Publication: New Musical Express
Date: October 5, 1968
Pages: 17
Content type: Front cover / Advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- Beatles British Concert?: Headline teaser on the masthead banner — no article, just a question posed as a cover hook
- Top Pop News — On tour with the Hollies: Masthead banner listing artists covered inside: Love Affair, Engelbert, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Clark
- Issue details: No. 1134, Week ending October 5, 1968, price 7d
Advertisements:
- Cream — "The Sunshine of Your Love" (Polydor 56286): Full-page back-cover-style ad featuring a large promotional photograph of Cream (Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton). Footer credits: "Cream – Sole Direction: The Robert Stigwood Organization, 67 Brook St., W.1. MAY 9121"
- Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens (Monument 1022): Small ad in the masthead banner — "Coming Up Fast"
Photos/Images:
- Large black-and-white promotional photo of Cream — three members seated/posed together in fashionable 1968 clothing (embroidered jackets, frilled shirts)
Notes:
- This is the front cover; the Cream photo dominates the lower three-quarters of the page
- The masthead banner at the top contains the NME logo, price, issue number, date, and headline teasers
- The strapline reads: "World's Largest Circulation of Any Music Paper"
Content type: News / Feature article / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- Jagger Raved Over Band's First Album: NME Exclusive feature and review by Nick Logan. Mick Jagger is quoted raving about The Band's debut LP "Music From The Big Pink" (Capitol). The article introduces The Band (Jamie Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm) — five musicians based at a ranch house called Big Pink in Woodstock, New York, who made the album in the basement with Bob Dylan. Tracks mentioned: "The Weight" (current UK single), "Wheels On Fire", "Lonesome Suzie", "Chest Fever", "Long Black Veil", "To Kingdom Come", "Caledonia Mission", "In A Station", "We Can Talk". The article notes the album opens with "We Can Talk"
Advertisements:
- EMI Tape — Afonic range: Half-page left-column ad for Emitape tape recorders ("Swing Along with new Afonic tape-by Emitape of course"). Illustrated with a stylised psychedelic drawing of a group of young people around a tape recorder. Emitape Ltd., Hayes Middlesex
- Dudley Moore — "30 is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia!": Small ad for the Columbia Pictures film, showing at the Prince Charles cinema. Cast: Eddie Foy Jr., Suzy Kendall, Dudley Moore. A Walter Shenson Production
Photos/Images:
- Small group photo of The Band (five members) in the top-right, reproduced as part of the feature article
Notes:
- Page number 2 visible top-left; dateline "On sale, Friday, week ending October 5, 1968" at top-right
- The Band article is the lead story on this page, spanning the right two-thirds of the page
Content type: News / Feature article / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- Hollies Big Friday: 23 Hours of It!: Lead article by NME's Andy Gray ("Getting Around Sweden with NME's Andy Gray"). A minute-by-minute account of the Hollies' working day on Friday, September 27 — starting at 6.45 a.m. at London Airport and following the group to Stockholm for a Top of the Pops TV appearance and concerts. Notes that "Listen To Me" has entered the NME Charts at No. 27. (Continued on page 23)
- Take a European Trip with the 'Listen To Me' Stars: Secondary sub-heading / caption for the Hollies feature describing the Stockholm trip itinerary
Advertisements:
- EMI Marathon Releases: Large bottom-half ad promoting multiple new releases on EMI labels:
- Bruce Channel — "Try Me" (Bell BLL 1030)
- Don Partridge — "Top Man" (Columbia DB 8484)
- The Temptations — "Why Did You Leave Me Darling" (Tamla Motown TMG 671)
- The Orange Bicycle — "Sing This All Together" (Columbia DB 8463)
- Pepe Jaramillo — "Mexico, Mexico, Mexico" (Columbia DB 8487)
- The Movers — "Birmingham" (Capitol CL 15562)
- Colours — "Love Heals" (Dot DOT 113)
- Andy Kim — "Shoot 'em Up, Baby" (Dot DOT 112)
- Think Big Pink — The Band, "Music From Big Pink" (Capitol), promoting "The Weight" (Capitol CL 15559)
Photos/Images:
- Large photo: The Hollies arriving at Stockholm's Arlanda airport — L to R: Allan Clarke, Bobby Elliott, orchestra leader Mike Vickers, Bern Calvert, Graham Nash, and Jane Lumb (described as Graham Nash's model-girl friend)
- Small inset photo: Hollies members identified as Tony Hicks, Dave Graham, Bern Calvert, Graham Nash — Graham Nash being fed by Bobby Elliott (boarding/airport context)
- Small portrait photo of Don Partridge in the EMI ad
Notes:
- Page number 3 visible top-right; dateline "On sale, Friday, week ending October 5, 1968" at top
- The Band's "Music From Big Pink" appears prominently in the EMI ad, tying in with the page 2 feature article
Content type: Feature article / News item
Headlines/Articles:
- "DAVE CLARK — SO PERFECT I WONDER IF HE'S REAL!" by Keith Altham: A lengthy profile of Dave Clark of the Dave Clark Five, prompted by the group's "Red Balloon" being back in the charts. Altham is sceptical of Dave Clark's carefully manufactured image — his lack of vices, impeccable manners, and discreet diplomacy. Clark discusses having a written assurance from the composer that no one else would record the song, and reflects on the group's commercial success in America vs. Britain. Subsections include "No vices", "A promise", "One tour", "A gamble", and "Anti-war". Clark mentions investing £50,000 of his own money in a TV spectacular, and his anti-war stance.
