Them were a Northern Irish band formed in Belfast in April 1964, most prominently known for the garage rock standard “Gloria” and launching singer Van Morrison’s musical career. The original five member band consisted of Morrison, Alan Henderson, Ronnie Millings, Billy Harrison and Eric Wrixon. The group was marketed in the United States as part of the British Invasion.
Them scored two UK hits in 1965 with “Baby, Please Don’t Go” and “Here Comes the Night”. The latter song and “Mystic Eyes” were Top 40 hits. Them came from Belfast and they were tougher than most. They played r’n’b with a bristling, raw edge. Fronted by Van Morrison you knew they meant business. There was a rasp in Morrison’s delivery that defined ‘hurt’ and ‘pain’, he was unquestionably the real deal.
This was Them’s debut release and it still sounds as vital as it did when it was released. Direct and hard nosed this is every bit as vibrant as the debut albums by The Stones, Who or Kinks. The potential is all here. Anger truly was the energy. Van Morrison quit the band in 1966 and went on to a successful career as a solo artist. Although Them had a short-lived existence, the Belfast group had considerable influence on other bands, such as The Doors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0aHmMfZTEw
Them were together with The Rolling Stones and The Animals the greatest British R&B band in the 60’s, although they were very underrated. They played a raw and tougher blues than Rolling Stones and Animals. They had some hits like “Here Comes The Night”, “Baby Please Don’t Go”, “Gloria” and “Mystic Eyes”. Them (f. Van Morrison) had only two albums: “Them” and “Them Again”.
This album contains the hits and Morrison originals “Gloria” and “Mystic Eyes”, some blues standards and other wonderful songs like Morrison’s “You Just Can’t win” and “I’m Gonna Dress In Black” (reminds me of “House Of The Rising Sun”) Buy this album (and also Them Again) if you are a fan of the 60’s white R&b or if you are a Van Morrison fan.
The Fat Angel Sings 