This single-disc collection contains
the Flamin' Groovies' 1968
Sneakers EP and seven tracks from the band's 1972
Rockfield Sessions collaboration with
Dave Edmunds (steel guitar/piano/vocals). The combo of
Cyril Jordan (guitar/vocals),
Roy Loney (guitar/vocals),
Tim Lynch (guitar),
George Alexander (bass), and
Danny Mihm (drums) was initially prominent in the Bay Area during the mid- to late '60s as
Lost & Found, before adopting the
Groovies moniker in late 1966. After garnering a small regional following at live gigs, they documented their unique blend of
psychedelia and
folk on
Sneakers, which consisted primarily of
Loney's substantial originals.
The Groovies reflected the burgeoning scene happening in and around San Francisco, with a vibe similar to
the Charlatans or the early
Jefferson Airplane. Two of
the Groovies' heavier selections -- the incendiary
"Golden Clouds" and edgy and acidic
"The Slide" -- commence 2004's
Sneakers and Rockfield Sessions. However, lighter fare, including the
Lovin' Spoonful homage
"Babes in the Sky," the Dadaist
"My Yada," and the undemanding
ballad "Love Time," reveal an otherwise impressive diversity -- especially considering it was their debut effort. By the 1970s,
the Flamin' Groovies had released several well-received long-players for
Kama Sutra, reflecting more of a '50s
R&B ethos than had been suggested on
Sneakers. A personnel re-formation took place prior to their relocation to England, where the
Rockfield sessions were held in August of 1972. The lineup now featured
Chris Wilson (vocals) and
James Ferrell (guitar), who replaced
Loney and
Lynch.
Dave Edmunds immediately took to
the Groovies, especially
Jordan and
Wilson's
power pop masterpiece
"Shake Some Action." In fact,
Edmunds' enthusiasm would almost immediately instigate
Jordan's equally inspired
"You Tore Me Down," which was written and recorded on the spot, during their very first confab. These sides are indelibly linked to future
alternative and
jangle pop acts such as
the dB's and
Let's Active nearly a decade later. Just as impressive are the cover versions of
Frankie Lee Sims'
"Married Woman," "Get a Shot of Rhythm & Blues," and
"Little Queenie." Potential purchasers should note that the audio quality on
Sneakers and Rockfield Sessions is far from perfect, as the EP was transcribed from vinyl and the
Rockfield material is a bit muddy. In 1996,
Sundazed Records' issued
Sneakers as
Supersneakers from a better source, adding ten tracks from a 1968 set at
the Matrix in San Francisco. ~ Lindsay Planer
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