The Move - Move (1968)

"Weekend" by The Move


The notorious manager for Small Faces was Don Arden who, throughout his career, managed several of England's top bands including Birmingham's The Move.

The Move are a sort of Birmingham supergroup.  Although the area boasted an inordinate number of young bands (most of them Beat in the shadow of The Beatles), very few of them had found success in recording contracts aside from a few singles here and there.  So, a number of the best local musicians (from the likes of The Vikings, The Nightriders, The Diplomats, and The Mayfair Set among many other bands) joined together to form a band bound to sign with someone.  It didn't hurt that they tried out an assortment of new ideas buffered by boundless, charismatic energy, as well.  The band's early lineup featured Carl Wayne (lead vocals), Roy Wood (lead guitar), Bev Bevan (drums), Ace Kefford (bass), and Trevor Burton (guitar) with all members adding to the harmonies.

Very quickly, The Move scored a residency with the Marquee Club in 1966 and an independent record producer Denny Cordell.  Their first single "Night of Fear" ran to #2 on the UK charts and their success would continue as their next three singles "I Can Hear the Grass Grow", "Flowers in the Rain", and "Fire Brigade" all ran to the Top 5.  Their debut album did not fare as well as 1968's Move only managed a disappointing #15 spot on the album charts and a middling critical reception.  The album maintained the psychedelic pop of the band's singles but added a little variety with goofy but faithful renditions of early rock and doo-wop standards.  They followed up the album with a few singles including the Hendrix-inspired though unsuccessful "Wild Tiger Woman" and their biggest hit, the #1 "Blackberry Way".

Here is the discography surrounding The Move's debut album:

Tell Me What You're Gonna Do (1963 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
Please Mr. Postman (1963 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)

What a Sweet Thing That Was (1964 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
What's the Matter Baby (1964 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)

Tossin' and Turnin' (1964 single by Danny King)
Here I Stand (1965 single by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders)
Take My Hand (1965 single by Mike Sheridan's Lot)
This Is Love (1965 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)
My Girl (1965 single by Carl Wayne and The Vikings)
Pretty Things (1965 single by Danny King and The Mayfair Set)
Amen (1965 single by Danny King and The Mayfair Set)
Don't Turn Your Back on Me (1966 single by Mike Sheridan's Lot)
Birmingham Beat (compilation album by Mike Sheridan and The Nightriders / Mike Sheridan's Lot)
It's Only the Dog (1966 single by The Nightriders)

Love Me Right Now (1966 single by The Nightriders)
Night of Fear (1966 single)
I Can Hear the Grass Grow (1967 single)
Flowers in the Rain (1967 single)
Fire Brigade (1968 single)
Move
Wild Tiger Woman (1968 single)
Blackberry Way (1968 single)

It's So Nice to Come Home (1968 single by The Lemon Tree)

William Chalker's Time Machine (1968 single by The Lemon Tree)

Curly (1969 single)
Something Else from the Move (1969 Live EP)

For Your Love (1969 single by The Ace Kefford Stand)

Mummy (1976 single by Rockstar)

Ace the Face (2003 compilation album by Ace Kefford)

"Walk Upon the Water", "I Can Hear the Grass Grow", "Night of Fear by The Move, Live on Beat Beat Beat


"Fire Brigade" by The Move on Top of the Pops


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