BILLY FURY--Rhythm and Country- A Review
This June release in CD format and possibly on You-tube is a bold move to create ‘new’ sounding Billy Fury recordings based on original vocals. As a long term fan, and regrettably not a musician of any kind, the following is a layman’s view and should be taken as such. What I do have however is an abiding love of music especially that of the late fifties, sixties and some later era recordings, including country music right up to today. (as a welcome alternative to today’s ‘pop’). The comments and views are entirely my own and do not represent any of the other members of The Sound of Fury Team. To any Billy Fury purists out there I will say that I do understand any reluctance to embrace these revised versions, and agree that many of Billy’s classic and or most revered recordings may not lend themselves to such change. We all remember what we heard way back then and it was a special time engraved on our consciousness, indeed on our hearts. Many performers from our time, and their original wonderful music are a life-time thing, especially Billy of course. .I do believe however that there is both a need and a desire for ‘new’ Billy recordings, as has occurred for both good and ill with Elvis over the years, and providing there is transparency and integrity with whatever is produced,, that we should welcome it. The integrity and ability of our dedicated and skilled friends undertaking this work is not in question in my book, They love Billy their aims are laudable and they are certainly not doing it for commercial gain. Some of their work here has, in my view, equalled the sound of the original recordings and in several cases, significantly improved the tracks, often giving them a new dimension. So give it a go; you will need to play the numbers more than once, but for a few of them even the initial play may will be a revelation, as it was for me. The digipack packaging is striking using Lee Fry’s copyright on the cover, Polydor (Billy at Box Hill in Surrey) inside and a remarkable AI ‘country’ shot of Billy in blue denim shirt, converted from a black and white image we have seen before. Behind Billy on the front cover is a country farm scene from the USA. The whole project is fresh and original-give it a go. We may then see further albums in the same vein! Whoever came up with the original concept deserves a big thank you and all those involved in it deserve our immense gratitude; especially Geoff and Colin.
1) Stick Around. This version is a real gem; already a lovely track this cut is lifted by the highly complementary new backing. This works and will I am sure become a fan favourite. There is some lovely guitar work by Geoff, as on all tracks recorded here. The ability and versatility shown is amazing, right across this innovative album.
2) Since You’ve Been Gone. I am unsure about this one. It rocks and seems to work but without grabbing the listener in the way of some of the other ‘new’ recordings. A listenable respectful attempt; not one that was obviously needed but good to have.
3) You Don’t Know. This for so many fans is a major stand-out on the legendary Sound of Fury ten-inch LP and any tracks from that source require to be treated with the greatest reverence. No change of backing was going to enhance the simple beauty of this track but somehow the new accompaniment has left it as a tasteful and highly enjoyable outing. No mean feat.
4) Low Down Blues. A cracking surprise when we first heard it, it would be difficult for any backing to take anything away from it as it stood. However, the more modern country style sound provided by Geoff really enhances the track and gives it punch. Billy Fury at his country best in more than a nod to major influence Hank Williams. This is now a classic Fury track and a great country one as well.
5) If I Lose You. The original jazz-blues number is a powerhouse of a track, both the vocal and orchestra working together, on a track penned by Billy. This new not so punchy version is not weak by any means, just different, perhaps more R & B than the original on the classic Billy Fury No 2 EP that we loved so much. Makes one realise how good the song is. A bold attempt to provide an alternative version. Well worth having.
6) C’mon Everybody. What a pity that Billy did not cut this in the studio around ’62-’64 when his vocals were more mature and hard edged, This cut from his 1959 Saturday Club debut does benefit from this far superior backing but I am not sure it’s matched by the adolescent vocal. Nice to hear though and a welcome improvement on the original broadcast. Some nice Shadows style guitar work going on here.
7) I love How You Love Me. This was and still is a classic Fury recording and whilst sympathetic and complementary the new backing does not, for me anyway, lift the song to the heights of some recordings on this collection. I do enjoy it and it does make it another good version to have.
8) Get On The Right Track Baby. This was Billy’s highly successful attempt to emulate another of his major influences, Ray Charles, and the Geoff Taggart treatment complements the original BBC broadcast strong vocal in a very positive way. A country swing treatment instead of the more blues style of the BBC cut, this is now a real Fury classic. Great stuff.
