Global Village Trucking Company — Smiling Revolution
Global Village Trucking Company were a Norfolk commune living five piece-who in the early ’70s severed up a largely happy-go-lucky blend of pub rock, jaunting 70’s pop-rock, lite prog, white soul music, funk, and jam rock. Here on Cherry Reds largely prog focused Esoteric Records is Smiling Revolution- a two-CD anthology collection of the bands work- taking in eighteen tracks, which highlights the bands bright and buoyant sound, and their carefree/ relaxed genre blend.
The CDs are presented in an eight-panel gatefold digipak, which features two inlay booklets- one runs for thirty pages, taking a new write-up about the band, press cuttings, band pictures, etc. And the other shorter one features song lyrics. So as usual a well put together and classy presentation from Esoteric.
Global Village Trucking Company were formed in 1971 in Norfolk, UK- they released just one self-titled album on Caroline records in 75, but played an impressive three hundred and ninety UK gigs between the years 1972 and 1975. The band brought together Jon Owen- lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric rhythm guitar. James Lacelles- keyboards, percussion and backing vocals. John Mckenzie- bass and backing vocals. Simon Stewart- drums & precussion. Mike Medora- lead guitar, acoustic slide, harmonica, and backing/ harmony vocals.
The band are often quoted as being a British take on the Grateful Dead- with their upbeat rock genre-blending sound, and moments of jam rocking. And I can certainly see this comparison to an extent- though they rather lack the more charming flair, experimentation, and ability to change mood/ atmosphere that the Dead had. The collection to hand certainly highlights the band as talented players- who are both well versed in genre traits, and composing some memorable tunes, that nicely shift through rock, soul, and funk. The thing is it's all largely focused in on been joyful jaunting and upbeat rocking- really lacking any edge & grit. And lastly/ most importantly for me there is no darkness, discord, or danger within the band’s sound.
It’s great to see Esoteric Records once more putting together another classy and well-compiled band anthology with Smiling Revolution. And I’d say if you like more up-beat, bright and grooving 70’s rock genre blend, with a few more jam bound moments in, I’d certainly give this a go. Sadly, there’s just not enough edge, or variation in the track's moods for me.