In episode 24 we delve deeper into the history of Fanny being signed by producer Richard Perry, and we discuss two great Fanny covers, the rare recording of “Nowhere To Run” and from the first album, “It Takes a Lot of Good Lovin'”.
Alice, Kristen, and Byron are joined by Jean and June Millington, and Fanny’s head roadie, Jim Segrave via pre-recorded interviews. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe to the Podcast RSS
From UFO Ann B.:
Hi Fab Fanny Friday Podcasters
I hope this finds you all well and busy collaborating on the next podcast – episode 24. I thought, as you had mentioned the titles you were to be analysing in the forthcoming broadcast, I’d throw in my ha’penny’s worth (as a mere novice and very amateur musician, so amateur that listening to these podcasts has inspired me to take up my guitar, and play, just like yesterday, after nearly 50 years) and see how my thoughts compare to yours.
Firstly may I say I’m a fan of both tracks and I really like, and appreciate Fanny’s influence in making them their own. From what I could find, ‘It takes a lot of good loving’ was originally on the STAX label (‘It takes a lotta good love’ by Judy Clay), which, I believe tended to publish raw, authentic soul music, with a very blues and gospel sound and was produced by Issac Hayes and David Porter. On Fanny’s version, which to me feels more like the original than the second of the two tracks, I like the intro, the good beat and funk element. The music feels more balanced and rounded than the STAX version due to a more audible bass line. I imagine this track added to an incredible atmosphere to live performances and gave Fanny the opportunity to open up and ad lib with an appreciative, engaged audience.
An early version of ‘Nowhere to Run’ was by Martha and the Vandellas, on the Motown label, which – compared to STAX, I think produced more refined ‘pop’ soul and R&B records. Fanny’s version doesn’t sound at all Motown to my ears – in my view their arrangement is far more from the rock angle and Alice’s drums give a distinct, positive sound. Again a great version for live performances especially with ad lib potential. The harmonies work well along with the beat and a catchy ‘chorus’ is a plus..
The difference, from what I have deduced (after a bit of unprofessional Google research) is that Motown songs were written by songwriters and producers, while STAX tracks were created by performers and arranged in the recording sessions. I’m sure you will put me right and I await your professional musical thoughts and judgement Podcasters.
Looking forward to the next instalment, as always, and the analysis from ‘the pros’ as well as the engaging insight to the hows and whys of these two Fanny covers.
Many thanks to the podcasters for all your hard work – as a listener, it’s very much appreciated and a great dip back to the music of my teenage years and the seventies.
With all best wishes
Ann
NOTE: These podcasts will be produced once every two weeks.
Let me begin by saying I love Alice’s laugh!!!
I also enjoyed June & Jean singing “Nowhere to Run” over the phone. Whatever health challenges they face their spirit is undiminished.
It was greatto hear from Jim Seagrave & I hope we here more from him in the future & his insights about Nickey & his work on the road with Fanny.
I am also impressed with your dogged pursuit in identifying Nickey’s Sheltie.
Until next time, toodle-loo.
Hi Aaron,
I did see what you did there…..you never disappoint! Now, you’ve got me laughing again. Not a bad way to start a Fanny Friday!
Thanks, as ever, for your comments!
Alice
My pleasure.
Wonderful show! as usual…Thanks for the memories.
Thanks so much, Guy!
So glad you’re still enjoying!
Alice
You are so welcome, Guy! Thanks for joining us on these audio adventures of all-things Fanny, including the memories.
I adore Ep.24!!!
Such a sweet surprise to hear Segraves: I hope he will be able to shed some more light on the enigma that is Nickey Barclay.
Alice’s anecdotes about the set up at Wally Heider’s “voiceover studio” is crazy: my garage/studio are of the same dimensions and it’s cramped for me! That said, The Beatles recorded “Yer Blues” in a tiny ante room at Abbey Road… and just like “Nowhere to Run” you can hear and feel the energy.
Fanny took Stax/Motown hits and applied their blowtorch of amped up excitement to them. You can hear how excited June and Jean were about the track in their interviews too.
