Shakane –Jenny/ Gang Man –UA UP 36087 (1976 UK)
Unless proved otherwise, this is probably the last single as released by the prolific Shakane. Written for the band by Smith & D’abo, Jenny is the sound of a band going all out for a hit, but with a spectorian Rockfield production by Kingsley Ward from the famed converted barn where Edmunds and The Flamin’ Groovies created their classic sounds. The song itself is a fine Rubettes-like number that should have garnered at the very least heavy Radio 1 play, but it wasn’t to be... The B side is the sublime Gang Man that was recorded two years previously –hear it here: http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2009/08/shakane-gang-man.html
Unless proved otherwise, this is probably the last single as released by the prolific Shakane. Written for the band by Smith & D’abo, Jenny is the sound of a band going all out for a hit, but with a spectorian Rockfield production by Kingsley Ward from the famed converted barn where Edmunds and The Flamin’ Groovies created their classic sounds. The song itself is a fine Rubettes-like number that should have garnered at the very least heavy Radio 1 play, but it wasn’t to be... The B side is the sublime Gang Man that was recorded two years previously –hear it here: http://purepop1uk.blogspot.com/2009/08/shakane-gang-man.html
I believe there was an EP released in Sweden under an assumed name where Shakane covered a Gary Glitter song. Any more information on that release ...Bob?
Hear A Full Version of Jenny
8 comments:
I know I'm still confused over how many LP's they have. I thought only one, but certain people I know keep insisting they have some odd Scandinavian-only SECOND LP. It's not infeasible. Hell, the Swingin' Blue Jeans had hit records up there.
CONFUSION!
They actually had two LPs out. As far as I know the second one only in Italy, on Youngblood in 1974. Anyway 6 tracks were from their first album
Yes and using the same BZN photo as the Italian Gang Man single.
I can't say that I'm aware of any cover of a Gary Glitter song. Nor of a scandinavian EP release that post dates 'Jenny'. There is a 'juke box only' EP out there that was shared with German band the Mecki Mark Men, with three tracks from each band. None of them being in the vein of I'm the leader of the gang, I am!!
Thanks Bob.
I was miss-informed. I was sent tracks a few years ago whith from a Swedish EP, so it wasn't Shakane then...BTW Bob perhaps you could shed some light on this acetate I got, I was told it could be Force West -Mr Sun/ New Tomorrow...
Robin.
Give me a little time on that one, I will talk to the rest of the band. Force West were known in certain circles as the 'Weather Band' due to a large number of their tunes relating to the weather one way or another, (I'll walk in the rain, When the sun comes out etc). so this could conceivably be something that never actually came to ultimate fruition. Sid Phillips would be the best chap to talk to, he has a remarkable memory for facts like this. Leave it with me!!
Absolutely LOVE this record! Can't thank you enough for the COUNTLESS gems you've unearthed. As a result of yr herculean efforts, PUREPOP serves as both an invaluable information resource & MP3 treasure trove! Bless you!
BTW-Today (02-03-2010) it seems DivShare has gone awol, mysteriously taking your site's listening/downloading capabilities along with it! !!YIPES!!
Hi Robin. I just came across this thread from a good few years ago. Regarding our conversation re ‘Mr Sun’. I was sent a very scratchy mp3 of this tune a few years ago and must say that it does sound like a ‘lost’ Force West track although, in fairness, nobody seems to be able to recall the song! Since we last communicated Shakane have decided to call it a day and live the lives of responsible (comparatively) elderly gentlemen. Thanks for your support on this forum and best regards.
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