Product Code: SAPCOR 21
Artist: Mary Hopkin
Origin: New Zealand
Label: Apple Records (1971)
Format: LP
Availability: Enquire Now
Condition:
Cover: VG+
Record: VG+
Genre: Folk Rock , Rock U

Earth Song / Ocean Song

Very smart clean vinyl with a nice gloss gatefold cover

Mary's first effort for the label was a Paul McCartney production in every sense of the word. Paul selected the songs and worked out the arrangements. He even designed the cover and had future wife Linda take the photographs. It was a reflection of Paul's musical tastes, combining folk music with standards and show tunes. While Mary performed admirably, one got the feeling that Paul could have done the same album with another female singer and achieved similar results.

When Paul grew disenchanted with Apple, he stopped working with Apple artists. The company needed to find another producer for Mary. Tony Visconti was brought in to produce a re-recording of "Sparrow" with Mary singing in her native Welsh. Because Mary did not discuss the session with Apple, the company assumed that she did not like Visconti and lined up another producer, Mickie Most.

Her next Apple singles, both released in 1970, were the Mickie Most productions "Temma Harbour," a breezy pop tune with a Caribbean feel, complete with steel drums, and "Knock Knock Who's There," which was reminiscent of Paul's work with Mary. Although "Temma Harbour" was a U.S. and U.K. hit and "Knock Knock Who's There" got to number two on the U.K. charts (it wasn't issued in the U.S.), neither song was the type of music Hopkin wanted to record. (They are not included as bonus tracks on either of the new Apple remasters, but will be issued on the Mary Hopkin best of collection "Those Were The Days" if Apple decides to issue more remasters.).