The Savages (Bermuda band)

Last updated

The Savages
The Savages (Bermuda band).jpg
Background information
Origin Bermuda
Genres Garage rock, rock and roll, protopunk
Years active1965 (1965)-1966 (1966)
Labels Duane
Past members
  • Paul Muggleton
  • Jimmy O'Connor
  • Bobby Zuil
  • Howie Rego

The Savages were a garage rock band from Bermuda that were active in the mid-1960s. [1] [2] [3] They are best remembered for their album, Live 'n Wild, which was composed largely of self-penned tunes and recorded in front of a live audience, has been mentioned as a seminal work in the genre, and features the song, "The World Ain't Round It's Square". [1] [2] [3] This song has become regarded as a classic 1960s anthem of youthful defiance. [2] [3] [4] [nb 1]

Contents

History

The Savages were formed in 1965 by Paul Muggleton and Jimmy O'Connor, both guitarists. [2] [3] They would often watch fellow Bermudan band, the Gents, play at nightclubs and decided to form a band of their own. They recruited Bobby Zuill, on bass, and Howie Rego, on drums. [2] Muggleton usually sang lead vocals along with Jimmy O'Connor, but Zuill handled vocals on certain numbers. [1] According to Paul Muggleton, "We were not sons of diplomants…my father was a printer…both Jimmy O'Connor's and bobby Zuill's fathers were sea captains and Howie Rego's father had a supermarket.“ [2] The band played teen functions and eventually were able to gain a residence at the Hub, a nightclub at the Princess Hotel, sometimes doing as many a three gigs a day, often for American college students on vacation. [1] [2]

They would sign with the Duane label, which also housed the Gents, run by Eddie DeMello, who would also manage the band and produce their material. [2] The group had previously done mostly covers of other artists' songs, until they were asked by the label to cut a full album of material, which necessitated the urge to come up with a batch of original songs. [2] DeMello decided to record the album live as a way of capturing their natural excitement. So, on 6 February 1966, the band were recorded during a live performance in front of about 150 patrons at the Hub, which featured the group doing self-composed songs such as "Poor Man’s Son", "Man on the Moon", "Quiet Town", and the ventful "The World Ain't Round It's Square," sung in a scowling voice by Bobby Zuill and Paul Muggleton. [1] [2] [3] According to Rob Zuill, "...we were so scared that we played everything too fast..." The album also would contain three cover songs from the performance, which would include a version of the Icelandic song, "Ertu Med" which would also be recorded in a very different manner by Thor's Hammer later in 1966. [2] One of Savages' original songs recorded this night, "No No No," would be covered by Connecticut band The Instincts. [2] The resulting album taken from the show, Live 'n Wild, was a surprisingly diverse collection, containing a balance of rock & roll songs and ballads. [1] [2] Four songs would appear as A and B sides on singles, including "The World Ain't Round It's Square." [2]

DeMello set up a tour of the West Indies for the band and arranged for them to go to New York to play and record. [2] While in New York, they recorded a single, featuring "Roses are Red," which would be released on the Duane label, later in 1966. [2] However, just as they were beginning to establish themselves in New York, the members got involved in a life-threatening incident, provoked by two members of the band. [2] As a result of hard feelings created by the incident, the band broke up before the end of the year. [2]

Paul Muggleton, would later become a member of the group Omaha Sheriff in the 1970s and would produce 22 of Judie Tzuke's albums. [1] Drummer Howie Rego is said to have played with mid-1970s progressive rock group Stardive, who recorded for Electra and Columbia. [1]

Legacy

Despite their brief tenure and lack of greater success, the Savages have become recognized by garage rock enthusiasts and collectors as a seminal band in the genre. [2] [3] Their album, Live 'n Wild, is sometimes cited as one of the finest albums produced in the genre, and the song, "The World Ain't Round, It's Square," which in some ways anticipated some of the characteristics of the later 1970s punk movement, has become regarded as a classic anthem of anger and defiance. [2] [3] [4] [nb 2] Yet, in spite of this and their name, the band was versatile and was as adept at writing and ballads as rocking songs. [2] [3]

Personnel

Discography

Singles

Albums

Notes

  1. In Mike Markesich's Teenbeat Mayhem, according to the polling of a handful of preeminent garage rock writers, collectors, and experts, the song is rated as a ten out of ten, and ranked at number 4 in the list of the 1000 greatest garage rock records, placing it in the top five of all time, according to that poll. [5]
  2. In Mike Markesich's Teenbeat Mayhem, according to the polling of a handful of preeminent garage rock writers, collectors, and experts, the song is rated as a ten out of ten, and ranked at number 4 in the list of the 1000 greatest garage rock records, placing it in the top five of all time, according to that poll. [5]

