Chris L Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) I know if really want an original you need to buy that MFP album (be the £3.00 you'll ever spend on records) It came out as a pukker TMG single in 1974, I've had lots pass through my hands. But I came across this copy and it looks different than any I've ever seen. Did it get a later release ? a sort of re-re-lease ? The text looks different and larger but it does say TMG886, always thought that they issued a number number, usually higher when re-releasing a TMG single. This is how "original" 1974 release looks like. Any help, comments, advice, etc welcome.......... This one doesn't feel "right" Edited February 11, 2015 by Chris L Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Modernsoulsucks Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Later issue is RCA rather than EMI. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 How far apart are they in terms of release date ? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mick Holdsworth Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 How far apart are they in terms of release date ? RCA re-released loads about 84/85 (I think it was about then but I might be +/- a year either way). I don't know how many they did re issue, but it must be close to 100 titles. Amongst them was F Wilson, F Valli 3024, loads of commercial classics / hits, all on black labels. Having said that., I don't remember the Contours being amongst them, but it clearly must have been. Cheers Mick 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I know if really want an original you need to buy that MFP album (be the £3.00 you'll ever spend on records) It came out as a pukker TMG single in 1974, I've had lots pass through my hands. But I came across this copy and it looks different than any I've ever seen. Did it get a later release ? a sort of re-re-lease ? The text looks different and larger but it does say TMG886, always thought that they issued a number number, usually higher when re-releasing a TMG single. This is how "original" 1974 release looks like. Any help, comments, advice, etc welcome.......... Contours2.jpeg This one doesn't feel "right" Contours1.JPG The original issue of "Baby Hit And Run" is the TMG single released in Feb 1974 - the MFP LP wasn't released until the summer of 1974 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Ivor Jones Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 I would put that RCA distributed Contours slightly earlier than Mick stated[84] and put it at about 1982. I have no proof for this but can clearly remember my mate buying a copy of F.Wilson[RCA Distibuted] around that time…..[wasnt as late as 84]. This copy[F.Wilson] came into my possession years after and it was only then that I noticed the label differences between that and my EMI distributed copy. So, my assumption is that the Contours 45 would have been done at the same time as the Frank Wilson[RCA]…..Anyone know for sure ? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
TOAD Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Wasn't this in box set ? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Northern Soul Uk Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Wasn't this in box set ? Toad, that's what I thought, the font definitely looks similar if not the same as the boxed set ones. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 The original issue of "Baby Hit And Run" is the TMG single released in Feb 1974 - the MFP LP wasn't released until the summer of 1974 I'm sure you've got your facts right but I don't remember it being like that. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Doesn't sound right to me either. I remember it being played from the LP before it came out on a single. So why would anyone do that if you could get the 45? Or maybe just a few demos were out when it first got played and the actual release was a few months later? But in the meantime the LP was released? I forget the details but can certainly recall it getting played from the LP before the 45 was in the shops... 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 (edited) Doesn't sound right to me either. I remember it being played from the LP before it came out on a single. So why would anyone do that if you could get the 45? Or maybe just a few demos were out when it first got played and the actual release was a few months later? But in the meantime the LP was released? I forget the details but can certainly recall it getting played from the LP before the 45 was in the shops... Thank heavens for that John !! I though I was losing my marbles or at the time, some sort chemical imbalance At 1974 people just didn't play 12" Albums, unless it was a very special "can't get anywhere else" thing. Edited February 12, 2015 by Chris L 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 (edited) Thank heavens for that John !! I though I was losing my marbles or at the time, some sort chemical imbalance At 1974 people just didn't play 12" Albums, unless it was a very special "can't get anywhere else" thing. I think you are both wrong - the 45 was released on 8th Feb 1974 - the album in the summer 1974 - i remember the album release because a friend sent me a postcard from his holiday in Blackpool saying he had just bought it as it had just been released and I went out and bought it in Newcastle that week - the only track on the LP new to me at the time was "It's Growing" Edited February 12, 2015 by Ringleader Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Shinehead Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 I thought the LP came first but then why would MFP title an Lp after a track that had not been released if that was the case ? 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 The plot thickens..... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Just dug out the LP and the sleeve notes refer to "Baby Hit And Run" having been "issued in Britain as a Tamla Motown single early in 1974" Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Northern Soul Uk Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 yeah I def' remember buying the album for this track and playing it. I am sure if I could have got the 7" I would have bought that instead, and the shop I used to buy my stuff from that was very upfront with the stock they carried, 'Jumbo Records' in Leeds. I used to go in 2 or 3 times a week for the latest Motown tracks. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest johnny hart Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 I know if really want an original you need to buy that MFP album (be the £3.00 you'll ever spend on records) It came out as a pukker TMG single in 1974, I've had lots pass through my hands. But I came across this copy and it looks different than any I've ever seen. Did it get a later release ? a sort of re-re-lease ? The text looks different and larger but it does say TMG886, always thought that they issued a number number, usually higher when re-releasing a TMG single. This is how "original" 1974 release looks like. Any help, comments, advice, etc welcome.......... Contours2.jpeg This one doesn't feel "right" Contours1.JPG Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 yeah I def' remember buying the album for this track and playing it. I am sure if I could have got the 7" I would have bought that instead, and the shop I used to buy my stuff from that was very upfront with the stock they carried, 'Jumbo Records' in Leeds. I used to go in 2 or 3 times a week for the latest Motown tracks. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 The provable facts are the 45 was released 8th Feb 1974 the LP sometime in 1974 and the sleeve notes refer to the 45 having already been released EARLIER in 1974 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest johnny hart Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 My all time fave motown track "Baby Hit and run "was recorded in 1965,penciled in for an aborted album "Contours Sing its So hard Being a Loser" . Only then issued in the UK as asingle Tmg 886 8th Feb 1974, no month is stated on Lp except year 1974,but as Ringleader says Clive Richardson in his sleeve notes points the single being issued early in 1974! [he also alludes to the fact that "its Growing" was issued on a single which it never was .From memory i was sure LP Primero single 2nd ,now im not so sure? The second issue is an RCA issue they took over distribution from EMI in 1981.The type Font is different [resembling a dutch or german issue,it is not as they had different TM matrixs] RCA issues also can be identified at aglance by the text which runs round the edge of the label in continuous circle, Ididnt realise the RCA version existed so a scarce Item? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Shinehead Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 According to the ''Don't Forget The Motor City'' website The single was released Feb 74 and the Lp May 74. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
billbaker Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 I concur with Conchita regarding release date of single & the RCA font details after they took over from EMI in distributing Tamla Motown in the UK in the 80's. They would have repressed the current on catalogue sellers at the time, with existing TMG numbers. All new product then became subject to the new ZB number system. I am pretty sure that the MFP album was released after the single around May 1974. Although my memory is not what it was I seem to recall Baby Hit & Run being played at the Torch after Tell Me Just A Rumour had also been big. Which would seem to point to EMI sending demo's to the Torch DJ's etc. & releasing the single once demand had been generated. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulfinger Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 This has got me completely puzzled. I absolutely, clearly remember buying the MfP album because there was no other way to get the track. Very odd! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 So... Maybe the advance promo copy getting plays prior to the 45 and LP theory is the answer? We just need someone who can confirm this Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sjclement Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Had the album before the 45, (the 45 would have been the cheaper option for a poor apprentice fitter) Some good tracks on those MFP/Contour albums 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 I concur with Conchita regarding release date of single & the RCA font details after they took over from EMI in distributing Tamla Motown in the UK in the 80's. They would have repressed the current on catalogue sellers at the time, with existing TMG numbers. All new product then became subject to the new ZB number system. I am pretty sure that the MFP album was released after the single around May 1974. Although my memory is not what it was I seem to recall Baby Hit & Run being played at the Torch after Tell Me Just A Rumour had also been big. Which would seem to point to EMI sending demo's to the Torch DJ's etc. & releasing the single once demand had been generated. Torch closed in 1973. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 This has got me completely puzzled. I absolutely, clearly remember buying the MfP album because there was no other way to get the track. Very odd! Me too............. 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 It really is a good album, you can get one for less than a fiver, great for someone just getting into the scene. Just A Little Misunderstanding First I Look At The Purse Can You Jerk Like Me It's Growing Baby Hit And Run It's So Hard Being A Loser Can You Do It? Determination It Must Be Love Don't Let Her Be Your Baby Shake Sherrie Do You Love Me? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Pinch Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Rca took over Tamla motown in early 1982... so that repress is around then or later Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 13, 2015 Author Share Posted February 13, 2015 This appears in "45Cat" for the single : Notes A release date of 15 Feb 1974 is given in booklet 'The New Singles' No. 512 B-side previously issued on Stateside SS 381. A-side was a previously unissued recording from the same era. Not familiar with "The New Singles" wonder if they got it wrong. The Isley Brothers - Tell me it's a rumour was released on a single after interest from Soul on Rocks album. Can't see why this would be different. Ah well, I guess anything's possible. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 13, 2015 Share Posted February 13, 2015 The UK demo of the Contours 45 does state Feb 1974 as the release date - but even they have been known to be wrong. So it could have been held back a few months, until after the LP was released? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post 45cellar Posted February 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted February 13, 2015 I can only echo previous posts and I have always been a 45 collector if available on that format. I first bought this on the MFP LP as it was the only way as far as I knew at the time to obtain Baby Hit And Run. Not saying that it's impossible, but I find it amazing to discover that the 45 may have been on the shelves at the time. 4 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 I can only echo previous posts and I have always been a 45 collector if available on that format. I first bought this on the MFP LP as it was the only way as far as I knew at the time to obtain Baby Hit And Run. Not saying that it's impossible, but I find it amazing to discover that the 45 may have been on the shelves at the time. Guess we'll never really know, some 40+ years ago Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Jim G Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Russ Winstanley was playing it at the Casino in early 1974 when Motown released it. See below from my copy of Blues & Soul , 132, April 1974. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sean Hampsey Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) On the 45 or LP first discussion, I certainly think the 45 came out a few months before the LP. I bought the LP as I did most of that series, but I already knew 'Baby Hit & Run' before doing so. Tamla Motown were still very much about 'new' release product at that time (73 / 74) and tended to bundle old stuff into the MFP compilations. I think the 'Baby Hit And Run' 45 release was as a result of a bit of digging at Motown, after the surprise success of JJ Barnes 'Real Humdinger, Isley Bros 'Tell Me It's Just A Rumour' etc. but the first venture was to put it out as a 45 and they packaged the LP a few months on, on the strength of it. You'll recall they put out 'R Dean Taylor 'Theres A Ghost In My House' on 45 a couple of months later (after it being used heavily on the LP - which is maybe what's confusing some of us?) and that's the way I remember it. Sean Edited February 14, 2015 by Sean Hampsey 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Thank you Sean & Jim G Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 Russ Winstanley was playing it at the Casino in early 1974 when Motown released it. See below from my copy of Blues & Soul , 132, April 1974. If it was in Aptil B & S then the article would have been written well before that date. I couldn't find any dates on the MFP album, maybe it was released before '74 ? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ringleader Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Chris, why are you trying to make the facts fit your memory of how it was? it says on the label "Baby Hit And Run & it's Growing (P) 1974" I along with others on here remember things differently and it's no coincidence the facts support this Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Jim G Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) Picture of the demo below taken from Popsike 8th February 1974 was the release date. Up until then, it had not been released on a 45. It was never released in USA. And, I bought in Feb 1974 from Williams's in Darlo. Edited February 14, 2015 by jim g Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 I don't think Chris is trying to make the facts fit his memory of how it was - he's not exactly on his own on this. Others have also commented similarly. Yes, the demo 45 does state February 1974 as it's release date and the LP does show 1974 as it's (P) date. It is odd that we have similar thoughts on the period, but it was 41 years back so things can get a little hazy But I can relate to Sean's comment regarding the R. Dean Taylor song getting plays from the MFP LP and maybe it is that that's confusing some of us a bit? 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 My MFP doesn't have any dates on it. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sean Hampsey Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 I don't think Chris is trying to make the facts fit his memory of how it was - he's not exactly on his own on this. Others have also commented similarly. Yes, the demo 45 does state February 1974 as it's release date and the LP does show 1974 as it's (P) date. It is odd that we have similar thoughts on the period, but it was 41 years back so things can get a little hazy But I can relate to Sean's comment regarding the R. Dean Taylor song getting plays from the MFP LP and maybe it is that that's confusing some of us a bit? Hazy is right John. It's a long time ago. I just don't have 'Baby Hit And Run' in my mind or memory as a one time 'LP only' record. I think the 45 snook out in early '74 without much of a fanfare and then Russ (and I also seem to recall the Mecca ) started playing it. It was big that Summer and the LP then made an appearance and because of it's budget price a lot of us bought. Fascinating discussion. Sean 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Benson Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 My MFP doesn't have any dates on it. Chris, it's at the side of the title on the label: Same on the back cover: Is your copy different from these? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 Chris, it's at the side of the title on the label: Contours Baby hit and run LP label.jpg Same on the back cover: Contours Baby hit and run LP back cover.jpg Is your copy different from these? OK got it, ah well 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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