- "Hugo replaces Leroy Holmes" (news-in-brief column): Hugo Montenegro makes his NME Chart debut at No. 23 with "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (RCA), replacing Leroy Holmes. Brief biography notes his background as a mood music maestro, arranger and conductor for Fontana, and credits including "Hurry Sundown" and U.S. TV series.
Advertisements:
- The Herd: "Sunshine Cottage" (Fontana TF975) — large display ad with photo of the group.
- Mike Batt: "I See Wonderful Things in You" (Liberty LBF 15122) — small display ad bottom right.
- "From Britain's youngest staff A&R man!" — small promotional notice bottom right (Liberty Records).
Photos/Images:
- Large portrait photograph of Dave Clark.
- Group photograph of The Herd (in the advert).
- Small portrait photograph of Hugo Montenegro.
Notes:
- Bylines: Keith Altham (feature); Nick Logan (Hugo Montenegro item).
Content type: Feature article / Full-page advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- "Engel's singing in the Blackpool rain… but sleep is what he really wants — he tells RICHARD GREEN": Feature on Engelbert Humperdinck as he nears the end of his Blackpool summer season. Engelbert is interviewed at his Lytham St. Annes rented house, woken by workmen using a pneumatic drill. He discusses the season (almost two hundred shows, forty minutes each), his forthcoming trip to America, his new record "Les Bicyclettes De Belsize" (at No. 11 in the NME chart), recording six tracks in five weeks, and his search for an "own home" in the Weybridge area. He expresses enthusiasm about performing for American audiences and is diplomatically non-committal on segregated audiences in South Africa. A caption notes Engelbert and guest Mary Hopkin pictured together on an ATV spectacular.
Advertisements:
- RCA Records full-column advertisement: "SOUNDS SENSATIONAL! NEWS OF LATEST ELVIS RELEASE PLUS OTHER TOP U.S. SINGLES AND LPs." Promotes:
- Elvis Presley: "You'll Never Walk Alone" (RCA 1747)
- Clodagh Rodgers: "Rhythm of Love" (RCA 1748) — described as Britain's representative at the Barcelona Song Festival
- Roger Webb: "Song Without Words" (RCA 1749)
- Jefferson Airplane: "Crown of Creation" LP (RCA SF7976 / RD7976)
- Steppenwolf: LP (RCA RD7974) — includes "Born to Be Wild"
- Johnny Arthey Orchestra: "Golden Songs of Donovan" (RCA SF7975)
Photos/Images:
- Photograph of Engelbert Humperdinck with Mary Hopkin (labelled as ATV spectacular photo).
- Small portrait of Engelbert at his hairdresser (caption: "Engelbert, on a quick visit to London, drops in to his hairdresser for a tidy up").
- Portrait of Elvis Presley (in RCA ad).
- Portrait of Clodagh Rodgers (in RCA ad).
- Group photo of Jefferson Airplane (in RCA ad).
Notes:
- Byline: Richard Green (Engelbert feature).
Content type: Singles reviews
Headlines/Articles:
- "NEW SINGLES reviewed by JOHN WELLS (Derek Johnson is on holiday)" — full page of singles reviews.
- "Don makes it hit number 3" — Don Partridge: "Top Man" (Columbia). Lead review. Wells is enthusiastic: Partridge has modernised from a five-piece street outfit to a six-piece electric kit. Description includes a string sound. Wells considers it a great follow-up to "Rosie".
- "HOLLIES SHATTER OLD IMAGE" — The Hollies: "Listen To Me" (Parlophone). Second lead review. The group's new stage appearance of immaculate suits and bow ties signals a more mature, sophisticated image. The record is described as melodic with a smooth treatment; instrumental passages return to the group's earlier disc sound. Written by Graham Nash (during the recording sessions with Allan Clarke). ★ Tipped for Charts / ↑ Chart Possible.
- "Do-it-yourself Herd taking a big gamble" — The Herd: "Sunshine Cottage" (Fontana). The most complicated single the group has released; not immediately a hit sound, but described as a good tune with a medium beat and an alternating driving feel.
- "New sound from Barry" — Barry Ryan: "Eloise" (MGM). Solo debut after working with twin brother Paul. Forty-three-piece orchestra backing; two and a half minutes. His second solo single. Paul McCartney is name-checked as an artist who could do as well.
- PRESLEY MAGIC sidebar — Elvis Presley: "You'll Never Walk Alone" (RCA Victor). Compared to the musical "Carousel". Wells praises Elvis's lip-quivering performance.
- The Barron Knights: "An Olympic Record" (Columbia). Comedy disc using Olympic-themed lyrics set to well-known songs including "Last Sunday", "I Pretend", "Delilah", "Cinderella Rockefella", "Dream of Me", and "Here Comes the Judge".
- New Singles box listings: Robert John "Don't Leave Me" (CBS 3730); Steve Hart "The Master of Man" (CBS 3732) / "Serendipity Through With You" (CBS 3733); Chicken Shack "Worried About My Woman" (Blue Horizon 57-3143).
- "NO CHANGE FOR DODDY" — Ken Dodd: "Now That You're Gone" (Columbia). Wells notes Dodd has been missing from the charts for some time; this is a good sway-along number.
- Edwin Starr: "25 Miles" (Tamla Motown). Wells deems it outstanding — one of the very few Mamas and Papas singles to receive a chart-possible tip.
- Recommended section includes: Jon Hendricks, Serendipity, The Loot "Give Me a Winner", Blossom Toes "Postcard", Archie Bell and the Drells, The Orange Bicycle "Sing This All Together".
Advertisements:
- CBS Records: Tony Bennett "Hushabye Mountain" (CBS 3731) — large display ad with photo of Tony Bennett (from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"), and The Peddlers "Comin' Home Baby" (CBS 3734).
- Keith Prowse Budget Plan: "Want a BIG record collection?" — large display ad (bottom right) with mail-order record subscription offer and coupon.
- Snakehips Partridge — photo captioned "Snakehips PARTRIDGE—new equipment for new sound. See review left."
Photos/Images:
- Photo of Don "Snakehips" Partridge with new equipment.
- Portrait of Barry Ryan (new sound from Barry).
- Large photo of Tony Bennett (in CBS ad).
Notes:
- Page notes Derek Johnson (usual singles reviewer) is on holiday; John Wells is deputising.
- "More singles on page 10" noted at bottom of Recommended section.
Content type: Charts / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- NME Top 30 (week ending Wednesday, October 2, 1968): Full singles chart. No. 1 is "Those Were The Days" by Mary Hopkin (Apple), No. 2 is "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (Apple), No. 3 is "Jesamine" by Casuals (Decca). Other entries include "I've Gotta Get A Message To You" by Bee Gees at No. 6, "Lady Willpower" by Gary Puckett & the Union Gap at No. 7, "Do It Again" by Beach Boys at No. 9, "Les Bicyclettes De Belsize" by Engelbert Humperdinck at No. 11, "The Red Balloon" by Dave Clark Five at No. 14, "My Little Lady" by Tremeloes at No. 18, "Light My Fire" by Jose Feliciano at No. 26, "Listen To Me" by Hollies at No. 27, and "Marianne" by Cliff Richard at No. 29.
- Britain's Top 15 LPs: No. 1 is Hollies Greatest Hits (Parlophone), No. 2 is The Seekers At The Talk Of The Town, No. 3 is Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel, No. 4 is Delilah by Tom Jones. Cream's Wheels of Fire (Double Album) at No. 5, Soundtrack of The Sound Of Music at No. 7, Waiting For The Sun by Doors at No. 9, Fleetwood Mac's Mr. Wonderful at No. 14, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison at No. 15.
- "5 Years Ago / 10 Years Ago / 15 Years Ago" retrospective chart columns at foot of page.
- "Best Selling Pop Records in U.S." billboard chart column at far right.
- New Singles column: Highlights singles by Val Doonican ("If I Knew Then What I Know Now", Philips TN 17616), Herb Alpert ("To Wait For Love", A&M AMS 734), and Don Fardon ("Indian Reservation / The Lament Of The Cherokee", Pye 7N 25476).
Advertisements:
- VSP Verve Records (left column): Full-page-height ad promoting a two-record set at 36/6d retail, featuring Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Song Book, Stan Getz & J.J. Johnson/The Modern Jazz Quartet, Oscar Peterson Trio at the Opera House, Wailing Buddy Rich, The Singing Style of Louis Armstrong, and Back to Back & Side By Side (Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges). Also hot singles releases from Mary Kent ("Your Face", MGM 1439) and Jon Hendricks ("No More", VS 572).
Photos/Images:
- Small album cover thumbnails in the VSP ad.
- Headshots of Val Doonican and Herb Alpert in New Singles column.
- Small portrait of Don Fardon in New Singles column.
Notes:
- Page dated "On sale, Friday, week ending October 5, 1968" — header reads "New Musical Express" with the page number 7.
- The chart is dated "Week ending Wednesday, October 2, 1968", two days before the on-sale date.
Content type: News
Headlines/Articles:
- "Bee Gees Broadway Show / Barry Western, New Gold" (lead story): A full-length stage musical written by the Bee Gees is to be presented simultaneously on Broadway and in London's West End the following year under manager Robert Stigwood. Barry Gibb has signed to make his first solo acting debut in a Western. The group also received its fifth gold record for "I've Gotta Get A Message To You".
- "Beatles Concert Report": NME reports the Beatles have booked the Royal Albert Hall for a live concert in December via Apple. Paul McCartney has stated he would like to perform on stage again following reaction to the TV appearance of the group singing "Hey Jude". No confirmation from Apple at press time.
- "Rocking 'Hair'": Writer's personal review of the Hair musical, recently opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, noting it is dated and somewhat pretentious but praising Linda Kendrick's performance.
- "Otis, Aretha on stage LPs": The last live recording made by Otis Redding at the Whisky-A-Go-Go is to be released as an Atlantic LP in November. Also mentions Aretha Franklin's recordings in Paris and at the Olympia.
- "Nice guitarist leaves": David O'List (aged 19) has left the Nice due to "pressure of work". The group will continue as a trio with organist Keith Emerson, bassist Lee Jackson, and drummer Brian Davison.
- "New Hendrix": The Jimi Hendrix Experience's new single is scheduled for release on October 25. Anita Harris's next single will be follow-ups by O.C. Smith and The Scaffold.
