Take Your Brain, It's Time To Go---The Action--Rolled Gold--60's Secret Classic

The Action were a great band from the 60's that never found popularity. Though they were one of the most prominent signings by George Martin to EMI, their singles never found much success. As a band they were part of the Mod movement of the 60's performing in competition with the likes of The Who and the Small Faces.

At some point the band changed in personnel and also musical direction. The psychedelic movement was the new fashion and The Action followed suit both musically and experimentally. The basic core of the band remained, with Reg King as vocalist, Alan King on Guitar, Michael Evans on Bass, and Roger Powell on Drums. Guitarist Pete Watson left the group and was replaced by Martin Stone, and Ian Whiteman was recruited to play keyboards and flute. What was in fashion was changing and the new version of The Action recorded a series of demos in the vein of psychedelic melodic pop. They presented the tapes to EMI who subsequently rejected the copies. They have passed through the hands of collectors in bootleg form but only in 2002 did this music get a proper release on Ric Menck's Reaction Music in 2002.

What a revelation these songs are! It's hard to be believe that these songs sat in a vault for all these years as they stand up with the best product released in their era. Perhaps The Action's lack of hit singles was a compelling reason for the lack of support from their label. Artistically their decision is a definite head scratcher. And these are just demo versions of these songs! Who knows what Rolled Gold would have sounded like with a recording budget.



Every song is magnificent here. They sound somewhat like the early Who, and to my ears like Swansea rockers Badfinger. I have no doubts that Robert Pollard of Guided By Voices has also been influenced by The Action. The themes of the songs are of the ilk of that era, drug experimentation, love, founding a
new kinder, gentler society. The songs are so well done. Reg King is an amazing singer, with a very strong assertive delivery, at times sounding like Paul McCartney. Icarus is probably the standout song, using the imagery of the tale from Greek Mythology, flying too "high", and the Sun getting hotter and hotter, nearer and nearer. Another great tune is Brain, with unoblique references like hanging your Brain high in the sky.

You might think that with such lysergic type of lyrics, the music on Rolled Gold might be a little meandering, unfocused, a little anachronistic in the light of today. But the arrangements are tight, harmonies are spectacular, musicianship at a highly skilled level. Only a few of the songs here are over 4 minutes long. The songs are easily as great as the best music of the late 60's. Other noteworthy tunes here include Climbing Up The Walls, Come Around,  and I'm A Stranger. Little Boy in particular sounds like a long lost Badfinger song, a cousin to the classic song Dennis.

So if you are a fan of great 60's bands and power pop, Rolled Gold is not merely an interesting side note. It is an essential part of a 60's collection, alongside your Stones, Beatles, Zombies, Love, and Velvet Underground records. It's unfortunate that the band didn't see success with these songs, which to me are like their own Odessey and Oracle. But musicians like Ric Menck and Mattew Sweet know and understand what The Action accomplished here. They are even the favorite band of Phil Collins. So do yourself a favor and check out a stunning 60's classic that had inexplicably remained in mothballs for a good 25 years.