Them & Related - Belfast Gypsies, Story of Them - Diverse Titel - Vinylschallplatte - 180 Gramm - 1967

Yes. Finally another one surfaced. The famous THEM-album without THEM. At least, without Van the Man, plus other notorious members. But with Pat and John Mcauley. This is a Dutch compilation, much sought after. Discogs only has five on offer and yes, that means something for its value…

The history of Them, especially in the sixties, reads like a soap-opera. Fortune and fame, gutterlike lows, murderous fights, drugs and booze, disbanding and regrouping. You know the man, you know it is true.

But did you know the story of the Belfast Gipsies? Shortly after Them was ended by Van after the disasterous American tour, they popped up again. At least: the 1967 Belgium jazzfestival of Comblain-la-Tour boasted a performance of Them, fresh out of… Scandinavia.

Of course is was not them. It were the Belfast Gypsies, based of Them-brothers Pat and John McAuley (Keyboards/vocals and drums). Although real info is not available, the writer of the extensive liner notes thinks they were accompanied by Mark Scott (guitar) and Ken McLeod.

The songs stem from two sessions, one of them produced by the notorious Kim Fowley. And, do not tell Van, it has all the aspects of Them. Mind you, no imitations, but going forward in the same direction. You know what that means.

And to remind you, also on offer another Dutch compilation but with our grumpy friend. And not just any compilation. It includes four non-released songs from the Them Again-sessions, found in the managers office. Plus the wonderful Story of Them, parts one and two.

Both records are from 1967. And that shows. Yes, they are scratched and yes, the sleeves are tinted, and a bit spotty. But hey, this is history. These are from the days of sturdy pressings, they (seem to) weigh more than 180 grams!

And Van himself also sounds a bit worn…


Belfast Gypsies
Label: Injection
Number: Talp 7001
Country: Netherlands
Released: 1967
Condition sleeve: VG
Condition vinyl: VG

Story of Them
Label: Decca
Number: XBL 646 025
Country: Netherlands
Released: 1967
Condition sleeve: VG
Condition vinyl: VG