This was the first compilation album to be released of Wurzel material. It was released in June 1979 as a 12" vinyl stereo LP on the EMI Encore record label with catalogue number ONCR523. The album was simultaneously released on cassette tape. Song Lyrics
At the time of the recording of all tracks on this compilation the Wurzels consisted of Tommy Banner (piano, organ, accordion, vocals), Tony Baylis (bass, bass guitar, sousaphone and vocals) and Pete Budd (banjo, guitar and vocals).
An unusual compilation of Wurzels material, including a couple of sought-after gems not previously issued on albums (Springtime and The Back Of My Old Car - not really a "greatest hits" package as the title track is the only chart hit on the album. The first side of the album consists of studio tracks and the second is made up of live tracks - these are edited together with chat between songs, which explains why there are fewer tracks on side 2.
In common with all The Wurzels' EMI album releases from 1975 to 1980 this album remained 'on catalogue' for many years. Unlike the Adge Cutler / Wurzel albums from 1967 onwards The Wurzel albums have few variations in labels and sleeves. By 1975 all album sleeves were of the wrap-around type and most were laminated. Tax codes on vinyl records had been discarded and the vinyl weights - which were now generally the same on all records - were on the light side when compared to the high-quality heavy vinyl of the 1960s. Matrix, Mother and Stamper codes were still used on the vinyl and the information centred around Adge's 1960's recordings that can be found on the Main Menu under 'Vinyl Collecting Guides' remains relevant with minor changes between different record labels. The inner sleeves changed little over the period. Unlike the 1960s, which saw inner sleeves bearing advertising information, the 1970's to 80's were white company sleeves with minor variations. The 'Dating Record Sleeves' guide (in the Main Menu) indicates which inner sleeves would be expected to be found between 1974 and 1983 (types H,J,K, AND L).
Stereo pressing of ONCR523 on the EMI Encore label. A Side: Matrix ONCR523 A-1 HTM 1 R B Side: Matrix ONCR523 B-1 1 AM (HTM - Harry Moss, EMI's most respected mastering engineer)
The album sleeve, which was of the wrap-round style and laminated, had little information other than the LP tracks, the name of the producer - Bob Barratt, and the three band members.
A nice collector's item - a copy autographed by all three band members - Tommy Banner, Pete Budd and Tony Baylis. A Side: Matrix ONCR523 A-1 HTM 1 C B Side: Matrix ONCR523 B-1 1 R
This next example is a quite a unique collector's item - a 12" double-sided white label record. This is a pre-production test-print of the album. The vinyl itself is the same as the one that went into production. Additionally the sleeve is also a 'test' item being an unlaminated and 'unfolded' example.
A Side: Matrix ONCR523 A-1 HTM 1 C B Side: Matrix ONCR523 B-1 1 C
Side 1, Track 3 - Springtime (Chorus) Springtime, Springtime The bees in the honeysuckle, weather's fine Everybody's high on last year's wine Spring, spring time Grandpa stood up t'other day Threw his walking sticks away And chased old Granny in the hay Spring, spring time Daisy Daisy our old cow Went out courting, she knows how She's got the old bull starting now Spring, spring time (Repeat Chorus) Mother Nature shows her hand Fertilizer on the land Farmer says ooh arr smells grand Spring, spring time What we reap now we will sow Come December we will know Nappies hanging in a row Spring, spring time (Repeat Chorus) Lovers like this time of year In the fields the things I hear They're not watching birds that's clear Spring, spring time Milkmaid Nellie she won't say Why she's got rosy cheeks today I think old Ernie been round her way Spring, spring time (Repeat Chorus) Everybody's high on last year's wine Spring, spring time
A pretty girl came up to me What's that thing supposed to be I stepped back and said with pride You'll find out when you step inside I've done eighty in this one You can be number eighty-one The little darling gave a yell Jumped inside and we went like hell (Chorus) In the back of my old car We won't be travelling far We'll have a cuddle in the moonlight In the back of my old car We won't tell your Ma-ma She won't know where we are You'll be all right if you get inside I'll give you an economy ride Everybody's been satisfied In the back of my old car Into first and off we go The engine shudders when the revs are low Gasket's blowing, camshaft's worn Gearbox grinds and me hood is torn Just as she yells out don't stop I get flagged down by a traffic cop He said my son do you know you Were nearly up to eighty-two (Repeat Chorus) The seatbelt's on so very tight She looks a most attractive sight Looking for a parking spot In case me big end gets too hot Me tank is empty, back end sags All steamed up, exhaust pipe drags Out of oil, me sump is dry One more time we'll have a try (Repeat Chorus) Everybody's been satisfied In the back of my old car Lyrics Kindly transcribed by M.Pelling & E.Bryant, Verified by Professor Wurzel