Exiles in Mainstreet

Press, 17 June 1982, Page 14

Exiles in Mainstreet

“Rocking in the Street” (Ode SODE 162). “Rocking in the Streets” is a compilation album, featuring four bands recorded live at the Mainstreet Cabaret, in Auckland, last year. Like the Willie Dayson Blues Band album, this recording of Rank and File. The Wild Matadors. Blue Flames, and Shakin’ Jimmys, is thin on technique, but important historically.

What sticks out the most is what are'. Rank and File doing on- a recording with three, fhythm and blues bands? It seems a pity that it could not have been a 'fourband R and B set.

Rank and File open the 16track LP with their four selections, which may be a trap for the uninitiated, for theirs is a newer style. They play like they have, a train to catch, in a rough, angry style. ; 7 The band were in Christchurch recently, and said that they did not want to be

on the alburn, as the other bands played ' a.' different style. ..However, they also feature on “More Hits and Myths" with- “Brave New World,” and this slower song shows their true potential.

The Wild Matadors are not that startling, except .on "Love Me,” which sound? a bit like “the Beatles at Hamburg."

The Blue Flames are more exacting and experienced, and Shakin’ Jimmys seemed to have boosted the recording power compared with the other three bands,, especially on “Truck Stop Rock." The fractured ' nature of the album' means that it loses its. appeal, although many may buy especially for Rank and File's songs, “Police Force,” in particular. Personally, I don't believe it will scale any great heights. “More Hits and Myths” (XSF XSFLPUO2).

The "More Hits and Myths” compilation of New Zealand artists follows last

year’s successful “Hits and ‘Myths,’'■ using the same formula.' Like all compilations, judgment is made on what is included and what is left out, and Jthis is no exception. , The album was compiled by Mike Chunn, who was with-. XSF Records, a label associated with CBS Records New Zealand. Five of the 16 tracks are from XSF; three are from Mushroom; two from Reaction; two from Propellor; and one each from Siren, CBS, Deluxe, and Furtive.

. There are five bands on “More” which were featured on the ‘'Hits and Myths” — The Swingers, Split Eriz, Pop Mechanix,. the Crocodiles, and Toy Love. The Split Enz song “Next Exit," which was recorded around "Frenzy” time is forgettable, as is Pop Mechanix’s “Too Cool For Words.” The other three bands’ selections are adequate,. but the changes take place elsewhere. The outstanding track on

the album is Rank and File's "Brave New World,” recorded specifically for the compilation, and featuring Steve Orthodox on trumpet. -It. should be a single. Side two is the stronger. “Till I Die,” by the Screaming Mees Mees, “There Is No Depression In New Zealand," by Blam Blam Blam, “Riot Squad” by. the Newmatics, and “Between The Lines,” by Danse Macabre, all make good listening. s ,

. Side one has the excellent Penknife' Glides cut. “Pleasure Through Tears,” plus Graeme “ Gash’s “Watching Television," and another surprise in “Just Like Clockwork” by the Spaces.. "Old ’ Woman” by Hip Singles, sounds slightly offbeat against some of the other tracks.

Certainly arguments will rage up and down the country -about what and who should be on the album, but “More" is a qualified success. -NEVIN TOPP.