Fanny - Fanny (Canadian edition) 1971

Fanny are often cited as being the first all-female rock band, and while that might be arguable, they were certainly one of the first all-girl bands to write their own material and rock out with the best of their male counterparts. The four original members of Fanny were sisters June Millington (guitar, vocals) and Jean Millington (bass, vocals), with Alice de Buhr (drums, vocals), and Nickey Barclay (keyboards, vocals). June and Nickey were the primary songwriters for the band, but Jean and Alice made significant contributions to their repertoire and all four participated in arranging the songs and crafting their stage performances. Some of the biggest music stars of the time, from David Bowie to Deep Purple to George Harrison to the Kinks, were so blown away by these four teenaged rockers that they went out of their way to promote the band and to book them as an opening act. In fact Bowie was quoted in 1999 as saying 'One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace. And that is Fanny. They were one of the finest fucking rock bands of their time, in about 1973. They were extraordinary: They wrote everything, they played like motherfuckers, they were just colossal and wonderful, and nobody’s ever mentioned them. They’re as important as anybody else who’s ever been, ever; it just wasn’t their time. Revivify Fanny. And I will feel that my work is done'. 
They were also the first all female rock act to record a whole album for a major record label, with Reprise releasing the 'Fanny' album in 1970. The band were soon back in the studio recording songs for the follow-up record, and at this point Reprise decided to release that first album in Canada. Tapes were duly sent off to the pressing plant, and it wasn't until the finished article was in the shops that someone noticed that the wrong tapes had been sent. Not only did they contain only a few songs from the debut, but they were mixed in with early versions of songs destined for their second album 'Charity Ball', and even some songs that have never since seen the light of day outside Canada. With the release of the 'First Time In A Long Time' box set, I was able to piece together this Canadian rarity, and it's certainly worth hearing even if you already have their first few albums. The cover is the reverse of the US edition, and the notes on the songs below are taken from the fannyrocks.com website.

Charity Ball (June Millington, Jean Millington, Alice de Buhr)
A shorter, sparser version of the song that would end up as the title track on ‘Charity Ball’, their second album.
Place in the Country (Nickey Barclay)
A slower paced, looser, funkier version of the song that would turn up on ‘Charity Ball’.
Changes (June Millington)
A rare June Millington up-tempo rocker boasting some interesting melodic ideas and a great harmonic lurch in the middle section. One of June’s best vocal performances, she really seems to be having fun. Shame this one was dropped from the US release.
One Step at a Time (Josephine Armstead, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson)
This gospel-tinged rocker was originally recorded by Maxine Brown in the mid 1960s and Fanny makes a good job of covering it by stripping it right down to its bare bones and punctuating it with powerfully pregnant pauses. The dual vocal lines are carefully handled and the whole effect is emotionally strong.
Conversation With a Cop (Nickey Barclay)
Same as the version on the US release.
Nowhere to Run (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland)
This workmanlike rerun of Martha and the Vandellas’ old Motown hit is not the best cover Fanny has attempted and it is perhaps not surprising that it was dropped from the US release.
Seven Roads (June Millington, Jean Millington, Alice de Buhr)
A marginally different take to the version that appeared on the US release.
Take a Message to the Captain (Nickey Barclay)
Same as the version on the US release.
Come and Hold Me (June Millington, Jean Millington)
Same as the version on the US release.
Lady’s Choice (June Millington, Jean Millington)
The last two songs on this album are probably the most interesting. This one has a rhythmically complex melody asking much of Alice’s drumming and Jean’s bass playing. Both rise to the challenge and make this a standout track.
New Day (June Millington, Jean Millington)
A languid and fitting end to the album, this song is beautifully constructed and realized from the unusual melodic ideas and surprising harmonica break, to the loose-limbed play out where Nickey is given full rein to unleash her keyboard prowess. Alice’s jazz drumming and Jean’s walking bass add to the mood perfectly. One of the best songs on the album and should never have been left off the US release.

Track listing

01 Charity Ball
02 Place In The Country
03 Changes
04 One Step At A Time
05 Conversation With A Cop
06 Nowhere To Run
07 Seven Roads
08 Take A Message To The Captain
09 Come And Hold Me
10 Lady's Choice
11 New Day