An early R&B invasion band from Northern Ireland featuring Van Morrison. After Van split, the band explored psychedelic rock with interesting results.
Them were an early British Invasion act from Northern Ireland led by the soulful voice of a young Van Morrison. Their second single, “Baby Please Don’t Go” b/w “Gloria,” proved to be their commercial breakthrough and was followed four months later by the international hit, “Here Comes The Night.” Their first full-length record, The “Angry” Young Them, combined the raw energy of The Rolling Stones with a unique sound driven by organ (Pete Bardens, later of Camel) and electric guitar (Billy Harrison) that proved influential on The Doors (who opened for Them in 1966).
Unfortunately, the band had personalities to match their prodigious talents, and by 1966 the group had split into two schisms, with Morrison and original bass player Alan Henderson recording Them Again while an alternate version of the band featuring brothers Pat (John) and Jackie McAuley released Belfast Gypsies. Morrison’s decision to pursue a solo career put Them in the hands of Henderson, Jim Armstrong (guitar) and Ray Elliott (saxophone & organ), who released the overtly psychedelic Now And Them with new lead vocalist Kenny McDowell. Several albums followed before the band called it quits in 1972, by which time Henderson was the only original member.
The Discography
Don’t Start Crying Now (1964)
b/w One Two Brown Eyes. Released on 7-inch single on October 26, 1964 in the US (Parrot, 45 PAR 9720V).
Baby Please Don’t Go (1964)
b/w Gloria. Released on 7-inch on November 4, 1964 in the UK and the Netherlands (Decca F.12018) and in January 1965 in the US (Parrot, 45-PAR 9727); reached #10 on the UK charts and #93 on the US charts. Regional versions feature picture sleeve. Re-issued on 7-inch in July 1973 in the UK (Deram, DM 394 with tan label), in May 1982 in the UK (Deram), in October 1983 in the UK (Old Gold, OG 9341) and in January 1991 in the UK (London); re-charted to #65 in 1991 on the UK charts. Also released as a promotional 12-inch in 1988 in the US (A&M, SP-17540) featuring “Baby Please Don’t Go” with the Adrian Cronauer introduction on the B side.
THEM (EP) (1965)
Don’t Start Crying Now / Philosophy / One Two Brown Eyes / Baby Please Don’t Go. Released on 7-inch EP in February 1965 in France (Decca 457.069M) with flipback cover.
Here Comes The Night (1965)
b/w All For Myself. Released on 7-inch on March 5, 1965 in the UK (Decca, F-12094) and in April 1965 in the US (Parrot, 45 PAR 9749V); reached #2 on the UK charts and #24 on the US charts. Re-issued on 7-inch in September 1973 in the UK (Deram) and in October 1983 in the UK (Old Gold).
THE “ANGRY” YOUNG THEM (aka THEM) (1965)
Mystic Eyes / If You And I Could Be As Two / Little Girl / Just A Little Bit / I Gave My Love A Diamond / Gloria / You Just Can’t Win // Go On Home Baby / Don’t Look back / I Like It Like That / I’m Gonna Dress In Black / Bright Lights Big City / My Little Baby / (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66. Released on mono and stereo elpee in June 1965 in the UK (Decca, LK-4700), the US (Parrot, PA-61005/PAS-71005) and Germany (Decca, SLK-17029P); reached #54 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee in 1968 in Japan (London, SLC-506), in 1973 in the UK (Deram) and in February 1989 in the UK (Deram). Re-packaged as Them First on elpee in 1978 in Japan (London, GFX-2028) and re-issued on mono elpee in 1982 in Japan (London, L20P-1062) and on elpee in 1988 in Japan (London, L18P-1267).
One More Time (1965)
b/w How Long Baby? Released on 7-inch on June 11, 1965 in the UK (Decca, F-12175).
(It Won’t Hurt) Half As Much (1965)
b/w I’m Gonna Dress In Black. Released on 7-inch on August 8, 1965 in the UK (Decca, F-12215) and the US (Parrot, 45 PAR 9784).
Mystic Eyes (1965)
b/w If You And I Could Be As Two. Released on 7-inch in October 1965 in the US (Parrot, 45 PAR 9796) and on November 12, 1965 in the UK (Decca, F-12281); reached #33 on the US charts.
THEM AGAIN (1966)
Could You Would You / Something You Got / Call My Name / Turn On Your Love Light / I Put A Spell On You / I Can Only Give You Everything / My Lonely Sad Eyes / I Got A Woman // Out of Sight / It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue / Bad Or Good / How Long Baby / Hello Josephine / Don’t You Know / Hey Girl / Bring ‘Em On In. Released on mono and stereo elpee on January 21, 1966 in the UK (Decca, LK-4751), France (Decca, 158.019) and Germany (Decca, BLK 16427-P) and in April 1966 in the US (Parrot, PA-61008/PAS-71008) without tracks 5, 8, 13 & 15; reached #138 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee in 1970 in Germany and the Netherlands (Decca, 6412001), in 1982 in Japan (London, L20P-1063) and in 1989 in the UK (Deram, 820 564). Re-released on expanded CD (UK version plus one bonus track, “One More Time”) in 1989 in the US (Deram, 820 564-2).
Call My Name (1966)
b/w Bring ‘Em On In. Released on 7-inch in February 1966 in the US (Parrot, 45-PAR 9819) and on March 11, 1966 in the UK (Decca, F-12355).
Gloria (1966)
b/w Baby Please Don’t Go. Released on 7-inch in April 1966 in the US (London); reached #71 on the US charts. Re-issued on 7-inch in the UK (Deram, DM-394).
Richard Cory (1966)
b/w Don’t You Know. Released on 7-inch on May 13, 1966 in the UK (Decca, F-12403) and the US (Parrot, 45-PAR 3003).
I Can Only Give You Everything (1966)
b/w Don’t Start Crying Now. Released on 7-inch single in August 1966 in the US (Parrot, 45-PAR 3006).
THEM (ONE MORE TIME) (1966)
Here Comes The Night / I Put A Spell On You / Baby Please Don’t Go / All For Myself / Don’t Look Back / How Long Baby // Richard Cory / Philosophy / One More Time / Don’t Start Crying Now / One Two Brown Eyes / (It Won’t Hurt) Half As Much. Released on mono elpee in 1966 in the Netherlands (Decca XBL-646005).
PORTLAND TOWN (EP)
Portland Town / It’s All Over Now Baby Blue / Midnight Train / The Gorilla. Released on EP in 1966 in France (label unknown). Re-issued on CDEP in 2006 in France (Magic, 3930281).
GLORIA’S DREAM (1966)
Gloria’s Dream / The Crazy World Inside Me / Secret Police / Aria of The Fallen Angels. Released on 7-inch EP in 1966 in France (Disques Vogue, INT 18079). Re-issued on CDEP in 2008 in France (Vogue, INT-18079).
BRING ‘EM ON IN (EP)
Being ‘Em On In / Call My Name / Mystic Eyes / I Can Only Give You Everything. Released on 7-inch EP in 1966 in France (Decca, 457.108M).
Dirty Old Man (At The Age of Sixteen) (1967)
b/w Square Room. Released on 7-inch single in August 1967 in the US (Sully, 1021).
Gloria (1967)
b/w Friday’s Child. Released on 7-inch in 1967 in the UK (Major Minor).
The Story of Them (1967)
b/w The Story of Them (Part 2). Released on 7-inch in 1967 in the UK (Major Minor).
BELFAST GYPSIES (1967)
Gloria’s Dream / The Crazy World Inside Me / Midnight Train / Aria of The Fallen Angels / Baby Blue / People Let’s Freak Out // Boom Boom / The Last Will And Testament / Portland Town / Hey Gyp! Dig The Slowness / Suicide Song / Secret Police. Released on elpee in 1969 in Sweden (Sonet, GP-9923).
Walking In The Queens Garden (1967)
b/w I Happen To Love You. Released on 7-inch in November 1967 in the US (Ruff, RR-1088). Re-issued on 7-inch single in December 1967 in the US (Tower, 384) with picture sleeve. Also released as promotional 7-inch single in December 1967 (Tower, 384) featuring B side only.
Gloria (1968)
b/w Here Comes The Night. Released on 7-inch in January 1968 in Japan (London, TOP-1233) with picture sleeve. Re-released on 7-inch in 1974 (?) in the US (London, 5N-59028 on London Great Hits label). Re-pressed on 7-inch in the US (London, 5N-59028). Re-issued on 7-inch in Canada (Stardust, URC 1303).
NOW AND THEM (1968)
I’m Your Witch Doctor / What’s The Matter Baby / Truth Machine / Square Room / You’re Just What I Was Looking For Today / Dirty Old Man / At The Age of Sixteen / Nobody Loves You When You’re Down And Out / Walking The Queen’s Garden / I Happen To Love You / Come To Me. Released on elpee on January 1968 in the US (Tower, ST-8404). Re-issued on elpee and CD in December 1988 in the UK (Zap!, ZAP-7).
