"next" is alex harvey`s best album by a long mile. there isn`t a single dud on the album, with literally every single one-of-a-kind track leaping out of the grooves. excellent, transparent production with lots of studio trickery and zal`s solos slicing through the album mix like an acoustic razor blade...and then that voice: raucous, sleazy, funny and scary all at the same time, "next" mesmerised me as a kid when I bought it upon its release...and tracks like "faith healer" or "vambo marble eye" still raise the hairs on the back of my neck to this very day: simply magnificent!
I remember the episode of the ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ when SAHB played Next. It was mesmerizing. That show with whispering Bob was amazing! It introduced us to so much music not generally heard on radio or TOTP’s. At that time my LP collection had Sabbath Vol 4, DP In Rock and Fireball. Then Bob introduced Chick Corea’s Return to Forever one night on the show. Changed my appreciation of music immediately. Shortly after I went to their show at Birmingham Town Hall. Then next was the Mahavishnu Orchestra at the Odeon. I’ve been a Fusion fan ever since. Thanks to ‘ Whispering Bob ‘
I got to stay up late to see Alex Harvey on OGWT. The only TV that picked up BBC2 was in my Gran's room. We'd make an evening of knitting, and watching I Claudius followed by Whistle Test. Nan would tell me about being a flapper in the 1920s . I'm not sure if she liked Alex Harvey much, but I loved this band so much.
I remember hearing " swamp snake " on the radio in the car on the way home for the first time. I instantly went out and bought everything I could find by Alex Harvey. Years later I played the faith healer for my college buddies and they thought there was something wrong with me. Take that off, you're too weird.
One of my favourites. That hiss in the lyrics just makes it. Harvey was a genius. As a 14 year old female, there was even less chance of my friends liking their music. Surprisingly two of them loved the albums as much as I did. ☺️
Vambo Rool Ok. Next is a timeless, and exquisitely beautiful piece of art. I have loved this record since I bought it (2nd hand) in 1974. One of a select handful of albums that I still listen to on a regular basis, 50 years later.
Only just came across this video Phil, bit behind as you can see hahaha. SAAB should have been massive, but they weren't, they appeared, peaked, then disappeared into the annals of rock history. I didn't catch on to them until a few years later when a mate of mine lent me their 'Tomorrow Belongs To Me ' album and another mate ( who was a bit older ) just happened to be playing 'Next' on 4 track cassette in his car this day when he gave me a lift, the track which drew my attention straight away was ' Faith Healer ' Id never heard anything like it in my life, i was mesmerized, who the ffffffk is that i asked my mate. One of the best intros to any live album is the intro to The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Live album which then leads into that hypnotic throb of Faith Healer, absolutely amazing, the whole album is amazing from start to finish. I dont know if you've ever seen the video on TH-cam of a young American high school band playing Midnight Moses live, its unbelievable, honestly, as good as SAHB, honestly Phil, give it a listen, Alex Harvey himself would be proud of this. Type in CLEVELAND SCHOOL OF ROCK/ MIDNIGHT MOSES, these kids are utterly amazing, id pay to see them they're that good.
Another great review Phil, SHAB were great. I think I first saw them on an American TV show in 76. They were so unique and way different than anything I was listening to at the time.
Thanks for this. Alex is a hero of mine a fellow Glaswegian. The Last of The Teenage Idols was based on a true story from Alex's life. He entered a competition with local rag The Sunday Mail, who were looking for Scotland's Tommy Steele, and he won .And they called him the next teenage idol. That was his first 15 minutes of fame.
We’re in the Cleveland area and the SAHB had a big following here. My older sister had a few of their albums and once I listened to them, I was hooked. Great band.
The Alex Harvey Band was huge in my neck of the woods when I was a teen. Back when local rock stations had DJ's creating play lists, Alex Harvey was given a lot of air time. Not just Faith Healer, other songs such as Snake Bite, Man In The Jar, Framed. Such a great band.
I only saw them once but it was a show fram-ed-a in platinum. It began with Alex walking on alone, dressed in a smoking jacket, his hair greased back and wearing a pair of black rimmed specs (just like on the back of Next) holding a bunch of flowers. I remember a slight wave of disappointment as there was no stripey top in view. Anyway, Alex began eating the flowers & throwing the stalks into the crowd, still alone as he gently crooned his way into Jethro Tull's 'Love Story', slowly, quietly "... she could be painting ... the roof" I think the curtains then parted as Zal appeared with that short guitar piece then the whole band exploded in, & I mean EXPLODED with the full-on, 87mph version as Alex threw his specs off, ruffled his hair into it's regulation scragginess & tore the smoking jacket open to reveal... the stripey top! It was beyond magnificent. A lump in the throat, a tear in the eye, an overwhelming desire to just scream "YEEEESSS!!!" - we (en masse) went batshit crazy. From there on in there was no let up. It was exhausting, exhilarating & massively entertaining to the end. God bless The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Tomorrow really should have belonged to them. 💙💙💙💙💙🦁
A very befitting tribute to the album, the band and Alex himself. I remember back in the early 70s when I was twelve or thirteen l would sneak in to my older brothers room when he wasn't home and play his records. The likes of Zeppelin, Cooper, Sabbath etc. But when l played The Alex Harvey Band for the first time l was hooked and still am. Being from Australia hardly anyone else knew of them but l made sure all my mates did. I never got to see the man himself but l did get to see the band here fronted by Mad Max Maxwell. They were excellent and Max did a fine job. Thanks for helping to keep his flame alive 👍
When I first listened to this I was memorised. When they played Swansea in 1976. A friend took a letter to Alex from me. He replied to it and gave me a badge. All the band signed my autogragh book. This album is so brilliant. RIP Alex.
