Wish us luck gang. Been a long time coming. All you arm chair producers out there that buy the package, please give me a review on your thoughts of the CDs.
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Wish us luck gang. Been a long time coming. All you arm chair producers out there that buy the package, please give me a review on your thoughts of the CDs.
"I'm Still Waiting"....Quote:
Originally Posted by ralpht
The tracking page hasn't been updated the last 4 days, only received the parcel data.
the Netherlands is a bit far, I understand, but patience is a virtue. And, yes, of course you will get my feedback.
Had a chance to listen to this last night, Ralph, and I was overwhelmed by how incredible the music sounds. Just some great playing and strong vocals. The liner notes were exceptional and really put us in the timeline of how all this came to be, and then went. It's so exciting to discover such great music. Honestly, Shaun "Stoney" Murphy is new to me, and wow, what a singer. There's a lot packaged into this set, Ralph, and I will be listening to your work for quite a few weeks. I don't see this coming off my mp3 player any time soon.
Thom, thank you for the ;positive review. I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive.
As far as your thoughts regarding Stoney, I always referred to her as the girl with the magic pipes.
Was advised yesterday my copy would be delivered today but no, email this morning from Amazon that there are issues at the fullfillment centre.
My copy arrived yesterday afternoon. WOW doesn't quite give it propers. Randy Fairman, Joe Marchesi and Andy Skurow absolutely knocked it out of the park. I can't begin to explain how impressed I am with what these guys produced. I always said when you work with pros, you get professional results. There is so much music and information to enjoy, if you had to pay a hundred dollars for the package, you got a good deal. I will be posting my thoughts on the song content later today. For now, I simply want to give these three gentlemen my heartfelt thank yous. This release far exceeds any expectations I may have had. Many thanks again guys. Well done....well done.
So, I am detecting a bit of Everyday People in the opening chords of All Kinds Of People, which seems like it should have been a great anthem for that period of time. Also, it's funny that What You See Is What You Get was almost pilfered for The Supremes. There are chords in the opening of that song that reminded me of their Oh My Poor Baby, which didn't see the light of day until The Supremes '70s Anthology. Regarding Sunshine [[Where's Heaven?), the duet recording is so emotional. It really grabs you. The LA solo version is more polished and doesn't grab me as much. It's a great song, Ralph. I've been humming that around the house! I know Meat Loaf, but Shaun's voice is so strong! Her belt is so powerful, and what a range! I'm going to have to download some of her other albums. This set has quickly become a favorite of mine. I wish it had been better appreciated back in the day. I wonder if the cover had anything to do with it. It doesn't seem to represent the music inside.
Thom I appreciate your thoughts. I'm not overly impressed with the L.A. recordings. They are well done, very well produced and engineered, but it isn't Stoiney. It appears they were trying to make her a "Pop" singer, which she certainly is not. As far as "Sunshine" I was extremely disappointed. I would have expected more from Gaudio. The track did not support Stoney. When I heard that a re-record was done with "Sunshine", I was flattered that my song was well thought of. What I thought they would do is simply put Stony's lead on the original multi track. I did not like Gaudio's at all. Stony's voice is all emotion to a track that goes nowhere.
You probably noticed the re-mix of "What You See" and "Lady Be Mine" I am usually opposed to that sort of thing, but They did a nice job on those two songs.Kind of lost Mike Campbell's haunting harmonica solo in "lady" but the rendition is interesting.
I remember when this album was released late in 1971. The first time I heard in its entirety was about a half year later when I moved in with my first roommate, Michael, who owned the album. I remember thinking it was a lot better than I had expected [especially judging from the album’s cover].
Later when Michael and I no longer lived together, the album sort of disappeared from consciousness. Some years after that I remember someone I knew bought a reissue of it. But when I heard it I remember thinking that it didn’t sound the same to me. And then it was gone again.
When I heard it was going to be released on CD I was pleasantly surprised. And delighted by the memories that news invoked. I decided to do some research on the album and much to my embarrassment I realized that Stoney and Shaun Murphy are the same person. Wow! Worse yet I hadn’t realized our forum leader, Ralph, was one of the producers. Yikes!
When I first played the set I was immediately taken with how great it sounded. It was awesome to hear this album again and remember those halcyon days. I remembered each song much better than I would have thought. But the big surprise came when the album tracks ended and the single mixes started and in a couple of seconds I knew that this was the version of “What You See Is What You Get” that I remembered. It was the 45 version. Of course. For me having that version again was worth the price of admission. So very cool.
Another great surprise were the eight Stoney solos. I have a greater appreciation of what she was capable of at that time. Her tracks in the set are the Stoney album we didn’t get. What a missed opportunity. I didn’t get Stoney’s full message when she was half of a duo.
