The Action: Supreme Mods, A History |

Ойын-сауық

The Action were one of the most exciting bands to come out of the mid-60s London mod scene. Led by vocalist Reg King, the Action blended the finest R&B covers with their own harmonizing and crunchy instrumentation to create a unique sound that flooded the clubs. Though they couldn't find a wider audience their music, much of which was produced by George Martin, is some of the freshest of that period. Their original compositions are also strong as they veered into psychedelic territory by 1967
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Пікірлер: 274

  • @crownprinceofgroovy
    @crownprinceofgroovyАй бұрын

    Alan King eventually did find himself in a group with a hit: The group was Ace with the 1975 recording of "How Long."

  • @familydogg1234

    @familydogg1234

    Ай бұрын

    The song was about a musician moonlighting

  • @NewFalconerRecords
    @NewFalconerRecordsАй бұрын

    I was a "Mod" in Melbourne, Australia, during the early 1980s mod revival (it was actually a really fun, vibrant scene). 'I'll Keep On Holding On' was a guaranteed dancefloor filler EVERY. SINGLE.TIME. My first Action compilation was one called 'The Ultimate Action' with sleeve notes by Paul Weller. I wore the grooves off that thing and could never understand why all their singles weren't big hits (much like the Creation). Reg King's voice was so strong, natural and distinctive. Phil Collins was a superfan of the band back in the day and I can totally understand why. Thanks for this video, I learnt so much that I never knew before. Cheers mate!

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    Got that LP around the same time in Sydney, the Action were the greatest.

  • @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    Ай бұрын

    Me too, melb scene was unique, still listen to the Action. Stay tuned for Electric Relfs re union, Scene club cred returns!

  • @marktubeie07

    @marktubeie07

    Ай бұрын

    Another fellow Aussie here - YES agree with all your thoughts, superb band !

  • @shaunw9270

    @shaunw9270

    Ай бұрын

    Same time , similar memories, although I'm in England 👍

  • @familydogg1234
    @familydogg1234Ай бұрын

    Interviewer to Ringo-" Are you a Mod or a Rocker"? RINGO - " I'm a Mocker"

  • @innocenti67
    @innocenti67Ай бұрын

    Rolled Gold fabulous. I drive past Reg Kings house most weekends

  • @54macdog
    @54macdogАй бұрын

    I'm loving these deep dives into less well known artists. Can I suggest The Misunderstood, another "why on earth weren't they famous" band, with a checkered history and a fine collection of music.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank and I appreciate the request!

  • @harrygrosomanidis9699

    @harrygrosomanidis9699

    Ай бұрын

    Vietnam got in the way, Damn you Uncle Sam

  • @bruceink9

    @bruceink9

    Ай бұрын

    Oh yes. Love the Before the Dream Faded CD.

  • @dompicksley3900

    @dompicksley3900

    Ай бұрын

    There is a terrific Ugly Things podcast with Rick Brown of The Misunderstood (on Apple podcasts). Definitely worth a listen.

  • @54macdog

    @54macdog

    Ай бұрын

    @@dompicksley3900 Cheers!

  • @TheRealDrJoey
    @TheRealDrJoeyАй бұрын

    I was 13, and totally unaware of these guys. In any era there are countless musicians that are fantastic, but virtually unknown.

  • @romelovesdan

    @romelovesdan

    Ай бұрын

    All the reason to always support Matt and his channel----- learning about bands and topics we may have missed.

  • @rEdHoUsE_1969
    @rEdHoUsE_1969Ай бұрын

    Wow The Who & Small Faces dominate my collection when it comes to 'mod' youth music but this was a real revelation ... why didn't the 60s rock gods shine their light on this band ... thanks Matt!!

  • @bboydrew71
    @bboydrew71Ай бұрын

    The Action, The Creation ,Fleaur de lys, The Eyes, St Louis Union ,The Attack soooo many great 60s mod bands

  • @terrynak
    @terrynakАй бұрын

    Matt, I bought the original compilation, "The Ultimate Action", back in the early 80's when it was available as an import, on Edsel/Demon records. It had a mostly black cover design, with just a tiny picture of the band in a circle, but no other group shot elsewhere. Paul Weller wrote the sleeve notes on the back ("...A piece of the Action! YES PLEASE!), dated November 1980. It had 14 tracks. Later on, I bought a CD compilation called "Action Packed" which added 3 extra songs to the original 14 from the Ultimate Action LP.