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evil (band)</span> American garage rock band

Evil was a garage rock band from Miami, Florida, active between late 1965 and early 1967. They were known for a hard–driving, sometimes, thrashing 60s punk sound that combined elements of blues, rockabilly, and British invasion influences. They recorded several songs, amongst which “Always Runnin' Around” and “Whatcha Gonna Do” were released as a single on Living Legend Records in 1966. The band would eventually be signed to Capitol Records, but broke up shortly thereafter. In more recent years they have become particularly noted for several previously unreleased songs recorded in 1966, which have been released in recent years on various independent labels from acetates, such as "From a Curbstone," "Short Life," and especially "I'm Movin' On," which is now regarded as a garage classic.

<i>Live n Wild</i> 1966 live album by The Savages

Live 'N Wild is a live album released in 1966 by The Savages, a garage rock band from Bermuda, which was recorded live at the Hub, a nightclub at the Princess Hotel in their native country. Consisting of mostly self-composed songs, the album is considered a seminal work in the garage rock genre, and features the song, "The World Ain't Round It's Square," which has come to be regarded as a classic '60s anthem of youthful defiance.

The Shames were a garage rock band from Ipswich, Massachusetts who were active in the mid-1960s. They are known amongst collectors for two songs which are highly regarded: "Special Ones" and especially "My World is Upside Down," which has been mentioned as a classic in the genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Gentlemen (Dallas band)</span> American garage rock band

The Gentlemen were an American garage rock band from Dallas, Texas, who were active from 1964 to 1968. They are best known for their 1966 song, "It's a Cry'n Shame", which has been recognized as one of the greatest songs in garage rock. The band is noted for the contributions of guitarist and songwriter, Seab Meador. Jimmie Vaughan, later a member the Fabulous Thunderbirds and brother of Double Trouble guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, served a brief stint for several months in the Gentlemen in late 1965 and early 1966, but did not appear on any of their recordings. He went on to play in another Dallas garage rock band, the Chessmen.

"It's a Cry'n Shame" is a song written by Seab Meador and Mike Kelley and was recorded in 1966 by the Gentlemen, an American garage rock band from Dallas, Texas who were active between 1964 and 1968. It was originally released as the B-side to "You Can't Be True" but has become by far the better-known song. "It's a Cry'n Shame" has been included in several garage rock compilations and is now recognized as one of the greatest songs in the genre.

The Bees was an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Covina, California, that was active in the mid-1960s, and was best known for the 1966 paranoiac anthem "Voices Green and Purple". The song has been mentioned as an innovative example of early protopunk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voices Green and Purple</span> 1966 single by The Bees

"Voices Green and Purple" is a song by the Bees, an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Covina, California who were active in the mid-1960s. It has been mentioned as an innovative example of early protopunk and has become highly prized by various garage rock collectors and enthusiasts.

The Humane Society were an American garage rock band from Simi Valley, California who were active from 1965 through 1968, who are best known for their 1967 protopunk anthem, "Knock Knock."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The World Ain't Round It's Square</span> 1966 single by The Savages

"The World Ain't Round It's Square" is a song recorded in 1966 by The Savages, a garage rock band from Bermuda and was written by Howie Rego and Bobby Zuill. It was recorded live at the Hub, a nightclub at the Princess Hotel in Bermuda and appeared on their live album taped from the event, Live 'n Wild. The song has been mentioned as a landmark anthem of 1960s youthful defiance and is ranked #4 in the list of the 1000 greatest garage rock records in Mike Markesich's Teenbeat Mayhem. It has been featured on the Teenage Shutdown! The World Ain't Round, It's Square! compilation as well as included the reissue of Live 'n Wild.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sir Winston and the Commons</span> American garage-rock band, formed 1963

Sir Winston and the Commons were an American garage rock band formed in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1963. The group released two highly regarded singles, which, upon release, earned the band a regional following, and resulted in reinterest in their music over the years. At the height of their popularity, Sir Winston and the Commons were regulars at the teen dance club the Cellar, in Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Escapades</span> American garage rock band

The Escapades were an American garage rock band from Memphis, Tennessee who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular groups in the Memphis area during the mid-1960s and recorded two singles. "I Tell No Lies", the A-side of their debut single, became a big hit in Memphis and around the South. They were signed to Verve Records, who released their follow-up, "Mad, Mad, Mad", which featured a fuzz-toned guitar line. Their work is highly regarded by garage rock enthusiasts and collectors and has appeared on various compilations.

