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The Thanes
Garage / Folk / Psychedelic

"1986 - 2006... 20 years..."

Edinburgh,
United Kingdom

Profile Views:  41870




Last Login:  7/25/2008
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   Contacting The Thanes

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/thethanes  

   The Thanes: General Info
Member Since4/20/2006
Band Websitemyspace.com/thethanes
Band Members

Lenny Helsing: lead vocals and guitar

Angus McPake: organ, piano and guitar

Mark Hunter: bass guitar and backing vocals

Mike Goodwin: drums

former members of The Thanes:

Keith Douglas: bass guitar, backing vocals (2005-2006; not on any recordings); Mal Kergan: bass guitar, backing vocals (1993-2004); Ian Binns: drums, backing vocals (1987-1994); Nick Kennedy: organ, guitar, backing vocals (1993-1994); Denis Boyle: bass guitar (1987-1992); Clive Fenton: bass guitar (1992; not on any recordings); Bruce Lyall: organ, guitar, backing vocals (1986-1992); Alan McLean: bass guitar, backing vocals (1986-1988); Calvin Burt: drums, backing vocals (1987-1988)

InfluencesSounds of great rock'n'roll, blues, beat, folk-rock, psychedelic and punk groups and artists from all corners of the world who made the best records of their day; both common and the more obscure!
Sounds LikeT H E T H A N E S
Record LabelScreaming Apple, Larsen, Misty Lane, Rev-Ola...
Type of LabelIndie





   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jun 28 2008 8:00P
PRIMITIVE AT THE WATERFRONT, ROTTERDAM ROTTERDAM
Aug 1 2008 8:00P
EYES WIDE OPEN @ THE TWISTED WHEEL Glasgow

The Thanes's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

THE THANES AT THE ARK FRI MAY 2  (view more)

New Cds featuring THE THANES  (view more)

THANES JOIN SONICS FOR NEW YORK CAVESTOMP 2007  (view more)

NEW LOOK PROFILE  (view more)

THE THANES for NY CAVESTOMP PARTY!!!  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About The Thanes
..

About The Thanes:

One night As I Wandered On The Moors: The Best Of The Thanes - double LP (Corduroy Records CORD 065)

The Thanes have been plying their trade since 1986 in the semi-obscurity befitting an Edinburgh act that never moved to London. When I finally got to see them at the second Las Vegas Grind they knocked me out, so it's neat to have so much of their history in one place. Here are 27 fine selections demonstrating that ebullient or moody, fuzzy or precise, Lenny Helsing's band can always be counted on to take the basic garage conventions and turn them into something personal and exciting."

Downbeat And Folked Up (Screaming Apple - SCALP 147)

Brand new album of the Scottish beat legends the THANES, we cant hardly find the right words for it. The THANES have be around since 1987 and certainly belong to the very few really important bands of todays garage and beat scene. Hailing from Edinburgh, they have released tons of records on the coolest labels around, such as SUNDAZED, CORDUROY, MISTY LANE, LARSEN and DISTORTIONS to name but a few. The THANES of this ultra-modern age conjure up ever more new and always interesting twists and turns from their basic garage band vision. They are extending their collective antennae, reaching but further, sometimes bringing a new reaffirmation of a deeper folk-rock stance with evocative vocal harmonies and a jangling 12-string: to wit, there are covers by Bob Dylan, and The Beau Brummels, played out with true heart and soul. A few choice examples of the group..s mega-fixation with groups that existed in Holland thirty-odd years ago have also been selected for inclusion. One of the best is their interpretation of "I..m A Fool" originally performed by The Sandy Coast. Stomping and gyrating is also encouraged with original beat-style creations such as "It Can Never Be", "The Next One", and the furious buzz of the LP opener "That..s The Story Of Your Life". No other current band is able to combine all these musical elements of the sixties in such a perfect way. "Downbeat & folked up" is masterpiece of modern beat music and will not just take the hearts of all the sixties-devotees by storm. One hell of an album!

