COVER -> POWERSSOUND
Those of us old enough to remember music when there was no rock'n'roll sometimes forget that rockers are no longer unkempt teenagers bent on shocking Mom and Dad. Teenagers in show business today are usually dressed to the nines and shiny-faced clean.
Bob Powers Disgusting, ain't it?
Rock'n'roll started out as protest music, a rebellion against the status quo and the terrible decisions made by grown-ups. Those early rockers believed they had answers to important questions. Some of them, thank goodness, were content to just be an alternative to the Patti Pages and Pat Boones of American pop.
Ian "Mac" McLagan has been earning his keep for 35 years as a rocker. He grew up in London during the 50s. A decade later, McLagan played keyboards in London-based bands during the 60s. McLagan joined The Small Faces when he turned 20. The band shared the same management as The Rolling Stones, who went on to international renown.
When Steve Mariott left Small Faces to create Humble Pie with Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart joined Small Faces as vocalist and Ron Wood came aboard as a guitarist. Renamed Faces, the band had a string of successful singles, including "Maggie May," "Stay With Me," and "You Wear It Well." After Faces broke up in 1975, McLagan toured extensively, with the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, and others. He cut two solo albums, in 1979 and 1981, and has worked extensively in recording studios.
McLagan's new album, "Best of British" (Gadfly Records) is a listener's delight, containing 14 tracks which echo some of the great rock sounds of the 60s and 70s. This disc will find favor with anyone who appreciates the importance of rock as a commentator on the world and a guide to life.
The album includes contributions from Ronnie Wood, Billy Bragg and Damnations TX.
McLagan sings lead on many of the 14 songs, while Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Gurf Morlix, and Sarah Brown also contribute vocally.
This is good stuff. Check it out! Also, listening to the album may spark your interest in McLagans new book, "All the Rage" (Billboard Books), Mac's account of his tenure in rock n roll.
It Takes All Kinds
There's a smidgen of country (particularly in the steel guitar), more than a heap of blues, and plenty of heart in the new album from Western Electric, called (what else?) "Western Electric" (Gadfly Records).The band consists of four talented musicians: Sid Griffin, Pat McGarvey, Dave Morgan, and Neil Robert Hard. Vocal spotlights are divided between Griffen and McGarvey, both of whom have that half-yodel thing down pat.
According to the press release, Western Electric blends twang, Byrds-ish 12 string, sound bites, pop/rock, and psychedelia. My advice, however, is not to concern ones self with the genre. Just listen and absorb and enjoy. This is an album that can comfortably play in the background as you work at your computer. You can devote all your attention to absorb the intricacies of the vocals. Or you can just proceed with your day while Western Electric plays prettily in the background.
The disc includes a guest appearance from Robyn Hitchcock and a previously unrecorded song by ex-Byrd Gene Clark, called "Straight From the Heart."
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Event # 217: MAMMOTH
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Whos That?
Ever hear of Kimberley Rew? (Me, neither.)Somehow Rew's 20-year career in music never reached the point of being noticed from this corner of the world. But no matter, Rew's ready for his moment in the spotlight. His first solo album, "Tunnel Into Summer" (Gadfly Records) deserves a listen and possibly plunking down the required bucks at your favorite record emporium.
Gadfly's publicist said that Rew first came to prominence when he was a member of the Soft Boys, which included Robyn Hitchcock. After several albums, the band members went their separate ways in the early 80s. Rew then joined Katrina and the Waves, which enjoyed a few minutes of attention with the smash hit, "Walking On Sunshine," which was written by Rew. That band faded out and during the 90s, Rew did a lot of work as a sideman.
Rews first solo album will remind some listeners of an early Dylan, with excellent songs such as "If Theres An Answer" and the title song.
A talented singer/songwriter, Kimberly Rew sings pure, unadulterated folk-rock that should remind you of earlier days.