I am loving the new angle on Fanny history and 24 episodes (and nearly a year on!!!), we are learning more about a band that have totally blown me away in the last year! Thank you as always to Byron, Alice, Kristen, June, and Jean… and best wishes to all of the listeners too! ❤️?❤️
Good morning, Nigel!
Segrave was and IS an amazing guy! I always knew that EVERYTHING would be good when he was in charge, and we’re so lucky to have him join us with his insights on those live gigs and touring. There will be more from his as we progress.
I’m glad you liked this episode. We are still having just as much fun as always, and getting to tell my Fanny stories is a treat!
Best,
Alice
It is always a joy to hear your stories Alice… I look forward to hearing many many more!
Best wishes as always!
Nigel
Nigel, I love your line, “Fanny took Stax/Motown hits and applied their blowtorch of amped up excitement to them.” Absolutely spot on! As always, thank you for your insights and commentary. ❤️?❤️
Mmm Mmm Mmm – soaked up this episode and ready for more! Mystery reveals and all – James it is! LOL – But want to get down to business here – I am enthralled with Nickey’s keyboard playing. I just love how she can be discrete and blend in and then rock her way to the front with a steady build filled will anticipation and suspense that it sucks the listeners right it! She plays our heart strings – all to retract her talent momentarily as the sultry, firm and confident voice of Jean belts out her lyrics. Not to mention the background vocals that confirm the essence of her message!
Unlike all other covers of these two songs: “It takes a Lot of Good Lovin” and NoWhere to run” – by far FANNY’s talents have surpassed all expectations! Truly a work of art in every aspect!
Just loved hearing the excitement of June and Jean as they talked about the songs – especially Jean’s reveal that June sang the second verse on “Lotta good lovin” and June’s response was classic!
Love that we were introduced to Seagrave and look forward to more stories from him!
Tuning in to hear the stories and breakdown of the songs is truly a treat for friends and fans. Thanks for a great “24 podcast – you all deliver without fail – Kristen, Alice, Byron, June and Jean – keep building the stories and they will come!
Hi Melanie,
Thank so much for the love! I agree with your every comment, and am so glad to hear that you’re enjoying!
Best,
Alice
Hi Melanie! So glad you’re enjoying the podcasts. We continue to have so much fun as we discover and rediscover the music and the memories of all-things Fanny. It’s great to have you on board with us! Cheers, Kristen
Ever since I found two scratched up singles of Nowhere To Run/One Step At A Time and New Day/Ladies Choice, I thought they sounded like demos….great demos, but demos nonetheless.
For the last 20+ years (when I first found them), I always thought they were pre-Nickey, but today I found out that wasn’t the case.
I was also surprised to see that the singles were released in the Fall of 1970, just a few months before the album’s release….were they always meant to be non-album 45’s, or was the Canadian pressing (still my Holy Grail of Vinyl!) meant to be the universal pressing at some point?
Once again, the amount of growth musically from Nowhere To Run to Takes A Lot Of Good Loving boggles the mind….for me, Takes sounds like a cut from a band who is on their third or fourth album, not their first! Proof positive that Fanny was moving at warp speed at this point, a musical locomotive with it’s engine fully stoked!!
Jef,
None of the songs you mention were demos. We would have put them on the first LP if Nickey hadn’t joined and brought us her brilliant first songs. I haven’t a clue why they were released as singles in 1970….testing the waters?
Best,
Alice
Jef brings up one of the questions I was going to wait until later to ask, but since he broke the ice, I’ll ask it now – were all of these bonus tracks from the Rhino compilation going to be placed on albums, or was it simply a matter of too much material and space allotment for each album to include these extra tracks? There is some really good stuff on these tracks, did they not pass Richard Perry’s approval and therefore not included on any of the albums?
Cool, as usual. The stories you guys have are hilarious. Keep ’em coming. I laugh hard and for 51 years listen with love.
Stephen,
We’ll keep at it as best we can…..I don’t think I could do a “serious” podcast, when our podcast is DEAD SERIOUS about telling the Fanny story as well and truthfully as we can!
Keep listening, and thanks for the love!