EVOLVER - The Thanes (Rev-Ola REV069)

For some of us who were there, the 80s garage revival is somewhat like one of those TV shows you loved as a kid but found meaningless as an adult. Sure it all sounded great at the time, but it also didnt exactly have stiff competition in such tripe as Tears for Fears and Def Leppard. But ah, the memories: Watching bands decked out in authentic threads playing authentic 60s equipment, the paisleys, the psychedelic lettering on the covers, and the hope that somehow, some way, the unlistenable dreck being piped out of the radio like so much industrial waste would burn up faster than the Space Shuttle did in 1986. Unfortunately, in retrospect the mostly weak songwriting, second-rate 60s covers, and other contrivances are more analogous to the post-gig, morning-after hangovers. And then there are the Thanes, Scots who could write originals to match their fine covers, and who focused more on the music and overall sound than on adherence to iconography. They may not have had the commonly accepted caveman look and bowl haircuts of so many contemporaries, but they made some excellent music -- as documented on this 27-song compilation covering 1987 through 2001. The Thanes generally play melodic, organ-driven rock (though never at the expense of the guitar), as best illustrated on originals like Girls, Thats the Story of Your Life, Before I Go, and Days Go Slowly By. But they can also handle more driving stuff, including darker originals such as It Can Never Be and Thrown Away the Key, plus a cover of the pre-fame Guess Whos Its My Pride. In a reversal of the typical garage revival band trend, its ironically one of but five covers on here, a previously unreleased version of the Kinks Wholl Be the Next in Line, that provides the only weak moment. Otherwise, "Evolver" is one of the few ways to relive the 80s garage revival and still feel good about it. And the story isnt over yet.

THE THANES – DISCOGRAPHY

LPs

The Thanes Of Cawdor - LP (DDT, 1987, UK)

Better Look Behind You - 10” mini-LP (Nightshift, 1990, UK) -recorded in 1988

Undignified Noblemen - LP (Misty Lane, 1997, Italy) -recorded in 1996

One Night As I Wandered On The Moors: The Best Of The Thanes - Double LP (Corduroy Records and Detective Agency, 2000, Australia)

Downbeat And Folked Up - LP / CD (Screaming Apple, 2002, Germany)-recorded in 2001

Evolver - CD (Rev-Ola, 2004, UK)

The Complete Undignified Noblemen Sessions – CD (Teen Sound, 2005, Italy)

Evolver – Double LP (“unauthorised” issue Abraxas/Get Back, 2005, Italy)

A Night In Great King Street 10” LP (Larsen, 2007, France)-recorded in 1999

COMPILATION APPEARANCES

I Am Alone (as by The Thanes Of Cawdor), on Dimensions Of Sound – LP (Mystery Scene, 1988, Germany)-recorded in 1986

She’s A Robber, I’ll Find Out, on Raw Cuts, UK Garage Disease – LP (Satellite, 1988, UK)-recorded in 1987

You Shouldn’t Be Sad / Who’ll Be The Next In Line, on Shangri-La, a tribute to The Kinks - LP / CD (Imaginary, 1989, UK)-recorded in 1988

Sun’s Going Down, on Misfit – a tribute to the Outsiders – LP (Screaming Apple, 1992, Germany)-recorded in 1989

Honey I Need, on Not So Pretty, 22 Bands from around the globe salute The Pretty Things – Double LP (Corduroy Records and Detective Agency, 1995, Australia)-recorded in 1993

I Would Love You, on Transworld Garage Scene Volume 1: Europe – LP (Misty Lane, 1995, Italy)-recorded in 1994

World Of Pauline Lewis, on If I Could Write Poetry, a tribute to Television Personalities – CD (The Beautiful Music, 2005, Canada)-recorded in 1996

You Shouldn’t Be Sad, on The Modern Genius of Ray Davies tribute CD (Mojo magazine freebie, 2006, UK)-recorded in 1988

When I Cried (live), on Riot On Soundflat Strip CD (mail order freebie, Soundflat / Screaming Apple, 2006, Germany)-recorded in 1989

Pain (live), on Ansia de Color 20th Anniversary issue CD (Ansia de Color magazine freebie, 2007, Spain)-recorded in 1990

45s / EPs etc…

Hey Girl + 3 7” EP (DDT, 1987, UK)

Hey Girl + 6 12” EP (DDT, 1988, UK)-recorded in 1987/88

No Need To Worry / Please Don’t Cry, on split 7” w/The Steppes (Lost Trails magazine freebie, 1988, Italy)

LSD (Got A Million $), on split 7” w/ Das Damen & Crazyhead (Sniffin’ Rock magazine, 1988, UK)

I’ll Rest / Baby Come Back 7” (DDT, 1988, UK)

She’s A Robber / Lazy Bones “unissued” flexi-disc (recorded for aborted issue 4 of Splendid International magazine, 1988, Germany)

Don’t Let Her Dark Your Dooragain / In God I Trust 7” (Screaming Apple, 1990, Germany)-recorded in 1988

