The Wild Oats - The Oak EP

(This review first appeared in issue 58 of Shindig! magazine)
 

Big Beat 10”

In the early '60s Liverpool had The Beatles, London The Stones. In deepest Suffolk it was The Wild Oats who tore up the local dancehalls with blues-based rock 'n' roll. After hooking up with EMI publicist David Nicholson, then hoping to break through as an independent record producer, the band recorded an EP to sell at gigs. With only 100 copies pressed on the custom Oak label, an original 1964 copy could seriously damage your bank balance. More affordable is this 10”, expanded with a further five tracks from a later session.

With their choice of R&B and photo shots the band would go on to inspire acts such as Dr. Feelgood, The Milkshakes and The Strypes. There would be no world changing concept albums to follow, but for the sound of pre-rock boom Brits making music with youthful, joyous abandon look no further. The Wild Oats still play live locally on select special occasions.

http://acerecords.co.uk/the-wild-oats-1