string(3) "dev" Rocky Sharpe - If You Wanna Be Happy: The Polydor & RAK Masters And More - Ace Records

If You Wanna Be Happy: The Polydor & RAK Masters And More Rocky Sharpe

£11.50

Genre:
Rock'n'Roll
Label:
Chiswick
Format:
CD
Catalogue Id:
CDWIKD 316

Handle Artists Management became involved with Rocky Sharpe & The Replays in 1979 following their initial chart success. As a producer I had already been working with Handle’s David Walker for a number of years, reaping the benefits of his successful organisation. Although progress was slow at first, we did eventually begin to see the results of our collective efforts as the group became increasingly more popular with many of the major TV shows both in the UK and mainland Europe.

Ever conscious that newly recorded material would be needed, David Walker was agreeable for us to enter the studios fairly regularly but thought a label change might offer better prospects. David discussed this idea with Dave Most at RAK Records. Enthusiastic about the possibility of having the group on his label, it was Mickie Most who came up with the idea of covering an exceedingly obscure song – ‘Clap Your Hands’ – originally recorded by Canadian band the Beaumarks.

Clap Your Hands’ made a brief appearance in the UK charts rising to #54 in August 1982 but proved to be the only release for Rocky and his cohorts on RAK. A follow-up was recorded in October 1982 – ‘First Crush’ – but disappointingly, not considered strong enough and duly rejected by Mickie. David Walker was given a release from the agreement with RAK and took the group to Polydor.

Most of the titles included on the “Stop! Please Stop!” Polydor album were recorded during 1982 and early 1983 – four of the songs originals and the others covers chosen by the group. . The album was released in late spring 1983 but, despite all our efforts and those at Handle, it received little exposure and did not sell too well. We were all very disheartened, especially as it was our feeling it included some of our best work. Thankfully, though, the release and subsequent chart success of ‘If You Wanna Be Happy’ put a big smile back on our faces when it rose to #46 a few months later. Rocky picked the song, originally recorded by Jimmy Soul, and described it as a “thoroughly silly but catchy song that would create a memorable impression”. His suggestion proved to be a stroke of genius.

On the back of that success, the group were soon to become a firm favourite with Cannon and Ball. Indeed, Rocky Sharpe & The Replays were to work with the popular comedy duo through three consecutive ‘seasons’ all across the UK, adding to their already strong fan base. After Polydor they re-signed with Ace Records, but all too soon the group disbanded and the members went their separate ways.

The music of Rocky Sharpe & The Replays is still popular and his CD release show exactly why. Rock’n’roll and a good tune, forever will stand.

By Mike Vernon (The Boogie Man)

Share

Track listing

Show

Side 1

Delivery & Returns

Show

We offer free P&P to UK addresses. For all other territories packaging is free and postage is charged on a weight basis.

We use Royal Mail First Class for UK deliveries and standard Air Mail for all other territories, very large orders will usually be sent via parcelforce. You may cancel your order at any time prior to your order being dispatched by emailing us at orders@acerecords.com ensuring that you quote your name, address and order reference number or by telephoning +44 (0) 208 453 1311 between 9am and 5pm GMT/BST, Monday to Friday. Please note: As music downloads are dispatched immediately after purchase, there is no possibility of cancelling these orders.

In the event that any products supplied to you by us are damaged or defective, we agree to replace or repair the damaged or defective products or refund the amount you paid for such goods (including postage & packaging) providing you notify us (either via post at or e-mail: orders@acerecords.com ) and return the goods within 28 days of purchase. Physical goods should be sent back to us in the same condition you received them to: “Returns” Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the e-mail address above including a copy of your notification.

You have the right to cancel your order within seven days of purchase, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). If you choose to cancel your order, full payment will be returned to you. Returned items should be sent to: “Returns” c/o Bus Stop Mail Order Ltd, 42-50 Steele Road, London, NW10 7AS. Music downloads should be returned to us via the email address: orders@acerecords.com including a copy of your notice of cancellation and order number.

Customer reviews

Show

Related products

Customers who bought this item also bought