TCCDM Pulls One Out: "Flash And The Pan" - Flash And The Pan (1979)
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"Flash And The Pan" - Flash And The Pan (1979)
Here is a good cheapie I found at the Maize Record Show a few weeks ago. I went with a psych album intent, and if I didn't find anything that popped my cork, I would at least leave with a couple of low-dollar fun finds. And that's exactly what I did. I found Flash And The Pan's self-titled debut album at "Garageman G's" table for a measly $3 and snagged it. I'd heard "Hey, St. Peter" from this very album the night before on KSHE's playlist, a song I had always liked but completely forgotten about. And the kismet stars just lined up for me to find it the very next day. Things like that happen to me from time to time. And what a surprising treat. Just excellent.
Only after taking it home, spinning the square, and reading about the band did I learn they had more than just a bit of music cred. Harry Vanda and George Young, who formed the band, were both former members of The Easybeats. Young also produced AC/DC's early albums that his younger brothers Malcolm and Angus Young were riffing and churning out. Flash And The Pan sound nothing like either. But the album leaves no doubt there was definitely something in the Australian water.
Flash And The Pan is filled with ten songs that are both weird and curiously addictive. Overall, it has an atmospheric presence, with various shades of moodiness. It's melodic alt-pop wrapped in new wave strangeness. In large part, because of the heady deadpan talk-sing vocals that ride over tasteful synth that carries things along. In many ways ahead of its time, the album has certainly aged well. Clever stuff, and a hell of a grower.
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"Flash And The Pan" - Flash And The Pan (back)
Favorites include:
"Hey, St. Peter"
"Walking In The Rain"
"Lady Killer"
"California"
This copy is a US Terre Haute pressing with "STERLING" stamped into the deadwax. Three different album cover variants exist. The original Australian release — St. Peter over New York City. The European release — a woman with a raven. And the US release — flying frisbees over the heads of young people on the beach, with a mushroom cloud in the background. Your interpretation is welcome in the comments. The production sounds great and headphone-friendly. This square can be had for less than an Abe all day long, and ain't it nice to pick up a good one on the cheap for a change.
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Epic label
Cat #
JE 36018
SIDE A DEADWAX
T1 AL-36018-1E 1E 1A STERLING 0
SIDE B DEADWAX
T1 BL-36018-1E 1E STERLING ê“¥¢ 0
"Walking In The Rain" - Flash And The Pan / "Flash And The Pan" (1979)
TRACKS:
A1 "Hey, St. Peter" 4:20
A2 "Man In The Middle" 3:12
A3 "Walking In The Rain" 3:10
A4 "The African Shuffle" 4:30
A5 "California" 4:19
B1 "Lady Killer" 4:04
B2 "The Man Who Knew The Answer" 4:20
B3 "Hole In The Middle" 4:15
B4 "Down Among The Dead Men" 4:40
B5 "First And Last" 6:34
PERSONNEL:
Harry Vanda - guitar, vocals, production
George Young - synthesizer, lead vocals, production
Les Karski - bass
Warren Morgan - piano
Ray Arnott - drums
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