Review – Real Gone Cats “(Love to) Make You Rock”
independent
album
The Real Gone Cats are a 6pc old-time rock ‘n’ roll outfit whose first gig was in October 1992 at Rockdale RSL. Their press tout them as “Sydney’s foremost rock ‘n’ roll show band” and the look is of a mix between Sha Na Na, The Delltones (without the glitter) and most other bands of the genre.
“(Love to) Make You Rock” is the name of the album which was recorded in October 1998. It includes five original songs, one of which (Too Hot) scored a commendation at the Songwriters Society competition last year. The record has also been supported by the likes of Gary (2SM) Jaeger in Sydney, CJUM Manitoba and the Big Backyard radio-show worldwide.
The most amazing aspect of this band is that the line up is more unstable than… well, you may be familiar with Spinal Tap? Although Noel Taylor has been behind the skins since inception and Dave Harradine had a two-year break in 1994-1996, they’ve had two other singers, four guitarists, two bassists, six pianists and two saxophonists… Nigel would be pleased!
So what about the album? Well, rock ‘n’ roll is not my style so I didn’t enjoy that aspect of it. But quite obviously the punters did at Bexley RSL where they recorded this disc. The mix sounds as though the crowd was added at the last moment, much like the old Ray Stevens hits: but be assured that this is not the case. While we couldn’t hear the nightclub-murmur under the music, the audience was there when needed (although they could have been a little more vocal for the JO’K or Elvis songs). Technically, though, the music was tight, the production of standard, and quite obviously a hit on the night.
There is talk of Real Gone Cats being rock ‘n’ roll but with a now attitude – I just didn’t get it, again, probably from my being in the Sha Na Na/Delltones frame of mind throughout.