The Rakes - Strasbourg

Since creating this blog, I've been thinking a lot about how many brilliant bands appeared in the late seventies and early eighties. The punk era appeared to spawn so many excellent records and I can remember if you wanted to go and see a band (any time) you could buy the 'NME' or 'Sounds' and there was always somebody good to go and see (sometimes I would go and see two and on the odd occasion I managed to fit three bands at different venues in one night).

I then started to ask the question was it really better then? It still feels to me that there was more going on, or is it that I am just not so in tune with the music that is around today. What do you think?

So anyway one thing I do know is that there are still some excellent new bands (The Libertines for one, in my opinion one of the best bands I have ever seen and heard) that would have stood up to many of the old punk classics. So I decided to post a couple of the best.

First up is 'The Rakes' this is a limited edition single, and it is a true punk classic. If you like this then find their local version of 'Strasbourg' called 'Watford' (another classic). Like all good punk bands the b-side (both tracks) is also excellent.

If you haven't' seen 'The Rakes' there are a number of reasons why you should. Firstly 'Alan Donohoe' (lead singer) is most probably one of the best ad-libbers on stage (he knows how to entertain with jokes and comments that will make you laugh out loud), secondly their entire set is outstanding, and lastly 'Donohoe' is most probably the best dancer on stage (strange style that somehow looks cool). Go and see them you will not be disappointed.

Etched on the a-side is "Streaky@soundmasters" is this a play on the classic "Porky prime cut"?

Band: The Rakes
Label: City Rockers
Year: 2004
Tracks:
1. Strasbourg
2. Just Got Paid
3. T-Bone (demo)


If you like this then go and buy their debut album 'Capture/Release' it is one of my all time favorite albums of which I never tire playing. The debut single '22 Grand Job' is also on this album and it is a true punk classic. Go and buy it now:

Capture/Release: Remastered