- "Mary Charity Shock": Mary Hopkin (who has taken over the No. 1 spot from the Beatles with "Those Were The Days") is topping the bill at the Tiny Tim Albert Hall Charity Concert. Keystone spokesman Michael Whitehall said she was "not ready" for the concert debut and the event was not proceeding.
- "Jimi at 'Save Rave'": Jimi Hendrix Experience confirmed for London Palladium's "Save Rave" concert on October 30. Also noted are Mama Cass and the Hollies. American singer Della Reese has been signed to join Tom Jones concert tour appearing at London's New Victoria next Thursday (October 10).
- "Freddie, Dreamers Pantomine is Set": Freddie and the Dreamers are to play Simple Simon in a pantomime at the Manchester Opera House, "In The Wood," for two weeks at Doncaster, followed by the Halls, for 13 weeks from October 30.
- "Stars Aid Czechs": Various stars including Julie Felix, Georgie Fame, Alan Price, Spencer Davis, Joe Cocker, and others performing at a charity concert in aid of Czech students at London's Royal Albert Hall on October 15.
- "Blackburn TV Names": Dave Dee and the Dave Clark Five are featured in a "Blackburn" TV show on Southern TV on October 23.
- "German 'Nein' to our Arthur": Arthur Brown's "Crazy World" show has been cancelled from Government Halls in Munich; Frankfurt and Dortmund were also affected. A remark about Arthur being too "subversive."
- "Scott 'Raring to go'": Scott Walker recovering from typhoid, looking forward to enormous package tour opening that night (Thursday, October 3); his BBC1 TV series starts next spring.
- "Monkees, For Tours": The Monkees and Jose Feliciano confirmed on a German tour; Vic Lewis is among their NME contacts.
- "Moody Blues": Moody Blues' previously announced American tour is said to be worth $250,000. New follow-up single to "Voices in the Sky" expected to be released in Britain.
- "Bachelor No More": Barry Western (the Batchelors' manager, not a singer) is getting married on the second Saturday of December to Sandra Williams of Stamford-le-Hope, Essex.
- "Moody Dog Signs Girl": Moody Dog (Blues) manager Derek McCormick has signed Decca singer Linda Clarke, who will be presented in Britain at two Barcelona concerts over the weekend.
- "info" column (bottom right): Preview of new Decca releases including Joe Simon, a Cat Stevens update ("Here Comes My Wife"), Lionel Bart as arranger, and mention of The Art Movement's new single.
Advertisements:
- "Top Shop for Pop!" — HMV, 363 Oxford Street, Mayfair 1247. Ad promotes 2000 singles, 3000 pop albums, all labels/every new release. Open till 8pm Monday–Friday, early closing Saturday 1pm.
Photos/Images:
- Large headline block takes up the top third of the page; masthead for New Musical Express with editorial/management credits top left.
- Portrait photo of Barry Gibb (captioned "Barry Gibb") in the centre of the page.
- Small photo of the Tremeloes (captioned "Tremeloes — left to right: Rick, Chip Hawkes, Dave Munden, Alan Blakley") in the top-right corner.
- Small photo of Monkees members (visible top right corner).
Notes:
- Masthead box gives editorial: Executive Director Maurice Kinn, Editor Andy Gray, News Editor Derek Johnson, Advertisement Manager Percy C. Dickins; offices at 15-17 Long Acre, London W.C.2.
- Page number 8.
Content type: News / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Trems Sign £25,000 Prestige Club Deal" (lead story): The Tremeloes — at No. 18 in the NME chart with "My Little Lady" — have signed a £25,000 deal to appear in cabaret at Northern clubs operated by the Bailey Organisation. The deal launches with a prestige appearance at Batley's Variety Club during Christmas week. The group has returned from Norway and is confirmed for Israel — the first by a British name group since Cliff Richard and the Shadows three years earlier — on October 22, for two weeks.
- "Comedy TV Series for Leapy Lee?": Leapy Lee is in negotiations for one of the leading roles in a new situation comedy TV series, which would be his debut as a TV actor. Lee told the NME: "It's something I've always wanted to do. I've specialised in comedy for a long time — singing is only half of my career." His "Little Arrows" is at No. 4 in the chart. Lee is also playing Birmingham Plaza, Manchester New Century, and other theatre dates through December.
- "Big Names on One": Cat Stevens, Simon Dupree and the Big Sound, and Fifth Dimension are artists on "Saturday Club" on October 19, Radio 1 only. Other artists appearing that week on Radio 1 include The Moody Blues, The Marmalades, Monty Sunshine's Jazzband, The Mirage, Dave Cash, the Alan Eldon Jazzband, The Radio Show Band, and Mike Patto. Jools "Top Gear" show also mentioned with upcoming Radio 1 appearances.
- "Dusty U.S. Coast-to-Coast": Dusty Springfield is almost certain to return to London's Talk of the Town in autumn 1969 after a record-breaking summer season in July. She is flying from Amsterdam to England for press/TV engagements, then returns to the U.S. to supervise mixing of her new Atlantic LP, followed by a 30-day coast-to-coast college tour in January. New Clive Westlake composition "I Will Come To You" is her forthcoming single. She will appear on Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Merv Griffiths, and Mike Douglas shows.
