Tweed - Now And Then

Not to be confused with Tweedy – the solo project by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy – this Kilkenny-based outfit were one of the biggest draws on the Irish live circuit throughout the ’70s and early ’80s. With a sound characterised by driving guitars, strong vocal harmonies and a punchy brass section, they brought a much-needed rock sensibility to the then thriving ballroom scene. Though they never released an album, they scored several chart singles, most of which are included here, along with tracks recorded for their intended debut long player.
Tweed’s signature tune, the Springsteen-esque ‘Why Don’t You Spend The Night’, is a great introduction to the power and glory of the band at their finest, while ‘The Drummer’ is on a par with Cheap Trick or Australia’s Little River Band. Elsewhere, a terrific version of The Beatles’ Abbey Road track ‘Oh Darling’ showcases their ability as a stellar covers act. Like many outfits of the time, Tweed added a glam-rock sensibility to their approach, and their first single, ‘Six Days’, dating back to 1972, is a neat slice of power-pop with echoes of Mungo Jerry, Nazareth and The Sweet. Other notable moments include their cover of the Cozy Powell hit ‘Dance With The Devil’, a suitably anthemic version of Toto’s ‘Holy Ana’, and a rendition of ‘My Lagan Love’ that echoes Thin Lizzy’s reading of ‘Whiskey In The Jar’.
Makes one nostalgic for the ’70s!

Key Track - 'Why Don't You Spend the Night'