  • @FlyJohnny100
    @FlyJohnny100Ай бұрын

    I was 10-11 years old and listening to AM radio constantly, but they're the first you've pulled out of the way back machine that I don't remember. I would've appreciated their musicianship...thanks, and keep 'em coming, Matt.

  • @stander-bo4ff
    @stander-bo4ffАй бұрын

    Thanks for this video, there were so many great groups in the UK in the 60s, the Fleur deLys, Birds, Pirates, and of course the Action.

  • @InWalkedBud752
    @InWalkedBud752Ай бұрын

    I'm a 22 yrs old mod from Belgium and I'll be following this channel from now on!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Welcome! Plenty more to come.

  • @hollybolly7073

    @hollybolly7073

    Ай бұрын

    I'm a modette from Germany and have a 45s collection of Mod, Freakbeat, Psych, GaragePunk, R&B, Northern Soul etc. I have the ultimate Action on Vinyl and really really love this band. Your videos are great! Since today i'll be following your channel too.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    @@hollybolly7073 Thank you, I appreciate that.

  • @InWalkedBud752

    @InWalkedBud752

    Ай бұрын

    KTF sister

  • @417DrumBob
    @417DrumBobАй бұрын

    Good one, Matt. Keep doing these obscure bands.

  • @Mat_Gomez23
    @Mat_Gomez23Ай бұрын

    These guys are one of my favorite bands of all time! Thank you so much for this story!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    My pleasure.

  • @JennieJuniper
    @JennieJuniperАй бұрын

    I've always liked that Mighty Baby album, ha! What an interesting video, there's so much to The Action's tale that I never knew!

  • @fabulantok4240
    @fabulantok4240Ай бұрын

    In the summer of '67, I regularly listened to Radio Luxembourg at night high up in a little mountain village in the Swiss Alps. And there they all came, See Emily Play, Flowerman (Syn), Revolution (Tomorrow), Burning Of the Midnight Lamp, Itchicoo Park, On Love (Skip Bifferty), Tallyman (J. Beck), A Bad Night (Cat Stevens). And of course Shadows And Reflections. Simply great songs.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    What a great time to listen to the radio!

  • @bobmanton_fh9hv
    @bobmanton_fh9hvАй бұрын

    Kudos to you Matt for this video,one of the most underrated bands ever

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Agreed!

  • @essexboy5520
    @essexboy5520Ай бұрын

    Great job. I was fortunate enough to have seen them, not in 1965 but when they reformed in the late 90s or early 2000s they had Phil Collins on drums, along with Roger Powell, Collins is a massive fan, also got to meet ALL the band after the gig they signed my records for me and I had a long chat with Roger, about drums, mods etc. Great memories.

  • @skinheadjon901

    @skinheadjon901

    Ай бұрын

    I was at the 100 club gig & at the Dome - well done Rob Bailey for pulling those gigs off 🌞🎶😎🙌👍

  • @EmmanuelPehau
    @EmmanuelPehauАй бұрын

    The favorite band of a young actor and model called Phil Collins. He raves about them to this day.

  • @mattgould8592
    @mattgould859226 күн бұрын

    Great vocals and harmonies in this band, really gives a great feeling, transports me to an era before I was born.

  • @CraigHARRELL-se9xm
    @CraigHARRELL-se9xmАй бұрын

    I'll keep on holding on is one of my all time favorite songs.i heard it for the first time 40 years ago and I'll never get tired of it

  • @calvinguile1315
    @calvinguile1315Ай бұрын

    “Why you wanna make me blue “ was a Temptations cover, “In My Lonely Room “ Martha and the Vandellas, and “I’ll Keep Holding On” the Marvelettes. The Rolled Gold stuff sounded excellent!

  • @user-qt2ok6gd6s
    @user-qt2ok6gd6sАй бұрын

    Every "mod" in the 80's Melbourne scene knew and loved this band.

