Mike & The Ravens: Roller, Roller, Rollerland!

Written by Mike & The Ravens rhythm guitarist Steve Blodgett in 1962, the song was an ode to a local skating rink in Plattsburgh, New York, where teens congregated to attend weekly Rock-A-Ramas that featured rock 'n' roll stars of the day as well as local bands. Mike & The Ravens attempted to record the song, but nothing came of it. 18 months after the band broke up, it was recorded by "Wild" Bill Kennedy & The Twiliters in 1964 for Peter Guibord's Empire Records and issued as a 45. Fast forward two and a half decades where the song is picked up by Untamed Youth, who give it a new lease on life, exposing it to yet another generation of artists that have subsequently covered it, from LA's Volcanics to Helsinki's Them Bird Things.

Almost a half century after penning it, the definitive configuration of Mike & The Ravens finally put down a take on their debut album, "Noisy Boys! The Saxony Sessions," which is available on Zoho Roots as a CD or from iTunes as a download.

"Hit Parader" editor John Shelton Ivany said, "Opening track 'Roller, Roller Rollerland!,' is, in all honesty, the best rock and roll song I've heard this year." Other critics raved as well with "Billboard" senior editor Chuck Eddy naming the album to his Top 100 Albums of the Year list.

Visit www.myspace.com/miketheravens and www.myspace.com/miketheravensnow for more info and other songs, including their original 1962 45s and their sophomore album, "No Place For Pretty," which was also recorded at the legendary Saxony.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• frat
• garage
• rock 'n' roll
• Mike & The Ravens
• Mike Brassard
• Bo Blodgett
• Steve Blodgett
• Brian Lyford
• Peter Young
• The Saxony
• Them Bird Things

[virtualsteff]

original from the twiliters i think

[ClayHolliday]

@virtualsteff the Twiliters covered it although they did record it first...

[riumlm]

Oh Please Please up load the lyrics and chords It would be a great one for the local 'Open Mike Am also awaiting 'Them Bird Things' version

[coppermouse01]

Rouses Point, NY home of the Saxony Lounge one of the hottest night spots in the northeast back in the 60's. Great live bands.

[MsBlitz99]

Amazing!

[Calvindrx]

good video

[MikeBlitzMag]

Absolutely superb! And that the band's early 1960s line up remains intact after nearly a half century is nothing short of answered prayer!

[MrOldiesHeaven]

Fantastic!

Can I buy this anywhere?

[chrysler30062]

Fantastic a real party popper

[vanciebaby]

Great video of great group! Is Clay Holliday an alias?