Pink Fairies / Kings Of Oblivion (1973)

 

United Kingdom

Hard Rock, Heavy Psych, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Punk

In June 1973, Polydor Records released the third album by The Pink Fairies – “Kings Of Oblivion”. I have seen it described as an album that simply fulfils the contract but it is not in my view, a poor contractual obligation record – no, “Kings Of Oblivion” is a very fine record indeed.

But first we need to go back a few months to when guitarist Paul Rudolph left The Pink Fairies. Duncan Sanderson – bass and Russell Hunter – drums decided to continue with guitarist Mick Wayne who had connections to the band. He had been founder of Junior’s Eyes and worked with Hunter & Sanderson with Steve Peregrin Took (once of Tyrannosaurus Rex). In fact Took probably thought he would be part of any new Pink Fairies (remember he had been part of the Pink Fairies Motorcycle Club And All Star Rock And Roll Band with Twink in 1969) but his drug consumption meant that this was not to be. But The Pink Fairies was reborn with Wayne, Hunter & Sanderson and they released the second Pink Fairies single “Well, Well, Well/ Hold On”. It is included as part of the bonus tracks on “King Of Oblivion” and..its just about O.K. Enter Larry Wallis. Originally employed as a second Pink Fairies guitarist, he, too, had worked with Took, and had been in UFO (yes, Phil Mogg and chums have been around since 1969 – Mogg sacked Wallis for being drunk). However Sanderson & Hunter decided that Mick Wayne was leading the band in a direction they did not like, and after one gig as a four piece – The Pink Fairies were back to a three piece – but with Larry Wallis as their guitarist - not Mick Wayne.

And on “Kings Of Oblivion” all seven songs were written by Wallis – 4 on his own and three in collaboration with Sanderson or Sanderson & Hunter and on the closing track on what was Side1 – “Where’s The Fun Begin?” with one-time lead Deviant – Mick Farren. I think this was very much necessity being the mother of invention but Larry Wallis took up the challenge admirably. He also sings lead vocals – not bad but a bit shaky. Importantly, “Kings Of Oblivion” – named after a line in David Bowie’s “The Bewlay Brothers” – is very much a punk album. I know three of the tracks are in excess of six minutes, but the attitude is that of 1976 rather than 1973. It is no wonder that Stiff Records wanted The Pink Fairies – their “final” single was released as Buy 2 (if you remember Stiff’s catalogue numbers.)

The opening “City Kids” sets the tone. Written by Sanderson & Wallis, it is, as the excellent CD booklet says, “a storming opening track”. Then there is the nine minute plus “I Wish I was A Girl”. Now The Pink Fairies were still a jamming band but here Wallis’ guitar playing is excellent and it does not outstay its welcome. Lyrically, it is interesting as well – a pretty good take of sexual stereotyping. What was Side 1 finishes with the six-minute plus “When’s The Fun Begin?” and it is another cracker. So far so wonderful.

What was Side 2 is less so. The first track “Chromium Plating” is very good as is the instrumental “Raceway” – except it should not have been instrumental. The Pink Fairies were still gigging during the recording of “Kings Of Oblivion” and after one gig, they returned to find the album mixed & finished. Wallis was not able to add his vocals! The next track, however – “Chambermaid” rocks extremely well but in contrast to “Wish I Was A Girl” has thickheaded sex lyrics which I suspect I would have found hilarious at 14 but at 60, I find them somewhat embarrassing. There are worse and the early 1970’s were different times, but even so.

Fortunately the closing – the seven-minute “Street Urchin” is terrific.

Members

Twink (drums, vocals, 1969-71, 1975-76, 1987-88, 1995-97), Mick Farren (lead vocals, 1969), Steve Peregrine Took (guitar, 1969), Sally Meltzer [aka Silver Darling] (keyboards, 1969), Duncan Sanderson (bass, 1970-76, 1981-88, 2014-17), Russell Hunter (drums, 1970-76, 1987-88, 2014-17), Paul Rudolph (guitar, vocals, 1970-72, 1975-76, 1995-97, 2018-present), Mick Wayne (guitar, vocals, 1972-73), Larry Wallis (guitar, vocals, 1973-76, 1981-88), Martin Stone (guitar, 1976), George Butler (drums, 1981-86, 2014-17), Andy Colquhoun (guitar, vocals, 1987-88, 2014-17), Jaki Windmill (percussion, 2014-17), Alan Davey (bass, vocals, 2018-present), Lucas Fox (drums, vocals, 2018-present)

01 - City Kids 3:45

02 - I Wish I Was a Girl 9:41

03 - When's the Fun Begin? 6:13

04 - Chromium Plating 3:48

05 - Raceway 4:08

06 - Chambermaid 3:18

07 - Street Urchin 7:07

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