I used to go to my local pub venue to watch a band called 'Tear Gas' and they were a fantastic, energetic band with a large following. Eventually Alex joined them and they became 'The Sensational Alex Harvey Band'. The rest is history! Alex was a fantastic performer! Nice review Phil.
My very first concert was Alex and the boys a life changing experience. I remember every second of it an amazing live band. Thanks for shining a light on the heroes of my youth. Cheers
Great album! Love this band and own all of their albums on CD, including the first version of "The Impossibe Dream" called Hot City. Great live band too as you say! Plus, Zal Cleminson is a very underrated guitarist.
Bought a ticket to see them out here in Australia around about 1975 to 78 and was busting to see them as I loved the "Next" album, unfortunately they cancelled the tour can't remember why perhaps Alex was ill at this time. The musicians in this band were absolutley brilliant players, inspired me to take up the guitar which I play to this day. Great, great band.
Always knew of TSAHB always liked Boston Tea Party and Faith Healer but took the time to listen to them a few years ago and completely got me. Tommahawk Kid is sensational.
SAHB was very underrated, Possibly due to them being very much a band who excelled 'Live' I saw them many times, they always put a a great show. In an interview, Chris Glen said, the reason for the long intro on Faith Healer was because back in the day, albums were also sold on cassette tapes. Because of this, both sides had to be more or less the same length, whichever order they did the tracks, they couldn't get them to be the same length. So Hugh McKenna improvised a synth intro to balance the sides. Before Alex, they were a band called Tear Gas. Alex saw them and asked if they wanted to be his backing band. Great review, it brought back many memories,
TSAHB live. One of the greatest live albums of ALL Time. Alex Harvey rules. The Faithealer live.....my goodness. What a opening song for a Gig! Amazing! Zal Cleminson... Incredible!
Phil the thing is that you have to be of a certain age to appreciate this stuff glad I was born in the 1957 and I never missed out on this incredible music Uriah Heep Free Robin Trower SAHB etc etc . Great show as always
I love this band !! A band that was misunderstood in its time. Alex Harvey was a great performance, with absolutely theatrical situations.They recorded great albums, and i have their entire discography...cheers !
SAHB are one of my all time favourite bands. Been lucky enough to meet the rest of the band many times & even share a stage with them on a couple of occasions. The late great Ted McKenna was a drumming hero to me & it was an honour when he let me use his kit at a gig & an even bigger thrill when he used mine at another gig a few years later.
I was in a covers band who supported The Party Boys who were Zal, Chris & Ted along with Dan McCafferty & Pete Agnew from Nazareth. Then a few years later I formed The Sensational Alex Harvey Tribute Band & Zal , Chris and Ted came along to some of the gigs, one was a charity gig & that's were Ted played my kit.
Hi Phil I loved the sensational Alex Harvey band I remember when I was 15 my nan and aunts lived near Charlton Athletic football club and Alex Harvey band were the supporting act for the who concert there in 1976. I didn’t go to the concert but my Nan lived so close to the stadium I could here them and the who Alex Harvey sounded great playing the boston tea party and other tracks it made me get their cassettes showing my age now. Great review Phil of a great band.
Any album that starts the first song with lyrics " let me be your swamp snake until the real one comes along" has won me and then all the other songs are killer. I mean nothing touched that album in the 70's at least for me thats for sure so unique and powerful.
This is a fantastic top of the line LP I owned it myself and have every single Alex Harvey band CD ever made I love this group and the band was top of the line amazing group that never got their due in my book great video and a great memory on this LP thanks and keep them coming --- Anthony
It's great to see a channel with great music content talking about The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I've always greatly admired Zal Cleminson's guitar work, an underrated guitarist in my opinion. I've been listening to both Tear Gas albums (1970, 1971), which was pretty much The Sensational Band without Alex Harvey. Two beautiful albums.
Very lucky to have seen SAHB in Colston Hall, Bristol, and still one of my favourite gigs! Seeing Alex come bursting the fake wall onto the stage. Just absolutely brilliant Thanks for the review, now I must get the album out and play it
Alex and his Sensational Band are one of my favourite bands of all time. Alex was 15 years something older than his musicians but they needed his experience, charisma, search of new musical territories (as tango for "Next"). I see him as a complex but easy to talk to guy, open-minded man with an authentic love of his scottish roots. His decision to accentuate his accent often makes me laugh, it's irresistible. He knew how to attract his audience sometimes using provocation. My favorites albums are "the impossible dream" and "rock drill". "Next" is a fantastic album, it contains every facets of this adventurous band. What a sense of fun. And a man who loved that much Jacques Brel can't be wrong. Every scottish people must be proud of him. Vambo rools ok in France ! I thank you a lot to talk about this man and his band of all superlatives.
Great stuff, Phil. I'm a latecomer to the SAHB as I was a bit too young to be aware of them when they were active, and they weren't as big on the Continent as they were in the UK. But, holy shit, what a band they were - so unique, such great players, such musical depth, such great songs. And Alex.... what a character! It just boggles the mind how many amazing acts Britain produced in the 70s - how was that even possible?!
Spoken with great passion Phil. Felt exactly the same way as we are the same age but just 10 thousand miles away in Australia. Thanks for this. Vambo rules OoooKay…
Hi Phil, this is one of my favourite albums & I always thought I was the only person who liked this band. I was quite naive when I was young & I remember going around the house singing there ain't nothin' like a gang bang & my older brother saying I don't think you should sing that. I knew there was something that was outrageous about this band & I liked that.
