2002 album of the Scottish beat legends the THANES, we can hardly find
the right words for it. The THANES have be around since 1987 and
certainly belong to the very few really important bands of todays
garage and beat scene. Hailing from Edinburgh, they have released tons
of records on the coolest labels around, such as SUNDAZED, CORDUROY,
MISTY LANE, LARSEN and DISTORTIONS to name but a few. The THANES of
this ultra-modern age conjure up ever more new and always interesting
twists and turns from their basic garage band vision. They are
extending their collective antennae, reaching but further, sometimes
bringing a new reaffirmation of a deeper folk-rock stance with
evocative vocal harmonies and a jangling 12-string: to wit, there are
covers by Bob Dylan, and The Beau Brummels, played out with true heart
and soul. A few choice examples of the group`s mega-fixation with
groups that existed in Holland thirty-odd years ago have also been
selected for inclusion. One of the best is their interpretation of "I`m
A Fool" originally performed by The Sandy Coast. Stomping and gyrating
is also encouraged with original beat-style creations such as "It Can
Never Be", "The Next One", and the furious buzz of the LP opener
"That`s The Story Of Your Life". No other current band is able to
combine all these musical elements of the sixties in such a perfect
way. "Downbeat & folked up" is masterpiece of modern beat music and
will not just take the hearts of all the sixties-devotees by storm. One
hell of an album!