Friday, August 1, 2014

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: Farlowe Does D'Abo

CHRIS FARLOWE-Handbags And Gladrags/Everyone Makes A Mistake U.S. Immediate ZS7 5005 1968

















Mike D'Abo's opus "Handbags And Gladrags" has been covered FAR too many times in my book. Farlowe's was the first hitting the streets in November 1967 in the U.K. as Immediate IM 065, it's American issue would not see a release until February 1968.

"Handbags And Gladrags" was not only written by then Manfred Mann lead vocalist  D'Abo but he produced it as well and a bang on job he did too in my estimation.  It's actually suited to Chris Farlowe's voice and the top notch arrangement with strings, recurring muzaky harmonica and some crashing drumming (possibly the work of Arthur Greenslade?) which do the tune massive justice.  My favorite part of the tune has always been subtle guitar lick played right after the main chorus that gives it a nice atmospheric, almost jazzy feel.

For me the money has always firmly been on the flip side.  "Everyone Makes A Mistake" got a lot of mileage from me on the turntable in my DJ days many years ago and the punters always seemed to dig it. Driven along by some great percussion (hand claps/conga and tambourine) and some gritty guitar, funky organ and a totally soulful melody that makes the number sound like something Farlowe would've cut in '65!

Chris Farlowe at The Star Club 1968



















Both tracks are available on the Chris Farlowe Immediate records era compilation CD "Handbags And Gladrags: The Immediate Collection".

Hear "Handbags And Gladrags":

http://youtu.be/X3yN0JvG5co

Hear "Everyone Makes A Mistake":

http://youtu.be/zCKaf01-EGE

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