Dutch Outsiders
Long hair in 1965, the Outsiders was hassle free and rodents of the fuzz fiasco. Ronnie Splinter could play them axe so like the Birds across the water. The bassist Apple Rammers was no slouch also while singer composer Wally Tex caught attention from the likes of the Rolling Stones. In hindsight the Outsiders could have been big if not blocked by those surrounding dikes and the unjustifiable circumstance of being on the continent. (I mean how long did the Brits take to discover Jan Akkerman) Ron Splinters’ superb vox was whacko for the freakbeat that walloped from their Pretty Things styled debut “You Mistreat Me” while drummer Leendert Busch (Buzz) unleashed like Flash Gordon on acid/ These cats were far from the polished Hague groups and although likened to Cuby & Blizzards, blues was never their thing. The groups main distinction being totally unique in composing many originals. Wally Tex’s ‘rock n’roll’ roots go back to Danny Ravon & the Outsiders which he disbanded after hearing a Blue Cheer single. The Outsiders maintained a residency at the ‘Las Vegas Club’ near Amsterdam’s Central Station playing a set of Stones and Kinks numbers. During this period a local drinking regular called Tom Krabbandam joined At that stage the Motions were the first Dutch band to chart in 1965 but ‘Op Art Records’ owner Paul Acket editor of ‘Musiek Express’ had his eyes set on the Outsiders who were running in close competition to The Bintangs and Peter & the Blizzards. The more laidback follow ups were far more addictive such as “Sun’s Going Down” and “I Love Her Still, I Always Will”, the latter they mimed to on their TV debut. The groups moment transpired in 1966 when they played alongside The Rolling Stones at the Branand Hall in Den Bosch. Reaching a new level the Outsiders were now in serious competition with Q65 and the Golden Earrings, although sadly sounding a bit too much like the Stones. Predictably the Outsiders never quite broke those Dikes (blame it on them Stones). The groups third single “Touch”/”Ballad Of John B” was a superb freakbeat bonanza but again walled in by those low lying Dikes, yet their biggest break a Cocaine cruncher called “Monkey On Your Back” became their biggest hit. Wally took the advice and under the influence released his solo Love In causing Krabbandam to depart… As a four piece the group charted in 1967 with “Summer is Here” yet their rough sincerity (“Bird In Cage”) scared the Dutch who opted for the more polished Tee Set or Shoes. The group started to fragment with Apple Rammer leaving for strange reasons while replacement Frank Beek from Double Dutch stood in. The new formation celebrated with, in my mind their finest song, “Cup Of Hot Coffee”/ “Strange Things Are Happening”, both numbers strongly influenced by Arthur Lee’s Love. The ‘Polydor’ run also squeezed out “I Don’t Care /”You Remind Me” and “Do You Feel Allright”, their epitaph single. The group disbanded in 1969, disillusioned and depleted, not aware of their contribution to sincere Freakbeat expression. Wally also put out a ‘Virgin album’ called The Entertainer and collaborated with the Lyres.
Added: January 23rd 2011
Reviewer: shiloh noone | See all reviews by shiloh noone
Category: Music
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Related Link: Seekers Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear
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