Biography
The Winkies were formed by Canadian-born Philip Rambow with former Holy Rollers guitarist Guy Humphreys, and the rhythm section of Brian Turrington (bass) and Mike Desmarais (drums).Their music and stage presence were a combination of the sound pub rock and visuals of glam rock clothing. Canadian-born Rambow arrived in London in 1973, following stints with the New York-based band Saturday Night. Forming the Winkies with ex-Holy Rollers guitarist Guy Humphreys and the rhythm section of Brian Torrington and Mike Desmaris, his outrageous stage persona immediately attracted attention — a pub rock band in glam rock clothing, the Winkies were everything that their compatriots on the bar scene weren’t: blatant, theatrical, and flashy as hell. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-winkies
Album & Cover
The Winkies finally arrived, bearing more in common with the pre-fame Mott the Hoople (of course, Stevens’ last major project) than the glorious glam pub hybrid which the band had hitherto nurtured. But time has done The Winkies considerably more favors than contemporary critics ever did. It does still sound like vintage Mott, but that’s something to be celebrated now. The Winkies is edgy urban rock, as distinctly Dylan influenced as its role model (there’s even a cover of “It Takes a Lot to Laugh”), but shot through with Philip Rambow’s chiming, scything guitars and strained, emotional vocals. There’re hints of the Heavy Metal Kids in the mix, and that’s a grand thing as well — side by side, their debut and The Winkies illuminate the future direction of British street rock as brightly as any other period albums you could name. http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-winkies
According to Aubrey Powell this cover design is of three different photographs collaged together and highlighted by flash light and drips of fluid on the fabric.
Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Photography – A. Powell/P. Christopherson
Label: Chrysalis CHR.1066(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| Side One Trust In Dick Mailman – It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry Put Out The Light Twilight Masquerade North To Alaska |
Side Two Out On The Run Wild Open Spaces Long Song Coming Davey’s Blowtorch Red Dog |
Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Brian Turrington
Drums – Michael Desmarais
Engineer – Keith Harwood
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Guy Humphrys
Lead Vocals, Guitar – Philip Rambow
Mastered By – Rays
Producer – Guy Stevens