What a pleasant surprise! Only three weeks ago I identified “Next” as one of those criminal gaps in my record collection and got myself a first pressing from eBay in fantastic condition. This is certainly an essential element of any self respecting collector of 70’s music. As you say Phil every track is brilliant, this is one of those very magical albums. For me the best track is the title track. It stands alongside other 70’s classics such as”Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Wuthering Heights” for its surprising originality. Like those other two tracks there was just no frame of reference to put it in. In fact “Next” is a song that I feel what it’s about but if I analyse the lyrics I’m never quite so sure. “One day I'll cut my legs off I'll burn myself alive I'll do anything to get out of life, to survive Not ever to be next”. Finally you realise that this album is no one trick pony, every track is a gem. One of those unusually perfect albums that takes you by surprise. Great call Phil.
Brilliant band. Very underrated. I saw them in I think 74 and they played the majority of this album.Totally different from anything I had seen or heard before . Pure theatre.
Living in the musical backwoods of Western Canada, we didn't usually get to hear the cool stuff, I remember seeing SAHB on some late night US concert show and being fascinated, then the really cool kid at school played my the Live album and I was hooked. Had to look hard but found NEXT and shared that with everybody, and either they loved it or they thought I was really strange. To this day I evangelize to the 'unwashed masses' in North America who missed out on them. I follow SOT, and this was the first band I thought of on that show.
Such a overlooked band, but to me they were fantastic as good as all the other great 70's bands, all the CD's are great but standout track for me is Isabel Goudie from Framed, live its so heavy and is one of my top rock tracks of all-time, tomahawk Kid is one of my favourites, So framed and the Live album are my go to, but Next is up there, the Old Grey test version of next is great to watch so surreal. One of the bands I would love to have seen live.
What a lovely tribute to a fantastic band. One of my favorite albums and I agree with everything you said about it, It is so difficult to pick a favorite song of theirs as they are all so very different and unique but when you said your favorite was " Last of the teenage Idols" my heart said yeesss! and I remember finding out it was true!! Alex did in fact win a singing competition as a teenager!! so how cool is that.... thanks for the memories ( I think we must be the same age 😂)
I am not reviewing SAHB's NEXT, nor am I reviewing The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I am reviewing Phil. Phil Aston is brilliant! I happened across this broadcast, and stopped to listen when I saw the "NEXT" record jacket. Phil nails it! I LOVE SAHB! I was 16, 17? I was as knocked out as Phil was the first time I heard, "The Last of The Teenage Idols." I love lines and "16 ducks..." is brilliant! I could talk all night, but I won't. Thanks, Phil! I absolutely love your enthusiasm for SAHB! Long may you run. Peace out!
I love it when you get into the classic rock bands that aren't that well known.I have everything by Alex Harvey but I didn't get into them until the 2000's
Enjoyed this review, Phil! I saw the SAHB for maybe one of their worst attended shows. It was about 1974/75. I was a student at UC-Berkeley and they were playing in San Francisco in conjunction with a hi-fi show, probably at the Civic Auditorium. Anyway, on the day of the show, some guy was handing out free tickets on the Berkeley quad, two to a person. I took two and asked for two more, and got 'em! The promoters must have desperate. I loved the band (still do), having been introduced on one of the late-night concert shows. I didn't know anyone else who was into them, but I talked some friends into going. Free rock, what's not to like? Anyway, it was a medium-sized venue with rows of folding seats. There may have been 50 people in the audience (high estimate), which was really disappointing to me. However...It did not stop the band from delivering. They put on a great show! Did AH sing Last of the Teenage Idols? Probably. I wish I could remember. 😄
Hi Phil brilliant channel, Thank you for covering one of my favourite bands of all time, really underated,I read somewhere that the throbbing effect on the faith healer was created on a special instrument Alex had custom made known as the Tootlebug drone, R I P Alex, Hugh and Ted. Vambo roolz ok!
Great impassioned video Phil, my Cousin actually bought me Framed for Christmas 1972 and said you need to hear this! I was an instant fan and when the OGWT appearance happened and they played Faith Healer my jaw dropped, I went out very quickly to get it after that and then we saw them in Southend when Delilah was in the charts, what a gig that was, I must get these albums out and play them asap! Keep Rocking!
One of the good things about your channel is reminding of albums that are in my collection that I have not listened to for a very long time, and this album is one of those - so this is going on my playlist this week. Thanks again for reminding me to dig deeper into my own collection!
So great to hear you views on this album, you absolutely touched on all the things that moved me on this album. I bought the massive Alex Harvey box set, which is great. I was in a band and we played Giddy Up, Midnight Moses, No Lights on The Christmas Tree. Great memories.
Was looking forward to this Phil, like you my first exposure was that performance on TOGWT. I had understanding parents although it was school the next day. When they played Faith Healer I was an instant fan and that's such an iconic cover, you've kept yours in good nick. I got to see Alex when he became solo in a smallish club, remember being dissapointed as he didnt play any SAHB songs and I think he was struggling with alcohol at the time. Saw the band Zal in the same nightclub and he played a lot of SAHB. Excellent gig!
This vid has made me tear up. This was my very first SAHB record . Hearing you review the album, brought me back in time. My favourite track is The Faith Healer but I do love the rest. Faith healer has one of the finest intro to any track. I love Alex's vocals. His phrasing and style are unique. He is not a typical rock singer. Yes I agree with you about some albums that lose their lustre after many many years. Like Kiss Destroyer (my favourites are now Lick it Up and Creatures) but SAHB is different. Next , Framed and SAHB Stories among others have not sound dated at all. Thanks for a wonderful trip down memory lane for me Phil. And yes..I am going to listen to my SAHB catalogue now.
Hey Phil, discovered your channel via SOT. Glad I did. As for this video--every word SPOT ON!! This album, and all the others, just amazing! SAHB had a following in Cleveland thanks to WMMS (the greatest FM rock station ever). The early and mid 70's were such a fantastic time for music (you and I are the same age). Not seeing SAHB live in person is my biggest missed concert regret. But at least I have that 1975 live album, which is, of course, incredible. Too bad it's not a double album.
