The Jasmine Minks Rise Again - An Intro To Oatcake Records
June 23rd, 2010
Anyone who knows me, has heard me praise the wonderful Jasmine Minks, a band that was to be huge and was well on their way, but as usual the music machine lost their way and missed out on great band. Right from their first few singles on Creation, you knew there was something special, even the b-sides were better then most of the music coming out those days - but more about these in a few minutes - first the good news.
The release by the “Poppy White ep” by The Jasmine Minks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jasmine_Minks ) marks the launch of an exciting new Scottish label Oatcake Records ( http://oatcakerecords.co.uk/), which is run by Jim Shepherd of the Jasmine Minks. This is a label that is poised to do some exciting things as is indicated by the list of future and upcoming releases (I can’t wait to hear more from Scottish Funk greats APB).
The single contains four fabulous slices of Pure Pop Perfection, and are among the best songs ever by the Jasmine Minks. These songs were recorded in 1992, but for some strange reason, were never released till now, so it’s great to finally hear these tracks. “Poppy White” kicks off with a real jangle and some beautiful guitars. “Distraction” has an early Jam/Mod/Small Faces feel, especially when he sings the title and chorus. “Dead And Gone” is a brilliant track that will not leave you unsatisfied and somehow seems fitting in the memory of two lost friend. The Final track “Rain” is also a perfect Pop tune with a great beat and rhythm,(just watch those kids dance in the video and you’ll know what I mean) and dripping with a heart full of Soul - . This kind of music can “Rain on me” forever, I love it.
Now back to my story - I have been a fan of the Minks for a while now, ever since I heard their first amazing single “Think”, which was released on Creation Records (The Jasmine Minks were one of the first signings on Creation, along with Biff Bang Pow, The Legend!, The Loft, The Bodines, and The Revolving Paint Dream) way back in 1984. Even the b-side “Work For Nothing” was brilliant and made it’s way on a few of my mixtapes and still sounds fresh and relevant today. The equally brilliant follow up “Where The Traffic Goes” which was also out in the same year, cemented their stature as a band to watch out for. They had a fresh and exciting new sound that drew on the 60’s Mod/Beat/Garage sound (akin to the Pebbles series but with a modern feel) and adding a healthy edge and vitality that set them apart from much of the music coming out at that time. It also didn’t hurt that they also featured the talents of Dave Musker on Keyboards and music genius Joe Foster on production duties, who both had links to the Television Personalities, who were a favourite of mine.
(Picture borrowed from the wonderful Creation Website -
After that the albums started coming and a few more singles, all of which are gems and worth searching out. They didn’t allways stick to particluar mold or sound and drifted into various different styles of sound, drawing on some of the sound of punk, Postcard and soul elements and always exciting and melodic.
If you can’t find their early releases, you can always check out the mighty fine Rev Ola Records compilation “The Revenge Of The Jasmine Minks - The Best Of The Creation Years” or the Edition 59 reissues of some of the early Creation singles -
You can also read another review of the EP and a brief interview at Caught In The Carousel - http://www.caughtinthecarousel.com/reviews/jasmineMinks.php
All the Best with the new label Jim!
Categories: 2010 Favourite, Great Music, zUncategorized | Tags: Cherry Red Records, Creation Records, Dave Musker, EDITION 59, Jasmine Minks, Joe Foster, Oatcake Records, television personalities, Vollwert Records
Hello Wally,
Great review, and excellent record.
I have also reviewed it (http://vivonzeureux.blogspot.com/2010/04/jasmine-minks-poppy-white-ep.html).
It is in French, but anyone can watch the excellent embedded video for “Rain”, starring the Shepherd family !