Wigwam discography

6   8.3  

Their first album is very diverse due to the fact that the A-side features songs by Jukka Gustavson, while the B-side features Henry's, a mini-concept album by Jim Pembroke. So, it's not a strong entity, but a very good prog album (even though this one features some jazz) and one of my Wigwam favourites. I prefer the voices of the two singers, along with the well-sounding keyboards and fine songs.

The favorite song: Pidän sinusta

Fantômas's rating:

4   7.5  

Here the band sounds too much like The Beatles. The album is closer to their 'deep pop' era than the 'art rock' ones. The songs mostly aren't as good as on the previous album, but the vocals and keyboards are still very strong. Jukka Tolonen's (not a band member) loud electric guitar is sometimes annoying, but on Frederick & Bill it actually sounds very nice.

The favorite song: Frederick & Bill

Fantômas's rating:

7   8.5  

My favourite Wigwam album. Even though the material is very diverse, it's still extremely good. The vocals, songs and keyboards are better than ever, but this time the rhythm section works like no other.

The favorite song: Losing Hold

Fantômas's rating:

6   9  

Wigwam's probably most progressive album. Even though Gustavson and Pembroke are equally good, I would have loved Pembroke have a little more role in the record. Oh well, atleast it gives more room to Pekka Pohjola, who really stands out on this record. Other than that, I've got really nothing bad to say.

The favorite song: Proletarian/Inspired Machine

Fantômas's rating:

2   8  

Track listing:
01. The Moon Struck One
02. Let It Be
03. Groundswell
04. Pig Storm
05. Nipistys
06. Imagine
07. Help Me/Checkin' Up On My Baby
08. Grass For Blades

Wigwam line-up:
Jim Pembroke - vocals/electric piano
Jukka Gustavson - vocals/organ
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Pekka Pohjola - bass
Ronnie Österberg - drums

10   8.2  

My favorite deep pop Wigwam album. The songs are melodic and accessible, but unlike with many other bands, they do not have (yet) that annoying AOR sound that makes it sound boring. A brilliant showcase of how progressive elements can be adapted to more mainstream music.

The favorite song: Bless Your Lucky Stars

Fantômas's rating:

1   7  

Track listing:
01. Sane Again
02. International Disaster
03. Timedance
04. Colossus
05. Eddie And The Boys
06. Lucky Golden Stripes And Starpose
07. June May Be Too Late
08. Never Turn You In
09. In A Nutshell
10. Wardance (on the CD re-issue)
11. Tramdriver (on the CD re-issue)

Wigwam line-up:
Jim Pembroke - vocals/piano
Pedro Hietanen - keyboards
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Måns Groundstroem - bass
Ronnie Österberg - drums/percussion

4   7.5  

A good album, even though it would be their last album before their breakup that lasted over 10 years. Many of the songs represent a much rock-oriented sound, but not in a negative way. Not my favourite one and it doesn't have a song that really stands out, but it's very listenable.

The favorite song: Grass For Blades
(note that the song is only on the reissue)

Fantômas's rating:

0   0  

Track listing:
01. Borders To Be Crossed
02. Talking Brought Me Here
03. Hard Top Lincoln
04. Absalom
05. The Next Breakfast
06. No New Games
07. False Alarm
08. Crystal Ball
09. Skyscraper
10. Tombstone Valentine
11. Planetstar
12. Pleasure Street
13. Friend From The Fields

Wigwam line-up:
Jim Pembroke - vocals/piano
Mikko Rintanen - organ/keyboards
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Måns Groundstroem - bass
Jan Noponen - drums

0   0  

Track listing:
01. Friend From The Fields
02. Absalom
03. Kite
04. Tramdriver
05. Save My Money & Name
06. Colossus
07. Simple Human Kindness
08. Lucky Golden Stripes And Starpose
09. Do Or Die
10. Nuclear Nightclub
11. Bless Your Lucky Stars
12. Bertha Come Back
13. No New Games
14. Freddie Are You Ready
15. Eddie And The Boys
16. The Vegetable Rumble
17. Grass For Blades

Wigwam line-up:
Jim Pembroke - vocals/keyboards
Esa Kotilainen - keyboards
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Måns Groundstroem - bass
Jari Kettunen - drums

1   0  

Better than what I had expected. Even though only a part of the songs represent the Wigwam that I fell in love with, they're not actually bad, even though there are some boring fillers in the middle part of the album. The production is also bland when compared to the likes of Nuclear Nightclub. And also, you can't replace Ronnie. He's the only true drummer for Wigwam.

The favorite song: Drive on Driver

Fantômas's rating:

0   0  

Track listing:
01. Intro
02. Chord Squad
03. Sandpainting
04. Bow Lane
05. Kabul Grill
06. Cloudy Dream
07. Deep Pop (Before The Only One Comes)
08. Squaw Valley Non-Event
09. Tokyo Joe (One Roll From Paradise)
10. Banging On The Ceiling
11. Cacobe Bar Two-Step

Wigwam line-up:
Jim Pembroke - vocals/piano/backing vocals
Esa Kotilainen - keyboards
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Mats Huldén - bass/backing vocals
Jari Kettunen - drums/percussions