Alex Harvey was a wonderful Scottish performer who lived life at maximum pace and died of a heart attack in his 40's in the early 80's. An amazing character, Alex did something more people in this business should do. He didn't take himself too seriously, he had a great sense of humour and used it to have a go at himself and many other artists (he did some amazing covers). Even the name of his band: "The Sensational Alex Harvey Band" is a statement. His vocal style and lyrics are often humorous and you can't help thinking he's having a great time. Apparently he was an amazing live performer and some of this came through in the live album. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were a great group with a tight rhythm section led by Zal's heavy/rock guitar and Hugh's keyboard. They were capable of many styles and this album has some classic tracks from the band.

Album Tracks

Swampsnake

A heavy rocker with superb guitar work driven by great drumming, bass and piano. This track immediately highlights Alex Harvey's sense of humour. Who else could plead "Let me be your swampsnake 'til a real one comes along" and sound sincere?

Gang Bang

Bound to offend, but not meant to taken seriously, 1 woman, 27 guys. This is another great rocker.

The Faith Healer

Takes a while to get into. Innovative, original, with a good riff, this featured a lot in live performances.

Giddy Up A Ding Dong

A great beat, a fun version of a classic tune. Part of the appeal of Alex Harvey was his ability to take an old song and rework in his inimitable style to put his stamp on if forever.

Next

Jaques Brel, the brilliant French songwriter wrote this song (Bowie also did one, "Amsterdam", a B side, the antithesis to "Sorrow"). Again a wonderful reworked version, a tango?, great lyrics, humour, (note the violin when Alex sings "Me I really would have like a little bit of tenderness, etc.)

Vambo Marble Eye

Almost heavy metal, Zal's riff drives this one along with Alex singing about a cartoon hero Vambo. (Maybe his alter ego). The only problem is that Zal's solo isn't long enough.

The Last of the Teenage Idols

a three part song with Alex (in his late 30's) crowning himself a teenage idol. A slow start, fast rock and then a wonderful finish with Alex (tongue firmly placed in his cheek) crooning about when he was a teenage idol. In fact Alex did win a Teenage Idol look/sound alike contest in his youth, but I don't think the judges anticipated Alex producing work like this.

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Other Albums

"Roman Wall Blues"

Pre SAHB, this has a couple, "Broken Hearted Fairy Tale" and the title track that are vintage Alex Harvey. Early versions of "Midnight Moses" and the "Hammer Song" are interesting. The rest are reasonable with an ok brass version of "Jumping Jack Flash"

"Framed"

worth having purely for the title track and the brilliant version of "I Just Wanna Make Love to You". Also has "St Anthony", "Midnight Moses" and the "Hammer Song". The rest are pretty ordinary.

"The Impossible Dream"

Starts with a more subdued, but good version of "Vambo" and ends with the brilliant "Anthem" (Buy the album for this one alone or try and get it on a best of, this is a must have track). The rest of the album is good solid rock.
"Mel's" pick from this Album - 'The Man In The Jar'

"Tomorrow Belongs To Me"

A good album. The highlight "Shake That Thing" (Another must have). The other tracks are all interesting with "Vambo" making a brief, but good final appearance

"The Penthouse Tapes"

Mainly covers with a couple of good originals. The version of Del Shannon's "Runaway" has to be heard to be believed. Only Alex could do this to a song and get away with it.

"Live"

notable for the hit single, a great cover of Tom Jones' "Delilah". Framed and Vambo feature as well.

"SAHB Stories"

the last real SAHB album with good material on it. The only problem is that most of the tracks go too long. "Boston Tea Party" was a successful single and explains why Americans drink coffee. "Dogs of War" has a superb riff(see Tabs). "Amos Moses" is great with good lyrics. The rest are well worth a listen.

"Rock Drill"

Great cover, (A photo of Jacob Epstein's 1913 sculpture of the same name) but that's about as far as it goes. Hugh McKenna has left and most tracks are very ordinary. The only exception, "Water Beastie" an interesting ditty about the Loch Ness Monster.

"Delilah - The Best of"

Has "Anthem", "Shake That Thing", "Runaway" and a good mix of Alex's various styles.

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