Who's Got the Action - Phil Colbert

[pljms]

From the recent Burt Bacharach:The Early Years 1958 - 1965 compilation, here's probably its most priceless track and the one that has 'Bacharach' stamped all over it.

[Sara D]

Love it. I'm not surprised that this has long been a favourite with the Northern Soul community here in the UK.

Below is a remarkably positive review from this month's Record Collector Magazine of the compilation 'Who's got the Action' has just been re-issued on:

Rare Bacharach: The Early Years 1958 - 1965 **** (out of 5)

"Burt was busier than we knew........

Let it be said firstly that this 32-track collection doesn't cut accross other recent early Bacharach compilations, as this one concentrates on the more obviously Brill Building approaches. That's Brill in the original crafted songwriting meaning, rather than the teen pop connotation it's since taken on. This is not to say that teen themes aren't covered, as they certainly are with tracks from Joey Powers, Everit Hunter and the Shepherd Sisters. Elsewhere, Richard Anthony, Paul Anka, Jack Jones, Jane Morgan, Vic Dana and George Hamilton show the wide appeal Bacharach songs held from early on. The compilation effectively covers the change from Latinesque New York pop, with The Exotics' easy pop-soul 'Manpower', through to the classier later, more typical Bacharach stylings, with Phil Colbert's 'Who's got the Action' and Janie Marden's 'This Empty Place'. There are some twee moments, but the overall impression is of a great writer establishing his work. Every song has something to commend it, and the package is strengthened by two very interesting previously unissued demos and sleevenotes with history and loads of label shots." - Kingsley Abbott

One of the demos that the review alluded to is Tina Robin's excellent 'A Sinner's Devotion', which is so superior to Tammi Terrell's hopelessly weak version. Other tracks that standout for me are Ernie Felice's strangely orchestrated 'Hot Spell', Jane Morgan's Bacharach arranged and produced 'Waiting for Charlie to come Home', George Hamilton's 'Errand of Mercy', which was the kind of breezy tune BB could compose in his sleep during the mid-60s, Steve Alaimo's original version of 'A Lifetime of Loneliness' and Buddy Clinton's haunting 'Joanie's Forever'.

[vincent.cole]

Bonjour pljms;

I would say, A 1st Class Stamp!

I also brought this collections of rare Burt songs, and this one really stands out! This song just grows on you!

Thanks again.

Take care;

Vincent