_Rf, Wednesday, 15 April 2020 11:00 (four years ago) link
It's interesting finding those personal accounts from artists. Kelsey Lu makes some good playlists
https://open.spotify.com/user/kelseylu69?si=F2MBHMeOR2CAfMNU3xl2gA
― Julius Caesar Memento Hoodie (bendy), Wednesday, 15 April 2020 14:54 (four years ago) link
― Tim, Wednesday, 15 April 2020 19:43 (four years ago) link
Sorry -posted in error (but I am noting these, thanks).
― Tim, Wednesday, 15 April 2020 19:44 (four years ago) link
Okay, new comp announced focusing on Thom Bell's production work:
https://acerecords.co.uk/ready-or-not-thom-bells-philly-soul-arrangements-productions-1965-1978
01 Here I Go Again - Archie Bell & The Drells02 I Can't Take It - The Orlons03 You've Been Untrue - The Delfonics04 Look The Other Way - Lesley Gore05 Tick-Tock - Connie Stevens06 What I See - Three Degrees07 Moody Woman - Jerry Butler08 What Kind Of Lady - Dee Dee Sharp09 Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love) - The Delfonics10 I Wanna Be A Free Girl - Dusty Springfield11 It's The Same Old Love - The Courtship12 People Make The World Go Round (Single edit) - The Stylistics13 Back Stabbers - The O'Jays14 One Man Band (Plays All Alone) - Ronnie Dyson15 Do You Remember Yesterday - The Intruders16 I'm Doin' Fine Now - New York City17 Life Is A Song Worth Singing (Album version) - Johnny Mathis18 Something For Nothing - MFSB featuring Thom Bell19 Could It Be I'm Falling In Love - The Spinners20 You Make Me Feel Brand New (Album version) - The Stylistics21 Close The Door (Single edit) - Teddy Pendergrass22 It's Gonna Take A Miracle - Laura Nyro & Labelle23 Track Of The Cat (Album version) - Dionne Warwick
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 8 May 2020 18:00 (four years ago) link
Bob Stanley’s sleeve notes - with a rare exclusive interview with Bell himself - and a wealth of rare photos are icing on the cake.
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 8 May 2020 18:01 (four years ago) link
Thom Bell did "Moody Woman"? Blimey, never knew that. And "Life Is A Song Worth Singing" is ALL TIME.
― mike t-diva, Friday, 8 May 2020 18:44 (four years ago) link
Moar!
"Saint Etienne Present Songs For The Fountain Coffee Room" is due: 31 July 2020 👍 pic.twitter.com/dY6TaZJzeM— Ace Records (@AceRecordsLtd) June 4, 2020
― Jeff W, Thursday, 4 June 2020 16:31 (four years ago) link
English Weather sequel as good as the first one so far.
― Daniel_Rf, Friday, 5 June 2020 09:33 (four years ago) link
Back to the diner theme!
https://acerecords.co.uk/saint-etienne-present-songs-for-the-fountain-coffee-room
https://acerecords.co.uk/cache/images/CDCHD-1575_1200_1200.jpg
The latest in the popular “Saint Etienne Present” series – soundtracks for places both real and imaginary. This time, Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs have put together a selection to fit a bar in mid-70s Los Angeles, the kind of place where Warren Beatty and Julie Christie might meet in the afternoon for a secret rendezvous between shooting scenes for Shampoo.--01 Only Love - Bill Quateman02 Where Are We Going? - Marvin Gaye03 Get Closer - Seals & Crofts04 Tell Her She's Lovely - Batteaux05 One Way Or The Other - The Fifth Avenue Band06 Lilly (Are You Happy) - Daryl Hall & John Oates07 Love Is The Answer - Utopia08 Oh Honey - Delegation09 Easy To Love - Leo Sayer10 A House For Sale (Single version) - Millie Jackson11 Tin Man - John Edwards12 Thunder In The Afternoon - Bobbie Gentry13 Save It For A Rainy Day - Stephen Bishop14 Love Don't Come No Stronger (Than Yours And Mine) - Jeff Perry15 Hollywood - Boz Scaggs16 A Love Of Your Own (Album version) - Ned Doheny17 Natural High (Single version) - Bloodstone18 Hickory - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons19 Touch Me Baby (Reaching Out For Your Love) - Tamiko Jones20 Sunshower - Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band
--
01 Only Love - Bill Quateman02 Where Are We Going? - Marvin Gaye03 Get Closer - Seals & Crofts04 Tell Her She's Lovely - Batteaux05 One Way Or The Other - The Fifth Avenue Band06 Lilly (Are You Happy) - Daryl Hall & John Oates07 Love Is The Answer - Utopia08 Oh Honey - Delegation09 Easy To Love - Leo Sayer10 A House For Sale (Single version) - Millie Jackson11 Tin Man - John Edwards12 Thunder In The Afternoon - Bobbie Gentry13 Save It For A Rainy Day - Stephen Bishop14 Love Don't Come No Stronger (Than Yours And Mine) - Jeff Perry15 Hollywood - Boz Scaggs16 A Love Of Your Own (Album version) - Ned Doheny17 Natural High (Single version) - Bloodstone18 Hickory - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons19 Touch Me Baby (Reaching Out For Your Love) - Tamiko Jones20 Sunshower - Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 02:50 (four years ago) link
Ah missed Jeff's post there. Well a double notation, then!
