Atlantics
It's A Hard Life
Label: Rumble Skunk
Genre: 60s / 70s Rock / Pop / Progressive / Kraut
Availability
- LP €23.99 Out of Stock
The opening song is "Pretty Thing", a cool cover of Bo Diddley's classic (written by Willie Dixon), recorded & released in 1965 as single via His Master's Voice label. Came out as a personal single of Johnny Rebb, but The Atlantics are his backing band! "That Loving Feeling" came out in 1967 as single via Ramrod Records, an outstanding cover of The Honeycombs' classic! "It's A Hard Life" is an absolutely amazing original (written by Jim Skiathitis) a garage standard with swirling organ & interesting tempo-changes, that came out as 7" on Sunshine Records in 1966! Sure thing is The Atlantics loved Willie Dixon & Bo Diddley & they've picked up another classic, "You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover" version is ace, respectively to the original, released as Johnny Rebb's single (1965, His Master's Voice) & of course The Atlantics are his backing band! "Come On" (composed by Peter Hood) is probably their well known garage song (covered by many garage punk bands over the years), a marvelous 7" that came out in 1967 (Sunshine Records). The first time I've heard it was early 90's (on a hot Summer day) via Raven's "Ugly Things" compilation & my mind blew off!! "I Put A Spell On You" is one of the best covers ever, their splendid version of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' anthem originally came out as single in 1967 on Sunshine Records!!! The last song on Side 1 is "You Tell Me Why" a fab cover of The Beau Brummels, originally came out as 7" in 1967 via Sunshine label.
The Side 2 starts with a bang!! "Take A Trip" is a blister of instrumental mayhem that will drive you wild!! Released as single in 1967 (very rare) on Ramrod Records, under the moniker of Gift Of Love!! A mindblowing epic-instro, the fuzzed irritations as well the powerful drums and the organ will shot you to the moon & back!! Written by James G. Addams (a pseudonym of Jim Skiathitis) & Peter Hood. "By The Glow Of A Candle" is a 60's milestone, an incredible song with extraordinary guitar work, bubble-up organ & excellent vocals, without a doubt is one of their finest moments!! Written by Theo Penglis & came out as single in 1967 (Sunshine Records). "Waiting Here For Someone" became well known from Neil Landon, but is written by John Carter and Ken Lewis. The Atlantics did a great cover, it was actually the B-side of their single "That Loving Feeling" & came out in 1967 via Ramrod Records! "Baby Blue" is written by Theo Penglis, came out as single in 1968 (Ramrod Records), a mid-tempo nice song, it's crystal clear The Atlantics influenced by the Mersey-Beat sound, the results are excellent and right on target! "When I Look Into My Life" released in 1968, actually it was the B-side of their Ramrod-single "Sunshine And Roses"!! A superb organ-garage song written by Peter Hood!! "I'll Never Let You Go" is a magnificent moody ballad with bittersweet lyrics, an ode straight to your heart!! An ace original written by James G. Addams, released as single in 1968 on Ramrod Records!! The closing song, "Light Shades Of Dark (Part 1)", is a mind expanding psychedelic number, written by James G. Addams & came out as 7" in 1969 (Ramrod Records).
Never too late I guess, this piece of vinyl is a chance, It's time for The Atlantics rolling, fuzzin', trembling & shakin' the world, the way it should have happened back in the mid to late 60's!!! Enjoy it 'cause It's A Hard Life!!!
Johnny Rebb: vocals
James Skiathitis: Guitars
Peter Hood: Drums
Bosco Bosanac: Bass
Theo Penglis: Organ