The Tremeloes – Instant Whip from the CBS 45

I’m all about keeping an open mind when I DJ and when I listen to music. This record is all about that. While not a traditional Funk or Soul record at all, I was pleasantly surprised when this thing made it’s way into my record box via a private sale. A few of my DJ friends have definitely turned me on to some Rock drum breaks, and as of late I’ve been picking up more things like Atomic Rooster and some Psych stuff that has a raw, even funky edge to it. I did a review early on of The Illusion out of Long Island, NY, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the drums on this next one. I want to thank DJ Bluewater for turning me on to this slice of British goodness. I’m referring to the Tremeloes with “Instant Whip” from CBS Records in 1969.

Original formed in 1958 as Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Poole split in 1966 as Alan Blakey took the reigns as leader and the replacement of the old bassist Alan Howard with Len “Chip” Hawkes (also as lead singer) gave them a fresh start. Previously they were on Decca Records, and had a handful of minor hits performing cover songs of Roy Orbison, the Contours, and others. It was move to CBS Records and a cover of a Cat Stevens tune “Here Comes my Baby” in 1967 that opened doors for songs like “My Little Lady”, “Hello World” and the number one “Silence is Golden” (yet another cover, this time of the Four Seasons). The hits seemed to dwindle after 1971, and the line up changed a few times. Some member opted for solo careers, ( Len Hawkes ) and outside producing gigs, only to reunite with the band years later. Like I said there were many line up changes, and the original quartet did score a minor hit in 1992, but there wasn’t success with this band like they had in the earlier years.

The wailing of Chip Hawkes can be heard through out this tune, and on the real, it’s a guitar driven Rock track. Hold up. I know, I said Rock track. But wait, there is more. This thing is drum heavy. It’s all courtesy of drummer Dave Munden. The man is an animal on this track. You know I couldn’t let this side pass through Flea Market Funk without some heavy drums. There they were in 1969, and these English cats are drawing influence from everyone from the Isley Brothers and Cat Stevens ( and obviously some Funk Rock..maybe some Sly?), and they manage to turn out a banger like this. I know this may not be your everyday cup of tea, or something you’ve grown to expect here at FMF, but you can’t deny the beat. Sometimes it’s just all about that, the beat. We’ll see if the weather holds up for some digging this weekend, but at any rate, I have some treats lined up no matter what. Props to Coop over at Positive Ape Index for showing FMF some love and for that sweet little mix he put up this week. Go get it will you? Keep Diggin’!