Oh, how I love some British Rock. I want to thank Clive for bringing this song to my attention. I first learned about Pub Rock a few years ago from CB and Dave. The Motors are the first band I knew about and then Brinsley Schwarz. The genre sounded like raw rock and roll with a lot of power and punch. I could relate after playing in many bars myself through the years. There is a feel to that music…a lot of loud guitar and sweat which I enjoy.
I’ve been told that “pub rock” was not a compliment at the time. It started in the UK in the early 1970s. It was the anti-progressive and glam rock at a time when they were popular. It’s more of roots-type music which is right up my alley. Not that I don’t like glam and progressive but I like the stripped-back approach.
Dr Feelgood was formed in Caney Island, Essex, in 1971. Their members included Lee Brilleaux on vocals and harmonica, Wilko Johnson on guitar, John B. Sparks (Sparko) on bass, and John Martin on drums. They were one of the main bands in pub rock along with Brinsley Schwarz. They got their name from a Johnny Kidd and The Pirates song Dr. Feelgood. I’ve read different origins but that came from their official site.
By 1973 they were getting popular on the pub circuit and released their debut album in 1975 called Down By The Jetty. They released Milk and Alcohol in 1979 and it was written by Nick Lowe and John Mayo. Doesn’t it seem there were like 5 Nick Lowes back then? The man was everywhere. The song was influenced by Lowe drinking Kahlúa-milk drinks after a John Lee Hooker in the United States. It was inspired by a Hooker lyric about milk, cream, and alcohol.
The song peaked at #9 on the UK charts in 1979. This was the only top 10 song of their career. It was on the 1978 album Private Practice which peaked at #41 on the UK Album Charts that year. A version of the band is still going on now with different members.
Milk and Alcohol
White boy in townBig black, blue soundNight club, I paid inI got a stamp on my skin
Main attraction dead on his feetBlack man rhythm with a white boy beatThey got him on milk and alcoholThey got him on milk and alcohol
Stay put I wanna goHard work, bad showMore liquor, it don’t helpHe’s gonna die, it breaks my heart
I decided eventuallyThis ain’t doing a thing for meThey got him on milk and alcohol
They got him on milk and alcohol
They got him on milk and alcoholThey got him on milk and alcoholThey got him on milk and alcoholThey got him on milk and alcohol
Got up, I walked outTo the car, start it upFeel bad, sad nightI never saw a red light
Sirens were a screamin’ all aroundI pulled on over and I shut her downA black cop gave me a shove with his gunSaid up against the wall and don’t make a runThey got me on milk and alcoholThey got me on milk and alcohol
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