Heavy Metal Kids - Kitsch
by Tom Fogarty
published: 7 / 10 / 2012
Label:
Select Label
Format: N/A
intro
In our 'Re: View' column, in which our writers examine albums from the past, Tom Fogarty reflects on 'Kitsch', the 1977 third album from the Heavy Metal Kids, whose singer the late Gary Holton was one of the stars of the classic television series, 'Auf Weidersehen, Pet'
If you don't recognise the name Gary Holton, you will probably recognise the face. Holton, who sadly passed away in 1985, was famous for starring in the popular television series, 'Auf Weidersehen, Pet', in the early 80s. Fewer still will know that he used to be the front man of the Heavy Metal Kids, a 70's punk/glam combo. And they're probably one of the best bands you've never heard of. The band always had a rocky relationship, and 'Kitsch', their third album, was originally released in 1977, two years after the band first split in 1975. It was recorded in France, and produced by Mickie Most released on his RAK Records label. 1977 was the year that punk really began to take off in the UK, killing off the self-indulgent prog rock dinosaurs that had kept the scene stale for a couple of years before. Although often cited as a band that bridged the gap between rock and punk, the Heavy Metal Kids steadfastly refused to sit in either camp. Although influences from both genres are plain to see on 'Kitsch', the album plays out more like a rock opera, something akin to the Who's 'Tommy'. The opening instrumental track, 'Overture', starts the proceedings in a suitably grandiose manner, and from there in the rest of the album builds up in momentum; amazingly it's full running length is little over 30 minutes long! The album contains the singles 'Chelsea Kids' and 'She's No Angel' (which might be familiar to some), as well two bonus tracks, 'Delirious' and 'Hey Little Girl'. It's not hard to draw comparisons between them and other more popular bands of the time; Holton's mock cockney barrow-boy singing is at times very similar to Steve Marriott from the Small Faces, in particular in 'Jackie the Lad' and 'Hey Little Girl'. At other times there are hints of Queen in 'From Heaven to Hell and Back Again' and 'Cry for Me'. They were strongly influenced by the dying glam scene of the late 70s, but had a harder edge than, say, the Sweet or Sparks. In many ways 'Kitsch' can be seen as an experimental album. The band are obviously having fun and exploring their sound - rather than follow the musical trends of the time, they are trying to carve out their own direction. Sadly it didn't really work at the time but I'm glad they've been given a chance to be rediscovered here in this nicely remastered package. When a few years later Simple Minds played with similar keyboard/chorus arrangements, they were hailed as one of the era's most exciting new bands, but somehow the Heavy Metal Kids seemed to miss the boat and were overlooked. Although given credit by Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols and small cult bands such as Cock Sparrer and Splodgenessabounds, the Heavy Metal Kids remain largely ignored by the music industry, so perhaps now is the time for them to gain some of the recognition they deserve. I highly recommend you check out 'Kitsch' (and the rest of their back catalogue) - you'll be glad you did.
Track Listing:-
Picture Gallery:-
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
previous editions
Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down the StairsWorld Party - Interview
World Party - Interview with Karl Wallinger
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EP
Ain't That Always The Way - Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
Steve Harley - Interview
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Ruts - Life After Death ? : A Profile
Leprous - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Serious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning DewMarika Hackman - Big Sigh
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart