Byrdie Green [1973] - We Need Christmas Now More Than Any Other Year [Penda Mungu #PM100]

I felt that I just had to post this very poignant Christmas song after the year we have all just experienced.  I've held it back until Christmas Eve. It has truly been an 'annus horribilis' indeed, next year can only be better!

Byrdie Green recorded two version, one with a spoken message and without.

Spoken Version

 Non-Spoken Version

Byrdie Green [1969] - Don't Make It Hurt [Hallmark XX8]

Byrdie Green was soul/jazz singer from Detroit and was active mainly in the 60s. She died in 2008 aged 72.  Probably best known for 'Return Of The Prodigal Sun' from her 1968 album Sister Byrdie which was reissued on Jazzman in 2003 and to the popcorn scene for 'Tremblin'' on End in 1962.

Byrdie Green [1969] - Don't Make It Hurt [Hallmark XX8]

A beautifully crafted deep soul ballad written by Lori Burton & Pam Sawyer and delivered so soulfully by Byrdie Green with lush strings and wailing female backing singers.  One for the deep soul lovers and lowriders.

Byrdie Green [1969] - The Magic Of Your Love [Hallmark XX8]

String section in prominence on the intro.  This has a dated sound for 1969, it sounds much earlier - early 60s  'bossa nova'.  Interestingly both Discogs and 45Cat date this release as 1969 by her Wiki page states 1963.  This track certainly sounds from that era but the top side later.  The writer Vincent Catalano was active between 1958 to 1964 so perhaps it was just an old song they decided to put on the flip?