The Breakers were an American garage rock band from Memphis, Tennessee who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular bands in the Memphis area and enjoyed considerable success with their regional hit "Don't Bring Me No Flowers ". There has been a resurgence of interest in the Breakers amongst garage rock collectors and enthusiasts in recent years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawson and Four More</span> American garage/psychedelic rock band

Lawson and Four More were an American garage rock/psychedelic rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, who were active in the 1960s. The group was led by Bobby Lawson and was known for their hard, blues-based sound which, as they evolved, increasingly incorporated esoteric psychedelic elements. The group regularly worked with musician, songwriter, and producer Jim Dickinson and cut the first rock release for Memphis label, Ardent Records. As a side-project, they briefly recorded under the name The Avengers, as a Batman-themed takeoff group in 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Dagenites</span> American garage rock band

The Dagenites were an American garage rock a band from Oxon Hill, Maryland near Washington, DC, who were active in the 1960s. They shared management and frequent billing with noted guitarist and performer Link Wray. In recent years their work has become highly regarded amongst garage rock enthusiasts and collectors and has been included on several compilations. The Dagenites are especially known for their proto-punk anthems, "I Don't Want to Try it Again" and "I'm Gone Slide", both of which have been mentioned as garage rock classics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kreeg</span> American garage rock band

The Kreeg were an American garage rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico who were active in the 1960s. They were one of the most popular groups in the Albuquerque area and enjoyed local hits from both sides of their 1966 single "How Can I" b/w "Impressin'". Their work has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts with the release of the 1996 anthology Impressin', which features their complete recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Humans (New York band)</span> American garage rock band

The Humans were an American garage rock band from Albion, New York who were active in the 1960s. They were popular in the region, touring throughout the Northeast, and enjoyed a regional hit, with the single "Take a Taxi" b/w "Warning", that received airplay in other markets around the country. "Warning" has become especially valued amongst garage rock enthusiasts and was included on the Back from the Grave compilation series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Brymers</span> American garage rock band

The Brymers were an American garage rock band from San Joaquin Valley, California, who were active in the 1960s. They had a regional hit with the song "Sacrifice", which also received distribution overseas and managed to garnish airplay in parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Although they only released one single, they recorded numerous unissued tracks that would subsequently be released on CD between 2007 and 2008. The group reunited in 2007 and have since been active on stage and in the studio, releasing five CDs containing old and new material. "Sacrifice" and their version of "The House of the Rising Sun" were both featured in the film Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher. Their song "I Want to Tell You" was included in a scene from the ABC TV series Once Upon A Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chessmen</span> American garage rock band

The Chessmen were an American garage rock band from Denton, Texas, near Dallas, who were active in the 1960s. They were one of the most popular bands in the region and recorded for Bismark Records, where they recorded three singles including, "I Need You There", which is now considered a garage rock classic. The band is notable for including several members who went on to greater fame. Jimmie Vaughan, brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan was briefly a member, joining after the death of original band leader, guitarist, and vocalist, Robert Patton, who died in a boating accident in 1966. Drummer Doyle Bramhall later played with and wrote songs for Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bill Etheridge later played bass with ZZ Top. Following the breakup of the Chessmen, several of their members, including Jimmie Vaughan, went on to form a group that would come to be known as Texas Storm, which eventually included Stevie Ray Vaughan on bass.

The Tamrons were an American garage rock band from Concord, North Carolina, near Charlotte who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular bands in Concord and the Charlotte area during the mid-1960s and enjoyed a regional hit with their single, "Wild Man" backed with "Stop, Look, Listen" recorded at Arthur Smith's studio in Charlotte and released on his Pyramid label. They broke up in 1968. In the intervening years their work has become highly regarded by garage rock enthusiasts and has appeared on several compilations.

The Daybreakers were an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Muscatine, Iowa, who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular bands in their region which included the Quad Cities. Jack Barlow, a popular DJ and country music recording artist had them record songs for a planned single at Columbia Recording Studios arranged a contract with Atlantic Records, who released the group's single on their Dial label featuring "Psychedelic Siren" which included siren sound effects generated by a primitive electronic device. Though the song became a big regional hit in Iowa, Atlantic lost interest in the band and they made no further recordings. In the intervening years, their work has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts and has been included of several compilations.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Unterberger, Richie. "The Savages | Biography & History". AllMusic . Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Bishop, Chris (14 November 2006). "The Savages - Live 'n Wild". Garage Hangover. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Psychedelic-Rock'n'roll: The Savages - Live'n Wild (CRUDE 60s GARAGE BERMUDA 1966)". Psychedelic-rocknroll.blogspot.com. 4 December 2009. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. 1 2 Markesich 2012, pp. 209, 387.
  5. 1 2 Markesich 2012, p. 387.