For me the music is more rock than blues and more blues than soul. And it still sounds contemporary. Head to toe it is a fantastic package. What you would expect from Real Gone, et al. And everyone involved deserve the kudos they are thankful receiving. But special thanks to the people responsible for creating the original, the folks who had the vision. You all should be very proud of your work; it has stood the test of time.
This is not just a reissue and it’s not just a fabulous reissue, it’s a collector’s item. Miss it at your peril.
Soul, I get the idea that all the proper buttons have been pushed for you. Your positive review is much appreciated.
You are welcome Ralph. Yes, it does push all the right buttons. I am enjoying playing it repeatedly, discovering something new with each spin. Great project.
The whole package is fantastic and the tracks never sounded better. Love the Rare Earth label on the discs. Lovely and informative booklet.
Enjoying particularly the tracks I've not heard before and what is striking for me on the first couple of Stoney solo tracks is how much she sounds like Freda Payne. The fact that the others don't is testimony to the breadth and depth of her talent and vocal prowess. Certainly leaves you wanting to hear more.
Nothing to do with the vocal performance at all but I much prefer the original arrangement on "Sunshine [[Where's Heaven)". Much more feeling to it.
Gets top marks from me.
Mystery...Happy to hear you are enjoying the package. Yeah, Stoney can sing anything and pull it off. I agree regarding "Sunshine". Gaudio's version lacks dramatic punch, which disappointed me. I was expecting something a little more.
My production was a little more involved and Dave Van DePitte's outstanding string arrangement brought it all home.
Hey Ralph,
I definitely agree with you on 'Sunshine'!!!! They did take great care in putting it all together though...... XO, Shaun 'Stoney'
Awwww.....thank you so much, Ralph!!!! :o
sophisticated_soul , Thank you so much for all your comments!!! I really appreciate it....
Shaun 'Stoney' Murphy https://shaunmurphyband.com
Stoney, I appreciate the fact that Gaudio put some effort in "Sunshine". His talent and musical reputation are second to none. I simply think he booted that one and kind of left you hanging.
You are more than welcome, Shaun. I am really enjoying this project. Thank you for the link. So many albums, I think I'll start with the last one first. And I'll keep an eye out for the one you are working on right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaun Murphy [[Stoney)
I took your nine solo tracks on EUTS and created a playlist. And at 32 minutes it's like an album. And what an awesome album it is. Thank you for all the great music.:)
As usual, a well written and researched article on this release by Adam White on his fantastic West Grand Blog : -
https://www.adampwhite.com/westgrandblog/murphy-meat
Cheers
Paul
Got it today, playing it right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1382hitsville
I already had the digital album through Apple Music, however, the packaging, annotations and pictures makes the physical product all worth while.
Stoney solo, I can hear her talent, but in my opinion, too middle of the road. She is an outstanding singer and it feels that only 80% of her talent is used on the songs.
The 2022 mixes, wow.....Love it! The clarity, the musical talent!
Ralph, Russ, Harry, thank you for creating this in the 70's, Kevin, Harry and all other names mentioned at the end at the booklet, thank you for making getting us 2 cd's!
And Meat, pointing to heaven, thank you for your talent! And Ms Murphy, thank you too! And thank you for making the effort of signing the booklet.
Anyone in doubt, because it can maybe not considered to be the classical Motown sound, buy it! As written before, the Motown sound was constant evolving and there are plenty connections to the classic Motown. Buy it!
Thank you
I'm always thrilled to hear a happy music fan. Thank you, Hitsville. I agree with all you have written.
An interview with Shaun....[[Stoney)
https://soulmusic.com/a-con
Full disclosure: I bought first S&L album when it came out and promptly got rid because I was expecting a Motown Sound.
Just bought EUTS CD set based on SDF comments and must say my more mature ears are impressed. Sorry folks it took me a while but I got there. With symphonic metal like Nightwish, Within Temptation etc + of course Bat Out Of Hell behind me it now makes sense to me. Their voices are perfectly matched, the tracks spot on fitting to a [[Ralph) T the mood of each song. There’s a b-i-g theatrical dimension throughout but mature & ballsy not luvvie. The one classic Motown cover is an original & refreshing take. Fully agree with all the comments on the LA sessions [[sorry Mr Gaudio tho you’re still a legend). After soul my other passion is the blues so naturally I’m in awe of Shaun’s solo tracks tho she can switch to sweet & tender in a beat. And the mastering is astounding, so clear & balanced but never clinical or antiseptic. The photos old and new really capture the times. What a quality release on every level. Massive thanks to everyone involved then & now.
Tony, I'm glad you had a change of heart. Thank you for the revue. Also, you can thank Russ for his excellent mixes. He always amazed me with his talent.