Learning Greek Mythology With…The Thanes 12” EP (Satyrecords, 1992, Greece)

Dozen Thoughts Buzzing / Antenna Surprise 7” (Screaming Apple, 1994, Germany)-recorded in 1993

I’ve Seen Darker Nights / (Seems To Break Your) Happy Chain 7” (Distortions, 1995, USA)-recorded in 1993

Shipwreck / Dissatisfaction, on split 7” EP w/ The Others (Misty Lane magazine freebie, 1995, Italy)-recorded in 1994

Better Days / Never Make Me Blue 7” (Larsen, 1997, France)-recorded in 1996

X+Y=13 / World Of Pauline Lewis, on split 7” EP w/ Slow Slushy Boys (Do The Dog, 1999, France)-recorded in 1996

Don’t Say Why, on Expo 2000 split 7” EP w/ The Chocolate Watchband, The Rookies, and The Tyme Society (Misty Lane, 2000, Italy)-recorded in 1999

Hey Honey / It’s Gone – Double Dutch - 7” (Corduroy…, 2000, Australia)-recorded in 1996

Now It’s Your Turn To Cry, on split 7” EP w/ Bangtwister, The Grease Monkeys and Firestone:Legend Of The Hawk (The Big Psych-Out, 2000, UK)-recorded in 1999

It’s Just A Fear / Sun Didn’t Come Out Today 7” (Living Eye/Sundazed, 2001, USA)-recorded in 1999

No No No No / What More Can I Do 7” (Larsen, 2005, France)-recorded in 2001


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The Thanes's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 887 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Chronics





Jul 23 2008 5:45 PM

Old song by the chronics on line from '99.
Great pop sounds from Rip Off records sessions (song not included on that release cos too much melody for rip off records!).
See you frends
Soundflat Records Ballroom Bash 24./25.10.08





Jul 23 2008 10:45 AM

24/25.10.08 in Leipzig at McCormacks Ballroom:
THE SOUNDFLAT RECORDS BALLROOM BASH VOL. 2!
Check out for more informtion under:

www. myspace. com/soundflat_ballroom_bash

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Lemmus Lemmus (New Album Out Now!)





Jul 21 2008 5:04 AM

Dear Friend,

Check out the Lemmus Lemmus space and taste the sound of our newly released album!


THE BRUTES





Jul 20 2008 3:54 PM

Comin' back thru to visit yers this Friday...


Beatsville!



www.PsychedelicCentral.Com





Jul 18 2008 6:43 PM

Photobucket

Jan :)

sellotape





Jul 16 2008 12:40 PM


s/e/l/l/o/t/a/p/e

LIVE*FREE*TOMORROW

thursday 17th july

7pm - 10pm earlyish!!

CABARET VOLTAIRE

plus F.A.N.G.S & sWiMmeR oNe

mENd*STicK*fiX





pany





Jul 16 2008 10:30 AM

hey there!cheers from greece!
Don’t Die On My Doorstep





Jul 12 2008 4:28 AM

count me in for the glasgow gig!

be seeing you,

kris
barbara





Jul 11 2008 10:46 PM

Hi Thanes! Do you like to watch sci-fi B movies?
Viscount du Chance-Medley





Jul 11 2008 1:11 PM

Well if I had an endoscope....
Paul Messis





Jul 11 2008 10:13 AM

the bass and combo organ combination on your track shipwreck is truly orgasmic .... lovely sound what sorta bass is it?
ORDNUNGSAMT





Jul 11 2008 3:21 AM

Ordnungsamt sez: Hallo!
check out www. youtube. com/watch?v=l4urO6fklx4
Vinyl Magic ROMA





Jul 11 2008 2:10 AM

thanks!

WWW. VINYLMAGICROMA. IT

shipping worldwide!!!
alan





Jul 11 2008 1:43 AM

THANKS FOR ADD
GREAT TUNES
Raquel





Jul 11 2008 12:30 AM

Hi, thanks for adding me!
Cheers
Golly McCry





Jul 10 2008 3:14 PM

Thank you for the add!
Feathered Apple Records





Jul 10 2008 10:56 AM



THE OUTSPOKEN BLUES - Same CD (Feathered Apple Records - FA 6513) 14.50 Euro + shipping

Any true '60's garage maniac should already be hip to The Outspoken Blues' monster '60s garage track 'Not Right Now' via Back From The Grave, Volume 8, as well as The Bryds' 'Your Lies' via Back From The Grave, Volume 6. Now, on this historic and completely official 17-track CD, the full musical output and story behind those legendary Chicago '60's garage bands is finally told.

