- Fred de Wilde - vocals (1967-68)

- Mariska Veres - vocals (replaced Fred de Wilde)

  (1968-74)
- Robbie Van Leeuwen - guitar, sitar (1967-74)

- Leo van de Ketterij - guitar (1970)

- Klaasje Van Der Wal - bass (1967-74)

- Cornelius Van Der Beek - drums (1967-74)

- Martin van Wijk - vocals (replaced Robbie Van Leeuwen)

  (1973-74)

- Henk Smitskamp - bass (replaced Klaasje Van Der Wal)

  (1973-74)

  

- Antilope (Klaasje Van Der Wal)

- Galaxy Lin. (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

- Hu & Hilltops (Fred de Wilde)

- Jupiter (Martin van Wijk)

- Lemming (Cornelius Van Der Beek and Martin van Wijk)

- Livin' Blues (Henk Smitskamp)

- Mistral (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

- The Motions (Robbie Van Leeuwen) 

- Sandy Coast (Henk Smitskamp)

- Sect (Cornelius Van Der Beek)

- Mariska Veres (solo efforts)

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  At Home

Company: Pink Elephant

Catalog: MLP 15-353

Year: 1969

Country/State: Holland

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: original Dutch pressing; gatefold sleeve

Available: SOLD

GEMM catalog ID: SOLD

Price: SOLD

Cost: $16.50

You have to laugh when you realize that today most American's don't even associate Shocking Blue with their biggest hit - "Venus".  Ask most folks under 30 who did the song and their liable to tell you it's Bananarama.  Their right, but that mid-1980s remake was at best a lame and forgettable cover next to the killer original ...  

Maybe due to the fact I spent the early 1970s living in Europe where this outfit was a staple on pop radio, they have a special place in my heart.  I'm certain the fact lead singer Mariska Veres was a major babe had nothing to do with it ...  So here's a brief bio on the group.

In addition to serving as lead guitarists for The Motion, Robbie Van Leeuwen was responsible for penning many of commercial hits.  Unfortunately, by 1967 he and singer Rudy Bennett were at each others throats, with Van Leeuwen ultimately deciding to start his own group.  Recruiting former Hu & Hilltops singer Fred de Wilde, bassist Klaasje van der Wal and ex-Sect drummer Cornelius van Der Beek, the quartet quickly scored a contract with Polydor, releasing their debut 45 "Love Is In the Air" b/w "What You Gonna Do (Polydor catalog number S 1248l).  Dropped by Polydor the group rebounded signing with the Dutch Pink Elephant label.  Their label debut "Lucy Brown Is Back In Town" b/w "Fix Your Hair Darling" (Pink Elephant catalog number PE-22001) proved a modest Dutch hit, but a combination of personality clashes and management intervention soon arose and within a short period de Wilde was history, replaced by female vocalist Mariska Veres whom band manager Cees van Leeuwen had spotted performing at a Dutch jazz festival with the band The Bumble Bees.  (Another story has van Leeuwen spotting Veres and the Buble Bees performing at a party for Dutch Rockers Golden Earring.)

The new line up debuted with the 1968 single "Send Me a Postcard Darling" b/w "Harley Davidson" (Pink Elephant catalog number PE-20004).  A substantial Dutch hit, it was followed by the equally successful "Long and Lonesome Road" b/w "Fireball of Love" (Pink Elephant catalog number PE 22007). The band's breakthrough came with the release of their fourth single.  Penned by Van Leeuwen (like most of their material), "Venus" b/w "Hot Sand" (Pink Elephant catalog number PE 22015) hit # 3 in Holland, but topped the charts almost everywhere else in the world, including the US where it was released by Jerry Ross' newly formed Colossus Records.

It's unfortunate 1969's self-produced "At Home" didn't see an American release since its more consistent than the "Venus" compilation that Colossus Records marketed in the States.  While the spotlight was clearly on the young and attractive Ms. Veres (check out the inner sleeve photo), Van Leeuwen was the obvious creative mainstay, responsible for penning ten of the eleven songs, mixing the album and handling guitars and sitar.  We've read various pieces comparing her to Grace Slick.  Personally we don't hear it, but in spite of a heavy accent, Veres was a quite impressive singer and on tracks such as "I'll Write Your Name Through the Fire" she displayed a dark and rugged voice that was well matched to Van Leeuwen's material.  While "Venus" attracted all of the attention, the rest of the album was nearly as good.  Highly diverse, none of the 11 tracks sounded similar to one another, yet they shared a certain infectious Dutch-pop/rock feel (yeah, I know, what the hell did that mean?).  Personal favorites include the sitar-powered instrumental (and lone non-original) "Acka Raga", "Love Machine" and "California Here I Come".   Geez, even Kurt Cobain and Nirvana were apparently fans covering "Love Buzz" on their 1986 album "Bleach".  By the way, though the CD reissue sports a couple of bonus tracks, it cuts "Poor Boy" in half, wiping out the meltdown second half.   The message here is be sure to look for a copy of the original LP! 

