 1964-19784: A Decade of Odd Tales and Wonders by Travis Edward Pike  OTHERWORLD COTTAGE INDUSTRIES If unfamiliar with the adventures of Travis Pike, now is your chance to read up on who, what, and why. The main reason Shindig!, Ugly Things, and like-minded platforms celebrate this extraordinary character is down to the |
uninhibited sounds captured on a few songs he was instrumental in creating (‘Demo Derby’ and ‘If I Didn’t Love You Girl’ amongst them), and which, over the decades, have caught the attention of those appreciative of good, honest teen scene rock ‘n’ roll. “Pike’s legend is solidified by some unbelievable YouTube footage where he and the Brattle Street East are playing their hearts out on a beach front platform construction in front of hordes of hip young groovers in 1966 Boston, performing the insanely cool ‘Watch Out Woman’. This molten blast of teen-punk genius finally saw the light of day last year - as it should’ve done in ‘66 - on a tremendous vinyl single issued by Folkstone’s fabulous State Records. “In this newly expanded printing Pike elucidates, often in exhaustive detail, with passion and good humour, just how things were back in the day and where he, the groups he fronted and the scenes they were part of, fitted in. Pike’s post-60s and 70s career, in which he found varying degrees of success as writer, player, author and storyteller, are also examined. Hundreds of photos and other promotional images accompany the text, plus lyrics and a superb Harvey Kubernik interview which further illuminates Pike’s ongoing journey. “A fascinating read.” Lenny Helsing |
