Jefferson (Geoff Turnton) was a member of the Rockin' Berries in the mid 60s. A couple of years later, top producer Tony MacAuley took him under his wings and he released a solo album. What can I say... these songs are 'tailor-made' for me, as if they written especially for my personal musical taste. He also released a couple of singles for PYE and some were meant for a second album, which was never released. I picked the single "You know how it is with a woman" but 'City girl" is equally good. I wouldn't know which one to choose... A recommendation ? 100% yeeeeeeeeees ! Did I mention it's all melodic and hugely orchestrated ? I guess not, but by now I think you'll know I like songs like that ;)

This Australian popsong was recorded at the same time by two performers: solo singer Craig Scott and Toomorrow (which included Olivia Newton-John). I like both versions, but the Scott version has that extra bit that makes it better than the group sound. Delightful slice of orchestrated feel-good pop. It must be said that the Australians as well as the French, were the uncrowned kings of cover versions of songs, but from time to time they produced originals ... not too many, but some like this one. Great uplifting, positive song...

Another one that came to mind just now, was a great orchestrated ballad from the Scandinavian group Blond (former members of The Tages). Fanstastic piece of work...
Once again... goes crescendo and explodes in the climax ... wow indeed

To most people The Love Affair will always be connected with their hits "everlasting love" , "rainbow valley" or "a day without love" ... undoubtably great songs which had lots of airplay and all made it into the charts. BUT ... there was trouble inside the group. The members wanted to play a more progressive sound and get rid of their pop-image. So a deal was made with the producer... he picked material for the a-side, the group could record a progressive tune on the b-side. One of those great a-sides was recorded in 1970 and released in 1971. "Wake me I am dreaming" has all the elements of their hit sound, but was hardly played. Why ? No idea, because it has the commercial potential it needed. Maybe it's due to the fact that the overall music scene was changing rapidly (country rock, glamrock, etc)... they surely deserved a hit with this orchestrated melodramatic ballad