Genre: pop
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Two Faces
Company: Chipsfrisch
Catalog: GEMA
7067
Year: 1968
Country/State: Germany
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: lots of light lines on vinyl, but no skips; no major noise; small tear on back cover
Available: 1
Catalog ID: 5886
Price: $80.00
Even though I don't know a great deal about the subject, I'm a big fan of mid-1960s (pre-Krautrock) German bands. There's a ton of stuff out there, though based on my occasional samplings much of it isn't all that impressive. Anyone know of a decent reference guide?
Released in 1958, "Two Faces" was a split album featuring The Gents Inc. on side one and The Capras on side two. With slightly different art work the album was also released on the German discount Falcon label.
Falcon catalog number ST 7067
Though the two albums shared the same track listing and sequence, I'm not sure about where this version released on the oddly titled Chipsfrisch (translated as 'fresh chips') label fit in. This is nothing more than speculation on my part, by it almost appears that it was intended as a promotional album with a tie-in to a German potato chip company ...
The Gents, Inc. were a five piece from the German town of Giessen Prior to this album they'd released a one shot 45 for the Tonstudio Giessen label:
- 1967's 'Nevertheless' b/w Boys Waiting for a Girl' (Tonstudio Giessen catalog number 1295).
The Gents, Inc were the tougher of the two bands turning in an engaging mix of Merseybeat ballads ('Sinking Sun') and true garage rockers ('Getting the Blues').
In contrast, The Capras were a more pop-oriented outfit. Their six songs had far better production and reflected a host of American influences (Association-styled West Coast pop ('The Girl') and the Beach Boys ('Carolina'), though they were burdened by a lead singer with a very heavy German accent.
- A pleasant up-tempo pop song, 'Sinking Sun' made it clear these guys had been listening to plenty of Merseybeat. Pretty melody with a short, but tasty guitar solo. Would have made a nice track for a television commercial. rating: *** stars
- One of the best songs on the album 'Cool Girl' opened up with a great bass pattern before slipping into a propulsive garage rocker powered by a slightly acid soaked vocal. It was all kicked along by some frenetic drums and a nice fuzz guitar. Very impressive. rating: **** stars
- Like the rest of the country, German bands seemed to have a thing for the American West and 'In the Dark of the Night' showed that fascination with a Western-flavored ballad. It was also one of the few side one tracks where the anonymous lead singer's accent was noticeable. Nice lead guitar throughout. rating: *** stars
- 'Swansea Morning' was pure 1964 Merseybeat. Fantastic folk-rock complete with tons of jangle guitar. Shame it was so short. rating: *** stars
- 'In My Dreams' was a pretty, but sappy and forgettable ballad that would have been a perfect tune for ABBA to cover. This was the other song where the German accent was noticable. rating: *** stars
- Showcasing some fantastic guitar work, 'Getting the Blues' found the band offering up a killer slice of garage rock. Instantly likeable, had this been released by a US band it would have been a major hit - it's that good !!! Easy to see why this one's been featured on a number of compilation sets. rating: ***** stars
- 'Statues and Pictures' was interesting in that it featured a bubbly pop melody and some surprisingly sophisticated English lyrics. Unfortunately, the singer had one of the heaviest German accents you've ever heard. rating: ** stars
- Imagine The Association having been raised in Germany and you'll get a feel for 'The Girl'. Pretty AM ballad with some creepy 'stalker' lyrics that actually could have made some inroads on top-40 radio. The song also sported the album's prettiest guitar solo. rating: *** stars
- Ah, the life-as-a-rolling-stone theme from a German perspective ... Once again the English lyrics were far more sophisticated than what you would have heard from an American or English band, but the heavily accented vocal was an acquired taste. rating: *** stars
- 'Carolina' made it clear these guys had some Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys in their record collections. Complete with Beach Boys-styled harmony vocals, this one was a charming nod to Wilson and company. rating: *** stars
- 'Beginning of Autumn' was an unexpected surf instrumental. Even more of a shock, it was quite good. Great, highly melodic guitar with a touch of Joe Meek organ and effects thrown in for good measure. rating: **** stars
- Because it saw their schlager instincts escape, 'My Life' was the one disappointment from the Capras. Easy to picture them pounding this song out in a beer tent. rating: * star
This one clearly wouldn't appeal to a broad listening audience, butat least to my ears it had plenty of quirky charm and appeal (including two killer garage rock tunes), making it a favorite among recent finds.
"Two Faces" track listing:
(side 1) The Gents Inc.
1.) Sinking Sun
2.) Cool Girl
3.) In the Dark of the Night
4.) Swansea Morning
5.) In My Dreams
6.) Getting the Blues
(side
2) The Capras
1.) Statues and Pictures
2.) The Girl
3.) Restless
4.) Carolina
5.) Beginning of Autumn (instrumental)
6.) My Life