3.11.2009

The Five Canadians - Writing On The Wall (US, 1966)

Andrew Brown's Brown Paper Sack #1 'zine is to be commended for finally unravelling the myths and presenting the full and fascinating story of this group (amongst many others, so go grab a copy).

In brief, The Hangmen were a quintet from around San Antonio,Texas. Following their self-promoted debut on their own label (which misprinted their name as 'The Hangman'), they came to the attention of a local self-styled promoter 'Colonel' Paul Beckingham (as in Colonel Tom Parker or Major Bill Smith). He imposed a new name on them based on the logic that non-local groups were more exotic and got more air-play - along the same lines I guess as US bands adopting British names, even accents, in the wake of the British Invasion. So, the Five Canadians were born and the band were publicised as invaders from North of the border (Toronto). No wonder there has been so much confusion and debate ever since. At the time the hype only achieved limited success and despite out-of-state forays the band would remain a local phenomenon. Bobby Flores moved on to The Infinite Staircase and later solo 45s. Bruce Svoboda released a psych 45 as Grapple Ethereal Genesis/Snail (Rush 1394) - in 1969. -

Despite the confusion and doubts perpetuated as to their origins, what is not in doubt is the testosterone drive of their music whose climax is Writing On The Wall. It is rightfully regarded as a classic of the garage genre and no collection is complete without it. The article mentions that it impressed others at the time - it was covered by the XL's (from St.Louis). But it is with the Pebbles generation that appreciation has matured and this song has now been covered by the likes of Germany's Broken Jug on their Grand Junction EP, girl-garage queens the Brood, and the Nines.


12 comments:

The Bomber said...

Passw:
mza-garage.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Personnel:
BOBBY FLORES bs A
BILL KAITNER drms A
RAUL PINA gtr A
LOUIE SIEDLECKI ld gtr, vcls A
BRUCE SVOBODA keyb'ds A


45s:
1 I'm Gonna Love You / Goodnight (Flo-Pin 101) 1966
2 Writing On The Wall / Goodnight (Domar 1120) 1966
3 House Of The Rising Sun / Never Alone (Domar 1121) 1966
4 Don't Tell me / Writing On The Wall (Domar 1123) 1967

NB: (1) as by The Hangman. (2) also released on Stone (701) in Canada 1966. (3) also released on Stone (704) in Canada 1967. (4) reissued on a limited edition Canadian 45 with a Pic Sleeve - (Leaf DOMAR CDN-1001) 1997.

ElRitual said...

buen EP y gran blog

estás en favoritos en mi blog

un saludo

Robert Charbonnier said...

Just four tracks but four great tracks. And I've found I'm gonna love you on no compilations I've got.

Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

As a friend told me...."Five Canadians" also known among the audience as the "Fuckin' Idiots".

Dr Faustroll said...

Great band... great post, and great blog!

thanks a lot!

Anonymous said...

Sweet farfisa sounds. Awesome blog! Thanks!

Roadrunner said...

Excelente , buena elección y buen gusto-TKS

raketa_iz_paketa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

fantastic blog

Anonymous said...

Can you please put the volumes of Boulders here? Thank you!

Los Peores Discos said...

Thanx and greetings from Argentina