Search - Herman Brood :: Go Nutz

A Timeless, Yet Overlooked, Classic!!

MojeeMoj | Beaumont, TX | 03/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When new-wave (British & American) music exploded on the scene in the late Seventies, Herman Brood managed to squeeze out some US airplay with what is now a very difficult to locate version of "Saturday Night": the one that appeared on the US version of the import album "Shpritsz" (See the Amazon customer reviews of that masterpiece). This Ariola vinyl, titled "Saturday Night", elevated the "Dutch Elvis" (Elvis should have been this talented!!) from cult status in his own country to potential international star; it sold moderately well--considering the plethora of new-wave, new-music releases and the limited promotional clout of his label. Budding Herman fans--and the critics!--awaited his follow-up.

Once again, read the reviews of "Shpritsz": they are quite incisive, and mirror my opinions. The music in that classic IS classic: it's 70's updated 50's rock 'n' roll: raw guitar, bass and drums, and Herman on "Little Richard-style" piano. Other than the drug-related nature of the soul-bearing lyrics, what is there for a rock 'n' roll critic to pan?

But Herman loved 1960's American soul music; so, for his next US release, he (or his producer) added background-singing chicks, and amped up the production a tad. Other than the title song, I positively loved (love to this day!) "Go Nutz"; besides "Saturday Night" and "Rock 'n' Roll Junkie", the best of Brood is on this album--and two, "Easy Pick Up" and "Laurie", are only available on this CD.

But, for some inexplicable reason, the critics (or a critic, who knows?) panned it--and Herman retreated to Holland, and started painting. But how often do you agree with professional critics? Listen to an amateur one: buy this CD!! Take advantage of Amazon's special offer, which includes "Shpritsz": you'll really like it. You'll love "Go Nutz"."