Joe SOUTH - You're The Reason - The Early Years

Although nowadays chiefly remembered for his 1969 million-seller 'Games People Play', JOE SOUTH had been writing, recording and producing records since the late 1950s.

This compilation presents South's first dozen 45s, recorded between 1958- 62 for a variety of Georgia-based labels, plus a studio outtake and three of his early songwriting/production successes with other artists.

Features his earliest hits, 'The Purple People Eater Meets The Witch Doctor' and our title track, 'You're The Reason', alongside regional hits/collectors' rarities like 'I'm Snowed', 'What A Night', 'Play It Cool' and 'Masquerade'.

The bonus tracks feature Billy Joe Royal, Linda Brannon and The Tams, whose 'Untie Me' was Joe's first major national hit as a writer and producer.

This is the very first comprehensive compilation of South's early career, and a half-dozen of these sides have never previously appeared on CD.

Track Listing

1. I'M SNOWED
2. IT'S ONLY YOU
3. THE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER MEETS THE WITCH DOCTOR
4. MY FONDEST MEMORIES
5. TEXAS AIN'T THE BIGGEST ANYMORE
6. ONE FOOL TO ANOTHER
7. WHAT A NIGHT
8. CHILLS
9. BABY, THAT'S ALRIGHT
10. PLAY IT COOL
11. LITTLE BLUEBIRD
12. TELL THE TRUTH
13. IF YOU KNEW HER
14. LET'S TALK IT OVER
15. FORMALITY
16. YOU'RE THE REASON
17. JUKE BOX
18. BYE BYE MY LOVE (as The Chips)
19. WHAT A LIE (as The Chips)
20. MASQUERADE
21. I'M SORRY FOR YOU
22. JUST TO BE WITH YOU AGAIN
23. SLIPPIN' AROUND
24. JUST REMEMBER YOU'RE MINE
25. SILLY ME
Bonus Tracks
26. BILLY JOE ROYAL - DARK GLASSES
27. LINDA BRANNON - DEEP INSIDE ME
28. THE TAMS - UNTIE ME