Chris has been back in the studio and recorded his first solo
album since 1993. The resulting CD mixes all the elements you'd expect - rock 'n' roll,
blues, folk and plenty of shameless guitar-driven pop. A real return to form...
The Flamin' Groovies
Shake Some Action [1976]
The first
and best album Chris made with The Groovies. Rightly hailed as a ‘forgotten
classic’, it's worth buying for the tracks Shake Some Action and I Can’t Hide
although everything in between is just as good.
The Flamin' Groovies
Now [1978]
Another great Groovies album, albeit with a fuller sound. Standout tracks
include the band's take on the Byrds' Feel a Whole Lot Better and the originals, Between
the Lines and All I Wanted.
The Flamin' Groovies
Jumpin' in the Night [1979]
The third, and final, album recorded for the Sire label,
Jumpin' rounds off the classic Groovies period in great style although the choice of
covers sometimes lets it down. Standout tracks include Next One Crying.
The Barracudas
Mean Time [1983]
Mean Time marks a high point for The Barracudas and was issued in
Japan on CD (for the first time) in 2006 with three bonus tracks. It was originally issued
in France before getting the wider release it deserved.
The Barracudas
Endeavour to Persevere [1984]
Endeavour To Persevere, which also got a Japanese
reissue in 2006 (with eight bonus tracks), marked a temporary end for the band. It
features Chris' take on the traditional folk song World Turned Upside Down.
Chris Wilson
Random Centuries [1993]
Chris went into the studio to record a solo album of mainly
acoustic tracks. The CD showcases some fine guitar arrangements across a variety styles
from traditional numbers to self-penned songs.
Chris Wilson and Friends
Back on the Barbary Coast [1993]
This album is something of a mini Groovies reunion.
It features Mike Wilhelm, Danny Mihm and James Ferrell along with some first rate songs
including a blistering cover of Sympathy for the Devil.
Chris Wilson and The Sneetches
Pop [1993]
Chris returned to the studio, this time backed by The Sneetches, to
record this fine mini album. Best of the bunch is If Wishes Were Horses which sits along
side live material featuring original Groovy Roy Loney.
The Flamin' Groovies
Rockin' at the Roundhouse [1993]
This is an audience recording of two London
Groovies shows from 1976 and 1978. The sound quality may not be 100% but the performances
are are at full speed. The CD also includes an interview with Capital Radio.
The Flamin' Groovies
Bucket of Brains [1995]
This CD contains the original 1972 Rockfield sessions
featuring the singles Slow Death and Married Women plus the original version of Shake Some
Action along with a 1995 remix of the track. Essential.
The Barracudas
The Barracudas [2005]
A raw and rugged return to form for the band, the album,
currently available on iTunes, also marks the end for The Barracudas. Chris contributed
standout track The Mirror. Download it now.
The Flamin'
Groovies at Full Speed… [2006]
This is
the only Groovies album that you need to own. It collects all the tracks from the three
classic Sire albums, Shake Some Action, Now and Jumpin' in the Night, in a neat package
that comes complete with a comprehensive booklet that also contains a wealth of photos.
This
essential collection proves conclusively that Chris' time with the band produced some
classic recordings - there's not a single track here you'll want to skip. Put simply, you
need this album, it's flamin' groovy.
