LA RECENSIONE

Texans from Houston, after a handful of 45 rpm records, released in 1968 a classic of the psychedelic underground of absolute rarity.
Flash marks the debut of Bill Gibbons, a Hendrixian-style guitarist who would later gain fame and glory with the very famous ZZTop.

This work fits in with the "Garage Rock" genre, so dear to the cousins 13th Floor Elevators. The similarities are numerous, but the approach is that of a hard rock blues where Gibbons' lead guitar reproduces the exciting teachings of the Seattle master.

The album features immediately impactful songwriting. Flashback is an anthem of proto-punk urgency, a sound carpet of guitar and Hammond organ solos, wild choruses, and an acoustic finale featuring bongos and sitar, very, very freaky.
Scoun Da Be, You Make Me Shake, Crimson Witch, Pluto – Sept. 31st, highlight the Hendrixian references even more, but with personal taste and a flipped-out singing style that never ceases to fascinate.
The experiments in Eclipse and Reclipse instead have a Zappa-esque cabaret scent, No Good To Cry is a sad and sick ballad, 99th Floor is a tribute to the Elevators and also the 45 rpm that brought them considerable success on the Texas charts.

This story lasted for a season, already in '69, Gibbons joined Dusty Hill and Frank Beard of the American Blues to form ZZTop.

An exceptional album, a "must" for all psychedelic rock enthusiasts.

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Summary by Bot

The Moving Sidewalks' 1968 album 'Flash' is a rare psychedelic garage rock classic from Houston. This debut of Billy Gibbons showcases Hendrix-inspired guitar work and impactful songwriting. The record blends hard rock blues with psychedelic experimentation and proto-punk urgency. Notable tracks include 'Flashback', 'Scoun Da Be', and '99th Floor'. A must-listen for fans of psychedelic and garage rock, marking the beginnings of ZZ Top's legendary guitarist.

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