Barrence Whitfield and the Savages

Personnel: Barrence Whitfield (vocals); Peter Greenberg (guitar, background vocals); Steve Lagrega (saxophone); Howard Ferguson (drums); Phil Lenker (background vocals).
Liner Note Authors: John Swenson; Barrence Whitfield.
Recording information: Irving Plaza, NYC (06/1983); Mike Martashian's Basement (06/1983); Perfect Crime Studio, Boston, MA (06/1983); University Of Massachusetts (06/1983); Irving Plaza, NYC (1983); Mike Martashian's Basement (1983); Perfect Crime Studio, Boston, MA (1983); University Of Massachusetts (1983); Irving Plaza, NYC (1984); Mike Martashian's Basement (1984); Perfect Crime Studio, Boston, MA (1984); University Of Massachusetts (1984); Irving Plaza, NYC (1985); Mike Martashian's Basement (1985); Perfect Crime Studio, Boston, MA (1985); University Of Massachusetts (1985).
Photographer: Mike Marashian.
It clocks in at under 30 minutes, so these days it qualifies as an EP, but the Savages' debut record is a scorcher. A 100-mph rave-up from the moment Barry screams his way through Don Covay's "Bip Bop Bip" to the go-for-broke "Ship Sails at Six." Peter Greenberg's garage grunge guitar sounds great propelling these tracks, and the whole thing just screeches party. ~ John Dougan