Musical Treasure Chest (Frank And Walters in general)

Member Name: nashmills

Product:	Frank And Walters in general
Date:	25/06/01 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Daisy Chain, Walters Trip, Angela Cray

Disadvantages: The image, The fickly british music press, Setanta's lack of marketing clout

The Frank and Walters. Where did it all start. In a basement venue in Camden for me. I saw them at the Underworld supporting Into Paradise (who I hear you ask)in 1991. It was only there second UK date and they came on 2nd out of 3 acts. They were wearing purple and orange flares. They seemed to ooze a self belief and love in what they were doing. It could be misplaced as acting like they owned the place but it didn't matter cause within 4 or 5 songs they did!!!

So started a real underground phenomenon. Building up a loyal hardcore following over the next few months. Rarely venturing far from london they played several shows and started to attract attention.

The first EP "Walters Trip" saw agreement from NME and MM who both made it single of the week. The next EP "Fashion Crisis Hits new york" also did the same. They could do no wrong.

The 8 early tracks, four from each EP were all included on a CD release. Of the 8 tracks, 6 are what is commonly known as world beating. Guitar pop of the simplist and finest type. Lyrical ideas that appear simple but actually have something more.

The 3rd EP. Happy Busman and in my opinion their first slip. Fabulous songs but they got Edwyn Collins to produce it and a subtle change to the Franks sound crept in. The previous 2 EP's had an edge that this didnt. I couldnt put my finger on it at the time but their Peel session of the World Carries On is vastly superior to the Edwyn Collins version.

Nothing personal Edwyn!

I think they were under pressure to capitalise on their critical aclaim and they tried to make it a little more radio friendly. It didnt work.

the First album was released. It contained the highlights off the first three LP's and some new material that never quite stood along side the early stuff.

A single, After All gave the chart success but to me this was a travesty. This is not the Franks finest mo
ment and its is not representative of their true gifts. Ah well.

I saw them play live many times. Always better live than on record. Pauls vocals were always totally engaging. He's a wonderful singer. Its one of those voices that communicates. Its honest. Its soulful in a white irish sort of way.

The three members Paul, Ashley and Niall are all really down to earth people. Many of their early fans found them to be very aproachable and friendly.

They are still playing today. There have been some incredible moments since - The single "Colours" from their secong LP is probably their finest recording and should have scored them a hit but I will remember them for their early material. Daisy Chain, Angela Cray, Walters Trip. I couldn't name three more perfect pop songs if I tried.

I think it is still possible to download franks tracks off Napster. The search blocks dont seem to stop "frank walters". Either way I recommend this group to anyone who likes guitar pop.

Try Ebay for the 8 track fashion crisis EP or the US 10 track release of their early material. theres a frankandwalters.co.uk website that has all the details.

Give them a try and respond to this opinion with your comments.

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