February 2011 - The Scratchband went into the studio and produced 5 tracks for your listening pleasure. Whilst these include Mick Lynskey they represent typical examples of the band's repertoire.
This is a classic rockabilly number from the Stray Cats written by their lead vocalist / guitarist Brian Setzer. This is a song that is rarely played by most bands. Mike sings the lead and Mick plays the oddly lilting lead guitar, it took some effort but the results are worth it.
An early Shadows instrumental that was revamped for their "Final Tour" last year. Hank's playing on the later version owes a lot to Django Reinhardt and the Scratchband were in two minds as to which version to learn, eventually deciding to do a combination of the two and create our own version. Mick as usual plays lead and Mike takes a break from rhythm to play the second lead part, it also gives Stuart the chance to play a bass solo. Having decided to "do our own thing" with this one the band plays the first half of the solo based on the original and the second half on the new version - we are pleased with the result, especially since the whole thing was recorded in "one take".
This song was featured by Crosby, Stills and Nash as the second number of their set on Woodstock all those years ago, it is not a number done by many bands today but it creates a breath of fresh air every time as people of a certain age remember the hippy days of the 60s. It is a three part harmony sung by Stuart, Martin and Mike with a very catchy counterpoint vocal by Mick in the third verse.
This time Mick takes up both lead vocal and lead guitar for this old Dave Edmunds favourite, This is a popular number when played live because it fairly bounces along and has a driving solo.
05. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
Here we resurrect an old Credence Clearwater Revival number, this song has been a popular choice for many artistes including Smokie and Rod Stewart. Bass player Stuart takes the lead vocal with Mike and Martin on harmony, Mick creates a tasty solo based loosely on the Smokie offering and it fits very well.
