Paul Kossoff. 43 Years Today.

Its not enough that we have Andy's anniversary in March but of course we also have the older one. That of Paul Kossoff. A frightening 43 years! So time again to pull something out of Paul's today and give it a whirl. I'm going to be listening to KKTR this morning and, as its my favourite album PERIOD, I'll enjoy that very much. But here's something a little different. Below for your enjoyment is the unreleased single version of 'All The Girl's Are Crazy' from a single sided test pressing I have. The flipside ('Stealing My Way') also comes on its own 1-sided 7" test disc. That's as far as it ever got.

This was due to be released by Island Records, and on the back of the sleeve the WIPX-1389-2M number is indeed Island catalogue. This test pressing, done at Sterling Sound and was made on 20th May 1975 it appears. Of course Back Street Crawler went on to be signed to Atlantic/Atco and so this never came out. Its a different mix, somewhat rougher than the one on the 'Band Plays On' album, and it has a different vocal along with some alternate guitar. Its very nice, and you won't have heard this version anywhere else before.

I've tried a number of times to get some kind of Back Street Crawler project off the ground with no success. I'm not sure what there is sitting in the Atlantic archive but certainly there are some rehearsal tapes and unreleased songs that would make for a nice set of material covering the band history, brief as it was. Anyway, Kossoff is in fine form here with some great playing. So turn it up and enjoy. We miss you Koss.

 

Free Appreciation Society Magazine - Issue #144

AVAILABLE NOW

Free Appreciation Society

Magazine Issue #144

March 2019 (#1)  

Free - Green Hills Pt. 1

From the first rehearsal to 'Tons Of Sobs'

Extra Large 56 page issue covering the complete history of the band from April 1968 to March 1969. This includes releases by Champion Jack Dupree and Martha Velez up to the eventual release of the debut FREE album, 'Tons Of Sobs'. Featured are press releases, adverts, foreign issues, albums, singles and compilations. This history runs the day to day life of the band - including gigs and recording. The most in depth look at this period of the FREE history EVER. This is the first part of a trio of issues that look at this specific period of the band evolution over #144, #145 and #146.

Back cover features the original shop poster advertising the release of the 'Sobs' album in March 1969. Much more memorabilia, photographs. press and cuttings inside.

56 packed colour pages. Get it now!!

Email address in the right hand column for enquiries

Or buy on Ebay. Search  : Free Appreciation Society #144

Andy Fraser. Four Years. 1952 - 2015

March this year is certainly busy. With the other two 'Tons Of Sobs' anniversary issues all due to go out in the next couple of weeks I don't think I've ever done so much at one time.

Its very sad Andy didn't live to celebrate 50 years of the FREE debut. Certainly it was only in the final couple of years he really came to terms with how much FREE meant to people after a long time of dismissing what he did 'then' for what he was doing 'now'. He's been gone four years today, and while that makes me rather sad lets not dwell on it and celebrate something he did. 'Train Of Love' actually featured on Andy's second solo album, 'In Your Eyes', where it is given a very 'soul lite' treatment. Nothing wrong with that. I like the album. However the song was actually originally covered by the much more bombastic fantastic Andy Fraser Band. Fuzz Wah Bass indeed !!

I love this band. They rocked! Nick Judd and Kim Turner were great in this tough little unit and the single album they released still sounds like nothing else. They didn't record the 'Train Of Love' track in the studio but they did perform it on the tour and also here on the John Peel BBC session from April 1975. Enjoy.

Below that you'll find one of Andy's final pieces, 'The Big One'. I didn't like 'Naked.. And Finally Free' at all. I still don't. Andy knew that. We had talked about it and had a conversation about where he was then (Free) and where he was now, musically. When 'The Big One' came out, I loved it, and I still love it. Great groove, and a bit of a return to form I thought. I sent an email telling him. He shot an email back. "Yeah Dave, I knew I'd get ya!". I think that was perhaps the last time I heard from him. I'm so pleased we ended our friendship on a positive note -  because Andy was a positive guy.

Turn it up!

 

 

Tons Of Sobs - 50 Years Old Today.

Just Gone Into The Post For Subscribers - #144

Okay, here's a look at FAS #144. The first of three issues dealing with the release of, and period leading up to, 'Tons Of Sobs'. If you are a subscriber this should be dropping onto your doormat around the 14th in the UK (the actual official 1969 'TOS' release date). For those who don't subscribe the magazine will be available from the email on the right as of the 14th and on Ebay shortly thereafter.

This issue also features information on the releases of 'When You Feel The Feeling' by Champion Jack Dupree and 'Fiends And Angels' by Martha Velez, along with a blow by blow account of Free's journey from the first rehearsal up to 'Sobs' hitting the shops. Pretty Awesome.

This magazine is a monster. It has 56 colour pages and is packed with information and curiosities. Its a great read. Secure your copy now with a subscription!

In Flight Entertainment Essentials!!

Flying abroad?

You could do much worse than flying with Emirates.

Get in, put your bag in the overhead... Rest those legs...
Turn on the screen in the seat back facing you... And then...
Check out the 'Essential Albums' on the in flight entertainment.
Yeah... that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
Cool selection indeed.

Thanks to Russ for the snapshot.

50 Years Ago Today... Sounds like a good night out for five shillings!