A Forlorn "Dream' Of A Hit!

As spring of 1968 arrived the Four Seasons and Philips had realized that ‘Genuine imitation Life Gazette’ was a bit of a disaster and singles from it would dry up with Philips 40597 (Idaho/Something’s On Her Mind). They must also have been wondering if they could salvage Frankie Valli’s solo career with a hit 45? The relationship with Philips headed into decline and the prospect of any new recordings seemed dim. But side projects have littered the groups and Valli’s career and sessions in late1969 would lead to the release of Philips 40661 in April 1970. Thanks to Paul Urbahns and John Pingree who highlighted this back-story we are partly able to research and provide some feedback re this somewhat understated milestone in Frankie Valli’s solo career.

‘A Dream Of Kings’ was a novel turned into a film in 1969 starring Anthony Quinn with a music score by Alex North a well known film score orchestra leader. Released by National General Pictures(a December 1969 release date is indicated but so too is February 1970) the film was nominated for a 1970 Laurel Award)and a film score album was assembled. The film somehow seems to have inspired Bob Gaudio to write a song with Jake Holmes by the same title. (possibly through long-time contact Al Kasha who was music supervisor on the score) and this was apparently recorded and registered with Philips in December 1969. Produced by Bob Gaudio and arranged by Joe Scott (who would go on to arrange three tracks on the 1970 album ‘Half and Half’ Philips 600-341) the song features a lush but innovative arrangement.

The song did not appear in the film but versions would be release in April 1970 on the film score album (National General NG 1000)…as “a song inspired by the film”….and “featuring the voice of Frankie Valli” and as the ‘B’ side to Philips 40661 (couple with ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’) Collectors could be excused for thinking that the version issued on ACE CD 635 in 1996(as ‘a bonus track not on the original album’) is the original master but this we found is not the case ( there are a number of discrepancies like this in the CD released tracks). The ACE version is a different mix. It runs 2:37 seconds (over 6 seconds shorter) and has the Stereo channels swapped in comparison with the score sound track LP version. The tambourine also moves from centre to far right in the sound stage and there is a more suppressed orchestral sound in the right channel content. The score sound track STEREO version also has the best soundstage by far with a better dynamic range (DR11) and runs for 2:45mins(whilst the album sleeve incorrectly shows 2:35min). Thanks to Stefan Wriedt’s singles archive we were able to re-master the original MONO 45 version and this appears to be from the original score album master just speeded up slightly to come out at 2:42 mins.

Although not considered for release on the ‘Half An Half’ album later in 1970 it remains a rare and under-appreciated Valli-Gaudio gem amongst collectors. We think it is a wish amongst most collectors to have the best versions of Frankie’s songs and in this case the film score album version and the 45 are the ones to have. The full film score album with the opening track by Frankie Valli is available here…………and the 45 version is in Stefan’s archive so contact our administrator if you want it.((chameleon@seasonally.co.uk)

Casey Chameleon

(Special thanks to Ray Nichol for the demo 45 scan including autograph)

Comments

[Ray Ricci]

Great post on a lost gem.

I think that the "hat trick" for any pop singer would be to have a hit as a member of a group, a solo hit and, perhaps, a title track of a hit movie. (Maybe this was his bid to do so). Of course, "Grease" would eventually come along and complete the mission.

At the time I think Valli's voice was at its best. There seemed to be an ease yet confidence in his vocals, including his efforts on "Half & Half". Mostly Joe Scott arrangements by the way.

By the time Motown came along he seemed to be trying too hard. I sensed quite a bit of straining. (not that there weren't recordings).

I personally don't think that he gained this same confidence back until the "Close Up" lp.