Shirley CD Set
It is with great sadness and disappointment that the Bassey Blog has learnt that the EMI ‘Shirley’ CD set has been officially cancelled. This is due to the fact that Capitol Records in the USA have refused to lift their objections to it being released. Originally planned for release to celebrate Dame Shirley’s 75th birthday it was initially put on hold after it emerged DSB had not listened to the recordings. Once her approval was quickly given fans were overjoyed and looking forward to its release only for Capitol to step in and object to the ‘live’ album being included. Attempts to issue as a 2 CD set have also failed since Capitol decided to object further about the much anticipated unreleased studio tracks. EMI UK say they have no option now but to cancel the whole project. I am appalled that a company could spend money, time and hard work on a project just for it all to be thrown down the drain. I’m no longer surprised that EMI were/are in a financial mess if this is an example of how two parts of the same company cannot work together. I personally think it’s a complete farce.
Next year sees the 60th Anniversary of DSB in show business. The way things stand I’m not holding my breath of getting a fabulous set released to celebrate the occasion! The only glimmer of hope now comes with the news that after many months of intense uncertainty, a takeover of EMI by rival Universal has been completed. Let’s hope that once the dust has settled on the restructuring of the two companies’ assets, common sense will prevail and Dame Shirley’s back catalogue will be given the care it so richly deserves.
16 Comments
I really am shocked and surprised in the first instance by DSB herself frankly I do not understand what has happened to our dear Shirley, firstly I have been a huge devoted fan and fell in love with her at 13 years old, when I bought ‘Something’ and I have seen her perform 40 times live during my lifetime including USA,however what went on at Jubilee at the Palace?? Shirley was NOT herself very subdued and ONLY 1 song whilst kylie was on stage 20 mins and sang 3 songs,aslo why was Shirley pushed out of the way at the queens line up?? Why Did She Allow this??? She is by far the Better Star than Most of them on that night!!!!! I just do not understand it at all and Shirley did not perform her Best at the Palace I have seen her do so much better,and the Royals Love Her!! Next I want to Mention ‘SKYFALL’ I am Horrified and Disappointed that this 50th Anniversary Song went to that Fat Disgusting Common Adele!!! and Why Didnt DSB sing this Song? what is going on???? She is a National Treasure and been Honoured worldwide yet she is deliberately pushed in the background by the Stinking British Press, I cannot believe this has happened in the most important celebration of 007 and Bond History Shirley you will probably never read this but one day someone may tell you, as you move to your 60th Year in Showbusiness Why are we not (fans) hearing from you about a forthcoming world tour???? we are all dying to see you live again after your triumphant BBC Proms Performance ! of which I was in the front row you threw me a carnation and I still have it, ! What The Hell is Going On!!! NO ONE SINGER TODAY can hold a candle to you and your intoxicating voice yet why are you fading away,dont let idiots like Gary Barlow dictate to you, I am very upset as I know every move you make on stage and every song thru my 40 years of following you, I hope and pray you will surprise us and come back as the Shirley we know. I was at Hyde Park in 2002 at Safeway Picnic in the Park Where Diana Ross came on after you,but the 60,000 crowd went wild for you.
In regards to the release of any CD sets I am not interested as I have all your Music, Videos,TV Shows etc so EMI and Capitol can Shove it, Just Come Back and Give Us One Hell of A Concert Tour in 2013 as the Bold Incomparable Shirley we know and Love!!!!!!
God Bless You There Will Never Be Another BASSEY
Dear David,
I do agree with your commentaries and was also upset that Shirley had had only one song at the Diamond Jubilee. As for her world touring she is simply tired but still there is nobody else in the world who could compete with her unique talent.
It is very sad about the CD. However, these things do have a way of eventually appearing so let’s not give up hope completely. Please spare a thought for Richard Moore who put so much effort into this project.
On another matter, whatever you may think about Adele’s talent, David, that does not excuse your unkind and offensive comments about her.
David, your comment re Adele is unforgivable. Regardless of whether she is a great or lesser talent than DSB doesn’t warrant such a despicable outburst.
I am entitled to my opinion whether you like it or not and iam sick and tired of these jumped up artists being put on a pedastil by the media when they have hardly worked for it and usually are 5 minute wonders yet they pushed down our throats to force or brainwash the public to like them, of course I will alawys remain a supporter of Dame Shirley , someone who can really sing!
Thanks for the mention.
I doubt very much that this project will ever appear in this form now due to the Universal sale. Why? The problem is that EMI UK & Parlophone (apart from the Beatles and a few bits and bobs) have not yet been sold. These had to be left out of the deal in order to pass through the European competition commission. Whereas Capitol now belongs to Universal. This splits DSB’s catalogue in two. Her Columbia years are still EMI but her United Artist years are with Capitol/Universal.
Dame Shirley should NOT be blamed in anyway for stopping this release. She has heard it and liked it (which was gratifying for me) Capitol would have never granted release no matter what happened (There were already grumblings from them before DSB delayed it)
So this release now belongs to two separate companies.
Two unreleased songs by the way are EMI owned the rest Capitol.
It doesn’t mean that the material on it will never see the light of day though. Maybe the legal opposition (which I won’t go into but is actually nonsensical) might be different under Universal in regards to the Capitol Material and maybe, just maybe they might actually allow someone to check the UA/Capitol vaults for unreleased material too (Which didn’t happen for this release).
I was privileged to work on this set and pleased that Dame Shirley approved my mixes of many of the unreleased tracks. However 24bit 96K versions of those tracks (and all the other remasters) are safely archived and will be made available whenever Universal or EMI want them.
Richard Moore
(Mastering Engineer)
David,
I am a fan of Dame Shirley from Russia and was very happy when she responded to my letter in person. I do agree with you that there is no any other singer who can compete with her in the world, and you are also correct about her shunning from media, because we all know it behaves not always noble.
I am saddened to hear that the Shirley CD set has been cancelled. I was looking forward to this. Perhaps, with the completion of the EMI/Capitol’s acquisition by Universal, common sense will prevail and the CD will eventually be released.
David, I take offense to your comments about Adele. Firstly, Adele did a fantastic job with her “Bond” theme “Skyfall”. Adele actually wrote the song. Dame Shirley has always been very supportive of good artistes singing Bond songs. She gave her “blessing” to Amy Winehouse singing Bond, and Winehouse was actually one of Dame Shirley’s favorites among the younger singers. Dame Shirley has always been gracious towards other singers, and has always complimented them for their own artistry.
Perhaps Dame Shirley wants to retire and spend the rest of her days quietly. None of us really know what is going on in her mind. Whatever she chooses, I will support her and will always be a fan.
David, no one doubts your devotion to DSB. It’s truly admirable. But to attack someone personally (and not even on her style of singing) is quite another matter. Believe it or not there are people out there who don’t like DSB. Shock horror!
Philip
Your Quite Right, I didnt even mention the singing!!!thats another ball game entirely, unlike most iam not afraid to voice my opinion I dont like Adele as youve gathered, however there will be some who think she’s the best thing since sliced bread!but time will tell if she is still around at 75, also there are many many who dont like DSB simply because in this country if your too! good your shot down in flames and no matter how much we sing DSB’s praises certain Media dont, she shunned the media many years ago and rarely gives interviews and rightly so,today the intrusion into peoples private life whether celebrity or not is quite ridiculous,and if they cant dish any dirt on you to fill the rags they print, they act like you dont exist, the media has always run this country and sadly some of the minds of the population too and they brainwash into making people like who they think we should like, Each to his own Philip!!
Hi Everyone, Martyn Daye here I was the producer on the Shirley collection in fact I researched and found tracks EMI never even knew that in the archive. The sound quality is superb by Richard Moore the pack was equally as stunning and we were hoping to include DSB’s latest Unreleased title song frpm Sir Bill now at the point none of that is likely to be heard. I do have a master copy of eveything and I can tell you sisncerely it would have been a stunning producy.
I am so sorry – but if anyone wants to visit the Lakes, I will be happy to play it all to you
Best wishes
Martyn Daye (martyndds@aol.com)
What a terrible waste of time, effort and money – I wonder if the ‘suits’ involved are related to those at the UK Department of Transport (Virgin Trains debacle etc.).
But now we have the ‘ear’ of two people closely involved, I would again suggest that someone should hunt out the vocal tracks of the ill-fated ‘Shirley Sings Bond’ release. The electronic orchestrations are dire, but the vocals are great in my opinion. So why not give it a new proper orchestral arrangement and recording overlaid with the original vocals. Must be possible in this day and age!
Martyn and I worked on the project but have no say on what can or will be released.
As for the Bond recordings. EMI will still have the later recordings in one form or another, The 1987 set, yes, it could have new orchestration if the multi-tracks exist, But orchestras are expensive, depends on if it was viable.
In any case I assume that both releases were halted by DSB who has every right to do so if she is not happy with her performance.
My understanding is that Dame Shirley has the masters to these two albums herself. When Never The Bride were putting the ‘Get The Party Started’ album together they had access to them. The EMI ones were not suitable to use for some reason (I don’t know why) and the 1987 ‘You Only Live Twice’ vocals were used for the GTPS album. The tape for ‘For Your Eyes Only’ was missing. DavidB
Martin & DavidB – Thank you both for your replies gentlemen. Much appreciated.
And what about the masters of the EMI ‘Bond’ album?