It was the whistle test that sold me on to sahb, next is a top album, takes a few listens to get hold but it is a classic 👍Thanks for reviewing this album sahb hardly get a mention these days👍👍👍👍
Thanks Phil really insightful. If you ever get a chance to watch the OGWT best of .... The track Next is one of the tracks hi lighted - enough said! Epic
I always enjoy these videos where you bring your personal experience of a band/album to the fore, Phil. I do remember them being on the OGWT, and someone at school raving about them, but somehow I missed the boat, so I'm really looking forward to giving this one a listen. Cheers, Ian
I lent out "Next" and "McGear" to a girlfriend back in 1974. She moved away and took both albums with her. I missed those albums 😢 But hey, got them on CD now 😁
1973 was an amazing year in music! In America, so many top British bands were touring in Small-town concert venues for like $2 because bands wanted to make it here. SAHB, Budgie, Queen, Styx, Ted Nugent, Kansas, Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Trapeze, UFO, Mahogany Rush, Status Quo, Aerosmith, Robin Trower etc!
What a band, indeed! Saw them @ Leeds Uni circa early '75 and they were stunningly good. Not my favourite music, but certainly one of THE best - if not the VERY best - concerts and bands I've ever experienced (ditto Weather Report). I mean, this was a BAND. Though the spotlight was on Alex, and Zal often garnered a bit of that too, Ted McKenna on drums and Chris Glenn on bass were one of rock's greatest rhythm sections, with Hugh McKenna on keys (and vocals on the band's 'minus Alex' album 'Fourplay') delivering harmonic surprises and clever bits that keep our minds attentive. It really says something when other musicians love a band...when that band becomes THE band that musicians rave about. Little Feat was one. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was another. Or maybe THE other. This tongue-in-cheek track, 'Who Murdered Sex', is an unparalleled bar room stomper, the sort one might expect from Glasgow's finest: th-cam.com/video/ojFY3zUUwz0/w-d-xo.html
i saw Alex Harvey in Germany one week for his Dead in Belgium. I made some Great Pictures. I hold it long enough back. So, look forward for my upcoming Tribute Fans Video
👌Great review ......Very happy memories watching these guys rip it up at the Hammersmith Odeon and Southend Kursaal on a number of occasions back in the mid 70's. ..... It was like going to some kind of perverse satirical cabaret ..... could never believe how much cotton wool Alex managed to stuff in his mouth !! ..... funny how carzy things stick in your memory 🤔 ...... They're Burning Big Louie Tonight .... 🔥
Superb album from a truly SENSATIONAL band.
Next is awesome
A fantastic band one of my favourite bands hes still missed remember watching faith healer it blew my mind wow let me put my hands on you
Still got my original.. one of those "if ya know, ya know" incredible album.
They were massive in Cleveland Ohio. One of the greatest albums of all time. Was lucky enough to see them twice.
All their albums are great!They are fantastic and the CD versions sound great
Thank you for watching - Phil
"next" is alex harvey`s best album by a long mile. there isn`t a single dud on the album, with literally every single one-of-a-kind track leaping out of the grooves. excellent, transparent
production with lots of studio trickery and zal`s solos slicing through the album mix like an acoustic razor blade...and then that voice: raucous, sleazy, funny and scary all at the same
time, "next" mesmerised me as a kid when I bought it upon its release...and tracks like "faith healer" or "vambo marble eye" still raise the hairs on the back of my neck to this very day:
simply magnificent!
Vambo...Coming to the rescue
I remember the episode of the ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ when SAHB played Next. It was mesmerizing. That show with whispering Bob was amazing! It introduced us to so much music not generally heard on radio or TOTP’s. At that time my LP collection had Sabbath Vol 4, DP In Rock and Fireball. Then Bob introduced Chick Corea’s Return to Forever one night on the show. Changed my appreciation of music immediately. Shortly after I went to their show at Birmingham Town Hall. Then next was the Mahavishnu Orchestra at the Odeon. I’ve been a Fusion fan ever since. Thanks to ‘ Whispering Bob ‘
Hi Kevin, I love fusion music and must feature more here! Phil
Hammersmith odeon 1975,they were brilliant.
Saw SAHB at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975 - best live gig ever, and i've seen a few in my time....
And Ted McKenna's drums are phenomenal through out
The great band the great vinil..🎸rock on.
the best memories of those days - thank you! I saw SAHB quite a few times at the Penthouse in Scarborough - happy times.
I got to stay up late to see Alex Harvey on OGWT. The only TV that picked up BBC2 was in my Gran's room. We'd make an evening of knitting, and watching I Claudius followed by Whistle Test. Nan would tell me about being a flapper in the 1920s . I'm not sure if she liked Alex Harvey much, but I loved this band so much.
I remember hearing " swamp snake " on the radio in the car on the way home for the first time. I instantly went out and bought everything I could find by Alex Harvey. Years later I played the faith healer for my college buddies and they thought there was something wrong with me. Take that off, you're too weird.
One of my favourites.
That hiss in the lyrics just makes it. Harvey was a genius.
As a 14 year old female, there was even less chance of my friends liking their music. Surprisingly two of them loved the albums as much as I did. ☺️
There live album is a masterpiece, great days.
Vambo Rool Ok.
Next is a timeless, and exquisitely beautiful piece of art. I have loved this record since I bought it (2nd hand) in 1974. One of a select handful of albums that I still listen to on a regular basis, 50 years later.
