Happy Times – The Songs of Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham Vol 2

I’m going to be completely honest here – I am not familiar with the work of songwriter duo Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham but that has changed with this charming twenty-four track compilation compiled by Ace Records complete with detailed linear notes by Tony Rounce.

We begin with the groovy ‘I Do’ which is an unissued Fame recording sung by June Conquest and it is up there with Mary Wells’ ‘My Guy’ in terms of relatable lyrics. ‘Happy Times’ was recorded by The Box Tops in 1967 with 18-year-old lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful voice helping it go up the charts earning some money for the songwriters.

‘Up Tight Good Woman’ was preceded by several different demos with various titles and arrangements before finding its place on Wilson Pickett’s third album ‘The Wicked Pickett’ in October 1967. Even though it never charted anywhere in the world, Pickett still put his stamp of originality on the song.

Sandy Posey provided the vocals for the bleak ‘Hey Mister’ with the line “a random man took advantage of me” is etched in the listener’s head. Arthur Conley was a protégé of Otis Redding and resurrected the track ‘You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy’ after Redding’s death with his smooth voice. The unissued South Camp recording of Don Varner’s ‘The Power Of Love’ is pure Motown in style with elements of ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations being recognised. Interestingly, a version of the song was recorded by the Hourglass featuring Duane and Gregg Allman.

Bobby Womack’s ‘Broadway Walk’ is incredibly funky and was his second single for Minit in October 1967. A highlight for this writer as they riff on Wilson Pickett. The warm lyrics of ‘I Love Everything About You’ are enhanced by Percy Sledge’s superb voice and featured on his fourth and final album for Atlantic in 1968. Jeanie Greene’s ‘I’ll Take Care Of You’ is the definition of a ‘hidden gem’ with its tender delivery. The collection concludes with the instrumental ‘I’ll Be Your Baby’ with Dan Spooner on piano in an outfit entitled Spooner’s Crowd and it is a peaceful, unrushed number.

Overall, if well-written Sixties soul music performed by a selection of phenomenal vocalists and musicians is your cup of tea then this set is a must-have for your collection with its rarities and fascinating tales of the recordings.

‘Happy Times – The Songs of Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham Vol 2’ is out now on Ace Records. For more information visit www.acerecords.co.uk