But It’s Alright (1968)
b/w Square Room. Released on 7-inch in April 1968 in the US (Tower, 407).
TIME OUT! TIME ON FOR THEM (1968)
Time Out For Time In / She Put A Hex On You / Bent Over You / Waltz of The Flies / Black Widow Spider / We’ve All Agreed To Help / Market Place / Just One Conception / Young Woman / The Moth. Released on elpee in November 1968 in the US (Tower). Re-issued on CD in December 1988 in the UK (Zap!).
We’ve All Agreed To Help (1969)
b/w Waltz of the Flies. Released on 7-inch in January 1969 in the US (Tower, 461) with picture sleeve.
Dark Are The Shadows (1969)
b/w Corina. Released on 7-inch in July 1969 in the US (Tower, 493).
THEM (1969)
I Keep Singing / Lonely Weekends / Take A Little Time / You Got Me Good / Jo Ann // Memphis Lady / In The Midnight Hour / Nobody Cares / I Am Waiting / Just A Little. Released on elpee in 1969 in the US (Happy Tiger, HT-1004). Re-issued on CD in 2008 in the UK (Fallout, FOCD-2100).
Lonely Weekends (1969)
b/w I Am Waiting. Released on 7-inch in November 1969 in the US and Canada (Happy Tiger, HT-525).
Nobody Cares (1970)
b/w Memphis Lady. Released on 7-inch in 1970 in the US and Canada (Happy Tiger, HT-534).
THE WORLD OF THEM (1970)
Here Comes The Night / Baby Please Don’t Go / I’m Gonna Dress In Black / Richard Cory / I Put A Spell On You / Bring ‘Em On In // Gloria / Mystic Eyes / Turn On Your Love Light / It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue / One Two Brown Eyes / Don’t Start Crying Now. Compilation released on elpee in 1970 in the UK (Decca, SPA-86) and Germany (Decca, ND-585).
THEM AVEC VAN MORRISON (1970)
Here Comes The Night / Baby Please Don’t Go / I’m Gonna Dress In Black / Richard Cory / I Put A Spell On You / Bring ‘Em On In // Gloria / Mystic Eyes / Turn On Your Love Light / It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue / One Two Brown Eyes / Don’t Start Crying Now. Compilation released on elpee in 1970 in France (Decca 210.003).
THEM IN REALITY (1971)
Gloria / Baby Please Don’t Go / Laugh / Let My Song Through / California Man / Lessons of The Sea / Rayn / Back To The Country / Can You Believe. Released on elpee in 1971 in the US (Happy Tiger). Re-issued on CD in 2008 in the UK (Fallout, FOCD-2101).
THEM FEATURING VAN MORRISON (1972)
Gloria / I Like It Like That / One More Time / My Lonely Sad Eyes / Go On Home Baby / Just A Little Bit / Mystic Eyes / If You And I Could Be As Two / Little Girl / My Little Baby / Philosophy / It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue / Baby Please Don’t Go / I Gave My Love A Diamond / You Just Can’t Win / Could You Would You / Richard Cory / Bad Or Good / Bring ‘Em On In / One Two Brown Eyes / All For Myself / It Won’t Hurt Half As Much / Hey Girl / Here Comes The Night. Compilation released on 2LP in 1972 in the US (Parrot, BP-71053/4) with gatefold cover. Re-issued on 2LP in October 1973 in the UK (Deram, DPA-3001/2) with gatefold cover.
Gloria (1972)
b/w Bring ‘Em On In. Released on 7-inch in August 1972 in the US (Parrot, 45-365).
BAD OR GOOD (1972)
Bad Or Good / My Lonely Sad Eyes / Don’t Look Back / (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 / Baby Please Don’t Go / Out of Sight / Could You Would You / If You And I Could Be As Two / Bright Lights, Big City / Mystic Eyes / Go On Home Baby / Just A Little Bit // Here Comes The Night / You Just Can’t Win / I Gave My Love A Diamond / I Like It Like That / Hey Girl / Gloria / Little Girl / My Little Baby / Call My Name / I Can Only Give You Everything / I Got A Woman / Don’t You Know. Compilation released on 2LP in 1972 in Germany (Decca, SD-3008/1-2).
