The sounds of the ’68 Merseys, searching for another hit
“Penny In My Pocket” / “I Hope You’re Happy” (Fontana TF 916) March 1968
Attractive song, and it would be nice to see the Merseys back, tunnelling their way up the chart. But despite the bouncy, cheerful qualities of their performance, and the use of harmonica to good effect, it’s not strong enough. (Melody Maker, 23/03/68)
This could easily be a hit; good song, and a welcome return for the duo after a year off the disc scene. Harmonica added. Just missed a tip, but I feel I’ll be proved wrong. (Record Mirror, 23/03/68)
“Lovely Loretta” / “Dreaming” (Fontana TF 955) July 1968
There’s a star studded (Dave Dee, Wayne Fontana, Beaky, Tich etc.) on this, lumped together as the Funky Bottom congregation – alone worth the price of admission, folks. The song is fair enough, one supposes, though it’s not a stand-out.
But the production is health, alive and could restore the two lads to the charts. Happy-go-lucky. Flip; Fair enough. (Record Mirror, 20/07/68)
I think this will have to get a lot of plugging. I think it’s the Merseys and, it I’m right, it’s the best they have done for a long time. I think it’s a good record, but it will need a lot of work from the record company to make it a hit. (Melody Maker, Blind Date, 20/07/68)
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