FREDDIE ARE YOU READY / KITE

Nuclear Nightclub (1975) is among the biggest classic albums in the history of Finnish popular music. It represented a total change in direction. Gone for their solo careers were the progressive / jazz rock -oriented members Jukka Gustavson and Pekka Pohjola. Most likely the band would have just called it a day, if the former Tasavallan Presidentti bassist Måns Groundstöm hadn't arrive to lift up the spirit of the remaining trio. Both Gustavson and Pohjola were important composers for Wigwam, but the songwriting didn't however become the territory of Jim Pembroke alone; guitarist Pekka Rechardt, who had already appeared on the live double album Music from the Twilight Zone, had a huge impact in that sense too.

This single, containing two songs from Nuclear Nightclub, preceeded the album and thus gave a good idea of what was coming. Both Rechardt's 'Freddie Are You Ready' and Pembroke's 'Kite' are excellent songs and great examples of the new, fresh "deep pop" style of Wigwam. On the producer's seat was the very gifted rock musician Pave Maijanen (in his first work as a producer!), and he certainly was the right choice in the whole musical chemistry. The music wasn't half as progressive as the "old" Wigwam, but as pop music it was simply perfect. I can't even choose which song I like more. 'Freddie' has slightly more twists and it feels joyful while 'Kite' has always charmed me deeply by its dreamy soundscape and melodies, not forgetting the electric guitar solo in the middle. Both songs are full of good melodies and the airy sound is exciting and elegant in a way that no Finnish pop music had ever been.

I came to think of this music for a reason: the soon touring "Wigwam Experience" (featuring Jukka Gustavson and Pekka Rechardt) turned out to be the real thing, Wigwam celebrating its 50 years, when Jim Pembroke announced he'll be joining in. These two classic songs are likely to be heard in the concerts this autumn. [If this was a pop site, I would give 5 stars. But since both songs are on the album as well, it's a firm four-star case.]