(Raucous Records RAUCD 166)
Many years ago when the world was still young, rock 'n' roll was the music of the day. Real people making real music, music that was exciting, vibrant, humorous and always totally irresistible. Today, most music played lacks these essential ingredients. Two-piece electronic duo's, without a single spark of energy between them seem to be the order of the day.
But all is not lost however! Because for the true fan, rock 'n' roll will never die. One record company that has dedicated itself to promoting and (re-)releasing old and new rock 'n' roll is Raucous Records in the UK. Howard Raucous has re-issued great albums by my friend and lifetime idol Wild Bob Burgos and the band's he played in several times before. Great landmarks from the likes of Matchbox, Shotgun, Iain Terry, and now the much sought after album "Rockin' On The Railroad" from The Wild Angels, the line-up from 1988 with The Sledgehammer of Rock 'n' Roll on the drums, originallyu released on Valentine LP VAL8060.
The orginal front cover, and all the original songs, untampered with, from an era when rock 'n' roll was once again a very popular sound in Europe. Steel fisted Bill Kingston is terrifying piano tuners by hitting the keys with enormous power and skill, much like the way Bob Burgos hits his skins. Great guitar playing by Ray Firth and Dave Briggs and a steady bass line by Brian Francis. The album was a masterpiece in its own time, and it is still a fine example of true Britisch Rock 'n' Roll. Raucous added an extra bonus tracks titled "The Sledgehammer Strikes Back" which contains a three-minute drumsolo by the master of the skins, Bob Burgos.
The Wild Angels in 1988 were:
Bill Kingston - Piano
Wild Bob Burgos - Drums, Vocals
Brian Francis - Bass, Vocals
Ray Firth - Guitar, Vocals
Guest musicians:
Dave Briggs - Guitar
Johnny Angel - Vocals
Reviewed by The BlackCat, 2005