Search - Marcie Blane :: Bobby's Girl: The Complete Seville Recordings

It seems that Marcie didn't really want to be Bobby's girl

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marcie Blane (real name Marcia Blank) is one of countless singers who appeared seemingly from nowhere to have a monster hit only to disappear as quickly to be dismissed as yet another one-hit wonder. In fact, Marcie didn't like the music business at all and showed little interest in doing what was required to promote her records. Radio and TV stations don't encourage such singers, so that explains why Marcie never repeated the success of her first hit.



Marcie was a huge music fan who enjoyed singing folk songs at school. At around the time she finished school, a songwriter friend asked Marcie to make some demo recordings of his songs. The songwriter pitched his songs to a record label, but it was Marcie's voice rather than the songs that created the impression. So it was that Marcie was signed to a recording contract and had an American top three hit with Bobby's girl. It became a huge hit in many countries around the world but one notable exception was Britain, where Susan Maughan recorded a faithful cover and made the UK top three. Singer-comedienne Tracey Ullman covered the song in the early eighties.



Marcie recorded six further singles after Bobby's girl, all of a high quality. The follow-up (What does a girl do) became a minor American hit but the others missed the charts completely. With their B-sides, Marcie's seven singles make up the first fourteen tracks here. Marcie recorded German versions of two of the songs including Bobby's girl, which are also included. The remaining tracks include a stereo version of Bobby's girl and various previously unreleased demos.



It seems that, unlike many other one-hit wonders, Marcie is perfectly happy with what she achieved and has no regrets. She never wanted a recording contract, got one by accident, didn't like the recording industry and has led a normal life away from the spotlight. Yet this collection shows that Marcie had the talent to be a really great singer. If you enjoy early sixties pop music, you'll likely love this set."

Childhood Memories

R. Gonzales | Denver, CO United States | 02/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD reminded me of one of my earliest memories of childhood, I once found a box of mostly promotional 45s in the back alley near my house, all of them about ten years old by then, but I took them home and listened to them on my phonograph. In that box was a 45 of The Hurtin' Kind b/w She'll break the String. Side A, eh it was just OK but when I played side B, I Flipped! What a great song! I ended up wearing out that 45, and eventually threw it out but that song is what started my passion for the girl group sound that continues to this day! I never ever thought I would see the day that song would end up on CD! But I'm glad I was wrong! Marcie is very talented and confirms what I have long suspected, that she had a lot more to contribute than just "Bobby's Girl". This CD proves it. The standouts are What does a girl do?, She'll Break the String (Of Course), and this great song, written by a young Neil Diamond called "Bobby Did" That really has to be heard to be believed. Great Sound and it should have been a hit. The demos are just ok, nice to have, nothing to get excited about. All in all, a worthy addition to your Girl Group collection. You won't be disappointed."

OK, But No New Gems

terryoregon | Beaverton, OR USA | 02/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This will likely appeal to collectors of the early sixties girl group sound. I was hoping that some more of her stereo masters had survived. Not to be. The only stereo song on this CD is track 22 (Bobby's Girl). The sound quality of the other 21 mono songs varies. The German version of "What Does A Girl Do" is pretty good. The previously unreleased demo songs are just that - demos (Marcie's vocal with little more than a one guitar backup. Speaking of the stereo version of Bobby's Girl, if you've never heard it before - you won't be disappointed. It sounds like it could have been recorded yesterday.



There is no mention in the CD insert as to the source of the analog recordings.



Is Marcie Blane still around? According to the CD insert:



"She was contacted during the course of research for this CD, but politely demurred a request for an official interview, preferring instead to maintain her suburban privacy. Marcie did, however, express some excitement on hearing the news that her first demo recordings had survived, having not heard them since 1962."

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