Too true Ralph. Those are such disparate elements from the power vocals to soft vocals, screaming guitars to pop backing to showbiz instrumentation. It can’t have been at all easy. All props to Russ, it all shines through intact, no flattening, truly masterful mixing.
Tony, Russ has a record of 89 #1 singles and 35 platinum albums. The boy was busy.
We got word from the record company that sales of the Everything Under The Sun project are going quite well and we are getting very good reviews. Always welcome news.
I am so very pleased with all these positive comments and reviews!! Thank you all for the great reviews..... I'm with Ralph, love spreading the word on this fabulous reissue, I've been involved with it since early 2019 with Randy Fairman, and couldn't be more pleased with all that was done to finally release this great package!!! :o
Good to read! And well deservedQuote:
Originally Posted by Shaun Murphy [[Stoney)
Thank you, Hitsville.
After reading this entire thread, I would like to, once again, thank all of you for your positive input and support of the project. I can't tell you how much that means to Stoney and me.
Due to the age of the recordings, listening to the songs serves as a time capsule for me. For instance, when I listen to "Lady Be Mine" I get to hear the genius of Babbitt on bass, Ray Monette on guitar and Mike Campbell's harp solo. These guys definitely knew what they were doing.
Sweet.
And so did you and your brother
Thank you Hitsville. That is very kind. I might also mention Mike Valvano.
Ralph, I pre-ordered the Stoney & Meatloaf 2-CD version on the day it became available for pre-order which qualified me for Stoney's autographed booklet, which makes it really special!.
I'm sorry to be reviewing so late. As we had discussed on the Forum a year or two ago, I had already purchased the Stoney & Meatloaf CD on the Big Pink CD label which sounded fantastic, and was a Motown album I never thought I'd experience on CD. Now that the Stoney & Meatloaf album is available in a 2-CD Expanded version, how could I not repeat the purchase!
In a nutshell, the new front-cover photo is fresh and exciting -- 100% better than the original front-covrr photo which was downright strange. The new version sounds every bit as impressive as the previous Big Pink version -- maybe even a tad better! My favorite tracks remain the same as before.
CD 1:
Track 1 - "I'd Love To Be As Heavy As Jesus"
Track 2 - "She Waits By The Window"
Track 3 - "It Takes All Kinds Of People"
Track 6 - "What You See Is What You Get"
Track 7: "Sunshine [Where's Heaven]"
Despite what others may have said, my favorite tracks on CD 1 sound every bit as Motown-ish to me as releases by the top-tier Motown artists. Musically speaking, the Motown magic is firmly intact here on each and every one of the titles listed above which I find thrilling! As before, in my previous review, my overall favorite track is "Sunshine [Where's Heaven]". I can never play it just once. One play under the headphones turns into at least five or six additional plays over and over -- and, dependng on my mood, sometimes more!
Rslph, your original Motown version of "Sunshine [Where's Heaven]" remais the definitive version for me -- far better than the previously-unreleased version on CD 2.
CD 2 favorites are as folliws:
1) "Let Me Come Down Easy"
2) " It's Always Me"
4) "A Woman Left Lonely"
7) "Sunshine [Where's Heaven]" [okay, but lacking the emotion and intensity of the original Motown version on CD 1.)
8) "Touch And Go" [Wow! What a beautiful cover version of the Al Wilson original!] Easily my favorite track on CD 2!
More With Meatloaf:
9) "The Way You Do The Things You Do"
11) "Stone Heart" [with The Andantes, no less! What a treat!]
14) "It Takes All Kinds Of People"
All in all, Ralph, a super-satisfying set from the Motown vaults! Thanks for your always-impressive contribution!
Gary, many thanks for the kind words and review.
Gary, do you hear that oooooooo sound at the very beginning of Sunshine? That is Bongo Eddy using his middle finger rubbing the drum skin making that sound. He showed that to me before the session started and had me try it. I couldn´t make it happen. So I told Eddy to put it somewhere in the track. And he did just that. Thought this might lnterest you.
I have tried communicating with the guys that are in charge of this release, but have not heard from them for quite a while. It seems to be failing and I feel there has been poor efforts regarding promotion. Any suggestions I have offered seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Too bad. I really trusted these guys. This should have been a slam dunk.
Response from the record company.
Ralph,
we appreciate all that you’ve done! The reissue isn’t a failure at all. While we’d be grateful for even more promotion, the CD set has been selling well and getting long-overdue attention. It will be featured in Record Collector magazine in print in November. We kept spreading the word this weekend at the HAL Awards in LA where Meat was featured in the memorial tribute, too. I’ve heard so much wonderful feedback from inside and outside of the Motown family, and we’re all so grateful to you and Stoney!