THE BEGINNING VOL. 4 (1973)
The Story of Them Part 1 / How Long Baby / Baby What You Want Me To Do / Hello Josephine / All For Myself // The Story of Them Part 2 / Stormy Monday / Something You Got / Friday’s Child / Times Gettin’ Tougher Than Tough. Compilation released on elpee in 1973 in Germany (Decca, ND 772).
BACKTRACKIN’ (1974)
Richard Cory / I Put A Spell On You / Just A Little Bit / I Gave My Love A Diamond / Half As Much // Baby Please Don’t Go / Hey Girl / Don’t Start Crying Now / All For Myself / Mighty Like A Rose. Compilation released on elpee in 1974 in the US (London, PS-639).
ROCK ROOTS (1976)
Don’t Start Crying Now / I’m Gonna Dress In Black / Route 66 / How Long Baby / Bright Lights, Big City / Don’t You Know / Call My Name // The Story of Them Parts 1 & 2 / Mighty Like A Rose / Times Getting Tougher Than Tough / Stormy Monday / Baby What You Want Me To Do / Friday’s Child. Compilation released on elpee in May 1976 in the UK (Decca, ROOTS-3).
THE STORY OF THEM (1977)
The Story of Them (Parts 1 & 2) / Time’s Gettin’ Tougher Than Tough / Stormy Monday / Baby, What You Want Me To Do / Bright Lights, Big City / My Little Baby / I Got A Woman / Philosophy / Friday’s Child. Released on elpee in 1977 in the US (London, LC-50001).
SHUT YOUR MOUTH (1979)
Hamburg Connection / I’m A Lover Not A Worker / Shut Your Mouth / Needed On The Farm / Streetwalking Lady / Firewater / Child of The Sixties / Slowdown / Losing You / Weekend Entertainer / Holy Roller / Cincinnati Diceman. Released on elpee in 1979 in the UK (Decca).
THEM (1986)
Don’t Start Crying Now / Baby Please Don’t Go / Here Comes The Night / One More Time / (It Won’t Hurt) Half As Much / Mystic Eyes / Call My Name / Richard Cory / Gloria / The Story of Them (Part 1) / One Two Brown Eyes / Philosophy / All For Myself / How Long Baby / I’m Gonna Dress In Black / If You And I Could Be As Two / Bring ‘Em On In / Don’t You Know / Friday’s Child / The Story of Them (Part 2). Compilation released on elpee in 1986 in the UK (See For Miles, SEE-31).
THE COLLECTION (1986)
Baby Please Don’t Go / Bright Lights Big City / I Put A Spell On You / Hello Josephine / Turn On Your Lovelight / Don’t Start Crying Now / Gloria / Story of Them / It’s All Over Now Baby Blue / I Got A Woman / My Little Baby / How Long Baby / Here Comes The Night / Stormy Monday / I Like It Like That / Go On Home Baby / Out of Sight / Baby What You Want Me To Do / Route 66 / Fridays Child / Little Girl / Hey Girl / Call My Name / Mystic Eyes. Compilation released on 2LP in August 1986 in the UK (Castle, CCSCD-131). Re-issued on CD in 1992 in the UK (Castle).
THE STORY OF THEM FEATURING VAN MORRISON (1997)
The Story of Them Parts 1 & 2 / Don’t Start Crying Now / Gloria / Philosophy / One Two Brown Eyes / Baby Please Don’t Go / Here Comes The Night / All For Myself / One More Time / Little Girl / I Gave My Love A Diamond / Go On Home Baby / My Little Baby / Mystic Eyes / Don’t Look Back / If You And I Could Be As Two / I Like It Like That / I’m Gonna Dress In Back / (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 / Just A Little Bit / You Can’t Win / Brights Lights, Big City / Baby What You Want Me To Do / I’m Gonna Dress In Black (alternate mix) / One More Time (stereo mix) / Little Girl (alternate version) // How Long Baby / (It Won’t Hurt) Half As Much / Something You Got / Call My Name / Turn On Your Love Light / I Put A Spell On You / I Got A Woman / Out of Sight / It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue / Bad Or Good / Hello Josephine / Don’t You Know / Hey Girl / Bring ‘Em On In / Times Gettin’ Tougher Than Tough / Stormy Monday / Friday’s Child / Richard Cory / My Lonely Sad Eyes / I Can Only Give You Everything / Could You Would You / Bring ‘Em On In (US version) / Richard Cory (version 2) / Call My Name (version 2). Compilation released on 2CD on October 20, 1997 in the US (Deram, 4883-2).