- "Jose, Mathis [stars]": Jose Feliciano and Johnny Mathis are among star names visiting. Jose is No. 26 in this week's NME chart with "Light My Fire." Vic Lewis is executive manager.
- "Moodies Definite for the States": The Moody Blues' American tour (previously about $250,000 worth) is confirmed with major appearances at Minneapolis on October 18. Follow-up single to "Voices in the Sky" expected November.
- "Mann-Hugg Movie": Manfred Mann and Mike Hugg have been approached to write music for the upcoming film "Venus in Furs." Also, Manfred went to Las Vegas and New York for TV talks on jingles.
- "Vanity Fare U.S. Trip, Xmas E.P.": Vanity Fare is going to America next month as part of a four-country tour. Also completing an EP for the Christmas market. Manager Roger Easterby discussed the U.S. trip.
- "Satch, O.C. Return": Louis Armstrong and his Allstars are returning to Britain in December to play another season at a Nottingham theatre. O.C. Smith — who had an NME chart hit with "Hickory Holler's Tramp" — is also returning, appearing at Wakefield Theatre Club for two weeks from November 17.
- "'Music' album: two million": The Sound of Music soundtrack (RCA) has topped 2,000,000 copies sold in Britain, becoming the biggest-selling album in the history of the British record industry — estimated to have exceeded £3,225,000 in value. Cream — currently on a U.S. tour — has been awarded a Gold Disc for American sales of "Sunshine of Your Love."
- "s movie music, Italian TV ban": "Jasamine" has also been invited to appear at the San Remo pop festival next January. As with other foreign groups, the Casuals have been provisionally banned from Italian TV due to a government row over employment of non-Italian artists.
- Left-column snippets: Small paragraph about a Kathie Harrop single on Deram, described as a young Irish singer.
Advertisements:
- Large Barry Ryan with The Majority — "Eloise" ad (MGM 1442), written by Paul Ryan. Takes up lower-right quarter of page, with a portrait photograph of Barry Ryan.
- Decca Group Records ad at foot of page (small strip).
Photos/Images:
- Portrait photograph of Leapy Lee (top-right corner, under the "Comedy TV Series" headline).
- Large portrait of Barry Ryan in the MGM "Eloise" advertisement.
- Small photograph (top-left) of what appears to be chip Hawkes, Dave Munden and others from the Tremeloes story continuation (captioned "Jose, Mathis — [stars]").
Notes:
- Page dated "Week ending October 5, 1968" in the header.
- Page number 9.
- The "Dusty" article confirms she is not yet doing live performance in Britain — she is focused on studio work in the U.S.
Content type: Reviews / News / Feature article / Ads
Headlines/Articles:
- LPs Reviewed by Allen Evans: Full-column LP review section. Reviews include: Laura Nyro "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" (CBS), The Steve Miller Band (Capitol ST 2920), Sammy Davis Jr. "Lonely Is the Name" (Reprise 6308), Hair original Broadway cast LP (RCA Victor, RD 7959 — notes on its vitality and controversial LSD-themed content), Delfonics "La La Means I Love You" (Bell, SBLL 106 — praised for solid soul harmony), Gladys Knight and the Pips "Feelin' Bluesy" (Tamla Motown, STML 11080), plus cheaper MFP label LPs. Also reviews of Cannonball Adderley (Capitol ST 2877), Boston Pops/Arthur Fiedler (RCA Victor, SF 7936), Bola Sete (Verve VLP 9208), Digno Garcia (MGM C 8080), and Pepe Jaramillo (Studio 2 Stereo, TWO 206).
- More Singles from Page 6 (continuation): Reviews of single releases including: Tony Bennett "Hushabye Mountain" (CBS), Heath Hampstead "I Started a Jake" (Polydor), The Peddlers "Comin' Home Baby" (CBS), Robert John (Baby), Roger Web "Song Without Words" (RCA Victor), Billy Preston "Greases Parts One and Two" (Soul City), 5th Dimension "Sweet Blindness" (Liberty — strongly recommended, noted as already a hit in America), Chris Andrews "The Man With the Red Balloon" (Pye), Herb Alpert "For Love".
- Equals Big Test: Feature review of The Equals' new single "Softly, Softly" (President), their follow-up to "Baby Come Back". Writer expresses doubt it's strong enough to repeat previous success but notes it will go down well in clubs.
- Life-Lines of Leapy Lee (right-hand column): Biographical profile of Leapy Lee (real name Lee Graham), covering birthdate (July 2, 1942), birthplace (Eastbourne), instrument (guitar, banjo), education, first professional appearance (Eastbourne, age 15), and personal details including biggest career break "Little Arrows".
Advertisements:
- Brunel University Students' Union Midnite Rave: Friday Night Oct. 18/19th at the Lyceum, Strand, W.C.3 — The Who, Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Alan Bown, Elmer Gantry, Skip Bifferty etc. Bars till 3 a.m.
- Hatchetts Playground (67 Piccadilly, W.1): Gig listings for the week — Memphis Express (Saturday), Renaissance Fayre, Moving Finger, Shuffler Sound, Party Night with Pete Kelly's Solutions, Toast From America featuring Edwin Starr (Thursday).
Photos/Images:
- Novel advertising stunt for the Broadway cast LP of "Hair": hippies holding protest-style banners in front of Shaftesbury Theatre, London.
- Group photo of The Equals (left to right: Pat Lloyd, Lincoln Gordon, Derv Gordon, Eddie Grant and John Hall).
- Portrait photo of Leapy Lee (young man in casual clothing, leaning against a wall).
Notes:
- The Leapy Lee Life-Lines column occupies the full right-hand column of the page.
- The LP reviews and singles reviews share the main body of the page.
- The Equals feature bridges into the singles section from page 6.
Content type: Feature article / Letters / Ads
Headlines/Articles:
- "Our record should silence the knockers" (by Richard Green): Extended interview with Morgan Fisher of The Love Affair about the group's critics, their debut LP (due for release later that month, featuring tracks including "Handbags and Glad Rags," "Hush," "The First Cut Is The Deepest," "Tobacco Road"), their energetic live shows, and their upcoming tour with Scott Walker, Cupid's Inspiration and the Paper Dolls. Fisher discusses rumours about the band, replacing Linton (who replaced him), and songwriter Philip Goodhand-Tait writing for the group full-time.
- "claims LOVE AFFAIR'S MORGAN FISHER" (right column header): Continuation of the Love Affair article; Morgan Fisher discusses their plans for America, their ballad-type song being held back for the US market, and his excitement about the forthcoming tour.
- "From You to US" (letters section edited by Tony Bromley): Reader letters including: Barbara Dune (Eastbourne) on Roy Orbison's recent tragedy; J. Lauder (Glasgow) arguing against "Hey Jude" as a "good pop record"; Rosemary Jackman (Ely) on pop music educating the British public via French phrases; Steve Navey (Bingley, Yorks) noting he has collected NME since May 1963 (over 250 copies); Sue Walmsley (Newark) praising the Moody Blues LP "In Search of the Lost Chord" and recommending it over the "Voices in the Sky" single; William Hooper (Cheltenham) congratulating Cliff Richard on his 10-year service.
- "Who's Where" (gig listings for week beginning October 4): Felice Taylor; Scott Walker / Casuals / Love Affair / Paper Dolls (Finsbury Park Astoria, Manchester Odeon, Bradford Gaumont, Edinburgh ABC, Newcastle City Hall, Birmingham Odeon); Equals (Tottenham Royal, Nelson Imperial, Harlow Bridge, Ipswich, Stevenage, Portsmouth, Braintree); Tom Jones (London New Victoria, Glasgow Odeon, Leicester De Montford); Dave Dee (Bristol Colston Hall, Manchester New Century); Des O'Connor (Batley Variety Club, two weeks from 6th); Dusty Springfield (Wakefield New Gate Club).
Advertisements:
- Full lower-half page advertisement: Albert R. Broccoli presents Ian Fleming's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" — "the most fantasmagorical musical adventure ever!", starring Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Lionel Jeffries. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack LP (S/ULP 1200). Music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, conducted by Irwin Kostal.
Photos/Images:
- Group photo of The Love Affair (left to right: Mick Jackson, Mo Bacon, Steve Ellis, newcomer Morgan Fisher and Rex Brayley).
Notes:
- The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang advertisement dominates the bottom half of the page with a large decorative title treatment.
- The Love Affair article runs across both the left-hand main column and the right-hand column which carries the "claims LOVE AFFAIR'S MORGAN FISHER" header.
Content type: Feature article / News / Column / Ads
Headlines/Articles:
- "Jack Good Rolls Us Back to Rock": Preview of Yorkshire Television's "Innocence, Anarchy And Soul" pop show, produced by Jack Good (creator of many British and US TV pop spectaculars), to be broadcast on Saturday October 12. Describes the recorded action including: America's Lance LeGault (brought to England by Jack Good, exponent of Cajun Blues, who has duetted with Elvis Presley and appears in the MGM picture "The Young Runaways"); Lulu with the Breakaways and Chants; The Flirtations; Chris Farlowe and Alan Bown; Lonnie Donegan; Dominic Grant; Emil Dean; Lulu in a swinging Roman costume.
- "Mary Hopkin is Britain's Choice": Radio's "European Pop Jury" programme (heard in several countries, three times a year), co-produced by Johnny Beerling (Britain) and Klas Burling (Sweden). Saturday October 5, 9–10pm. Britain enters Mary Hopkin's "Those Were The Days" and Casuals' "Jesmine". Other countries enter: Beatles' "Hey Jude" (Sweden/Norway/Finland), Arthur Brown's "Fire" (Belgium), Tom Jones' "Delilah" (Italy), Aphrodites Child "Rain and Tears" (France).
- "Hollies in Sweden" (continued from page 3): Backstage account of the Hollies' performance in Sweden. Allan Clarke splits his white stage trousers zipping them up; the group go out with Scandinavian journalists between shows; they travel 800 miles and earn significant dollars for Britain; the following week they play Gothenburg, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Brussels.
- "Jools gets underground launching": Julie Driscoll and the Brian Auger Trinity will make their first visit to America in November, playing carefully selected underground (club) dates in major cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit — no more than six concerts). American agent Frank Barsalona quoted on her potential. Also: Arthur Brown expected to tour the US at a greatly increased fee; Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company to part in November.
- "America Calling" (column by June Harris in New York): 5th Dimension "Sweet Blindness" (Liberty) noted as not yet breaking the US charts despite its quality; "Jose the Big Name" — Jose Feliciano's single "Light My Fire" and album "Feliciano" have skyrocketed on US charts, making him the most in-demand male vocalist; full profile of Feliciano including his background as a blind Puerto Rican singer from New York; Donovan described as a one-of-a-kind concert artist; Ann Moses (Editor of Tiger Beat) in Hollywood — account of her meeting with Kirk Douglas at The Factory.
Advertisements:
- G.A. Long Play Centre (42-44 Gt. Cambridge Rd., London N.17): "Only 5/- Down for 4 LPs" mail order offer — any popular LP including Beatles, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, plus all other popular stars.
- "Next week" teaser: Bee Gees, Tremeloes, Feliciano, and "a startling Monkee — time with Davy Jones".
Photos/Images:
- Multiple action photographs from the Jack Good TV show: Chris Farlowe (centre) and Alan Bown (second right) with three SET members and placard wavers; Lance LeGault; Lulu with The Runaways; The Flirtations; Chris Farlowe and Lonnie Donegan; Dominic Grant and Emil Dean; Lulu in Roman costume.
- Portrait photo of Jack Good himself (suited, dark-haired man).
Notes:
- The Jack Good feature spans the top two-thirds of the page with multiple photos.
- "Mary Hopkin is Britain's Choice" and "Hollies in Sweden" (continued) share the lower-left column.
- The "Jools gets underground launching" and "America Calling" features occupy the lower-right.
Content type: Advertisement (full page)
Headlines/Articles:
- N/A
Advertisements:
- Full-page ad for Joe Cocker's new single With A Little Help From My Friends on Regal Zonophone RZ3013, produced by Denny Cordell. The ad features an illustrated mime/clown figure in a striped vest and baggy trousers with a speech bubble mixing lines from "Hey Jude" and "With A Little Help From My Friends": "Hey Joe, Don't Make It Bad...Take A Sad Song And Make It Better."
Photos/Images:
- Small portrait photo of Joe Cocker at the foot of the ad.
- Central illustration: a stylised figure in period costume gesturing upward.
Notes:
- The speech bubble playfully mashes up Beatles lyrics, linking Joe Cocker's cover to the original songwriters.
Content type: Feature article / Film review / Advertisement
Headlines/Articles:
- In the name of pop music NME's Richard Green suffers a… Noel Redding Experience: A humorous interview feature by Richard Green recounting a chaotic afternoon spent trying to pin down Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Redding discusses plans to buy a house in America, the band's forthcoming LP and single (already recorded but awaiting release), and ambitious plans for self-promoted concert tours with TV and radio advertising campaigns when they return from the US. Denny Laine and Flowerpot Man Neil Landon are also present. Mitch Mitchell ("Julie Andrews") is said to be in danger of missing the plane to America.
- Paul Jones film weird but not wonderful (sidebar, by Jan Nesbit): Review of The Committee, Paul Jones's second film. Jones plays a hitch-hiker who beheads his driver and takes the severed head for a walk before reattaching it, then is put on trial. Background music is by Pink Floyd; Arthur Brown makes a cameo singing "Nightmare." The film opened 26 September at London's Cameo Poly.
Advertisements:
- United Artists "Hit Bound Singles" panel (lower half of page), promoting:
- Brenda Arnau — Christian (UP 2244); noted as "by popular D.J. demand — Gonna Spread Love now 'A' side"
- Peter Sarstedt — I Am A Cathedral (UP 2228)
- Vince Edward — Aquarius b/w Hair (UP 2236)
- Jean Livingstone — Frank Mills (UP 2238)
- Baby Washington — Get A Hold Of Yourself (UP 2247)
- Monty Sunshine — Two Lovers (UP 2245)
Photos/Images:
- Group portrait of Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, and Noel Redding (captioned "Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding").
- Small portrait photos of each artist in the United Artists singles panel.
Notes:
- The Noel Redding article references the Jimi Hendrix Experience's LP Axis as a strong US seller and mentions an as-yet-unreleased new LP and single.
- Pink Floyd and Arthur Brown are both mentioned in the film review sidebar.
Content type: Classified advertisements / Display advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- N/A
Advertisements:
- Display ads (left column): Joe Loss Limited (Morley House, Regent St, London W.1); Stapleton-Lipton Artistes & Music Ltd; Galaxy Entertainments Ltd (acts listed include Nashville Teens, Lemon Tree, Skip Bifferty, The Stacks, Amen Corner); Johnny Howard and His Band / Rabin Agency; The Casuals / Kennedy Street Enterprises ("Riding High in the Charts with 'Jesamine'"); Radio Luxembourg full programme listing (Sunday–Saturday schedule, DJs include David Symonds, Jimmy Savile, Tony Blackburn, Tony Prince, Alan Freeman, Paul Burnett); "It's a Bigger Rave" NME October issue subscription promotional box (highlights: "The Day Davy Jones Became a Girl," Maxi or Mini for the Autumn?, Autumn Almanac, Rave Guide to all the New Stars, Lulu's Beauty Secrets, From the Gospel — the Facts of Life — price 2/6).
- Display ads (right column/bottom): Central Records specialist export service (Middleton, Manchester); School of Broadcasting; The Raw Material (concert venue, tel. 01-639 9301); Central Records postal service; For Sale — Licensed Club, Manchester City Centre (teens and twenties, gross takings £16,000); All Niter sessions at Pink Flamingo Club, 33 Wardour Street; Papworths for Records (Nottingham — tax free to all parts of the world); Super Zyn cymbals by Premier ("Zingggg").
