The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, April 16, 1982, Page Page 10, Image 10
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British Bands Dra^
1 By PETE O'BRIEN
sun writer
British audiences have been receptive to American music
forms, especially rock 'n'roll "roots" music. The blues,
rockabilly and country and western music all have cult
followings in England.
Many English bands have grown up listening to American
records and the influence has shown up in their own recordings.
Following is a review of some of the more creative
recordings that have reached the American shores recently.
Gonna Ball Stray Cats (Pin Up records)
This band doesn't really qualify as an English band since
all the members are from Long Island. They couldn't find an
audience in the States so they moved to England where they
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Rockabilly, one of the essential chapters in the history of
rock 'n' roll, is a fusion of country and western music and
rhythm and blues. The main influence in the Stray Cats'
sound is the classic records produced by rockabilly legends
Eddie Cochran (Summertime Blues, Twenty Flight Rock)
and Gene Vincent (Be-Bop-A-Lula). Ironically, Cochran and
Vincent found their warmest receptions in England where
their records sold phenomenally well.
Gonna Ball, the Stray Cats' second record, is a little slower
than their tear-up debut, but more varied with the additon of
keyboards and saxaphones. All the songs are originals
written bv all the members excent "Rahv Rhip p.vps " a
rockabilly classic written by Johnny Burnette.
Every cut is a smoking bopper that confirms that the Stray
Cats are kings of the rockabilly revival. Both of the Stray
Cats' records are staples in rock clubs around the country
and they remain popular over Britain.
On the Rolling Stones' recent tour, the Stray Cats opened a
few shows including the gig at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.
Amazingly, the band has no American record contract, so
Gonna Ball is available only as an import. C'mon record
companies, wake up!
Nick the Knife Nick Lowe (Columbia)
inick Lowe nrsi gainea recognmon in Brinsley Schwartz,
the now defunct British country-rock band. Since the demise
can expect more;
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v From U. S. 'Roots'
of Brinsley Schwartz he has been playing with Rockpile,
producing records (Elvis Costelio, Carlene Carter) and
puiung oui soio records. Nick the Knife is his third solo LP.
Nick is backed by a solid, well seasoned group of
musicians. Billy Bremmer (guitar) and Terry Williams
(drums) from Rockpile, Steve Nieve (keyboards) from Elvis
Costello's Attractions, Paul Carrack (keyboards) from
Squeeze and his wife Carlene Carter, daughter of Johnny
Cash and June Carter,all accompany Lowe on the record.
Nick the Knife is a twelve-song collection of well crafted
pop music done in the inimitable Nick Lowe style. His topics
are typical pop music subjects like lust, broken hearts, lust,
rainy days and lust. He never slips into the mundane and
predictable like some other tunesmiths.
The record kicks off with a rockabilly scorcher called
turning wnicn seques into the reggae influenced "Heart."
From the start of the record the listener can feel the band
enjoys what they're doing? a welcome relief from the cor
porate rock conglomerations that care more about
paychecks that good time rock 'n' roll. You know this man is
having a ball when he sings "Stick It Where The Sun Don't
Shine" or "Zulu Kiss."
Although Nick Lowe writes and performs witty pop songs,
one cannot really consider him a"po4> star." To earn that he
must be popular among the mass population. Mass acceptance
has eluded him in the past, but that mieht rhanap in
the near future.
The Cars asked him and his band to open all the shows on
their current tour, so Lowe has the opportunity to bring his
pure pop to the masses.
Another Grey Area Graham Parker (Arista)
After a slight disappointment with The Up Escalator,
Graham Parker picks up where he left off with Squeezing Out
Sparks. His former back-up band, the Rumor, is gone but on
this album some of the best sesssion men in the business lent
their talents.
Keyboard wizard Nicky Hopkins, who has played with
everyone, plays an important role as does Hugh McCracken
on guitar. Parker has been called an English Springsteen
and, like Springsteen, Parker has his roots deeply embedded
in R&B and early rock 'n' roll. His imnassinnpd lvri^c aw
similar to Springsteen's but Parker's stylle is all his own.
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Quintet recital, 8 p.m. in
Gambrell Hall.
April 20 ? Percussion Ensemble!
recital, 8 p.m. in Fraser Hall.
1982 Writers Series presents
Nobel Prize-winning author
Isaac Bashevis Singer, 8 p.m.
in B.A. auditorium.
April 22 ? USC Cultural Series
presents Chicago Chamber
Brass, 8 p.m. at Township.
Tickets still available at $3
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April 22-25 ? 'Sylvia,' a French!
ballet choreographed by
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