The compilation kicks off with both sides from The Outspoken Blues' ultra-rare and killer $5,000 single of 'Not Right Now' b/w 'Mister You're A Better Man Than I' that was originally released on the highly sought after Orlyn Records studio label in 1966; that single is followed by 11 fabulous and never-before-released 1967 garage/r&b tracks from The Outspoken Blues' unreleased album, including seven originals ('Not Right Now', 'Sitting On A Sunday', 'A Wonderful Summer', 'I Can't Make You Love Me', 'I'll Stay','All Your Love' and 'N.Y.P.D') and five covers ('Mister You're A Better Man Than I', 'I Know', 'Hold On I'm Comin'', 'Turn On Your Lovelight' and 'Since I Don't Have You'). Also featured are two great and previously unreleased 1968 garage tracks ('Poor Rich Man' and 'Jr. Saw It Happen') that were recorded under the moniker of The Prod. As a final bonus, the CD is rounded out in great fashion with both tracks from The Bryds' super rare and fantastic 1965 teen garage 45, 'Your Lies' b/w 'Why Did You Have To Break My Heart', penned by The Outspoken Blues' main songwriter and part lead-vocalist Robert Stanley.
the mad scene





Jul 8 2008 12:33 PM

you guys should do a show where all your ex-members come on stage for a song - all at once. like the beatles doing wah wah with 100 people onstage.
rock out!
Johnny & The Deadbeats





Jul 8 2008 1:05 AM

Hiya Lenny & The Thanes,

Noticed you guys were playing Glasgow on August 1st, are you planning any gigs back in the hometown in the near future?

All the best guys,
Johnny.
ultra milkmaids





Jul 7 2008 11:46 PM

OUT NOW
CD/ep On Waystyx records
“Pretty Day”



http://www. waystyx. com
http://www. ultra-milkmaids. com
Edorf Dlojks





Jul 7 2008 10:41 AM

Hi, Lenny. It was nice to meet you in Rotterdam. Take care!
Frode
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don fardon





Jul 7 2008 9:35 AM

Hi Lenny great performance in Rotterdam !!!
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Marky





Jul 6 2008 3:46 AM

hey Lenny.. Are you back??

your sining with the Outsiders was fantastic!!

thankx for plying harp with uss

best wishes and hope to se you soon!
www.PsychedelicCentral.Com





Jul 4 2008 10:52 AM

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

"Let Freedom Ring"

I hope you have a really wonderful weekend!

Jan :)

The GoGo





Jul 3 2008 6:24 PM

THE GOGO! Saturday 5th July.
with The URGES live!!!
£3 b4 midnight with a flyer. 11pm-3am.

Bik





Jul 3 2008 10:06 AM

Should've Gone To Specsavers!



Was good having a beer with you again at Primitive, see at the next fest somewhere soon.
Primitive! Festival





Jul 3 2008 7:40 AM

Hi Lenny, thank YOU for making it a super hi-ha-happening! We find you a most enjoyable maraccas'n'tambourine-trembler, so we most certainly hope you'll be back next year.
PS your wooden-shoe-shuffle isn't half bad either :)
caveman78





Jul 3 2008 3:51 AM

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
www.PsychedelicCentral.Com





Jun 27 2008 6:12 PM

Photobucket

Jan :)

Los Immediatos





Jun 26 2008 5:43 AM

Hello there Guys!
NEW RELEASE!!!
LP - 11 Cuts - TEEN SOUND - IT - 2008
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LP
LOS IMMEDIATOS: Second Chance
NOW ON SALE!!!

Orders to:
mistylane@iol.it

NEW RELEASE ON TEEN SOUND RECORDS
AVAILABLE ON LP
THE MARSHMALLOW OVERCOAT





Jun 24 2008 4:32 PM

THE GARAGE GURUS RETURN!

Marshmallow Overcoat new album!
GaragePunk Podcast





Jun 23 2008 9:01 PM

This weekend in St. Louis...



Watch a video of GONN (courtesy of Lo-Fi Saint Louis) from their last Off Broadway show here!
chaotix





Jun 19 2008 10:08 AM

hey man, howz it hangin? no way I can make either bash, Glastonbury beckons and we leave on monday. would love to catch up wi ye soon, we get back first week in july.
have a hoot whatever ye do, cheers Steve x
Be Seeing You