Between The Lines: The Complete Jordan/Wilson Songbook 71-81

This fine compilation covers the period 1971-1981, when singer / guitarist Chris Wilson had replaced Roy Loney, who had until then along with Cyril Jordan had been a leading force in the group.Wilson and Jordan soon proved having the right chemistry together and their abilities as songwriters would be crucial to the group's development. The group signed a contract with United Artists and with Dave Edmunds as producer, the group went to the Rockfield Studios in Wales to record new singles and tracks for an upcoming album.The first single was the excellent Loney/Wilson song "Slow Death" backed by "Tallahassie Lassie" which completely undeservedly flopped. Another single "Married Woman" b/w "Get a Shot of Rhythm and Blues" was released in 1972; again with no success. United Artists apparently lost interest in the group, and there was never recorded enough material for an entire album. The seven tracks that were recorded were later released as "A Bucket of Brains". These are fine recordings and two of the best songs were included on the group's first Sire album "Shake Some Action" in 1976.These two Rockfield songs "Shake Some Action" and "You Tore Ne Down") are obviously included in this compilation which has the theme "The Jordan / Wilson Songbook", so unfortunately there is no place for "Slow Death". You must go for "A Bucket of Brains ”to find this gem. An excellent remake can also be found on "One Night Stand" from 1987.Otherwise, this is mainly about the period at Sire Records, where it became three very fine and acclaimed albums, in addition to 6 singles; again with Dave Edmunds as the producer.The group play a relatively hard-hitting, but most usually very melodic rock, with strong roots in the 1960s with The Beatles, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones and possibly The Electric Prunes as inpirators. There are plenty of well-sounded guitars and fine vocal harmonies."Shake Some Action" from 1976, which is named after the group's best known and beloved song. As a whole this is probably the single most consistently strong album the group have released; and, moreover, the only Sire album currently available on CD. Seven original Jordan/Wilson songs are taken from this album and besides the classic "Shake Some Action", there are great Beatles inspired songs like "You Tore Me Down", "Yes It's True", "Please Please Girl", "I Can't Hide "and" I'll Cry Alone ". A magnificent ballad is "Teenage Confidential".On the group's second Sire album "Now" from 1978 there are six new Jordan/Wilson songs. Among the album's other tracks, several of the group's sources of inspiration are revealed with cover versions of The Stones, The Byrds, Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Beatles. On the fine "Between the Lines" you feel inspiration from The Byrds and The Electric Prunes. In fact, there's a lot of Byrd's vibe to several other tracks ("Take Me Back", "Good Laugh Mun" and "All I Wanted"). On "Put Put Me On" there is a bit of the same mood as on "Shake Some Action", a nice 1960s guitar solo.On the group's last Sire album "Jumping in the Night" from 1979 there are again six new Jordan/Wilson songs. The group's love for The Byrds is very evident here with three Byrd covers ("It Won't Be Wrong", "5D" and "Lady Friend") The original Jordan/Wilson songs may be less pronounced on this album, but "First Plane Home”is really great - melodic in Electric Prunes style. "Tell Me Again" is also strong, with a lot of Rolling Stone's vibe. On "Yes I Am" there is both Byrds and Electric Prune's atmosphere.In addition to all these album tracks, they are fine two rare B-sides. Both fine; especially "When I Heard Your Name" from 1978.There are also three live recordings from 1974; the songs are good but the sound quality is not the best.A very strong release, with lots of exciting and info on the 24-page booklet. Now you can hope for a CD re-release of "Now" and "Jumping in the Night"; or maybe the p.t. unavailable "The Complete Sire Sessions".

As the liner notes so brilliantly state, The Flamin’ Groovies, “were the apocalypse in disguise of jangle, garage, the Beatles, Byrds, and Stones”. A brilliant compilation of Jordan/Wilson originals that prove once again that The Groovies could somehow drag the spirit of the beat group kicking and screaming into the seventies and beyond. A wonderful noise.

This is a brilliant compilation from a genuinely great group from their best period. Hardly a dull moment.

Very groovy,

The Flamin' Groovies bridge the gap between The Beatles and The Sex Pistols! Unmissable early influencers of many of the first Punk Rock bands.