What do The Byrds' The Ballad of Easy Rider, Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys' Evergreen Vol. 2, and Helen Reddy's Music, Music all have in common?  Every one of those albums features a song by Pamela Polland.  Also known as one-half of the sixties folk-pop duo The Gentle Soul and a member of Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen ensemble, Polland's songs have additionally been recorded by artists as diverse as Vikki Carr, Nancy Ames, Bobby Bare, The Pointer Sisters, and Anita Carter.  But it's less well-known that Polland recorded two albums of her own for Columbia Records - one of which never saw the light of day...until now.  On March 8, the U.K.'s BGO Records label will reissue 1972's Pamela Polland together with the worldwide debut of the California singer-songwriter's second album, Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant?, in a deluxe, slipcased package.

Championed by Clive Davis and primarily produced by George Daly, Pamela Polland introduced Polland's warm, joyful, and altogether inviting voice as a solo artist.  She was supported by an illustrious "Who's Who" of musicians including Nicky Hopkins, David Briggs, Eddie Hinton, Kenny Buttrey, Norbert Putnam, and Tommy Cogbill plus guest stars Taj Mahal, Warner Bros. and Capitol artist Marc McClure, and Dennis Locorriere, Ray Sawyer, and George Cummings of Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.  Recorded in San Francisco and Nashville, the album featured Pamela on piano.  Reviewing an engagement at New York's Bitter End in support of the album release, Billboard observed that "Miss Polland has a rich, colorful voice which she uses to excellent advantage on her own compositions...Her songs, which concern love in all its passionate permutations, are just right for her."  The trade paper reported that the single "In My Imagination" attracted FM radio airplay along with "Please Mr. D.J." and "Abalone Dream," and the album sold a respectable 25,000 copies.

Davis gave the green light for a follow-up.  Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant?  was helmed by producer Gus Dudgeon, then in the midst of a hit streak with Elton John.  Dudgeon booked sessions at London's famed Trident Studios, enlisting arranger Del Newman, engineer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie) and musicians including Ray Fenwick, Herbie Flowers, and Elton's percussionist Ray Cooper.  Joan Armatrading, then working with Dudgeon, added vocals on "Wild Roses."   Additional sessions were held in Los Angeles featuring Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, and return appearances by Taj Mahal and Marc McClure.  The Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston even contributed background vocals.  (Johnston and Gentle Soul producer Terry Melcher went on to record Pamela's "Tulsa County Blue" on their Equinox label in 1975.)  All told, thirteen tracks were completed, eleven of which were selected for the final running order.  Before the LP could be scheduled for release, however, Clive Davis was let go from Columbia in a flurry of controversy.  Polland's sophomore album was lost in the shuffle, and the decision was ultimately made by the label brass to leave it on the shelf and let her contract expire.  One of the album's many beautiful songs, "Music, Music," went on to a second life when Helen Reddy recorded it as the title track of her 1976 Gold-certified album.

Pamela Polland has since moved to Hawaii, established herself as a vocal coach, ukulele teacher, and environmental activist.  She has recorded two well-received independent albums.  Now, the roots of her solo artistry can be appreciated anew.  BGO's 2-CD collection offers Pamela Polland on the first disc, and Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant? on the second disc, with all thirteen tracks recorded during the sessions.  The set boasts an impressive 28-page booklet featuring copious photographs, credits, and a comprehensive and compelling essay by the collection's producer, Charles Donovan, drawing on a fresh interview with the artist.  Andrew Thompson has beautifully remastered both albums.

Look for the very special release of Pamela Polland/Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant? from BGO Records on March 8.  You'll find pre-order links below!

Pamela Polland/Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant? (BGO, 2019) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada Link TBD)

CD 1: Pamela Polland (Columbia KC 31116, 1972)

1. In My Imagination
2. Out of My Hands (Still in My Heart)
3. Sing-a-Song Man
4. When I Got Home
5. Please Mr. D.J.
6. Abalone Dream
7. The Rescuer
8. Sugar Dad
9. The Teddy Bears' Picnic
10. The Dream (For Karuna)
11. Texas
12. Lighthouse

CD 2: Have You Heard the One About the Gas Station Attendant? (rec. 1973, previously unreleased)

1. The Refuge
2. Wild Roses
3. You Stand by Me
4. To Earl
5. Music, Music
6. Thank You Operator
7. Willsdon Manor
8. Untitled (Dusty Rose)
9. The Ship
10. Prelude
11. The Clearing
12. Didn't Get Enough of Your Love
13. Take in the Light