Only just came across this video Phil, bit behind as you can see hahaha. SAAB should have been massive, but they weren't, they appeared, peaked, then disappeared into the annals of rock history. I didn't catch on to them until a few years later when a mate of mine lent me their 'Tomorrow Belongs To Me ' album and another mate ( who was a bit older ) just happened to be playing 'Next' on 4 track cassette in his car this day when he gave me a lift, the track which drew my attention straight away was ' Faith Healer ' Id never heard anything like it in my life, i was mesmerized, who the ffffffk is that i asked my mate. One of the best intros to any live album is the intro to The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Live album which then leads into that hypnotic throb of Faith Healer, absolutely amazing, the whole album is amazing from start to finish. I dont know if you've ever seen the video on TH-cam of a young American high school band playing Midnight Moses live, its unbelievable, honestly, as good as SAHB, honestly Phil, give it a listen, Alex Harvey himself would be proud of this. Type in CLEVELAND SCHOOL OF ROCK/ MIDNIGHT MOSES, these kids are utterly amazing, id pay to see them they're that good.
Another great review Phil, SHAB were great. I think I first saw them on an American TV show in 76. They were so unique and way different than anything I was listening to at the time.
Thanks for this. Alex is a hero of mine a fellow Glaswegian. The Last of The Teenage Idols was based on a true story from Alex's life. He entered a competition with local rag The Sunday Mail, who were looking for Scotland's Tommy Steele, and he won .And they called him the next teenage idol. That was his first 15 minutes of fame.
Great story, thank you for sharing - Phil
Sunday Mail was/is a National newspaper in Scotland not just a Glasgow paper.
Spot on observations of who is to me, as well one of the great geniuses of music, and SAHB never gets tired and I’ve been a fan since their inception!
We’re in the Cleveland area and the SAHB had a big following here. My older sister had a few of their albums and once I listened to them, I was hooked. Great band.
Every word you said,I agree with.& I love The impossible dream & Tommorow belongs to me.
Thank you 🙏
The Alex Harvey Band was huge in my neck of the woods when I was a teen. Back when local rock stations had DJ's creating play lists, Alex Harvey was given a lot of air time. Not just Faith Healer, other songs such as Snake Bite, Man In The Jar, Framed. Such a great band.
I only saw them once but it was a show fram-ed-a in platinum. It began with Alex walking on alone, dressed in a smoking jacket, his hair greased back and wearing a pair of black rimmed specs (just like on the back of Next) holding a bunch of flowers. I remember a slight wave of disappointment as there was no stripey top in view. Anyway, Alex began eating the flowers & throwing the stalks into the crowd, still alone as he gently crooned his way into Jethro Tull's 'Love Story', slowly, quietly "... she could be painting ... the roof" I think the curtains then parted as Zal appeared with that short guitar piece then the whole band exploded in, & I mean EXPLODED with the full-on, 87mph version as Alex threw his specs off, ruffled his hair into it's regulation scragginess & tore the smoking jacket open to reveal... the stripey top! It was beyond magnificent. A lump in the throat, a tear in the eye, an overwhelming desire to just scream "YEEEESSS!!!" - we (en masse) went batshit crazy. From there on in there was no let up. It was exhausting, exhilarating & massively entertaining to the end. God bless The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Tomorrow really should have belonged to them. 💙💙💙💙💙🦁
Wow, what a comment and exciting memory to share - Thank you 🙏
@@NowSpinningMagazine Bless ... and thank you for the Jethro Tull box set reviews - loved those ;)
Awesome review of an awesome album. Thanks Phil. Vambo still rool!
My first ever concert as a school kid. I saw them at Sheffield City Hall. I went out and bought the album the next day.
A very befitting tribute to the album, the band and Alex himself. I remember back in the early 70s when I was twelve or thirteen l would sneak in to my older brothers room when he wasn't home and play his records. The likes of Zeppelin, Cooper, Sabbath etc. But when l played The Alex Harvey Band for the first time l was hooked and still am. Being from Australia hardly anyone else knew of them but l made sure all my mates did. I never got to see the man himself but l did get to see the band here fronted by Mad Max Maxwell. They were excellent and Max did a fine job. Thanks for helping to keep his flame alive 👍
Thank you 🙏
When I first listened to this I was memorised. When they played Swansea in 1976. A friend took a letter to Alex from me. He replied to it and gave me a badge. All the band signed my autogragh book. This album is so brilliant. RIP Alex.
I used to go to my local pub venue to watch a band called 'Tear Gas' and they were a fantastic, energetic band with a large following. Eventually Alex joined them and they became 'The Sensational Alex Harvey Band'. The rest is history!
Alex was a fantastic performer!
Nice review Phil.
Hi Hudson - Thank you - Phil :)
My very first concert was Alex and the boys a life changing experience. I remember every second of it an amazing live band. Thanks for shining a light on the heroes of my youth. Cheers
One of my all time favourite albums. Amazing musicians - all of them.
Great album! Love this band and own all of their albums on CD, including the first version of "The Impossibe Dream" called Hot City. Great live band too as you say! Plus, Zal Cleminson is a very underrated guitarist.
Hi Larry, thank you for watching, and wonderful to know Alex is loved in Canada 🇨🇦 Phil :)
Wonderful! truly wonderful!
What a band live 🎸👍🛸
A great artist and a nice person! I was very sorry about his death. He was so young anyway. Thanks for the great video.
Thank you 🙏
A great summary of a great album, by a great band.
Bought a ticket to see them out here in Australia around about 1975 to 78 and was busting to see them as I loved the "Next" album, unfortunately they cancelled the tour can't remember why perhaps Alex was ill at this time. The musicians in this band were absolutley brilliant players, inspired me to take up the guitar which I play to this day. Great, great band.
Always knew of TSAHB always liked Boston Tea Party and Faith Healer but took the time to listen to them a few years ago and completely got me. Tommahawk Kid is sensational.
