CD-Charts Position 1
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Insane Times: 25 British Psychedelic Artefacts from the EMI Vaults

by: Various Artists

Release Date August 13, 2007
Besides the strange sound effects cobbled onto the front or end of many of these songs, the factor that links most of them is that they were commercially not successful. And the factor that unites all the failures here is the underplayed vocals. Even Kevin Ayers, who opens this collection, had a somewhat throw-away singing style.

For goodness sake, men, watch 'The X-Factor' to learn the importance of passionate singing. Or think back to other rock singers of the late 1960s: Mick Jagger, Arthur Brown, and even Greg Lake. They all put their souls into their vocals.

Most of the singers on this compilation didn't. They chose insipid instead, and on that path lay Barclay James Harvest. QED.

CD-Charts Position 2
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La Musique Du Moment: The French Sound Now

by: Various Artists

Release Date May 14, 2007
Besides the strange sound effects cobbled onto the front or end of many of these songs, the factor that links most of them is that they were commercially not successful. And the factor that unites all the failures here is the underplayed vocals. Even Kevin Ayers, who opens this collection, had a somewhat throw-away singing style.

For goodness sake, men, watch 'The X-Factor' to learn the importance of passionate singing. Or think back to other rock singers of the late 1960s: Mick Jagger, Arthur Brown, and even Greg Lake. They all put their souls into their vocals.

Most of the singers on this compilation didn't. They chose insipid instead, and on that path lay Barclay James Harvest. QED.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Swinging Mademoiselles Vol.1: Groovy French Sounds from the 60s

by: Various Artists

Release Date February 20, 2006
This CD is worth buying purely for the amazing Jacqueline Taieb's "Sept Heures du Matin" alone. In this she sings (in french) about going to school, wishing that Paul McCartney would help her with her english homework, brushing her teeth, and deciding which sweater she's going to wear today. All of this to a magnificent "I'm Not Your Stepping Stone" style backing, and with a line of "my Generation" thrown in for good measure.
Unfortunately the other tracks aren't quite as good, but some of them are still pretty fine e.g. Liz Brady, Elizabeth, Clothilde.
Very entertaining stuff. It's a bit of an acquired taste, but one worth trying to acquire. PS If you get the bug for french pop music look up the "Femmes de Paris" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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The Girls' Scene

by: Various Artists

Release Date May 02, 2005
I bought this CD purely for one of the tracks on it - Antoinette's "Jenny Let Him Go". I found it compulsive back in 1967, and it's reassuring to find how good it still sounds today. Mind you, in 1967 I didn't know that Antoinette came from Southend and was just 13 when she recorded the song! I probably assumed she was American and in her 20s.

These 25 tracks are really good value, although there are a few that I don't really like so much. The CD starts with a bang, as The Orchids' Oo Chang A Lang is a real high-powered, catchy "wall of sound" tune. (Continuing the trend, The Orchids were three 15-year old schoolgirls from Coventry). Among my other favourites are Vashti's "Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind" - partly for its good lyrics ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Take My Tip (25 Sixties Mod Gems)

by: Various Artists

Release Date June 04, 2007
I love this! But did you know Beryl who is featured on this actually has a new single out in Novemeber! How exciting - you can hear more at her website!

CD-Charts Position 6
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The In-Kraut - Hip Shaking Grooves Made In Germany 1966-1974

by: Various Artists

Release Date October 17, 2005
There seems to be no end to the moddish discotheque ravers released in Europe during the late 60s, a fact underscored by the delightful 20-track 'The In-Kraut' collection of 'hipshaking grooves' from Germany. This spirited sampling of nutty swingers from leering German big band bozos, breathy pop tarts, misguided TV personalities, quirky Eurovision losers, St. Pauli sexploitation film savants and Kraut-a-delic garage band bruisers would make the perfect soundtrack to the next Austin Powers sequel. Nah, it's too good for that.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Tell Him - The Decca Years

by: Billie Davis

Release Date March 14, 2005
I had never heard of Billie Davis but the cover photo intrigued me so I took a chance and I love it. As a fan of the Brit Girls of the 60s, I think that Billie Davis really is up there with Sandie, Lulu, Marianne, and Cilla. "I Want You to Be My Baby" is a gem of a song with incredible production value. This should have been an opening for Billie Davis to more and more hits. Her voice had matured from her early songs around 1963 and she was in better voice than ever. She was always good but I find it criminal that she is known for "Tell Him" when she has done so much more and has recorded well into the 80s and, although sporadically, even more recently. Billie Davis is a singer who is a delight to discover. She has done some beautiful songs such as "Angel of the Morning" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Best Of Bardot

by: Brigitte Bardot

Release Date August 06, 2007
Brigitte was better known as an actress and it would be fair to say that she was not a great singer - but she was good enough to make lightweight pop that is worth an occasional listen.

On this album, there are three duets with Serge Gainsbourg. Je t'aime moi non plus was intended for release as a single but it remained in the vaults - I think Brigitte decided she didn't want it released. In any case, Serge then recorded it with Jane Birkin. That version was released as a singe but was quickly banned in France. The singles were shipped across to the UK, where it was banned by the BBC but allowed to go on sale. It sold well, eventually reaching number one on the UK charts - a rare achievement for a record sung in a foreign language. The other duets between Serge and Brigitte ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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The Vogue Years

by: Francoise Hardy

Release Date January 27, 2001
I'm surprised this has got such superb reviews and bought it on the strength of these.

I've previously bought Messages Personnels and Comment Te Dire Adieu which have some of the tracks from this album and whilst they're still good on this album, I find them much harsher recordings of the songs. If I'd heard this album first, perhaps I'd have given it 4 or 5 stars too, but having listened to the other recordings of these tracks, I haven't ended up listening to this album beyond the first few attempts. I wouldnn't give it less than 3 stars as it's still a good album, just a disappointing recording of the songs. If you're considering buying this, it may be worth comparing tracks from the other albums in somewhere like HMV where you can hear them both before buying.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Swinging London

by: Various Artists

Release Date April 09, 2007
I suppose I have to thank Amazon customer recommendations and my own curiosity for eventually plucking up the courage and the dosh to purchase this album. Well, I am so glad I did. It is a real find and refreshing. If you are an avid collector of sixties music and are looking for something a bit different then this could be your album. The boys at RPM have done a sterling job in trawling The Saga records back catalogue of stuff you would normally pass by in a charity shop or jumble sale and have found some real gems that despite not being performed by any well known acts capture the times and the spirit of the period perfectly. I know I was there, but I don't remember any of these bands. There are a couple of names playing as part of these bands, a prototype Mungo Jerry as `Good Earth' and Alan Hawkshaw ... Read More: