Kenny Cruz: Shang-a-Lang: The Albums of the Bay City Rollers, Part Two. buhdge

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Shang-a-Lang: The Albums of the Bay City Rollers by Kenny Cruz Part Two (Thanks to the not-too-long-ago-reissued-in-England quartet of Bay City Rollers CDs, Roller Mania is once again rockin’ and rollin’ ‘till all hours of the day and night. Kenny Cruz (The Bobbies) is, in my estimation, the most deeply-committed Rollers fan on the face of planet Earth. A couple of years ago, back when I was publishing the Pure Pop website, I asked Kenny to put together a comprehensive review of the Rollers catalog. He did so, and it was well received. Since it has been unavailable for so long, I thought it would be useful to republish it here. Part two appears below. It’s a marathon, useful work, and a lot of fun to read. Kenny, how about a similar feature on the Sweet or Slade?-Alan Haber) STRANGERS IN THE WIND ARISTA - CD - 1978 JAPAN (Released on LP in the U.S.) This is the third (and last) of what I call the Rollers' Air Supply albums. Once again produced by Harry Maslin, this continues the more adult (ballad heavy) sound instituted with "Dedication." Alan Longmuir makes his most welcome return on this release, which features the incredible saxophone stylings of one Stuart (Woody) Wood (on "If You Were My Woman"). There isn't a bad song here, with "Where Will I Be Now" (the single), "Back On the Street," and "Love Brought Me Such A Magical Thing" being standouts. Of special note are "Every Tear I Cry" and "When I Say I Love You (The Pie)," both penned by the Sutherland brothers (of Sutherland Bros. & Quiver fame). An interesting note: Everyone but Les had problems with most of the material on this release. The boys (primarily Eric and Woody) wanted to take a more rock and roll approach, while Les was content with the status quo. Les left the group at this point, leaving the rest of the boys to make the TV rounds without him. Eric and Woody fronted the band as replacement Duncan Faure hadn't recorded with them yet. Another interesting note: This album was used to promote the band's Saturday morning TV show (produced by Sid and Marty Kroft). The boys ran around with the characters from *H.R. Puffenstuff* and the show's content was enough for me to vomit on a regular basis. This mistake of a TV show had the effect of a) ruining the band's credibility, and may have b) hastened Les' departure (firing?). My rating * (for the album, not the TV show) ELEVATOR ARISTA - CD - 1979 JAPAN - (Released in the US on LP) This release heralds the arrival of Duncan Faure (Rabbitt) and the arrival of musical respectability. Unfortunately, Clive Davis had lost interest in the Rollers and Arista failed to give this breakthrough release the promotion that it rightfully deserved. Imagine if EMI had lost interest in The Beatles** and failed to promote "Rubber Soul," as Trouser Press compared Elevator to at the time. Dealing with the trials and tribulations of stardom, this record features stellar songs and a return to a no nonsense rocking sound. With songs like "Turn On The Radio," "Hello and Welcome Home,""I Was Eleven" and others, there's absolutely no reason that this record shouldn't have been a major hit. But that's the music biz for you. An interesting note: the LP's cover originally featured a picture of a large pill (replaced by a band photo on the CD) in an elevator with the "up" arrow lit. Could this and the drug references in the songs have contributed to Arista's lack of interest? Hey, little boys eventually grow up to be men. My rating ** VOXX ARISTA - LP - 1980 JAPAN (Never released in the US)** Justifiably pissed with Arista's dismissal of Elevator, Eric Faulkner handed the label this collection of demos and one live track ("Rebel Rebel") in order to fulfill the terms of the Rollers' contract. For a collection of demos, this ain't half bad. Primarily produced by Faulkner (under the pseudonym of R. Fender), Voxx features rockers like "God Save Rock and Roll" (the single), "Working For the People" (originally recorded by Rabbitt) and "85," mixed in with pretty ballads like "New York" and "Only the Young Die Old." It's pretty hard to believe that this is a collection of demos that were thrown in Clive Davis's face. An interesting note: "The Jig," a staple of the Rollers' live sets since 1973 that featured Eric on fiddle, makes its first studio appearance. I wonder if this song's inclusion was part of the contract fulfillment strategy? Arista's reaction was to release this LP in Japan and Germany only and shortly after dropped our heroes. Hey, who needs The Rollers when you've got real men like Barry Manilow. My rating * RICOCHET EPIC - LP - 1981 CANADA (Never released in the U.S.)** Undaunted by their dismissal by Arista, the boys signed a deal with CBS International, which for some strange reason excluded the United States. Regardless, Ricochet represents what is arguably the Rollers' finest album. Buoyed by the Toto-ish single "No Doubt About It," this album features somewhat progressive arrangements and in spots sounds not unlike Yes. Songs like the operatic "Doors, Bars, Metal," the bagpipe-laden "Life On the Radio,""Roxy Lady" and "Won't You Come Home With Me" set the tone of brilliance that this record is. Although Ricochet wasn't released in the U.S., the boys toured the States in support of it. At one of their shows at "Malibu's" on Long Island, this Rollermaniac's dream came true when I got to meet the boys backstage. This meeting of the minds resulted in me matching drinks with Alan Longmuir and the incredible hangover I suffered for the cause remains one of my sweetest rock and roll memories. An interesting note: for some unfathomable reason, CBS Canada released a limited run of this record with no graphics, only a brown paper bag. Why? My rating ** BURNING RUBBER FAN CLUB RELEASE - CASSETTE - 1981 UK - (Never released in the U.S.)** Released as the soundtrack to the movie Burning Rubber, this album features strong songs and performances. My faves are the title song, "Love Is Yours and Mine," and the very rocking "T.V.". Included are re-recordings of "Lay Your Love On the Line" and "Doors, Bars, Metal" (both from Ricochet). As for the movie, Burning Rubber was released as a starring vehicle for Alan Longmuir, with Duncan, Derek and Woody in supporting roles. After seeing this movie for the first time recently, I am quite thankful that Alan and the boys didn't give up their day jobs. This cheesy ode to drag racing would have been perfect for Mystery Science Theatre 3000, if the show was still on the air. An interesting question: Although Eric is on the soundtrack, why isn't he in the film? It seems really weird to see Duncan, Derek and Woody play in the film as a three piece while Alan is getting gimped at the bar. My rating * LIVE IN JAPAN OVERSEAS - 2 LP SET - 1983 JAPAN (Never released in the U.S.) After "Burning Rubber," the boys had pretty much called it a day, but the Japanese market was always very big for them and of course was too big to pass up. As a result, the classic lineup reformed (yes, Les returned) for tours in 1982 and 1983. This 2-LP greatest hits live collection chronicles the 1983 Japanese tour and features special guest stars Ian Mitchell and Pat McGlynn. All the hits are included, as well the 1983 reunion single "A Piece Of the Action" (originally recorded by Bucks Fizz). Also included are songs from Les' successful Japanese solo career ("Thinking of You" and "Long Distance Love"), "I Remember" (from Duncan and Woody's 1983 post Rollers band Karu) and post Les Rollers songs like "Turn On the Radio" and "No Doubt About It." Although the overall sound is rather clean (no heavy guitars) and the group is augmented by three female backing singers, the energy level is high. No doubt the boys were pleased to have girls still screaming for them at this late date. My rating * Part three coming soon.
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Shang-a-Lang: The Albums of the Bay City Rollers
by Kenny Cruz
Part Two

(Thanks to the not-too-long-ago-reissued-in-England quartet of Bay City Rollers CDs, Roller Mania is once again rockin’ and rollin’ ‘till all hours of the day and night. Kenny Cruz (The Bobbies) is, in my estimation, the most deeply-committed Rollers fan on the face of planet Earth. A couple of years ago, back when I was publishing the Pure Pop website, I asked Kenny to put together a comprehensive review of the Rollers catalog. He did so, and it was well received. Since it has been unavailable for so long, I thought it would be useful to republish it here. Part two appears below. It’s a marathon, useful work, and a lot of fun to read. Kenny, how about a similar feature on the Sweet or Slade?-Alan Haber)

STRANGERS IN THE WIND
ARISTA - CD - 1978
JAPAN (Released on LP in the U.S.)

This is the third (and last) of what I call the Rollers' Air Supply albums. Once again produced by Harry Maslin, this continues the more adult (ballad heavy) sound instituted with "Dedication." Alan Longmuir makes his most welcome return on this release, which features the incredible saxophone stylings of one Stuart (Woody) Wood (on "If You Were My Woman"). There isn't a bad song here, with "Where Will I Be Now" (the single), "Back On the Street," and "Love Brought Me Such A Magical Thing" being standouts. Of special note are "Every Tear I Cry" and "When I Say I Love You (The Pie)," both penned by the Sutherland brothers (of Sutherland Bros. & Quiver fame).

An interesting note: Everyone but Les had problems with most of the material on this release. The boys (primarily Eric and Woody) wanted to take a more rock and roll approach, while Les was content with the status quo. Les left the group at this point, leaving the rest of the boys to make the TV rounds without him. Eric and Woody fronted the band as replacement Duncan Faure hadn't recorded with them yet. Another interesting note: This album was used to promote the band's Saturday morning TV show (produced by Sid and Marty Kroft). The boys ran around with the characters from H.R. Puffenstuff and the show's content was enough for me to vomit on a regular basis. This mistake of a TV show had the effect of a) ruining the band's credibility, and may have b) hastened Les' departure (firing?).

