I See The Rain (The CBS Years 1966-1969) - Marmalade (The) > Reviews > Classic late 60s pop

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Timeless stuff from the golden era of British pop
Disadvantages:	The odd bit of padding

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Marmalade were a classic example of the late 60s British group who wanted to write most of their material, but had to resort to custom-made, surefire hits from bespoke songwriters in order to keep the record company bosses sweet. However, that way they got the best of both worlds. This covers the years 1966 to 1969, including both sides of every single they released on CBS, plus all the remaining tracks on their first album "There's A Lot Of It About", and two previously unreleased numbers. The heavily orchestrated hits "Lovin' Things" and "Wait For Me Mary-Anne" are still evocative of British pop at its most enjoyable and least complicated, and nobody needs an introduction to their chart-topping Beatles cover "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da". But the songs by vocalist Dean Ford (real name Thomas McAleese) and guitarist Junior Campbell give the real picture of what they were about. The title track, a Top 30 hit in Holland, is unquestionably the best on this collection, and even Jimi Hendrix named it as the best single of 1967. (Oddly, on this CD the sound effects at the start and over the fadeout have been edited out - WHY?) Another UK flop single, "Man In A Shop", with its use of heavy fuzztone guitar and French horn, is also a treat for the uninitiated. Their versions of "Mr Tambourine Man" and "I Shall Be Released" are mere fillers, but passable all the same. Top marks, by the way, for the insert notes and memorabilia illustrations. This thoroughly recommended set is Part I of the Marmalade story. For Part II, see (and buy) "Rainbow: The Decca Years".