Classic Rock Album of the Day- The Shaggs- Philosophy of the World (1969) **** 1/2
Today’s installment was from a truly ground breaking group. The Shaggs were a 3 piece all girl group from New Hampshire that got huge inspiration from parental vision. They pre dated the Runaways by a decade, and the Go Go’s by a decade and a half. They while in midst of Beatlemania took their vision of day to day mundane life to the masses. They gave their listeners a product via ingenious blend of randomness and complex time and key changes, that was truly visionary. I am sure there were many latter Greenwich Village Beatniks who were highly inspired by this on a philosophical basis. I promise that this is truly music that will impact you in ways you never have thought before.
This product took simplicity, to new heights. This music was done without a bass guitar. Percussion limited to a a tam, a snare, and a cymbal. That lack of technology and complexity allowed the Wiggin Sisters to take much care in the core of their trade. It is my understanding that it took 4 years of careful practice, dedication, and hard work to nail down this product in almost prog like precision.
The story of the Shaggs is truly remarkable. Their father via a palm reading was given info that he would someday have daughters who would become famous singers and musicians. Amazingly, that prediction was spot on. I as have as a critic have always been fascinated by the concept of bands using dueling guitars as an aspect of their music. The girls do not disappoint. Their ability to augment from the mix-chordal, to the off key, to even off the off-tempo’ed kilt is a true testament of how the infusion of a randomness, that their music won’t ever be replicated. The likes of Captain Beefheart, and even later Primus should both give inspirational homage to a genre that it is by itself……is a genre itself. Sadly, the Shaggs disbanded in the mid 1970’s with apparently no commercial success. But now enjoys a cult following.
Fun Fact: Famous fans include Kurt Cobain and Frank Zappa
Side 1-
———-
Philosophy of The World- The Girls come out the gates with a smashing almost punk driven title track that hits the heart. Who else can dispute their lyrical edge around the divisive theme ……. of that of those who always want what they don’t have. Heartfelt and Edgy- 1
That Little Sports Car- Girls take their love of the automative industry to new heights. The parallel chording between the two guitars is innovative, Helen does some strong percussive licks that accentuate the song like a silk glove in pudding. 6
Who are Parents- As mentioned in the body of the review, there obviously a strong parental bond. Though the musical aspects are undertoned, there is some nice almost in tune chordal strumming that kind of gives it a quaint and odd feel. 8
My Foot Foot- This is the real sleeper on the LP. Helen starts the fun with a killer drum solo, and then Dot and Betty chime in what almost seems like a tuning strumming session. Their ode to the errant cat is truly topical. Outside cats just don’t hang around for some reason. 2
My Companion- Somewhat of a drop off here. The girls take more of a robotic POV, on vocals. They really miss an opportunity to delve more into just who this companion is. Some nice drumming at the end though Not Peart, Bonham, or Moon of course, but hell……check out the difference in the kits. - 12
I’m Happy When You’re Near- Did I hear 3rds there? Well maybe, -10
Side 2-
———————
Things I Wonder- If there ever was any doubt that this wasn’t a concept album, then you have missed the boat. They take the philosophical theme to new heights. The near sync vocals with guitar is a unique twist. Existentialism never was conveyed more elegantly than in these 2 minutes. - 5
Sweet Thing- Girls take a emotional turn from the heart in an ode to interpersonal relationships. No new instrumental ground broken, and par for the Shagg’s portfolio. Taylor Swift should give these girls some royalties for borrowing the “Why do You Have to Be so Mean” meme. - 7
It’s Halloween- How many youngsters dream of October 31st.? With so much tongue in cheek imagery, the girls add an almost an orange aura to this time treasured timeframe. - 11
Why Do I Feel- Back to the philosophical theming. In sterling near 2/4 time, the girls build on earlier topic of emotionality. Tune includes some of Helen’s most complex drumming. By the end, you know they feel. - 3
What Should I Do- More into the interpersonal. Some interesting interphasal musical interplay that gives some additional oomph to the song. Again, you got to think that Swift must have tapped into some of this kind of energy from them.- 4
We Have a Savior- The Shaggs take a bold approach, and take on religious themes. Not mainstream topical now, but this was 1969. -9
Today’s installment was from a truly ground breaking group. The Shaggs were a 3 piece all girl group from New Hampshire that got huge inspiration from parental vision. They pre dated the Runaways by a decade, and the Go Go’s by a decade and a half. They while in midst of Beatlemania took their vision of day to day mundane life to the masses. They gave their listeners a product via ingenious blend of randomness and complex time and key changes, that was truly visionary. I am sure there were many latter Greenwich Village Beatniks who were highly inspired by this on a philosophical basis. I promise that this is truly music that will impact you in ways you never have thought before.