  • @bobburroughs6241

    @bobburroughs6241

    Ай бұрын

    The 80's, you caught up 20 years later then? 🤣

  • @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    Ай бұрын

    @@bobburroughs6241 ha! So youre 80 now?😎

  • @bobburroughs6241

    @bobburroughs6241

    Ай бұрын

    @@user-qt2ok6gd6s I think you misunderstood mate. The Mods were the 60's, it typically took Aussies 20 years to catch up.

  • @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    @user-qt2ok6gd6s

    Ай бұрын

    @@bobburroughs6241 i know my stuff, mods existed here in the sixties too but you wouldnt know about that would you?

  • @jonathansteadman7935

    @jonathansteadman7935

    Ай бұрын

    The Mod revival was a big thing in the UK in the late 70s/early 80s thanks to the film Quadrophenia, and bands like the Jam, Secret Affair etc.

  • @jerrylev59
    @jerrylev59Ай бұрын

    Been loving Mighty Baby for quite a while, and knew they came out of the Action, but I never looked into the Action's recordings. Now I will have to give them a listen or two.

  • @tonyfafoglia2927
    @tonyfafoglia2927Ай бұрын

    Edsel/Demon label did a really good vinyl comp in the 1980's which is how I discovered this great underrated band.

  • @johnlorinc2081
    @johnlorinc2081Ай бұрын

    Hi Matt! The Action was one of those bands I had heard of over the years, but knew nothing about them. Now I do. Great video once again!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks John. They have some wonderful stuff!

  • @westhavengwr4613
    @westhavengwr4613Ай бұрын

    Excellent overview. Like many others, my introduction was The Ultimate Action (with Paul Weller sleeve notes) and the accompanying single I’ll Keep on Holding On. With bands writing their own material this held back the Action as they were mainly a covers band, albeit very good with their own sound.

  • @hughjaynis4876
    @hughjaynis4876Ай бұрын

    Rolled Gold is mandatory listening!

  • @carrerlluna66
    @carrerlluna66Ай бұрын

    I love the Action, especially Rolled Gold, every song a gem. Thanks for this!💋

  • @impalaman9707
    @impalaman9707Ай бұрын

    I'm an American, but I find these lesser known UK bands (to Americans) far more interesting and their music much more exotic than the Stones, The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, etc who have become over-exposed and over-explained here in the US. I'm really getting music like The Action, The Nice, The Small Faces, The Move, the Creation, Screaming Lord Sutch, and Graham Bond

  • @rickdrais9737
    @rickdrais9737Ай бұрын

    After I watched this, I went to Amazon and downloaded several albums. Once I have a chance to listen, I’ll pop back on and comment further 😁

  • @kenreeve32
    @kenreeve32Ай бұрын

    Thanks Matt! The Rolled Gold stuff sounds a bit like a mishmash of The Guess Who and The Small Faces with a bit of Badfinger in there. Surprised they never made it bigger.

  • @jonathanharmon2284
    @jonathanharmon2284Ай бұрын

    The Action are such a huge band for me. Thank you for this video. It’s a shame they never got the attention they deserved. Just yesterday I was listening to The Free Design and the same thought occurred to me about them, as well.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    The Free Design is high on my very long list!

  • @jonathanharmon2284

    @jonathanharmon2284

    Ай бұрын

    @@popgoesthe60s52 I'll be looking out for that one!

  • @mrmods7912
    @mrmods791211 күн бұрын

    Bought the ultimate Action album from Penny lane records in Liverpool 1983! Blew my mind... We are the mods forever!

  • @buzzawuzza3743
    @buzzawuzza3743Ай бұрын

    Actions Speak Louder Than Words is one of my all time favorite pop psych records and it is a serious shame no one heard it at the time. Thank you for the excellent video.

  • @jozefbelien7555
    @jozefbelien7555Ай бұрын

    Although The Action didn't chart on the official UK -charts, with they're 1967 single : "Shadows and reflections", I do remember this tune got a lot of airplay on pirate Radio London during the summer of that year. They even made it to no.17 on the Radio London Fab 40 ;) Great record!

