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Help Yourself (band)

From Alfawiki
Help Yourself
Company typeRock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1970 in London, England
FounderJohn Eichler (band assembled to back Malcolm Morley)
Defunct1973 (initial breakup)
FateDisbanded, brief reunions and album release in 2002–2003
Headquarters
London
,
England
ProductsStudio albums, live recordings, singles

Help Yourself, often referred to as "The Helps", was an English rock ensemble active during the early 1970s. Originally formed to serve as the backing band for singer-songwriter Malcolm Morley, they gradually transformed into a pub rock outfit infused with psychedelic elements. Over their career, they issued four studio albums before disbanding, and then released a fifth album three decades later. The group is distinguished by the notable musicians who cycled through its ranks.

History

Help Yourself came together in London in 1970 with the purpose of supporting Malcolm Morley, who had recently been signed as a solo artist by Famepushers. The band was put together by John Eichler, who selected members based on their musicianship and unique qualities.

Their first album, Help Yourself, was recorded between late 1970 and early 1971 featuring Morley (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Dave Charles (drums, percussion, vocals), Richard Treece (lead guitar, harmonica, vocals), and Ken Whaley (bass). Before performing live, they secured a contract with Liberty Records through A&R executive Andrew Lauder and subsequently toured as part of the Downhome Rhythm Kings package alongside Brinsley Schwarz and Ernie Graham. Following this tour, Whaley departed without being replaced.

In 1971, Help Yourself relocated to Headley Grange shortly after Led Zeppelin IV was recorded there, joined by Ernie Graham (vocals, guitar) and Jonathan "Jojo" Glemser (guitar). With Graham and Glemser onboard, Treece switched from lead guitar to bass. The band appeared at the 1971 Glastonbury Festival, and their track "Street Songs" was included on the United Artists compilation All Good Clean Fun. They also toured Switzerland with Man and Gypsy.

The group's sophomore album, Strange Affair, was recorded at Rockfield Studios with Treece initially handling bass duties; Paul Burton later joined on bass, guitar, and vocals to complete the recording. Released in early 1972, this album marked the exit of Graham and Glemser.

The lineup of Morley, Treece, Charles, and Burton recorded a session for John Peel in April 1972 and soon after released Beware The Shadow. During this period, roadie Sean Tyla contributed to songwriting. After finishing the album, the band moved out of Headley Grange; Tyla went on to form Ducks Deluxe with former member Ken Whaley.

Shortly before touring for Beware The Shadow, Morley suffered from depression. Deke Leonard, recently dismissed from Man, stepped in as his replacement and stayed with Help Yourself thereafter. The band also supported Leonard on his solo project Iceberg.

In December 1972, Help Yourself performed at Man's Christmas Party alongside Leonard and B.J. Cole; this performance was prominently featured on the double 10" release Christmas at the Patti. By this time, Whaley had once again left the group.

Although critically praised, none of their initial three albums achieved strong sales. Their hippie-tinged style gained some traction in the U.S., despite never touring there.

In 1973, Help Yourself intended to embark on a vaudeville-inspired tour called "Happy Days", featuring Roger Ruskin Spear among others. Recording commenced in January; however, Burton exited due to disagreements over the theatrical concept. Whaley returned as they completed two albums: Happy Days and The Return of Ken Whaley, which were supported by a two-month tour; initial copies of Happy Days included a free album.

Despite limited commercial success and few live performances, United Artists surprisingly requested another album mid-1973. With Sean Tyla rejoining them, Help Yourself began work on an album titled 5, commissioning artwork from Rick Griffin. However, with only partial material developed and eight tracks recorded, the project was abandoned when the band dissolved in August 1973.

They briefly reunited for "The Amazing ZigZag Concert" in April 1974 featuring a core lineup augmented by guest appearances from Burton and Leonard.

Although unfinished at that time and unreleased initially, the album 5 was eventually completed in 2002/2003 by Morley, Treece, Whaley, and Kevin Spacey on drums (Charles was unavailable). It saw release in 2004 following renewed interest sparked by Morley's 2001 solo album Aliens.

Musical style

Help Yourself's music combined pub rock with elements of psychedelic influence. Ned Raggett from AllMusic characterized their sound as "a more grounded version of Pink Floyd or Hawkwind set amidst the English countryside," though they did not closely resemble either group. Dave Thompson observed that, despite being likened to Man, Help Yourself embodied the British pub rock ethos more authentically than many prominent bands within the scene. Raggett also described them as "a bar band suited for those who preferred spending their time basking in the sunshine."

