Free's 'Fire And Water' (ILPS 9120) 50 Years Old - Released: June 26th 1970

So... 'Fire And Water' is 50 years old TODAY. How about that! If you bought it when it came out I've just made you feel very old. Half a century. It's just mind boggling! Get it out and give it a play, today.

It was hoped that today issue #152 would be hitting your doormat, having optimistically got #151 out in May! ...But sadly due to the current and somewhat ongoing situation we've dropped a little behind, simply unable to complete the printing and finishing (collating, stapling, cropping) process. HOWEVER, things are now moving again and it is hoped that the first of our 'Fire And Water' issues (#151) will be ready to go out shortly, likely within a couple of weeks.

The FAS has finally lost its mind and this album history comes in over four issues, the last actually split into two parts due to its mammoth size! So, how do they pan out.

#151 (Coming very soon)

This picks up just after the release of 'Free' and works through the recording of the album, recording 'live' in Sunderland, the rejected mix, Chris Blackwell's single edit and hidden surprises on the album cover as it was compiled by Mike Sida. Loads of historical press, gig ads, tape boxes etc.

56 pages

#152 (Due in July)

Here we deal with Hiroshi and the LP front cover photograph, the re-mixing of the album, the rise of 'All Right Now', 'Top Of The Pops', 'Freemania', Granada TV's 'Doing Their Thing' and the rush release of 'Fire And Water'. Loads more historical press, gig ads, tape boxes etc.

56 pages.

#153 (Due early August)

After an exclusive introduction by Simon Kirke, we deal with 'Bumpers' and 'All Right Now' worldwide. Demos, test pressings, picture sleeve singles, release information, different labels worldwide with additional historical press, and a great photograph of Paul Kossoff's 'All Right Now' gold disc award courtesy of Simon Kossoff.

56 pages

#154 (Pts. 1 & 2) (Due late August)

'Fire And Water' exposed. A second exclusive introduction by Simon Kirke for this issue! World releases of both mixes, covers, labels. Sensory overload alert! Vinyl, cassette, 8-track and CD. Also the day to day diary covering January to July 1970 with gig dates, recording information, press dates, adverts and more!

Part 1 - 40 pages

Part 2 - 44 pages

This monster 84 page madness comes priced as one issue to subscribers.

For this ludicrous extravaganza it is recommended that you will need;

·        Infinite snacks! Crisps or Pringles, Wotsits, onion rings, biscuits, Maltesers, Big tub of Celebrations Chocolates MMMmmm (other brands are available).

·        Liquor and Ice! (Southern Comfort is always worthwhile but try Cointreau Noir as a special treat for these special times (and issues). Pricey but worthwhile. Have a nice glass chilled in the fridge ready.

·        A really comfortable chair and good reading glasses (small print alert!). Put your feet up, relax and enjoy!

·        A copy of the original 'All Right Now'[single edit] to play in the format of your choice. Bob Clearmountain re-mix abominations will NOT be tolerated!

·        A copy of 'Fire And Water' to play in the format of your choice. 2001 'Extended Remaster' or 2008 2CD 'Deluxe Edition' perfectly acceptable.

The only decision then is, do you read them as the come through the door -  or do you wait until you have all of them! I can't help you there, but of course you can do BOTH!

 

Back Street Crawler: Atlantic Years 1975-1976

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all well. Sorry for the silence. News about the FAS coming soon. We are working away in the background and hope to get things back on track once the world starts moving again!

In the meantime there's no need to send me any more emails about this (below). Nothing to do with me, but I am aware of it. "The story of Back Street Crawler is a sadly short one, but also a tale of what might have been." Rather like this unbearably disappointing CD set then. Probably best I keep my mouth shut and not point out the missing tracks and other stuff. I hope the sleeve and the notes are good! Cherry Red Blurb below.

----------------------------------------

Back Street Crawler: Atlantic Years 1975-1976, 4CD

£19.99

Released August 28, 2020.