  • @tommymaguire2839
    @tommymaguire2839Ай бұрын

    INCREDIBLE research and presentation! Thanks man. Off to Amazon........

  • @will51303
    @will5130328 күн бұрын

    Down the rabbit hole I go. Thank you.

  • @bobberndt9744
    @bobberndt9744Ай бұрын

    Never knew the connection between Mighty Baby & The Action. I still like Egyptian Tomb. Also, India relates back to The Corporation, which originally brought me to your channel. Groovy 🫡✌️

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, I was delighted to find the Action's version of India. Thanks for the support, Bob!

  • @markeggins890
    @markeggins890Ай бұрын

    Thanks for covering the Action Matt, they were the greatest mod band ever imo, especially because of Reg King's voice which was ultra soulful but he was never a screamer. Rolled Gold is the best 'lost' LP ever, an incredible original mix of powerpop, psych, freakbeat, rock and soul - they flowered into a band of great vision and creativity. I never tire of it, so glad it finally came out. BTW they did some reunion gigs in the late 90's and even a VHS doco In the Lap of the Mods that now is almost impossible to get - does feature gushing super fan Phil Collins, there was also a coffee table level book. On KZread there is a great snippet of them doing a few songs as well as hanging out with their manager, no full version of their take of The Ronettes 'Do I Love You' which is a real bummer as it was one of the best covers, not avialable anywhere I don't think in full. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eGmgt7OrhbCTeM4.html

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, Mark - this was a fun one to do!

  • @Benji306
    @Benji306Ай бұрын

    Thanks for giving some attention to these guys, much deserved. When I think of The Action I can't help but also think what a tragic story it was in that they should have had been signed, had some degree of success (at least in the UK) and released at least 2 LP's by '68. With George Martin backing them (to a degree) it's hard to understand what went wrong, why labels were 'passing' on them. They were obviously more talented then your average 'Mod' band. In addition they successfully changed with the times musically, going from R&B/Northern Soul to all out psych to then rural 'hippie', not easy to do. Also worth mentioning that they did put out one final LP under the name The Habibiyya - "If Man But Knew" in 1972 minus Martin Stone. These recordings are more Eastern influenced as the band was well into their Sufi journey. In addition to the Action box set there is also a great Mighty Baby box set "At A Point Between Fate and Destiny: The Complete Recordings" which was released in 2019. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in them.

  • @MauditePart
    @MauditePartАй бұрын

    Thanks for this superb history and analysis of the band that I would come to know and love as Mighty Baby during their heyday when they were constantly on the festival circuit with Hawkwind, Twink, Pink Faries, The Deviants et. al. I particularly like the attention you pay to the changing sound of the The Action as different drugs became fashionable. Such a valuable critique is to be saluted because it provides a very welome and reasonable taxonomy with which to categorize not only the music of The Action but all musical trends across the board. Richard Meltzer used this approach to some extent in his crticism, but the last music journalist I can remember who applied this method in the widest sense possible has to be Joe Carducci in the first edition of his Rock and the Pop Narcotic. Thanks again!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you for the kind words. It's interesting to me how the "fashion of the drug culture" changed the music.

  • @shaunw9270
    @shaunw9270Ай бұрын

    I'm in England was a Mod from the Revival and through the 80's . The Ultimate Action from 1980 was a must have LP , with a cool insert and sleeve notes by Paul Weller.

  • @terrynak

    @terrynak

    Ай бұрын

    I bought the album as an import (I'm in the U.S.) in the early 80's and the only insert it came with was a list of the Edsel/Demon records catalog. What was the "cool" insert that came with the LP in England?

  • @shaunw9270

    @shaunw9270

    Ай бұрын

    @@terrynak It was a full fold out biography with some photos.

  • @terrynak

    @terrynak

    Ай бұрын

    @@shaunw9270 The "new" LP I bought didn't have that insert - either Demon Records pulled it out before importing to the States or the store owners (Rhino Records store in Westwood, L.A.) pulled it out of the LP before restocking it on the shelves. The album was not shrink-wrapped, but came in a plastic sleeve that was open at the top and folded over with tape. I suspect foul play...

  • @musicisajourney
    @musicisajourneyАй бұрын

    I have a CD called Rolled Gold which has all these album recordings, and man, that’s some great stuff! It sounds like one step from Oasis and 90s Brit Pop sometimes.

  • @vampolascott36
    @vampolascott36Ай бұрын

    All those clips sounded really good. It all sounds so familiar and took me back to the imaginary '60s in my head.

  • @UnderTheCovers1
    @UnderTheCovers1Ай бұрын

    brilliant band!

  • @vicbertfartingclack4559
    @vicbertfartingclack4559Ай бұрын

    Brain is a masterpiece.

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    It sure is, the greatest 'lost' LP ever imo.

  • @davidprokopy2950
    @davidprokopy2950Ай бұрын

    I have the CD box set, which I haven't listen to in quite awhile. I'll have to give it a spin again. Have you ever thought about doing a video about Spirit? That's a band that's ripe for one of your deep dives.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    I will certainly do Spirit - great band!

  • @selwyn77
    @selwyn77Ай бұрын

    I almost feel that if their song "Brain" would have been called "Remember Me" instead, and some DJs gave it some maximum airplay, it would have shot up the charts !

  • @jonathansteadman7935
    @jonathansteadman7935Ай бұрын

    I had the album on Edsel i think it was around 81, thanks to Paul Weller praising them when he was in the Jam. The 60s/ Mod type band i was in at the time covered I'll Keep On Holding On.

  • @BradyDale04
    @BradyDale04Ай бұрын

    Great video The Action is one of the first mod bands I have came across it’s a shame there songs didn’t become popular they had some great cuts I hope you cover Dave Dee, Dozy,Beaky Mick and Tich one of these days.

  • @shadowstealer2790
    @shadowstealer2790Ай бұрын

    Always loved “Brain”,odd lyrics but movingly delivered around a sublime guitar riff.

  • @johnsundermeyer9085
    @johnsundermeyer9085Ай бұрын

    Another great video - much appreciated 🙏 thanks Matt!

  • @matthewbragg5064
    @matthewbragg5064Ай бұрын

    I love these potted band histories, thank you! I think this story proves that with all the great music out there in the mid-sixties there just wasn’t space in the charts for a band as good as The Action. Incidentally, guitarist Alan “Bam” King did end up having a bonafide international hit in the ‘70s as part of the group Ace with the single “How Long” (#20 in UK, #3 in both US and Canada). Keep up the great work, would love to see you do a history of The Pretty Things at some point! 🤞

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Hello, Matthew. Yes the Pretty Things will be a fun one to tackle.

  • @erniericardo8140

    @erniericardo8140

    Ай бұрын

    The Pretty Things👍👌

  • @DEKMAN99
    @DEKMAN99Ай бұрын

    I believe that , to create or write a hit song, its gotta sound like a hit song. They were great musicians but I didn't hear not one, great song. The Beatles The Rolling Stones , Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, and Motown etc...made it look so easy.

  • @richieboy6825

    @richieboy6825

    Ай бұрын

    I always thought In my dream has a really strong hook and could’ve made the charts

  • @jody8526937

    @jody8526937

    Ай бұрын

    There are hundreds of regional songs that didn’t make national hit status due to circumstances such as lack of promotion, payola, release timing, bad luck, management issues, small labels, etc. etc. You ability to hear a hit after it is a hit is called 20/20 hindsight. The “hit” song artists you mentioned are so ingratiated into your thinking that apparently it’s difficult for you to hear or think about potential contenders.

  • @amandagerrish5892
    @amandagerrish5892Ай бұрын

    'Rolled Gold' was the Action's peak, musically, IMHO. It was a shame that it was never recorded properly back in the day. However, at least the music industry eventually had the good sense to release the demos, which are terrific -- some of the best pop songs of the 60s, I think. "I've Got Something to Say" should have been a big hit.

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    Oh yeah, that and Icarus are my favourites off the album.

  • @TheShadman47
    @TheShadman47Ай бұрын

    I saw The Action at The Marquee Club in the sixties. I also bought the 'I'll Keep on Holding on' single.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    That must have been a fun scene, back then.