My rating *** (for the album, not the TV show)

ELEVATOR
ARISTA - CD - 1979
JAPAN - (Released in the US on LP)

This release heralds the arrival of Duncan Faure (Rabbitt) and the arrival of musical respectability. Unfortunately, Clive Davis had lost interest in the Rollers and Arista failed to give this breakthrough release the promotion that it rightfully deserved. Imagine if EMI had lost interest in The Beatles and failed to promote "Rubber Soul," as Trouser Press compared Elevator to at the time. Dealing with the trials and tribulations of stardom, this record features stellar songs and a return to a no nonsense rocking sound.

With songs like "Turn On The Radio," "Hello and Welcome Home,""I Was Eleven" and others, there's absolutely no reason that this record shouldn't have been a major hit. But that's the music biz for you. An interesting note: the LP's cover originally featured a picture of a large pill (replaced by a band photo on the CD) in an elevator with the "up" arrow lit. Could this and the drug references in the songs have contributed to Arista's lack of interest? Hey, little boys eventually grow up to be men.

My rating ****

VOXX
ARISTA - LP - 1980
JAPAN (Never released in the US)

Justifiably pissed with Arista's dismissal of Elevator, Eric Faulkner handed the label this collection of demos and one live track ("Rebel Rebel") in order to fulfill the terms of the Rollers' contract. For a collection of demos, this ain't half bad. Primarily produced by Faulkner (under the pseudonym of R. Fender), Voxx features rockers like "God Save Rock and Roll" (the single), "Working For the People" (originally recorded by Rabbitt) and "85," mixed in with pretty ballads like "New York" and "Only the Young Die Old." It's pretty hard to believe that this is a collection of demos that were thrown in Clive Davis's face.

An interesting note: "The Jig," a staple of the Rollers' live sets since 1973 that featured Eric on fiddle, makes its first studio appearance. I wonder if this song's inclusion was part of the contract fulfillment strategy? Arista's reaction was to release this LP in Japan and Germany only and shortly after dropped our heroes. Hey, who needs The Rollers when you've got real men like Barry Manilow.

My rating ***

RICOCHET
EPIC - LP - 1981
CANADA (Never released in the U.S.)

Undaunted by their dismissal by Arista, the boys signed a deal with CBS International, which for some strange reason excluded the United States. Regardless, Ricochet represents what is arguably the Rollers' finest album. Buoyed by the Toto-ish single "No Doubt About It," this album features somewhat progressive arrangements and in spots sounds not unlike Yes. Songs like the operatic "Doors, Bars, Metal," the bagpipe-laden "Life On the Radio,""Roxy Lady" and "Won't You Come Home With Me" set the tone of brilliance that this record is. Although Ricochet wasn't released in the U.S., the boys toured the States in support of it.

At one of their shows at "Malibu's" on Long Island, this Rollermaniac's dream came true when I got to meet the boys backstage. This meeting of the minds resulted in me matching drinks with Alan Longmuir and the incredible hangover I suffered for the cause remains one of my sweetest rock and roll memories. An interesting note: for some unfathomable reason, CBS Canada released a limited run of this record with no graphics, only a brown paper bag. Why?

My rating ****

BURNING RUBBER
FAN CLUB RELEASE - CASSETTE - 1981
UK - (Never released in the U.S.)

Released as the soundtrack to the movie Burning Rubber, this album features strong songs and performances. My faves are the title song, "Love Is Yours and Mine," and the very rocking "T.V.". Included are re-recordings of "Lay Your Love On the Line" and "Doors, Bars, Metal" (both from Ricochet).

As for the movie, Burning Rubber was released as a starring vehicle for Alan Longmuir, with Duncan, Derek and Woody in supporting roles. After seeing this movie for the first time recently, I am quite thankful that Alan and the boys didn't give up their day jobs. This cheesy ode to drag racing would have been perfect for Mystery Science Theatre 3000, if the show was still on the air. An interesting question: Although Eric is on the soundtrack, why isn't he in the film? It seems really weird to see Duncan, Derek and Woody play in the film as a three piece while Alan is getting gimped at the bar.

My rating ***

LIVE IN JAPAN
OVERSEAS - 2 LP SET - 1983
JAPAN (Never released in the U.S.)

After "Burning Rubber," the boys had pretty much called it a day, but the Japanese market was always very big for them and of course was too big to pass up. As a result, the classic lineup reformed (yes, Les returned) for tours in 1982 and 1983. This 2-LP greatest hits live collection chronicles the 1983 Japanese tour and features special guest stars Ian Mitchell and Pat McGlynn. All the hits are included, as well the 1983 reunion single "A Piece Of the Action" (originally recorded by Bucks Fizz).

Also included are songs from Les' successful Japanese solo career ("Thinking of You" and "Long Distance Love"), "I Remember" (from Duncan and Woody's 1983 post Rollers band Karu) and post Les Rollers songs like "Turn On the Radio" and "No Doubt About It." Although the overall sound is rather clean (no heavy guitars) and the group is augmented by three female backing singers, the energy level is high. No doubt the boys were pleased to have girls still screaming for them at this late date.

My rating ***

Part three coming soon.