Publication: new-musical-express
Date: 17/08/1968
Pages: 13
Content type: Front cover
Headlines/Articles:
- At Home With Monkee Davy Jones: Cover teaser for a home feature on Davy Jones, with a small inset photo of Jones with a companion
- Beatles Single Sensation Plus NMExclusive Interview: Teaser for the Beatles exclusive interview inside (pages 2–3 and centre spread)
- National Jazz and Blues Festival: Teaser promising a full report with story and pictures (pages 8–9)
- Dave Dee's Instant Hits: Teaser for the Dave Dee feature article inside
Advertisements:
- "Out Today! Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens on Monument 1022" — boxed advertisement top right
Photos/Images:
- Arthur Brown in full face paint and dramatic stage costume, arm raised aloft; caption identifies him as a "convention buster" winning fans in America and at the National Jazz and Blues Festival
- The Beatles — Ringo, Paul, and George (without beard) photographed together holding their latest single; John was absent when the picture was taken
- Tommy James and the Shondells on bicycles; caption notes their "Mony Mony" is at No 1 for the fourth week running
Notes:
- Issue No. 1127, week ending August 17, 1968, price 7d
- Masthead carries the slogan "World's Largest Circulation of Any Music Paper"
Content type: News / Feature article / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- Dave Dee's Instant Hits (by Keith Altham): Interview with Dave about the hit-making formula of producers Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, who have just delivered Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich their tenth consecutive hit, "Last Night In Soho," entering the NME chart at No 9. Dave discusses the group's process of recording a pre-conceived single rather than picking from album tracks, his production work with unknown groups Family Dog and Gospel Garden, and his football training with Southampton FC. Article continued on page 12.
- Sleeper Heads for Top 5 (by Nick Logan): Column on Canned Heat's "On The Road Again" (Liberty), quietly released on 31 May and now entering the NME chart at No 24, with Nick Logan predicting a top five placing. Notes the band are due in Britain on 3 September for a month's promotion. Profiles band members Bob Hite ("The Bear," 21 stone, lead vocalist), Al Wilson (guitar), Larry Taylor (bass, formerly with Jerry Lee Lewis), Adolphe De La Parra (percussion), and Henry Vestine.
Advertisements:
- "New Wave Rave Sounds" — full-width block at the bottom advertising four Mercury/Philips albums:
- The Savage Resurrection (SMCL20123, Mercury)
- The Evergreen Blues — 7 Do Eleven (SMCL20122, Mercury)
- Spanky and Our Gang — Like to Get to Know You (SMCL20121, Mercury)
- Blue Cheer — Vincebus Eruptum (SBL7839(S) / BL7839(M), Philips)
Photos/Images:
- Dave Dee, Mick, Beaky, Tich and Dozy photographed together in London (captioned left to right)
- Canned Heat group photo (left to right: Bob Hite, Adolpho De La Parra, Al Wilson, Henry Vestine, Larry Taylor in foreground)
- Small album cover images for all four advertised records
Notes:
- "New to the Charts" sidebar column leads into the Canned Heat sleeper story
- Dave's comments about "the poor old Beatles" are noted as something he immediately regretted saying
Content type: Feature article / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- 'Beatles Loose Habit of Recording' — Paul McCartney in a no-punches-pulled interview with NME's Alan Smith: Wide-ranging interview in which Paul discusses the Beatles' increasingly loose approach to recording, the Apple organisation, the idea that people shouldn't have to grovel to Apple for help, his views on music and film, and his philosophical outlook ("Everything is God"). Sub-sections include "A Few Films in the Air," "Uncomfortable Grilling," "Don't Have to Grovel at Apple," and "Everything is God."
Advertisements:
- "Mid Summer Explosion" — large EMI advertisement block filling the lower half of the page, featuring:
- The Locomotive — "Rudi's In Love" (Parlophone R5718)
- Mireille Mathieu — "Souvenirs of Stefan" (Columbia DB8457)
- The Four Tops — "Yesterday's Dreams" (Tamla Motown TMG665)
- The Marianne — "See Saw" (Columbia DB8456)
- Boz — "Light My Fire" (Columbia DB8468)
- Compilation/album listing including: The Motown Sound — A Collection of 16 Original Big Hits Vol 6 (Tamla Motown TML11074z / STML11074z); Diana Ross and the Supremes — Reflections (Tamla Motown TML11073z); Tyrannosaurus Rex — My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair But Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows (Regal Zonophone LRZ1003z / SLR21003z); The Pink Floyd — A Saucerful of Secrets (Columbia SCX6258z); The Seekers — Come the Day (Columbia SCX6093z / SCX6003z); Roger James Cooke — "Skyline" (Columbia DB8458); Kippington Lodge — "Tell Me" (Parlophone R5717); The Tams — "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" (Stateside SS2123); Len Barry — (I'm Alone) (Bell BLL1022); The Sugar Shoppe — "Skip-A-Long Sam" (Capitol CL15530)
Photos/Images:
- Large portrait photo of Paul McCartney looking into camera with a slightly surprised expression
Notes:
- Interview is conducted by NME's Alan Smith with others present including Derek Taylor, Peter Asher, and Tony Bramwell
- Paul's comments on Apple stress that the organisation is run by "cripples" (people who are hard to deal with) and that one does not have to grovel; he also touches on his faith and views on India/poverty
Content type: Single Reviews
Headlines/Articles:
- Top Singles Reviewed by Derek Johnson (column header)
- "A startling contrast from O.C. Smith" — Reviews "Main Street Mission" (CBS), O.C. Smith's follow-up single; described as a gospel-type chanting number, contrasting with his Tamla-flavoured hit. Also reviews Stevie Wonder's "You Met Your Match" (Tamla Motown) and Sugar Shoppe's "Skip-A-Long Sam" (Capitol).
- "Untypical Four Tops" — Reviews "Yesterday's Dreams" (Tamla Motown); notes the sound is quite different from typical Four Tops output with a shuffle waltz tempo.
- "Pick of the Week: World of Oz" — "Kiss Kiss Kiss Goodbye" reviewed; described as a gorgeous, flowing, lyrical quality number. Photo of the group (Dave Reay, Kubee Kubinec, Tony, Darrel, Christopher Robin).
- Peppermint Rainbow "A Beautiful Record" — Reviews "Walking In Different Circles" (MCA); described as rapidly gaining a vast following in its own country.
- Adge Cutler & The Wurzels — Reviews "Up The Clump" (Columbia); described as old-fashioned rock 'n' roll.
- Wynder K. Frog — Reviews "Jumping Jack Flash" (Island); notes if the Stones had never released their version this might have become a hit.
- Ben Barry "4-5-4" (Bell) — compared to his 1965 hit "1-2-3".
- Billy Joe Royal — Reviews "Storybook" (CBS); rhythmic ballad with strings and clavicline.
- Jerry Lee Lewis — Reviews "What's Made Milwaukee Famous" (Mercury); Jerry warbles the nostalgic lyric to a backing of harmonicas and humming.
- "Potted Pops" — Brief reviews of Aysha, Blue Horizon, Jess Fuller item; Melinda by a group with the intriguing name Caboose; Marianne from America.
- Simon Comedians: Bruce and Norman — brief mention.
Advertisements:
- Bruce Forsyth sings the title song from "Star!" — full-page Mercury Records ad (MF1047) with distinctive geometric/optical illusion artwork.
- The Johnstons — "Bring To Vivid Life Two Great Joni Mitchell Songs: Both Sides Now c/w Urge For Going" (Big T BIG 113).
Photos/Images:
- Portrait photo of O.C. Smith.
- Group photo of World of Oz (Dave Reay, Kubee Kubinec, Tony Everton(?), Darrel, Christopher Robin).
Notes:
- The Bruce Forsyth "Star!" ad dominates the lower left of the page.
- The "Pick of the Week" feature with World of Oz takes up a prominent central column position.
- "Tipped for Charts / Chart Possible" indicators appear beside the Peppermint Rainbow review.
Content type: Charts
Headlines/Articles:
- NME Top 30 (week ending Wednesday, August 14, 1968):
1. Mony Mony — Tommy James & the Shondells (Major Minor)
2. Help Yourself — Tom Jones (Decca)
3. Fire — Arthur Brown (Track)
4. This Guy's In Love With You — Herb Alpert (A&M)
5. I Pretend — Des O'Connor (Columbia)
6. I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten — Dusty Springfield (Philips)
7. Sunshine Girl — Herman's Hermits (Columbia)
8. Mrs. Robinson — Simon and Garfunkel (CBS)
9. Last Night In Soho — Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich (Fontana)
10. Dance To The Music — Sly & the Family Stone (Direction)
11. Keep On — Bruce Channel (Bell)
12. Do It Again — Beach Boys (Capitol)
13. High In The Sky — Amen Corner (Deram)
14. Days — Kinks (Pye)
15. I've Gotta Get A Message To You — Bee Gees (Polydor)
16. I Say A Little Prayer For You — Aretha Franklin (Atlantic)
17. MacArthur Park — Richard Harris (RCA)
18. Baby Come Back — Equals (President)
19. Yummy Yummy Yummy — Ohio Express (Pye)
20. Universal — Small Faces (Immediate)
21. Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp — O.C. Smith (CBS)
22. Here Comes The Judge — Pigmeat Markham (Pye Int.)
23. Where Will You Be — Sue Nicholls (Pye)
24. On The Road Again — Canned Heat (Liberty)
25. Hard To Handle — Otis Redding (Polydor)
26. Laurel And Hardy — Equals (President)
27. Dream A Little Dream Of Me — Anita Harris (CBS)
28. Lady Willpower — Gary Puckett & the Union Gap (CBS)
29. Gotta See Jane — R. Dean Taylor (Tamla Motown)
30. One More Dance — Esther and Abi Ofarim (Philips)
- Britain's Top 15 LPs: headed by Bookends (Simon & Garfunkel), Delilah (Tom Jones), A Man Without Love (Engelbert Humperdinck), Sound of Music soundtrack, Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Also includes Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (Small Faces), Hollies Greatest Hits, Pink Floyd's A Saucerful of Secrets, Wheels of Fire (Cream double album), Jungle Book soundtrack.
- "5 Years Ago" column — Top Ten week ending Aug 16 1963: topped by Sweets For My Sweet (Searchers).
- "10 Years Ago" column — Top Ten week ending Aug 15 1958: topped by All I Have To Do Is Dream/Claudette (Everly Brothers).
- "Best Selling Pop Records" column (courtesy of Billboard, week of August 13, 1968) — US chart headed by People Got To Be Free (Rascals).
Advertisements:
- Left column "Six of the Best" MGM Records ads: The Cowsills "Indian Lake" (MGM1424); The Alan Bown "We Can Help You" (CUB1); Chris Rayburn "One Way Ticket" (CUB2); Kris Ife "Give And Take" (CUB3); The Magistrates "Here Come The Judge" (MGM1425); Barry Ryan "Goodbye" (MGM1423).
- Right column "New Album & Singles" ads: Finian's Rainbow original motion picture soundtrack (Petula Clark, Fred Astaire, Tommy Steele) (WF 2550/WFS 2550); Guy Darrell "Skyline Pigeon" (Pye 7N 17588); The Sandpipers "Find A Reason To Believe" (A&M AMS 730); The Lovin' Spoonful "Never Going Back" (KA 5213); Young Blood "Just How Loud" (Pye 7N 17588).
Photos/Images:
- Photo of Guy Darrell (head and shoulders portrait, young male, dark hair).
- Finian's Rainbow film poster/sleeve image.
Notes:
- A dense, information-heavy charts page typical of NME's weekly format.
- "Mony Mony" has held the No. 1 position for four weeks by this point.
- The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's "Fire" is at No. 3.
Content type: News
Headlines/Articles:
- "Sly Family 22-Day Tour Finalised — Doors, Box Tops, Mitch Ryder visits — Canned Heat to Britain": Canned Heat to make British debut as part of a lengthy European tour incorporating TV and one-nighters. Sly and the Family Stone visit confirmed for 22 days from late September. Box Tops to tour Britain in November. The Doors due in the country the following month. Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels arriving September 5. The Mothers of Invention set for two London concerts.
- "Shadows Will Not Disband!": Despite reports, the Shadows will not disband. Brian Bennett is definitely quitting; founder-member Bruce Welch is considering leaving. Manager Peter Gormley quoted at length.
- "London Date for Jimi Hendrix Film": A half-hour Jimi Hendrix Experience film to premiere at London's National Film Theatre on Monday (8:30pm). Film has already been shown in France, Germany, Japan and America.
- "Baldry, Dolls to U.S.": Long John Baldry and the Paper Dolls to visit America in autumn. Donovan, Spencer Davis and Tremeloes also mentioned in context of European engagements.
- "Popliners" column: Donovan to Munich for German TV opening gala; rumour that Eric Clapton may join the Rolling Stones; Australian Police; Colin Petersen said to be leaving the Bee Gees; both rumours denied by spokesmen.
- "Hollywood Talks for Anita Movie, Palladium Pantomine Declined": Negotiations for Anita Harris to take a Julie Andrews-type role in a Hollywood film musical. She has turned down the offer of panto at the London Palladium this year.
- "ITV Screens Pilot — and Loses Series": Pilot show originally filmed for close-circuit screening to a Yorkshire TV executives was transmitted over the full ITV network on Thursday of last week. Pop composer Barry Mason hosted the show; series planned for 13 weeks but not taken up.
- "Rumours" column: speculation about Eric Clapton/Rolling Stones; Australians/Police; Bee Gees line-up changes.
- "U.S. Wants Floyd; Movie": Pink Floyd's current US tour has been extended for three weeks, following a standing ovation at Los Angeles Avalon Ballroom. Production of a 45-minute film in colour for showing in selected cinemas in Britain and America.
- "Price Writes" column: Alan Price at present writing the music for a film; reports the result of his decision to undertake a trial period away from the Animals.
- "Crazy Arthur: Movie": Crazy World of Arthur Brown's follow-up to "Fire" probably titled "The Trials of The Magician" — a horror film; group starts routinely shortly for its second LP.
- "Sammy Davis Date for Oxfam Fund": Sammy Davis Jr to support a charity show for Oxfam at the London Palladium, co-starring Spencer Davis and John Lennon.
- "Latest Radio 1 Guest List": Detailed listing of upcoming Radio 1 shows including Top Gear, Jimmy Young Show, Dave Cash Show, Stuart Henry Show, and others for the coming week.
- "Cupid, Marma..." (right column partially cropped): New singles by Cupid and Marmalade noted.
- "Over new..." column (partially cropped): Mentions the Beatles' first single to be revealed last week; 4 min 26 sec duration; being released in America.
Advertisements:
- World of Oz "King Croesus" (Deram DM 205).
- Norman Vaughan "Any Time" (Fontana F 12821).
- Decca Records ad (bottom right, partly visible — "45 rpm records").
Photos/Images:
- Photo of The Doors captioned "American chart-topping group, THE DOORS."
Notes:
- The masthead of the New Musical Express (editorial staff: Executive Director Maurice Kinn, Editor Andy Gray, Assistant Editor John Wells, News Editor Derek Johnson, Advertisement Manager Percy C. Dickins) appears in the top left corner.
- Address given as 15-17 Long Acre, London W.C.2.
- The Canned Heat / Sly and the Family Stone / Doors tour announcement is the dominant story.
Content type: News / Feature / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Jade, Move, Affair, Fred, Evs New Discs": Brief news column covering new single releases including Love Affair, Chuck Berry (revival of "Mr. Blue" on Pye), Wild Turkey, Sandy ("Sam and Dave's 'Can't Find Another Way Of Doing It'" on Atlantic), and Marmalade.
- "11 Minutes of Beatles Single": Report that the forthcoming Apple label double-A-side single combines "Hey Jude" (7 min 5 sec) and "Revolution" (almost 11 minutes total playing time), making it one of the longest Beatles releases ever.
- "'Crossroads' Losing Sue, New Single Set": Another Jackie Trent–Tony Hatch composition chosen for ATV's "Crossroads"; actress-singer Sue will be quitting her role to concentrate on a singing career.
- "Movie Music": Brief news on incidental music for two film productions; Tony Price and Val Williams noted; band to record next LP with Rick Rich Big Band titled after a Paul Williams song.
- "Amen Cut 19 New Tracks": Amen Corner recorded 19 new tracks in London; three-week Australia tour in February confirmed.
- "Pop-Packed Weekend TV": Major feature on BBC and ITV autumn pop schedules. BBC-2's "Show of the Week" line-up includes Lulu, Georgie Fame, Frankie Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Donovan and Louis Armstrong. ATV plans a Dave Clark Five self-produced spectacular, an Anita Harris special in a Bruce Forsyth showcase, and a Des O'Connor special. Jack Benny and Tessie O'Shea are booked for BBC-1's "Talk of the Town". Val Doonican and Rolf Harris return to BBC-1's Saturday-night variety spots from October.
- "Jack Good's Rock Special for Studio Audience Only": Jack Good's rock'n'roll spectacular "Innocence, Anarchy and Soul" was staged in full for a studio audience at Elstree after the ITV technicians' dispute prevented broadcast; now to be filmed for networked transmission by Yorkshire TV. Good Habit would fly to London for the filming if arrangements could be made; the Flirtations offered to give their services for free.
- "Pet Premiere": European premiere of Warner Bros. film-musical "Finian's Rainbow" (starring Fred Astaire and Tommy Steele) at London's Marble Arch Odeon on 10 October; New York premiere has already taken place.
- "Hermits No to Ed Sullivan": Herman's Hermits declined invitation to guest in the first US-TV series of "The Ed Sullivan Show" on 22 September, due to current filming commitments in "Goodbye Mr. Chips".
- "Geno in Agency Split": Geno Washington terminated his association with the Brian Poole Agency; management to be handled by Mark Forster of Harold Waterman Ltd.
Advertisements:
- Decca Records: Grapefruit – "C'mon Marianne" (Group Records, F 12822).
- Monument Records: Ray Stevens – "Mr. Businessman" (MON 1022).
- Palomar Pictures International: Sidney Poitier in "For Love of Ivy".
- Odeon Cinemas South London / North London: "For Love of Ivy" opening from 25 August.
Photos/Images:
- None (text-heavy page with small ad artwork).
Notes:
- Page number 7 clearly visible top-right. Date line: "On sale, Friday, week ending August 17, 1968".
- The "11 Minutes of Beatles Single" item notes the disc has no video clip due to its abnormal length.
Content type: Festival Report / News / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Stars, Sunshine and a Shambles" (NME reporters and photographers cover the weekend's…): Extended two-reporter account of the 8th National Jazz and Blues Festival. "Friday by Richard Green" covers compère John Gee being told the Herd would not go on; the Rockin' Berries performing; the stage assistant losing four teeth in a crowd incident; and Jackie Trent performing at the festival. "Saturday by Keith Altham" focuses on the Hollies headlining the Saturday night, with Rod Stewart, Don Everly and Ronnie Lane among performers—Altham notes the chaotic stage and crowd conditions.
- "Hollies Steal Split Pop Festival (after rain stopped play)": Report from the Adriatic resort of Split, Yugoslavia, where the Hollies performed after rain disrupted the festival. Julie Felix and a French group opened; the Hollies launched into a beat number and played for almost 45 minutes. Guest stars included "Carousal", "Jennifer Eccles", and folk tunes. The Easybeats also performed.
- "America Calling – It's Crazy! Brown's a Hit Without U.S. Label" (by Nick Logan): Arthur Brown making his entrance under horse-power. Report on Brown's current 17,000-strong US audience response; his album "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown" is going to be an American label release, though currently without one. Notes on Jimi Hendrix at New York's Singer Bowl festival (23 August) and the Holding Brothers.
- "Jimi Goes Great": Jimi Hendrix tour going well; one of their biggest dates coming up 23 August at New York's Singer Bowl with the McCoys, Big Brother and the Holding Company.
- "Doors Hit": The Doors came to New York, caused a knock-down sell-out riot at the Singer Bowl when the band didn't play an encore after their hour-long performance.
- "Newport Festival Failure": Nearly 80,000 spectators jammed Orange County Fair grounds (30 miles below LA) for the (probably last) Newport Pop Festival; groups expected included the James Cotton Blues Band, Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead (who refused to allow the Airplane on stage), Country Joe and the Fish, Simon and Garfunkel, Canned Heat, and others. The festival was described as a "non-person" pop festival.
Advertisements:
- Hatchetts Playground, 67 Piccadilly, W.1: Memphis Express (Sat 17th – "Again! Memphis Express"); The Motions (Sun 18th); Skip Bifferty's Gala Party Night (Mon 19th, last recording "Man in Black"); Julian Kersh (Tue 20th); Zion de Gallier and the Unicorns (Thu 22nd).
Photos/Images:
- The Hollies at Split Pop Festival: Tony Hicks, Ben Calverts, Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Bobby Elliott, with John Cameron and Graham Bonney; Adriatic resort backdrop.
- Arthur Brown and Crazy World members: drummer Carl Falmer and bass player Nick Greenwood, on stage with clowns and fire—described as "a highlight of the Festival".
Notes:
- Page 8; continues the festival report onto page 9.
- Keith Altham's "Saturday" column notes he finds the festival's ban on long-haired youths in "garish clothes" an increasingly tiresome form of stigma.
Content type: Festival Report / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Major Event – the Eighth National Jazz and Blues Festival" (continued from page 8): "Sunday by Richard Green" column. Arthur Brown opened with a spectacular performance; Richard Green positions him as a potential major act by year's end. Joe Cocker described as "what you might term a jazz-blues singer" with a distinctive raspy voice; sang "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "A Change Is Gonna Come". Jeff Beck described as a "six-string guitar genius". Spencer Davis noted as "just back from America" and a success. Tyrannosaurus Rex performed; Marc Bolan (not named but described as "Tyrannosaur") played guitar and sang. Ginger Baker and drummer Phil Stein noted.
- "Unlucky" sidebar: Jeff Beck and Nicky Hopkins cited as artists unlucky to be included at the festival, as jazz audience not their natural scene. Jeff Beck described as "very much my scene and straight from his long run in America—sounds more like Chet Atkins."
- The article notes a scaffolding cover collapsed under the weight of crowd members, injuring several; two young people taken to Hampton Court hospital. Arthur (Brown) was reported to have been doubling back on stage under his manager Kit Lambert's instruction ("You'll have to forget the act and go on singing").
- John Mayell and his Superb band closed the festival Sunday.
- Alex Korner introduced John Mayell; the band swung into 45 minutes of uncompromising blues; John stood at the organ wearing a cartridge belt.
Advertisements:
- RCA Records full-page ad featuring three current releases:
- Grapefruit: "C'mon Marianne" c/w "Ain't It Good" (RCA 1716) — "Apple-managed, Grapefruit are '68's pip of the pops!"
- Mama Cass: "Dream a Little Dream of Me" c/w "Midnight Voyage" (RCA 1726) — "The genuine Big Hit version"
- José Feliciano: "Light My Fire" c/w "California Dreamin'" (RCA 1715) — "There's nothing like our original version, which is skimming to the top of the U.S. charts!"
Photos/Images:
- Large photo strip across the top of the page: (left to right) Jerry Lee Lewis on stage; Rod Stewart singing to Jeff Beck; Spencer Davis; Keith Altham; Nick Logan; film star Terence Stamp; Arthur Brown; Delson Lorraine; Richard Green; Jeff Beck. Caption notes Lewis "scored a tremendous reception from the rock fans who later rioted and prevented Herd from appearing"; Rod Stewart "sings to Jeff Beck accompaniment, another successful spot."
- Dressing-room tent photo: Spencer Davis, Keith Altham, Nick Logan, film star Terence Stamp, Arthur Brown, Delson Lorraine identified.
- RCA ad features photos of Grapefruit (group), Mama Cass, and José Feliciano.
Notes:
- Page 9; article continues on page 12.
- The festival coverage across pages 8–9 is credited to both Richard Green (Friday and Sunday reports) and Keith Altham (Saturday report).
- Joe Cocker is referred to as "Tyrannosaurus Rex, I felt" in the Unlucky section (likely a confusing OCR/layout artefact — the two acts are discussed in adjacent columns); Tyrannosaurus Rex (Marc Bolan's group) and Joe Cocker are distinct acts both covered on the page.
Content type: Feature article / Letters column / Life-Lines profile
Headlines/Articles:
- "A Little England in the Heart of America — Ann Moses visits Davy Jones home": Feature article by Ann Moses (editor of Tiger Beat) about Monkees member Davy Jones's home in the hills above Los Angeles. Describes his English country-house-style property, interior décor (round bed, bulletin board of posters, jockey memorabilia), garage holding his GTO, Cadillac, Honda and motorcycle, and his plans for a recording studio/den. Notes that Davy does his own gardening and cooking for guests.
- "From You to US — Edited by Tony Bromley": Letters column. Letters cover: Steve Marriott and the Nice/Pink Floyd compared to the Monkees (W. Smillie, Glasgow); a plea for more recognition of Art Garfunkel over Paul Simon (Andrew Egleton, West Harrow); praise for the Moody Blues as underrated (Kjell Fausen, Norway); criticism of Radio 1 DJs for ignoring Procol Harem's "Quite Rightly So" (Kenneth Bennett, Ashton-Under-Lyne); defence of Mama Cass's version of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" over Anita Harris's cover (George B. Clark, Lesmahagow).
Advertisements:
- Leyton Baths Hall: re-opens November 1968 after redecoration, available for hire, capacity 1,200.
- Royal Tottenham, Mecca Dancing: Amen Corner and Marmalade tonight; Ben E. King Friday 30th August.
- G.A. Long Play Centre: 5/- down for 3 LPs offer, Cambridge Rd., London N.17.
Photos/Images:
- Photo of Davy Jones's English-style house set in the Hollywood hills, with caption noting Davy can be seen standing on the roof.
- Photo of Ann Moses with Davy Jones, showing his Union Jack tray described as a reminder of home.
- Group photo of The Nice (l. to r.): Keith Emerson, Brian Davison (bottom), Dave O'List and Lee Jackson — accompanying the "Life-Lines of the Nice" profile panel.
Notes:
- The right-hand column carries the start of a "Life-Lines of the Nice" feature — a factual Q&A profile grid covering all four members (Keith Emerson, Lee Jackson, Brian Davison, Dave O'List) with details including real names, birthdates, birthplaces, personal points, instruments, education, musical influences, favourite colours/food/clothes/singers/groups, ambitions, and career highlights.
Content type: Classified advertisements / Crossword / Radio schedules
Headlines/Articles:
- "Popword" crossword: Compiled by Julie Hillier, Walthamstow, London. Clues and grid fill the lower half of the page; answers due next week.
- Radio Luxembourg schedule: Full weekly programme listings (Sunday–Saturday) including Roger Day, Don Moss, Paul Burnett, Tony Prince, Alan Freeman and others.
Advertisements:
- Joe Loss Limited, Morley House, Regent St., W1: band and orchestra agency.
- Stapleton-Lipton Artistes & Music Ltd: bands, orchestras, cabaret artistes.
- The Karlins, sole representation, the Ewbank Theatrical Agency.
- Skip Bifferty / The Move / Nashville Teens / Eyes of Blue / Amen Corner / Lemon Tree: advertisement (Galaxy Entertainments).
- Over 100 Top Groups! Bands! Pop, Rock 'n' Roll, R&B, Soul — Clayman Agency.
- Radio Luxembourg full programmes, 208 metres.
- NME Classified Advertisement Rates notice.
- Large classified sections: Records for Sale, Fan Clubs, Vocalists Wanted, Engagements Wanted, Recording, Employment Agency Licences, Situations Vacant, Musical Services, Premises, Wanted (Beatles monthlies, old NME issues, Buddy Holly/Ben E. King records), Wanted — Groups (Quartets by Preference, 007 Club, Tangier, Morocco), Photographs, Bands, Artistes Wanted, Situations Wanted, Instruments for Sale, Instrument Repairs, Tuition, Specialist Export Service.
- "Rave!" magazine: August issue out now, 2/6. Includes Davy Jones, Scott Nilsson, Lulu, Stones' film sensations, Love Affair, Steve Ellis, Union Gap.
- Subscription offer for NME: 12 months £2 10s. 0d. (UK), £1 5s. 0d. overseas per 6 months.
Photos/Images:
- None (page is entirely text-based classified ads, listings and crossword grid).
Notes:
- Page is a dense classified/ads page typical of NME at this period, with reader-placed small ads for record sales, fan clubs, instrument sales, and employment.
Content type: News / Gossip column / Feature article (continued) / Advertisements
Headlines/Articles:
- "Tail-Pieces by the Alley Cat": Gossip and news column. Items include: Eight British entries in US Top 50; Cream's Jonathan King suggests Herd should be managed by Mike Margolis and Brian Lane; Maurice Gibb to marry Lulu; first vocal single by Jim Webb (writer of "MacArthur Park"); Micky Gee leaves Tamla for Bob Crewe's organisation; next US O.C. Smith single; Tommy Steele's wife expecting; Jose Ferrer looks like a thinner Burl Ives; Irv Newman (formerly Sandy Newman) treating British publicity like a disease; Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful joins Dustin Hoffman's man's Broadway musical; Monument vice-president Bobby Weiss visiting London; Hal Wallis (producer of several Elvis Presley films) signed long-term Glen Campbell contract.
- "Jazz and Blues Festival" (continued from page 9): Report on the National Jazz and Blues Festival. Covers performances by Chris Wood (organ), Traffic, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Winwood; Traffic praised as "the most incredible group they have often raved" about; Joe Cocker described as impressive; Keith Emerson's solo performance in The Nice remarked upon; Traffic's Afro-Cuban influence noted.
- "Dave Dee" (continued from page 2): Dave Dee discusses seeing the Nice's "Yellow Submarine"; comments on BBC opportunities for new talent; Western influences on his music; concern about his manager being "one of the greatest" alongside Andy Williams, Tony Bennett and Louis Armstrong. Notes Dave's TV and radio appearances.
- "Canned Heat — On the Road Again": Feature on Canned Heat (Liberty Records), promoting their single "On the Road Again" entering the NME chart. Group biography with photo of Keith Emerson performing at the Nice spot, Stars and Stripes backdrop.
Advertisements:
- "Lovers Holiday" — Jon & Jeannie / Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson (Polydor): single ad, K.P.M., 21 Denmark St., W.C.2.
- "Vanity Fare — I Live for the Sun" (Page One Records, POF 075): full-width ad promoting the single.
- "Sari & the Shalimars — It's so lonely being together / You Walked Out on Me Before" (B&W / UP2235): Chart Buster from the Motor City.
- "Main Street Mission" — O.C. Smith (CBS 3666): full-width bottom-of-page ad, Palace Music Co. Ltd.
- "Wanted Groups!!! Quartets by Preference": 007 Club, Tangier, Morocco — seeking groups to perform; pay both ways, meals, lodging and a good salary offered.
- "Little Chance for Newcomers" — letter from Mervyn Conn (promoter/manager) about the difficulty for new artists getting BBC and TV exposure.
Photos/Images:
- Photo of Davy Jones and Maurice Gibb with Lulu at Barwen Cranberry Fold Inn, with caption noting Maurice Gibb's plans to take on an acting career.
- Photo of Keith Emerson performing on stage at the Nice spot, wearing Stars and Stripes costume.
- Joe Cocker photo: described as impressive with many people believing he will be one of the stars of next year.
Notes:
- Bottom of page carries the full NME masthead/publication imprint (George Newnes Ltd., Tower House, Southampton St., London W.C.2).
- The Canned Heat feature notes their forthcoming British debut tour and ties in with their NME chart entry for "On the Road Again".
Content type: News pages — two dense news/features pages side by side
Left page:
- Large headline: "SLY FAMILY 22-DAY TOUR FINALISED / Doors, Box Tops, Mitch Ryder visits / CANNED HEAT TO BRITAIN" — article about Canned Heat making its British debut next month as part of a lengthy European tour; mentions Sly and the Family Stone, Box Tops, the Doors (US chart-toppers due in Britain early next month), and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
- "SHADOWS WILL NOT DISBAND" — article confirming The Shadows are continuing
- "CUPID, MARMALADE, MOVE, AFFAIR, FRED, EVS — NEW DISCS" — round-up of new single releases
- "Over 11 minutes of new Beatles single" — article about a forthcoming Beatles Apple label single with an exceptionally long running time (over 11 minutes)
- NME masthead / publication details box at bottom left (address: 5-7 Carnaby Street, London W.1, staff credits)
Right page:
- Large headline: "POP-PACKED WEEKEND TV" with sub-heading listing: LULU, DUSTY, ANITA, DES, DAVE CLARK, LOUIS, DONOVAN, FAME, VAL — article covering weekend BBC-1, BBC-2 and ITV pop music television, including Dave Clark, Frankie Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Donovan, Louis Armstrong, and others
- "JACK GOOD'S ROCK SPECIAL FOR STUDIO AUDIENCE ONLY" — brief item
- "'CROSSROADS' LOSING SUE, NEW SINGLE SET" — article about ITV soap opera cast change
- "PRICE WRITES MOVIE MUSIC" — Alan Price composing a film score
- "CRAZY ARTHUR: MOVIE" — Arthur Brown/Crazy World of Arthur Brown film news
- "SAMMY DAVIS DATE FOR OXFAM FUND" — charity event item
- "U.S. WANTS FLOYD: MOVE" — Pink Floyd US interest / management news
- "HOLLYWOOD TALKS FOR ANITA MOVIE, PALLADIUM PANTOMIME DECLINED" — Anita Harris film negotiations; she declined Palladium pantomime
- "LONDON DATE FOR JIMI HENDRIX FILM" — Jimi Hendrix film screening news
- "BALDRY, DOLLS TO U.S." — Long John Baldry and the Dolls touring the US
- "ITV screens pilot — and loses series" — ITV programme commissioned but not picked up as series
- "RUMOURS" — brief industry gossip column items, including a "Popliners" bullet-point section
- "LATEST RADIO 1 GUEST LIST" — Radio 1 forthcoming guest appearances
- Short items: "MOODY RULES ON HOLIDAY", "CEDO IN AGENCY SPLIT", "HERMITS NO TO ED. SULLIVAN", "PET PREMIERE", "AMELO CUT 19 NEW TRACKS"
- Right-hand column: Decca Group Records adverts — Ray Stevens "Businessman" (Monument), Gervase "Pepper Grinder" (Decca), Norman Vaughan "Any Time" (Decca), World of Oz "King Croesus" (Deram), with "HEAR THIS FANTASTIC FOURSOME" strapline
Spanning content:
- The spine of the magazine runs through the centre; no single article visibly spans both pages, but the overall layout is split into two distinct news pages
Photos/Images:
- Film advertisement photo for "For Love of Ivy" starring Sidney Poitier (right page, upper area) — shows Poitier with other cast; "Laughing and Loving In…" tagline; ad for North London Odeon and South London Odeon from August 25th; notes soundtrack by Quincy Jones
- Small photograph near the "U.S. WANTS FLOYD: MOVE" item — appears to show a group of musicians (possibly Pink Floyd or another band)
Notes:
- Page number "6" is visible at the bottom left of the left page
- Masthead text "NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS" printed vertically along the inner spine edge
- Date confirmed on the left page: "On sale Friday, week ending August 17, 1968"
- Some text along the centre fold is partially obscured but most items are legible