  • @joe34012
    @joe34012Ай бұрын

    Matt, this band (like so many) were given their chance to step up to the plate, but struck out every time from a commercial angle. But all was not lost, having a few years of club success, with I'm sure much attention from the ladies (haha), makes for some good memories. A nice respite from having to get a real job. Cheers!

  • @khkartc
    @khkartcАй бұрын

    I immediately recognized Bam King from his later stint with Ace (and “How Long”). Their debut album, _Five-A-Side,_ is uniformly excellent and hints at how awesome they must have been on the early-70s UK pub-rock circuit. (Paul Carrack, however, was later quoted as saying that the other members of Ace were the “laziest” people he’d ever known.) It should be noted, also, that “I’ll Keep Holding On” and “Shadows and Reflections” both appear in Rhino’s _Nuggets II_ compilation, which is a sort of “rest of the world” counterpart to the original _Nuggets_ collection. (I snagged _Nuggets II_ in the file-sharing days, but of course it didn’t come with the liner-notes booklet, so I still have no idea what was said about any of the groups.)

  • @patrickmoreau7592
    @patrickmoreau7592Ай бұрын

    I heard of the Action but not their music. They were good. I am surprised they never broke through. Great video Matt Very informative.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, Patrick!

  • @edwardmulholland7912
    @edwardmulholland7912Ай бұрын

    I have the Edsel compilation, truly wonderful band. My mod friends got me into them in Belfast. My old friends turned me on to so much great music from the sixties, even if I wasn’t a mod myself. Reg had a beautiful singing voice and they a proper group like the Small Faces were. The Action were just unlucky I suppose. But they have not been forgotten - even all these years later, so perhaps they did succeed in the long term. Great video Matt, really enjoyed this.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks, Ed!

  • @John_Fugazzi
    @John_FugazziАй бұрын

    This group was totally unknown to me and I know a fair amount of littlt known (over here) British bands. On top of that they were interesting . I was surprised to hear them singing a Marvelettes song, but later take off in new directions. Rolled Gold sounded quite good.

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    It's fantastic, one of the greatest 'lost' LPs ever.

  • @PhoenixGuitars
    @PhoenixGuitarsАй бұрын

    Great vid, as usual. I can see how they never broke out. The only snippet that stuck out to me that you played was Brain.

  • @slaphead8835
    @slaphead8835Ай бұрын

    I love discovering 60s music and you have delivered a dandy! I was alive and thought I was aware of everything British during the era. But I must admit, this is the first time I have ever heard of "The Action". So puzzling they weren't more successful. They had it all. Strong vocals, solid musicianship, decent songs. They sound GREAT! Thanks Matt.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    My pleasure, slaphead!

  • @matthewstreet1961
    @matthewstreet1961Ай бұрын

    Very cool band Matt! I have to be honest, I may have heard of them, but I certainly have never heard any of their music. What a shame because they are fantastic. They definitely deserved at least some recognition similar to the accolades The Who received. Great mod sounding band. Loved hearing about their history. My father had that album by Ace, believe it or not! What a coincidence! Cheers ❤🍻

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Hey Matt! Glad you liked them!

  • @RobertP_1960
    @RobertP_1960Ай бұрын

    late to the party on this group, but I just ordered 3 CDs. I really like how you handle all these groups and the research you do to make your videos stand out above the rest. Take care

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, Robert - much appreciated.

  • @erniericardo8140
    @erniericardo8140Ай бұрын

    Terrific video Matt on The Action 👌 Another underrated band that should have made it Big, especially having George Martin on their side as a producer.- Reg King had a Great voice and a talented front man that should have had successful solo career, like Rod Stewart or Steve Winwood, Also what a crying shame that material such as Rolled Gold didnt get released til many years later. -I really love their cover of the song Harlem Shuffle Waaaay better than The Stones version of the 80's,, but The Marvalettes I'll Keep Holding On is my go to pick.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks Ernie - glad you liked them!

  • @sweetnsourchick1761
    @sweetnsourchick1761Ай бұрын

    Another wonderful video on a band I wasn't familiar with. I've been totally in love with the music of the 60's since I was 10 or 11 (1974-75) and I appreciate every bit of new information that you provide, Matt. Keep up the great work! 👍

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, covering these more obscure bands is really a pleasure.

