Koobas - The First Cut Is the Deepest (1968)

As mentioned in our previous post featuring this band, the Koobas were signed by The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, in 1964. The members had first gotten together in 1962, exiting from other Liverpool bands such as The Thunderbeats and The Midnighters. They originally used the spelling “Kubas,” but changed to the spelling seen above prior to their signing. The band filmed a scene as the losing band in a Battle of the Bands competition for the 1965 film Ferry Cross the Mersey, featuring Gerry & the Pacemakers, but the scene was cut from the final take. Despite playing popular live shows, getting great reviews in the papers, and opening for bands such as The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and The Beatles, the band never made a single dent in any charts. In one last ditch effort in late 1968, EMI-Columbia allowed the band to record a full length album, Koobas. It was made up of the group’s earlier R&B sound with their new-found penchant for psychedelia, but failed commercially when released in early 1969. Whatever chance the band had to promote the album with a tour was gone when the band broke up nearly as soon as the album was finished.

Written by Cat Stephens, this song was first recorded and released by P. P. Arnold in the spring of 1967. It was also recorded by Stephens himself and released in December of 1967. This band’s version, released in early 1968, was the closest thing the band ever had to making a dent in the charts. Unfortunately, their release of the song was completely overshadowed by the version put out by P. P. Arnold and it never made it to the charts. Since, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Rod Stewart and, separately, Sheryl Crow.

If you like the track below, listen to "Where Are the Friends?" from the group's only album, Koobas.



Koobas - The First Cut Is the Deepest (1968)

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Lyrics:

I would have given you all of my heart
But somebody else has torn it apart
And they've taken almost all that I've got
But if you want, I'll try to love again
Baby, I'll try to love again 'cause I know

The first cut is the deepest
Baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest

And when it comes to bein’ lucky, she's first
When it comes to lovin' me, she's worst
But when it comes to bein' loved, she's first
That's how I know

The first cut is the deepest
Baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest

I still want you by my side
Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
And I'm sure gonna give you a try
And if you want, I'll try to love again
Baby, I'll try to love again 'cause I know

The first cut is the deepest
Baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest

And when it comes to bein’ lucky, she's first
When it comes to lovin' me, she's worst
But when it comes to bein' loved, she's first
That's how I know

The first cut is the deepest
Baby, I know
The first cut is the deepest
Baby, I know, yeah

Koobas - Where Are the Friends? (1969)

Signing a contract with The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, in 1964, this group never managed to gain more than a small cult following. They opened for The Beatles on The Beatles’ last British tour as well as opened for The Who and Jimi Hendrix, on separate tours, in 1967. Despite their best efforts, the group didn't make a large impression. When they disbanded, Tony O’Riley, the group’s drummer, briefly joined Yes to replace the college-bound Bill Bruford. Two months later, when O’Riley couldn’t keep up with the rest of the group at Yes’ live performances, the band begged Bruford to come back and O’Riley was dismissed.

Coming from the group’s last album, Barricades, this is the second track (and one of the best tracks) on the album. If you enjoy it, be sure to check out the other highlights it includes: “Gold Leaf Tree/Mr. Claire” and their phenomenal cover of a 1967 Cat Stevens' song, “The First Cut Is the Deepest”.



Koobas - Where Are the Friends? (1969)

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Lyrics:

As the twilight leads the way
For darkness over birth, descending
No one’s there to welcome home
The lonely one whose journey’s ending
Nothing but the memories
That linger in the mind forever
Memories of precious things
But meaningless ‘til we’re together

Where are the friends
That I thought would be here?
Maybe they’ve all lost their way
Or was I wrong
When I thought them sincere?
Have they forgotten the day?

Courage of my childhood
Inventions of our mind’s creation
Growing up as close as brothers
With no thoughts of separation
But it came and I believed
Our plan to meet again was honest
Did the years in passing
Put away the meaning of the promise?

Where are the friends
That I thought would be here?
Maybe they’ve all lost their way
Or was I wrong
When I thought them sincere?
Have they forgotten the day?

And if I stay
Will we all meet again?
If they remember to come
Just one old friend
Who would kindly explain
Why I’m the only one?

As the twilight leads the way
For darkness over birth, descending
No one’s there to welcome home
The lonely one whose journey’s ending
Nothing but the memories
That linger in the mind forever
Memories of precious things
But meaningless ‘til we’re together

Where are the friends?
(Where are the friends?)
Ah, where are the friends?
(Where are the friends?)