This product took simplicity, to new heights. This music was done without a bass guitar. Percussion limited to a a tam, a snare, and a cymbal. That lack of technology and complexity allowed the Wiggin Sisters to take much care in the core of their trade. It is my understanding that it took 4 years of careful practice, dedication, and hard work to nail down this product in almost prog like precision.
The story of the Shaggs is truly remarkable. Their father via a palm reading was given info that he would someday have daughters who would become famous singers and musicians. Amazingly, that prediction was spot on. I as have as a critic have always been fascinated by the concept of bands using dueling guitars as an aspect of their music. The girls do not disappoint. Their ability to augment from the mix-chordal, to the off key, to even off the off-tempo’ed kilt is a true testament of how the infusion of a randomness, that their music won’t ever be replicated. The likes of Captain Beefheart, and even later Primus should both give inspirational homage to a genre that it is by itself……is a genre itself. Sadly, the Shaggs disbanded in the mid 1970’s with apparently no commercial success. But now enjoys a cult following.
Fun Fact: Famous fans include Kurt Cobain and Frank Zappa
Side 1-
———-
Philosophy of The World- The Girls come out the gates with a smashing almost punk driven title track that hits the heart. Who else can dispute their lyrical edge around the divisive theme ……. of that of those who always want what they don’t have. Heartfelt and Edgy- 1
That Little Sports Car- Girls take their love of the automative industry to new heights. The parallel chording between the two guitars is innovative, Helen does some strong percussive licks that accentuate the song like a silk glove in pudding. 6
Who are Parents- As mentioned in the body of the review, there obviously a strong parental bond. Though the musical aspects are undertoned, there is some nice almost in tune chordal strumming that kind of gives it a quaint and odd feel. 8
My Foot Foot- This is the real sleeper on the LP. Helen starts the fun with a killer drum solo, and then Dot and Betty chime in what almost seems like a tuning strumming session. Their ode to the errant cat is truly topical. Outside cats just don’t hang around for some reason. 2
My Companion- Somewhat of a drop off here. The girls take more of a robotic POV, on vocals. They really miss an opportunity to delve more into just who this companion is. Some nice drumming at the end though Not Peart, Bonham, or Moon of course, but hell……check out the difference in the kits. - 12
I’m Happy When You’re Near- Did I hear 3rds there? Well maybe, -10
Side 2-
———————
Things I Wonder- If there ever was any doubt that this wasn’t a concept album, then you have missed the boat. They take the philosophical theme to new heights. The near sync vocals with guitar is a unique twist. Existentialism never was conveyed more elegantly than in these 2 minutes. - 5
Sweet Thing- Girls take a emotional turn from the heart in an ode to interpersonal relationships. No new instrumental ground broken, and par for the Shagg’s portfolio. Taylor Swift should give these girls some royalties for borrowing the “Why do You Have to Be so Mean” meme. - 7
It’s Halloween- How many youngsters dream of October 31st.? With so much tongue in cheek imagery, the girls add an almost an orange aura to this time treasured timeframe. - 11
Why Do I Feel- Back to the philosophical theming. In sterling near 2/4 time, the girls build on earlier topic of emotionality. Tune includes some of Helen’s most complex drumming. By the end, you know they feel. - 3
What Should I Do- More into the interpersonal. Some interesting interphasal musical interplay that gives some additional oomph to the song. Again, you got to think that Swift must have tapped into some of this kind of energy from them.- 4
We Have a Savior- The Shaggs take a bold approach, and take on religious themes. Not mainstream topical now, but this was 1969. -9
