Try Too Hard At The Scene: A Pop Rock Gem That’s Kinda Hard to Forget (In a Good Way)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Try Too Hard At The Scene, the 1966 album by The Dave Clark Five. Yeah, that’s right—Italy, Columbia Records, and all that jazz. Before you roll your eyes thinking this is just another relic from the swinging '60s, let me tell ya, there’s something oddly charming about this little slice of pop rock history. And nope, it’s not just nostalgia goggles clouding my judgment here.
First off, let’s talk tracks. The title track, “Try Too Hard,” is an earworm wrapped in a bow tie. It’s got that punchy beat Dave Clark was known for, and Mike Smith’s vocals? They’re smooth enough to make you forget your morning coffee but sharp enough to wake you right back up again. I mean, who doesn’t love a tune that feels like shaking hands with an old friend while simultaneously trying to figure out where you left your keys? It’s catchy without being cloying, if that makes sense. You’ll hum it once; two days later, you’ll still be humming it in line at the grocery store. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Then there’s “At The Scene.” This one leans more introspective—or as introspective as you can get when you’ve got L. Davidson on writing duties and a vibe that screams mod-era cool. There’s a rawness here, like they recorded it live during some smoky late-night gig where everyone forgot their troubles for three minutes. The harmonies are tight, the rhythm hits harder than expected, and honestly? It kinda sneaks up on you. One second you’re tapping your foot, the next you’re wondering why you suddenly care so much about lyrics about… well, being at the scene? Look, sometimes music doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to stick with you.
Now, full disclosure: the whole package has its quirks. The photography credit goes to someone named News Blitz, which sounds less like a person and more like what happens when you spill espresso on your newspaper. But hey, maybe that’s part of the charm. Italy releasing a British band’s album in ’66? Bold move. Hats off to them for keeping things interesting across borders.
Here’s the kicker though—the thing that really sticks with me after spinning this record isn’t just how good these songs are. Nope. It’s realizing that even back then, bands were figuring out how to balance fun with meaning, chaos with control. And somehow, The Dave Clark Five nailed it without overthinking it. Or maybe they did overthink it, hence the title? Food for thought.
So yeah, give Try Too Hard At The Scene a spin if you dig rock with a side of wit and zero pretension. Just don’t blame me if you start picturing yourself cruising through Rome in a vintage Fiat, scarf flapping in the wind, shouting “Ciao!” to strangers. Oh wait—that might just be me. Anyway, enjoy the ride.
