PP Arnold, that was the other person I was thinking of. This one instantly has more of a soul kick, veering slightly away from the pop style of the debut. It's difficult to find much background information for Irma - it was a lot easier back in the XTC Chalkhills era when you could work out what people thought at the time. She must have been a big deal though? The big production, the strings, the backing vocals, it all sounds pretty epic. This one is '66, so not quite the times they are a'changing, but almost.
I just caught a Wait, Wait, Wait there which was very pleasing. I don't hear much of this in Joel's recorded music but there's no doubting the influence it has obviously had on him. And I guess the guitar licks along with the best of them.
You Don't Miss a Good Thing (Until it's Gone) is familiar to me from playlists gone by, but also great to see it's a co-write for Irma as well. And it's clear this is a record that lot of people love, if the prices on Discogs are to be believed. Van McCoy, the guy who wrote most of the songs, feels like an interesting guy to look into as well.
This album is an absolute classic. No surprise you can't buy it for love nor money. Anyone Who Knows What Love Is - that track is worth the price of admission alone. I am like seconds away from spending £150 on this on Discogs now. Hold me back someone.
As a footnote - and it really isn't a footnote - is just how incredible Irma's voice is. Listen to He's My Guy and you'll understand. It soars and swoops, tender and strong, soulful and sweet. Baby Don't Look Down would be a great contender for The Replacements to include in one of their medleys. What Are You Trying To Do. This is basically a greatest hits.
Wait, Wait, Wait. Unforgettable.