Shazam and Abracadabra: Wimple Winch

Though Shazam may be one of the least frequently appearing "regular" posts, they are still among my favorites to do. In this most recent edition we have yet another example of technology helping me to discover a band that classic rock radio has long forgotten.

My ears perked up right away when I heard their ominous guitar riff over the PA at the House of Blues while waiting for The Dead Weather to set up. I immediately pegged the Munsters theme sounding jam as a 60's tune, but it had just enough of that gritty lo-fi quality that is seeing a resurgence lately (i.e. the Girls) that I just couldn't be sure.

Turns out the Wimple Winch boys origins were Liverpool, England at roughly around the same time The Beatles were getting big there. Initially seen as just one of dozens of the Fab Four's coattail-riders they never really got that big, much less got any attention stateside. According to the All Music Guide if it weren't for a British invasion compilation album released in the 1980's they may have very will drifted completely into obscurity.

Despite their relative obscurity they are credited with creating the Freak Beat sound, a hybrid of the Beatles' successful Merseybeat style with their more aggressive, forward-thinking spin.

Recommended further listening: Tales From the Sinking Ship which includes songs that span their entire career as well as rare photographs and stories. And because you won't hear em on the radio it may just be the only way to get your Wimple Winch fix.

MP3: Wimple Winch - Save My Soul

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