Long John Baldry - The Pye Anthology Let The Heartaches Begin

Review by Chris Routly

Long John Baldry's "The Pye Anthology: Let The Heartaches Begin" is a collection of 28 tracks that showcases the British singer's distinctive voice and his talent for interpreting blues, rock, and pop classics. Spanning from 1965 to 1971, the album features hits like "Let The Heartaches Begin", "Mexico", and "Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The King Of Rock And Roll", as well as lesser-known gems such as "Up Above My Head" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'".

Baldry's deep, soulful voice is the centerpiece of the album, and he delivers each song with passion and nuance. Whether he's belting out the upbeat rockers like "It Ain't Easy" or the slow-burning ballads like "Anniversary Song", Baldry's vocals are always captivating. The backing musicians, including members of the Small Faces and the Jeff Beck Group, provide tight and dynamic arrangements that complement Baldry's vocals without overpowering them.

One of the highlights of the album is Baldry's cover of Bob Dylan's "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry", which features a rollicking organ solo and some blistering guitar work. Another standout is his version of "Walk Me Out In The Morning Dew", which starts off with a haunting a cappella intro before building into a soaring, gospel-infused chorus.

Summary by Chris Routly

"The Pye Anthology: Let The Heartaches Begin" is a must-have for fans of Long John Baldry and British blues rock in general. It showcases a talented singer at the peak of his powers, and the diverse selection of songs is sure to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.