"At Home" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Boll Weevil   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:40

2.) I'll Write Your Name Through the Fire   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:50

3.) Acka Raga (instrumental)   (J. Mayer) - 3:10

4.) Love Machine   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:15

5.) I'm Your Woman   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:00

6.) Venus   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:07

(side 2)
1.) California Here I Come   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:15

2.) Poor Boy   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 4:50

3.) Long and Lonesome Road   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:44

4.) Love Buzz   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:40

5.) The Butterfly and I   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:50

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Scorpio's Dance

Company: Pink Elephant

Catalog: MLP 15 377

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1970

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: original Dutch pressing; gatefold sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4875

Price: $40.00

Self-produced, 1970's "Scorpio's Dance" is simply a great album.  With Robby Van Leeuwen continuing to write most o the material (the album included one non-original), material such as "Alaska Country" and "Keep It If You Want It" underscored the fact Shocking Blue remained a rock band.  On the other hand, the band didn't hesitate to use their new found commercial success to explore a number of musical genres including country ("Sally was a Good Old Girl"), classical (the instrumental title track) and psychedelic rock ("Daemon Lover") (their spelling, not ours). Kicked along by Mariska Veres's heavily accented vocals and the band's somewhat cryptic lyrics ("Little Cooling Planet"), at least to our ears, part of their appeal lies in their distinctive European sound. Okay, okay we'll admit it.  Veres was a babe and her voice was an amazing instrument, kicking considerable energy into even the Robby Van Leeuwen's lamest compositions.  Personal favorites included the bizarre "I Love Voodoo Music" and "Water Boy".   Elsewhere it was somewhat ironic that the album was recorded in New York's Bell Sound Studios, but never saw an American release.  

"Scorpio's Dance" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Scorpio's Dance (First Movement) (instrumental)   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 0:37

2.) Alaska Country   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:51

3.) Sally was a Good Old Girl   (Howard - Harlan) - 3:30

4.) Daemon Lover   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 6:00

5.) Scorpio's Dance (instrumental)    (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:40

(side 2)
1.) Little Cooling Planet   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:58

2.) I Love Voodoo Music   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:58

3.) Seven Is a Magic Number   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:58

4.) Keep It If You Want It   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:51

5.) Water Boy   (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:30

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Venus

Company: Colossus

Catalog: CS-1000

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1970

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: minor ring wear

Available: SOLD

GEMM catalog ID: SOLD

Price: SOLD

Having signed these Dutch rockers to an American distribution deal with his newly formed Colossus Records, manager Jerry Ross chose to cobble together their American debut from a mix of earlier Dutch albums (notably 1969's "At Home") and European-issued 45s.  The cleverly-titled "Venus" clearly sought to take advantage of the singles's worldwide success, adding a couple of  Mariska Veres-era Dutch singles to the mix ("Send Me a Postcard" and "Long and Lonesome Road").  Since the original Dutch albums are rather difficult to obtain, this isn't a bad way to check out the band's talents.    

"Venus" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Long And Lonesome Road  (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 2:41
2.) Love Machine  (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:15
3.) The Butterfly And Me  (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:50
4.) Venus  (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:00
5.) California Here I Come  (Robby Van Leeuwen) - 3:15
6.) Poor Boy  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 4:50

(side 2)
1.) Mighty Joy  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 3:04
2.) Boll Weevil  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 2:40
3.) Acka Raga (instrumental)   (J. Mayer) - 3:10
4.) Love Buzz  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 3:40
5.) I'm A Woman  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 3:00

6.) Send Me A Postcard  (Robby Van Leeuwen)  - 2:33

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Live In Japan

Company: Pink Elephant

Catalog: 888.014

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1972

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: gatefold sleeve; minor ring wear; Dutch pressing

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4947

Price: $75.00

As a big Shocking Blue fan I've always wondered what they sounded like in concert.  While this concert set didn't sport the greatest sound quality (Klaasje Van Der Wal's bass was too high in the mix), judging by these 14 abbreviated performances they were a surprisingly accomplished live act, although I wouldn't rate them much in the area of audience interaction (band chatter being limited to an occasional 'thank you').  Recorded at a pair of July 1971 dates at Tokyo's Koseinenkin Hall, "Live In Japan" featured a hits-heavy set, including two versions of 'Venus'.  In spite of her heavy accent Mariska Veres acquitted herself well on tracks like 'Hot Sand' and 'Long and Lonesome Road' her voice coming off as much huskier and darker than on the band's studio albums. Powered by Robbie Van Leeuwen's lead guitar, the performances were surprisingly tight and close to the studio originals; occasionally to the point of being mildly dull ('Poor Boy' and 'Tobacco Road').  Elsewhere, while Mason Williams didn't have anything to fear, their electrified cover of 'Classical Gas' was kind of entertaining.  

