VINYL: VG+

LABEL: Ex

COVER: VG

Visually there are a couple of marks on Side 1 but seem to have no obvious detriment to the sound, apart from a small scratch on Side 1 Track 3. But, given its age, it is in remarkable condition. It is a mono recording. But this is a classic example of a 60’s LP cover at the time. The marketing men had yet to start experimenting.

There are some marks around the spindle hole, mainly on Side 2 but otherwise excellent.

The cover is showing its age a little but is well sealed and completely intact. The spine is solid but has rubbed somewhat. A squiggle of biro on the back cover and the inner sleeve has writing on it. A name and address of a Colin Perrin is showing on the inner sleeve with some additional writing. It’s shows a history in its simplest form.

Side 1

1. My babe
2. Dimples
3. Searchin’
4. Every Little bit hurts
5. I’m Blue (Gong Gong song)
6. Sittin’ and Thinkin’

Side 2

1. I can’t stand it
2. Here right now
3. Jump back
4. It’s gonna work out fine
5. Midnight train
6. It hurts me so

Strangely, this is a re-issue of their first LP. However, it receives no mention on the official Spencer Davis web site. I say strangely as the style of the cover is more 60’s than the original cover, originally – in every sense of the word - entitled ‘The First LP’. I can only imagine it was trying to cash in on the success of Steve Winwood at the time, as he had left the band to form Traffic in 1967.

The Spencer Davis Group had some huge hits in the 1960’s and have been recognised as being at the forefront of British pop / rock explosion that came out of these shores in their droves during the decade. You can certainly feel the origins, to not only these hits, in this offering, but also to how bands such as the Rolling Stones kicked off sounding in those days. 3 minute songs, even the vocals and harmonica on something like Sittin’ and Thinkin’ (oddly, to become the bands title of their second LP) sound like Jagger.

If you like early 60’s bluesy rock there is no way you won’t like this. The playing is tight, the band clearly had that early electricity that was required in those days and if any A&R man saw them in a seedy club they could hardly fail to be impressed. The quality of this offering is staggering given we have moved on 50 years. It has been expertly cleaned on a VPI Cyclone Record Cleaning Machine and the result is there for all to hear.