Shane’s Rock Challenge: THE ANGELS – 1977 – The Angels

Shane’s Rock Challenge: THE ANGELS – 1977 – The Angels
By Shane Pinnegar
6/10

Having formed in Adelaide as The Moonshine Jug & String Band in 1970, renamed themselves The Keystone Angels around 1974 and swung a support slot with AC/DC, The Angels were snapped up by producers Vanda & Young and brought into Alberts Studio in Sydney to cut their debut album.

It’s very much a work in progress, with the distinctive sound we know and love them for in place in parts, but not yet fully formed. Rhythms are looser, the guitar playing not yet honed to the razor sharp edge they’d become famous for, and Bernard ‘Doc’ Neeson’s vocals aren’t yet as theatrical as we would come to expect.

Which is not to say it’s a dud! There is, of course, a re-recorded version of their debut single, Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again – the song that would evoke tens of thousands of fans responding loudly, “No way, Get fucked, Fuck off!” for many years to come.

Second single You’re A Lady Now is a decent mid-paced boogie, Shelter From The Rain and Can’t Get Lucky show signs that the Brewster-Neeson-Brewster songwriting team was almost there, and a cover of the famous Goin’ Down provides some much-needed grit.

The Angels was a solid enough debut for the band to get another shot, and they grasped it with both hands, going from strength to strength from this moment on for the next decade and a half at the summit of the Aussie rock heap.

RIP Chris Bailey and Doc Neeson

Category: Shane's Rock Challenge