At The Manne Hole Vol.2 - Shelly Manne And His Men

Advantages: Easy to listen to Songs
Disadvantages: CD2 a bit poor

.... A once heard never forgotten song, when it was originally released a few radio stations would not play it because they thought the lyrics were unsuitable. “Pretty Flamingo” was released as a single in 1966 and became Manfred Mann’s 2nd No.1, staying at the top spot for 3 weeks. 1967 saw the single release of “Ha Ha Said the Clown”, a lively pop song that got to No.5 in the charts. Bob Dylan came to the rescue again in 1968 when Manfred Mann released his composition “Mighty Quinn”. This was to be their 3rd and final No.1 in the UK where it stayed for 2 weeks as well as reaching No.10 in America. The next song was “My Names Jack” from the film – You Are What You Eat. This song reached the top 10 in 1968. “Fox on the Run” always makes me smile. Anyone who watches Shooting Stars on BBC2 will recognise this as the song that Vic Reeves & Bob... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Rich dark and adult music with an intoxicating sense of melody
Disadvantages: Occasional problems with one speed tempo, The odd misplaced lyrical image

...were hatched to release the record on Mann’s own imprint via the internet. However, at this point fate intervened and for a change gave Mann a break. A mutual acquaintance (husband Michael Penn if you must know, who is of course the brother of actor Sean Penn) led to the demos for what would in part become ‘Bachelor N.o 2’ being heard by movie director P.T Anderson. Anderson liked what he heard so much he decided to use some of them to soundtrack his new film Magnolia (a complex but rewarding ensemble piece which managed to demonstrate amongst other things that Tom Cruise can actually act when forced). The Magnolia soundtrack is patchy and fails to show Mann at her best, but it got her work recognised by a whole new audience. Thus the internet only release of ‘Bachelor N.o 2’, which followed shortly, afterwards was quickly changed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Very inexpensive album set.
Disadvantages: You may already have some of the many tracks.

...This compilation consists of a ten, yes TEN CD boxed set, each CD having 20 tracks all original recordings. At a total cost of £19.95 in most high street record stores that works out at only £2.00 per CD which is pretty good value by my reconning. I actually bought it as I set a lot of quizzes and thought it would be good for music round setting which of couse it is but it actually good to play at parties etc, many of my friends remarking on the good quality and the variety of songs. There is a good range of artistes on the CDs from both sides of the Atlantic. there are many "classic" songs as well as some that you may have forgotten but are pleased to hear again after many years. Artists are too many to mention but include, thre Animals, Manfred Mann, Del Shannon, Hot Chocolate, Suzi Quatro, Don McClean, Leo Sayer, The Hollies and many... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful