In 1970 EMI Odeon in Spain released a series of compilation. albums in called ‘Gigantes De La Cancion’. Translated into English it means ‘Giants of the song’. There were 30 albums issued and the compilation album of Shirley’s recordings was ‘Vol 5’.
The album consisted of 12 tracks and all were taken from Shirley’s Columbia recordings. Obviously included were some of her hits such as ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘What Now My Love’ there others which were popular with fans. These included ‘Till’ and ‘Somewhere’. The cover photo on the sleeve was the photo used on Shirley’s UA album ‘I’ve Got A Song For You’. The reverse of the sleeve carries the same photo but in black/white and lists the tracks and also all the 30 artists in the series.
EMI Odeon also decided to release the abum as a special club edition with a completely different sleeve. The record itself carries the same title although there is no title on the sleeve. The tracks are in the same order as on the original album. Printed on the record label is ‘Edición especial para DISCOLIBRO’.
I’m not sure why but the record company also released the album under the title ‘The Giants’. The album sleeve is just the same as the original album. It also has the same catalogue number.
Several fans on FB have been commenting about a BBC radio programme that was transmitted at the end of 1972 which featured Shirley and Norman Newell being interviewed and naturally Shirley singing. Brian Fahey is also featured as he was the conductor for the New Scottish Orchestra.
From what I understand this has been posted on the blog previously but the link is no longer available but they mentioned that I might be able to post it again. I’d forgotten all about it and wasn’t sure I had it but there it was in my archives! I listened to it just to make sure it was all ok so hope you will enjoy hearing it.
The photo was taken from the session for the 1972 album ‘And I Love You So’ which was released in 1972.
Another beautiful album from Japan this is a 16 track album from the ‘Gold Superdisc’ series and was released in 1978.
To my knowledge this was the first album to be released from this series as the following year (1979) it was reissued twice with different sleeves. Once again a very high quality thick card sleeve and issued with an unusual top obi which folds over the top of the sleeve. Normally the obi is a slip with information in Japanese that slides over the sleeve but this one is in card and folded loosely over the top. The tracks are mostly from the UA catalogue but ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘I (Who Have Nothing)’ are included which could be the Columbia recordings. Unfortunately I am unable to confirm that as I am unable to play vinyl at the present time. (Note to self – must rectify that quickly). As is usual with Japanese releases there is an insert sheet with lyrics etc printed on it.
Another great release from the golden age of vinyl.
Below are the scans of the two reissues of this album. I particularly love the first one.
People have asked me if I have the records I post about and the answer is yes. The scans are of the sleeves from records that are in my own collection.
A double compilation album called ‘Gold Collection’ that was released in 1979 in Germany.
Issued on the Liberty label it contains 31 tracks from her recordings with Philips, Columbia and United Artists. It includes some of her hits (Something is missing strangely) it also has songs such as ‘Gone’, ‘My Special Dream’ and ‘Emotion’. A beautifully presented album it features a colour concert photo on the front. On the reverse it has a colour studio photo and a list of all the tracks. It is a gatefold sleeve and inside there are notes but they are in German and also a lovely black and white photo of Shirley in rehearsal. I’m told it was taken at Carnegie Hall.
A lovely release and certainly a great addition to the collection.
Dame Shirley Bassey Blog 
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