Them
Them
Parrot 1005
Released June 1965, reached #54 in U.S.
Good Shit *****
1965
In 1965, the London music scene was swelling, the Beatles at the top with four hit albums released that year; the Stones, the Animals and the DC5 also riding high; but my particular interests bring me to other places: the Who’s classic debut and the three 1965 albums by the Kinks, the improving sounds of the Yardbirds and this classic debut by this Irish outfit.With all four outfits, the strongest songs were the originals, all borrowing heavily from American R&B but delivering something original. This is especially true on this album. Along with the contrasts of “Here Comes the Night” and “Gloria,” the set features lots of lesser known gems. The album is essential.
In 1965, the London music scene was swelling, the Beatles at the top with four hit albums released that year; the Stones, the Animals and the DC5 also riding high; but my particular interests bring me to other places: the Who’s classic debut and the three 1965 albums by the Kinks, the improving sounds of the Yardbirds and this classic debut by this Irish outfit.With all four outfits, the strongest songs were the originals, all borrowing heavily from American R&B but delivering something original. This is especially true on this album. Along with the contrasts of “Here Comes the Night” and “Gloria,” the set features lots of lesser known gems. The album is essential.
(Apparently, most of the members didn’t perform on the album, and this was mostly producer Bert Berns with Van Morrison, backed with session musicians–including a young Jimmy Page.) — winch
(author of Kalamazoo: Growing Up Sideways in the 1970s)
Sounds Good 