The Locomotive - Rudi's In Love
The Locomotive Rudi's In Love / Never Set Me Free Parlophone R 5718 (1968) The Locomotive originated from Birmingham and featured Traffic's Chris Wood in its early line-up. Well known on the Brum Beat scene the band were initially signed with the Direction label but moved after one release to the Parlophone label. This first Parlophone 45 copied the bluebeat/ska/rocksteady style that was prominent in the UK at the time and it gave them a Top 30 hit (peaking at #25) however Norman Haines, who had joined in 1967 and became the band's leader, followed up this pop tune with the single "Mr Armageddon" which was a gothic themed slice of psychedelic rock. The band had been pushing a heavier sound prior to being signed by Parlophone but the prog rock crowd now thought that the band was too poppy whilst the pop crowd did not appreciate their heavier sound. A few 45s followed this release but by time of their debut album in 1970 the band was being wrapped up. A good bio...