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6 Degrees Entertainment

Title - 'Jumpin' in the Night' [Reissue]
Artist - Flamin' Groovies

For those not in the know, the band that played a major role in the evolution of power pop and are considered a forerunner of punk rock, the Flamin' Groovies, are readying to reissue two of their most popular, and now-classic albums: Now (July 10th) and Jumpin' In the Night (August 7th).

While it took a long and torturous five years for the Flamin' Groovies to find their way back to an American record deal (with Shake Some Action), 18 months later the band had a follow-up ready, and it was Now.

And while 1978's Now wasn't quite as cohesive as the album that preceded it, this third, and last of the Flamin' Groovies late-'70s albums for Sire, Jumpin' in the Night storms out of the gate with the title song (a top-shelf rocker that brings the muscle of the Flamingo-era lineup of the Groovies to the more style-conscious British Invasion sonics of Cyril Jordan's version).

Though Jumpin' in the Night never rocks that hard or that well again, it does sound decidedly tighter and tougher than 1978's Flamin' Groovies Now, and guitarist Mike Wilhelm, a new addition to the Now lineup, is much better integrated into their wall of guitars, with the Groovies sounding more solid than they did a year before.

1. 'Jumping In the Night' (3:24)
2. 'Next One Crying' (2:36)
3. 'First Plane Home' (3:50)
4. 'In the U.S.A.' (3:20)
5. 'Down, Down, Down' (2:49)
6. 'Yes I Am' (2:35)
7. 'Werewolves of London' (3:37)
8. 'It Won't Be Wrong' (1:57)
9. 'Please, Please Me' (2:00)
10. 'Tell Me Again' (2:00)
11. 'Absolutely, Sweet Marie' (3:15)
12. '5D (Fifth Dimension )' (2:41)
13. 'Lady Friend' (2:31)

Unlike the first two albums, which were produced by Dave Edmunds Jumping in the Night was produced by group member Cyril Jordan in collaboration with Roger Bechirian.

However, there is no apparent difference in the sound, and Edmunds' spirit shines throughout the album.

The first Sire album, Shake Some Action, was characterized by fine original songwriting mixed with some solid cover version and with Edmunds’ fine feeling for pure clear sound, and the album has become a power-pop classic.

The sequel Now suffered a bit from more uneven songwriting, but it was still a fine album in the same vein of its predecessor.

In truth, the same thing can be said about this album. Fine sound and somewhat uneven original songwriting, but otherwise a solid album that easily measures up to Now.

Group members Cyril Jordan and Chris Wilson are, like on the previous two albums, behind the original songs. As a songwriting team they are distinguished with catchy tunes that bear clear signs of inspiration from The Beatles and The Byrds.

Six songs the duo contributed to this album, and with fine cuts such as 'Yes I Am,' 'Tell Me Again' and 'First Plane Home,' they present themselves from their strongest side.

The other three are song solid enough, but less significant, in my humble opinion.

Among the cover songs we get two Byrds songs, '5D' and 'Lady Friend,' which are as good as you could even hope them to be. Especially the latter, which here is given an interpretation that actually makes it more immediately catchy than The Byrds themselves!

Also the Stones' '19th Nervous Breakdown' and Dylan's 'Absolutely Sweet Marie' are given right royal treatments here, with the highlight for me, the Groovies' jangly Rickenbacker cover of Warren Zevon's 'Werewolves of London.'

Credits:
• Cyril Jordan: Lead/rhythm guitars, mellotron, vocals
• Chris Wilson: Vocals, Rhythm guitar, harpsichord
• Mike Wilhelm: Lead/rhythm guitars
• George Alexander: Bass/vocals
• David Wright: Drums

Oh, and for my money, as aforementioned, 'Jumpin' in the Night' also has one of their best original songs, the blistering title track. Indeed, this whole album sounds great and the team behind it has done a wondrous job in the remastering department.

Official Purchase Link

www.theflamingroovies.com

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