P. J. Proby - That Means A Lot (1965, DES Stereo Remix 2024)

Writers - Lennon, McCartney. Released - 17th September 1965. © Liberty (UK). Catalogue - LIB10215.

I AM P. J. PROBY - This colourful pop figure of the mid-60's was in danger of being remembered more for one unplanned onstage incident, rather than his very decent catalogue of records. James Marcus Smith, a great-grandson of Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin and one-time Elvis Presley impersonator, created his unique stage name on his quest for success, his big voice then needing the right material to do it justice. After a number of unsuccessful singles on the Liberty label, in 1962 Proby began writing songs and recording demos for artists such as Elvis Presley, Bobby Vee, and Johnny Burnette, the latter having his final UK chart success with the song "Clown Shoes", credited to Proby's real name.

HOLD ME TOGETHER - Proby travelled to London after being introduced to TV pop show producer Jack Good by Sharon Sheeley and Jackie DeShannon, going on top appear on The Beatles' Around the Beatles television special in 1964. This valuable exposure got him a deal with Decca, where Good organised him to record an old song, "Hold Me". With pounding drums, wailing harmonica, and incisive feedback-solo from young session guitarist Jimmy Page, the irresistible concoction made UK #3 which remains his highest-charting 45. The recipe was repeated just a couple of months later on another revived oldie, "Together". Replete with another innovative Page solo and equally histrionic singing from Proby, this also reached the UK Top Ten.

RING THE LIBERTY BELL - With eyes across the Atlantic and the British Invasion of the US charts becoming a thing, someone at Liberty's US HQ woke up on recognising the name of P. J. Proby. Thinking they had a singer of similar name on their books, when they checked he was one and the same. Gadzooks! Their legal team leapt into action, swiftly killing the deal with UK Decca, allowing Liberty to fully capitalise on their very popular artist which, to be fair, UK Decca broke for them (and who were allowed to keep control of afterwards). Liberty's newest and biggest voice was treated to the big song "Somewhere" (from 'West side Story') where Proby's unique vocal tweaks and affectations helped make this another big smash hit.

I APOLOGISE - Proby became notorious for an incident that occurred in January 1965, when his close-fitting trousers split across the knees during a show in Croydon, in South London. * The result of the widely reported exposure saw him banned in every major theatre in Britain, as well as curtailing appearances on the BBC and ITV television channels. The incident scandalised the British press and public alike, causing Proby's career to lose momentum. The big ballad "I Apologise", his latest single, was lamely offered up as a kind of apology (which it wasn't) with regrets at causing such an issue (which the colourful PJ probably didn't). The ironic thing is this; put the titles of his first four hits together, and it reads - Hold Me Together Somewhere, I Apologise. (What people made of his R'n'B-flavoured fifth UK charting 45, "Let The Water Run Down", that was anyone's guess.)

THAT MEANS A LOT - This all detracted from P. J. Proby the singer who, with "Let The Water Run Down" only making #19 was seeking a top Ten return. To this end he obtained a Paul McCartney song "That Means A Lot" which had been jettisoned from the Beatles' sessions for their "Help" film and LP after failing to work - twice! George Martin arranged and conducted PJ's session which was produced by the experienced Ron Richards at Abbey Road. Still regarded as something of a rogue being just a few months after his notorious trouser splitting antics, "That Means A Lot" stalled at #30 - a shame for what is a great-sounding record. My remix seems to have clarified some of the instruments, as well as giving it an expansive sound across the stereo soundstage. I'm amazed that this was never mixed into true stereo for possible LP inclusion at the time, but there you go.

HAS THE BUBBLE BURST? - The excellent 45 "Maria" (another refugee from 'West Side Story') did return PJ to the UK Top Ten but proved to be his final one to do so. Subsequent singles were no lesser quality but struggled to make the Top 40. In 1967 Proby scored his only Billboard Hot 100 top forty hit with "Niki Hoeky". In September 1968, he recorded "Three Week Hero", produced by Steve Rowland and released in 1969. This collection of country-style ballads mixed with blues used the New Yardbirds (later to become Led Zeppelin) as his backing band. March 1968's "It's Your Day Today" would give Proby his last UK chart entry for nearly 30 years.

* IIRC, Proby's crotch was purported to have failed multiple times. I suspect urban legend. There's nothing new about 'fake news'....

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[Jack_Merridew]

Never heard him sing before! *gobsmacked* Bloody hell! Great mix and he does it justice! Ta!

[psychedelicelvis-]

This is a great remix Adie well done, I knew Jim( incredible singer) between 1985 and 1988 when he lived near Haworth, north Yorkshire and I think he will be really chuffed with the result if he gets to hear it! You've earned a sub!

[tabonebaby]

Another great early Macca tune that really comes alive with this new remix. Great work. Apparently, rejected by The Beatles as they couldn't do it justice.