The Troggs - The Singles A's & B's (3CD Box, Repertoire 2004) RESTORED

This superb 3-CD set of Troggs' treasures covers their vintage years from 1966 to 1978 and stretches beyond into the early nineties. With some 70 tracks and a further nine special bonus items, we embark on a musical Odyssey that explores every aspect of Troggs-mania. Here are all the A and B-sides that came pouring out during their heyday, and there is even a fascinating glimpse back to the pre-Troggs era…

That was the blood-curdling yell that launched The Troggs onto a rampage to the top of the charts. The fondly remembered performance ensured that the group, fronted by singer Reg Presley, became living legends. Yet the British group that so livened up the Sixties was no one hit wonder. They unleashed a succession of cracking songs that ensured they were always in the public's good favour. Although their first success was a 'cover' version of an American tune, The Troggs would go on to develop their skills as songwriters. The ability of Reg Presley-in particular-to devise original material, meant their critical status improved along with their chart positions. The group unleashed a veritable barrage of singles and albums during their early career, many of which are now being carefully restored for modern consumption. This superb 3-CD set of Troggs' treasures covers their vintage years from 1966 to 1978 and stretches beyond into the early nineties. With some 70 tracks and a further nine special bonus items, we embark on a musical Odyssey that explores every aspect of Troggs-mania. Here are all the A and B-sides that came pouring out during their heyday, and there is even a fascinating glimpse back to the pre-Troggs era.

At nearly 80 tracks spread over three CDs, this set collects more Troggs than most people will truly be able to bear, finishing with several solo sides by lead singer Reg Presley. The group's biggest hits are here, including its signature caveman stomper "Wild Thing" (written by Chip Taylor and featuring an improbable ocarina solo), the pop gem "With a Girl Like You", and the breezy ballad "Love Is All Around", but what makes this package really interesting are the various other tracks that either show the Troggs trying to replicate their biggest successes by cloning them under the guise of a new song or truly stretching into different territory. Presley's vocals range from sneering to sweet, mellow, and flowery, depending on the song, but what emerges here is the fact that the Troggs, although they had a proto-punk image thanks to the 1966 success of "Wild Thing", were really a power pop band specializing in pretty ballads, and they were quite good at it.

~ Steve Leggett, all media guide

Disc 1:

01. Lost Girl
02. The Yella In Me
03. Wild Thing
04. From Home
05. With A Girl Like You
06. I Want You
07. I Can't Control Myself
08. Gonna Make You
09. Anyway That You Want Me
10. 66 5 4 3 2 1 (I Know What You Want)
11. Give It To Me
12. You're Lyin'
13. Night Of The Long Grass
14. Girl In Black
15. My Lady
16. Hi Hi Hazel
17. As I Ride By
18. Love Is All Around
19. When Will The Rain Come
20. Little Girl
21. Maybe The Madman
22. Surprise Surprise
23. Marble And Some Gum
24. You Can Cry If You Want
25. There's Something About You
26. Hip Hip Hooray
27. Say Darlin'
28. Evil Woman
29. Sweet Madelaine

all track recorded in mono except tracks "15/19/28" - recorded in stereo


Disc 2:

01. Jingle Jangle
02. No. 10 Downing Street
03. That's What You Get Girl
04. I Don't Know Why
05. Easy Lovin'
06. Give Me Something
07. Lover
08. Come Now
09. The Raver
10. You
11. Lazy Weekend
12. Let's Pull Together
13. Everything's Funny
14. Feels Like A Woman
15. Listen To The Man
16. Queen Of Sorrow
17. Strange Movies
18. I'm On Fire
19. Good Vibrations
20. Push It Up To Me
21. Wild Thing (Reggae Version)
22. Summertime (Single Version)
23. Jenny Come Down
24. Satisfaction
25. Memphis Tennessee
26. Peggy Sue

all track recorded in stereo except tracks "1-6/10/13/14/18" - recorded in mono


Disc 3:

01. I'll Buy You An Island
02. Gonna Make You
03. Supergirl
04. Get You Tonight
05. Feeling For Love
06. Just A Little Too Much
07. Coz We're Dancing
08. Fast Train
09. Black Bottom
10. I Love You Baby
11. Every Little Thing
12. Blackjack And Poker
13. Don't You Know
14. Nowhere Road
15. Every Little Thing (Extended Mix)
16. Baby's Back In Town (Ten Feet Five) [Bonus track]
17. Send Me No More Lovin' (Ten Feet Five) [Bonus track]
18. Carolyn (Ronnie Bond) [Bonus track]
19. Anything For You (Ronnie Bond) [Bonus track]
20. Lucinda Lee (Reg Presley) [Bonus track]
21. Wichita Lineman (Reg Presley) [Bonus track]
22. Young And Beautiful (Reg Presley) [Bonus track]
23. 'S Down To You Marianne (Reg Presley) [Bonus track]
24. Hey Little Girl (Reg Presley) [Bonus track]

all track recorded in stereo except tracks "6/16-21/23" - recorded in mono





Release Date: November 21, 2005
Format: Original Recording Remastered
Number of Discs: 3
Label: Repertoire Records (UK) Ltd
Catalog No.: REPUK 1028

The Troggs - Archeology (1966-1976) [2CD Box, 1992]