For about five years in the late '70s and early '80s, the U.K.-based supergroup Rockpile captivated audiences around the world. Though driven by their infectious energy and the imagination of the group's principle songwriter, Nick Lowe, it was Dave Edmunds' powerful vocals and melodic guitar work that help set the group apart. His smooth, confident voice executes the sort of punchy power-rock the group became known for.

Dave Edmunds had just dissolved Rockpile with Nick Lowe when he returned to the studio and embarked on another solo tour. That ill-fated Rockpile album turned into…entire summary

Dave Edmunds - guitar, lead vocals
John David - bass, vocals
Terry Williams - drums
Gerriant Watkins - keyboards, vocals

For about five years in the late '70s and early '80s, the U.K.-based supergroup Rockpile captivated audiences around the world. Though driven by their infectious energy and the imagination of the group's principle songwriter, Nick Lowe, it was Dave Edmunds' powerful vocals and melodic guitar work that help set the group apart. His smooth, confident voice executes the sort of punchy power-rock the group became known for.

Dave Edmunds had just dissolved Rockpile with Nick Lowe when he returned to the studio and embarked on another solo tour. That ill-fated Rockpile album turned into another Edmunds solo disc, Twangin'. Former Rockpile drummer, Terry Williams, is still on board, and the material captured here at Capitol Theatre in New Jersey sounds just like Rockpile—mainly because Edmunds held such a pivotal role in that band.

This show only includes three tracks, but they are solid: "Crawling From The Wreckage" from the first Rockpile album, "Singing the Blues" and of course, his 1972 solo hit, "I Hear You Knockin'." Although Edmunds is a great singer with a tight band, credit must also be given to his sultry and soulful guitar playing.

 collapse