Search - The Pink Fairies :: Kings of Oblivion

Motts of Oblivion

Kim Fletcher | Pattaya, Chonburi Thailand | 01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a band. Everybody loved the Fairies. On their night - the best band in the world; on their off days - well, the least said the better. They played every free festival there was, always turning up for them, but sometimes forgetting to turn up to the ones that they were supposed to be paid for. Touring with the equally infamous Hawkwind, ending every concert with a set of "Pinkwind", where everybody got up on stage for a Jam that would either be marvelous or, depending on the state of the respective band members, a complete shambles. The Pink Fairies were well known for their excessive Rock `n' Roll lifestyle, ultra cool looks (denim, leather, very long frizzy hair, cowboy boots and eternal shades), couldn't care less attitude, and excellent musicianship. Unfortunately the later was generally ignored by the press, but mind you, they didn't exactly help themselves with their barely concealed contempt for the press or the music business hierarchy in general.This dog's favorite Fairies' story is that of turning up at Maidstone Civic hall to witness the Fairies in motion. After a very under-rehearsed Fairies had blown the roof off with a ramshackle 40 minutes set including encore ("City Kids", "Lucille", "Johnnie B. Goode", "Well, Well, Well", "The Snake" and a 10 minutes "Uncle Harry's Freak Out"), we were greeted by a very annoyed looking Larry Wallis announcing from stage that the management had told them they were booked for 90 minutes and if they didn't play 90 minutes they wouldn't be paid. The band then came back on stage played exactly the same set again, only with "Uncle Harry's Freak Out" including an extra 10 minutes drum solo. So the band got paid, management were happy, and the audience all got to see the Fairies twice.This album under review, "The Kings Of Oblivion", was the Pink Fairies third official release (after "Never Never Land" in 1971 and "What A Bunch Of Sweeties" in 1972). But to say the lineup had been consistent was like saying that the English cricket batting lineup was reliable. Already come and gone through the revolving fairy door had been ex-Pretty Things drummer Twink (off to play in "The Stars" with fellow spacemen Jack Monk and Pink Floyd's Syd Barret), ex T.Rex man, Steve Peregrine Took, Trevor Burton of Move Fame, Mick Farren, and Larry Wallis (who both came back), Paul Rudolph (lured away by promises of fame and fortune by Hawkwind..... another fine mess) and Mick Wayne, who, although only in the band for 6 to 7 gigs, wrote their surprise hit single "Well, Well, Well".But when Mick Wayne was kicked out, this left the way for the glorious return of Larry "Lazza" Wallis, who'd been showing off his wares with "Blodwyn Pig" and "U.F.O" (Wallis' parting shot to U.F.O after being fired for not turning up to rehearsals had been "You May Rehearse, I Create"). Joining the nucleus of Duncan Sandersand on bass and Wildman of Rock Russel Hunter on drums, the Fairies then enjoyed a period of stability (18 months) during which they recorded this remarkable guitar driven album.There is no doubt that this is Wallis' album, having a hand in writing all the songs, singing, playing guitar, production and engineering credits.The album opens with the classic "City Kids" (which Wallis was to take with him when he formed "Motorhead with Lemmy after he was kicked out of Hawkwind,. All gets very incestuous,doesn't it) here in its original version, all crunchy guitars, rock solid bass and drums with a catchy chorus, which you are singing along second time around. All the songs here are 24 carat solid gold easy action; it is one of rock music's great in justices that this is not regarded as one of its all time classics.Out of all the Fairies albums this is possibly their best, certainly their most refined studio effort. But should be played at 11 for maximum effect.Over the years there have been many Pink Fairies reformations and comebacks, at one time there were four different versions of the band on tour, plus up to eighteen albums released under the Fairies banner. But take my word for it, anything with Larry Wallis on it is sheer class.As for "The Kings Of Oblivion", who can resist a cover with three flying pink pigs on it, all wearing shades?
Mott the Dog."

Pink Fairies - 'Kings Of Oblivion' import

Mike Reed | USA | 04/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'Kings...' was originally released in 1973,being the band's third effort.The line-up on here is strictly a trio with Russell Hunter on drums,Duncan Sanderson on bass/vocals and Larry Wallis on guitar/vocals.This disc kicks MORE ass than I was expecting.I was quite impressed with "I Wish I Was A Girl","Chromium Plating",the boot stomping instrumental "Raceway" and "Street Urchin".Wallis's guitar ripping is worth the admission price alone.Wasn't he the original guitarist for Motorhead?In fact,this CD's opener "City Kids" went onto be a Motorhead tune.Comes with four bonus cuts added on,so you can't go wrong by picking up a copy of this title.Should appeal to fans of MC5,Deviants,the Melvins,Stooges and Spirit Caravan."

Don't just think about it man.......... BUY IT !

Andy Gregory | Cleveland England | 04/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, what can I say.With the wife and kids (dog,cat, hamster - anyone you care for really) well out of the way, turn it up FULL volume until the drums kick you in the head, the basslines make the walls move,Larry Wallis's guitar cuts through you like a knife and enter an alternate state of consciousness.A full scale assault on the central nervous system.Bloody fantastic. The album is worth buying just to listen to Russell Hunter's drumming on 'City Kids'alone(probably the best 3 1/2 minutes Wallis (or anyone else) has ever penned.) If you haven't heard of the Fairies check them out on the web to see why they are a legend and buy all their remastered albums.The Wallis-driven 'Kings' is their best effort. My wife hates it - the ultimate accolade.This is without doubt rock and roll at its very finest."