365 Days #195 - The Two Pete's - Live At The Ever New Montague Arms (mp3s)

MP3:
01. Solitaire (6:31)
02. Macarthur Park/Popcorn (6:19)
03. After The Goldrush (2:54)
04. Bee Gees Medley (7:30)
05. The Games People Play (3:36)
06. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On (2:29)
07. Love You More Than I Can Say (3:26)
08. Nobody's Child (6:48)
09. The Yodeling Song (2:20)
10. '57 Chevrolet (3:01)
11. It's Only Make Believe (3:01)
12. Trouble (3:32)

It was nearly twenty five years ago that a friend insisted that I accompany him to a pub in New Cross, South East London, to see a duo called The Two Pete's.  Comprising a blind keyboard player with more synths than Rick Wakeman and a drummer with a kit matched in scale only by his beard, my friend assured me that The Two Pete's launched themselves at popular classics with such individuality and gusto that a good night out was guaranteed.  My friend was not wrong, as the results on this album will attest.

Recorded before the drinkers and ably supported by a selection of guest singers drawn from the crowd, the performances veer from the wayward to the excruciating to the downright bizarre.  However, the warmth and the enthusiasm of all concerned is self evident and I can't help but find myself endeared to such individual interpretations, much like viewing a small child taking it's first steps and repeatedly falling over.

There are far too many highlights to list, but I have a particular fondness for the good kicking meted out to Macarthur Park - the helpful addition of a Prog Rock style synth solo and a segue into Popcorn surely improve on the original.

Of particular note is the genuine technical skill of the keyboard player, however misguided the end results.  He would play Moog bass pedals with his feet, simultaneously switching from keyboard to keyboard while singing.  Tricky to do sighted, let alone blind.  The drummer is also worthy of mention for his hyperactive snare technique.  He is of the 'if it's not moving hit it' school of drumming.  Respect.

As far as I can ascertain, The Two Pete's still perform in the pub and must be in their sixties by now.

I hope 'Live At The Ever New Montague Arms' gives you as much 'pleasure' as it has my friends and I over the years.  Apparently there is a volume 2 knocking around as well, although one can have too much of a good thing.

- Contributed by: Scott Taylor

Media: LP
Album: Live At The Ever New Montague Arms
Date: 1981

Comments

[SS]

Thanks! This is one of the most misguidedly great things I've hears in quite a while. You are correct in your assertion about the keyboard solo in MacArthur Park. And the guys voice is pretty fantastic, too. I half expect him to shout "I am the god of hell fire.."

[365]

I should note. This recording was sent to me by Scott (who wrote to me after the first 365 in early 2004). All of the words are from his letter he sent to me when sending a CDR. I tried to email and locate Scott but could not find him. So Scott if you are reading this time around it made the project, and it's one of those things sitting around here that is too good to not share.

Thanks,
Otis

[Hellbound Alleee]

Nice! But I can't help asking: "the two Pete's" what? Ale? Beer? Bangers and eggs?

[folksnake]

There's a woman in there, too, singing "After the Goldrush"...was she just a pub patron who stood up and sang?

[David Noades]

Thanks for sharing this with us, some great arrangements and a terrific sound for a bar duo. This album may be Volume One of Live At The 'New' Montague Arms but it all started in 1971 when the duo played at the old Montague Arms (at the same address but before it was renovated). I have Volumes One - Three which were all issued as private pressings on the pub's own label. Volume One was from 1971, Volumes Two and Three are from 1972. The Two Peters are actually keyboardist Peter London and drummer (and landlord) Peter Hoyle who were (and still are) the in-house duo. Peter Hoyle was famous for his excessive facial hair and outrageous taste in clothes (paisley shirts, flock velvet loon pants, etc). On the earlier albums they were joined by vocalist-comedian-compere Jimmy Jones who's now quite a big name on the British comedy circit. Keyboardist Peter London is truly amazing and he often includes his own codas on the songs he performs, sometimes nicking bits from other tunes to embellish them. Originally playing the Hammond organ he introduced the Moog on Volume Three. All three albums have been signed by the three and I suspect these were only sold in house to regular punters/fans. The cover of Volume One is legendary amoung collectors of kitsch-naff. See it at the following blog page:
http://transpont.blogspot.com/2004/11/live-at-montague-arms-1971.html

[cupstar]

I've been at the Montague for the last two new years', these guys are definitely still going strong! Thanks for sharing the recording.

[Jon]

Whoa! My mate John lives down Brockley way, I shall request a pilgrimage to the Montague next time I'm down in the Smoke. Wicked!
Jon

[Liam Baldwin]

Dear gods, Thank you so much for this. Track 2 MacArthur Park / Popcorn has left me weak with laughter.

[Scott Mercer]

The most God-Like inappropriateness possible.

Why take one of the most over-the-top "Golden Throat" vocal tracks ever composed (MacArthur Park, yes I know there are many instrumental versions, but the Richard Harris hit version kills anything else) and pair it with "Popcorn," one of the most famous instrumentals ever to hit the pop charts? And yet, somehow the whole thing WORKS.

Anyway, I boggle at the capabilities of the human imagination.

365 Project rules.

[Ade]

Thank you for once again hi=lighting the creative uber hub that is New Cross.
Shame what with all those amazing keyboard runs, he keeps hitting the wrong note in the Key Riff of Popcorn. Do do do-do do-do DUHH!

[Martin Howe]

Just had to thank you for this one. Started out I found an albumn in my collection 1977 live at the Montague Arms. It was about the time we used to visit every sunday. I had it ripped to cd and have been playing it again.Then I thought I would google the Montague Arms and find out what happened to the two petes. Amazed to find the are still at the Mont. Will definately make the crusade when next in London.Thanks once again. I feel young again!