Product Description

The Automatics are best remembered for their 1978 Pop-Punk classic "When the tanks roll over Poland again". "Britannia" features 11 tremendous new tracks from the pen of original Automatics frontman Dave Philp and an impressive line -up of musicians including the Sex Pistols` Steve Jones, Ian McCallum(S.L.F.), Mick Rossi (Slaughter & the dogs), Michael Des Barres (Power Station, Detective). There`s even a cameo appearance by Lancashire`s Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band! Produced by multi-platinum award winning producer Jim Wirt.

Track Listing

1. Britannia
2. When The Sun Sinks On England Tonight
3. British Beat
4. Close Your Eyes And Think Of England
5. England's Dreaming
6. England Expects
7. Old River Thames
8. Who Died And Made You Brian Jones
9. Royalty
10. Quintessential Englishman
11. Rule Britannia

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #174990 in Music
• Released on: 2006-06-05
• Number of discs: 1

Review
Anyone expecting to hear a rehash of The Automatics "When Those Tanks Roll Over Poland Again" , the startling piece of punk-pop that catapulted the band to wider fame back in 1978, will be surprised by the carefully crafted songwriting on Britannia . Put together by the band`s front man and songwriter, Dave Philp (now domiciled in California) the son of a English officer, the album resounds to the atmosphere of longing, a nostalgia for home, a pride in the achievements of the people, and disappointment in what could have been beyond empire, occupation and a blue blood class system. Musically Britannia , owes as much to 60s Brit-rock like The Kinks, The Who and even The Beatles as punk, although the sound is still a suitably beefy, riff driven rock best exemplified in numbers like "When The Sun Sinks On England Tonight" , "British Beat" (featuring the distinctive chunky guitar work of Steve Jones) "Who Died And Made You Brian Jones?" , "Rule Britannia" and perhaps the best of the bunch "England Expects", a delicious slice of Jam flavoured rocking. Elsewhere the more thoughtful acoustic fuelled numbers like "England s Dreaming" , "Old River Thames" and the brass coloured "Brittania" suggest this an album of love songs for these islands, their people, their sights, sounds and even the taste of the beer. A brave, bold and rewarding album. --Sean McGhee - Punk & Oi in the UK

About the Artist
The Automatics career began in 1978 with the release of their Punk/Powerpop standard 'When the tanks roll over Poland again', (released on Island Records in 1978) which became one of the first records to top the, newly introduced Punk/New Wave charts . An album entitled 'Walking with the radio on' was recorded at the same time under the guidance of upcoming producer Steve Lillywhite, but shelved by Island Records as they focused their attention and producer on an upcoming outfit calling themselves 'U2'. Drummer Ricky 'Rocket' Goldstein left to join Sham 69 and played on Sham`s later hits. Guitarist Wally Hacon went off to work with Wreckless Eric, for whom he wrote the single 'Broken Doll' (later covered by Sir Cliff Richard), whilst Bobby Collins had a spell as bass player in Holly and The Italians. Dave Philp relocated to the United States. With renewed vigour, lead vocalist and songwriter Philp re-assembled The Automatics in 2000 and recorded the Automatics "2" album with top L.A. producer Jim Wirt. "2" was released in Japan by Base Records in 2001 and promoted by a series of Japanese dates. 2003 saw the band release their 'Forty Virgins In The Afterlife' album. The album was released on Base Records in Japan and also had a release in Germany on Trash 2001 Records. It had the added bonus of a guest appearance from the Sex Pistols` Steve Jones, who played guitar on the tracks 'Trash' and 'Peace on Earth', and was supported by a Japanese tour in 2004. Dave Philp has been vigorously writing and recording over the last 3 years, culminating in the release of the brand new Automatics album 'Britannia' in July 2006 on UK label Dork Records. Guests on the album include Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Ian McCallum (Stiff Little Fingers), Mick Rossi (Slaughter & the dogs), Michael Des Barres (Silverhead, Detective, Power station), Jim Wirt and others.

Customer Reviews

Stunner
The Automatics are best remembered for their 1978 Pop/Punk anthem 'When the tanks roll over Poland again'.

The album features 11 new tracks from the pen of original Automatics frontman Dave Philp and boasts an impressive line -up of guest musicians including the Sex Pistols` Steve Jones, Ian McCallum(S.L.F.), Mick Rossi (Slaughter & the dogs), Michael Des Barres (Power Station, Detective, Silverhead) and Phil Hendriks (The Stiffs). There`s even a cameo appearance by Lancashire`s own Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band on the title track!

"Britannia" was recorded in Los Angeles and was produced by platinum award winning producer Jim Wirt, famed for his work with Incubus, Something Corporate and Jack`s Mannequin.

Don`t be fooled for one minute into thinking that this is a collection of football songs. Yes, there is an English theme but lyrically it`s more in the vein of Ray Davies` cherished observations than any simplistic, Nationalistic chants. Philp`s lyrics explore both the negative and positive sides of our nation`s history.

This is stylistically a much more varied album than one would expect from the Automatics. From the out and out Powerpop/Punk of "England Expects" and "When the sun sinks on England tonight" to the evocative, almost Folk-tinged beauty of "England`s Dreaming", "Old River Thames" and the "Britannia" this set demonstrates the full scope of Philp`s considerable songwriting talent and Jim Wirt`s production excellence.

With it`s contrasting moods and dynamics the album works on all levels and is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience from start to finish. Play this album a couple of times and you won`t be able to get these songs out of your head.....ever!
If you`re a fan of great 3-minute Powerpop songs with big guitars, big harmonies and superb melodies...this is yer man!