Customer Reviews

Dick Bartley Presents: On The Radio, Vol. 3

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here in volume three of Dick Bartley's "On The Radio" series are 16 more tunes from the golden age of top-40 a.m. presented, to the extent possible, in their original as-heard-on-radio form. Some of the tracks included here exhibit only minor differences from versions found elsewhere but several are dramatically different from what we are used to finding on CD reissues.

The stereo mix of "Chapel Of Love" here has backround vocals and horns missing on some other versions that have shown up on compilation CD's. The bright stereo remix of "More Today Than Yesterday" replaces the dull original stereo version usually heard. Dobie Gray's "The In Crowd" is presented in true stereo from a pristine vinyl source as the original stereo master has been lost. A few of the versions here are original mono mixes that have heretofore been supplanted by radically different stereo mixes that are all that have been available up to now - "Creeque Alley" by the Mamas and Papas and B.J. Thomas' "Hooked On A Feeling" as examples.

Complementing the music is an eight-page liner notes booklet with interesting notes on what we're hearing (and in some cases, not hearing) on these tracks. For those fans who appreciate hearing the versions of these tunes as they were way back when and often with the benefit of stereo soundstage, this is worthwhile collection to add to your CD library.

"The Name Game," loathed by another reviewer, was among my least favorites as well (nice R&B groove behind Ms. Ellis, though). But the one track I can live without is "Desiderata." The best that can be said about that fluff piece is that it inspired a caustic but funny response called "Deteriorata." Otherwise, this is a VERY good compliation. "Never My Love," "The 'In' Crowd," "Chapel Of Love," "Double Shot," "Hold Your Head Up," and especially the propulsive "Bend Me, Shape Me" are so stunning that any other CD versions pale by comparison. Not only does this CD contain the versions I remember listening to on Top 40 radio (and in some cases, still have as well-worn 45s), it offers a true variety of artists and styles. Recommended listening to those "boomers" out there who want to make their floor speakers or headphones happy again.

The song "Creeque Alley" by the Mamas and Papas came out in 1967. Only the original mono single had the full orchestration for some strange reason - every subsequent version had been...uh...edited. It was only by chance that I came across this CD and it was worth the price just for this song. It's one of my all-time faves and it is like reuniting with a (very) old friend.

Some of these tunes presented here available for the first time. Bend Me Shape Me is the mono 45 way faster than the stereo mix. The In Crowd prestented in stereo from a vinyl source as the original stereo masters somehow got lost don't ask me how. More Today Than Yesterday sounds brighter and remixed as the original stereo version sounds dull and lifeless. Mirage is half mono half stereo with the backing line just a mirage in the end of the original mono version the master tape for that is nowhere to be found. Double Shot is the censored version the worst moring after instead of hangover. If you're looking for more hard to find 45 versions get this.

I have detested the "Name Game" since I was a very little child. It is idiotic, irritating and has nothing in the world to recommend it. To this day, I can remember fleeing the sound of that stupid stinky junk. In adulthood, I find I hate it just as much as I did then and have never been able to listen to that stupid thing without it being an excercise in torture. It is one very atrocious piece.

The other tunes on this collection are quite good and will bring many a smile to many a face. I would have given this a higher rating, but the "Name Game" cost this 2 stars.