Hazel O'Connor - Smile (Coming in February)

[Rubellan]

For fans of Hazel, her very rare 1984 major label debut album "Smile" will be released in February, remastered by yours truly. The LP is pretty rare, and has not previously been on CD. There's currently 3 bonus tracks approved, though there's a couple of other later songs that are going to be investigated in the coming months. Both Hazel and Martin Rushent will be contacted to see if they would like to contribute to the booklet.

OK, so I will admit that this is not Hazel's best work. That remains her 1981 classic "Cover Plus". With this album Hazel attempted to grow up, and a number of the songs are really godawful "adult contemporary", which included two of the three singles released. My personal interest in Hazel's music ended with this album. After hearing some of her 90's releases, it was clear the punk/alt sound was long gone and she was now light rock/soul music. "Smile" was very much her transition from past to present.

The first single released from the album is the excellent dance influenced "Don't touch me". The extremely rare video for the song can be seen (near complete) on you tube, and it features George Michael, a long time friend of Hazel's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGiUTOe33hU

[yipyipcoyote]

Wow I can't believe this! I have always wanted 'Smile' on CD. Another nice surprise from Rubellan. Will it be on Cherry Red again? Another must-buy.

Actually I've never heard the album and I'm not sure whether the whole thing was produced by Martin Rushent. I just dug out the 12" of Don't Touch Me, and on the b-side is a medley of "Don't touch me/Bring it on home to me (Extended Dance Mix)" (He was into medleys at the time - much like what he did with Pete Shelley 'Telephone Operator/Many A Time') I hope this will make it onto the CD.

The clip is grainy but great. And what a powerful voice.

[Rubellan]

Yes, the CD will be on Cherry Red. It will not contain the medley, though will include the dance mix of "Don't Touch Me". Martin Rushent had a (nasty) habit of removing most vocals from 12" mixes. The version going to be included on the CD will be very similar to the medley mix, though it will contain all the lyrics, and will not include the instrumental "Bring it on home to me". This is the version I have.

Scott

[Ollie Stench]

I found the original vinyl of "Smile" a few years ago in the used bin. I played half of the first side and filed it away. "Breaking Glass" and "Cover Plus" still get played quite often, but "Smile" just sits on the shelf looking pretty.

[Rubellan]

Scheduled for March 17. Will now include Hazel's 1986 single on Red Bus records as bonus tracks. Neither track is stunning, but they fit well in the context of the album.

Scott