Flamin' Groovies: Live 1971 San Francisco

Here is a long lost nugget from the past. The Flamin' Groovies, known for their garage rock/heavy sound, precursor to punk rock and later delving into a more power pop direction played the legendary Filmore West almost forty years ago. The Bill Graham venue was closing down and the band put in a blazing performance. Now achieving cult rock status, this performance is rough, uncut and as boisterous as anything you would have heard at the time.

The band formed in 1965 and released an EP titled Sneakers in 1968. Their first proper release Supersnazz came a year later followed by Teenage Head in 1971.

The Flamin' Groovies are primed and ready to rock and that's exactly what they do on The Who's classic "I Can't Explain", a passionate take played with reckless abandon which I'm sure The Who would have appreciated at the time. A little more restrained is "Sweet Little Rock 'N' Roller" as the band reign in the intensity just a bit. "Have You Seen My Baby" is a catchy toe tapper before settling in with the proto punk rock of "Road House", a blistering and ferocious performance from the band. So, on a musical note this is a fine disc. However, the recording leaves something to be desired. Sound drops and fade outs are a regular occurrence during many songs which greatly affected my enjoyment level. Just keep that in mind if you are thinking of taking the plunge. Still, this is an important document in early '70s rock music and musical historians as well as rock fans in general should take notice.

Track Listing:
1. Bill Graham Introduction
2. I Can't Explain
3. Sweet Little Rock 'N' Roller
4. Have You Seen My Baby
5. Road House
6. Doctor Boogie
7. Slow Death
8. Shakin' All Over
9. Teenage Head
10. Louie Louie
11. Walkin' The Dog

Added: September 10th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1202
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]