Album Info
| Artist: | McKenna Mendelson Mainline |
| Album: | Stink |
| Released: | Australia, 1969 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | One Way Ticket | 2:40 |
| A2 | She's Alright | 3:35 |
| A3 | Beltmaker | 3:35 |
| A4 | Mainline | 6:40 |
| A5 | Think I'm Losing My Marbles | 2:30 |
| A6 | Drive You | 2:20 |
| B1 | T.B. Blues | 2:05 |
| B2 | Better Watch Out | 4:30 |
| B3 | Bad Women | 12:20 |
| B4 | Don't Give Me No Goose For Christmas Grandma | 2:30 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Amid the blues-rock boom of the late 60s, Canada threw its hat into the ring with a raw, gritty offering from McKenna Mendelson Mainline. Their debut, “Stink,” epitomizes the raw energy of the blues, distilled through the rough-and-ready spirit of rock. The album feels spontaneous, as if every track was a jam session, lending it an authenticity that is palpable from the outset.
Kicking off with the slightly irreverent "Better Watch Out," there's a pronounced emphasis on the harmonica, something that sets this album apart from many of its contemporaries. Mike McKenna's slide guitar work throughout is exemplary, yet it's Joe Mendelson's harmonica and vocals that become the soul of this record. His voice, unrefined and dripping with emotion, aligns perfectly with the thematic content of the tracks.
“Beltmaker” is an unapologetic blues rock number that screams of a time when the blues was starting to find its electric feet, a far cry from its Delta roots but still maintaining that raw emotion. “She's Alright” offers up a more mellow ambiance, with a repeated riff that becomes hypnotic, creating a fantastic auditory canvas upon which the rest of the band paints.
However, one of the standout tracks has to be "T.B. Blues." Here, the band exhibits a profound understanding and respect for the blues. Mendelson's voice moans and croons about the horrors of tuberculosis, a theme reminiscent of the early blues greats who sang about their struggles, fears, and the ever-present specter of death. This track is a testament to the band's versatility, its ability to straddle the line between traditional blues and the burgeoning rock scene of the time.
Production-wise, "Stink" benefits from its minimalism. There's no overproduction here, no excess of studio effects. The listener is treated to the pure, unadulterated sound of a band in their element, playing the music they love. This stripped-back approach works in its favor, allowing the raw talent of the members to shine through.
However, it's essential to recognize that McKenna Mendelson Mainline's commitment to the raw essence of the blues might not resonate with everyone. For listeners accustomed to the polished sounds of mainstream rock or pop, "Stink" may come off as jarring or even discordant. Yet, therein lies its charm. It's an album that refuses to compromise, staying true to its roots, reveling in its grit, and wearing its heart on its sleeve.
One can't review “Stink” without commenting on its peculiar album art, depicting the band members in a bathtub, a quirky visual that perhaps alludes to the band's offbeat, no-holds-barred approach to their music.
In conclusion, "Stink" is more than just a relic of its time. It's a significant contribution to the blues-rock genre, a testament to the power of authenticity, and the beauty that arises from unabashed musical expression. McKenna Mendelson Mainline might not have achieved the same legendary status as some of their contemporaries, but with “Stink,” they proved their mettle, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of blues-rock history.
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