4 Stars
Audio CD (paid link)
You just cannot keep a good band down. The original Pink Fairies started gigging in 1969 and were one of the original freak / biker bands playing for free at many festivals and gatherings. The lineup has been through multiple changes over the years, but does that matter as long as they still produce good shows and albums?
This lineup at least has two original members in them: Duncan Sanderson on sonic bass guitar and Russell Hunter of heavy drums. Alan Colquhoun has been around the Pinks for years and recorded with them on their last comeback album, 1987’s Kill ‘Em and Eat ‘Em.’
Completing the double drummer lineup for the Pink’s is George Butler who appeared on the Larry Wallis solo album ‘Death in the Guitarafternoon’ (correct spelling) in 2001. Jaki Windmill is a welcome addition to the band, although there have been some rumblings from the Pink’s fan base that a girl in the ranks is just not the done thing. Well I think she fits in perfectly.
Larry Wallis and Paul Rudolph are the two people that the fans would probably like to see back in the Pink Fairies ranks.
The music is the by now standard Pink Fairies blooze / booze rock with thunderous drums, stabbing bass, and churning guitars giving out a Bo Diddley / Chuck Berry rehash. The song subjects range from anger (Midnight Crisis) to dealing with authorities (Stopped at the Borders). The Pink Fairies still protest even though the years go by.
Although this album does not at times perhaps live up to the very high standards of say, “Kings of Oblivion” or “What a Bunch of Sweeties” (if you have not heard these albums, then you should treat yourself), the musicianship all the way through is faultless, and was recorded in less than six weeks the way rock & roll is supposed to be done.
The Pink Fairies have been born twice after splitting with singer Mick Farren the first time when they fired him after a disastrous tour of America in 1969. The second time, tragically when the basis of this band was backing Mick Farren as part of his band, The Deviants. During the second number at the borderline London in 2013, Mick Farren died right there on stage with his winkle picker boots on. Mick Farren’s genius will long be remembered. He was a singer, songwriter, author and journalist among his many talents.
Both times the members of the band picked themselves up and carried on as the Pink Fairies. Mick Farren wrote three of the songs on this album: ‘Skeleton Army,’ ‘When the Movies All Thru,’ and the title track, ‘Naked Radio‘. All of which were destined for the next Deviants album.
Alan Colquhoun also has included here his moving tribute to his fallen comrade Mick. Most of the other tracks are written by Alan Colquhoun. Although there are some serious songs on this album, they are all played in an upbeat manner, and final track ‘Deal Deal’ leaves you dancing in the isles with joy. The biggest compliment I can lay at Alan Colquhoun’s feet is that at times it could be Larry Wallis playing the lead guitar.
Wonderful cover art, too.
Sadly, since this article was written, George Butler and Duncan Sanderson have passed away. R.I.P.
for the riots.
The Pink Fairies are
Alan Colquhoun – Guitar and Vocals
Jaki Windmill – Percussion/Keyboards and vocals
Russell Hunter – Drums
George Butler – Drums
Duncan Sanderson – Bass guitar
Songs
Golden Bud
The Hills are a Burnin’
Runnin’ Outa Road
When the Movies All Through
I Walk Away
You Lied To Me
Midnight Crisis
Stopped at the Border
Spellbound
Down To The Wire
Mick
Deal Deal
Written by Mott the Dog
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