SAHB was very underrated, Possibly due to them being very much a band who excelled 'Live' I saw them many times, they always put a a great show. In an interview, Chris Glen said, the reason for the long intro on Faith Healer was because back in the day, albums were also sold on cassette tapes. Because of this, both sides had to be more or less the same length, whichever order they did the tracks, they couldn't get them to be the same length. So Hugh McKenna improvised a synth intro to balance the sides. Before Alex, they were a band called Tear Gas. Alex saw them and asked if they wanted to be his backing band. Great review, it brought back many memories,
TSAHB live. One of the greatest live albums of ALL Time. Alex Harvey rules. The Faithealer live.....my goodness. What a opening song for a Gig! Amazing! Zal Cleminson... Incredible!
Totally agree student rock nights in Manchester was always opening song played by DJ or Stargazer or Ted Nugent's Stranglehold happy days
Who would have thought from first appearances these guys would be so wonderful ❤
Phil the thing is that you have to be of a certain age to appreciate this stuff glad I was born in the 1957 and I never missed out on this incredible music Uriah Heep Free Robin Trower SAHB etc etc .
Great show as always
Think people had same feeling on OGWT when Lynyrd Skynyrd were on people thought what is this?
Great musicians to.
Same with Tull etc etc
I have most of their stuff but always wanted the last of the teenage Idols box set 14 disks I think.
I missed out on that as well - Phil
I love this band !! A band that was misunderstood in its time. Alex Harvey was a great performance, with absolutely theatrical situations.They recorded great albums, and i have their entire discography...cheers !
Thank you for watching - Phil
Always felt their forte’ was live performance. Total entertainment which a lot of bands couldn’t achieve!
No other band sounded Like them. Brilliant!
SAHB are one of my all time favourite bands.
Been lucky enough to meet the rest of the band many times & even share a stage with them on a couple of occasions.
The late great Ted McKenna was a drumming hero to me & it was an honour when he let me use his kit at a gig & an even bigger thrill when he used mine at another gig a few years later.
Thank you for sharing! What band were you with ? Phil
I was in a covers band who supported The Party Boys who were Zal, Chris & Ted along with Dan McCafferty & Pete Agnew from Nazareth. Then a few years later I formed The Sensational Alex Harvey Tribute Band & Zal , Chris and Ted came along to some of the gigs, one was a charity gig & that's were Ted played my kit.
Wow! Great to meet you - Phil :)
Hi Phil I loved the sensational Alex Harvey band I remember when I was 15 my nan and aunts lived near Charlton Athletic football club and Alex Harvey band were the supporting act for the who concert there in 1976. I didn’t go to the concert but my Nan lived so close to the stadium I could here them and the who Alex Harvey sounded great playing the boston tea party and other tracks it made me get their cassettes showing my age now. Great review Phil of a great band.
Thank for watching and sharing your great story! Phil
One of my favourites. It still sounds great today.
Thank you for watching - Phil
Any album that starts the first song with lyrics " let me be your swamp snake until the real one comes along" has won me and then all the other songs are killer. I mean nothing touched that album in the 70's at least for me thats for sure so unique and powerful.
Thank you, thank you ,thank you.
You are most welcome 🙏
This is a fantastic top of the line LP I owned it myself and have every single Alex Harvey band CD ever made I love this group and the band was top of the line amazing group that never got their due in my book great video and a great memory on this LP thanks and keep them coming --- Anthony
Thank you - Phil
Hi Phil,i love this Band seeyou tomorrow !
Hi Phil, a great album that brought back memories of seeing them at New Victoria Theatre, Dec. 24th 1975 ... happy days!
It's great to see a channel with great music content talking about The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I've always greatly admired Zal Cleminson's guitar work, an underrated guitarist in my opinion. I've been listening to both Tear Gas albums (1970, 1971), which was pretty much The Sensational Band without Alex Harvey. Two beautiful albums.
Hi Roger, I am interviewing Zal this month for the Podcast - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I'll definitely be there!
@@rogerschnack thank you
Very lucky to have seen SAHB in Colston Hall, Bristol, and still one of my favourite gigs! Seeing Alex come bursting the fake wall onto the stage. Just absolutely brilliant
Thanks for the review, now I must get the album out and play it
Love them What a band unfortunately never got a chance to see them 😢
Alex and his Sensational Band are one of my favourite bands of all time. Alex was 15 years something older than his musicians but they needed his experience, charisma, search of new musical territories (as tango for "Next"). I see him as a complex but easy to talk to guy, open-minded man with an authentic love of his scottish roots. His decision to accentuate his accent often makes me laugh, it's irresistible. He knew how to attract his audience sometimes using provocation. My favorites albums are "the impossible dream" and "rock drill". "Next" is a fantastic album, it contains every facets of this adventurous band. What a sense of fun. And a man who loved that much Jacques Brel can't be wrong. Every scottish people must be proud of him. Vambo rools ok in France ! I thank you a lot to talk about this man and his band of all superlatives.
Hi Thomas, thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts - Phil
I remember listening to amos moses wow what a song
Pretty much described how we felt when we discovered SAAB back in the early 70's over here in Oz. No visuals - Only the music. Still holds up today.
Magic Album Saw them On the same Bill as The Who at the Vetch in Swansea in 76 Great day
Great stuff, Phil. I'm a latecomer to the SAHB as I was a bit too young to be aware of them when they were active, and they weren't as big on the Continent as they were in the UK. But, holy shit, what a band they were - so unique, such great players, such musical depth, such great songs. And Alex.... what a character! It just boggles the mind how many amazing acts Britain produced in the 70s - how was that even possible?!
Thanks for this👍🎸🇬🇧
I could have given 90% of this from MY memory too! Thanks for sharing it! Of course I was at my first party and there was mescaline involved.
