This is absolutely magic from way back in 1993, a time when Chris Martin was only dreaming up those giant chords and even bigger choruses. While not quite on that scale the Reegs ‘The Nasty Side’ is still a thing of unparalleled beauty that falls in and out of its own melodic consciousness. The Reegs comprised of Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding and came together out of the ashes of the much heralded (but rarely heard) Manchester band the Chameleons. Fielding also had the distinction of playing with Dave Gedge from the Wedding Present’s in their first band together called SEN (never ones for great band names this Manchester/Leeds lot!). ‘The Nasty Side’ was taken from the Reegs seconds and final album ‘Rock The Magic Rock’ and retains a keen contemporary edge and even though it stretches to over 6 minutes you’ll likely never want it to end. The atmosphere and mood is as breathtaking as the jangling instruments and cooing vocals. KD
The Reegs – The Nasty Side
Hi K, How’s you?Good call on The Reegs. I do prefer RTMR to SeaMonkeys, even though the latter has ‘Start to see’ on it, possibly one of the best instrumentals ever recorded (IMHO).Do you have any of the material that should have been on the 3rd album? I have some live tracks of material that would have been on it but no more than this even though I know some studio recordings were made (apparently). There is one song in particular, ‘Bosnia’, that is just haunting. I can send it over if you like? Quality is ok-ish but not perfect. Oh, favourtite track on RTMR is actually ‘The Dream Police’ – such a good hook to it. In other news, I’ve been in touch with Nigel Simpkiss, who directed the KoD video for ‘When in heaven’. Expect a post soon about all that! :)Seattle is ace. Not sure I want to come home – even to Glasgow!C.
This is my 1st foray into Reegs territory Colin, loving this album though. The instrumentation is wonderful. Good to hear the other windy city is treating you well!
you did v well to pick it up k – it is as rare as hen’s teeth and can cost a fortune! or has it been re-released or something?
Hasn’t been re-released but a friend had a copy I have been listening to. They have little or no web presence which surprised me a little given their reputation. Would be a great reissue though, must put my indiecater cap on and think about that one….cheers for the idea.
The Reegs are brilliant. I’ve got Rock the magic Rock but I can’t find Return of The Seamonkeys anywhere…So here goes! If anyone has it please can they send it to me. I’d be very grateful.
The Nasty side is a song dedicated to Nick Drake.
There is a new 2cd The Reegs limited edition album coming up this summer .
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