Here it is: all you ever needed to know about the original Ilford version of The Knack, wrapped up in one CD. With Paul Gurvitz, later of Gun and the Baker-Gurvitz Army, The Knack released a string of six 45s during 1965-67, the first two for Decca and the last four for the Pye subsidiary Piccadilly, before they metamorphosed into hard rock trio Gun.
From their debut single, a vogueish cover of The Kinks’ Who’ll Be The Next In Line?, to the timely pyschedelia of their previously unreleased final recording, Lights On The Wall, The Knack’s complete range is chronologically laid out across these 16 tracks. The Piccadilly 45s reveal a liking for the The Lovin’ Spoonful, with covers of Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind? and Younger Girl turning up on both A- and Bsides. A stylistic departure comes into play with the more downbeat acoustic mood of The Knack’s fourth and final Piccadilly 45, (Man From The) Marriage Guidance & Advice Bureau.
In addition to the UK singles, this includes the seriously rare 45 recorded for the Star Club’s inhouse label. It was only released in Germany after the band landed themselves a six-month residency at the legendary Hamburg venue, while playing as The Londoners.
