Sunday, June 29, 2008

Peter Noone sings Tony Hazzard

Peter Noone released a handful of good singles on RAK in the early 70's. After RAK, he made only one single on Phillips before moving on to Casablanca records: 

(I Think I’m Over) Getting Over You / All Sing Together - Phillips 1973. The A-side was written by the great Tony Hazzard. 

Here's what Alan Betrock had to say about this single:
Peter Noone - "(I Think I'm Over) Getting Over You" (Phillips)
By Alan Betrock, Phonograph Record Magazine, January 1974

How could Peter Noone make a comeback if he's never really been away? After Herman's Hermits disappeared from the American charts, they continued to have mild success in their homeland, and Peter, on his own, recorded some wonderful solo singles. One, David Bowie's "Oh You Pretty Things" even dented the British Top 30. Having been a pop star at the tender age of 15, Peter is one up on the Gerry Marsdens, Freddie Garrity's and Billy J. Kramers of the world, who are all at least a third of a century on in years.

Noone's freshness, vitality and appeal stems from this youthfulness. This is his trademark, and his unrestrained versatility makes him a prime choice for guest spots on British variety shows. He can be seen every week on the "telly" - a well rounded vaudevillian much like Davy Jones - who can appeal to the tots, the teens, and the 'mums and dads'.

On this side of the Atlantic, Peter is still quite an unknown entity. His commercial resurgence began with the British Invasion Package Tour which showcased Noone's professionally entertaining and endearing stage act. He took the critics and audiences by storm, gathering raves from most corners. His television appearance on Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, and Midnight Special have not been so stellar as the nature of the medium tends to cram Peter's one-hour performance into six minutes. But at least these shows help to get Peter's name known again, and his recent Sonny & Cher gig gave him more valuable exposure.

All of this is nice, but Peter will never really be back until he can rid himself of "Mrs. Brown," "A Kind Of Hush" and all the others. If he is pigeon holed as a mere revival act, the novelty will quickly wear off, then it's back yo the pubs again. So Peter has taken a major step in attempting to establish himself as a current performer. He has shelved his old label, hired a new producer, and released a new single.

The result is available on Peter's debut Phillips release. Writer Tony Hazzard (remember "Ha Ha Said The Clown", "Fox On The Run", and "Goodnight Sweet Josephine"?) penned this ditty, and Tony Atkins produced it. It's a good combination of styles, and melodic too, with Peter's double-tracked voice soaring throughout. A steady piano rhythm carries the song which is accented by a nice use of strings. This use of strings is most thankfully tasteful, avoiding the usual pitfall of overdramatic and unneccessary arrangements. "Getting Over You" combines Noone's Bowie phase with middle Bee Gees, and adds a great high falsetto of his own. This is a good start and if Peter keeps putting out strong records, and getting airplay, he just might be back - this time to stay.

Extra: Because You're There, a Graham Gouldman-penned B-side from 1972.


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