The Shame Just Drained – The Vanda & Young Collection Vol. 1 (1977)

First Released

Released: 10th October 1977.
Recording Dates and Producers: various see tracks entries.
Compiled and Co-Ordinated by: Glenn A. Baker.

Summary
At 25 – Glenn A. Baker was already known in the Australian music industry as music journalist, 2JJ presenter and manager of the rock n’ revival group Ol’ ’55. Baker’s love for The Easybeats had began at age 11. Then penniless – he would look in awe at the colourful record sleeves of the pop stars in the racks of his local music store. He would finally get his chance to interview his hero George Young for Australian Rolling Stone in 1976. That same year – he had compiled an album of artists who had performed the songs of Vanda and Young for Albert Productions called The Vanda & Young Story Volume 1. The sleeve featured detailed liner notes explaining the history of each song, even including rare versions of some. But despite this lavish treatment, the compilation was unceremoniously released on the budget Drum label without much fanfare.

The Vanda & Young Story Volume 1 (1976)

The following year, Baker again approached Albert Productions about the possibility an Easybeats rarities album – in the vein of The Who’s Odds & Sods (1974). Reluctant at first – Alberts approved the project and gave Baker access to their vaults. Searching through the acetate discs, master tapes and log sheets – Baker reportedly found “75 unreleased songs” by the group. These included roughly 35 songs recorded with Ted Albert at his makeshift studio in the abandoned 2UW Theatre, songs from the aborted 2nd London album and various song writing demos from their visits to Central Sound Studios in 1967/68. Using the The Vanda & Young moniker again The Shame Just Drained: The Vanda & Young Collection Vol. 1 would be released on Albert Productions’ main label on October 10th 1977.

The Original 1977 Track Listing

Side A

1. Little Queenie
   Recorded: Early 1965, Ted Albert’s Studio at the 2UW Theatre, Sydney.
   Producer: Ted Albert.
   An early recording from the band’s initial sessions with Ted Albert. Vocal by Stevie.
2. Baby I’m A Comin’
   Recorded: August 1966, Abbey Road Studios, London.
   Producer: Ted Albert.
   The band’s first attempt at a single for United Artists (along with “Mandy”). The recordings were ultimately rejected by United Artists and Shel Talmy was brought in as producer. Lead vocal by Stevie.
3. Lisa
   Recorded: January / March 1967, Pye Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Shel Talmy.
   Recorded during the Good Friday sessions, “Lisa” was later released on the French E.P. – Who’ll Be The One. “Lisa” was also the name of Harry Vanda’s mother. Lead vocal by Stevie.
4. I’m On Fire
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   One of the first Central Sound demos to appear on this album. The song was later given to Australian artist Mike Furber. Vocal by George.
5. Wait A Minute
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Another demo from Central Sound. This would be later recorded by Los Bravos. The “Freddie” George addresses is Freddie Winrose the studio engineer. Vocal: George.
6. We’ll Make It Together
   Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Glyn Johns.
   From the abandoned 2nd United Artists album. Featuring Mellotron by Freddie Smith. Vocal: Harry.
7. Peter
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Demo from Central Sound. Lead vocal by George.
8. Me And My Machine
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Demo from Central Sound. Lead vocal:George.

Side B

1. The Shame Just Drained
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Demo from Central Sound. Vocal by George.
2. Mr. Riley Of Higginbottom & Clive
   Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Glyn Johns.
   From the abandoned 2nd United Artists album. Lead vocal by Stevie.
3. Kelly
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Demo from Central Sound. Lead vocal by George.
4. Where Old Men Go
   Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Glyn Johns.
   From the abandoned 2nd United Artists album. Lead vocal by Stevie.
5. Johnny No-One
   Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
   Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
   Demo from Central Sound. Lead vocal by Harry.
6. Amanda Storey
   Recorded: Probably late 1967, Pye Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Probably Easybeats & Mike Vaughan.
   String arrangement by Bill Shepherd. Probably an outtake from the early “Vigil” sessions. Vocal by Stevie.
7. Station On Third Avenue
   Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
   Producer: Glyn Johns.
   From the abandoned 2nd United Artists album. Vocal by Stevie.

In 1992, the album was released on CD by Repertoire Records. It featured these bonus tracks:

• Do You Have a Soul (3rd Version)
  Recorded: Early 1967, Pye Recording Studios, London.
  Producer: Shel Talmy.
  This edited U.S. album version is 20 seconds shorter than the standard version.

• “Check the Bassline” (“Where Did You Go Last Night” backing track).
  Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
  Producer: Glyn Johns.
  A backing track take of “Where Did You Go Last Night” from the abandoned 2nd United Artists album.

• Watch Me Burn
  Recorded: 1968, Central Sound Studio, London.
  Producer: Harry Vanda and George Young.
  Central Sound demo. The song was later given to Australian artist Mike Furber. Vocal by George.

• Where Did You Go Last Night
  Recorded: June / July 1967, Olympic Recording Studios, London.
  Producer: Glyn Johns.
  From the abandoned 2nd United Artists album. Vocals by George.

• Heaven and Hell (U.S. Single Version).
  Recorded: 6th May 1967 at Olympic Studios, London.
  Producer: Glyn Johns.
  The censored U.S. version (UA 50187). The line: “discovering someone else in your bed” was changed to “”discovering that your love has gone dead”

• Happy Is the Man (remix)
  Recorded: 18th January 1967, Pye Recording Studios, London.
  Producer: Shel Talmy. Engineer: Glynn Johns.
  A 1992 stereo remix of the song. Vocals: Stevie.

• Land of Make Believe (mono album mix)
  Recorded June / July 1967 at Olympic Studios, London.
  Producer: Glyn Johns.
  Originally from the abandoned 2nd United Artists album, this mix dates back to 1967 as it appears on a 10 song compilation reel from those sessions. This version was later officially released on the mono versions of the Vigil album (both UK and Australian). Lead vocal by Harry.

• Coke Jingle, No.1
  Recorded: Early 1966.
  Producer: unknown.
  A re-recorded version of “Come And See Her” recorded for Coca-Cola. Featured on the promotional E.P. Swing For The Jingle.

• Coke Ads #2 & 3
  Recorded: Early 1966 and Late September/Early October 1969, Sydney.
  Producer: Ad 2 Producer unknown. Pat Aulton (Ad 3).
  Ad #2 is an original jingle written for Coca-Cola. This was released on the promotional E.P. Swing For The Jingle. Ad #3 was recorded during the band’s final tour in Australia, this is noteworthy for being the final studio recording from the band.

The rear jacket of the 1977 Australian release. With liner notes by Glenn A. Baker.

The German reissue released 1982 (Impact – IMLP 4.00199)

Released Versions

Australia  

Albert Productions – APLP.026 (1977)

Germany

Impact – IMLP 4.00199 (1982)