**LIMITED EDITION SIGNED POSTCARD AVAILABLE WITH PRE-ORDERS WHILE STOCKS LAST**

Featuring plenty of rare, contemporary memorabilia, this collection comes with the full involvement of Back Street Crawler front man and singer, Terry Wilson-Slesser.

• The story of Back Street Crawler is a sadly short one, but also a tale of what might have been.

• After forming in 1968, the British blues rock legends Free finally called it a day after 1972’s “Heartbreaker”, just as the band was on the verge of cracking America. Free guitarist Paul Kossoff’s first move was to record his solo album “Back Street Crawler” for Island Records in 1973. Joining forces with Terry Wilson (bass), Mike Montgomery (keyboards) and Tony Braunagel (drums), who had played together in Bloontzfrom, plus singer Terry Wilson-Slesser, Kossoff’s “Back Street Crawler” solo record gave the new band their name, who were then signed by Ahmet Ertegun to Atlantic Records. Released in 1975, “The Band Plays On” (CD1) featured ‘Jason Blue’, ‘Train Song’ and ‘Rock & Roll Junkie’. Prior to the release, the band performed a handful of UK shows, including a gig at Croydon’s Fairfield Hall on 15th June 1975, captured here on CD3, and featuring ‘The Band Played On’, ‘It’s A Long Way Down To The Top’, ‘New York, New York’, ‘Train Song’ and ‘Survivor’ from the band’s debut, as well as Kossoff’s ‘Molten Gold’ and the blues rock classic, ‘The Hunter’.

• Further touring was curtailed by Kossoff’s ill-health, but he regained enough strength to record on second album, “2nd Street” (CD2). Now featuring the keyboards of former Free and future The Who member, John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick, the album includes ‘Blue Soul’, ‘Stop Doing What You’re Doing’, ‘Raging River’ and ‘Leaves In The Wind’. Kossoff tragically passed away before the album’s release, which was “Dedicated To Koss” on the posthumously issued LP. Prior to the release, the band played a series of shows at the famed Starwood club in Los Angeles, a regular venue for up and coming rock acts. Sadly, this 3rd March 1976 show would be Paul Kossoff’s final ever performance, but fortunately a fan was present to illicitly record the show, seven tracks of which are reproduced on the fourth CD. The fourth disc is completed by studio outtakes of ‘Jason Blue’ and ‘It’s A Long Way Down To The Top’, plus the unreleased ‘Evening Time’ and ‘She’s Gone’.

• Featuring plenty of rare, contemporary memorabilia, this collection comes with the full involvement of Back Street Crawler front man and singer, Terry Wilson-Slesser.

• Whilst every effort has been made to produce the best possible audio, limitations in the material drawn from non-standard and unofficial sources means that the quality on CD 4 may not be up to the standard usually expected. All tracks have been included for their historical importance, including Paul Kossoff’s final performance.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

THE BAND PLAYS ON (1975)

1. WHO DO WOMEN
2. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
3. STEALING MY WAY
4. SURVIVOR
5. IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN TO THE TOP
6. ALL THE GIRLS ARE CRAZY
7. JASON BLUE
8. TRAIN SONG
9. ROCK & ROLL JUNKIE
10. THE BAND PLAYS ON

DISC TWO

 2ND STREET (1976)

1. SELFISH LOVER
2. BLUE SOUL
3. STOP DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING
4. RAGING RIVER
5. SOME KIND OF HAPPY
6. SWEET, SWEET BEAUTY
7. JUST FOR YOU
8. ON YOUR LIFE
9. LEAVES IN THE WIND

DISC THREE

 LIVE AT FAIRFIELD HALL, CROYDON (1975)

1. THE BAND PLAYED ON
2. SIDEKICK TO THE STARS
3. IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN TO THE TOP
4. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
5. TRAIN SONG
6. SURVIVOR
7. STEALING MY WAY
8. ALL THE GIRLS ARE CRAZY
9. JASON BLUE
10. ROCK & ROLL JUNKIE
11. MOLTEN GOLD
12. THE HUNTER
13. WE WON
14. BIRD SONG BLUES

