The Move - The Move [1998 Remastered+Expanded] (1968)

Review by Stephen F Mulcahy @ Amazon.com:

This is an excellent debut record that also includes their early singles, outtakes, etc. The move were an incredible band, among the best of their era. These early recordings are a lot poppier than their later excursions into psychedelia, heavy metal, classical rock etc. I think the stuff that they did on Shazam, Message From the Country, etc. is their best, but it is all great. I would probably give both Shazam and Message From the Country an A+, and this debut and Looking On an A or A- for a grade, quite simply, this band's entire output is essential. this first album features a few fine covers: moby grape's brilliant 'hey grandma' from their outstanding debut, and 'weekend' by eddie cochran, who was a big influence on this band. there is also a bizarre rendition of the old standard 'zing went the strings of my heart'! , lead vocals are sung by the band's drummer, bev bevan- with his strange deep voicehe sounds like a troll on this cut. the originals are excellent late sixties pop , such as the big hit 'fire brigade', 'here we go round the lemon tree' (which was covered by jeff lynne's fine band the idle race-jeff would, of course, join a later move lineup), 'useless information'( a quite satirical look at junk culture with witty lyrics from roy wood), and cherry blossom clinic, the most psychedelic song on this album- it would be redone on the shazam album with incredible results. the band plays extremely well together, and the move featured several great vocalists , their harmonizing was superb as well. the lyrics are quite good , too and this debut certainly belongs in the collection of fans of this band and the offshoot bands, 60's enthusiasts, and anyone who likes british music of the era.



Review by ultramouse @ Rate Your Music:

I think the Move got a bit better as they went along, but all 4 of their studio albums are worth having. This one is full of brilliantly catchy singles in a more Mod vein than their heavy later stuff. Psychedelic touches can be found here and there but it's definitely more akin to a multi-colored Creation or Who. The production is a bit mod-sounding too. Vocals are shared by the singer (whose name eludes me at the moment) and Roy Wood, who I find to be a more interesting vocalist. But more importantly, he's a bizarre but accessible songwriter. Just look at "Here We Go Round The Lemon Tree" for proof that he could really do weird but also incredibly catchy.

Their identity would solidify a little later, so here they're mostly relying on catchy singles and quirky attitude. And of course "Fire Brigade."



Tracklisting:
1. Yellow Rainbow (2:37)
2. Kilroy Was Here (2:45)
3. (Here We Go Round) The Lemon Tree (3:01)
4. Weekend (1:48)
5. Walk Upon the Water (3:23)
6. Flowers in the Rain (2:22)
7. Hey Grandma (3:12)
8. Useless Information (2:57)
9. Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart (2:50)
10. The Girl Outside (2:56)
11. Fire Brigade (2:24)
12. Mist on a Monday Morning (2:32)
13. Cherry Blossom Clinic (2:32)

Bonus Tracks on 1998 Remaster:
14. Night of Fear (2:17)
15. The Disturbance (2:49)
16. I Can Hear the Grass Grow (3:08)
17. Wave Your Flag and Stop the Train (2:58)
18. Vote for Me (2:50)
19. The Disturbance [Alternate Version] (2:02)
20. Fire Brigade [Alternate Version] (2:19)
21. Second Class (She's Too Good for You) [Roy Wood Solo Track] (2:07)
22. Cherry Blossom Clinic (2:53)
23. (Here We Go Round) The Lemon Tree [Stereo Version] (2:59)
24. Weekend [Stereo Version] (1:48)
25. Flowers in the Rain [Stereo Version] (2:30)
26. Useless Information [Stereo Version] (2:58)
27. Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart [Stereo Version] (2:51)
28. The Girl Outside [Stereo Version] (2:55)
29. Walk Upon the Water [Stereo Version] (3:21)

Total Time: 78:04

Line-Up:
- Roy Wood / vocals, guitars
- Bev Bevan / drums
- Carl Wayne / lead vocals, guitars
- Trevor Burton / bass
- Ace Kefford / guitar