The Groove Goes On Forever

Further proof that YouTube is the greatest thing to happen in the entire history of human endeavor:

Video footage of power pop gods the Flamin Groovies. Here's what may or may not be a lip-synch job (from 1972) of "Slow Death" -- covered by countless alt-rockers since -- and a genuine live version of "Roll Over Beethoven" (a la the Beatles version, also from '72). Both just drip cool and fun.





I actually got to see these guys in a slightly later incarnation, circa '77, when they were trying a little too hard to be the world's greatest 60s pop/rock cover band. (Which they actually were, but not quite what I'd expected) Here, however, we glimpse them in their look-at-us-we're-the-rock-stars-of-your-dreams phase, and they're damn near irresistible.

And here's all the Groovies you'll ever really need on one well-chosen best-of CD.

Update: On sober reflection that "all the Groovies you'll ever really need" crack was overstated. Their "Teenage Head" -- especially in this remastered/expanded version -- is a classic that belongs in every collection. And their 1968 "Supersnazz" (effectively, the first genuine indie-rock album) is also a lot of fun.

I regret the error.

Incidentally, there are people who consider "Teenage Head" to be superior to its better known contemporary, the Stones "Sticky Fingers," to which it bears a passing resemblance. I myself am not one of them.