Search - Flamin Groovies :: Flamingo

Groovies' Groovy "Flamingo"

Edd S. Hurt | Boulder, CO USA | 01/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Flamingo," the second album from the Flamin' Groovies, was recorded in 1970 and released that same year, to nearly universal uninterest. Today the Flamin (or Flamin') Groovies command a certain following, not unlike that enjoyed by another revisionist rock band of the early '70s, Big Star. Yet the Groovies never quite settled on a style; their first album, which I think is their best, was rock and roll revivalism with a quick nod goodbye to the '60s. "Teenage Head" saw the band becoming a more or less standard rock group, although the title track is a classic. "Flamingo," which has been remastered and festooned with extra tracks (none essential, unless you're the kind of person who gets excited about mediocre covers of Rufus Thomas songs), contains some real classics: "Comin' After You" and "Second Cousin" among them. Yet there is something second-hand and stillborn about the Flamin' Groovies even at their best. In the context of the godawful early '70s they seem pretty good, but they are the prototype for every critic's band that would follow. Just because a group hews to the rock and roll guidelines and remains unpretentious does not mean they should be canonized. Nonetheless I listen to "Flamingo" a good bit, and the Flamin' Groovies were certainly a skillful band. Now if some label would just do consumers a favor and release "Supersnazz" and "Flamingo" on one CD, and then do the same with "Teenage Head" and "Shake Some Action," all of which could be complemented with the best from other albums like "Now." That way we could get the whole picture and save some money to boot."

No dues

R. Isherwood | 04/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Another example of the artists being ripped off by the record companies. BMG released this in 1999 and hasn't paid a single dime in mechanicals/royalties to Jordan or Loney as of 2004. Buy "Groovies Greatest Grooves" or Norton's "Slow Death" instead."

Desert Island Disc!!!

R. Isherwood | Fort Collins, Colorado USA | 04/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Flamingo is one of the greatest rock n roll records released ever! No question about it. Ranks at the top with Pet Sounds, Super Session (look it up, yuppie morons), Who's Next, Kind of Blue and Love it to Death as some of the best music released ever. The Flamin' Groovies are truly, along with The Dictators, unsung heroes of Rock and Roll. If you can appreciate great music, buy it!"