Marianne Faithfull “Marianne Faithfull”

This is in the vicinity of Marianne Faithfull’s first record—but I’m entirely unclear—there are so many versions of her early records, it gave me a headache trying to track down how this fits in—but I believe it’s from 1965. What’s confusing is there are U.S. and U.K. versions of her records (probably other countries, as well). This one is on the London label and has a cheapo cover—a 7-inch black and white photo of her set on a 12-inch cover in fake wood. The song listings on back don’t match the songs on the record—I don’t mean just a few—totally different! At first, I thought I had a mixed-up record and cover. But no, because the glowing liner notes refer to the songs (some) on the vinyl. Misprint, I guess. (It’s the track listing from the LP, “Go Away from My World”—I mean, at least it’s songs from another of her records, and not, say, a Genoa Keawe LP!) But who could make such an error? Did somebody get canned? The liner notes are uncredited and somewhat uninspired—except for the part about Marianne Faithfull meeting Jackie DeShannon, who wrote a couple of these songs. A few more murky photos on back. Still, glad to have ’em!

The music is good, at least. It’s a perfectly charming 1960s pop album—sounds more 1960s than anything I can think of, for some reason. I could have had this as a kid—and I might have liked it—all catchy songs, subtle accompaniment—sounds like some competent cats in the studio. Marianne Faithfull has a nice voice, it’s emotional but not crazy, and not her post-cigarettes voice. I remember when that “Broken English” record came out (I’m surprised, looking it up now, that it was as early as 1979)—that was a big deal. I went to see her sing at a small club in Cleveland—I don’t recall when, but sometime in the early 1980s—and I remember her rough voice and mysterious presence—and that she was quite attractive, but I felt, at the time, pretty old! Now, I realize she must have been in her thirties! But what did I know. How did we survive, pre-internet, anyway? Well, I was thrilled to see her—I wish I could remember where and when, exactly, and who I went with (or why I was alone). Some good songs on this record, including “I’m a Loser,” In My Time of Sorrow,” and “He’ll Come Back to Me.” One of my favorite recordings I’ve heard of hers is a version of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”—a stunning version, as I recall (not on this record). I’ll see if I can find it—and I’m wondering if there are any other excellent songs (that I haven’t heard) on that same record—and why not? Or on any other of her nearly two dozen records that I haven’t heard over the years.

12.27.24