CLIFF BENNETT AND THE REBEL ROUSERS PMC 1242 (-65) UK MONO

An album well worth recognizing by lovers of britpop and sixties r&b. Although their first LP it was far from a debute. Band started 1957 as "Ted Woods Skiffle Group". (Ted was an older brother of Ron Wood, the third brother Art had a compeating band - "The Art Wood Combo" - wich later transformed into The Artwoods.) 1958 Bennett took over the lead and the musical direction changed to rock'n'roll. The new setting became a popular club band in the early sixties and recorded a few singles produced by Joe Meek. Non of them charted and the touring and clubbing continued in England, but also Hamburg at the same time as Beatles. The lack of chart success continued until they signed for Parlophone and got to #9 on the UK list with "One Way Love". But apart from another reaching #42 and a McCartney produced version of "Got To Get You Into My Life" going to #6, there was no big sales and the band dissolved. After the break-up Bennett started "Toe Fat" together with three members from "The Gods". (I will post on TF:s debute later and continue that story). Parts of Rebel Rousers became "Chas & Dave" with growing fame and eighteen top 100 on the UK list of wich four went top ten. This album has three previous '45 cuts, the rest original recordings. Produced by John Burgess - belonging to the EMI inner circle at the time and close friend to George Martin. UK r&b sixties debutes were often made by amateurs. Many times the groups weren't very skilled at their instruments or accustomed to the business, but compensated with tons of good will and charm. This is something else. The charm is certainly there, but it's tight and very competent with great vocals from Bennett. Clearly they've done it before and the security allows them to create something special. Most of the tracks are standard covers, but few other UK groups at the time treated them better. One exemple - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqgvFgK7w90 . Don't know if the album had any other original issues. On CD 2000 - coupled with the second LP "Drivin' You Wild" (The Beat Goes On BGOCD 472). First UK in mono only had label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (PÖX*)