"Live In Japan" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Venus   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

2.) I'm a Woman   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

3.) Sally was a Good Girl   (Harlan - Howard) 

4.) Poor Boy   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

5.) Tobacco Road   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

6.) Classical Gas (instrumental)   (Mason WIlliams)

7.) Hot Sand   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

(side 2)
1.) Long and Lonesome Road   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

2.) Boll Weevil   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

3.) Blossom Lady   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

4.) Mighty Joe   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

5.) Never Marry a Railroad Man   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

6.) Shocking You   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

7.) Venus   (Robbie Van Leeuwen)

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Atilla

Company: Pink Elephant

Catalog: PE 877.025-G

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1972

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: Dutch pressing

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4941

Price: $40.00

I've always been amazed by how much quality material Robbie Van Leeuwen churned out during the 1968 - 73 timeframe.  By my count he was responsible for penning virtually everything on seven studio sets (and numerous non-LP singles) Shocking Blue released during that five year timeframe.  

For the most part 1972's "Atilla" wasn't a major change from earlier Shocking Blue albums.  That said, to my ears its actually one of the group's stronger releases.  Clearly in a comfortable creative groove, Robbie Van Leeuwen-penned material such as the slinky Rattler'', ''A Waste of Time and '' was seldom as consistent or enjoyable.  Normally inclined to let Mariska Veres handle the vocals, Van Leeuwen even stepped into the spotlight showing off a surprisingly commercial voice on 'Don't Let Your Right Know' and 'Broken Heart'.  For her part Veres heavily accented English vocals never sounded as sultry.  I can't think of anyone else who could make a lyric like 'I wish I were a mole in the ground' sound as sexy.  Sure, there wasn't anything as immediately top-10 catchy as 'Venus' (well 'Rock in the Sea' came close), but virtually any of these twelve tracks would have sounded good on top-40 radio. Personal favorites included ''The Devil and the Angel' and 'I've Spent My Money'.  I'm still puzzled as to why a set with as much sales potential didn't even see an American release.

"Atillla" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Rattler    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:47

2.) Never Release the One You Love    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:58

3.) A Waste Of Time    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:40

4.) Wait    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:00

5.   5.) The Devil And The Angel    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:27

6.   6.) Rock In The Sea    (Robbie Van Leeuwen)- 3:00

7.   

(side 2)
1.) I've Spent My Money    (Robbie Van Leeuwen)- 2:00

2.) Will The Circle Be Unbroken    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:38

3.) Early In The Morning    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:16

10.  4.) I Built My World Around You    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 1:55

11.  5.) Don't Let Your Right Know    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:05

12.  6.) Broken Heart    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:27

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Ham

Company: Pink Elephant

Catalog: PE 877.038 G

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1972

Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+

Comments: Dutch press; gatefold sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4479

Price: $75.00

"Venus" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Oh Lord   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 

2.) Dowee Dowee   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:43

3.) Everything that's Mine   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 

4.) Devil's Suite   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:57

5.) Time Slips Away   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:24

6.) A Little Bit of Heaven   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:30

(side 2)
1.) I Saw You in June    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 

2.) Wild Rose    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:31

3.) In My Time of Dyin'    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 3:37

4.) So Far from Home    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:09

5.) Take Your Time    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:09

6.) Now He's Gone   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:11

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Inkpot

Company: Polydor

Catalog: 2310 223

Country/State: Holland

Year: 1972

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: German press; gatefold sleeve; small cut out hole top right corner; still in shrink wrap

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4874

Price: $40.00

I have to admit that 1972's self-produced, "Inkpot" is the first Shocking Blue album I wasn't crazy about.  While Robbie Van Leeuwen was again responsible for the majority of the material and Mariska Veres voice remained instantly recognizable, something was missing from the mix.  Part of the problem may have simply been creative exhaustion - this was the group's second studio release within a year.  With all four members looking somewhat worn and torn, the back album cover certainly lent credence to such a contention.  That said, Van Leeuwen and company were simply too talented to turn in a complete flop. Propelled by Veres heavily accented vocals, material like the title track, 'Navajo Tears' and 'Blossom Lady' was all quite likeable.  Elsewhere Van Leevuwen took a rare shot handling lead vocals on the closing rocker 'Hey'.  You also got to hear the weirdest cover of Hank Williams 'Jambalaya' ever recorded.  You could just hear Veres trying to figure out what the hell the lyrics were about ...  Curiously, for a band that had been on the top of the American charts a couple of years earlier, the album didn't even see an American release.

"Inkpot" track listing:

(side 1)
1.) Inkpot   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:37

2.) Who Save My Soul    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 1:54

3.) Out of Sight, Out of Mind   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:54

4.) Shadows    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:25

5.) Is this a Dream    (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 3:49 

6.) I Like You   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:10

(side 2)
1.) Blossom Lady   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 3:35

2.) I Ain't Never    (M. Tilles - W. Pierce) - 2:14

3.) Navajo Tears   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:36

4.) Jambalaya   (Hank Williams) - 2:24

5.) Give My Love To the Sunrise   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:24

6.) Hey   (Robbie Van Leeuwen) - 2:25