Fleshtones - The Band Drinks For Free

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 22 / 12 / 2016

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Review

The Fleshtones have been around the block for as long as punk rock, so that makes them the longest-lasting garage band in history. They started off in 1976, and, fuelled by a love of garage punk, they carry on their journey. The album kicks off with a cover of Ten Years After's 'Love Like a Man', which, jangly and garage-flavoured, would instantly have me grooving in my New York garage if I had one. It combines the fun of the B-52s with the hipness of the Fuzztones. 'Love Me Love' is like a mixture of the Stones with a dash of R.E.M. 'Rick Wakeman's Cape' is as odd musically as is its title, sounding like '96 Tears by ? and The Mysterians. 'Suburban Roulette', is fast-paced and big fun, big time Americana with an Iggy-like vocal from singer Peter Zaramba, while musically it hints at the Cramps. 'Respect Our Love' is a moody number with the energy of Springsteen. 'Living Today' again recalls Iggy, and is a loud and fun number with an arms- in-the-air feel. 'Too Many Memories' is a riff heavy potential stadium number and like a garage Guns N'Roses. 'The Gasser' is another cover, originally by the Hondells, and a loud pop number. 'Stupid Ol' Sun' is upbeat and infectious, while 'The Sinner' is a long and slow blues number, a slow burner, with lots of mouth organ and like Steve Wynn on a downer. 'How to Make a Day' is full of summer joy, while 'Before I Go', which ends the album, once again recalls the B-52's. A fine and decent record from the Fleshtones.

Track Listing:-

1 Love Like A Man
2 Love My Lover
3 Rick Wakeman's Cape
4 Suburban Roulette
5 Respect Our Love
6 Living Today
7 Too Many Memories
8 The Gasser
9 Stupid Ol' Sun
10 The Sinner
11 How To Make A Day
12 Before I Go

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