The title track of 1971’s Strange Locomotion might easily give one the impression that singer Kevin Coyne and his musical companions hailed from the American South, having been raised on southern soul and country boogie. Siren, however, is a strictly UK aggregation:
“Strange Locomotion“
Siren (1971)
“Strange Locomotion” was issued as the A-side of a 7-inch release, but only in the UK. In the US, Strange Locomotion was released on Elektra/Dandelion.
45Cat reviewer, The Toad, humorously describes the 45 as “mid-tempo rock, with bluesy touches and Kevin Coyne’s unmistakable vocals; about as commercial as Siren ever got. The ‘B’ side is a sparse late-night bluesy ballad.”
Kevin Coyne: Vocals/Guitar
Nick Cudworth: Piano/Guitar
Dave Clague: Bass/Guitar
Mick Gratton: Lead Guitar
Tat Meager: Drums
A Dandelion U.K. Production
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inner sleeve
Review from Robert Christgau‘s Consumer Album Guide —
Like Fleetwood Mac, this is British blues that neither chokes on false roots nor enmires itself in boogie reductionism. Kevin Coyne’s humorously belligerent drawl embodies the band’s wit and its punk chauvinism. Mistake: “Fetch Me My Woman,” which (second mistake) goes on for 7:40. B+
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LINK to companion piece –
