Howard Werth

Released in 1979, 6ix of 1ne and 1/2 a Dozen of the Other is one of the most schizophrenic albums of the late '70s. Recorded with Rockpile's Billy Bremmer, the Attactions' Steve Nieve, and a host of other pub rock and new wave musicians, the set is singer/songwriter Howard Werth's attempt to walk the fine line between rootsy British rock & roll and the new wave sensibilities that were sweeping the British music scene. Standout tracks here include "4D Man," "What's Hopping," and "Individual," and covers of the Isleys' "Respectable," Doc Pomus' "Lonely Avenue," and Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning." The Disconforme CD features stellar remastered sound and three bonus tracks: the aforementioned "Lonely Avenue" and a pair of tracks from Werth's period in Los Angeles recording for the Dangerhouse label, "Obsolete" and "Mangoman." As a point of interest, he was in L.A recording with the Doors, in keeping with Ray Manzarek's notion of re-forming the band -- which thankfully never happened -- and producing the very first singles by X (Manzarek later produced the band's debut album). This is one bizarre package, but it works in spades. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide