The Redbeards - Havin' A Ball (1987)

If you were a rock fan from the Midlands in the late 80s you would know that the Redbeards from Texas were not only not from Texas (they were in fact from Birmingham) but were also one of the best live acts around. This album does not quite replicate the energy, fun and excitement the band could generate on stage but their brand of ZZ Top inspired rock n roll was a sure fire hit at the time and this album provides ample evidence as to why. A mixture of worthy originals do not seem out of place alongside inspired covers such as Slades Gudby t’Jayne (released as a single & produced by Slades Jim Lea), Gary Glitters I didn’t know I loved you & The Beatles I Saw You Standing There. Its just a damn shame they never got around to releasing a live album.~RH