But Chocs Away still enjoyed some great reviews and our singles Speedway and Hit Records were played a little on Radio One. Exuding optimism, UK Records exercised their option for another LP, to be produced this time by the group, with some input from Jonathan. This was a fundamental error; installed for two weeks in a residential studio to which Jonathan would make flying visits in his Rolls Royce Corniche, we struggled to get a 'drum sound'. During breaks at the local pub, Jonathan would proclaim to all within earshot, "I've made ten thousand pounds from the record industry today, dear." Unfortunately, none of this was with the Kursaal Flyers.
The Great Artiste sold poorly, but one of its songs, Cruisin' For Love, was deemed to be a potential hit, if re-recorded. And who would be the lucky candidate for this challenging production task? Why, none other than Wombles mastermind, Mike Batt. The Kursaals certainly weren't afraid of aligning themselves with novelty hit-makers, but Cruisin' For Love flopped and JK decided to cut his losses.
Our manager had been in talks with Dan Loggins at CBS, who was keen to acquire our services. A transfer deal was arranged. In the hot summer of 1976, sessions for The Golden Mile LP commenced with Mike Batt firmly in charge. One of our songs, Little Does She Know, had started out as waltz-time country song, but we suspected it might be made more grandiose. Mike asked us how we saw it and Paul, who envisaged an over-the-top Phil Spector-type production, gave him a drawing of a kitchen sink.
Mike definitely got the joke and proceeded to add all kinds of orchestrations and effects to the over-the-top production. The most memorable session was when he decided he wanted cannon blasts a la 1812 overture and hired an army marksman with a big rifle. The studio filled with smoke as the poor chap attempted to pull the trigger in time with the music. His excellent work can be heard towards the end of the track.
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