The Rock Relic

Playin’ Favorites (and more …)

by Chuck Hinson on April 19th, 2008

Okay, u know about the BritInvasion bands; from Animals to Zombies, most statesiders were glued to their turntables, AM radios and the Ed Sullivan Show, waitin’ to hear the fab sounds from across the pond.
But, y’know, some of the best of them didn’t make it on the Boeings and Pan Americans to JFK Int’l; they rocked the bejabbers outta Britain and the rest of Europe, though. And these were some of the Relic’s faves:

For example, ya missed Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, whose songs like Bend It! were pure rhythm and harmony! They were one of England’s finest (and, until Dave’s recent retirement due to health problems, still were!). Then there were The Four Just Men from Manchester. Tight harmonies built into vocal hooks, solid backbeat, had a great “Merseybeat” sound (Things Will Never Be The Same).

For blues, ya couldn’t do much better than The Others. Their Oh, Yeah! was often imitated but never duplicated. Closest thing to them in the US were The Standells (and, lately, George Thorogood and the Destroyers).

Now, some shoulda made it based on their sound: In fact, The Fourmost had some of the most stompin’ music of the period, with A Little Lovin’, a beautiful (but rockin’) song by Lennon and McCartney called I’m In Love, and the “B” side of that record, a true, Hamburg-raw cover of the Isley’s Respectable.

One ‘Pool band that actually brought a new dimension to the stage was Mike Shannon and the Strangers, whose members wore gimmicks to keep them anonymous. Another, Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders, boasted a coupla names-to-be in their roster: Roy Wood (later of The Move and Wizzard) and, after Roy left, a young guitarist named Jeff Lynne (later, with ELO, Traveling Wilburys, etc.). Again, both bands were heavy on rhythm and harmony, with solid backbeats and great hooks.

For a few years, it looked as if rock had lost itself in noisier rhythm, heavy riffs and drum fills; it shouted, screamed, broke tempo, synthed itself and, largely, had become a bizarre emo imitation-rock. As records gave way to CDs, amps and PAs began surrendering to synthesizers and computerized loops, and “gigs” were “performed” by way of YouTubes and MySpaces, it seemed that true rock had been all but forgotten …

UNTIL …

Here it is, 2008. In music stores, we’re beginning to find turntables again … on televised talent showcases, we find more acts who’ve just put out a new 33 1/3 RPM record instead of CD … in studios, more bands are pluggin’ into PAs and amps rather than a computer. Written, hard-copy pubs are coming back, highlighting the return of rock rather than teched-out, overlooped stuff! Rolling Stone and USA Today have both articled that today’s teen would rather hear the Sixties-style music than the metal, alt, synth, etc.

THE FORE’s popularity is spreading like wildfire! Their music is not only raw, original rock in the vein of their FOREfathers, but they’ve paid their dues in much the same way as the Beatles and other acts of the period! The biggest similarity, though, is that these lads have come up in the same way; gigging wherever they can (whether on High Street in London, The Cavern in Liverpool or in front of thousands at festivals or other shows), and actually absorbing the same energy that the earlier bands had! And they’re getting the attention of A&R reps for large record labels now!

What I’m saying is that the best of rock-n-roll is returning to mainstream big time!! And, just as the original rock soothed the worries and sadness after November 22, 1963, this time it’s soothing the same for a world needing relief from war worries, recessions, violence, etc.
I’ve got a feelin’ that, this time, it’s gonna stay in the FOREfront of music for a lonnnnnnng, lonnnnnnng time to come!!

THE LATEST ON PETE DINTINO

I’ve had a bit of RelicMail askin’ for updates on “Shadow” (his nickname) and his continuing recovery from leukemia. Tell ya what, though: If ya wanna keep an eye on his progress on a regular basis, just go to his CaringBridge journal and read what his angel-daughter, Lin, has to say! She keeps everyone up-to-speed on his progress regularly.
But, until you can get there, here’s her latest entry:
“Good Evening everyone, well today was another busy day. The MRI results came back and showed nothing so they did a spinal tap today. The spainal tap came back abnormal. This could mean a lot of things, hopefully its just an infection that they can easily take care of. They won’t know anything until tomorrow or Sunday, I’m betting Sunday but they are calling in all the teams to give a consulate. They are being very proactive and aggressive, I am confident in their abilities and beleive he is in the best place possible. Please keep ernest prayers this weekend we’re going to need all the power behind him. His rash does look better and his confusion seemed better last night. last night was the first night in a long time that he slept through so hopefully he will continue to get better. Thanks Lin”

Okay, Rockaholics … you know what to do: Hold yer finger right here and stop to say a quick prayer or good thought about Pete for his recovery. With people like you joining the millions around the globe who’s pulling for his wellness, it won’t be long before he’s back behind his drumkit, chompin’ on Pontillo’s Pizza (extra cheese), or both! (Huh? So let him be messy! He deserves the break!!)

Well, it’s about that time: 5:07 in RockTown (yup … AM), so I’m gonna unpack this new shipment of zzzzz’s that just came in and sneak away to get some shut-eye before TLC, Dudette or K-Cat wake up. So, until a little later today, remember:
Keep yer eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music (and prayers/thoughts with Pete) … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

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