They missed a real winner by omitting "Each Time".
H. E. Kagebine Jr. | Inland Empire, CA USA | 02/11/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is not a review, just an observation.
There's a DeShannon song titled "Each Time" which contains many infectious hooks in more places than just the verse and chorus. I first heard this one by the Searchers and really liked it alot. Yet, it's the version by Marti Jones --Don Dixon's other half-- which simply does this song justice. Each Time was recorded for A&M as part of Marti's album called "Used Guitars". Either the Marti Jones or the Searchers version would've improved this collection just a nudge. However, Break-A-Way is still a keeper!"
Bluer
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection is absolutely stunning. Most of these tracks were not familiar to me; so I greatly appreciate the ample 27 cuts on the disc & the informative liner notes. The remastering and engineering on this disc is terrific, giving great clarity to the sound of these vintage cuts. Also, I am very appreciative to be able to hear the songs of Jackie DeShannon in one place. Her music as a recording artist has tended to overshadow her stature as a songwriter. I'm impressed by the consistent quality & punch of her material. I bought this disc with a flurry of other discs, and find myself repeatly grabbing this one.
Irma Thomas' track that is the title track for this collection is an amazing record with that punchy "No no no no" chorus; it's instantly become one of my favorite classic rock tracks. The Searchers' version of "When You Walk in the Room" went to #35 on the Billboard charts and has a distinctive guitar line. Helen Shapiro's recording of "Woe Is Me" has throbbing tom-tom percussion that knocks the track through the roof. Brenda Lee's "So Deep" pops joyfully out of the speakers in contrast to the lyric, "I'm blue, so blue; I can't get bluer." Barbara Lewis' "Stop That Girl" from her "Baby, I'm Yours" LP sounds majestic with the rising chorus. "I Remember The Girl" is such an excellent song with this great version by The Bandits packing a punch from that era, "In some little town where she will settle down, will I be there to share her plans & dreams?." The Concords' "Should I Cry" with their high falsettos is a delightful doo-wop with the chimes ringing vividly. Ricky Nelson recorded "Thank You Darlin'" for his "Seven" album that is in my collection. This remastered version sounds so fresh & clear. I love the girl group record by The Fashionettes, "Daydreamin' Of You," with its loping guitar line, "When I said hello, you went on your way." From The Byrds' "Mr. Tambourine Man" album comes Jackie's lovely "Don't Doubt Yourself Babe" with the McGuinn/Crosby harmonies and the Byrds' trademark jangly guitars. Jackie's demo recording of "Only You Can Free My Mind" has a great vocal performance. "Break-A-Way" is a delightful celebration of Jackie DeShannon, the songwriter. The engineering and rarity of many of the recordings make it essential listening. Enjoy!
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