Description
Cherry Red Records have excelled themselves with this new 3CD compilation of the sounds which, collectively, comprised the London live music scene – the legendary London Pub Rock – of the mid 1970s.
The circumstances that spawned what would grow into a nationally recognised movement happened almost by chance. American band, Eggs Over Easy, were in London to record an album in May 1971 and whilst there, they managed to secure a gig at Tally Ho pub in Kentish Town. Legend has it that they were so well received that the doors of this previously ‘jazz only’ venue were flung open to other local and increasingly, nationally-known bands.
Other large, mainly Victorian, pubs around North London quickly followed suit and a movement was born. This thriving scene offered opportunities for regular work with low expenses to many London-based bands, amongst them Ducks Deluxe and Bees Make Honey as well as veteran or established performers such as Brinsley Schwarz, Brewers Droop, Jo-Ann Kelly and Stray and to college circuit staples like Ace, Dr Feelgood and Fumble. By 1975, a London pub was the place to go for a night of guaranteed entertainment.
Pub Rock encapsulated the widest possible selection of musical styles. The 12-bar rockers were present in abundance but on any night at any of the above venues it was possible to take in Beach Boys pop sounds, Reggae, Blue-Eyed Soul, Funk, Gospel, Country Rock or even the quirky Cockney doggerel of Kilburn and the High Roads. Pub Rock was in reality, the music that arrived to fill the venues that had suddenly become available.
There are over four hours of music in this 62 track collection and the sheer variety of the sounds on offer is breathtaking The three discs are bursting with musicality, lush production and most importantly, enjoyment.
Anyone who purchased the recently released ‘CRAWLING UP A HILL: A Journey Through The British Blues Boom 3CD also on CHERRY RED will already be familiar with what a great job this UK label does in putting together high quality compilations.
