LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

When Mike d’Abo stepped into Paul Jones’ shoes as frontman with Manfred Mann in 1966, the band lost none of its momentum and a string of hits ensued including Just Like A Woman and The Mighty Quinn.Having already penned Build Me Up Buttercup for the Foundations and the anthemic Handbags & Gladrags - a chart success for Chris Farlowe in 1966, later reprised by Rod Stewart and, more recently, by the Stereophonics in 2001 - Mike’s career as a singer/songwriter continued to soar when the Manfreds disbanded in 1969. With a slew of impressive solo albums and a foray into acting and broadcasting, Mike d’Abo has written music for movie soundtracks and advertising jingles, allowing his talents to lead him where they may.As well as touring with the Manfreds, his own outfit Mike d’Abo & His Mighty Quintet have established a formidable reputation since they formed in 1987. Taken from that period, this CD represents the cream of the crop from two albums made for President “Indestructible” and “Tomorrow’s Troubadour”, now available on CD for the first time. It’s little wonder that Handbags and Buttercup continue to enjoy repeat success nearly 40 years on; this is timeless pop at its finest.Compiled in conjunction with the artist, the package boasts detailed liner notes by David Wells, memorabilia, photographs and recent interview extracts.Digitally remastered from the original analogue tapes for optimum sound quality.
Track listing: 1. HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS2. THE MIGHTY QUINN3. JUST LIKE A WOMAN4. BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP5. TOMORROW’S TROUBADOUR6. VELVET GLOVE7. ISLE OF DEBRIS8. LOVING ON A SHOESTRING9. THANK YOU10. NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU11. REVIVAL12. TWINKLE IN THE EYE13. EASY STREET14. LOVE INDUSTRUCTIBLE15. WHOSE HEART?16. SHIPS17. ROCK’n’ROLL CRUSADE18. JUMP BOOGIE AND JIVE