“Come listen to my jingle jangle,” sang the Troggs, as they rode the wave of the Beat Boom, a U.K. term for the explosion of post-Beatles bands in the ’60s. In the U.S. it was called an invasion, and that may be more appropriate. If “boom” implies a passing fad, an invasion implies someone coming to stay. And the Beatles and their ilk certainly did that. They still occupy a place in our collective consciousness. Yet it’s rare to find bands nowadays who recreate that jingle jangle faithfully.
At least, it’s rare in other cities. For the past decade, Memphis has been lucky enough to host a band dedicated to that sound. This month, Jeffrey and the Pacemakers turn ten, and there are many ways to celebrate. They play Newby’s October 8th, then head back to their familiar spot at Lafayette’s Music Room on the 22nd, where they rather tend to pack the house. And no wonder, offering as they do the true sound of classic gear (it’s gear!) as played by the Fabs, right down to the Vox amps. Beyond that, the band have the parts down to a T, and sing some mean harmonies. With bandleader Jeff Golightly bringing a bit of the new wave energy of his ’80s band, the Crime, it adds up to a contagious sound.
But if your dance card is full on those nights, there’s still hope: WYPL, the TV station headquartered in the basement of the Benjamin L. Hooks Library, just recorded a full set of the Pacemakers for their ever-popular Dialogue with Willie Bearden. A party atmosphere pervaded the studio halls as the band, in full Brit regalia, was joined by a gaggle of dancers and hoopers who could have been right out of Top of the Pops. With the wine flowing and the cameras rolling, one couldn’t help imagining the scene from Hard Day’s Night where the little clean old man rises up through the trap door in the stage. Watch for the segment to air in November.
Jeffrey and the Pacemakers prepare to go to the Toppermost of the Poppermost