The Troggs—a major force in the British Invasion and an influence on many bands that followed them—displayed a dual personality in their 1960s hits: they served up biting garage rock on numbers like the U.S. chart-topping “Wild Thing” and such major U.K. singles as “I Can’t Control Myself.”
But The Troggs also had a softer side, as evidenced by numbers like “Any Way That You Want Me,” another British hit, and “Love Is All Around,” which made the Top 10 in both America and England.
Related: The story of “Wild Thing”
Both sides are represented on The Trogg Tapes, a newly reissued 1976 LP (which should not be confused with The Troggs Tapes, a bootleg that captures the band’s members arguing in the studio). Featuring the Troggs’ original lead singer, Reg Presley, and drummer, Ronnie Bond, the album includes gentle mid-tempo numbers like “After the Rain” and “I’ll Buy You an Island” as well as rhythmic hard rockers such as “We Rode Through the Night” and a version of “Gonna Make You,” a song they first released in 1966.
The album does also embrace a few throwaways, such as “Rock ’n’ Roll Lady” and “Rolling Stone,” but the program offers enough winners to make it worth seeking out by anyone who likes the Troggs’ better-known early work.
A top editor at leading consumer and trade magazines for more than 40 years, Jeff has interviewed dozens of musical luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Wolfman Jack, Tommy James, Tom Waits, the Righteous Brothers, and the members of Steely Dan.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationThe Trogg Tapes is one of my alltime favorite albums. I do not comment very much but I had to about this one. Get You Tonight is one great song! B.W.24