DISC FOUR

FINAL PERFORMANCE (1976)

LIVE AT THE STARWOOD CLUB, LOS ANGELES: 3rd MARCH 1976

1. WHO DO WOMEN
2. STEALING MY WAY
3. CHEAT ON ME
4. COMMON MORTAL MAN
5. TRAIN SONG
6. JUST FOR THE BOX
7. IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN TO THE TOP
BONUS TRACKS
8. JASON BLUE (OUTTAKE)
9. EVENING TIME (UNRELEASED)
10. IT’S A LONG WAY DOWN TO THE TOP (OUTTAKE)
11. SHE’S GONE (UNRELEASED)

How To Get The Free Appreciation Society Magazine

 

Despite the fact that in the margin on the right it does say (in the second paragraph above the current issue photograph) 'email for details' I still get people asking about magazines and subscriptions via the 'comments' - which are, incidentally, turned 'off'.

If you are interested in obtaining the magazine here is a rough guide.

The Free Appreciation Society (FAS) magazine email is

fasarticle@aol.com
Simply email and say you want to subscribe and let me know where you are in the world.

Single issues are available via Ebay just search 'Paul Kossoff Society' in the Ebay 'search' bar and those key words should bring the issues available there up to browse - or you can get them directly here if you request them, by email (above). Payment information will be provided when I know what you want and where you are on our large planet. However;

By Paypal:

In the UK a single issue is £5.85, which includes postage and packing.

For Europe its £7.15

Everywhere else its £7.85

An FAS subscription runs for three issues and can start with the current issue if you wish, or the next one to be printed. I am quite happy to add back issues to a new subscription -  just let me know what you want.

In the UK a three issue subscription is £14.85

For Europe its £21.13

Everywhere else is £22.16

Payments for individual issues or a subscription can easily be made with any credit card via Paypal -  whether you have an account with them or not. Once I know what you want I will send you a 'Paypal payment request' (Invoice). PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT to pay for ANYTHING without me sending you the invoice. If you do your payment will be returned, wasting my time, and yours. If you don't have a Paypal account the invoice will guide you painlessly through the payment process.

Back issues are also available at any time and I currently have

(subject to availability as they can, and do, sell out):

50, 51, 53, 54, 

63, 64, 65, 66, 68,

70, 71. 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77,

81, 84, 87, 88, 89,

90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99

Colour Issues

100, 101. 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109,

110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,

120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129,

130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137,138, 139,

140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149,
150, 151

Today was THE day... 'All Right Now'

These are indeed strange times. I hope everyone is keeping safe and well.

Here the FAS continues to work on the 50th anniversary celebrations going forwards. I have been hard at work on the 'Fire And Water' issues since Christmas Day 2019 and the first two are 80% done, the final issue erm.... less than that! Maybe 20%. It's all very complicated this part of the history! There are things in the next magazines that even surprised me! Things even I hadn't realised or known about. Quite an adventure.

Due to the current situation I can't be sure EXACTLY when we'll be getting these next issues printed - but in the meantime work will continue unabated to get them ready to go as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

However, today is actually quite important. 50 years ago today something happened that changed the lives of Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser forever. Somewhat changing the fortunes of the already bludgeoning Island Records label too.

On April 21st, 1970 at Island Studios in Basing Street, Chris Blackwell took out the master multi-track reels for Free's 'All Right Now'. He remixed the track and edited it as their proposed third UK single. Of course the first two, 'Broad Daylight' and 'I'll Be Creeping' hadn't broken any sales records, but things were building up and there was a feeling that Free were about to break really big. They just needed one key song, and Chris Blackwell decided that this was it. 

