Tackhead
This dub/hip-hop outfit was formed in 1987 and released a remarkable first single, "The Game", with a Brian Moore (football commentator) sample and backbeat that comprised metal guitar and electro "Hi-NRG" attack, together with football chants. The band comprised Keith LeBlanc (previously behind the groundbreaking "Malcolm X: No Sell Out" single; percussion, keyboards), plus Doug Wimbish (b. 22 September 1956, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; bass) and Skip McDonald aka Little Axe (b. Bernard Alexander, 1 September 1949, Dayton, Ohio, USA; guitar). Together they had previously operated as the Sugarhill Records house band, in their home-town of Bristol, Connecticut, USA, performing on early hip-hop classics such as "Rapper's Delight", "The Message" and "White Lines (Don't Do It)". They had also been major contributors, as Wood Brass And Steel, to many of the recordings which emerged from another Sylvia Robinson label, All Platinum Records. Migrating to London in 1984, they became a central component of Adrian Sherwood's On U Sound label. Sherwood became the mixmaster who would take the trio's basic tracks and add a little club magic. Although they all appeared on LeBlanc's solo debut, their first recording as Tackhead came with Gary Clail as vocalist in 1987 - Tackhead Tape Time - which was jointly credited. They subsequently recruited vocalist Bernard Fowler, who appeared on their best album, Friendly As A Hand Grenade. Its follow-up set, Strange Things, was an unfortunate shot at crossover success, following the band's relocation to the US. Guest contributions from Melle Mel, Lisa Fancher and even Mick Jagger on harmonica did little to elevate a dour reading of dance-rock. In 1991, LeBlanc joined with Tim Simenon (Bomb The Bass) in a new project titled Interference.
Listen to Tackhead
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Top Tracks
- King Of The Beat
- What's My Mission Now? (2006 Digital Remaster)
- Hard Left (2006 Digital Remaster)
- King of Beat
- Dreamworld (2006 Digital Remaster)
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