FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 2, 2006

DEAR JERRY: For many years I have read and enjoyed your weekly feature, but your recent column about “Stop the Cavalry,” by the Cory Band and Gwalia Singers really touched home — especially the question of its availability on CD.

That's because I am the one who licensed “Stop the Cavalry” from Stiff Records, and made it available on CD, a project that became far more complicated than I could have imagined.

After agreeing to the deal, the Stiff staff could not find a “Stop the Cavalry” master anywhere in their archives. I am told the tape was reused to record one of their punk rock groups, the mainstay music style of Stiff. They just left it up to me to find an audio source, my only option being a copy of the 45.

The original 45 rpm (Stiff-Sound of the Valley) is in stereo, and a copy of that disc is my source for the CD. As far as anyone knows, it is the only source for the stereo recording.

“Stop the Cavalry” finally came out on CD in 1997.

Our first printing was 1,000 copies and they were gone in less than three weeks. We have since made more.

The second track on the CD is “The Longest Day,” the theme from the World War 2 movie of the same name. This Paul Anka composition is an excellent companion piece to “Stop the Cavalry,” and is also the B-side of the original single.
—Duane Smart, Seattle, Wash.

DEAR DUANE: Thank you for an important and informative update to the “Stop the Cavalry” saga.

Since this topic first appeared in the column, many have written seeking such a CD. You are clearly that source.

“Stop the Cavalry” (Plus One DWS11344) can be had for $11 postpaid. Order from: Duane Smart, 10815 42nd Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98146-1641.

Also included in the package are the somewhat hard to understand lyrics!

For more information, including overseas inquiries, e-mail: StopTheCavalry@aol.com.

DEAR JERRY: It seems I love all those obscure songs that no one else remembers.

For example, in the mid-to-late '70s I liked a song in which a man pretends he's having a phone conversation with his boss, identified as Mr. Jordan. Afterwards he tells the wife he has to go to his office and work late.

Of course he is really going out to meet his lady friend, though not before he and his wife talk about how happy and devoted they are.

The phone rings again and the wife answers. Now it is her secret lover. She tells him her husband has left the house and she is looking forward to their rendezvous.
—Floyd Miller, Lutz, Fla.

DEAR FLOYD: Your recall of the story line is perfect, all that's missing is the title and artist.

This early 1976 hit is “Without Your Love (Mr. Jordan),” and it is by Charlie Ross (Big Tree 16056).

Those wanting the complete the Mr. Jordan soap opera will need the 1977 sequel, “Without Your Love Mr. Jordan, Part II” (Zodiac 1022), also by Charlie Ross.

IZ ZAT SO? Based on the archaic sound, as well as the lyrics, many listeners believe “Stop the Cavalry” to be a 1940s recording.

Though we now know it is from a 1981 session, the mystery remains about that '40s sound.