- NME subscription form (centre bottom): 12 months £2 10s., 6 months £1 5s., Overseas £2 10s., posted to New Musical Express Tower House, Southampton Street, London W.C.2.
- Classified columns covering: Records for Sale, Records Wanted, Fan Clubs (including Barry Ryan, Cream Addicts Anonymous, Dave Clark Five, Del Shannon, Georgie Fame, Kenny Ball, Liberace, Lulu, Paul Jones, Peter and Gordon, Status Quo, The Fortunes, Tom Jones, Vince Edward, Chris Farlowe, Ola and the Janglers, Engelbert Humperdinck, International Cliff Richard Fan Club), Vocalists, Vocalist Wanted, Musical Services, Artistes Wanted, Photographs, Recording, Situations Vacant, Situations Wanted, Bands, Special Notices, Dances, Discotheques, Groups Wanted, Instrument Repairs, Instruments for Sale, Tuition.
Photos/Images:
- Photo of Cream (Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton) at the foot of the page, captioned: awarded a Gold Disc for a million U.S. sales of Sunshine Of Your Love (from the Disraeli Gears album); starting their farewell U.S. tour today (Friday).
Notes:
- Tyrannosaurus Rex is mentioned by name in the Records for Sale classifieds alongside Jethro Tull, Band, Donovan, Zappa, Simon & Garfunkel, Traffic, and others.
- The Cream Gold Disc photograph confirms the band's significant US commercial success at this point.
Content type: Gossip column / Puzzle page / Entertainment listings and display advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- Tail-Pieces by the Cat's Alley Cat: Industry gossip roundup led by Beatles chart news ("Hey Jude" noted as a 16th consecutive million-selling U.S. single), plus short items on Apple appointments, artists' recording plans, tour and TV appearances, and label chatter involving acts including Mary Hopkin, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Petula Clark, Frank Sinatra, and others.
- Lots of Volume: Short live review of Spanish singer Raphael at the Talk Of The Town, praising his projection and impact on big numbers like I Believe and Ave Maria, while noting weaker moments on rhythm-dependent material.
- Popword (compiled by NME reader Susan Logan, Lincoln): A full crossword-style music puzzle page with Across/Down clues and the previous week's solution grid/answers.
Advertisements:
- Large record ad: "Still Tops In The States" for Jeannie C. Riley's Harper Valley P.T.A. (Polydor 56748; K.P.M. Denmark Street contact).
- Top-right single ad: Vince Edward's Aquarius from the musical Hair (United Artists UP2236).
- Venue ads: Starlight Room, Boston (Original Drifters, The Equals, Felice Taylor) and Mecca Royal Ballroom, Tottenham (The Equals, The Original Drifters).
- Major concert ad: Keystone presents Tony Cox with the National Concert Orchestra, with guests The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Joe Cocker, and Peter Sarstedt at the Royal Albert Hall (Wednesday, October 30).
- Bottom strip record ads: Heavenly Club (Les Sauterelles, Decca F 22824) and The Swiss Maid (Frank Ifield, Columbia DB 8478).
Photos/Images:
- Small publicity still of Paul Jones and Pauline Munro from The Committee.
- Decorative cat icons alongside the "Tail-Pieces" gossip column branding.
- Full-height artist image in the Keystone concert advertisement.
Notes:
- This back-page style layout mixes editorial snippets, a reader puzzle feature, and stacked display advertising rather than long-form news reporting.
- The "Tail-Pieces" column functions as a rapid-fire industry bulletin, with many one-line updates and predictions rather than developed stories.
Content type: News page plus full-page feature/advertisement
Left page:
- Dense NME news page with many short columns and headlines.
- Major headline at top: "BEE GEES BROADWAY SHOW BARRY WESTERN NEW GOLD".
- Another large headline: "BEATLES CONCERT REPORT" (with text discussing London Palladium/Wembley era recollections and concert commentary).
- Additional visible items include "NEW HENDRIX", "Dusty U.S. coast-to-coast", "TREMIS SIGN £25,000 PRESTIGE CLUB DEAL", and "MONKEES 'LOSE' MATHIS FOR TOURS--DETAILS".
- Side/byline columns include "Scott 'raring to go'" and "info" (new releases/listings style content).
Right page:
- Near full-page panel reading: "Barry Ryan with The Majority sings ELOISE" with a portrait photo and byline "by Paul Ryan".
- Decca group records branding appears below in a boxed advert area.
- Additional promotional copy at lower section references songs including "Another Cup of Hi-Harmony" and "Don’t miss your info next week".
Spanning content:
- No clear single article runs across both pages; this is mostly a left-page news layout facing a right-page full-page promotional feature.
- The centre fold separates the news page from the Barry Ryan feature cleanly.
Photos/Images:
- Portrait of Barry Ryan in the large right-page feature.
- Small artist/band photos embedded in left-page news boxes (including a Beatles-related image and smaller headshots).
- Record-label/logo graphics for Decca and HMV adverts.
Notes:
- The spread is rotated in the source image, but content is readable when mentally rotated.
- Some text near the centre fold and lower fold is faint/partly distorted by paper curvature and age wear.