MEET THE MISFITS

Description

In the 1960s, British beat groups commonly livened up their set lists with American R&B songs. Formed by five music-loving schoolgirls from Blackpool, the Missfits were no exception. Although the group released no records during their time together, for two brief years they were the toast of Blackpool clubland. They played the same venues as local groups such as the Rockin' Vickers, including a few gigs at Manchester’s famous Oasis Club and at Blackpool’s short-lived branch of the Twisted Wheel. In February 1964, they won a recording test in a talent contest and went to London that summer to record some of their favourite songs to tape. The tape reel was quickly forgotten and thought lost, but Janet had fortunately kept it safe, allowing the four tracks to appear on this 60s-style vinyl EP. Drummer Janet Baily takes lead vocals on their version of John Lee Hooker’s “Dimples,” and bassist Pauline Moran sang lead on Bo Diddley’s “You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover” and Chuck Berry’s “I’m Talking About You.” And Ray Charles’s “What’d I Say,” with guitarists Andrea Hine, Carola Daish and Liz Hall joining in on backing vocals.