What Happened To Pub Rock # 12

The story wouldn't be complete if I did not mention the ex-servicemen of pub rock. Brinsley Schwarz with the guitarist after they itself have named were the old cell of a lot of following bands. Indifferently whether they have played solo or have helped on countless records as a studio musician, the members were always a component of the British music scene. I mentioned Nick Lowe a few weeks ago but Bob Andrews and Billy Andrews played on a lot of records in this era. The bands style is hardly to explain. In the early times they tried to play pop songs with psychedelic influences and turned later into poppy country style. That they could play as a backing band as well is shown on Frankie Miller's first record Once In a Blue Moon. Unfortunately I've never seen them live but when I read something about them I think it would be awesome. Looking back at the days of pub rock I think this was one of those bands that stood the test of times. Their songs might be simple at the first moment but if you exactly listen you are able to hear so many facets which make single songs wonderful.

Brinsley Schwarz - Ballad Of A Has-Been Beauty Queen
Brinsley Schwarz - Ever Since You're Gone
Brinsley Schwarz - Feel A Little Funky
Brinsley Schwarz - Funk Angel
Brinsley Schwarz - Hymn To Her
Brinsley Schwarz - The Look That's In Your Eye Tonight

What Happened To Pub Rock # 4

It is to be appreciated at the time a singer who seems to have long been forgotten. Frankie Miller is a Glasgow born Scottish singer-songwriter. In his younger days he played football in several youth teams and he was always addicted to football. Probaly inherited from his maternal grandfather Archie Kyle who was one of the first Catholic football players signed to Glasgow Rangers FD.

Grown up with the music of Ray Charles, Little Richard and Elvis Presley he wrote his first song at the age of 12. I can't change it was later recorded by Ray Charles. He formed his first band after he went to London with Robin Trower, the former guitar player of Procul Harum. Later in 1972 he recorded his first own album Once In A Blue Moon which is known as one of the earliest examples of pub rock. It is also a very good example of what pub rock means. A mighty voice backed up with excellent musicians playing fantastic songs. On this record he was supported from the legendary Brinsley Schwarz - also so called veterans of pub rock. Though the album received very good reviews, it was not a success. A few years later he sung together with Phil Lynott a duet on another great song from Thin Lizzy - Still In Love With You.

His second record was produced by Allen Touissaint in Atlanta. For me it was a little overproduced and his dominate voice was filled up with too much arrangements. He returned a few year later with another classical album. On The Rock to classic R & B and soul. And really, this album is a rock. A lot of great songs played relaxed. I just found these records again while I was thinking how to continue this series. Later in 1978 he had his only chartbreaker with Darlin'. Let's finish with a statement by Rod Stewart: 'He was the only white singer to have a tear to his eye'

From Once In A Blue Moon:
Frankie Miller -  I Can't Change It
Frankie Miller - The Rules Of The Game (Demo)

From The Rock:
Frankie Miller - Drunken Nights In The City
Frankie Miller - The Rock