Toad the Wet Sprocket prowled around the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene in the late 1970s/early1980s and are not to be confused with the American band with the same name.
Whilst unfortunately success did not come their way with just a couple of singles now we have this anthology of their excellent songs to enjoy from the NWOBHM days thanks to High Roller Records.
The band took their name from a Monty Python sketch and even wrote to Eric Idle (one of the Pythons) to ask permission to use the name, which was duly granted.
The CD booklet is an interesting read of the band’s history. Playing at the legendary Bandwagon, got to know Neal Kay which helped get them a track on the well known Metal for Muthas compilation from the time.
It was looking good with a session for the much-missed Friday Rock Show on Radio 1 though despite putting in the effort, it wasn’t to be for Toad the Wet Sprocket.
The good news is that High Roller Records have put together this excellent seventeen song anthology which includes the Friday Rock Show session and other songs from back in the day. A great demonstration of how good the Toads were.
The Rock Show session comprises of Rock ‘N’ Roll Runner, One Glass of Whisky, Big Deal and Just Another Game. A quartet of high energy, fast paced rockers which punch hard, have great riffs and some tasty guitar work. Highly enjoyable. Proper NWOBHM-style stuff.
Different versions of Rock ‘N’ Roll Runner and One Glass of Whiskey appear later along with such gems as Pleasure and Pain and Reaching for the Sky. Real belters.
Reaching for the Sky was a single backed up with One Glass of Whiskey. For me these two songs sum up what Toad the Wet Sprocket were all about. The big riffs speeding along with the frantic guitar work. Have a listen to both songs:
The band’s style changes a quite a bit on some cuts here. Pete’s Punk Song being a sort of a spiky feel with piano. Feel It features more piano in groovy jazzy style. Blues in A (which was on Metal for Muthas) a straightforward blues number. Heart and Mind Parts 1 and 2 don’t go anywhere for me. Charlie has saxophone galore and feels out of place.
Toad the Wet Sprocket well worth checking out for anyone from the good NWOBHM old days who like to relive the time. Or if you’re too young to have been there – do check out the band anyway as they were rather jolly good….!
>> TOAD THE WET SPROCKET ROCK N ROLL RUNNERS ON AMAZON <<