Oakland’s legendary mod blues quartet The Loved Ones are back with
live appearances in the West Coast and Europe, plus a new full-length LP
produced by the Grammy winner, Nick Waterhouse! On ‘LATEST HITS’
(SofaBurn/Lovemonk Recs) the classic lineup of Xan McCurdy (Cake),
Michael Therieau, John Kent, and Bart Davenport is set to deliver the
rawkus 60s sound they are known for with some unexpected genre twists.
Previous reunion shows drew gleeful capacity crowds and all signs point
to all-out Loved Ones-mania once again!
The Loved Ones formed in 1990, a veritable supergroup of the California
mod scene, performing with an esthetic and energy akin to early Yardbirds.
Soon after that, original Chicago blues would become a major influence
while touches of garage rock, Memphis soul, and New Orleans R&B also
made their way into the group’s sound. The Loved Ones signed with
Hightone Records in 1992, releasing two LPs and a single over the next
two years. They hit the road in the US, touring every region of the country
and opening for the likes of John Lee Hooker and Junior Wells. Europe
followed with tours of Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The group
officially split in 1995 with a sold-out farewell concert at San Francisco’s
Great American Music Hall. Lead guitarist Xan McCurdy would eventually
join Cake and is still with the hit-making band today. Bassist Michael
Therieau and drummer John Kent spent several years in country rock
outfit, Dave Gleason’s Wasted Days. Singer Bart Davenport has released
eight solo albums.
While The Loved Ones have reunited several times over the years, their
new LP ‘LATEST HITS’ marks a long awaited return to writing and
recording together. To capture the magic on analog tape they enlisted retro
R&B dynamo Nick Waterhouse. The group's undeniable chemistry, plus
decades of experience apart brings masterful results, with McCurdy’s
tough yet playful riffs and Kent’s anachronistic beats setting the tone.
Twelve originals with lyrics by Davenport and Therieau explore the whole
of 60s style rock n roll from the endless boogie of ‘Mad, Bad LUV’, to the
Mersey drenched ‘Down That Road’, to the garage harmonies of ‘True
Love Or Temptation’ and freakbeat stomp of ‘Don’t Turn Your Back’.
Reanimating grooves they’ve appreciated since their teens but with a
maturity that only comes from veteran players, there is no weak link in The
Loved Ones. Their sound would be impossible without each member’s
distinctive contribution. So if you’re in Spain, The Netherlands or the U.S.
West Coast, they will soon bring that sound to a venue near you!