9) Sweet Little Sixteen. This is a classic powerful ‘on-air’ performance of the great Chuck Berry number that Billy loved to perform throughout his career, 1982 excepting. Here, thanks in no small part to a fine new backing plus Billy’s fine vocal performance, it all comes together really well. Let’s not forget though what a great job was done back in’63 by Billy backed on the live album by Clem and the Boys, great sound. Pity the screams couldn’t be removed on Side 1.but it would lose atmosphere and perhaps purpose to change it I suppose.
10) Have I told You Lately (That I Love You)? The BBC track was already in the running for the best version, even shading Elvis in my view, but with this new excellent country style backing and the excessive bass sound no longer present, this becomes a true classic. I really like the guitar break Brilliant job! I feel sure this will gain more popularity among fans who may not have taken the BBC recordings fully on board.
11) He Will Break Your Heart. Not one of Billy’s best performances according to someone from a few years back. it was nevertheless an integral and enjoyable part of a great album, certainly my favourite, followed by the LP Billy and even if the vocal lacks the flair of Jerry Butler, its Billy’s version that gets to me.. Nice intro here and 60s style drumming with an overall ‘retro’ feel throughout which makes this at least as good as the original. It works for me anyway. Like the end section as well. At any phase of these songs Geoff’s guitar work is absolutely excellent. Ben E King and Johnny Rivers also recorded good versions.
12) Don’t Worry. Originally a country style song recorded by the great Marty Robbins, the Decca release by Billy was more ‘pop’ than anything else, it was much underrated by fans and deserving of a far higher chart placing. I love the almost Duane Eddy style intro to this and the backing voices, and it does have a nice country feel.’ Modern’ country backing really works here.
13) Mean Woman Blues. It may be that the hard driving rock backing with piano, which is excellent, is not matched by the teenage vocal. It does work on the one level of being generally a great rock ‘n; roll track, but how much better Billy would have been able to tackle it three or four years later. It is Fury history though and we are lucky that a producer had it away with a copy of the broadcast, and the other BBC sessions that we have had for several years now. The more I play it, the more I like this version although it will never be a favourite.
14) I Go. Take a very average song, albeit well sung and with a great band (Gamblers), and make it more special by adding new backing, including a Jordanaires style contribution and lovely guitar work. We now, uh huh, uh huh, have a great ‘new’ song to enjoy .The backing in every sense lifts this and makes it far more than run of the mill. I liked this before but I now love this so much more, despite my high regard for the Gamblers.
15) .I’m Hurting All Over. Billy took this Hank Snow recording and made a good fist of the vocal, but the original backing did little to make it special, which is perhaps why it languished so long in the Decca vaults. This new backing has helped to take it to a whole new level and this is now a wonderful country track. Adding in the ‘Four Jays’/Jordanaires sound was a stroke of genius. This is now also a Fury classic. Job well done.
16) . Halfway to Paradise. Using different backing with the classic original hit vocal was always going to be difficult. . Perhaps that’s why it’s a bonus track. Although tastefully done I am unsure about this, in the same way that I was over the Symphonic Sound of Fury recording of it; I do like most of that album though, something fresh and a bit special I felt. I am getting used to this version ,in the same way, but the original, flaws and all, is perhaps too iconic for any rehash to come anywhere near. There is perhaps room for a version featuring the Parlophone version, where Dr Marigolds Prescription did a great job behind Billy, but which may lend itself to replaced backing. Just enjoy this track for what it is-a sincere and highly original attempt to give us something different and enjoyable. Guitar work reminds me a little of the Proclaimers One Hundred Miles. The more I play it, the more I like it actually.
The better option, especially for August with Elvis Week going on is to buy direct from ebay at £15.00 plus £2.95 postage. https://ebay10/m/doP19w You can also email Colin Paul also find out his arrangements for sale and posting when he is able. Colinpaul1@hotmail.com
Billy Fury-The Decca A & B Sides. Beat Goes On Records. This is also available on e-Bay but other than it has an arty non-Billy picture on the front (unless that’s just for the advert which is unlikely), and should, I hope contain all 29 UK singles and both sides of the import/export Hippy Hippy Shake 45, I know nothing about it as yet. I tried years ago to get Decca to do it and Bob Stanley, big Fury fan, also tried to get it out later. Fans of course did their own versions. Well, it’s here now, and thank heavens for that whoever is behind it.
Chris Eley-The Sound of Fury. June 2026.