Some classics on the plate. ()

Like Savoy Brown, Chicken Shack's earliest recordings were more traditionally based before moving into the rock boogie scene. Unlike Peter Green, Stan Webb's hero was Freddie King as evident on the rocking instrumental cover of his "San-ho-zay" which makes a good counter companion to the other instrumental, the echo laden original "Webbed feet" although Stan sounds more like Kim Simmonds here. Webb is a better guitarist than vocalist. "First time I met the blues" must rank as one of his poorest vocal efforts but some are passable like the opener "The letter" and the shuffle of "Lonesome whistle blues". Christine meanwhile, sings lead on two numbers, both of which she wrote, the effective "You ain't no good" and the classic "When the train comes back". This version is slightly preferable to the single version as the vocal track is more heartfelt and is not flooded as is Perfect's distinctive chunky piano chords by the intrusive horn section heard on the single recording. Other tunes work well sometimes too but at it's worst, is still essential for Christine's numbers and Stan's instrumentals.

Raw and played with relish ()

As an owner of the original LP and who loved to hear the band anyway, this is a good distillation of their earlier work. Contrary to other opinions, however, I love 'First time I met the blues' and Stan's voice...this guy really got me hooked on blues with his voice and guitar playing. Other favourite tracks are 'What you did last night' and 'King of the World'...playing this particular track is akin to taking a trip back in time. It was raw and beautiful!.

Any serious 60's U.K. R&B collector must buy it. ()

I am lucky enough to have seen them live in 69 and have this original album. Christine Perfect was a one off, she 'made' the album what it was and will always be, unique.

A much loved and cherished possession ()

At the grand old age of 14, it was the first album I ever bought back in '69. Got it off a friend at school in exchange for a fishing reel, not knowing what I was getting, I've managed to hold on to it ever since. Some albums come and go "sigh". Can't remember how many girlfriends I've played it to but it certainly evokes a lot of fond memories. A bit like an old wooly jumper you never want to part with. I even managed to buy the remake of FBF,FPARTS. A strange compilation.... I wonder if Inuits have a classic style of music. Hmmmm, "Oh no! not Whale meet again" sung to the strains of Vera Lynne and an Artist formally Known As Prince humming "It's a root'n toot'n Santa Clause" by Tennessee Ernie Williams. Me thinks ...Is that actually possible? Well enough of sentimental abstract drivel. Can I offer anyone who hasn't heard it some sense of what it's like?
No.

But I guarantee they won't have heard anything like it. So refreshing, it makes you feel part of something big. Never having much pocket money sadly I never got to see the band but I think they played St. Albans once where I was still at school.

Was I gob smacked when I found this site wheee somebody has a similar interest as me! A familly of FBF,FPARTS. Love the history, sorry guys. Was there a connection with Alexis Corner, I don't know he was very influential with a lot of bands in 60's / 70's Stones, Small Faces etc. I'd recommend buying and a good listen to anyone. Well of course I would, my old wooly jumper's got a few years left in it yet.

One of the First! ()

FBF,FPARTS was one of the first 'blues' LP's I bought after earning some money in a holiday job it cost me 32/6d. It is a truly wonderful album of its time and showcases Stans quitar playing and an early voice of Christine Perfect (later to become McVie and of Fleetwood Mac). I was lucky enough to see the band live in the Autumn of 1968 when they played the Ramsey Gaiety Ballroom in Cambridgeshire (now demolished). It was the first time I had ever seen a guitar player leave the stage and come into the audience. I still have the original vinyl and it is one of my most treasured possessions.