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 02:53 (four years ago) link
Ooooh, my kind of thing. That Jeff Perry track is a particular favourite, I’ve played it out many times.
― mike t-diva, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 07:22 (four years ago) link
Good to have the track list, Ned. This looks like a must buy.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 09:57 (four years ago) link
"Natural High" I remember, the others I couldn't approximate the tune or.
― Mark G, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 12:14 (four years ago) link
Friend of mine who knows Bob took him to the actual spot named, thus the title. Apparently it's amazing.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 16:15 (four years ago) link
It never rains but it... um, never rains
Bob Stanley presents "76 In The Shade" is due 31st August ☀️ (link in bio) pic.twitter.com/HkgXONJmT0— Ace Records (@AceRecordsLtd) July 7, 2020
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 18:00 (four years ago) link
Great! He had mentioned this was coming down the pike in a recent Ace podcast interview.
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 18:06 (four years ago) link
The months without rain and airless days and nights might not have been something out of the ordinary in the Algarve or the south of France, but it was without precedent in Britain. The Summer of 1976 has remained a benchmark for long, hot summers – there may have been scorchers since, but none have seemed quite as relentless or enervating. The country melted into a collective puddle. “76 In The Shade” probably wasn’t anyone’s real life soundtrack of the year – that could have included Bowie’s “Station To Station” and Abba’s “Greatest Hits”. Instead, Saint Etienne’s Bob Stanley has put a compilation together that sonically evokes the summer of 1976 itself, its sweet heat and almost narcotic lethargy.01 Walking So Free - Spike Janson02 Sugar Shuffle - Lynsey De Paul03 Miracles (Single version) - Jefferson Starship04 Get Out Of Town - Smokey Robinson05 I'm Mandy Fly Me (Album version) - 10cc06 Stoned Out - Simon Park07 Nothing To Remind Me - Cliff Richard08 Discover Me - David Ruffin09 You're The Song (That I Can't Stop Singing) - Hollywood Freeway10 You Are My Love - Liverpool Express11 Liquid Sunshine - John Cameron12 Not On The Outside - Sylvia13 Stay With Me - Blue Mink14 Wild Mountain Honey - Steve Miller Band15 Fallin' In Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds16 Flowers - The Emotions17 Montreal City - Azimuth18 Rock'n'Roll Star - Barclay James Harvest19 Miss My Love today - Gilbert O'Sullivan20 Music - Carmen McRae
01 Walking So Free - Spike Janson02 Sugar Shuffle - Lynsey De Paul03 Miracles (Single version) - Jefferson Starship04 Get Out Of Town - Smokey Robinson05 I'm Mandy Fly Me (Album version) - 10cc06 Stoned Out - Simon Park07 Nothing To Remind Me - Cliff Richard08 Discover Me - David Ruffin09 You're The Song (That I Can't Stop Singing) - Hollywood Freeway10 You Are My Love - Liverpool Express11 Liquid Sunshine - John Cameron12 Not On The Outside - Sylvia13 Stay With Me - Blue Mink14 Wild Mountain Honey - Steve Miller Band15 Fallin' In Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds16 Flowers - The Emotions17 Montreal City - Azimuth18 Rock'n'Roll Star - Barclay James Harvest19 Miss My Love today - Gilbert O'Sullivan20 Music - Carmen McRae
― Ned Raggett, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 18:07 (four years ago) link
Surprised not to see 'Oh Lori' by Alessi on that compilation - released on a 1976 album, although not a hit single until 1977.
― Portsmouth Bubblejet, Tuesday, 7 July 2020 21:32 (four years ago) link
lol dude needs to slow down!
― Daniel_Rf, Wednesday, 8 July 2020 10:49 (four years ago) link
There was a curious exchange on Twitter where someone suggested that Bob makes all these compilations but actually spends his evenings listening to the Lighthouse Family.
"I don't get it," replied Bob.
I was bemused he engaged, to be honest.
― djh, Wednesday, 8 July 2020 21:22 (four years ago) link
This is out today... almost forgot to mention it! Actually suits the weather. Didn’t see that coming. pic.twitter.com/qCVDYIzQ16— Saint Etienne (@bobpetesarah) July 31, 2020
― brimstead, Sunday, 2 August 2020 22:44 (four years ago) link