Fancy – The Complete Recordings, 3CD Clamshell Box Set 2021, Cherry Red Records

In 1973, Fancy came together around producer Mike Hurst – alongside guitarist Ray Fenwick and bassist Mo Foster – to record a glam rock cover version of The Troggs’ hit ‘Wild Thing’. Issued on Atlantic, the single was a U.S. hit, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 (it also reached #31 in Australia). Prompted by the success, a touring band was assembled with new singer Annie Kavanagh. And an album, Wild Thing, yielded a second American hit, ‘Touch Me’.

• In summer 1974, Fancy signed to Arista, and embarked on a U.S. tour, supporting Kiss, Wishbone Ash and Steppenwolf (in early 1975, they also supported 10cc at the Hammersmith Odeon). The new deal led to a second album Something To Remember (re-titled Turns You On in the States), promoted by two singles, ‘She’s Ridin’ The Rock Machine’ and a cover of Steve Wonder’s ‘I Was Made To Love Her’. In late 1975, Fancy bowed out with a non-album single, ‘Music Maker’.

• With input from original band members, this welcome triple-CD set offers up all of Fancy’s studio recordings – both albums plus non-LP tracks – plus a previously unheard live recording from legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s. As a bonus, Disc 3 closes with a fascinating US radio interview. Also included are two brand new tracks, Ray Fenwick’s ‘Sidewinder’ and Mo Foster’s ‘Driving Home’.

Track List:

DISC ONE:
WILD THING

1. WILD THING
2. LOVE FOR SALE
3. MOVE ON
4. I DON’T NEED YOUR LOVE
5. ONE NIGHT
6. TOUCH ME
7. U.S. SURPRISE
8. BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND ME
9. I’M A WOMAN
10. FEEL GOOD
BONUS TRACKS
11. FANCY (B-side)
12. BLUEBIRD (B-side)
13. SIDEWINDER (Previously Unreleased New Recording)

DISC TWO:
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

1. SHE’S RIDIN’ THE ROCK MACHINE
2. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HIM
3. YOU’VE BEEN IN LOVE TOO LONG
4. SOMETHING TO REMEMBER
5. EVERYBODY’S CRYIN’ MERCY
6. THE TOUR SONG
7. STOP
BONUS TRACKS
8. MUSIC MAKER (A-side)
9. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HIM (Short Version)
10. SHE’S RIDIN’ THE ROCK MACHINE (Single Version)
11. SHE’S RIDIN’ THE ROCK MACHINE Pt 2 (B-side)
12. DRIVING HOME (Previously Unreleased New Recording)

DISC THREE:
LET’S GO ON SOMEWHERE

1. THE TOUR SONG
2. SHE’S RIDIN’ THE ROCK MACHINE
3. EVERYBODY’S CRYIN’ MERCY
4. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HIM
5. LOVE FOR SALE
6. RADIO INTERVIEW WLYX MEMPHIS, USA

Tracks 1-5 Previously unreleased live recordings at Ronnie Scott’s Club, Soho, London, 26th June 1975

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