So then, what is the connection between Roxette, the Swedish band from the late 80s, and a 70s British Pub-Rock band? The answer, very simply, is that Roxette, the band, named themselves after Roxette the song, by a fantastic but very poorly known British band called Dr. Feelgood. Having mentioned the connection in my last post I somehow feel compelled to introduce you to a band I wish I’d heard when I was 18.

Growing up in Delhi, sadly I only ever heard one song of theirs on the radio. It was on one of those week-day afternoon shows that Philip Neelam used to host. I think the show was on Blues music and he played “Milk and Alcohol”. I remember really being struck by the sound – this was some wicked R&B! Of course, I completely missed the name of the band, and this song was somehow lost in the pages of history for me. Until…..

…..Fast forward twenty-five years and one evening in London I’m listening to BBC2 on the car radio (my favourite channel and the one my children always call “Old People Radio!). It’s The Blues Show with Paul Jones – the ex-lead singer of Manfred Man, who hosted The Blues Show on BBC2 for years and years. Halfway through the program, he plays “Milk and Alcohol”!!! I almost crashed the car as I pulled over and excitedly waited for the song to finish and for him to give me the name of the band – Dr. Feelgood!

(Paul also played John Thorogood’s Bad To the Bone and introduced me to another Blues legend…but that’s a story for another day).  I remember I immediately got onto Spotify and discovered a treasure trove of R&B songs and covers. Exactly the kind of band you’d hear at our college music festivals. Only better! Videos of them performing live look brilliant – exactly what you’d want to see after three or four Old Monk and Cokes, out doing a pub-crawl with your mates!! I think the word I’m looking for is Raw – their music is completely raw!

“Roxette”, from their 1973 debut album “Down By The Jetty”, which for me at least, is their best song. Absolutely love Wilko’s lead guitar and Sparks’ crazy rockin’ bass line. Cannot stand still when it plays! Please Promise me you’ll tab up see the video a few times 🙏🏽 – if for nothing else, to appreciate Wilko’s crazy metronomic “Guitar God” performance – that bobbing head, the maniacal stare and the CNC controlled, incredibly precise guitar playing. Apparently, Roger Daltrey was inspired big time by Wilko’s stage act – they’ve even recorded an album together!

Dr. Feelgood are (yup, they’re still touring!) a solid R&B band from Essex with the original line-up of Wilko Johnson (lead guitar), Lee Brilleaux (vocals/Harmonica), John Sparks (bass guitar) and John Martin (drums). They burst onto the London pub music scene in early 70s with their British version of songs inspired by old time American blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker. Guitars, Harmonica, an infectious beat that has you stomping your feet and clapping your hands. Dr. Feelgood have had a bit of a revolving door when it comes to band members and amazingly, their biggest hit – “Milk and Acohol” – was made after Wilko left the band! It tells the story of band member Nick Lowe’s experiences drinking one too many Kahluas at a concert by John Lee Hooker – the album cover features the silhouette of a Kahlua bottle!

The rest of their songs are really really really good too …shame they didn’t become more famous. Look them up on Spotify and YouTube. Ideally listen to them on your headphones. Remember to turn the volume up!