JUST EAR-RINGS

This debut album of the Flying Dutchmen has little to do with some of their great seventies releases. This album is a combination of fine little tunes which are pretty much Beatles influenced (''Nobody But You'').

I have to say that worse could have been expected. Actually, bearing in mind the date of release, it is not bad at all. Of course, most of the songs sounds childish and outdated. But remember that this was recorded some 45 years ago. So, one has to be somewhat indulgent I guess.

There aren't any outstanding tracks in here. Just a typical mid sixties album. Fine melodies seriously Beatles oriented (''I Hate Saying These Words'', ''Holy Witness'', ''Please Go'') and standard pop tunes. As you could easily expect there is definitely nothing from the other world. But the band doesn't have to be blamed for this. It is only a record of its era.

Simple songs, simple structure, and short formats. Could one really expect something else from a band out of continental Europe in those days? I guess not. Of progressive music, there is of course no speak about (but this shouldn't be a surprise, right?).

Some romanticism and predictable harmonies (''I Am A Fool'') reminds whom I have already mentioned quite a bit as the main source of influence. Still, when listening to ''When People Talk'', the acoustic Stones comes immediately to my mind.

Needless to say that this album is not essential for the rock history. But it's not too bad either for the ones who like the mid sixties. This is completely derivative of the early Beatles music (musically and vocally: ''Sticks & Stones'', ''Lonely Everyday'').

Two stars for me.