Along with engineers Brian Humphries and Roger (Trow, I think) he took the masters, which had been transferred to 16-track from the original 8-track tapes recorded at Trident Studios, and spliced out the introduction to the guitar solo, and the last verse. He thickened up the track with some overdubs and a cowbell (on the album mix this is missing) and took the song from its original length of 5.31 down to 4.14 -  still long for a single it has to be said. On reflection these days Chris believes it could have been even better, but that he just couldn't get it better than this himself. I think he did pretty good personally.

A couple of weeks later it was in the shops and by July it was sitting at No.2 in the BBC chart, or No.1 if you preferred to take your information from the NME or Melody Maker. The rest, as they say, is history. The single was a hit in the UK, USA, Denmark, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark among others, as well as being released in places like South Africa, Yugoslavia, Israel, Japan, Greece, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and even the Lebanon!

And despite Wikipedia having down on its pages that the song was written in Durham, it wasn't. It was actually conceived in Manchester apparently. This comes from what the band said, on numerous occasions, in the music press at the time it was released.

You can say in no uncertain terms that this day, half a century ago, changed their lives forever. Those four young men, Fraser still only 17. And, if you are a fan, like me, ours too. Cool eh. History was never like this at school was it!

Keep Safe,

 

David

 Right: FREE

'Esta Bien Ahora'

('All Right Now')

Argentina [Philips]

Paul Kossoff 1950 - 1976

Paul Kossoff - Forty Four Years.

Having to put up two of these rather sad little reminders in a month is a bit much. Koss now dead far longer than he lived. Very sobering.

I'm currently hard at work on the 'Fire And Water' issues for the 50th anniversary, and rather enjoying rediscovering that album somewhat. It's the one I play the least but there are some lovely guitar moments on there for sure.

Not much to say here that hasn't been said before. It would be nice if Koss was still here, and I wouldn't care too much what he was playing these days, just so long as he was happy whatever he was doing. The legacy of his talent to move people with his playing is still widely available to anyone who wants to check it out.

What was it that still makes people listen? Well, Paul Kossoff had the ability to know when he'd done enough. When to let go, when to hold back and when to stop. Below is a prime example of when to stop playing, and this is a great song by Mike Montgomery. Koss guides us in and then lets Sless tell the story.  Lyrically it's fantastic. and musically it's very underplayed. Lots of places where there could be a guitar part and fill but there is nothing, just rhythm until the solo. 

When Kossoff does come in the guitar is driven through a Leslie cabinet and the playing is perfect. Venom and pathos in immaculate harmony. It's around 32 seconds long, and that's it. Kossoff has said all he needed to say. Over the long end refrain, where most guitar players would try and fill every second -  there is nothing. The 32 seconds was enough. Less is more. 

Enjoy...

    

Andy Fraser 1952 - 2015

Andy Fraser - Five Years.

If you have a little time today see if you can pull out a bit of Andy's music and give it a play. It's easy enough to get out something like 'Mr Big' but if you have a copy give the 'Andy Fraser Band' album a listen. Great songs, great playing, great band. High Underrated.

 Alternatively Play a couple of Andy's own favourites...

 “There’s quite a few, really. 'Be My Friend'… 'Heavy Load', there’s some real maturity in that song. I still love a lot of those old Free songs; that band stands up for me, as it seems to for a lot of people."

 

Remember you can also find some great bass playing from Andy on 'Sulky Girl' by Robert Palmer from his 1980 album 'Clues'. It wasn't just about FREE!
  

 
 

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #150

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #150

February 2020 

Bad Company - 'Desolation Reinvigoration'

'Desolation Angels'

Posted out to all subscribers this evening.

Large 56 page full colour issue covering the complete history of Bad Company album by album, with a special look at 'Desolation Angels' and the new 'Deluxe Edition' that was released in January 2020.

This magazine includes information on the research for the new set and the tapes that were used in its compilation, along with plenty of photographs, memorabilia and press cuttings.

Also included for the first time anywhere is an exclusive and complete Bad Company gig history from 1974 - 1979 including posters, ads, tickets and more. Pretty impressive!!

56 packed colour pages. 

Want a copy?? 

Then subscribe via fasarticle@aol.com