The Birds
The Collectors' Guide To Rare British Birds

Formed in 1964 in the London suburb of Yiwsley, the Birds (nothing to do with the nearly namesake Californians) are the typical group of teenagers forming in those years on the streets of the UK's capital around figures such as Ronnie Wood (guitar, harmonica, and vocals), Tony Munroe (guitar and vocals), Bob Lagham (drums), and Kim Gardner (bass). Shortly after, Ali Mackenzie was recruited for vocals, who lived in the adjacent neighborhood of West Drayton and owned a rudimentary mixer. This would be the typical lineup of the Thunderbirds (name decided after the release of Chuck Berry's single “Jaguar And The Thunderbirds”), soon shortened to the more incisive The Birds. They immediately stood out for their explosive performances in the hottest R&B clubs in London, like the Cavern in Windsor or the Zambesi in Hounslow until manager Leo De Clerk noticed them and took them under his protective wing. Unfortunately, their story lasted only a couple of seasons, and by 1967 everyone had already gone their separate ways, with Wood's being the happiest one… (hope no further explanation is needed). This splendid collection by Deram allows us to listen to a handful of those electric shocks that earned them the nickname of London’s Most “Dynamic” Group. And forgive me if around the city there were bands like Rolling Stones, The Who, Pretty Things, and Moody Blues.

“You’re On My Mind/ You Don’t Love Me” is the first single released for Decca in 1964 (of which there are also two alternative versions recorded in the same year) followed by “Leaving Here/ Next In Line” and “No Good Without You Baby/ How Can It Be?” both from 1965 and also for Decca. These tracks are a barrage of hyper-blues in the best British tradition, second (but only in fame) perhaps only to the works of Eric Burdon and his animals. The stop and go of “Next In Line” are devastating for the lower joints. After which we arrive at the absolute masterpiece "Say Those Magic Words/ Daddy Daddy” released in the blessed year of 1966 for the newly born Reaction. Blood and sweat that exudes psychedelia from every pore the A-side and a vulgar and murky blues the B-side that would astound even the gentlemen Jagger and Richards… and rest assured I'm not crazy. The second part of the CD guides us through a series of previously unreleased pieces, some recorded live. Two versions of “Run Run Run” a piece written (and also performed) by dear friend Pete Townsend of the Who and two splendid covers of “La Poupée Qu’il Fait Non” (one titled “Good Times”, with modified lyrics) by the Frenchman Michel Polnareff… don't you know it...? Then try to guess, “It's a little doll, that goes no no…” now you get it, right? Simply, a river of tears flows from the eyes. “Granny Rides Again” and “That’s All I Need” (from the film “The Deadly Bees” ) close this compilation, essential for anyone wanting to understand why those fabulous Sixties are always talked about.

In the folds of time these dynamic heroes disappeared, and from the same folds they reemerge with all their power, but I would like you to have the pleasure of listening to the sublime power-pop version of the little doll mentioned above and you will agree with me in stating that… THE BIRDS ARE BACK!