Personnel

  • Malcolm Morley – keyboards, guitar, vocals (1970–1973 & 2002–2003)
  • Richard Treece – guitar, bass, vocals (1970–1973 & 2002–2003)
  • Dave Charles – drums, percussion, vocals (1970–1973)
  • Ken Whaley – bass (1970–1971, 1973 & 2002–2003)
  • Paul Burton – bass, guitar, vocals (1971–1973)
  • Jonathan "Jojo" Glemser – guitar (1971)
  • Ernie Graham – guitar, vocals (1971)
  • Sean Tyla – guitar, vocals (1972 & 1973)
  • Deke Leonard – guitar (1972)
  • Kevin Spacey – drums (2002–2003)

Richard Treece

After Help Yourself, Richard Treece had a short stint with Deke Leonard's Iceberg before reuniting with George and Martin Ace in The Flying Aces. He also performed with The Splendid Humans and later teamed up with ex-Man members Phil Ryan and Will Youatt in The Neutrons. In 2000, Treece released a solo effort titled Dream Arena East and subsequently founded 'The Archers' alongside Ken Whaley; this group eventually transformed into 'The Green Ray'.

The Green Ray's lineup included Treece on guitar and vocals, Ken Whaley handling bass and vocals, Simon Whaley on drums, and Simon Haspeck contributing guitar and vocals. They produced three albums: Soft Cloud (2002), Back from the Edge (2006) featuring Aaron Liddard, and a live recording titled Classic Rock Club, Cheshunt, 5 January 2008 which included Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond. A performance DVD was also released showcasing a show with guest Barry "The Fish" Melton. In 2007, the band performed on the Green Stage at Glastonbury Festival. Richard Treece passed away on 26 May 2015.

Paul Burton

Following his participation on Iceberg's debut album and an Irish tour with the band led by Deke Leonard, Paul Burton departed from the group. He then worked for Manticore Records—associated with Emerson, Lake & Palmer—where he managed their rehearsal facility located in Fulham Broadway. Subsequently, Burton took on the role of tour manager for Baker Gurvitz Army (featuring Ginger Baker, Burton himself, and Adrian Gurvitz) until January 1975. After marrying, he transitioned into chauffeuring and later became managing director of a UK branch of a Swiss electronics firm for over 25 years. Retiring in 2007, he resided in Devon with his second wife. Paul Burton died on 12 July 2023.

Albums

  • Help Yourself (1971) Liberty (UK LBS 83484 / US LBS 5583) Allmusic
  • Strange Affair (1972) United Artists (UK UAS 29287 / US UAS 5591) Allmusic
  • Beware The Shadow (1972) United Artists (UAS 29413) Allmusic
  • The Return of Ken Whaley (1973) United Artists (UAS 29487) Allmusic
  • Happy Days (with the Flying Aces and Spiv) (1973) United Artists (UA Free 1), distributed free with the first 5,000 copies of The Return of Ken Whaley
  • 5 (comprising eight unreleased tracks from 1973 plus three from 2002/2003) (2004) Hux Records (HUX054)

Live recordings

Singles

  • "Running Down Deep" / "Paper Leaves" (1971) Liberty (LBF15459)
  • "Heaven Row" / "Brown Lady" (1972) United Artists (UP 35355)
  • "Mommy Won’t Be Home for Christmas" / "Johnny B. Goode" (1972) United Artists (UP 35466)

Compilation releases

  • Strange Affair paired with Beware The Shadow, issued as a double LP in Germany (1997)
  • Combined release of Help Yourself and Beware The Shadow on a single CD (1998)
  • Double CD reissue containing Strange Affair, The Return of Ken Whaley, and Happy Days (1999) Allmusic
  • Reaffirmation: An Anthology 1971-73, featuring remastered selections from the initial four albums, live recordings, and singles (Esoteric, 2014)
  • Passing Through: The Complete Studio Recordings, a remastered anthology encompassing the first four albums, live tracks, singles, unreleased sessions, plus Malcolm Morley's solo album Lost and Found (Esoteric, 2021)

Sampler appearances

  • The original 1971 double album All Good Clean Fun includes the track "Street Songs" (UDX 201/2)
  • The 2004 triple CD reissue of All Good Clean Fun features three songs: "Street Songs", "Eddie Waring", and "Re-affirmation" (Liberty 8660902)
  • The compilation Naughty Rhythms: The Best of Pub Rock contains the track "Alabama Lady" by Help Yourself (1996) EMI Premier (37968)
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