What a Great abum
Spoken with great passion Phil. Felt exactly the same way as we are the same age but just 10 thousand miles away in Australia. Thanks for this. Vambo rules OoooKay…
Hi Phil, this is one of my favourite albums & I always thought I was the only person who liked this band. I was quite naive when I was young & I remember going around the house singing there ain't nothin' like a gang bang & my older brother saying I don't think you should sing that. I knew there was something that was outrageous about this band & I liked that.
Fabulous memories, thank you for sharing! Phil
Great memories Phil, I'm sorry for your friend Paul, it's so terrible to lose a real old friend.
Thank you - Phil
What a pleasant surprise! Only three weeks ago I identified “Next” as one of those criminal gaps in my record collection and got myself a first pressing from eBay in fantastic condition. This is certainly an essential element of any self respecting collector of 70’s music. As you say Phil every track is brilliant, this is one of those very magical albums. For me the best track is the title track. It stands alongside other 70’s classics such as”Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Wuthering Heights” for its surprising originality. Like those other two tracks there was just no frame of reference to put it in. In fact “Next” is a song that I feel what it’s about but if I analyse the lyrics I’m never quite so sure. “One day I'll cut my legs off
I'll burn myself alive
I'll do anything to get out of life, to survive
Not ever to be next”. Finally you realise that this album is no one trick pony, every track is a gem. One of those unusually perfect albums that takes you by surprise. Great call Phil.
Hi Paul, those lyrics from Next are something else - I should have quoted those as well!
But they're not Harvey lyrics
That song is a cover. It's about standing in line in the military waiting to be checked for venereal disease.
Just joined. The first 3 albums are great, specially FRAMED which is perfect from start to finish
Welcome 🙏 I totally agree 👍
Brilliant band. Very underrated. I saw them in I think 74 and they played the majority of this album.Totally different from anything I had seen or heard before . Pure theatre.
Thank you for watching - Phil
I wish they would do a vinyl box set of all their albums!
There is a collection available ... but probably CD? + one posthumous album by Alex , The Soldier On The Wall.
Wonderful album, had all of theirs back in the 70s. Favourite track is probably The Dolphins from their final album Rock Drill.
Living in the musical backwoods of Western Canada, we didn't usually get to hear the cool stuff, I remember seeing SAHB on some late night US concert show and being fascinated, then the really cool kid at school played my the Live album and I was hooked. Had to look hard but found NEXT and shared that with everybody, and either they loved it or they thought I was really strange. To this day I evangelize to the 'unwashed masses' in North America who missed out on them. I follow SOT, and this was the first band I thought of on that show.
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for doing this review!! An amazing entertainer with a hell of a band.
Such a overlooked band, but to me they were fantastic as good as all the other great 70's bands, all the CD's are great but standout track for me is Isabel Goudie from Framed, live its so heavy and is one of my top rock tracks of all-time, tomahawk Kid is one of my favourites, So framed and the Live album are my go to, but Next is up there, the Old Grey test version of next is great to watch so surreal.
One of the bands I would love to have seen live.
Hi Clive, great memories indeed! I also love Framed. Phil :)
My first concert. At the Colston Hall. I still remember his sword.
What a lovely tribute to a fantastic band. One of my favorite albums and I agree with everything you said about it, It is so difficult to pick a favorite song of theirs as they are all so very different and unique but when you said your favorite was " Last of the teenage Idols" my heart said yeesss! and I remember finding out it was true!! Alex did in fact win a singing competition as a teenager!! so how cool is that.... thanks for the memories ( I think we must be the same age 😂)
Thank you for such lovely feedback - Phil :)
I am not reviewing SAHB's NEXT, nor am I reviewing The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I am reviewing Phil. Phil Aston is brilliant! I happened across this broadcast, and stopped to listen when I saw the "NEXT" record jacket. Phil nails it! I LOVE SAHB! I was 16, 17? I was as knocked out as Phil was the first time I heard, "The Last of The Teenage Idols." I love lines and "16 ducks..." is brilliant! I could talk all night, but I won't. Thanks, Phil! I absolutely love your enthusiasm for SAHB! Long may you run. Peace out!
Try and catch the Sensational Alex Harvey Experience, a tribute band in Scotland - amazing
I love it when you get into the classic rock bands that aren't that well known.I have everything by Alex Harvey but I didn't get into them until the 2000's
Thank you 🙏
Enjoyed this review, Phil! I saw the SAHB for maybe one of their worst attended shows. It was about 1974/75. I was a student at UC-Berkeley and they were playing in San Francisco in conjunction with a hi-fi show, probably at the Civic Auditorium. Anyway, on the day of the show, some guy was handing out free tickets on the Berkeley quad, two to a person. I took two and asked for two more, and got 'em! The promoters must have desperate. I loved the band (still do), having been introduced on one of the late-night concert shows. I didn't know anyone else who was into them, but I talked some friends into going. Free rock, what's not to like? Anyway, it was a medium-sized venue with rows of folding seats. There may have been 50 people in the audience (high estimate), which was really disappointing to me. However...It did not stop the band from delivering. They put on a great show! Did AH sing Last of the Teenage Idols? Probably. I wish I could remember. 😄
Wow, thank you John for sharing your memories of this very original band. Phil
Hi Phil brilliant channel, Thank you for covering one of my favourite bands of all time, really underated,I read somewhere that the throbbing effect on the faith healer was created on a special instrument Alex had custom made known as the Tootlebug drone, R I P Alex, Hugh and Ted. Vambo roolz ok!
Thank you 🙏
Great impassioned video Phil, my Cousin actually bought me Framed for Christmas 1972 and said you need to hear this! I was an instant fan and when the OGWT appearance happened and they played Faith Healer my jaw dropped, I went out very quickly to get it after that and then we saw them in Southend when Delilah was in the charts, what a gig that was, I must get these albums out and play them asap! Keep Rocking!
Hi Chris, I unfortunately missed seeing them live. If MTV had arrived in the 70s they would have been huge. Phil
One of the good things about your channel is reminding of albums that are in my collection that I have not listened to for a very long time, and this album is one of those - so this is going on my playlist this week.
Thanks again for reminding me to dig deeper into my own collection!
My pleasure 😇
So great to hear you views on this album, you absolutely touched on all the things that moved me on this album. I bought the massive Alex Harvey box set, which is great. I was in a band and we played Giddy Up, Midnight Moses, No Lights on The Christmas Tree. Great memories.
Wonderful! Thank you for watching - Phil
Was looking forward to this Phil, like you my first exposure was that performance on TOGWT. I had understanding parents although it was school the next day. When they played Faith Healer I was an instant fan and that's such an iconic cover, you've kept yours in good nick. I got to see Alex when he became solo in a smallish club, remember being dissapointed as he didnt play any SAHB songs and I think he was struggling with alcohol at the time. Saw the band Zal in the same nightclub and he played a lot of SAHB. Excellent gig!
Thank you for watching and sharing your memories - Phil :)
This vid has made me tear up. This was my very first SAHB record . Hearing you review the album, brought me back in time.
My favourite track is The Faith Healer but I do love the rest. Faith healer has one of the finest intro to any track. I love Alex's vocals. His phrasing and style are unique. He is not a typical rock singer. Yes I agree with you about some albums that lose their lustre after many many years. Like Kiss Destroyer (my favourites are now Lick it Up and Creatures) but SAHB is different. Next , Framed and SAHB Stories among others have not sound dated at all.
Thanks for a wonderful trip down memory lane for me Phil. And yes..I am going to listen to my SAHB catalogue now.
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! I love getting feedback like this. Phil :)
Hey Phil, discovered your channel via SOT. Glad I did. As for this video--every word SPOT ON!! This album, and all the others, just amazing! SAHB had a following in Cleveland thanks to WMMS (the greatest FM rock station ever). The early and mid 70's were such a fantastic time for music (you and I are the same age). Not seeing SAHB live in person is my biggest missed concert regret. But at least I have that 1975 live album, which is, of course, incredible. Too bad it's not a double album.
Totally agree the live one should have been a double. Thank you for your kind words as well - Phil
It was the whistle test that sold me on to sahb, next is a top album, takes a few listens to get hold but it is a classic 👍Thanks for reviewing this album sahb hardly get a mention these days👍👍👍👍
Thank you - Phil :)
When I first heard the faith healer I just froze what a song fantastic
Great album came late to them which I regret! CD of BBC live is great too!
Thanks Phil really insightful.
If you ever get a chance to watch the OGWT best of .... The track Next is one of the tracks hi lighted - enough said!
Epic
Hi Anne, yes, I have that ! Wonderful and timeless performance. Phil :)
I always enjoy these videos where you bring your personal experience of a band/album to the fore, Phil. I do remember them being on the OGWT, and someone at school raving about them, but somehow I missed the boat, so I'm really looking forward to giving this one a listen. Cheers, Ian
Thank you for your kind words, I am sure you will enjoy it - Phil
@@NowSpinningMagazine I've just watched 'Faith Healer' from the OGWT test again - brings back memories (December 73 it was aired, so I was 14).
I lent out "Next" and "McGear" to a girlfriend back in 1974.
She moved away and took both albums with her.
I missed those albums 😢
But hey, got them on CD now 😁
Every SAHB fan can tell you where they were when they 1st heard the sad, SAD news that Alex had died 😢 RIP Vambo ok
1973 was an amazing year in music! In America, so many top British bands were touring in Small-town concert venues for like $2 because bands wanted to make it here. SAHB, Budgie, Queen, Styx, Ted Nugent, Kansas, Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Trapeze, UFO, Mahogany Rush, Status Quo, Aerosmith, Robin Trower etc!
What a band, indeed! Saw them @ Leeds Uni circa early '75 and they were stunningly good. Not my favourite music, but certainly one of THE best - if not the VERY best - concerts and bands I've ever experienced (ditto Weather Report). I mean, this was a BAND. Though the spotlight was on Alex, and Zal often garnered a bit of that too, Ted McKenna on drums and Chris Glenn on bass were one of rock's greatest rhythm sections, with Hugh McKenna on keys (and vocals on the band's 'minus Alex' album 'Fourplay') delivering harmonic surprises and clever bits that keep our minds attentive.
It really says something when other musicians love a band...when that band becomes THE band that musicians rave about. Little Feat was one. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band was another. Or maybe THE other.
This tongue-in-cheek track, 'Who Murdered Sex', is an unparalleled bar room stomper, the sort one might expect from Glasgow's finest:
th-cam.com/video/ojFY3zUUwz0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for sharing - I am interviewing Zal next week for the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast - Phil :)
Great Band. Great rhythm section (Glen & McKenna) Next is great stuff, I like Framed a bit more 😀
Midnight Moses is my favorite track by SAHB
Thank you for watching!
i saw Alex Harvey in Germany one week for his Dead in Belgium. I made some Great Pictures. I hold it long enough back. So, look forward for my upcoming Tribute Fans Video
Alex harvy has some
Good live music. Like
The Australian classic song.
👌Great review ......Very happy memories watching these guys rip it up at the Hammersmith Odeon and Southend Kursaal on a number of occasions back in the mid 70's.
..... It was like going to some kind of perverse satirical cabaret ..... could never believe how much cotton wool Alex managed to stuff in his mouth !! ..... funny how carzy things stick in your memory 🤔 ...... They're Burning Big Louie Tonight .... 🔥
I ve always love Faith healer by The Cult but didnt realise that Alex Harvey did it originally.
Gang bang,, is awesome too