Punk rock made the Streetwalkers seem like old farts, but Red Card proved (upcoming metaphor overuse intended) that they still had an ace up their sleeve. From the groove-heavy "Roll up, Roll Up" to the ferocious "Run for Cover," this is the first and last great gasp from this band. In fact, had it come a few years earlier, it could have been included along with some of the better work by Chapman and Whitney's previous band, Family. The highlight, perhaps the best reason to search out this record, is a cover of Otis Blackwell's "Daddy Rollin' Stone," which Roger Chapman absolutely sings the living sh*t out of. It's an exhilarating moment and proof positive that he has one of the great voices in rock & roll.
by John Dougan
In 1977, drummer McBain was replaced by David Dowle, who later joined Whitesnake, and keyboardist Brian Johnstone and new bassist Mickey Feat joined the band. With this lineup, the last studio album, “Vicious But Fair,” was recorded in 1977. However, the album was not successful at all in a period dominated by punk and new wave.
After the 1977 album Live, the band broke up. Bobby Tench left to join Van Morrison's band, along with Mickey Feat. Charlie Whitney formed the equally unsuccessful band Axis Point, while David Dowle joined the band Midnight Flyer. Singer Roger Chapman started a solo career and was/is particularly popular in Germany. He also scored a hit as a singer on the Mike Oldfield single Shadow On The Wall.
Tracks
1. Run For Cover - 5:47
2. Me An' Me Horse An' Me Rum (Bobby Tench, Roger Chapman) - 4:04
3. Crazy Charade (Bobby Tench, Charlie Whitney, Roger Chapman) - 5:27
4. Daddy Rolling Stone (Otis Blackwell) - 3:15
5. Roll Up, Roll Up - 3:29
6. Between Us - 3:48
7. Shotgun Messiah (Bobby Tench, Charlie Whitney, Roger Chapman) - 4:49
8. Decadence Code - 6:44
9. Mama Was Mad - 4:15
10.Chilli-Con-Carne - 3:55
11.Dice Man - 9:30
12.But You're Beautiful - 3:57
13.Can't Come In - 4:03
14.Belle Star (Charlie Whitney) - 3:13
15.Sam (Maybe He Can Come To Some Arrangement) (Bobby Tench, Charlie Whitney, Roger Chapman) - 5:47
16.Cross Time Woman - 5:16
All Songs written by Charlie Whitney, Roger Chapman except where noted
Tracks 1-8 from "Red Card" LP 1976
Tracks 9-16 from "Vicious But Fair" LP 1977
The Streetwalkers
*Roger Chapman - Lead Vocals, Percussion
*Charlie Whitney - Electric, Slide Guitars, Keyboards
*Bob Tench - Electric Guitars, Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
*Nicko - Drums, Percussion (Tracks 1-8)
*Jon Plotel - Bass, Backing Vocals (Tracks 1-8)
*David Dowle - Drums, Percussion (Tracks 9-16)
*Michael Feat - Bass Guitar, Vocals (Tracks 9-16)
*Brian Johnstone - Keyboards, Vocals (Tracks 9-16)
*Wilf Gibson - String Arrangements
*Mel Collins - Horns (Tracks 9-16)
*Poli Palmer - Synthesizer (Track 12)
*Louise, Eunice - Backing Vocals (Tracks 9-16)
Related Act
Thanks very much, Marios.
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