  • @richbailey8174
    @richbailey8174Ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for teaching me (us) more than I knew about these guys. I am going to seek out those compilations.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks Rich! I have some links in the description that will take you to them. I appreciate the support!

  • @MrKaywyn
    @MrKaywynАй бұрын

    Truly fascinating.

  • @vincetucci455
    @vincetucci455Ай бұрын

    Wow I was listening to these guys a few days ago and thought Pop Goes the 60s should do a video on them and look!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    I take requests telepathically as well!

  • @destinkitto7632
    @destinkitto763220 күн бұрын

    Awesome!!! You should TOTALLY do one for West Coast Pop Art or The Millenium!!

  • @faeembrugh
    @faeembrughАй бұрын

    I worked in London at the Press Association in the 1990s and one of our music writers introduced me to one of his friends - 'Reg' - when we were down the pub after work. I asked 'Reg' if he was in the music business. His reply was 'Yeh, well I was in a group called The Action, but we never got anywhere...' At that point, I realised who I was talking to! He seemed a bit unhappy talking about the 1960s to be honest. His most notable comment being: 'I was a star for about 60 minutes every time we played the Marquee, but no-one gave two f***s about us after we left the stage.' He died a while later and even today has no gravestone where he is buried as far as I believe.

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    At least he felt some love at their reunion shows, what a voice!

  • @carldybowski4338
    @carldybowski4338Ай бұрын

    Nice! Love this band.

  • @kkwok9
    @kkwok911 күн бұрын

    Nice job!

  • @tomm5780
    @tomm5780Ай бұрын

    Thank you for this video. I actually learned about a band I have never heard about before....at all. Been binge listening most of day to their catalog on Spotify and iTunes. I think they are great and hold up nicely today. Thanks again.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    I'm glad to hear that you like them, Tom.

  • @tim.timothy.brennan
    @tim.timothy.brennanАй бұрын

    Great Band and live act!!!

  • @PontiacS.
    @PontiacS.Ай бұрын

    Nice one Buddy. We Mod revivalists in the 80's knew them. They were great. "Rolled Gold" is Fantastic. Reg King is Today recognized as one of the Finest British Rawk Vocalists. I think America didn't want "Mod" covers of Motown and Soul when we had the Original although the Mod versions Were different. The Action did some of the Best Motown covers. I think The Who made it in the USA because they had a Bit of a "Novelty" element going on which Townsend did Intentionally. The Small Faces only had one American Hit "Itchycoo Park" and that was during their Psychedelic period, none of their Mod stuff was popular in the USA. I think The Small Faces, The Action and The Creation were just Too "London" to translate.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the comments, Pontiac!

  • @Hyakudeaths
    @HyakudeathsАй бұрын

    The mighty baby is one of my favorites. Such a good guitar tone.

  • @terryprill2510
    @terryprill2510Ай бұрын

    Matt, you always have a way of opening the eyes of music lovers to bands that the USA just didn't play By the time they get to 1969 Mighty Baby begins to sound a little like 1967 Moby Grape, which indicates how progressive MG was for its year.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for commenting, Terry!

  • @stevejones9740
    @stevejones9740Ай бұрын

    Thanks for a very informative video Matt. I'd heard OF the Action, but never heard their music until now - very pleasantly surprised, especially by their later material. I also didn't know that Keith Emerson had been offered the keyboard seat in the band. I read Emerson's autobiography many years ago, and am pretty sure that he didn't mention this.

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Glad to hear you liked them! The Emerson anecdote was from one of the Action band members who is quoted in Shindig Mag and/or the liner notes for Rolled Gold.

  • @harrygrosomanidis9699
    @harrygrosomanidis9699Ай бұрын

    Petula Clark also did a nice version of " Wasn't it you"

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    I did not know that! Thanks.

  • @kennethnorman8079
    @kennethnorman8079Ай бұрын

    Saw the Action live and they really were incredible. Those records really hold up. I only wish they had gotten the chance to record their proposed album.