Alice
I agree, it is a DEAD SERIOUS podcast (that tells funny and SERIOUS stories). I absolutely live and die waiting for these podcasts. Right now I’m dead because the podcast is over. When the new SERIOUS podcast arrives I will wake in a moment of glory…robe, bathroom, shower, coffee and PODCAST. See? You guys are way up on my list of things to do on Podcast Day. For all my screwball humor, Having been a listener from the beginning hearing stories of the FANNY in their prime makes my days. Kristen has some great stories I had never heard before. How you 3 decided on a podcast, I will never know but I DO know that Alice has kept FANNY alive in the 21st Century and that is a treat I…well I can’t stop chasing the dragon…the one with FANNY written all over. (BTW June posts some great vids on YouTube…which I’m sure you know. Byron? I want your job, dude!
Thanks, Stephen! I will jokingly say be careful what you wish for! In all seriousness, I am the luckiest person to work with Alice and Kristen on the podcast. Plus getting to know Nickey, Jean, and June just tops it all off. The 14 year old in me is still stunned I get emails from the members and friends of Fanny.
Scribblings for Episode 25!
The last couple of episodes have been a wonderful “history lesson” into the time when Fanny became Fanny. So when Nickey Barclay arrived the formation and band chemistry was complete! Whilst a tension was created by her personality, her addition to the band dynamic was akin to pouring gasoline onto an already raging fire! Her rockier approach and writing supercharged Fanny and took them to a new musical level! This could be another irritating reason why the industry couldn’t handle them: Fanny “didn’t compute” with the masculine rock world. Girls can’t *possibly* rock so hard and with such flair and style!!!
Nickey’s writing, whilst varied, was rockier, harder, and prolific. This provided a new facet of sound to the sweeter and more melodic writing of June and Jean. Mix two colours and get a third! “Changing Horses” is a belter, arguably the hardest rocking track on the debut along with “Seven Roads”. But her writing abilities were so varied. “Person Like You” has an acidic and naughtier edge to it with thinly veiled sexual lyrics and subtle innuendo. The trade off for the maverick personality were her songs, killer voice and drive!
This is all so great, Nigel! Thank you! We’ll repost it on Ep. 25 so people will see it there as well.
Dear Alice, Dr. K,. and Byron,
From a first-time podcast listener – thank you! I love the format of your episodes and enjoy the deep dives into the history of Fanny and the songs. Having just discovered Fanny (March 5th, 2021) this just adds to my overall submersion into these 4 wonderful albums, (the box set I had to get digitally), and the live album included in the Fanny-Pack.
I love the vibe that you create on the podcast and enjoy the clear camaraderie amongst the 3 hosts.
When the Beat-Club clip popped up on my timeline, I watched the entire 35 minutes with a big smile on my face – simply blown away by your musicianship. In listening to the podcast, it’s clear that the group spent their time practicing and rehearsing and your efforts clearly paid off.
(Alice – your drumming just sucked me in – simply incredible and perfect for the songs!)
Last point (for now) – would it be possible to get the ‘No Parking’ image on a t-shirt? I’d proudly wear it. I think that the cover of ‘Fanny Hill’ would also work on a t-shirt – and I’d wear that, too. I think the invitation on ‘Charity Ball’ could work as a third shirt. You make ’em and I’ll buy ’em.
Please be well and please stay safe!
Thanks, Jason! And welcome to the party! Alice, Kristen, and I really have a great time creating these podcasts and I’m glad that comes across in the podcast. And yes, the “No Parking” image would make a great t-shirt.
Byron
Welcome to Fanny-ville?you have come to the right place
Steve…I like Fanny-ville! It rhymes with Fanny Hill! 🙂
Hi Jason!
Welcome to the Fanny funhouse! So glad you’re a part of the crew now. And, yes, a “No Parking” t-shirt would be awesome! Maybe a close up of Jamie on the sleeve? 😉
Cheers,
Kristen
Greetings from balmy NYC –
Please pass on to the grande dame of the Hammond organ my welcome into the septuagenarian
club on the anniversary of the day of her birth.
Avec mucho love and admiration –
P
The only thing better than discovering a band for the first time is turning others on to them as well. I have shared that Beat Club link with all of my friends!
Isn’t it an amazing to experience to watch someone hear or see Fanny for the first time? I love it!