This 12-song LP was recorded entirely solo by Leon in July 1975, at Acorn Studios. The sleeve features Ron Fielder’s atmospheric photographs, another of which had recently appeared on the cover of the songbook, That’s Not The Way It’s Got To Be.
This LP is not a new studio album in the normal sense, however. It is in fact a collection of re-makes from Leon’s back catalogue, most of which were not previously available as studio recordings. The only “new” cut is “Why Does It Have To Be Me?”, which was issued here for the first time as a Leon performance, although it was already in the public domain courtesy of Roy & Val Bailey.
There is a curious detail on the album; although released seven months later than the album, That’s Not The Way It’s Got To Be, it had an earlier catalogue number. Answers on a postcard...
The LP was reissued by Fuse Records in 1979.
This LP is not a new studio album in the normal sense, however. It is in fact a collection of re-makes from Leon’s back catalogue, most of which were not previously available as studio recordings. The only “new” cut is “Why Does It Have To Be Me?”, which was issued here for the first time as a Leon performance, although it was already in the public domain courtesy of Roy & Val Bailey.
There is a curious detail on the album; although released seven months later than the album, That’s Not The Way It’s Got To Be, it had an earlier catalogue number. Answers on a postcard...
The LP was reissued by Fuse Records in 1979.
"The original records have now gone under. But the songs swim on, coming up for air in unlikely places like Scunthorpe and Warrington and Bridgend and Chalk Farm, wherever folk clubs meet in pub rooms and colleges and universities, and even occasionally being allowed a gulp of limelight on radio and television. So it seemed a sensible idea to have, at least, a selection of these songs - particularly those I'm most frequently asked to sing, like 'Tim McGuire' and 'Jumbo' and 'Palaces of Gold' and 'Why Does it Have to be Me?' on record again." - LR (Original sleevenotes)
Thumbnails (click to enlarge)
Song list
1. Why Does It Have to Be Me?
2. Tim McGuire Fourth version
3. Dead Men Never Die Third version
4. History Lesson Third version
5. Rules of the Game Second version
6. Jumbo the Elephant Second version
7. Battle Hymn of the New Socialist Party Third version
8. Palaces of Gold Second version
9. The Ugly Ones Third version
10. Down the Drain Third version
11. She Was Crazy, He Was Mad Second version
12. Brass Band Music Third version
2. Tim McGuire Fourth version
3. Dead Men Never Die Third version
4. History Lesson Third version
5. Rules of the Game Second version
6. Jumbo the Elephant Second version
7. Battle Hymn of the New Socialist Party Third version
8. Palaces of Gold Second version
9. The Ugly Ones Third version
10. Down the Drain Third version
11. She Was Crazy, He Was Mad Second version
12. Brass Band Music Third version