  • @eMeXdubyah
    @eMeXdubyahАй бұрын

    OMG YES THANK YOU FOR THIS, LEGIT MY FAVORITE UK BAND THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT AWESOME

  • @neilmurray7330
    @neilmurray7330Ай бұрын

    Matt, you should do a video on Mods, the mod scene and its various off shoots, although with your attention to detail it might take a couple of videos.

  • @troubadour723
    @troubadour723Ай бұрын

    "Brain" is a great song. I'll have to check out the rest of that album. "This is the group that a lot of people are saying will be the next big thing on the scene!" -- I wonder how many times a DJ has said that, or something similar, only for the prediction not to pan out, sadly. Incidentally, Yes also did a really good cover of "I See You" on their debut album.

  • @feber16

    @feber16

    Ай бұрын

    I was listening to the first Yes album yesterday on my way to a Jon Anderson concert with his new band. I commented to my friend that this song was sung by the Byrds. Funny that the song is mentioned in this video.

  • @robertzastrow4648
    @robertzastrow4648Ай бұрын

    One of the things I appreciate about Pop Goes The 60s, Matt, is your willingness to talk about obscure bands/artists who never were able to make it/have huge hits or sell lots of records. Have never heard of the Action/Mighty Baby. Like their stuff! Sad considering they had some heavy hitters working in their corner/George Martin producing them, plus getting a couple of early endorsements from Paul and Ringo. Will listen to more of their stuff!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you, Robert!

  • @nicknikipediacaulkin5943
    @nicknikipediacaulkin5943Ай бұрын

    I'd heard of The Action but knew nothing about them, until now! I didn't know that George Martin produced some of their singles. They recorded some strong material so it is puzzling why their singles made no impact on the charts. Reg King was a very strong vocalist. Thank you, Matt, for this deep dive into a very underrated band!

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    You are quite welcome, Nick!

  • @rjillidge3
    @rjillidge3Ай бұрын

    Definitely hear an influence on Supergrass

  • @written12
    @written12Ай бұрын

    Excellent introduction to a band I’d only heard of. As usual, your profiles are choke full off interesting and relevant historical facts. On their strictly R ‘n B stuff, they seem a rung below Small Faces. I like their moodier songs.

  • @sjm1
    @sjm1Ай бұрын

    The Shadows box set is great. Worth mentioning first time stereo mixes of the singles (and very good mixes too...).

  • @popgoesthe60s52

    @popgoesthe60s52

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for mentioning that! Much appreciated.

  • @SanderAnderon
    @SanderAnderonАй бұрын

    what a great band

  • @delmofritz3964
    @delmofritz3964Ай бұрын

    Thank you Matt some of those tracks are very good. The harmonies kind of remind me a little of the Who.

  • @ronfowlermusic
    @ronfowlermusic15 күн бұрын

    There was a band in the Cleveland area circa 1977 called the Action.

  • @itsagirlishthing
    @itsagirlishthingАй бұрын

    soooo iconic

  • @jonvought700
    @jonvought700Ай бұрын

    Wow, I See You!. Yes also did a nice cover of this for their first album.

  • @maurice8607
    @maurice8607Ай бұрын

    I was s Mod in London from 79 till 87. One of my mates bought the Ultimate Action album and i was knocked out. A fantastic group for sure. Love the soul covers but id say Shadows and Reflections is my favourite till this day. Rolled Gold is great . I really rate Something to Say from Rolled Gold. The Action definitely had it in their soul. Ps, Wasn't it you and Come on, come with me are also top notch.

  • @markeggins890

    @markeggins890

    Ай бұрын

    Rolled Gold is one of the greatest 'lost' albums!

  • @superlove35
    @superlove35Ай бұрын

    very interesting. Never heard of these guys. I keep expecting you to run out of bands to spotlight!

  • @nickfield1569
    @nickfield156925 күн бұрын

    One band who's story I'd like to see is Herman's Hermits: A British beat band that was arguably bigger in America

  • @aminahmed2220
    @aminahmed2220Ай бұрын

    😢absolutely fantastic have a wonderful day also a fantastic weekend Matt ❤😊 maytt😊❤

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